FLAWLESS.FAB NYC | ISSUE # 3 | W INTER to SPRING 2019
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Published in Brooklyn, NYC by: T he J. Davis Agency, L L C Flaw less.Fab by @jdavis.nyc is the creative realization of fashion, arts and music, and beauty reviews from emerging creatives. ****************************** Pertinent content and editorial submissions are chosen carefully by our leadership team. Flawless.Fab also features content submitted by our growing tribe and readership. ****************************** Much of the photography was contributed by Sh ain e Clau de , An t h on y Len ez, an d Th ier r y Jean , our Directors of Photography, along with submissions from top accredited photographers and Tribe members. ****************************** Our Director of Beauty Car y coordinates editorials, Lyn ell writes articles for flawless.fab Online and Print and Jeremy makes sure that everyone has coffee when we do casting calls!
Founder/Publisher: Jeremy Davis The JDavis Agency LLC email:?hello@flawlessfab.com IG: @Flawless.Fab - FB: @Flawless.Fab.Jdavis
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This One's t he Char m ! A w or d f r om t h e Pu blish er "FLAW LESS.FAB IS A QUARTERLY FOR EMERGING FASHION, ARTS, MUSIC, AND BEAUTY CREATIVES!" NUMBER THREE! Flawless.Fab is the bible of emer ging fashion, ar ts and music, and beauty creatives. By now, that is a factual statement. ...and by now, I've changed my title... a couple times. And as much as I would like to take more photos myself, and wr ite more ar ticles, we're growing... and these guys are good! Real Good! There are some editor ials in here that'll give Vogue a Run for their Money! And I mean that! I am now simply... THE PUBLISHER! It almost sounds epic, like I'm a Stan Lee char acter, RIP to the genius. So what will we do now that our team is establishing a flow in the space. Well, as the great one Ciar a sang - "Level up!" of cour se. Managing your creative jour ney is all about growth. Ever y time we master a section, we push... just a bit more, and really that's the example we love setting. As a r eminder, our platfor m is wher e our tr ibe can be showcased to the wor ld. We love featur ing new talent, but we also want to make sur e that Talent is Flawless! 2019 IS THE YEAR COLLABORATIONS.
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So, let's connect. For br ands and businesses seeking to connect with an engaged audience of emer ging Creative Entrepreneur s, I encour age you to link up with our systems. Book some time to chat. Pitch a Feature in the magazine. Showcase at an event we produce. We'd love to suppor t your br and's growth and development. So end the words of The Publisher I say- It doesn't t ake m u ch ... Ju st a f ew sleepless n igh t s, an d a lit t le bit of w illpow er ! Welcome home! - Jeremy Davis Be sure to check us out at www.flawlessfab.com
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COVER Kar m a: M u sic! Lif e & Per su in g Passion s. Get to know Kar m a, Sin ger / Son gw r it er and possibly budding fashionista. ?You are not a better human being because your purse cost more than someone else?s rent. What matters is who you are on the inside.? Ph ot o by: Kar m a's t eam For : FLAWLESS.FAB
Features -EM BRACING YOUR BODY - JODELLE, BY LYNELLE How to be sexy and16classy! Jodelle bares all for Flawless.Fab editorial team.
Beau t y Ph ot os Meet Thierry, emerging editorial photographer and see some of his work.
Elliot Car lyle
Dem i Vik u t e
The Brand. The Voice.
Interview with a Fashion Journalist. about her experiences and advice
Fashion Insider and Coach gives us an exclusive about The Industry! 6
FASHION
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ELLIOT CARLYLE -THE BRAND. THE VOICE by Jer em y Davis Here's what I've noticed: When it comes to this business, it's a rough world, but then there's Elliot Carlyle! The Brand. The Voice! Post NYFWSS19, we had a SITDOWN - Here are the highlights! Th e St u den t Becom es Th e M ast er ! Undeniably, the greatest part of the conversation was when he told us that in college, he was already working on projects that his teachers would have coveted, from running red carpets to managing the PR for emerging and developed brands. VOTED M OST LIKELY TO PERFORM ! Interestingly enough, that's not how he started out. Initially, he was in music... and although music is cool... it never grasped him quite like Fashion did! Perhaps, and this is just pure speculation- IT IS NOT SEXY ENOUGH, RIGHT? So when asked to put together a fashion show, he seized the opportunity and then... as they say... the rest is history. Today he works directly with the creator of NYFW Fern Mallis , coaches our founder and CEO among other things, like consults with the likes of developed and emerging fashion brands, locally and internationally. LESSONS FROM DAD M ADE HIM A 'REAL M AN' Elliot credits much of his success to his father, a military man, who taught him the value of 'Expressing Oneself ' and the invaluable lesson HOW TO M AKE A LIVING! As a Coach, he is a listener and a Damn Good Confidant.
The Quote we asked him to leave us on came from his Granny! Sh e said " Son n y, People w ill alw ays be able t o give you t h in gs t h ey can't live w it h an d you 'll be able t o h old t h em an d t h ey 'll die w it h you !
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... ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY DEM I VITKUTE - BY JEREM Y DAVIS
Journalist Demi Vitkute saw a gap in reporting on fashion and now she?s doing her best to change that. Together with her online magazine The Urban Watch, she?s joining forces with print & digital Promo Magazine and will be writing a series of articles on change makers and problems in the fashion industry. That?s one collaboration that we are super excited about! We sat down with Demi to talk about how she started out, the challenges she faced and future plans.
Dem i, h ow did you becom e in t er est ed in f ash ion ? My mom is a textile engineer so from a young age I was introduced to the heart of fashion: fabric for clothing. She took me to
Photographer:
many textile fairs and events? in Paris, Milan, Munich, Moscow? I remember at Premiere Vision in Paris I was in awe with the bursting creativity, trends and colors of couple years ahead, and the designers who came to pick the fabrics for their new collections. But I was always a writer and never imagined getting involved in the fashion world professionally. It wasn?t until
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recently that I fell into it. 10
An editor commissioned me last minute to do a piece on the best New York Fashion Week parties. I hadn?t even registered as press for NYFW and at the time, for a few months, I was living in Washington, D.C. The editor really wanted me to write it so I took the gig. It was the most fun, exciting and adventurous weekend I?ve ever had, and also exhausting as I didn?t get any sleep and was still editing the article at night on my way back to D.C. At the time, I thought it was a little bit funny, that me, a Columbia Journalism Graduate would cover NYFW parties?
where?s the ?impact? right? There?s no shame
though, you should grab every opportunity that comes your way. And hey, I didn?t know back then that it would lead me to where I am today? I think the perception that people have about the fashion industry being ?shallow? is part of the problem? even though we?ve heard that already from people such as Anna Wintour and Alexa Chung. The editor liked my first feature and hired me to do more articles, the invites to NYFW started landing in my inbox and that?s how the fashion world slowly sucked me in. It was definitely intimidating to attend my first shows? everyone looked so cool. I thought that it would feel like an episode from Mean Girls, but it was nothing like that. I was charmed by people?s creativity, friendliness and ideas, and was surprised how much alike we all were? editors, stylists, models, etc. The people from the NYFW community have become my close friends
Wh en did you r ealize you cou ld r eally in vest you r self in r epor t in g on f ash ion ? It was after the Harvey Weinstein scandal shook Hollywood and trickled down to other industries as well, including fashion. Multiple longtime, famous fashion photographers got fired. There was press on that, it was newsworthy. But after reading a lot and doing my research, I realized that something was missing? which was the lack of reporting on the fashion industry as a whole. While most industries are covered by a pool of reporters, fashion is not. There are plenty of fashion writers, who cover the trends and colors of the season, but not fashion journalists who investigate the industry. Sure, there?s an excellent publication, such as Business of Fashion or British Vogue and a few well-known writers, but that?s not enough. That realization bothered me and made me restless to act because there is so much to cover in this industry: from garment workers dying abroad for fast fashion to models being abused here in the U.S. Many of these problems have persisted for decades, like open secrets. 11
I was curious to find out more and start a conversation, so first, I actually started reaching out to models via Instagram. Conversations ranged from body image issues to them being sexually assaulted in the field. I didn?t have to worry about finding a platform where I could share their stories, as I already had my own? The Urban Watch Magazine. Some time later, Mike, the founder of Promo Magazine, noticed my content and reached out to me via Instagram. He liked my idea about the changemakers and problems in the fashion industry and that?s how this collaboration started cooking.
"We'r e r eady f o r a CHANGE" Wh at ?s n ext ? I need more resources; people who are interested in joining me? journalists, editors; support from a larger publication that would reach a wide audience. And those, who work in the industry, should feel free to reach out to me on social media and/or talk to me on an encrypted messaging platform. On a more exciting note, I just got my first Paris invite, so next is fashion week there, Milan and London, I hope!
Do you f eel posit ive abou t t h e in du st r y ch an gin g? People in the industry are ready for change, but just like in politics - change has to come from the top, from those in power, and it?s not easy to shake that up. Investigative journalism does that - just take a look at the #MeToo movement. The firings of the famous fashion photographers opened up the doors to new talent, such as Tyler Mitchell, who became the first African-American photographer to shoot the cover of Vogue in its 125-year history. Louis Vuitton named Virgil Abloh the artistic director of its menswear line, making him the first African-American to hold the title at the European luxury brand. Rihanna?s Savage x Fenty collection challenged Victoria?s Secret and shook the grounds of NYFW. It?s been an eventful year, but it might take many years to see more change. I think New York, especially, is a mecca for change. It provides a space for younger, rising and progressive designers to showcase.
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I k n ow you said NYFW is n ot h in g lik e Mean Girls, bu t please...spill som e dir t . Hahah, okay! I?ve discussed this with a longtime, international fashion journalist and he told me that influencers are making his job harder. Before, only people who were very knowledgeable about the fashion industry, or at least about the particular designer, used to be invited to Fashion Week, but now? it?s mostly influencers. They have the power to reach large audiences, but sometimes this strategy backfires. For example, one time, me and an influencer were interviewed on camera about the runway show. During the interview, she turned to me and asked: ?what was the designer ?s name again?? I was embarrassed for her. At least pretend to know. It takes five minutes in an Uber on your way to a show to read up on the designer. Another thing? yes, there?s a lot of unnecessary drama. I feel bad for the PR reps who have to handle everything. I?ve seen people fight over the front row seats, get kicked out from shows... I mean? Nicki Minaj and Cardi B literally got into a physical fight at the Harper ?s Bazaar party. It?s like theater without class. I find it hilarious and yet annoying and I think it?s important to stay humble.
How do you f in d balan ce? I don?t. I go to work in the morning (I hate mornings) and work on my own projects at night. There was a point in September, during Fashion Week, when in the morning I got off the subway and physically didn?t know how to make it into the office without fainting? I think I was just sleep deprived and dehydrated, and also too afraid to admit defeat. That was a wake up call for me that I have crossed my limits. Working hard is good, but it?s important to know when to stop - before you become self destructive. Therefore, now I try to practice self care whenever I can and I have been better about that. New York especially, with its 24/7 lifestyle, promotes workaholism? that somehow if you don?t work long or hard enough, you?re not enough. Who has worked more hours becomes a race. So it?s very important to realize that your health comes first because you won?t achieve anything from your grave.
Has it been ch allen gin g com in g t o Am er ica at a you n g age? Absolutely! Even though I have finished high school in the U.S. (shout out to my forever favorite Cheshire Academy), when I went to college people asked me how my ?transition? was going. I neither understood the question, nor knew how to answer it.
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For me in America, the transition was not about getting used to ?cultural differences,? it was about getting used to people perceiving me as a foreigner, and learning how to crush those perceptions in my head and how to let them go. No matter the praise or compliments, it?s always the comments that stung you that you remember the most. I remember a student referring to something in my fictional story as a ?cultural thing? when it had nothing to do with my culture; a professor picking on my accent, and etc. I had to push myself so hard to prove myself as a non-native writer in an English environment until I wrote better than Americans; so hard that I almost lost the skill how to properly write in my mother tongue Lithuanian. It was the texts of bilingual writers, such as Gloria Anzaldua, that helped form my identity as a bilingual writer myself, and some of my professors and best friends. I grew a lot and wrote about those experiences, including in an essay, which got me into Columbia Journalism School. It takes time and evolution to start recognizing your weaknesses as your strengths . Advice f or you n g people t r yin g t o br eak in t o jou r n alism ?
Only go into it if you?re in love with it. You kind of have to be crazy to go into this, considering it?s one of the most underappreciated and underpaid professions. I think of journalism as more of a calling than a choice. You don?t go into it for the money. Although, I highly advise to learn about the business of journalism and nurture an entrepreneur spirit? there are so many innovative things you can create within journalism. It?s constantly changing and that?s the hardest and yet the most exciting aspect about the industry. Don?t doubt yourself and your abilities if you really love what you do. People will try to tell you all kinds of things to talk you out of it and you might almost believe them: they?ll say you could die because of it (well, that?s true actually, but it depends on what kind of journalism you practice); they?ll say that it?s idealistic and that you can?t change the world. But you can, at least a little bit ? investigative journalism has the power to change laws and bring down administrations and perpetrators; it can change people?s lives.
Th an k you Dem i f or an in t er view an d good lu ck ! We can?t w ait t o see w h er e you r jou r n ey t ak es you .
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ITi s a f ant as t i c t i me f o r
yo u t o s t ar t COLLECTI NG AND EXPERI ENCI NG ART! Sin ist er M on opoly
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#f law lessf abar t s Back row: Quentesa Pierce, Laquasha Smith, Gadeesha Gordansivil, Alesha Irvin, Dennisha Derosier, Quentaisa Pierce - Front row: Maurice Clark, Destiny Tenille, James Zeiss
THE M UST-WATCH INDEPENDENT FILM TO WATCH Party Lines is a new age comedy webseries produced by Destiny Tenille Productions in collaboration with Iconsomnio. Tashia and her husband, Sam are on different sides of the political spectrum. Party Lines offers a unique, comedic view into conservatism and liberalism in the African American community. Follow @destinytenille for upcoming release dates and interviews with the cast. Dest in y Ten ille Producer, Runway Coach, Published Model, Actress, Host Email: DestinyTenille@gmail.com Website: www.destinytenille.com IG: @DestinyTenille FB: Destiny Tenille YouTube: Destiny Tenille
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BASED ON A CONVERSATION WITH GOD!
I had a conversation with God last night our appointment was at 4:00 am but he was sitting on his throne watching me slumber at 3:55 You don?t like yourself? But I worked so hard on you She was designed to gracefully overcome her struggles like she flowers that grew out of the concrete. Did you forget that I can walk on water and that you?re a piece of me I designed you to breathe under water the divine ability to prosper despite the hell and high water like the flower that gracefully grew out of the concrete. Proverb knew There is value, purpose and layers of depth in her struggle 31 to be exact. Black Pr ivilege Never questions God she glows through what she goes through she?s the coconut oil in my hair that counts the number of hair on my head Their locks measured in prayers. Love was her first language but she came out of the womb speaking in tounges she speaks Gods language her spirit was African descent before she entered the womb and her body was chosen to use as Gods canvas She wears that melanin like the crown she does not need because royalty runs through her blood Of generational make up of her ancestors was more than enough to hold your melanin together because she is the foundation. the only thing her melanin cracks are chains when she prays. When man wants to say no God says yes when because he opens doors for you that no man can shut Black Pr ivilege. Melanin radiates through her chakra Don?t underestimate over stand you are capable don?t underestimate over stand you are more than capable God was in her favour when Against all odds were against her just like how the he created the sun to stand on gravity she was born flying when everyone else was crawling. Black Pr ivilege
"Celeste Drakes is an Author of the Chapbook " Eva talks back", she is also a Spoken word artist. She is apart of the organization Canvas Programs and has proudly recited poems for International Woman's Day. Ms.Drakes aspires to teach spiritual healing in Afrocentric schools."
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POET RY BY - CEL EST E DRAKES
Black Pr ivilege
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NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT THE NEXT-UP EM ERGING ARTIST TO WATCH OUT FOR! Sinister Monopoly is a captivating painting artist. He is shaking up the industry with his incredible back story. He is the future of pop art and street artist. Because of his once life as one of America?s biggest marijuana drug dealers. Until the Feds tracked him for approximately two years. He was apprehended and sent to Federal Prison for eleven years four months. While in Terminal Island Federal Prison he spent the over size years painting on canvas seven days a week. Creating a painting style that is becoming the new sensation in the art world. With his recent video released about his once life as America's biggest weed dealer. On YouTube channel Fresh Out With Big Herc. Called ?The Kush Chronicles? Sinister Monopoly is now out of the FEDs now and buzzing with talks of his story should be a movie or Netflix series. We are the first magazine to break his story! 20
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phi l mc Andr e w
Now you see me...
GREA T K ISSER - GENIUS c a r t o o n is t
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Phil McAndrew is an illustrator, cartoonist and writer. His books include Crying In Front Of Your Dog And Other Stories (Uncivilized Books), Monster Science (Kids Can Press), and the Caveboy Dave series of graphic novels (Viking Books). He has also contributed comics and humor to The New Yorker, MAD Magazine, The Nib, Popula, and many other publications. Phil lives in Syracuse, NY.
How h as bein g in NYC in f lu en ced you r w or k ? Does it h ave a big im pact on you r per spect ive as a car t oon ist ? How so? I don't live in New York City. I love the city and I visit often, but I've never lived there and I don't expect that to change any time soon. I like being surrounded by trees. Fr om w h at w e k n ow abou t cr eat ive en t r epr en eu r s, it t ak es a special sou l t o pu t passion an d people above pr of it ... Wh at h as in spir ed you t o also t ak e t h is appr oach w it h you r lif e?
Flawless.Fab showcases Creative Entrepreneurs in THE ARTS and just had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Phil about his work. Our questions are in bold and his answers follow!
Well, I always hated having to wake up early just to go sit at a desk all day at school. So I knew at a very young age that I didn't want to grow up and get a job where I had to wake up early just to go sit at a desk in a boring office. And I love drawing and making up stories and jokes. I spent most of my time in school doodling in the margins of my school work, drawing stuff to try to make myself or my friends laugh. And I spent a number of years as a teenager and in my early 20's working minimum wage jobs that really sucked the life out of me, so I'll pretty much do whatever I can to avoid having to get a life-sucking job ever again. Can you t ell u s a lit t le abou t t h e am azin g w or k you ?r e doin g w it h Th e New Yor k er ? Th at m ag r ock s, by t h e w ay!
Wh er e did you get you r w it ? How old w er e you ? An d w er e you deem ed sar cast ic an d pu n ish ed f or it ?
Thanks for the kind words! The first few things I drew for The New Yorker were collaborations with another cartoonist who had already been writing and drawing for The New Yorker for a while, Jason Adam Katzenstein. We'd been following each other 's work online
I don't really know. My family isn't very religious, but for some reason my parents had me baptized as a baby. In the middle of the ceremony I apparently peed all over my dad, so I suppose it's possible that I've simply been a brilliant humorist since birth. 23
... and one day he sent a message asking if I'd like to collaborate on some things to pitch for the magazine's website, which of course I said yes to. I've always wanted to draw for The New Yorker. I studied illustration in college and for my final project my senior year I actually mocked up fake New Yorker pages and did a bunch of illustrations for pieces of short fiction that I liked. So I'm really thankful Jason invited me to work on some stuff with him! He very much helped make a little career dream of mine come true. Anyways, Jason wrote up a few really funny pitches and I roughed out some drawings for them and then we pitched them to Emma Allen, the magazine's humor and cartoon editor. I've since done some stuff for The New Yorker 's website that I wrote myself, but Jason and I are planning to continue working on some new pieces together as well. Ult im at ely, w h at plan s do you h ave in place f or 2019, per son ally an d pr of ession ally? Personally, I'd just like to enjoy another trip around the sun and hopefully eat a few good sandwiches along the way. And I'd like to start playing music in a new band. I've played drums in a few bands in the past, just for fun with some friends. I miss doing that. Professionally, I'm hoping to find publishers for a couple of book projects that I finished writing during the second half of 2018. Ideally, I'll spend a good chunk of 2019 working on illustrations for those books. And I'd like to continue making short comics and illustrated humor for some of my favorite magazines and websites. I'd also like to do more writing. I have a few more book ideas that I'd like to get started on and I'd also like to try changing things up a little by writing a book-length comic for someone else to illustrate. I also have a TV show idea that I've been sitting on for a long time now, pretty much since my first and so far only attempt at creating a TV show went into development but ultimately got canned back in 2012. Maybe in 2019 I'll finally try to do something with this idea I've been sitting on. Wh o ar e you r biggest in f lu en ces? Jim Henson, Ronald Searle, Sergio Aragonés, B. Kliban, Tom Bunk, André François, Jean-Jacques Sempé, Martin Handford, Quentin Blake, Edward Gorey, old Monty Python stuff and Terry Gilliam's movies from the 80's and 90's, tv shows like The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Kids in the Hall.... uh... there are others that I'm forgetting. And a lot of the illustrators and cartoonists that I've known personally have influenced me in one way or another. People like Britt Wilson, Vicki Nerino, David King, Kate Beaton, Natasha Allegri, Frank Gibson and Becky Dreistadt, Pendleton Ward... Ar e you h avin g f u n ?? I am! Af t er all is said an d don e, w h at do you w an t t o be r em em ber ed f or ? An d by ext en sion , w h at do you w an t t h e people t o say abou t t h e w or k you ?ve don e? I hope that I'm remembered for my genius level intellect and for being extremely muscular and beautiful and for being very good at kissing. But really, If I'm remembered at all or if my work is remembered at all, I guess it would be nice to be remembered for making tour absurd world just a little tiny bit funnier, a tiny bit weirder. 24
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EMBRACING YOUR BODY! An Interview with Jodelle By Lynelle Baker
It is panicle time in everyone's life where they learn how to love who we are and the skin that we are in. In a time where body positivity is extremely important, there are still individuals that are still trying to figure out how to embrace their bodies. I recently sat down and spoke to the amazing Femmedusoir aka Jodelle who is a nude model that promotes Sensuality, Femininity, and Body Positivity through Sensual Art and Eroticism. She shares her journey into her create and how her art has inspired her into writing a book. Our questions are in bold, and her answers follow. How did you f ir st get in volved? Poetry was the first art that brought me closer to self-expression. But I think it is safe to say the will to conquer my fears pushed me to edge. I certainly didn?t know I would do it in the Nude. Wh en did you begin t h e jou r n ey of self -love an d lovin g you r body? The journey of self-love began from my own need to love and accept myself and body as it is. Although I?ve always felt beautiful growing up, I started feeling very insecure of my body from being teased by my peers at school. My body?s frame was petite at the time, slender but very petite. My insecurities started at that time. I didn?t feel like my body was the right size, I didn?t like my shape, I didn?t feel comfortable wearing certain type of clothes, especially the ones that define my frame, because my body had become unattractive through my own eyes. I spent a lot of years denying my body type, those years were the most depressive of my life, nothing broke me more than the way I perceived my own self, I thought I would be scarred for life until I decided to begin this journey. I never knew that this journey would lead me to loving myself, I honestly didn?t think it was possible to accept myself as I am. I really couldn?t picture it in my mind. The demons I created were far too real, and I?ve gotten way too attached to what I am not to the point of confusion and to even losing the very essence of who I really am. 27
My journey started in the nude. Shedding my clothes to create art was a form of submission to my own fear, a complete escape into the unknown in the pursuit of self-acceptance and love. This pursuit has brought me closer to something far greater than I could ever imagine, that self-love is the greatest kind of love, one needs in order to appreciate oneself, others and embrace every living species on this planet. How did you deal w it h som e of you r obst acles an d disappoin t m en t s t h at cam e alon g du r in g you r jou r n ey? The only way I ever dealt with obstacles was through a form of escapism. I create adventures out my sorrows, I create stories with my disappointments, because creation never stops, inspiration can be found through everything, through our happiness, struggles, heartbreaks, failures, success and our disappointments. Inspiration is always there for those whom can feel deeply with their heart, and the power to create is at the disposal of every human being who?s willing to feel, hear, sense and let go. Through my obstacles and disappointments, I submerged myself in my art, for it is my willpower to create that brought me closer to my dream. For every problem there?s a solution. My solution therefore became a total abandonment. Plunging into my mystic, molding with it, altering with it, transcending with it through my poems, through my art, it was my story I was telling and I was willing to turn my obstacles into adlibs to embellish my story, to make it more real, more relatable. So, whenever I am faced with obstacles, I recognize the possibilities of creating something new. To me, obstacles have always been preludes, or even a temporary pause, for new rhythms to take places. I flew right through those disappointments as they became noises in the background. Even the bad and the ugly can play roles, even them can shift. Did t h e cr it icism f r om ot h er s discou r age you f r om you r cr af t esp. f r om you r f am ily? The criticism I received from others never deviated me from my purpose. Deep down I?ve always known that this was my destiny one way or another. Interpretation will always exist as long as we are creating, critics will thrive whether we like it or not. Certainly, some criticism have affected me in the beginning but never so deeply to discourage me nor deter me from my path. Because in the beginning of this journey I had made a promise to carry on the mission that was appointed to me by the stars I was born under.
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Model - Christian Paige
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Photographer - Shaine Claude #FLAWLESSFABART
The unknown enticed me, the desire to go beyond normality had fascinated me. That?s the mystery that my family couldn?t grasp about me, which to me is the beauty in living life. Also, there?s always a valuable lesson to learn through any kind of criticism. That lesson might teach you something about yourself or something about the person criticizing you. When I understood why people criticized my work, it made my mission even more valuable, and my journey to self- love through nude art more significant. Criticism enlightens the wise, again there?s something to learn through every remark. What I have learned was the significance of my mission and how worthy and powerful it is to go nude for a purpose, especially for that of love. Wh at w as t h e br eak in g poin t f or you as an ar t ist t o say t h is is w h at I w an t t o do? Working as a muse and posing for daily for artists open a gateway of possibilities for me, things I couldn?t even fathom at the beginning of my journey became clearer in a room filled of people with common aspirations, talents and capabilities, my vision became clearer, and the confidence to expose it to the world invaded me. The daily feedback I received from my followers. Secret direct messages and people who followed my work from a distance helped me grow momentum and commitment to my work. Posing as a muse built an unbreakable resilience in me. I wanted to feel this emotion every day, as I am often obsessed with anything that creates harmony and union, I wanted to become one with it. Posing crafted a stage for me exteriorize my feelings in front of strangers, it made me fearless, it showed me other layers of living in the moment. Discovering that fearlessness was my breaking point. Nothing could ever compare to its intensity. I loved this so much that I want everyone to experience it, but I have a feeling that anyone who follows their heart through whatever aspirations they may have, will encounter that same fearlessness. When they do encounter it, they will feel beautiful, a sort of beauty that goes beyond physicality. Wh at w ou ld you say t o som eon e t h at is lear n in g t o love t h eir ow n sk in , be com f or t able in it an d be con f iden t in it as w ell? To confidently destroy any false perception or image they may have created of themselves. To discover comfort within self-one must learn to live through their own discomfort. And define what being confident means to them and discover a healthy way to express it. On e t h in g t h at you w an t r eader s of you r u pcom in g book t o t ak e aw ay f r om it ? The one thing I would love for my readers to take away from my book is my journey from darkness to light and how powerful it is to love and conquer oneself. That we are all stars and that we each bring our own pieces to puzzle of life no matter how different they may appear. We must live not for the acceptance of others but through the mastery of self by standing in our own light unapologetically.
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Model: Jodelle Photographer: Thierry Jean Beauty & Stylist: Charity Sanchez Theme: Is it Christmas yet?
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THE MAN FROM KINGSTON Flaw less.Fab in t er view s Nan do Gr if f it h s f r om Kin gst on 8 We h ad t h e pleasu r e of in t er view in g t h e am azin gly t alen t ed Nan do Gr if f it h s f r om Kin gst on 8 abou t h is w or k in t h e m u sic in du st r y. Her e is t h e t r an scr ipt ion . Ou r qu est ion s ar e in bold an d h is an sw er s f ollow.
Wh er e?d t h e gr ou p st ar t ? The Group Kingston 8 started 2 years ago. Wh er e ar e you f r om an d w h at ?s you r t h in g? The group is a diverse collection of musicians who serve music through various genres but primarily reggae. We are first and foremost a reggae band.
Wh en did you f ir st r ealize you w an t ed t o pu r su e a car eer as a r eggae sen sat ion ? As the lead singer I wanted to pursue music as a reggae singer since 2012. I learnt and am still learning a lot about history, my country and life itself through reggae music. How ?d t h e ban d com e t oget h er ? The Band name was my brain child. With a yearning to learn about myself, the group started with me- I?m from Kingston 8 and since gone on as an identifier of where things begin and how they progress. With where you're from. Ever yon e k n ow s t h at Jam aica is t h e bir t h place of r eggae m u sic, does t h at m ake you f eel pr ou d t o h ave com e f r om t h e place t h at bir t h ed su ch legen ds as Bob M ar ley, Bu ju Ban t on am on g ot h er s? I am proud of where I?m from. My current hit song Kingston City tells of my story and how proud I am. I love the conversation that songs starts with my audience and crew. Wh at is it like bein g a cr eat ive in t h e Car ibbean ? I have learnt to be patient and learn from those that preceded me and embrace my peers and they embrace me. It?s sometimes a small community of friends that lift you up. Like a band. Abou t you , w h at w ou ld you say is t h e biggest h u r dle you ?ve h ad t o cr oss t o dat e? The biggest hurdle for me is sometimes the business and structuring it for maximum success in the US. Its like a plant that grows things happen in time. Wh at is on e t h in g you w an t people t o k n ow w h en t h ey h ear on e of you r son gs? I want people to know that us coming together to share and celebrate each other is the most
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beautiful thing in the world. My job is to heal, share and lift up everyone I can through music. My gift and passion. Wh at is it like w or k in g in m u sic t oday? Working in music is an experience like no other. You give and receive. I believe it's always been like that. In my simple view. Wh at r ole do you t h in k social m edia plays in m u sic an d by ext en sion cr eat ivit y t oday? Social Media is a great marking tool for everyone. It can showcase your gift and talent and should be used wisely. Wh at w as you r biggest f ear w h en goin g ou t an d st ar t in g you r ow n ban d? My biggest fear was doubt in myself and my message. Every day I get a change to perform with those who know and receive me well I am happy. Ar e you h avin g f u n ? I certainly am now. My message comes across and hope to do a better job at it.
Wh at advice w ou ld you give t o an em er gin g m u sician w h o w an t s t o do it ? I would say trust the process and when in doubt push through. Your audience will see you and love you for it. An y f in al Sen t im en t s you w an t t o leave u s on ? Come share in the experience of Nando Griffiths and Kingston 8 Band. We love the support of our friends and fans and would be nothing without it and you. Thank you. For m or e in Nan do Gr if f it h s, ch eck h im ou t at w w w.f law lessf ab.com
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Model and J Davis Tr ib e Mem b er Chr ist ian Paig e NYC. Circa 20 18 Phot o by Shaine Claude
M ODEL HIGHLIGHT Ch r ist ian Paige THE SOULFUL MAN FROM DC.
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C. Paige (Christian Paige) is an American Soul Singer/Songwriter, Producer & Vocal Arranger. Born in NC, Christian?s began singing in church since the age of 8, where he was a Featured Soloist in the Youth Choir by age 11, & at the time the youngest person to join the Young Adult Choir at Silver Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Available On lin e w h er eever m u sic is sold an d dist r ibu t ed!
While Gospel music was the forefront in Christian?s life, he studied music in school from Middle School until his High School graduation, learning to play the Clarinet, Trombone, Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Saxophone. Plus he performed with the Band, The Chorale & The High School Gospel Choir. After, graduating High School, he attended Fayetteville State University, majoring in Music Education with a Concentration in Voice. After, Graduating from College, Christian became a Lead Choir Member in Pastor Shirley Caesar Church Choir, later leading to him becoming a Background & Studio Singer. Christian has sung for Donnie McClurkin, Dorinda Clark Cole, Rance Allen, Dorothy Norwood, Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, Vickie Yohe, and countless others as in the Gospel music genre.
Christian currently lives in Harlem, NYC & works full time as a Street Performer, a regular Singer in the club circuit & nightlife performance underground scene, and he acts in a few YouTube web series, including ?The Answer ?, a Mini movie feature that Won 2 Local Awards in Brooklyn. Christian latest musical release ?The Way Love Made Me? is available on Soundcloud.
He has brand New Singles ?Love Keeps Calling My Name? and the Remix featuring Music Bear Tony Banks, plus hopefully his Contemporary Christian Single ?Nobody Knows?, will be available on iTunes Februar 2019. Christian can be followed on all Social Media Platforms by searching @cpaigesings.
#f law lessf abf ash ion w w w.jdavist r ibe.com / ch r ist ian 35
Ph ot ogr aph er : Sh ain e Clau de
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FASHION. ARTS & MUSIC. BEAUTY
FLAWLESS.FAB NOVEMBER
FLAWLESS.FAB AT #NYFWSS19 HERE'S A RECAP OF FLAWLESS.FAB FASHION COVERAGE IN NYC Ph ot ogr aph er : An t h on y Leyn z
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Model: Sietra Jones Designs: Nekolay Designs Photographer: Jeremy Jones
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FLAWLESS.FAB @HARLEMFWSS19 HERE'S A RECAP OF FLAWLESS.FAB'S COVERAGE AT HFW
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Now you see me... SINGER - SONGW RIT ER
KARMA
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#f law lessf abf eat u r es
MUSIC! LIFE & PURSUING PASSIONS by Flaw less.Fab St af f Wr it er KARMA is one of the most sensational new R&B artists emerging from California, and is taking the music and fashion world by storm! After fighting through numerous hardships in her youth, KARMA has dedicated her life to bettering the world through her music and acts of kindness to random people. From a child, as a passion, KARMA has always been a fan of fashion. Due to the fact that she did not grow up well off, she took whatever she had and made the most of it, indirectly creating her own unique style which was adored by many. She says that she?s never been one to get caught up in trends, but preferred to move to her own beat, when it came to styles. ?If I like it and it?s dope, I buy it.... even if it?s from a thrift shop Lol?. She doesn?t feel there is anything wrong with having nice things, but does believe that people shouldn?t tie their own personal value up in the names that they wear on their body. KARMA goes on to say, ?You are not a better human being because your purse cost more than someone else?s rent. What matters is who you are on the inside.? She talks about that in her song ?SPEND?. She follows that thought by saying ?So many guys think that I?ll be impressed with them spending tons of money on me when in actuality the most important thing you can spend with me is time. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. One of my love languages is quality time?. KARMA said ?To my young ladies out there that can?t afford red bottoms or designer belts or bags I want you to know that you?re still a B3 (bomb, bad, Boss), and don?t let the media tell you otherwise?. KARMA is best known for her one of a kind soulful pop voice, which many have described as ?absolutely addictive?. On February 14, KARMA released 14 tracks that you?ll love through her debut album entitled GOOD KARMA. It?s a handful of feel-good songs with a few phenomenal slower tracks strategically placed throughout it. Her lead single ?RayBanz? has already caught the ear of major execs at Universal Records and is currently playing on BET. With her catchy songs and passion for fashion KARMA is sure to take over this year. Follow KARMA on Instagram at: @DamnKarma 41
BEAUTY Locat ion - Kay 's Beau t y Spa & Lou n ge, Br ook lyn Feat u r ed Ph ot ogr aph er - Th ier r y Jean Feat u r ed M UA - Ch ar it y San ch ez
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CREATIVES JUST WANNA HAVE SOM E FUN! M EET THIERRY JEAN Photography is not just an art but it?s the science of transforming the everyday into the extraordinary. My name is Thierry. I am an experienced portrait, lifestyle and corporate event photographer, as well as a retoucher and videographer. I tailor my work towards capturing beauty and emotions. As a Director of Photography,, I will offer you art and beauty while implementing designs catered to your personal brand.
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44 Ralph Ave. Ave. Brooklyn, NY
Model: Seema Director of Beauty: Cary S. (Nuchance Skincare) Photographer: Thierry Jean
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Kay's Beauty Salon and Spa 44 Ralph Ave. Brooklyn NYC A Crowned Princess Model:Lynell Baker MUA : Lynell Baker
Agency : @jdavistribe Photo by : Thierry Jean 45
Sweater by : Flawless.Fab Crop Turtleneck
Kay's Beauty Salon and Spa 44 Ralph Ave. Brooklyn NYC A Workout Queen Model: Janasia MUA : Charity Sanchez
Photo by : Thierry Jean 46
Model: Tonia Director of Beauty: Cary S. (Nuchance Skincare) Photographer: Thierry Jean
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