Leather vest by @POSSERY, Shoes @paolaventuri_official
//Gian Luca Di Sotto wearing suit @marsem_official
Hair by @fredal_lm
MUA by @vassyvassy_
Stylist @madisonhenningx
Production: @modelfactory_wtf
COVER 2
Photography/ Art Direction by Ezequiel Delarosa
Model: Karina Roessler
wears Headpiece by S Designs
Styling/ Creative Direction by Chad Groom for THE STYLEMONSTERS
Hair by Marco Maranghello
Makeup by Vincenza
Celentano
Stylist Asst Stephen Contreras
Hair Asst Lakena Outlaw
Editor’s Letter
Dear friends,
In a world that often feels like a blackand-white movie, with clear lines drawn between right and wrong, it’s easy to forgetthejoyandvibrancythatapopofcolor can bring.
In this edition of our fashion magazine, we’re embracing the classic allure of black-and-white imagery. In this issue’s pages, we hope to capture a different kind of beauty—stripped down, free from the noise of bold colors and extravagant de-signs.
But even in this world of contrasts, there’s a craving for a little something extra. How can we break free from the starkness of monochrome?Howcanweinjectourlives with the energy and vibrancy that can lift our spirits and ignite our passions?
As we turn the pages of this issue, let’s remember that each of us holds the power to make a difference, to bring that much-needed splash of color. It could be through our fashion choices, the causes we champion, or the communities we nurture. Let’s aim to be that spark that brightens the world around us.
Come along on this journey of style, culture, and giving back, and let’s discover the boundless opportunities that arise from blending the simplicity of black-and-white with the energy of color. With love and light,
Ezequiel De La Rosa Editor-in-Chief
CONT R I B UT ORS
CONTRIBUTORS “THE ARTIST’S” ISSUE 2024
Chad Groom Fashion Director
Gian Luca Disotto Production
Gregg Brockington Beauty Director
Soneca Guadara Stylist
Nano Leon Photographer
Rosario De La Rosa Creative Director
Pedro Martin Production
Tommaso Matelle Production
Adriana Bolanos Graphic Designer
Denise Pereau Contributor
Maciej Lewicki It Director
Nicu Gherman Graphic Design Consultant
'S
EPPERSON, THE ECCENTRIC 34....... HAUS OF ALT
The Royal Touch at Barberino’s
What an amazing Day with my friend Gianluca in his hometown of Milan. The collaboration was extra special as Gianluca not only assisted me but also modeled for the shoot. It was a remarkable experience that we both treasure, especially since we visited @Barberinosworld, a place I frequent in New York for grooming my beard and ensuring it looks prim and sharp. Sharing this tradition with Gianluca in his beloved city added a unique touch to our adventure.
Photo by Ezequiel e L Rosa
Model: Gian Luca Disotto Suit: Inherent by Talor Draper
Photography & Creative Direction by Ezequiel De La Rosa
Anneli Ahlmann from @themanagementnyc Makeup by Juan Alberto Bazan Hair by Lakena
Nails
Mr.O
Rodrigo Otazu
Model:
Outlaw
by Yara Yarmesha
“Creativitywas my
constant companion, always drivingmeto
exploreand transform.”
1.What comes first for you, the chicken or the egg?
As a designer with a creative mind, being in this business for a long time has taught me that ideas don’t just appear overnight. It’s during moments when I’m at the gym, running, or dancing that my mind truly takes flight.
These are the times when the seeds of inspiration grow into full-fledged ideas. Once I catch that creative spark, I take it to the sketchpad, where the textures and shapes begin to take life.
It’s a process where everything I observe and feel comes together to create something new and extraordinary.
2.At what age did you realize you wanted to become a Designer?
Funny enough, I never dreamt of becoming a designer, not even when I was a little boy. Yet, I remember moving furniture with my mom, painting walls, and diving into her jewelry box. I’d literally take her jewelry apart, eager to create something new out of it.
Creativity was my constant companion, always driving me to explore and transform. A friend once told me about my Chinese astrology sign—the monkey.
Monkeys, he explained, are exceptionally creative and skilled with their hands. They’re always seeing life from a different perspective, leaping from tree to tree.
It seemed fitting because my hands were always busy creating something unique and seeing the world in dynamic, new ways. At 17, I began traveling the world, almost by fate, selling jewelry.
It was an adventure born out of necessity and passion. Through crafting and selling these pieces, I found a way to express that innate creativity, the urge to make something beautiful.
3. As the acceptance of new standards in shape, size, and attitude buck the former willowy model ideal, are you designing to compliment the shift in market demand?
When the market is looking for something new, you don’t design around what is or what the demands are worth.
Designing from the heart always brings something new to the party so I try to keep dancing to my own beat of the drum.
5.Where’s your happy place?
My happy place is within myself because I need to find happiness in who I am today and the future I envision for myself.
My happiness is rooted in living a healthy and truthful life. Just like a tree, I want my roots to be strong and healthy so that I can grow and thrive. Being at peace with myself is my true happy place.
Photographer & Creative: Ezequiel De La Rosa @EzequielDeLaRosa
Model: Anneli Ahlmann from @themanagementnyc
Makeup: Juan Alberto Bazan @jalberto.glammakeup
Hair: Kena Kena @lakenaoutlawhair
Nails: Yara Yarmesha @yarayarmesha
4. How many designs do you and your team produce for each collection? What’s the hiring process for seamstresses?
I don’t have a team designing for me preferring to work alone. While I have chosen not to have other designers working with me, I do collaborate with people in the creative process.
I enjoy mixing ideas with those who specialize in interiors, manufacturing homes, or creating objects to come up with something unique. I work in New York, participating in around 20 shows a year in the USA. Overall, I produce 6 collections each year.
“Designingfrom theheartalways bringssomething newtotheparty soItrytokeep dancingtomy ownbeatofthe drum” O
Eccentric. Elusive. Elegant, Erudite. EXCELLENT! He has been one of NYC’s bestkept secrets ever since he opened his boutique in SoHo in the late 80’s with asymmetrically-cut and masterfully-tailored mixedpatterned pieces adorning the windows of his store front. Even now, as I visit his Upper East Side boutique (on 58th street, nestled between Park and Lexington Avenues), there’s a consistent thread now that- if you were a customer back in the 90’s- you can still appreciate.
He offers something for everyonefrom the arbiters of Dark Fashion who never met a black fabric they don’t like to museum gallery girls gallivanting in the Art District to AfroFuturists who love the ebb and flow of when wool and cotton-canvas meets crepe. ALL of this from the mind of one man with one nameEpperson.
Here are some of the gems he shared when we sat down and asked him a few questions…
Chad: How long have you been designing?
Epperson: Forever. Whenever anyone asks, I just say “forever”, because if I say 25 years, people say, “Oh My God”- not realizing the true number is double that.
Chad: what’s your favorite piece you’ve ever designed, over the course of your 40-plus year career?
Epperson: My headwrap. It’s a tube, and you can wrap it around your head, and tuck it- it’s a PERFECT headwrap! And then you can take it off and it’s a scarf! Erykah Badu used to wear them. And today, it’s “The Morph” (a poncho which can be worn at least 5 different ways).
Chad: what would you tell an aspiring designer in 2024?
Epperson: I would say stay true to yourself. Stick to what you do, that which comes from you. Don’t look to the left and get swayed. Don’t focus on what’s beside you. If it’s in you, its coming out. If the creativity is there, allow it to come out and “be”.
Chad: Your first time in front of a sewing machine: what was that like?
Epperson: I made a pleated skirt. I actually have a photo of me in my (high school) yearbook holding that skirt. Then I did a talent show. I did 12 pieces, but I didn’t do much sewing; I was tying jersey fabric and draping. Then I started sewing. I did the Acqueduct Raceway flea market- and I made $600, which was a lot of money at that time.
Chad: There’s creativity, but there’s also a sense of humility to your clothes. There’s nothing that’s extravagant, or that you can see from across the street. You never over-design; you always know where to stop.
Epperson: I totally appreciate that, because when I’m doing it, I’m not thinking that. I’m just doing it. So when someone sees that, it reminds me that I’m doing something right. I’m staying on my course. I don’t listen to a lot of people, because everyone has an opinion- and it’s not always right.
Chad: talk To me about “style”. How do you identify who or what is “stylish”- to you?
Epperson: it’s the individual. It’s how they put something together to make it theirs. Comfort. You have to be comfortable with whatever you’re putting on. If you feel confident and comfortable in it, then it’s yours. I’ve had situations where I’ve put a skirt on a guy, and he winced and I’d say, “so this is not the right outfit for you”.
Chad: The most Stylish woman you know?
Epperson: The woman that, when I see her, I just see beauty- and not everything she wore makes her “stylish”, but her natural beauty- is Diana Ross. Her beauty throughout the years, even when she was with The Supremes. she still had something special about her. Even if it was just hereyeliner,youknow?Andthenwhenshe did “Mahogany”, that made me able to see all the directions and angles, and… LIFE!
Chad: I’ll end with this. Is there somebody that you would LOVE to see in your clothing that hasn’t been in your clothing thus far?
Epperson: You know who I really LIKE? Swinton. Tilda Swinton. It’s because of her confidence, because she’s not “beautiful”. She has an alien feeling, and I’ve always liked that alien-feeling, kind-of-strange look.
HAUS ALT
Photographer & Creative Director
Ezequiel De La Rosa
@EzequielDeLaRosa
Talent: Carol Alt @modelcarolalt
Stylist: Madison Henning
@madisonhenningx
Hair and Makeup: Jenny Milano
@jennybmilano
Production: Gianluca Disotto
@gianlucadisotto
Tommaso Matelli @paracultura
@modelfactory_wtf Agency: @nologomen
@modelcarolalt wearing @zangtoi
@stxllfxnn wearing
@terrysingh.nyc
@_samba_cheikh wearing
@a_potts
@iampicci wearing @thisisinherent
@willbongini wearing
@terrysingh.nyc
@Clement.ltx wearing
@marsem_official
Carol Alt wearing
@marsem_official Shoes by Paola shoes
@paolaventuri_official
The Roof Bar @theroofmilano
The Square Hotel
@hotelsquaremilano
Carol Alt wearing blouse by @zangtoi pants by @marsem_official
The Roof Bar @theroofmilano
The Square Hotel @hotelsquaremilano
Carol Alt wearing
Cesar Galindo
@galindousa
Shoes by Paola shoes
Guglielmo
@willbongini
wearing @a_potts
Jimin @jiguminy wearing
@rallegrati Shoes by Paola shoes @paolaventuri_offic / Carol wearing @marsem_official
The Roof Bar @theroofmilano
The Square Hotel @hotelsquaremilano
C A R O M I L A N O
By Ezequiel De La Rosa
Returning to Milan after so many years felt like a magical journey back to my second home. The city that once welcomed me with open arms was now calling me back, and the familiar warmth of the Italian people enveloped me like a comforting embrace. Milan was where I had embarked on a journey of independence and self-discovery, a city that held a special place in my heart.
This time, my return to Milan was filled with even more enchantment and excitement. Supporting my friend Mario Dice during fashion week brought an air of anticipation and glamour to my visit. Watching his collection come to life on the runway, surrounded by a diverse crowd of women, felt like witnessing a masterpiece unfold before my eyes. And having the radiant presence of my dear friend Carol Alt added an extra
sparkle to the already magical experience. The unexpected joy of witnessing the beautiful connection between Carol and Mario reminded me of the power of friendship and how it can bring people together in the most unexpected ways. It was a testament to the bonds that tie us together and the beauty of shared experiences.
As I stepped off the plane, one of the first things I did was visit Barbarino in Milan for a traditional shave, a ritual that made me feel right at home. The familiar scents and sounds brought memories flooding back, grounding me in the present moment and preparing me for the adventures that lay ahead.
Checking into the Square Hotel, nestled in the heart of Milan near the iconic Duomo, felt like stepping into a dream.
The meticulously designed rooms, thoughtful details, and breathtaking views all added to the allure of this enchanting city. The rooftop Milano, with its panoramic views and delectable food, became a sanctuary of indulgence where every moment felt like a celebration.
In Milan, every corner held a promise of discovery and every encounter was filled with warmth and charm. It was a city that welcomed me back with open arms, reminding me of the beauty of connections made and the joy of revisiting cherished memories. Milan, with its timeless allure and vibrant spirit, had once again captured my heart.
Introducing the remarkable Vesna Zarkov! A true visionary hailing from the captivating land of Serbia, Vesna’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and boundless creativity. Setting foot in Milan at a youthful age of 17, she left an indelible mark on the world of fashion as a stunning model. Yet, it was her innate drive and impassioned spirit that propelled her beyond the confines of the runway.
With unwavering commitment and a fierce determination, Vesna seamlessly transitioned into the role of a model agent, ultimately establishing her own agency that redefined industry standards. Through her unwavering dedication and a touch of magic, her agency quickly rose to prominence, a testament to her exceptional vision and leadership.
Venturing into the realm of hospitality, Vesna’s artistic flair and attention to detail shone through in her exquisite hotels. From the sophisticated Square Hotel Milano to the opulent Cavallari and the awe-inspiring Rooftop Milano, each of her properties bore the hallmark of her distinctive style and commitment to excellence.
Embark on a journey through the enchanting narrative of Vesna Zarkov, where passion, ambition, and compassion converge to craft a tale of unparalleled inspiration and success. Experience the magic that unfolds when one woman’s extraordinary journey touches the lives of many, leaving an imprint that resonates long after the
1. What comes first for you, the chicken or the egg? How does the magic begin?
Themagicalwaysbeginswithmusic! I always choose music to listen to before I begin to tackle a project, and then when my mood is elevated, I begin to design the fabrics, the embroidery, the lace, and the prints. After all of those elements are in place, I can then begin to sketch the collection.
2. When you realized you wanted to be a Designer, how old were you and who was the first to know? Do you dream designs?
I remember deciding I wanted to become a designer at age 13. The first person I talked about it with was my mom. At the beginning, my family didn’t want me to become a designer. I have modest origins, and my parents didn’t have the financial means tolet me study and design fashion.
ENTER THE WORLD OF MARIO DICE...
Everything I know I learned in the laboratory, in tailoring, in style offices, and by studying on my own. Sometimes I’ve dreamed of fashion shows or celebrities wearing a dress I envision and after I have a dream like that, often, the dress then becomes a reality.
3.As the acceptance of new standards in shape and attitude buck the former willowy model ideal, are you designing to compliment the shift to market demand? Why or why not?
In reality, my collections have always been suited to the different dynamics and themes that the market requires. like for example we have always produced from sizes 38 to 52. We pay attention to the price depending on whether or not a market crisis arrives. I’m not in favor of inclusion pertaining to the possibility of men wearing a women’s garments. I never think about men when I design my women’s collection and vice versa
I think it’s just useless advertising and hype.
4. How many designs do you and your team produce for each collection? What’s the hiring process for seamstresses?
We produce on average 150 designs per season between the two precollections and the two fashion shows, approximately 600 items per year. The work of seamstresses or pattern makers is fundamental knowledge. I’m one of the few designers who knows how to cut and sew and also understands the entire production process.
4. Where’s your happy place?
If we talk about a place where I like to work that would have to be home. There is no place where I feel so completely at ease. Perhaps it’s the reason why I manage to create such beauty, I’ve encountered a lot of black around me and it’s transformed into something beautiful
Eliana Miglio, Beatrice Pucilli, Cinzia Scaglione, Ira FRONTEN, Celeste Haber, Giulia Perulli, Tosca D’Aquino, Youma Diakite, Patricia Gloria Contreras, Lidia Vitale, Jane Alexander, Desiree Noferini, Camilla Barbieri, Claudia Ruffo, Eva Grimaldi, Lina Sastri, Lorena Cacciatore, Azzurra Della Penna, Antonella Bavaria, Elisabetta Pellini, Lidia Schillaci, Paola Tiziana Cruciani, Vittoria Belvedere, Ilenia Lazzarin, Mirca Viola, Nadia Rinaldi, Donatella Finocchiaro, Antonella Ponziani, Debora Villa, Maria Rosaria Russo & Carol Alt
A CONVERSATION WITH JOSEPH IENCO
I met Joseph Ienco through Carol Alt during the Ferrari Film Festival. They both starred in @My_last_Best_Friend_movie where Joseph not only acted but also served as the executive producer. I had Denine Pereau sit down with him for a Q & A.
1.What thoughts run through your mind when you step in front of a camera? When you stroll the red carpet?
When you walk the Red Carpet, it’s because you’ve been invited to be there and after all the hard work you’ve done, you get the feeling that you’re being there is well deserved. It’s a feeling of belonging that is hard to describe.
2.Are you where you want to be in your career right now?
I started to design late in life, and I feel there’s a long road ahead of me. But I know the journey to get where I want to be is going to be fun!
3.Have you had the support you’ve needed on your journey from your family, friends or a relationship with a significant other? Describe what “support” means to you.
Everyone around me supports me! I’ve been very lucky.
4.Do you have a spirit animal? Describe.
Yes! I have always felt connected to eagles! I see myself soaring through life.
THE KIND THAT CARES
JEZ MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS CARING
KIND CEO ELEONORA TORNATORE
By Denise Pereau
Noneof us like to think about end life stages and what may come to pass as we age, especially given the fact in the United States, the emphasis on youth culture drives almost every aspect of our existence.
But are we doing ourselves a disservice by continuously striving for ageless appearance instead of actively managing health initiatives proven successful in maintaining overall brain health?
Many of us have seen family members and loved ones slip away due to the cruel onset of Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia. So, what can we do to stay healthy?
To slow the decline in memory loss and lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and an array of other dementias, the Mayo Health Clinic recommends the following.
Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, eat a mediterranean diet, stay mentally active, remain socially involved, and keep your blood vessels healthy. To learn more, please go to: www.mayoclinichealthsystem
We recently met with Eleonora Tornatore to talk about her role in raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and Dementia as CEO of CaringKind founded nearly 40 years ago in New York City.
The mission of CaringKind is to create, deliver, and promote comprehensive and compassionate care and support services for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.
That mission is achieved by
providing programs and services for individuals with dementia, their family and professional caregivers; increasing public awareness; collaborating with research centers; and informing public policy through advocacy.
Tornatore is devoted to the CaringKind mission, and we were eager to learn more about her vision for the future of this organization and how we can best help her raise awareness. JEZ is pleased to share this interview with our readers.
JEZ: Thank you for joining us, Elenora. Please tell us a little about yourself.
Tornatore: Thank you for the opportunity to share with JEZ! I’ve always had a love for the elderly, so I guess it’s why I was attracted to the field of Gerontology.
I eventually earned my post-graduate degree in Gerontology and Grief Counseling. Before joining CaringKind as CEO, I was CEO of the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer Association. I also worked for 14 years as a CEO in an assisted living facility.
When I took the position at CaringKind I really felt ready to seize the opportunity because my past experiences prepared me to be here. Besides creating a safe space for anyone dealing with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, we also provide education for health care professionals, medical professionals, case managers, and social workers.
It’s a totally comprehensive foundation with the potential for becoming a national outreach program which is an exciting prospect. Our team includes an incredible group of professionals ready, willing, and able to tackle anything related to these diseases to help families process whatever comes their way.
To be in a position to help people get educated on proven programs that best navigate common issues associated with these diseases is humbling.
JEZ: Why is raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and Dementia so important?
Tornatore: It’s always been a concern but the need to raise awareness is escalating due to a number of facts. What’s most alarming is that approximately 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease today and that number is set to rise unless new protocols to prevent or delay its onset are approved for usage. As our population ages the risk is becoming alarmingly significant.
JEZ: What are some of the key issues related to the onset of these diseases?
Tornatore: There’s several mitigating factors that come into play driving early onset and an array of Alzheimer’s dementias that most people
are unaware of. Genetics can play a part of course but causes vary and it’s common for people to have a mixed form of dementia in combination with one another. Some people have both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia for example. We have a list of conditions up on our website that may cause memory loss or dementia that your readers can explore just for general awareness.
JEZ: Some of our families at JEZ have been on this journey with loved ones and couldn’t believe the extent of the health care issues associated with Alzheimer’s and Dementia not to mention how difficult it is to be a caregiver or to find competent care. Can you share some of CaringKind’s initiatives?
Tornatore: I’m sorry to hear this but notsurprised.Firstofall,carebased programs at CaringKind are run by qualified social workers and up to 90 facilatators100% free of charge. We represent both the patient and the family from early onset aware-
ness and diagnosis throughout the journey, including actually passing away, helping participants to navigate every stage of their health management, which as you’ve seen for yourself is an uphill battle.
JEZ: What type of programs are included?
Tornatore: There are a number of programs offered from early stage family intervention services to palliative care services. We actually have a help hotline which has become a lifeline for families because people generally don’t know where to turn when things start to fall apart.
When participants living with early-stage cognitive change and/or memory loss are partnered with CaringKind, they are initially entered into an 8 week “evidence based”, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, which is a small group therapy program, first developed in the UK more than 20 years ago, currently practiced in more than 35 countries.
Over Covid we started this program here in NYC with virtual classes and our plans to scale it outside of NYC is already happening.
JEZ: We’ll definitely add the help hotline to the close of this interview along with CaringKind’s email address and any links to programs you’d like to include. What does CaringKind provide for someone who has become a caregiver?
Tornatore: One of the saddest situations in life is to see a loved one suffering memory loss leading to complete withdrawal and the underlying health issues that can accompany it. Education on every aspect of the process is critical. Initially one has to accept the inevitable which for some is the hardest task, but essential to begin making action plans for long term care.
We’ve developed a number of free on-line webinars covering the elemental skills of care giving from understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia to navigating and adapting to relationship transitions as cognitive loss progresses, understanding ambiguous loss and grief, along with understanding palliative care parameters and hospice care. We have a link for these classes I’d like to share as well.
JEZ: Of course. We’ll add that too. We understand you have several events during the year to help raise funding for CaringKind’s programs. Is there anything on your calendar we can support this season?
Tornatore: Absolutely! We’d love to have your support and sponsorship. Our New York City Alzheimer’s Walk is coming up October 19, 2024, in Central Park starting at the Naumberg Bandshell. Check in is 10:00am. The program starts at 11:00am and the actual walk begins at 12:00pm. Your readers can register on the CaringKind website under Events. And if they can’t walk, they can donate on the website as well.
We’ll also have our sponsors and several vendors on site offering related services and support for participants and their families. See you there and thanks again for partnering with us on this wonderful event. We really appreciate your help!
To contact CaringKind or learn more about the foundation or educational webinars, please feel free to access the following contacts.
CANVAS AND COUTURE: The Visionaries of Fashion Illustration
by Gregg Brockington
Cave drawings by hunter-gatherers depicted what we wore long before high-tech, glossy fashion magazines existed. Before photography, it was illustrators who informed women about what was fashionable from far-flung places.
Somehow, over the last few decades, fashion illustration took a backseat to the technology of photography. But nothing can replace the artisanal quality of a fashion illustration. This issue of Jez Magazine spotlights three stellar fashion illustrators: Glenn Tunstall, Renaldo Barnette, and Bil Donovan.
Glenn Tunstull
Some artists seem to come to Earth with their talents pouring out upon arrival. Glenn Tunstall is one of these artists.
A Detroit native, Glenn started drawing at a young age. It wasn’t until high school that his love of fashion and movement was born. New York’s Parsons School of Design was where he perfected his skills, becoming comfortable using various mediums: charcoal, pencil, watercolors, gouache, and pastels.
His incredible attention to detail is unparalleled and did not go unnoticed. He was hired directly out of Parsons by the Butterick Pattern Company, a staple for home sewers worldwide and a pattern development shortcut for many creatives.
Making a name for oneself in the 1970s New York fashion industry was less about who you know and more about who noticed you!
In 1970, Glenn was “noticed” by the fashion industry bible, Women’s Wear Daily (also known worldwide as WWD), as the newspaper’s first Black artist. He would go on to achieve many firsts.
Glenn’s ability to capture movement, fabric, and shape offered him carte blanche access to the world’s top fashion shows. His illustrations of the mononymous catwalk stars of the ’70s—Iman, Pat, Mounia, and Carol—are legendary and became the highlights of each fashion season.
While abroad, his talent caught the eye of Vogue Italia and other European fashion publications.
When Ralph Lauren opened his flagship store on New York’s Madison Avenue in 1986, it was Glenn Tunstull’s illustrations that informed the world of the big event. His illustrations have been exhibited in London and New York, at the MCA Gray Art Gallery and the Society of Illustrators.
Glenn then became a professor of illustration, fine arts, and fashion design at his Alma mater Parsons School of Design, where he has taught for more than 25 years. He is known for his watercolor paintings that depict both the calm beauty and the atmosphere of beach life. Between August and September, you can catch the man himself painting a seascape from a boat slip or veranda on Martha’s Vineyard. His paintings are shown at the Cousen Rose Gallery.
Not all of us can claim to be globetrotters by the age of 10, but Renaldo Barnette can.
Born in Fort Devens, Mass., he and his three siblings crisscrossed the globe with their military father and mother, making pit stops in faraway places like Japan and Germany, as well as more domestic locales like Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Renaldo’s love of art began early. By age ten, he was drawing versions of superheroes from his favorite comic books, but it was the discovery of Millie the Model and Katy Keene comic books from his sister’s stash that ignited his passion for fashion.
By ages 12, he was creating illustrations for the boutiques where his mother had her dresses made—paid, of course!
Next was art school, first at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, followed by a move to New York City and Parsons School of Design. His friend list was astounding: uber-illustrator Antonio Lopez, model icon Gerry Hall with her then-boyfriend Mick Jagger, and the Somali-born supermodel Iman, to name a few.
Renaldo Barnette
He partied with this illustrious group at New York City’s mega club, “The Paradise Garage.” While everyone else twirled on the dance floor, Renaldo sat quietly in a corner, absorbing the vibe and documenting it all in the ever-present sketchpad he kept nearby. Epic!
Did I mention that he is also an amazing fashion designer? He worked in Paris alongside ex-pat and Mississippi’s own Patrick Kelly, with stints at the Parisian fashion houses of Sonia Rykiel, Chantal Thomass, and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. His American work is even more impressive, with Badgley Mischka and Ralph Lauren added to his roster.
In 2003, he opened his eponymous fashion brand, Renaldo Ltd.
The branches of Renaldo’s career are endless. Somewhere in nearly two decades of a “second career” as an adjunct professor of illustration at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, he created his very own comic book, “It’s All About BrookLynn,” chronicling the fictional life of BrookLynn Bennet, a teenage fashion model (@itsallaboutbrooklynn).
William “Bil” Donovan
Photography by Dario Calmese
There are artists who exit the womb creating art; it flows from them like water from a deep well. For others, the well—although deep—is harder to access. William “Bil” Donovan began as one of the others.
The Philadelphia native’s love for fashion and art started with his passion for old Hollywood movies. The larger-than-life “fashion” movies, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, “Sabrina”, “Rear Window”, and “Funny Face” sparked something in young Bil.
Finding his footing in art required determination and hard work. He moved to New York to attend school, and it was a professor named Jack Potter at the School of Visual Arts who really encouraged young Bil Donovan to put in the time.
Six years of study between Parsons School of Design and SVA served as a launchpad for Bil. Then it was off to Europe—Milan, to be exact—for another six-year stint learning his craft and perfecting his ability to capture models on the runway. Following that, of course, was a stint at Vogue magazine as an illustrator.
The position at Vogue was another launching pad, and this time Bil landed at Christian Dior. In 2009, Bil Donovan became the first Artist In Residence for the House of Dior, creating some of the most spectacular watercolor images of the fashion house’s various collections. If you’ve seen anything drawn for the House of Dior, Bil Donovan did it!
Like most artists, what captures his imagination is varied, but Bil has a love of painting and will use the paint leftover from his day job to create some of the most beautifully arresting images of men in all their glory. In the summer of 2024, Bil had a solo show of his erotic art at the Soho Project Space. His paintings of nude men are some of the most beautiful works to date.
But he doesn’t stop there—Donovan is also a professor at the School of Visual Arts, teaching the next generation how to perfect their craft, just as he was encouraged by Jack Potter.
Feline
Photography/Art Direction by
Direction by
Ezequiel De La Rosa
Styling/Creative
Chad Groom for THE STYLEMONSTERS
Model: Karina Roessler
Hair by Marco Maranghello
Makeup by Vincenza Celentano
Stylist Assistant Stephen Contreras
Hair Assistant Lakena Outlaw
Headpiece by S Designs
Bustier by La Perla Pants by David Tlale Boots by Stuart Weitzman
Bolero and Dress by Marco Hall
Earrings by Matthias Lavesson
Headpiece by S Designs
Coat by
Davil Tlale
Gloces by Wing & Left
Headpiece by S Designs
Dress by Franklin Rowe
Skirt by David Tlale
Shoes by Alexander Wang
Dress by David Tlale Gloves by Wing & Weft
Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti
Earrings by Givenchy Hosiery by Hue
Headpiece by S Designs
Jacket by David Tlale
by A Potts
Dress
Belt by David Tlale Skirt by S Designs
Hostery by Hue Boots by Trash & Vaudeville
Photograph by David Warren
TheCapturer LUCIANA PAMPALONE PHOTOGRAPHY
By Denise Pereau
Luciana Pampalone began her photography career during the early 80’s and 90’s by plowing through misogynistic undermining’s at a time when coveted campaign assignments in New York City were rarely awarded to females.
Pampalone’s earliest projects began with self-portraiture forming the foundation of a body of work which developed into a series of artful black and white erotic imagery empowering women.
Influenced by the likes of Herb Ritz, Helmut Newton, and Robert Mapplethorpe, her stylized camera work fuses dynamic energy into the sinuous flow of the female form in striking compositions, erotic yes, pornographic, never.
Eventually, Pampalone’s cultivated edge caught the attentio of Hearst Publishing with straight forward beauty shots surrendered to gorgeous lighting, fashion forward design aesthetics and advantageous staging.
Her successful campaigns for Hearst fueled the desire for readers to purchase the make-up used on the models, the clothing worn by the models, and the furnishings in the room where the models posed.
As her career took off, Pampalone’s tabletop series and interior design shots were turned into must have books for followers seeking home décor ideals.
No stranger to hard work, Pampalone is a skilled home remodeler adept at renovations including stripping and refinishing floors, furniture and cabinets, and repurposing found objects into useful additions in her home serving to underscore her multifaceted design aesthetic.
Pampalone’s passion for gardening at her Hampton’s home together with husband David Warren yields bountiful seasonal vegetables and cut flowers yearly, joyfully describing it as her happy place.
Her website is a veritable catalogue of DIY projects that can be incorporated into a wide range of creative enterprises in homes today.
Espousing a philosophy of spiritual faith, energy work and holistic enlightenment supporting a healthy lifestyle, Pampalone’s artistry as an image maker is highly sought after under the umbrella of her new company, Dream Team Creatives, partnered with Warren who is also noted through his work as an Associated Press Photographer.
From shooting Fashion Week events in New York City and the Hamptons to creative assignments with global corporations, film makers, rock groups, artists, and society persona, Pampalone stands to frame 21st Century notables in iconic illustration.
JEZ is pleased to introduce Luciana Pampalone to our readers.
JEZ: We’re happy to have this opportunity to share with you today especially since we’ve become friends over the past few years. Can you tell our readers about the captivating flower crowns you wear? What’s the significance?
Pampalone: Thanks for having me! Love the team at JEZ. I started wearing my crowns to encourage women to become the queen of their own destinies. Every woman should feel like a queen and never be afraid to take charge of their own lives. To be successful, women have to try harder no matter what field we work in. I say choose to take charge. The crown is symbolic of making the choice to succeed no matter what comes our way.
JEZ: We’re really interested in your black and white series of images. You’ve done a lot of commercial photography through the years, but you always come back to black and white. Why?
Pampalone: As an Artist, black and white photography is the purest form of camera work for me personally.
It’s timeless. A photograph taken 40 years ago can look like it was taken today. Of course, as technology advances, the results evolve along with it but it’s still so clean and pure.
JEZ: What inspired you to shoot fashion erotica?
Pampalone: It was always a personal project separate from my commercial work. People can easily confuse erotica with pornography as the definitions are subjective. Erotica is sensual where pornography is aggressive in my estimation. My intent has always been to feature the nude female body as a source of strength and beauty, a symbol of being freed from worldly constraint. Incorporating fishnets into the compositions helped emphasize a woman’s empowerment. Think of breaking free from things that bind or confine. The emotional response to the restraints can easily be correlated to breaking free from abusive partnerships or relationships, breaking free from dead end jobs or positions, or just resistance to being controlled in general.
JEZ: The image of the girl in the window. What does that represent to you?
Pampalone: One of my favorites. Any woman can relate to this photograph. If you’ve ever imagined looking out a window surveying the world beyond, imagining what’s out there, dreaming of conquering challenges, or just diving into the unknown, this shot represents all the emotions a woman can feel in that moment. Her nakedness denotes strength and power in its purest form. She’s ready for anything. There’s nothing salacious or sexual at all. It represents a commanding presence over her future whatever that may be.
JEZ: We’ve seen some of your bathtub shots taken in a vintage bathtub installed on the shoreline of your Peconic Bay home. What’s that all about?
Pampalone: (Laughing) If you think about it, the bathtub is very confining, yet symbolic as the ultimate place to find peace and shed worry.
It’s a healing space. It’s private, it’s tranquil, and it provides an escape from reality. Installing a bathtub on the shoreline gave me a kind of artistic license over emotional upheaval.
Some of the shots denote wild and reckless abandonment emerging free, and some shots are closed down and very contemplative. It all depends on who I’m shooting and why I’m shooting them. It’s the perfect vehicle to stage every type of emotional response to the human condition. People love it.
JEZ: Your new company Dream Team Creatives is really taking off. What led you to this new project.
Pampalone: As you know, my husband David Warren is an amazing Photographer. We have differing strengths and approaches to photography in general, and we were both doing our own thing, but it just made sense to start a business. We shoot some jobs together now which we really enjoy, and we shoot separately depending on the client. We’re getting to the point where we’re going to take on additional staff as the business continues to grow. We have a great list of professional contacts we can refer to clients from caterers to hair and make-up artists to musicians etc. We’ve always had a solid relationship but we’re really growing closer together through the process of growing our business.
JEZ: We really wish you well in your new business and thanks again for sharing with us.
To contact Luciana Pampalone: https://www.lucianapampalonestudios. com/
Katya Martin is hot, hot, hot!, Martin has made a name for herself as a multifaceted Actor, Writer, Director, and Producer serving the public interest through thought provoking, impactful projects with a little fantasy thrown in to keep things balanced.
During our interview with her earlier this year, we found her to be enterprising, entrepreneurial and focused, and involved in a plethora of exciting undertakings requiring steadfast drive and commitment.
Inspiring and determined, knowing who she is and what she needs to do to get where she wants to go, Martin has proved herself once again. Cast in a lead role in Steven McNamee’s Directorial debut in the Indie comedy horror film, Muffled, shooting in and around New Orleans during the month of September, we’re betting the film will be a huge hit.
Chatting with Martin right before she headed South, we’re happy to share a fun update for our readers prior to filming launch, and she’s even offered us an on set sneak peak in mid-September to share what it’s like to be working on a movie.
JEZ: Congratulations on landing this new role! Can you share the storyline of Muffled please?
Martin: Of course! First of all, it’s written by Stephen McNamee who’ll be making his directorial debut, and secondly, my cohort in the film is Catharine Daddario, which is very exciting as we’ve always wanted to work together. I’m Nora, and Catharine plays Harper, two childhood friends who return to their hometown to investigate the disappearance of their playmate years ago. Of course, no one wants us poking around, and the deeper we get into the investigation the darker things turn segueing from comedic to horrifying and back again.
JEZ: You stated previously you always dreamed about being in the movies when you grew up. Now that your dreams have manifested, what would you say to your younger self at this point?
Martin: I was always rushing and impatient with all kinds of ideas swirling in my head when I was younger, busy setting arbitrary benchmarks. I‘ll do this movie by this year, this project by that year, on and on. I was so focused I ignored all the accomplishments I achieved along the way. I’ve wrestled with this question before, but succinctly, I’d say be flexible, be patient, and trust where you need to be or go.
JEZ: It must be so helpful to know a colleague cast in the same production prior to project launch. How did you and Catharine Daddario meet?
Martin: Catharine and I have known each other for years- we met in an acting class and ran in the same circles for a long time before finally getting to be on set together. I’ve admired her and her work for years and when I learned that she was signing on to play Harper, it became a no brainer knowing I was able to play Nora. It’s been a really special process because we clicked really quickly and have been close on and off set. Having someone who you jive with off screen can make working together so much easier and I’ve felt so supported and inspired by getting to rehearse and bounce ideas back and forth and to build out these characters together.
Martin shares a peek into the production of “Muffled” on set in New Orleans.
JEZ: Thanks so much for this glimpse into the excitement while you’re working! What’s it like for you on set?
Martin: Tough in the normal ways- weird working hours like starting early or shooting overnights and having to manage and manipulate your body clock so that it works, worrying that I’m not hitting the tone or getting the character right, lots going on for sure, but honestly, it’s been such a joy to be on set every day.
JEZ: How’s the Cast and Crew? Are you on schedule?
Martin: The crew and cast are truly wonderful, and everyone is so talented and hardworking. And it’s been an amazing experience getting back on a set where everyone is fun to be around and dedicated to creating the best film we can create. That’s something I don’t take for granted.
JEZ: You’ve worked all over the world in different roles from Producer and Director to Actor. When you step into the role of Actor, do you find it different working in the States compared to Europe?
Martin: When I’m only acting on a project there’s always a moment where I have to figure out how the crew will relate to me - there’s a culture on a lot of sets (if not most sets, at least in the US) where actors are very separate from the crew, and that hasn’t been the case at all on Muffled. Even from the beginning of filming in
NOLA, my castmates and I have gone out with the crew with no distance at all.
JEZ: How’s it been working with Catharine Daddario?
Martin: Working with Catharine Daddario has been very special as well. We’ve known each other for years now - almost 8 or 9 I dare say - but we’ve never gotten to work together. She’s a wonderful actress, and an amazing scene partner - she’s always open to play and ask questions to make the scene better and we’ve been having so much fun.
JEZ: What’s next or is it too soon to ask that question?
Martin: In this business everyone is always thinking about the future. Catharine and I have been talking to some of the cast and crew members about the possibility of doing a project together sometime. It would be wonderful of course, but we’ll just have to see how things work out.
JEZ: Sounds like the stars are in alignment and we wish you great success. Thanks so much for the update on Muffled Katya! We’re very excited to see you on the Red Carpet when the movie is released! We’ll be sure to stay tuned!
Dress: @LucianaBalderrama
Shoes: @stevemadden
THE ILLUMINATOR
JEZ Magazine Is Honored To Introduce Light Artist, Grimanesa Amoros
I’m fascinated by Artists and what makes them tick. After speaking with Grimanesa Amoros, I can tell you firsthand she radiates eloquently in her commentary emanating from an intuitive and soulful connection to nature and her personal relationship to light, incubated during early childhood near the Pacific coastline of Peru, South America.
It’s a fact lending itself to an uncanny ability to clearly envision the creation of illuminated sculpture, deftly orchestrating projects from start to finish wherever she lands.
I literally almost fell off my chair when I learned Amoros never took an art class. Her artistic eye honed instead through insatiable curiosity along with the ability to absorb and memorize light centric coastal horizons and the streets where she grew up in Lima, Peru. Amoros explained as a young adult, she carefully studied both the Masters, and 20th Century Contemporary Artists on her own while pouring through art publications and books in the Met Library in NYC, and numerous galleries and libraries around the world during her travels.
Prior to mounting an installation, Amoros painstakingly researches a site including the culture, community history, and local architecture which guides her in the formulation of LED lighting, video elements, and technology into seamlessly integrated sculpture.
Her work draws the viewer into an enlightened dimension transcending space and time. It helps to understand that we are inextricably drawn to light as human beings forming relationships and attachment to its energy and in the end, in many cases, studies have even linked the appearance of otherworldly light guiding the faithful to their final destiny.
Many people toss around the word “authentic,” diluting the power of its very definition but in the context of this interview it is gainfully employed. Amoros is “genuine.” Another powerful word. The origin of the Artist’s authentic, genuine, interdisciplinary truths could never be disputed as witness to her phantasmagorical light installations garnering global acclaim.
This narrative underscores the loyalty of her team whom she is quick to credit and praise for their important contributions.
Amoros spoke candidly of humility as a confidence builder in her life and work. I had never thought of such a pairing, but for her, the two are logical and inseparable. Without humility, and here she references her lifelong inspiration, Mother Theresa, we close ourselves off to new ideas, heightened awareness, and even new relationships. When we humble ourselves, we become more open and in tune with the learning process which historically stands as the ultimate confidence builder.
Photography by Ezequiel De La Rosa Written by Denise Pereau
And who in our lifetime has been humbler yet more confident than Mother Theresa? Perhaps this is at the core of what makes her tick.
Most inspiring of all is Amoros’s approach to life. Her work is celebrated globally yet she has remained grounded, speaking effusively regarding family, purposeful living, and the desire to elevate kindness back to an ideal seemingly lost to the multitudes. I felt as if I was speaking with a long lost friend. We’re sure you’ll find Grimanesa Amoros to be as delightful and beguiling as we did during our conversation.
JEZ: It’s such a pleasure to meet you to gain insight into your life and work. Please tell us a little about your childhood.
Amoros: We lived near the coast of Peru in South America. My mother was extremely creative, and my father was a Civil Engineer. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother. I was extremely curious and intuitive as a child and instinctively knew I was going to live elsewhere in the world someday. So, I made it a point to memorize the streets where I lived when I was about 11 or 12 so I’d never forget living there.
We had a very structured upbringing which is important for an Artist. I wrote quite a bit growing upespecially poetry and was always imagining parallel worlds. The power of words has always been very present within me.
JEZ: What does your family life look like today?
Amoros: I’ve been married to my husband William for 37 years which seems hard to believe. Time flies. He’s been my biggest supporter and he’s always allowed me to be Grimanesa. I’m like a bird that can’t be caged. My work involves a lot of travel, so it takes a really strong partner to deal with periods of separation. He’s wonderful! And I have one daughter. It’s an incredible honor to be her mother.
JEZ: Who has been your biggest influence in your life?
Amoros: My mother was always a great influence on me which I think for most people is normal. She was very encouraging regarding my creativity and nurtured my independence early on, something every child can benefit from.
Another major influence in my life was Mother Theresa. Mother Theresa was just a simple woman, yet she conquered the world by humbly devoting her life to helping others. She was confident in communicating with world leaders yet humble and open to sharing with all people no matter where she went, no matter their socio-economic status. Always the epitome of benevolence and kindness.
It’s easy to be inspired by her example, but what captivated me the most was her humility, always thinking I could never be like that. The more I learned about her the more it pushed me to find myself, to really go deep internally, and I work hard to stay humble. If you think about it, being humble connects us to people and new experiences and if we pay attention, we learn and grow which helps give us confidence. If we can’t be humble, we disrupt our chances to succeed in life.
Being kind just seems to be so difficult for people these days. And it starts at the top. It seems we’re losing ourselves in a way, because every
day we see so many people just out to get each other in the news and on social media. Don’t you think it’s time to bring kindness back?
JEZ: We couldn’t agree more! What would you say has been your greatest success to date and when?
Amoros: In 1996 my daughter was born, and I can’t imagine anything more wonderful! For me, she will always be my greatest achievement. I left the art world to devote my time to raising her because I knew that was my singular capacity, to raise one child. Being a mother for me has by far been my greatest role in life and as I said before, it’s an honor to be her mother. She’s amazing!
JEZ: Love the landscape painting you did as a child, SNOWLAND. You imagined a snow fall in the forest and you’d never seen snow. At what age were you aware the art world was your destiny?
Amoros: I was just 10 years old when I made that painting but didn’t see my first snowfall until I was 18 years old while living in Europe. I had a pretty good imagination and was drawing a lot by that time. By 11 years of age, my teachers, who always supported my drawing, used to let me sit in the school gardens so I could draw everything there. But I felt different from my friends who had other interests. I knew even then that a creative life would be my future.
JEZ: Woman’s advocacy is very important to you. As a woman, have you ever had any push back in your work? Ever feel dismissed or been passed over for a project because you’re a woman?
Amoros: I’ve never felt dismissed. That’s pretty hard to assess because it may have happened, and I didn’t know it happened. I strongly feel women have to make their presence felt in whatever situation arises, no matter what their career path or undertaking. I’ve had to assert and maintain my ground on a few different projects over the years, but I’ve always been
in control because I show up prepared for anything. And people respect that. It’s important to lead by example.
JEZ: Your work is meant to empower viewers. Do politics ever get in the way of your projects? Many Artists imbue political ideology into their work through hidden messaging. Have you ever hidden messages in your work?
Amoros: No, I’ve never had a problem. I do have intention in my work, but it may not necessarily be someone else’s. I leave things very open and no, I don’t hide messages in my installations. Everyone has a different view of my work, some hate, some love. It’s important for the viewer to stop and really think about what they’re looking at and whether the work stirs up an emotional response or not, and why. For some people it can be really visceral and for others, they may not relate at all, but light attracts, and most people do react positively to my work.
JEZ: You’ve made a career as an experiential, 3 D interdisciplinary Artist touching on cinematography, photography, sculpture, and sometimes even fashion. How do you fuse your work into fashion?
Amoros: Watching my mother, who is one of the most beautiful, elegant women I’ve ever known get dressed every day imbedded a sense of fashion in me through my childhood. I loved watching her and it inspired me to learn about clothing design from an artistic perspective. Fashion is a collaborative pursuit with shared vision and teamwork which I love being involved with, very much like my own work. You can see one project in particular online called Precious Nipples done in collaboration with Manuel Fernandez in Madrid Spain for the N5 Fashion Art Institute Fashion Collection. I really enjoyed that project. (See link below.)
JEZ: You’ve traveled the world working in countries from South America to North America, Europe and even Iceland, what’s your dream project and in what country would you like to anchor it?
Amoros: My dream job would be to stage a sculpture for an opera in any city in the world. I’m attracted to the challenge of working with the Directors, the Singers, Dancers, and Actors, it’s all about the romance factor with the unknown.
JEZ: We all have a relationship and attachment to light. How did this theme originate and evolve in your work?
Amoros: Well, I never went to art school, but I believe it actually helped me to be an individual, and to be true to myself while continuing to explore my artistic leanings evolving with them along the way. I was always drawn to the light from an early age. Growing up in close proximity to the Pacific coast was absolutely mesmerizing. The horizon and the play of light on the ocean was something I never tired of, just loved the mystery of it. And when I saw the Aurora Borealis in Iceland in 2000, I was totally awestruck. Couldn’t stop saying WOW! I was totally enthralled by this incredible phenomenon in the heavens, and it reinforced my relationship to the joy of sculpting with light.
JEZ: Just can’t get over you’ve never been to an art class! What’s it like to be totally immersed in the creative process on a project? Do you ever feel like you’re drowning or overwhelmed?
Amoros: Its one light at a time! But no time to waste. And if something goes wrong there’s always a solution. I never feel like I’m drowning. I love every single minute of the process and I’m always very clear with my intent, very clear in the vision from beginning to end. I can always see a project from start to finish with great clarity and I’m grateful for that gift. Being surrounded by the most amazing people on a project is very exciting as well. It would be impossible to execute these types of installations if you don’t love and trust the people you’re working with. Our team is incredible, and we make it happen together.
JEZ: Your installations tend to be large. Do you ever hire Interns? And what about materials? Is there any waste?
Amoros: We have a team that’s basically become extended family and we travel together to different locations when I’m commissioned to do onsite projects. There’s always challenges but these projects require seasoned colleagues from several design disciplines collaborating through every stage of the construction process. But we do have access to onsite help in each country we work in if we need it.
And sustainability is extremely important to me. There is never any waste. When an installation gets dismantled permanently, we save every piece and use it again. Sometimes we even take a piece apart and move it to a new location. Materials are precious and we take great pains to recycle everything.
JEZ: Technology. Everyone’s talking about AI. What’s your thoughts?
Amoros: We have to adapt to technology and where it’s going to take us. The challenge is AI is about commands and I think it could be an incredible tool. It’s something we’re exploring.
JEZ: What annoys you?
Amoros: Individuals with no respect for time. You can’t get it back once it’s gone. Respecting time is important to me.
JEZ: If you could meet with any artist for lunch, from any Century, who would that be?
Amoros: That would have to be Titian or as he’s otherwise known, Tziano in Italian. He’s recognized as one of the Old Masters from the Renaissance era. His compositions are beautiful. His paintings are ranked as some of the most valuable museum holdings in the world. I’d love to sit and talk with him.
To learn more or to connect with Grimanesa Amoros, please go to:
