KA MAGAZINE Vol. 5

— CANADA 15.00 — USA 15.00 — EUROPE 11.00 — PRINTED IN CANADA VOL. 5

FUTURE IDEAS DREAM LUXE $15.00 US/CDN V # 5

DONNA FELDMAN KAlifornia

dreaming

KARL LAGERFELD CHANEL all access pass

SPRING SUMMER KA’s

picks s.s. 2012

Mode

KA MAGAZINE VOLUME

5

WHAT YOU WILL ENCOUNTER AT YOUR DESTINATION WILL DEPEND ON THE QUALITY OF YOUR PRESENT STEPS

FASHION

WTB Void leather asymmetrical zipper jacket. ALBERTO MAKALI navy and white printed sequin bustier. Underwear is stylist own.

SWAROVSKI “Hot Collar” Necklace

FEAR CAN STOP YOUR LOVING LOVE CAN STOP YOUR FEAR

WTB Transparent sleeveless leather hood dress

Photos Paul Schefz Model Donna Feldman Styling Lauren Guy Hair Ramiro Rodriges / Bumble & bumble Makeup Kimberly Pletz / Dior beauty

TONY COHEN Gold sheer tunic. Monokini is stylist own.

AAIKO belt chain.

SOHO HEARTS spiked bracelet “spike up your life”.

MASTHEAD Editor in Chief KEVIN ALLWOOD

Art Director ASHLEY KING

TABLE OF CONTENTS DONNA FELDMAN BY PAUL SCHEFZ NOT WITHOUT MY KA

16

DANSE AVEC MOI

22

IF I WAS YOUR GIRLFRIEND

Graphic Design

34

KA AGENCY

CHANEL S.S. 2012 ALL ACCESS PASS

Contributors

KA ONES TO WATCH

62

IF CARS COULD FLY

90

RABI BAZZI SUSAN MORALES PAUL SCHEFZ KENDRICK OSOIRIO LAUREN TAYLOR GUY RAMINO RODRIGES KIMBERLY PLETZ NADIA CANOVA

S.S. 2012 FASHION PICKS W WORLD BLISS

4

44

102

116 128

REAL FOOD WITH NICOLINA SERVELLO

130

Distribution North America TransMedia Group 1915 Clements Rd, 7 Pickering, On. L1W 3V1

TALK - KA INTERVIEWS

Print Agent

LES ESSENTIELS

Marie-Fay Mahar marie-fay.mahar@groupepdi.com

WATCH ME

Subscriptions info@ka-magazine.com

TOP 5 PLANS

136

176 180 188

ICONS - ETTA JAMES ICONS - WHITNEY HOUSTON

192 194

More information at : www.ka-magazine.com www.kaonlinemagazine.com All rights reserved Š 2012 KA Magazine

KA MAGAZINE 4035 St. Ambroise 216 Montreal, Qc, H4C 2E1 Canada

Advertising Inquiries advertising@ka-magazine.com +1.514.296.0527 On all offers, tenders and agreements made by KA Magazine the conditions of Canadian law are applicable. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Although the highest care has been taken to make the information contained in KA Vol. 5 as accurate as possible, neither the publisher nor the authors can accept any responsibility for damage of any nature resulting from the use of this information. If you believe that any content unknowingly infringes upon any international copyright, do not hesitate to contact KA Magazine in order to rectify any claims.

15

KA MAGAZINE - Vol. 5

. . .

L O V I N G Y O U IS SO EASY BECAUSE Y O U ’ R E BEAUTIFUL

NEVIK White silk taffeta bubble dress.

Ring is stylist own. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN shoes / Rosenstein Paris. MJH My Jamaican Heaven prayer bead bracelets

MODELS’ OWN Birthday Suit

. . .

HOW FAR DOES A GIRL HAVE TO GO TO UNTAGLE HER TINGLE

DANSE A V E C M O I

Photographed by Kevin Allwood- Makeup by Susan Morales / Gloss

Solveig Daisy-Rae Penelope Kennedy Charlotte Pauline Mariya

DE LA BRUME SORT LA PETITE BALLERINE, UNE FILLE DELICATE ET EN MEME TEMPS FORTE. ELLE DANSE ET DANSE, AU POINT DE TOMBER, ELLE DEVIENT LA DANCE

Events in life are like pictures. They are moments in time in which we try to capture the essence of life.

Anne Dryburgh

The new KA Magazine is here…after a short break, KA (pronounced kaah) is back with a new look, a new logo and a new crib. KA Magazine is once again what the first editorial described: “A magazine that I would like to read”. I am not saying that the issues other than the first were unreadable, but something was changing as KA began to grow from one issue, to issue four.

I began to notice that doing the magazine was becoming less and less joy-full, it turned into a job!

We were going on to the next issue, in a sort of spin, selling ads and pleasing everyone except for ourselves. Yes, the changes were subtle as all changes are at first, but it was there just below the surface, waiting for the right moment to become a reality. Now, there is nothing wrong with being organized etc. and for that matter having a job, but KA Magazine was not meant to be a job, it was meant to be a creative expression of the intangible things that we yearn for collectively; such things as beauty, art, design, music and inspiration.

The new old vibe at KA is once again “let us create something amazing, as amazing as we are capable at this point in time, let’s connect with as many positive people as possible and just have a good time doing it”. I think this will be very clear in the upcoming pages; that this issue is infused with good vibes.

Speaking of good vibes, how good is it that this is The Fashion Issue, with none other than the beautiful and unbelievably talented and intelligent Donna Feldman on the cover. It was a little bit over a year ago that we met and promised Ms. Feldman the next KA Magazine cover. The fact that she waited patiently as we worked just shows how cool this California girl is.

The new KA could not be launched without the lovely Ms. King (who also happens to be the other creative half), featured in this issue. What a difference a year makes, Ashley King had an amazing year and shares the love with KA. We all have wish lists right…or some sort of a list. Well when we started KA Magazine, there was not really a big list, actually we just wanted to work with the best in the world in what ever their respective fields were; from Art to Fashion and any other creative endevours in between. So how thrilled are we that Chanel has given KA Magazine an all access pass to their S.S. 2012 show, featuring stunning photos that will help to put you right there in the front row.

Right now, we are in 2012 and as if financial melt-downs, arctic melt-down and personal meltdowns were not enough, we have to now think about the world ending in 2012! With this in mind, we have compiled KA Magazine’s 5 things to do if the world ends. We are definitely about seeing the glass half-full, actually we are about filling the glass to over flowing.

The Bliss section will delve straight into how to get your energy “mojo” going, getting your soul satisfied and create natural and easy remedies for attracting good “luck”. Yep, we still believe in good luck. The fact that you are reading this editorial and holding this magazine is a testament to good luck.

Speaking of luck, in KA Vol.4, the editorial was a bit on the personal side and to say that I wrestled with printing such an editorial about my personal meltdown a few years back, is an understatement. But the response to this single editorial was astounding. It seems like we have all had a similar story of personal financial loss and betrayal. I must say that though these types of happenings are far too common place, the beauty is in hearing how you have all found a way through. There was a phrase in Bliss Vol.3 “the only way out is through.” I am so pleased that we are making it through together and for those of us still in the good fight, rest assured: This too will pass.

The last issue of KA won Gold at the Guttenberg Awards for excellence in print and design. I remember when once again in Vol.1 of KA, I said if one other person reads this magazine, then I am good with it. Well with this new launch, I am setting my sights a bit higher: Ten people yeah! With our new distribution in New York, Miami and L.A., I think we might hit that number. peace

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If I was your

Girl friend

Photos Kevin Allwood Styling Ashley King / KA Agency Models Dia & Jessica / Montage Hair Rabi Bazzi Makeup Susan Morales / Gloss Artist

KA MAGAZINE - Vol. 5

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would you turn to me if somebody hurt you

(First Page) NEVIK COUTURE Black Sequins and taffeta skirt.

AQUADILARA Navy sequins open back bikini. JIMMY CHOO black zipper ankle boots / Rosenstein Paris. JIMMY CHOO black patent leather bag / Rosenstein Paris. KSENIA BOEVA black beaded bracelets (This Page) SAUIPE Black bathing suit NEVIK Organza wrap.

was

even if that somebody

AQUADILARA Navy sequins monokini. JIMMY CHOO black zipper ankle boots / Rosenstein Paris.

KSENIA BOEVA black beaded bracelets

me...

kiss

I just want your

NEVIK Black sequins top. AQUA DI LARA Black pleated top bikini. MARLEAUX Back patent leather pumps/ Rosenstein Paris.

CHANEL

If you are like me, Chanel is a word that conjures up the following picture in your mind’s eye: beauty, elegance, whimsy, and lets not forget, luxury. The history of this storied house and its equally famous Mademoiselle Coco is much more than an introduction in KA can give credit to, but try we will. If a magazine was to do a fashion issue and were to not have Chanel, this would be akin to going sailing without a boat. So you can imagine our joy when on this, our fifth (Mademoiselle’s favorite number) Volume of KA Magazine and our Fashion Issue to boot. We are fortunate to not only have Chanel as a feature, but a Canadian exclusive as well to most of the images shown in the following spread, and isn’t exclusivity the cornerstone of luxury? Sit back, take a glass of chilled spring water and to it add a slice of lemon and lime infused in a crystal glass. Take a sip, and explore the upcoming Chanel underwater world. Then, close your eyes and dream.

S.S. 2012 RTW KA MAGAZINE - Vol. 5

46

“Nothing is more modern than the oldest shapes of the history of the world, not of humanity. Because, look at the shapes and the sea too, they are very modern. The airplanes, everything is inspired by that. Like by birds. And in the sea too. The shapes of the fishes are unbelievably modern. For me, it’s something like Zaha Hadid in a way. The huge fish there could be a building by Zaha Hadid.” - Karl

“ Quote from Karl Lagerfeld here” “Vous savez, le plus important, dans tout ça, ce sont les matières. Parce que ça ne pèse rien, tout ça. C’est un mélange de papier, de cellophane, de plastique, de nylon.”

“It’s the best thing to do, to dive with your imagination.

You can never drown yourself.”

“It’s really completely weightless. You see those - even bulky looking thingsyou touch them, they are feathers.”

CHANEL SPRING SUMMER 2012 RTW

Zhou Xun & Anna Mouglakis

Song Hye Kyo & Jared Leto

Leigh Lezark

Bip Ling & Laura Bailey

Nora Zehetner & Clemence Poesy

Poppy Delevingne & Caroline Seiber

“There are no chains, no logos, from the neck, they went to the waist, the pearls. I have them in the hair, I have them as piercing. The whole thing had to be weightless.�

Ines de la Fressange, Baptiste Giabiconi, Mario Testino & Uma Thurman

“C’est treès f latteur, la lumiere ici, parce qu’il y a du rose dedans. Parce que tout blanc, il n’y a pas d’ombre.”

MAGAZINE

ones to

watch

STYLING Kendrick Osorio HAIR Ramiro Rodriges / Bumble & Bumble MAKEUP Kimberly Pletz / Dior Beauty VINCE Gold Metallic Knit RYGY Desire Black bikini bottom

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“I would love a role in any superhero X-men style movie, Wonderwoman, something along those lines of portraying a strong, sexy, badass type woman!

DONNA KAREN silk wool sweater wrap RALPH LAUREN Gold buckle snake skin belt RYGY Rio Bikini bottom

DONNA

FELDMAN Donna Photographed by Paul Schefz

What is it about stunning girls in black skin-tight bodysuits riding a black Duccati to a black helicopter, then proceeding to jump from afore-mentioned helicopter into open ocean while speeding matte black yacht (only one in the world anchored off Monte Carlo) cruises by to collect bathing suit clad passenger, wrapping her wet body in a plush black towel... What is it about this scene that is so dammed hot? Everything. But wait, if this is not enough, the fact that the girl in-mention is none other than the lovely and talented Ms. Feldman, now that is thermometer blowing hot! See for yourself. If you were wondering, I did not make up the previous scenario, check out Donna in her recent appearance as Visa® Black Card girl. Our vote for the next Bond girl is right here and with the article on the Aston Martin Amv10, KA Magazine has literally taken out the guess work from the next Bond movie.

KA - Donna, you have been so patient with us during the last year of making this issue, how are you always so calm and lovely?

DF - I’ve been that way since I was a little girl. It’s just in my nature to be a calm, non-confrontational and easy-going person.

I’ve never been a troublemaker.

KA - Do you think that this is what makes your star continue to rise and rise?

DF - Funny you ask that because I have come across a lot of successful people in entertainment world who shock me with their diva-like entitled attitude, but I will never act that way no matter what. I believe in showing everyone you work with respect and kindness and just be pleasant to work with, since it’s better for people to remember you in a positive light.

KA - During our meeting in person, you were so soft and might we say a bit shy, this actually made us want to know you even more!!! How do you turn your “shy” switch off to go on camera?

DF - In front of the camera I get to be that outgoing, confident, and strong woman because that is what the role typically requires and I enjoy playing that part since it’s somewhat different than the way I am or feel about myself in “real life”. I turn the “shy” switch off the moment the camera starts clicking because that’s the moment the real fun begins.

KA - What is new for you in 2012?

DF - So far, this has been an extremely busy start to the New Year. I’ve been busy with advertising shoots, commercial and catalog projects, I’m on hold for some wonderful overseas projects in Germany, and also reading over a few scripts for movies that will most likely start filming anytime between late spring-summertime so I’m excited about the great opportunities coming my way! My hard work is paying off and it’s a good feeling.

KA - Tell us one resolution that you will break for sure !?

DF - To never eat McDonald’s fries anymore? I can’t give that up.. they taste too good..

KA - What do you love the most about living in LA? DF - I love that I grew up here! This is where my family is, but besides that I love that I have so many great work opportunities and also options for vacationing at the beach, the desert, the city, etc.. There are so many great cities all over Southern California and the weather will spoil anyone!

KA - What would be your dream role?

DF - Besides the Bond girl role of course, I would love a role in any superhero X-men style movie, Wonderwoman, something along those lines of portraying a strong, sexy, badass type woman!

KA - How did you get into this business?

DF - I was studying fashion marketing/business management and thought a good way to network with designers was to be become a fit model for their clothing lines and that lead to an agent sending me out to print work and then to TV commercials, then that lead to being a trophy girl at the Oscars, a spokes model on Deal or No Deal, international print campaigns, catalogs, then acting on TV shows and movies, TV hosting, etc. Every year got bigger and better and luckily I’m continuing on that path.

KA - Which city do you love the most?

DF - That’s hard to say since it all depends what mood you are in! In Canada, I must say that Montreal is absolutely beautiful. New York and Tel Aviv have great energy, and Venice Italy is gorgeous and romantic. Phuket in Thailand is exotic and wonderful, but this list goes on and on. It’s hard to choose 1, but the most relaxing and breathtaking place I’ve ever been to in my entire life is Bora Bora. It is Heaven on Earth!

KA - How do you deal with being a sex symbol?

DF - I don’t see myself as that, so that might help with dealing with it since it’s a non-issue for me. I just think of myself as a normal girl who used to get teased in school for being tall and awkward. I guess it feels good though and I appreciate the compliment.

KA - Do you have tons of Facebook® friends, what’s your take on this?

DF - I have about 10,000 or so fans on facebook. I think it’s a wonderful social networking tool. I “get it” more than I get twitter. Slowly, but surely I’m trying to get more involved since I know how important it is to have a great internet presence and fan base.

KA - What are you currently reading?

DF - I am currently reading “The China Study“ which is almost identical to the documentary “Forks over Knives” which show the benefits of a Whole Foods, plant based diet and how you can treat so many health issues just by changing your diet, and not just popping more and more pills into your system.

KA - What is the difference between Joy and Happiness?

DF - I believe joy is more fleeting, and happiness is a state of mind.

KA - Who is Donna Feldman?

DF - Donna Feldman is a hard-working, loyal, honest, and loving person who is inspired and wants to inspire others to always stay true to themselves.

JOAN

SMALLS

KA Magazine is pretty much “What you see is what you get”. Rarely do we fuss about, while putting the carrot on a stick- and it is with this in mind that we are letting it be known right now, that Joan you are definitely on the short list of choices for KA Volume 6. Joan is so KA that upon discovering her late in the making of this issue, the editor decided we had to move things around to include her spread.

Joan Smalls Photographed by Sebastian Faena for V

If you were not around when Iman stalked the cat walk or to see how Naomi owned it, you have been given a glimpse of what it was like to be apart those glorious days, with the sudden emergence of Ms. Joan Smalls. This Puerto Rican beauty, now living in NYC, has the grace of Kelly, the stealth of Iman and the fierce of Naomi all rolled up in the package that is all Joan. If you do not know the name yet, you will. She has become on of the most widely in demand models of the past few years and with the new Chanel campaign and the Perelli catalogue both under her belt, there is no stopping this star on the rise. Her big break came when she appeared in the all important Givenchy Haute Couture show in Paris and the rest as they say, is history.

KA Magazine will give you a short Joan Smalls history lesson: appears in Burberry, Gap and Gucci campaigns, recently worked with such designers as Oscar de la Renta and Diane von Furstenberg, she was featured in the 2011 ad campaigns for Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, as well as Stella McCartney. If that doesn’t get your fancy, this lovely Puerto Rican is the new face of Estee Lauder’s Global campaign.

Joan describes herself as strong, humorous, loving, and enjoys a low-key industry profile. (No known eating disorders here, drug scandals or sex tapes on the internet) Now to all you over packers, a personal quote from Ms Smalls: “My bikini, a pair of black high heels and a pair of comfortable jeans.” On her essential travel items.. We add to this list, a KA Magazine for reading and she is down right, perfect in our books err, Magazine..

“My travel essentials : My bikini, a pair of black high heels and a pair of comfortable jeans.”

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AMÉLIA

RACINE

There is a saying that goes a little like this: “You know something or someone is meant to be, when they come from out of the blue” (wherever that blue is!), and it just feels right.

This is exactly how it occurred, when KA received an email from a friend insisting on us meeting with Amelia Racine. That name, we mused, sounded very familiar. A quick Google of Amelia and snap, crackle, pop, Miss Racine was on KA’s radar. But the fun part was making the whole shoot happen, as Amelia was leaving in a few days back to Miami. We found a way to make it happen, and were we ever so glad that we did! Amelia is a true star on the rise and we look forward to working with her again, though next time, in a not-so-tight schedule.

Amelia Racine Photographed by Kevin Allwood KA - Ok Amelia, it’s time to fess up; do the skinny models eat?!

AR- Hahaha!a! You remember in the shooting!l? En ce qui me concerne, j’ai une très bonne génétique, je suis très chanceuse. J’aime bien manger, I love big breakfast, healty lunch and good diner. j’essaie de manger le plus possible bio, mais je mange aussi des poutines, pop corn et nacho!lol! J’ai rencontré beaucoup de mannequins comme moi, mais il est vrai que d’autres sont oubligé de s’entrainer et de faire vraiment attention à ce qu’elles mangent.

KA - I have seen you doing your thing for the past 14 years, and still you remain so sweet. How do you keep such a great vibe in an industry that tends to make the girls jaded?

AM - Ah merci beaucoup. C’est facile d’être gentille avec les personnes qu’ils le sont aussi. Je m’entoure de personnes extrêmement compétent pour mon travail, que j’aime et dans la vie de tout les jours aussi.

KA - You work girl! Is definitely a term to be used when we are talking about you, how do you work so much?

AR - J’adore mon travail. Mon travail est ma passion.

Je suis mon propre business, donc pour moi c’est très important d’être extêment professionnelle. J’ai la chance de faire un travail que j’aime, ce que je crois est un très grand privilège.

KA - Spain, Italy, Miami, NYC, Mtl. You are always traveling, does this affect your love life?

AR - Oui c’est loin d’être évident de garder une relation avec mon travail, car je suis constamment en voyage.

Mais pour le moment, mon travail est ma priorité…jusqu’à ce que je trouve le grand amour.

KA - What would be your perfect wedding?

AR - J’ai un peut le rêve de petite fille en princesse. Alors mon mariage parfait serait dans un endroit style château Européen, un mariage très romantique et très intime avec ma famille, mes bons amis et des gens important pour moi. Je sais déjà qui je choisirais comme maquilleuse, coiffeuse, photographe et aussi le designer qui fera ma robe!

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HAIR AND MAKEUP Susan Morales / Gloss Artist BLUSH Black lingerie. NEVIK Black sequins and taffeta skirt. KSENIA BOEVA bracelets.

Je sais déjà à quoi ressemblera ma robe. Il y aura de la top nourriture,du bon vin,du champagne à volonté et un top dj pour la fête.

KA - Which city is your favorite?

AR - C’est très difficile de répondre à cette question pour moi car il y énormément de villes dans le monde que j’aime et pour de différentes raisons, mais si je dois en répondre seulement une, sans évidemment Montréal…je dirai Barcelone, mais aussi Londres ,Paris, NYC et Miami!

Et mon pays préféré, c’est l’Italie.

KA - You’re sixteen, beautiful, and you wish to enter the game; what would you have done differently?

AR - J’aurais plus eu confiance en moi.

KA - What would be your dream campaign?

AR - Guess jeans.

KA - How did you get your face on Zara Spain t-shirts?

AR - En fait une photographe avec qui j’avais fait un créatif à appeler mon agence à Barcelone pour leur dire que ZARA serait intéresser à acheter une photo de mon visage qu’on avait pris ensemble pour mettre sur 1000 chandails.

KA - Do you believe in luck?

AR - Je crois au Karma et je crois aussi que la meilleure manière d’avoir ce qu’on veut et la plus gratifiante, est de travailler fort et d’être honnête pour réussir dans la vie.

KA - Who is Amelia?

AR - Amélia est une fille qui est née au Brésil et qui a été adopté par des Québécois à l’âge de 3 mois. Je viens d’une petite famille, et je suis extrêmement proche de ma mère, mon frère et ma grand-mère. J’ai toujours été encouragée à faire ce que je voulais faire, j’ai été élevée dans l’amour et j’ai été très gâtée par le temps que ma famille m’accordait petite. Je suis une fille extrêmemet déterminée. Mes amis sont extrêmement important pour moi et j’essaie de m’entourer de gens loyaux, intègre et honnête. Ma famille et mes amis ont toujours cru en moi…Je suis une fille qui aime la bonne bouffe, le bon vin, voyager et apprendre de differentes cultures, j’aime la vie.

J’essaie toujours d’être le plus positive possible. Je déteste les gens jaloux. Je suis fille très “girly”, qui a beaucoup d’amies filles et qui adore réunir mes amis à l’entour d’un bon souper. J’adore la musique.

KA - What is your take on Facebook…can one really have 600 friends?

AR - Je n’ai pas 600 amis facebook, mais plutôt 1500! Et oui, je connais presque tout le monde sur mon facebook.

Si je ne les connais pas, c’est parce qu’il y a une raison que je l’ai es accepté et normalement cèest pour le travail…par exemple des photographes ou des clients potentiels. Le fais de voyager partout dans le monde m’amène à rencontrer un nombre de gens assez phénoménal.

BLUSH White lace bra. NEVIK BRIDAL White duchess silk and lace gown. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN black pumps .

“Je crois au Karma et je crois aussi que la meilleure manière d’avoir ce qu’on veut et la plus gratifiante, est de travailler fort et d’être honnête pour réussir dans la vie.”

BAPTISTE Baptiste, Baptiste, where fore art thow Baptiste? Everywhere, would be the answer. In 2009, when Naomi met with Baptiste in Moscow she told him: “It’s not right, we all have defects…

You have none.” In an interview with WWD Karl Lagerfeld described Baptiste as “A boy version of Gisele: skinny, skinny but with an athletic body— good for clothes and great with no clothes.”

This was a hard feature to write, for the opposite reason that one usually hits a snag in these sort of things. The reason here was not “Oh my, I have a head ache and the juices aren’t flowing”, or “I may be having a writers block”. No, the reason was much more delaminating than that: Where the heck to start?

The guy is on fire literally; think romantic bouquet for new love Katy Perry when Place Vendome had a fire, creating a snag in an otherwise perfect romantic interlude. Well actually, this is a great place to start. You see, after being seated next to Perry at Chanel’s Paris couture show, and meeting at a dinner after, romance was definitely fated to follow.

Baptiste is not only reported to be the highest paid male model in the world, but is the male muse for none-other than Karl Lagerfeld. We are sure to see much more creative work from this model/musician, buzz and romance aside.

Baptiste was placed no.1 on models.com for roughly two straight years and now he is on the more prominent “icons” list of male models. Oh, and did we mention that he can sing!

GIABICONI Baptiste Giabiconi Photographed by Justin Wu

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MANUEL

DE LA MARE

might not be a house hold name, but like most of the KA picks, the word that is missing is: “Yet”. This Italian born producer Dj has already drawn the attention of global music players from the likes of Mark Knight, John Acquaviva and Fiddle Le Grand­­—all mentioned have requested his studio remixing talents. He has won best Remixer 2011 and was nominated best deep house and techno artist back in 2010. His sound is a tight mix of house and techno. The strength of his own label with label mates Alex Kenji and Luigi Rocca has seen in little under five years 303Lovers and Hotfingers both being earmarked by major players the likes of Richie Hawtin, and Roger Sanchez among others. KA Magazine had a totally chilled conversation with Manuel digging into his love of music.

KA - What is your motivation to go out night after night, flight after flight and always stay at the top of your game?

MM - I feel recharged from the big fun I have during my gigs and the love people show to me, when you cross the globe and you find even a single person waiting for your music, it is amazing.

Yesterday at LA airport, I was boarding and a kid behind me was explaining to his mother who I am, isn’t it motivating enough?! And it is not about fame, it’s rather being happy because I can communicate through music.

KA - What was your most life-changing experience that shapes the way you create today?

MM - The only life changing experience I had was when I was twenty and I had some health problems. It made me realize that I will do only exclusively what I love, no space for bad feelings that just make us waste our time.

KA- Which City in the world inspires you the most and challenges you to be your best always?

MM - With no doubts that city is Tokyo. People there are extremely elegant, and they reflect this in all aspects of their life, as in the clubs, as while they walk in the streets. Sometimes I feel I’m the animal, they are the humans, but I feel also a good connection with them, because they fully enjoy dance, food and all kinds of art with their own peculiar way.

KA - You’ve started 303Lovers and Hotfingers Music Labels with Alex Kenji and Marshall, where has this venture brought you so far?

MM - We are now free to release our music, when and how we want to. And it lets us collaborate with many artists far from Italy and allows us to create a connection between different countries and cultures through music.

KA - Tell us what’s next for Manuel De La Mare?

MM - Many busy weekends, and many hours in the studio. No big news sorry! haha KA - What’s on your playlist?

MM - I always like to listen to The Beatles, they were sounding so new for that time. In an interview, I heard Lennon saying that the new generations should be more innovative without taking elements from the past, and everytime I sample some old tracks, I hear the voice of Lennon saying bad things to me. And well in my gigs I always play “Alex Kenji & Thomas Gold – Whats up”, “Roys Rosenfeld & Luigi Rocca – Pimpin in Sanaa” and another big tune from Mark Kinght “You got the love” KA - Who is Manuel?

MM - A musician.

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GUETTO SUPERSTAR

STALLZ

Stallz Photographed by Kevin Allwood

“What’s wrong with the state of Hip Hop”, this question is as old as the genre itself. Remember ‘it takes two” by PM Dawn, a classic right, loved from day one right…wrong! The song was not loved at first, but now it is definitely a classic. The state of Hip Hop is that there might not be a state of Hip Hop, just die-hard artists doing their respective things, drawn to Hip Hop by their respective love of the beat and rhyme. One such wordsmith is Stallz, this Montreal rapper has it all, flow charisma and inspiration. KA Magazine feels him, and we’re sure you will too.

KA - What is up with Hip Hop these days?

ST - I believe Hip Hop these days has mutated so much, to a point that it lost a large capacity of its essence. A huge percentage of rappers these days ether look the same, sound the same, or both. Music is a great way to express ourselves, and being a child of the 80’s, I was fortunate to experience Hip Hop at its best during the 90’s, when it was raw because it had to get the message across. Now, most rappers have turned “raw” into “half-baked” and this sends out a somewhat negative image or lifestyle to the youths. I for one support all emcees that treat Hip Hop the way it was given to us, rather than exploit it.

KA - How are your new offerings going to be different from the last recordings?

ST - Since the birth of my daughter, I looked back at my past work, and I said to myself that one of these days, she is going to hear this and say “Daddy, why did you say this in that song?”

Or “What do you mean by such and such?”.

To some people they don’t really care, but my number one goal is to be a father figure for my daughter. I also find with less profanity, I get to be that much more creative with my music, which can open a broader reach to get fans I never would have imagined. So the main differences, expect a more determined and positive Stallz with the same powerful lyrical flows and witticism.

KA - Your Ghetto Superstar remix with Ashley King is rewind good, how did this come about and will we be expecting more of this vibe from Stallz?

ST - This actually happened off the top during

a photo shoot with KA Magazine. I had worked with Ashley King on many occasions, she gave me a chance to collaborate with her and ever since, the chemistry has grown. She adds that special ingredient that is needed to many songs and I have great respect for her and KA magazine for embracing me within their team. You should expect a lot more creative stuff like this from me, so keep an eye out.

KA - There has been a long line of music styles that have become pop, now we see the same with Hip Pop. How are you determined to stay true to the original Hip Hop movement?

ST - Simply by breaking the trend, not doing what everyone else is doing, staying creative and being innovative, respecting what I grew up on from my era.

KA - In your video, you are wearing a tailored Gucci suit, Prada shoes, and fitted black Dolce & Gabanna shirt. What is the message behind this departure from the uniform?

ST - A friend of mine told me, “wear the suit until it suits you.” Everyone needs to be spoiled once and a while, but for real, being so well dressed is almost a shock for some people when they see who is behind the suit. I guess it was a bit for the shock factor.

KA - Which other artists are on your play list presently?

ST - Common, Busta Rhymes, J Cole, the Roots, Stallz and my Chiefs.

KA - Why are mothers so important to “Thug Life” ie. Tupac “dear Momma” as well as Biggie and his mom, just to name a few?

ST - My mother raised 5 kids, pretty much on her own, and no matter how many times I would

drive her crazy, she would always be there for me. There is a bond that is unbreakable when you have a good relationship with your mother.

You were in her womb for so long, I mean, there will always be a deep connection on a spiritual level.

KA - You seem to be going into the electronic meets rap, are you in an experimental mood?

ST - I always like to experiment with music, however I try to maintain that Hip Hop flavor in everything I do. I can rap on pretty much anything, but when I find the sound that suits me, is when I cause the most damage, lyrically speaking.

KA - Why is there still so much feuding going on in the rap scene?

ST - I haven’t seen any “real” feuding lately. Most of the times its for an increase in ratings, to get people’s attention or reanimate a person’s career. Controversy sales, however, I rather see people feuding lyrically rather than physically, so I am not totally against it, but come on people, chose your battles wisely!

KA - Why are you doing this music?

ST - I’m doing music because I love it, and was gifted with the talent to actually do it well. I use my music to describe how I feel, and to let my emotions out freely.

KA - Who is Stallz?

ST - Stallz is, a father, an emcee, an entertainer, a recording artist from a Jamaican descent, skilled with one of the best lyrical flows out there today. Heavy punch lines, great concepts and a breath of freshness on the microphone.

DIOR Black glasses.

DOLCE & GABANNA Black poplin shirt GUCCI Suit RADA Shoes - Courtesy of Holt Renfrew

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SCARLETT

JAMES Scarlett James is on a mission. Yes this beautiful blonde bombshell has a plan, and if she succeeds, it will be the end of life on planet Earth as we know it. If this was a movie trailer, it would sound a bit like this (insert deep voice here) “One woman, one mission, the fate of our collective sexiness lies in the hands of none other that Scarlett James.� Yes Scarlet wishes to make Montreal glamorous. A city of art, culture and yes, beautiful Burlesque. If this lovely starlet has her way, Montreal will once again be a city where we actually get dressed up to go out; fedoras and gowns, glitz and glamour. KA is all for that and with her upcoming performance at the Red Bull Grand Prix event in Shanghai China at the Portman Ritz Carlton as well as the incredibly successful Grand Burlesque Show and Festival in Montreal, Ms James is definitely making her mission possible.

Scarlett James Photographed by Kevin Allwood

Styling KA Agency Hair Valerie Meades Makeup Christelle Souverbie Jewelry Caroline Neron Set St. Paul Hotel

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HAIR Valerie Meades MAKEUP Christelle Souverbie JEWELS Caroline Neron

KA - You once said that what you do is respecting the past while looking towards the future; what do you see for the future of Burlesque?

SJ -The movement is growing and I think it will become more present sd people will grow to know more about it. There is still a lot of people who don’t know about this form of art or have it confused with pole dancing. On my part, I will continue catering to the mainstream audience and share my passion with care and love and like a plant, it will grow.

KA - Let’s talk a little bit more about this vision of yours; what will be the next step with The Grand Burlesque Show?

SJ - The Grand Burlesque Show is getting more and more well known and I am working to bring it at the next level, that means bringing it to other cities and have the show last longer, a week or 2 instead of just 3 days, maybe bring it on an International tour, who knows!

KA - So how do you plan to continue shaking things up, keeping your audience guessing?

SJ - Absolutely! Yes! It also pushes me to go beyond the boundaries, stimulate the audience is key to success, that is why every show is different and I always have surprises for them.

KA - How much of your performance is Scarlett the woman, or do you get into another zone all together when on stage?

SJ - Scarlett has not been created to be a mask or an armour, it is the other way around, it is where I am the purest, the moment where I truly am happy, and I have a moment for myself, a full seven minutes to share with my public after months of hard work, planning, strategizing, costume making etc! It is a very precious moment.

KA - You actually seem transformed almost supernatural when you are performing – how do you do this?

SJ - I think it is the happiness and the public’s energy that make me glow, I guess.

KA - The last time I saw you perform I felt at one point teased, but at a deeper level I felt I was witness to a Zen moment; what is your process on stage?

SJ - When I enter the stage, I breathe deeply, I feel my feet on the floor, I let the music poor into me and I make one with it, I don’t force it, it is the music that dictates me what to do, so it all appears natural, like it is meant to be. I like to be smooth, in Burlesque they call me a ‘’glider”. April March was a glider as well.

KA - Yes you seemed to go beyond tease to

voyeur. Both males and females seemed transfixed by a sense of “private show” – is this your intent?

SJ - Flirting with the line is my talent and never crossing it is the name of the game. It allows everyone to look without feeling uncomfortable and ashamed, towards themselves or a spouse/friend. This is how I built my brand, it is also a form of respect, I am not here to push or chock anyone, I am here to show them beauty and fun.

KA - Have you thought of pushing this feeling, this experience from live to video; not a video of your show, but a video of you?

SJ - I thought about it, I think when the opportunity arises, I will be more than happy to look into it, I like new challenges and it could be an interesting experience.

KA - If such a video is to be done, would it require a plot or would it be pure performance art?

SJ - I think I would have to sit down and make a choice… actually, why not do both? Let the public decide which one they like the most, after all, they really are the boss!

KA - Can you remember your most amazing experience performing?

SJ - Ooh… there are many, I like to perform on big stages with all the lights cues and big effects.

Las Vegas, the Hollywood hotel in Los Angeles were great too… but performing in Montreal is always very special, we have such a great public here!

KA - Where do you source your inspiration?

SJ - In my little girl dreams, in music, sometime it comes from a piece of fabric! I never know how, like sneezing, you never know!

KA - Is there another incarnation that will manifest soon for Ms. Scarlett?

SJ - I have many secrets to unveil, many projects on my mind, I am just getting warmed up, trust me, in time I share all of it.

KA - Who is this Scarlett?

SJ - Smart, caring, resilient, impatient, discreet when not on stage, LOVES flowers, I never get enough of flowers, fashion, music, dancing too.

I am independent but love to be taking care of.

I am very hard on myself, disciplined, driven, I can’t stand when I am told “NO”. I am loyal, and very sensitive. When hurt I bite, hard. I forgive but never forget, I have an excellent memory.

I hate math. I enjoy cooking, I have to clean the whole house when in PMS. Traveling is so important to me, meeting new people, listening to stories, having dinner with friends, good wine, chocolate. I like to paint, I am stubborn but then again, I am always right..Haha!

ASHLEY

KING Ashley King is a perfect enigma, the voice of an angel, with the body of a siren, coupled with cat fierce eyes; a combination that can take you to a place few will ever find. Yet with all this fierceness, Ms. King is as nice as a pussy cat (though we have not tried to rub this young starlet the wrong way!) Now in studio working on her third, yes third album, there is no stopping this force of nature, and with Art Director of KA Magazine also safely under her belt, the question begs to be answered: Is there nothing this lady cannot do?

Ashlely King Photographed by Kevin Allwood

KA - It is a bit over a year since last we spoke, how has the year been for you?

AK - It’s hard to put it into words, as I’ve been blessed this past year, in a way that I cannot compare to anything tangible – a whole new life. I actually have to find a way to get back to Earth.

KA - We loved your recent video Blue Christmas. How cool was making Christmas songs for right now.

AK - I love Christmas songs, I don’t know why, I have a soft spot for them! But I also think that dishing out the same old stuff every year does get a bit tired. I wanted to make Xmas music that I could groove to, this is cool.

KA - You now have two albums out: Waiting for the Future and Love Revolution, and already you are backing studio working on your third release, what can we expect from this third album?

AK - You like French? This is my next amazing challenge! I’ve always written songs in English, but I actually do have a very French background as I am from Quebec. So I decided to dive-in head first, and I’m loving the vibe that is coming out – we’ll see where it leads! I plan on putting out two albums this Spring. One in English, et un en Francais.

KA - How has your creative vision changed or evolved?

AK - I believe even stronger now, how important

it is to take my time and just do me, whatever that is.

KA - There seems to be a movement slow but steady towards independents. Do you think this is a good thing ( knowing that at one point even hip hop was underground)?

AK - Yeah, I think there is a whole new door for independent music. There is so much talent out there, and the beauty with being independent, is just that! You are free to do, and be who you want; put out YOUR music, not what a Label wants you to put out. I believe truly that if you just do what you love and keep doing it, it will be heard, seen, and understood. There is an audience for everything. Just like hip hop – this form of music started out as a message of peace, revolution, of truth. It was when it was “underground” that it had the strongest power I believe.

People resonated with it. Now the “industry” took it over and it has lost the power of it’s message.

You know, “cash, money, cars”…this is not hip hop. The key I think it to listen to independent music with a fresh ear and be open minded to discover new artists, not just what one conveniently hears on the radio.

KA - Is video and film something that attracts you?

AK - Yes, I believe that creating a visual for a song, can bring it to life. It then also becomes a memory and forever when you listen to this song, you will see its story. I’m very curious to

HAIR & MAKEUP Susan Morales / Gloss NEVIK White perfecto jacket and black bodysuit.

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“I believe that it takes time to perfect your craft, like being a good musician – you cant just fake it.”

05

learn about video – as I love photography and the possibility of creating moving images is just so thrilling.

KA - When we see you on stage it is like you were born to be there, what is it that motivates you to be in this business?

AK - Being able to do what I love and share it with others. At this point it is not about how many people I reach, but how touched is each person when they see me on stage or hear my music. I recently received a message (on facebook of all places!) from someone who had received my Christmas Album, and told me how he played it proudly on Christmas morning (replacing his Sinatra CD) while his daughters opened their presents. He told me how it made their moment special. This is what motivates me to continue making music.

KA - It is a business, it’s called the music business for a reason. How does balancing the business side of things affect your creativity?

AK - Good question! I suck at the business side (my manager will agree). I seem to have this aversion with selling my music. I just always want to give it away! Maybe I am naïve, but the beauty is that it does keep me creative as nothing I do is about the money at the end of the line.

But honestly, once an album is made, THEN the business side starts! Being in business is actually quite creative; in terms of finding creative ways of putting out your product to the people.

KA - You are doing more collaborations and with the addition of other artists on your previous and upcoming album, you seem to have jumped to another creative space.

AK - I love seeing what other artists understand from a song, and how they translate it through their words. So yes, I have done a few collaborations recently – mostly with hip hop artists as I enjoy the addition it brings and the contrast between my voice and theirs.

KA - Your voice is amazing, one can close their eyes and feel Sade in your music and your vibe.

How annoying is it that the ear of the general public is being conditioned to not appreciate the voice?

AK - It is true that the “general public” is conditioned to think “auto tune” is the new Etta James, but I believe there are still music lovers out there who are hungry for the real stuff. I prefer to focus on those 100 thousand people than the millions of others.

KA - We have seen all the greats take the long road, but can this be done in a fast food world?

AK - I believe that it takes time to perfect your craft, like being a good musician – you can’t just

fake it. You see, all the “greats” like Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Sade, Prince – they’ve all had something different about them; their music was authentically them – they are true artists. It takes time to know what that is. I believe if you wish to go this route, you must “boycott McDonalds” (so to speak) and know that the fast way, is not necessarily the easy way.

KA - Would you say that if the purpose is not to get “there” then the trip is a blast?

AK - Yes, because where is “there”? Like anything in life you need to enjoy the process, as the end result wont bring you happiness. It’s in the act of creating the song, being on that stage in front of 50 or 100 people that will keep you in a constant state of joy. Not always looking ahead wishing you were somewhere else, if you do this, you will always be wishing.

KA - You did a amazing remix of Bang Bang (Kill Bill) will we be seeing a video of this soon?

AK - We are actually writing the script for it now – Stay tuned!

KA - How cool is that song and how cool are you for doing remixes!

AK - Thanks, well – I’ve always wanted to remix this song, ever since I saw the movie and was haunted by Nancy Sinatra’s voice ringing in my ears…I think it’s just plain fun to play with a song that I love and bring something new to it.

KA - Was this a difficult artistic decision to make (remix)?

AK - Of course not, making music is about what feels good –and if you love it too, then I know I made the right choice!

KA - “End of days” is a beautiful love song about hearing that the world will end and how to communicate this to a person you love. Yet it still gives hope that somehow love is the answer.

AK - Yes I think we sometimes forget we are fragile little creatures living on this tiny planet in a void called space. We are distracted by our daily lives and I believe that if ever we were faced with “The end of days”, it will come down to love. Your children, your spouse, your friends and family. What would you want to say to them? The song is about the importance of saying it now.

KA - Your fashion editor of KA and you even have a say in the editorial content, is this something that helps you creatively?

AK - It does, because KA is a magazine that focuses purely of creative and inspiring content.

Each page is beautiful, this is what I love most about it, reminding me constantly how many wonderful people, places and things there are in this world.

JIHAE

KIM

We are constantly asked what KA Magazine is all about, and the answer has always been the same: to find people that are not in the main stream, and are just doing their thing. This might sound simple enough, but in a world that is daily becoming more and more homogenous, this is no easy task. Jihae Kim is definitely doing her thing and it is working. This multi-talented artist is the reason doing KA is so rewarding. Enough said, go out and discover Ms. Kim for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

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fire

burning

rain

KA - The last time we were in contact with you was after the release of “My Heart is an Elephant” and “Elvis is Still Alive”… a little bit over a year has passed, what is happening with Jihae now?

JK - Since Elvis days… I fell out of love, back in love; made scores for commercials and a couple short films, did a few art collaborations; made a new album and a rock opera, Fire Burning Rain.

I’m now working on a new album called House of 7 Seas.

KA - You have truly taken the road less traveled and it seems to suit you just fine. Love the video, “The Model”: you seemed to have had a strong creative hand in this production, how was the experience?

JK - Thank you. I think Kraftwerk were innovators in synth music and performance, but I would’ve never thought of covering a song like ‘The Model’. I found it mind boggling that kids today when asked what they want to be when they grow up, 99% of the time the answer is, “I want to be famous” or” “I want to be on TV”.

If you ask, “famous for what?” You’ll most likely get a shoulder shrug. It’s a sad world when the reality stars are the role models for our next generation. This is what inspired me to cover the song and the video.

KA - Speaking of experience, few have gone into the deep end of a pool, much less 500 feet under water. Five hundred feet, now that is extreme, how cool was that?

JK - I have to admit it was a bit scary and thrilling all at the same time.. The most difficult part of the trip was getting onto the sub from a boat in the middle of the ocean during big waves in the cold. The submersing part felt surprisingly zen and easy. I looked at the captain in disbelief saying “are we really 300 ft down already?”.

KA - How did Jihae connect with North Face?

JK - Rajan Mehta who is the creative director and filmmaker and Mote Sinabel who is the photographer have been working on this project yearly for the last 5 years. I jumped on board 3 years ago making music for each book/dvd project and they’ve been kind enough to allow me to come to part of the trips for inspiration.

KA - I love your evolution, I remember when I first discovered Prince, I had no clue what he would do next and this was so exciting. This is lost in the (main) stream; the excitement of not knowing. Can you give us a sneak peak into your plans for the future?

JK - A new album is in the works with some amazing collaborators. I’m working on a couple sound art projects and further developing the rock opera. Simon Says Sing for Peace is a musical peace rally I started which is at the beginning stages of launch.

KA - Recently I was reading that for the first time virtual music has sold more than physical CD’s.

The amount is tiny, but still there you have it.

Downloads have sold more in 2011, for me this was not the big news; the big news is that vinyl

has increased in sales by close to 1 million over the previous year. Would you go vinyl?

JK - I love the sound of vinyl. It has such a warmth to it you couldn’t get in any other form of music. I’d love to make my albums come out in vinyl as well.. I’ll probably do that with the new one.

KA - The opera makes vinyl space age in comparison, but there is a new breath of fresh air the “rock opera” and nothing more exciting than a Opera with Jihae in it! How was this experience?

JK - It was one of the most challenging experiences, but most rewarding by far. The ability to take an album and creating a story and theatre with it is really incredible thing to do. What I love about it is that you can take a piece of art or song and make layers of art on top through dance, theatre and multi media art. The ability to make new forms of expression based on an existing form is really fantastic, because you learn new things about it and can take the initial concept to so many places. We had Alex Grey’s paintings turned into motion graphics for the video projection that fit perfectly with the storyline.

KA - So there you are Jihae, working with non other than Academy Award winning playwright/ director, John Patrick Stanley and you are doing this work based on your Album. That must have been such a rush!

JK - It’s a huge honour to be able to collaborate with someone like John who has done over 30 productions and is probably one of the best writer/directors of our time. I initially went to him for advice where he laughed and said he thought I needed a therapist. That lunch kicked off our writing session and John and I ended up with a rock opera.

KA - I am sure you knew I was going to ask you this: “Fire Burning Rain” I love this title, you are like a “Word Smith”. The iron smith might create with metals, but you my dear create with words.

What is the meaning of this title?

JK - Fire Burning Rain represents 2 opposing elements that cannot balance each other out. The rain instead of subsiding the fire makes the fire burn even stronger. A bit like the severe imbalance of our current state of affairs. The earth spins out of control before our eyes and will we spin along with it, is the question.

KA - I heard you are in studio, how is this going?

JK - Very well thank you. I feel like I’m at a creative high and can’t wait to get it done although I’ve just barely begun. I think I’ll race through this one.

KA - Tell me a little bit about The Model and how did you get the lovely Paz de la Huerta to come on board?

JK - Paz and I met through mutual friends and we became yoga buddies. Despite popular belief, she is quite an artist and is game for any creative project if talented people are involved.

IF CARS COULD

FLY

THEY’D LOOK A LITTLE SOMETHING LIKE THIS

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BENTLEY silverwing

Each time we do an issue of KA Magazine, my thoughts run a bit like this: I will never love again! Then, we get into the new issue, and I am once again made into a serial monogamist. I mean, it is impossible to not fall in love with the Bentley Silver Wing, or at least wish to have it as a side-affair. This concept car by Bentley is a looker with the power of a road beast.

Though Bentley may belong to the United Kingdom, Chinese designers Shawn Wood and Guohua Cheng, have given this proper English gentleman new clothes indeed. The Silver Wing has a completely modern racing look that when attached to the distinctive Bentley logo, just makes you relish this car. The car; dubbed the Bentley Silver Wing, was inspired by the brand’s racing heritage as well as the F22 Raptor fighter jet. This mid engine super car was designed and imagined as a mid engine successor to the 1999 Hunaudieres Concept. The front of the car is aggressive, but if you were modeled after a fighter jet, what else would you be! The lines on the sides are graceful and remind us of another famous designer: Zaha Hadid.

There is nothing about this car that is understated, and to even describe it in detail is not necessary, other than to simply say, take a look for yourself and as KA Magazine is what dreams are made for, then follow a common theme in this issue and close your eyes; picture your hands around the steering wheel of this road beast; driving or flying.

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ASTON

MARTIN amv10

Now what could the people at Aston Martin be thinking when they decided to design and produce this testament to automaking genius, is beyond me. Could it be that the Aston Martin brass wished to beat the record for number of successive car reviews as featured in KA Magazine (now two and counting)?

We dare not say this could be the reason for such an endeavor as this. Could it be a straight-on challenge in the mid-engine class; a direct assault on other thoroughbreds such as Ferrari and Lamborghini?

Aston Martin is a name that is synonymous with one of the most prestigious auto makers in the world, renowned for making fluid lines and simplicity an artform in motion. The feeling that one gets when seeing the Amv10 is almost Zen-like. In reflection, one gets glimpses of a smooth pebble skimmed along a still clear lake. Or in the case of the Amv10: rubber eating asphalt, and let’s not forget that distinctive Aston Martin growl.

The Amv10 from Sabino Design could comfortably fit among the current models like the DB9, yet it is different enough as to have its own identity. There is nothing else to wish for from this testament to perfection, other than it not be shot up in the next James Bond movie.

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LAMBORGHINI

insecta

You never, and I mean never, have to guess what kind of driving relationship you have entered into when you put pedal to metal in a Lambo—never! If a soft elevator music type of courtship was what you had in mind, well welcome to straight on front row at a Nine Inch Nails concert, Dorithy-has-definitelyleft-Kansas type affair.

Actually, we have left Rome altogether, as the Insecta was designed by Romanian designer Lulian Bumbu, who was trained by that other bastion of all things stylish and Italian; Alfa Romeo.

Lamborghini has (for the moment) abandoned its bull-related heritage and has found inspiration in the most unexpected of places: Insects. Yes insects, and the “eww” has been now and forever replaced by “wow”. The design of the fittingly named Insecta takes its cues from the little creature’s exoskeletons. The combination of the armored shell look, with the more familiar Lamborghini geometric angles, results in the creation of a sculptural masterpiece similar to the Gallardo.

This as it is the trend of our reviews in this Fashion issue of KA Magazine, is another mid engine offering. The two-seater Insecta measures up in size of the current LP560-4, and has been designed with the same mind-numbing 552bhp, 5.2-litre v10 power train.

Will this car ever go into production? As KA is a magazine where reality meets dreams, we say why not! Could you imagine such a radical idea of bull meets scary insect...cool.

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CHRISTOPHE GEORGES COO BENTLEY Christophe Georges is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Bentley Motors of the Americas, which includes the U.S. arm of England’s revered Bentley auto Operation. Now with the proper introduction behind us, we can sit down and have a more chilled talk with the man himself, KA style.

KA - This seemed like an over night transition from; lets face it older white man to sexy young and rich.

CG - When we launched the Continental GT in 2004, it created a new market segment within the luxury sector. Its success has totally transformed our company. The GT engaged new audiences with its more contemporary, athletic appearance and performance, and it revolutionized the market with a unique blend of hand-crafted luxury and outstanding performance. It’s now a segment which many manufacturers occupy, and one in which Bentley remains dominant.

KA - The last time I was in LA. I was floored at the amount of beautiful women driving Bentleys, was this targeted effort or something that happened organically?

CG - Most Bentleys are sold to successful entrepreneurs who want to enjoy what they have earned. More and more women are successful and able to enjoy our vehicles, which are the objects of dreams.

The appeal of our cars is universal, and women are particularly sensitive to the attention to detail, the craftsmanship and the beauty of the object. The level of refinement in our cars is consistent with women’s refined sense of taste.

KA - Speaking of LA is this one of Bentley’s strongest markets in the Americas.

CG - The LA-metro is indeed the Americas’ largest market; last year, one in every five Bentleys sold in the Americas was sold in the LA-metro area.

KA - Was the “sexy-ing” of Bentley’s image something that just happened by itself or was it a factor of exquisite craftsmanship meets new market?

CG - A Bentley, such as a Continental GT, is above all a Grand Tourer. It offers acceleration, power, craftsmanship, comfort, and refinement. Fundamentally, Bentley represents the highest quality and the best technology. And the sexy

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factor comes from the purity of Bentley’s contemporary design – the cars are strong, muscular and charismatic as well as very sensual.

KA - Speaking of new markets Russia is red hot these days, it seems that if you are not driving a Bentley you are not cool, how did this happen?

CG - In Russia, we currently only have dealerships in Moscow and St Petersburg, so there is significant potential for expansion in that market and a lot of opportunity for growth.

For those who can have access to their dreams of owning a Bentley, it is the best.

KA - What is new for Bentley lovers in 2012 and beyond?

CG - In the last few years, Bentley has continued to invest in product development. A bit more than a year ago, we launched the Bentley Mulsanne – it is the best of British motoring. Last year, we launched the new generation of the GT, an evolution of revolution. It is more contemporary and even crisper. Shortly after the new GT entered the market, we launched the GTC convertible. And we have just presented the new Continental V8 engine. Of course we will continue with nice surprises in future. But now, we place priority on launching the vehicles we have just presented.

KA - How important is charity to Bentley?

CG - Charity is very important to Bentley. We have three different categories – one is more global, with our mother company in the UK, which focuses its philanthropic efforts on supporting children. In the Americas, we have partnered with the V foundation, for example, which we will continue to support this year. Our employees are civic-minded, too, and we offer a dollar-for-dollar match to their charitable donations.

KA - Give us an idea of your job?

CG - My job is leading our importing company for the American markets. Outside of ensuring the logistic, services, and processes are in place, my main responsibilities include promoting what Bentley is about, making sure the brand image is understood consistently with how we produce our cars.

Together with our dealer network, we must ensure our customer satisfaction is the highest in order to satisfy American customers through smooth delivery of our exquisite products.

KA - You are a fire-horse in Chinese astrology, strong willed determined and unafraid of the new, with a love of all things beautiful: how good is your job?

CG - I don’t know if it’s linked to my Chinese astrology, but the cyclical nature of our business and the changes in the economic environment have created a lot of challenges in business, which creates a need to be totally engaged. There is no time to be contemplative. This is what I like about the job.

It’s always changing, and dynamic markets demand astuteness and for us to be engaged as a team to manage the active and dynamic changes in the business. This is what I like about my job. It’s not a contemplative position.

KA - When do you take a break?

CG - I enjoy my holidays like everybody else but I travel a lot and when I fly, I sometimes use the time to rest or read.

KA - Which city in the world is your favorite?

CG - It’s not very original, but Paris because of its dynamism, its pressure, and the level of activity, which is radically combined with charm, sensuality, romanticism and culture. This combination makes the city unique. If you go to Venice, for example, it is charming, but it’s not dynamic. Paris has activity, pressure and charm. The city is a little bit like our cars – both offer acceleration and comfort.

KA - Who is Christophe Georges?

CG - I’m somebody who’s passionate about what I do. I’ve been with Bentley more than 13 years, with all the change and developments with the company. I’m just a passionate person.

KA - What are you currently reading?

CG - I read French books which are not related business. It’s good to read beyond business titles. www.decarie.com

S.S.2012

It’s spring and if you are living anywhere in North America, (other than those lucky folks in the Florida and Cali areas‌you know who you are) we are tired, yes tired of sun deprivation, and too many layers of stuff on our equally tired backs. We want spring already; lazy hazy days of chilling on the terrace and just soaking in the sun with a KA Magazine in hand. Spring, that time of year when everything is possible and we are ready to take the bull by the horn.

This time, it seems that fashion is also with us in the lightness category, what with all the colors and positive vibes coming from the runway. For s.s. 2012 we are looking at cropped pants, lots of vibrant and primary colors, with white and gold; colors that go perfectly well with a nice cafe in the sunshine.

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BOTTEGA VENETTA

GUCCI

COSTUME NATIONAL

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

BALMAIN

CHANEL

NSPIRE

WORLD

W is cool and I can prove it. First a few questions, do you even know what W means, can you even spell it “double-u” that’s not how you spell it!...I mean you can’t spell it! Back to the cool proof, have you seen a hotel chain that has a single letter for their name and dominates the industry? W is cool period, it’s a letter. I mean, the only way that someone can get cooler than W would be to create a chain of Uber cool hotels without even a name and trademark that. Until another chain comes along and does this, W rules. Now for arguments sake KA (two letters) is a close second.

W Hotels have a service policy entitled Whatever/Whenever.

Which means whatever you want, whenever you want it, as long as it’s not illegal, immoral or just plain wrong. However, W does not stand for this, in fact the W does not stand for any one thing in particular but they do incorporate the W into many hotel amenities and its service culture. For example the restrooms are entitled WC’s and the pool is referred to as WET, they encourage staff to exude a “whimsical” demeanor and to “wow” guests

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W

BARCELONA

One cannot think of Barcelona and not have thoughts of Gaudi and Spanish avant-gardism. Barcelona after all is a city that created a beach from scratch before Dubai. Now another avant-garde over night icon has sprung up on this world-renowned beach in Spain’s most dynamic and fashionable City. Rising high above the Mediterranean is the W Hotel, designed by none other than world-renowned architect Ricardo Bofil.

This multiplex is a cornucopia of sensory delights with a perfect blend of entertainment, recreation, culinary delight, nightlife and hospitality. This hotel has single handedly changed the excitement of this already exciting European destination. It is redundant as can be seen clearly from the drop dead gorgeous opening shot of the hotel, that “room with a view” has just taken on a whole new meaning. Gone are the days that sea view was looking through a branch at a “view” of the sea. At the W Barcelona you are practically in the sea, the view is that spectacular.

It will haunt you for weeks after leaving this oasis of visceral delights. You just want to go back again and again.

When you thought it couldn’t get any better, it does, with W’s trademark Whatever Whenever® service, “dreams come true” is taken seriously here.

PERKS Spain’s first Bliss® Spa Bravo (restaurant) by Carles Abellan Eclipse rooftop bar W beds ( so comfy) with 350- thread count sheets Our fave Bliss® Spa sinkside six

02

01

Plaça de la Rosa del Vents, 1, Barcelona 08039, Spain

1. Hungry? Check out the WET Deck restaurant near the W pool.

2. Visit the BLISS Spa Jacuzzi and Sauna for a little R&R 3. A view inside the EXTREME WOW Suite Bedroom 4. THE LOUNGE : Living room with direct beach access

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04

W

THAILAND

02 The W Thailand is stunning, and I mean STUNNING! The villas are lovely with indoor, as well as outdoor showers, and private pools. The lobby is spectacular thanks in part to the infinity pool area, which doubles as a lounge. The food is a fusion of Japanese meets Western cuisine, and can you believe it; the plunge pool is swimmable. Then there is “Sip on the beach” where you will have a designated server all day long if you wish. If this is not your style, then Namu is sure to please, where you are welcome to cozy up to the sushi bar and make friends with the chefs (but leave room for desert, this is a must here).

The key at this paradise retreat though is to make your choice clearly between view and seclusion.

This resort is a W, so the cool factor is a given. The pool privacy on the hill side is not that high, but as said before, the Villas are your slice of private heaven. Romantic is the word here at this W, and romance is definitely a good thing.

PERKS Namu ( the view is spectacular) The “Kitchen Table” Sweat® Wet® Spa W lounge The W Service 4/1 Moo 1, Tambol Maenam Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand

1. Defining a new meaning for the term “outside living” - this is the Tropical Oasis.

2. Makes you want to stay here for a month - this is a view of the Tropical Oasis from the exterior.

3. Isn’t it beautiful? This is the Lotus Pond at the W Koh Samui.

01

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W

MIAMI

In our opener, we stated that W was the coolest Hotel chain. Well how fitting is it that the coolest Hotel chain is in one of the coolest areas on the planet: South Beach in the house!

South Beach was (can you believe it) once just another beach in Miami, and not yet the play-ground of taste-makers and party people. This combination now makes for a energetic cocktail of hot spots and equally hot properties. W Miami is clearly in its element here as upon entering this South Beach mainstay, one immediately feels transported into the cool bubble as you float over to the concierge for the (inside) scoop of all things South Beach, you get a inkling as to how it feels to be in the know. If celeb-spotting is your thing, then you will not be disappointed here, and as we are all in the same W bubble - mingle away.

Living the dream is definitely the thing to do, and The Residence at W South Beach is the place to lay your head while dreaming. The Residence is modern, elegant and shall we say, very W. But even taste makers have to eat, and with the famed Mr. Chow restaurant as well as chef Andrew Carmellini’s take on the American dining experience, The Dutch, you are sure to be delighted. The Living Room bar, brings it all together in an experience that is akin to being a fashion jet setter, sipping on mojitos. Now if all this Jet setting and party “peopling” isn’t your cup of tea, don’t hate; participate! Take the elevator, (yes the elevator) to the rooftop tennis and basketball courts. It just doesn’t get cooler than this…oh wait, it does! We are taking “W” and we are taking “Miami”! This is like fish and water here folks—take a walk into your room and look out the windows, yeah you guessed it; an ocean and it’s all yours to view.

Enjoy.

01

02

PERKS Sound proof rooms Showers large enough to have a party in WHATEVER/WHENEVER service Cool factor 2201 Collins AvenueMiami Beach,Florida 1. We’re loving the Penthouse balcony at the W 2. Book the penthouse, and yes - this will be your dining room.

3. The colorful living room lounge - where you can relax inside and prepare for your sun-time.

4. W South Beach’s “secret garden” The Grove

03 04

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life JARDIN DE VILLE

A Renowned Family Business Founded in 1956, the Jardin de Ville family store used to be known as Patio Rama Bourque. In 1995, the first store opened its doors in Montreal.

Specializing in garden furniture, this innovative business bought its own furniture factory in order to meet its own quality and aesthetic criteria. In 2000, continuing in the line of such a successful path, Jardin de Ville created its signature brand, Cane Line, which is known for its affordable price and durability.

Trendy Furniture At Jardin de Ville, you’ll find everything you need to create a peaceful haven in your garden that matches your style and tastes. Forget about uncomfortable white plastic chairs. At Jardin de Ville, you’ll find comfortable patio furniture, fashioned in the trendiest styles. Whether you need a table that is square, round or rectangular, or rattan or padded chairs, or even long chairs... or maybe a garden shelter or accessories to beautify your patio, Jardin de Ville will have everything you need. The knowledgeable staff will help you with your shopping so you can make the best choices for your style and budget.

RAFFERMISSEMENT REMODELAGE RELISSAGE CUTANÉ PHOTORAJEUNISSEMENT TMT SYSTEM HORMONOTHÉRAPIE MÉSOTHÉRAPIE INJECTABLES ESTHÉLIS VARICES BOTOX SELPHYL MODÉLIS LATISSE ROLL-CIT MÉDICAL ULTRACAVITATION

UNE BEAUTÉ NATURELLE ENVIRON - DISPONIBLE CHEZ ESTHER MORIN

ESTHER MORIN MEDISPA

WWW.ESTHERMORIN.CA

BLISS

“Bliss is not a passive state of Nirvana-seeking, but an active process of happiness and light.”

Luck without happiness is misery. This is a loaded statement as it immediately begs the question: How can you be lucky and miserable? One need not look any further than the entertainment news and you will see countless examples of incredible luck coupled with intense misery. The point is not mine to make, it is as impersonal as the statement “Thunder follows lightning”. The question is, if luck doesn’t guarantee happiness, then what is there to do? The answer is really simple actually; so simple that grasping it is like holding smoke in your hands.

This BLISS talk was to be about luck, how to get it, and how to enhance and attract more abundance into your life. But with more thought, it has now become clear that this should not be the beginning of the conversation - rather happiness should be the starting point. To be more precise, it is the removal of unhappiness.

Happiness is not a thing in and of itself, as the world only defines it as either a physical or emotional state. Unhappiness is like the pots and pans and clutter in a kitchen we tend to sometimes leave as display on the counter. But when we remove this clutter and add a little shine, the counter becomes once again as beautiful and clean as the day you first saw it. The counter never changed, it was just wiped down and the clutter removed.

This is the same with happiness, it is always there under the clutter of jealousy, resentment, anger and fear - that once removed will reveal the happiness that always is always was and always will be. This flies against the common misconception of “things added will make you happy”. Has this ever actually worked for anyone?

The truth is: subtract, clean out, and release - and the happiness that always is will be revealed.

We are naturally happy and abundance attractors. We have to look no further than a child; see how he or she is unhappy until the source of the irritant is removed, and just like that - the child is smiling and playing once again with no thought of what was previously bothering them.

This too is a good lesson that while we remove the irritants, we also need to release the energy that keeps us locked into the memory of it. Yes, this is easier said than done, but we had to learn this “unhappiness keeping technique” somewhere, now we need to commit to learning how to release.

Bliss is not a passive state of Nirvana-seeking, but an active process of happiness and light. Remember we are all essentially “Light Angels”.

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L A E

O F

R

If in yo cr a d u h a ee e a in lize ps ser ven d g th in t f ’t liv ese the at on olk ye Th ing rts st we us s, t n uff a — an ot si e t t o h n on is de er h ! It re n so d li ice m ly te se e av ’s ot sl ke d, yo ark ha r, it rt I act e s no on ow m yo N u et ve is am ua o m t u ly in os u w lly u nu liv fa t d il th ico wi , lo to a r l c s i c e l e lin l s o f e ra a e k ta oo fer eat h b ua ng t, t ser soo in S e in ke d rin sa lo l a in ha ts n ! er m to a de g n w t a it, t , t ; w s ve y t t d in l w w h llo po he trip ert o h da g s l fo e a e d e s e a . a is int. car to Ye ere ily, an r ci re on nd re l a In ts an s, th ton d t tie ac ’t e sl ivin m th of y a o s ha s tu ve ow g on e a re fo ug o t liv al n l so co ny gu od h f it the ing ly e re y on nt on la de is m . pe ne atr e e of xt a b se uc op ar i r r g h t le re of ou b a m al a n o n fo fo d y x s d y ore od od ou u ou . B d , a pe rin ese nd r g rt on ,

D

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NICOLINA SERVELLO

You cannot help but fall in love with Nicolina, the woman is contagious. From the first minute I met this five foot something bundle of energy at the KA studio, I knew we were in for a ride; and what a ride it was! She knows a thing or two about food, “real food” and with a personal style that is one part sex symbol, mixed with urban cool, this food maestro will definitely keep you guessing. Read on and I am sure you will fall in love too.

KA - How did you get into creating food as a profession?

NS - I studied theatre in university and thought it would be my life-long career. My first job out of school was at a film production company and I fell head-over-heels in love with it. I was soon traveling across Europe and ultimately called Amsterdam home for 2 years. Its there where a world of food opened up to me like nothing I’ve ever experienced. The restaurants were thematic, the decor was bold, the food was innovative and the people were open to new flavors. It was a life changing experience and I somehow knew food would one day be my path.

I then spent time in LA where it reinforced my passion. These 2 cities made me realize that food is more than simply eating.

Theatrics can be involved in enhancing the dining experience and I wanted to create these types of moments.

KA - You think of yourself as a “food stylist”, tell us more.

NS - Food is what I use to create my art. Like a painting or a piece of music, I want the presentation to stir an emotion. You may like it, you may not, but at least it got you thinking. How can you not look at a dinner party or cocktail as a piece of theatre? You have live performers presenting an experience in front of a live audience. We communicate in speech and use music, food and drink to enhance the experience. I offer a momentary suspension of disbelief and food styling is absolutely necessary to accomplish that.

KA - Your dad: we love him, made pastry with your name on it (for the KA shoot) and he bakes with you (did we mention he is 84), how amazing is that!

NS - My earliest memories involve Francesco and my late mother Yolanda cooking massive feasts for family and friends. These were no ordinary meals; suckling pigs adorned with palms twisted into crowns with bright apples and clementines crowding each platter, yards of freshly made fettuccine bathing in bowls of various sauces, and seafood of every variety emerging like Neptune from the paella pan.

My dad still bakes his own bread, rolls his own gnocchis, makes his own wine, grappa, cheese, salumis, pickled vegetables, and jams. He still cultivates his hobby farm, which he’s had for 35 years, hunts mushrooms regularly and plays in a marching band. He’s a hunter, fisherman, cook, farmer, jeweler, saxophone player and artist in his own right. He survived one world war, a depression and immigration to 2 countries. At 84, he still plays his opera records, reads historical biographies and cooks for his best friend - the priest - once a week. They don’t make them like this anymore.

KA - Does your Italian roots flavor your style of cooking?

NS - Yes. I have Italian soffritto in my blood. However I also have Argentine influences as my parents lived in Burzaco for 17 years and my brother & sister were born in Bahia Blanca. Meats and

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soups are strongly influenced by the Argentine cooking styles.

I grew up in a family where everyone cooks out of love, not necessity. We all have the same basic cooking foundation but each have their unique signature flavor.

Although I wasn’t much of an eater as a child, I still appreciated the act of cooking. I loved the aromas wafting from the kitchen, the music playing in the background, the pots humming on the stove, and the wine always close by. It all goes back to theatrics.

Going to the farm or market was introduced to me very young.

We knew our purveyors by name and visited them religiously.

Our cold room was always stocked with fresh produce. In the summer, we would offer bags of our own produce as gifts. It was not only a lesson in food, but a lesson in relationships and appreciation.

KA - When you were creating food for the KA shoot, you were stressing the importance of home grown ingredients right from your garden, why is that?

NS - I know how much work goes into cultivating a garden. My in-laws have been working our urban garden for well over 30 years and it’s spectacular. The soil is rich and the crops are plentiful with so much color and beauty. I buy seeds from our local co-op and every year we introduce something new. Last spring it was black carrots.

When you bite into a tomato that you planted, watered and picked, you can taste that effort. When I explain where the radishes, carrots, beets or beans came from and how they were patiently cared over all season to ensure a healthy harvest, people’s eyes widen and heads tilt ever so slightly. Who can’t appreciate eating chemical free produce? It’s so basic but foreign for many. I encourage people to shop at one of Montreal’s many farmers’ markets. I feel people ask far too much whether something is organic rather than asking if it’s local. Isn’t that a better question? And I still don’t understand why we’re so dependant on Chinese garlic. Quebec produces some of the most fragrant and flavorful garlic in the world and yet we choose to buy mesh bags of the lack-luster variety. This summer, go on over to the market and buy a big wreath of Quebec garlic and hang it in a cool, dry place. You will have local garlic all winter long.

KA - Ok, if you told me I would love to eat or even look at raw onions I would tell you, that it wouldn’t happen. But I am now a full convert, how do you make even onions taste so good?

NS - My family lives on a simple principle; Pane e Cipolla Campero. As long as we have love, bread and onions is all we need to survive. I let Vidalia and red onion slices marinade in olive oil and sea salt for about an hour. I then dress a rustic Italian loaf half with the onions and let the oil soak into the bread. The

“My family lives on a simple principle; Pane e Cipolla Campero. As long as we have love, bread and onions is all we need to survive.”

“My fashion and design style cannot be separated from my cooking or food style, they go hand in hand. I like bold contrasts and subtle complexities in both food & fashion and I never follow rules in the wardrobe or the kitchen.”

Grape, Pear and Auricchio Tart And Pomodorini, Gaeta Olives and Mascarpone di Bufala Tart

Vanilla Olive Oil and Lemon Braised Artichokes with Red Peppercorn Buttered Croxetti

Pomodorini, Fior de Latte e Basilico in Pagnotta

Thyme Purple Potato & Marsala Onion Flat Bread And Roasted Garden Pepper Flat Bread

Pane e Cipolla

Seared Pleurote, Shiitake and Porcini Mushrooms and Lac Brome Smoked Duck Breast served on Himalayan Salt Block

onions mellow but still pack the right amount of punch. Rip off a piece and enjoy with a full-bodied red. Or a nice cold beer.

KA - Your personal style in fashion (full on gown and rain boots anyone!) is so free and exciting, does your personal style reflect in the way you cook?

NS - My fashion and design style cannot be separated from my cooking or food style, they go hand in hand. I like bold contrasts and subtle complexities in both food & fashion and I never follow rules in the wardrobe or the kitchen. I go with what I like and how it makes me feel. I turn to classic films, Sofia Coppola, bookstores, my husband, furniture designers, thrift shops, nature and my own home for inspiration. I love mixing and matching styles from different eras. I adore everything deco and glam but have a soft spot for rustic and whimsy. I can go cheap and cheerful or haute couture. It all depends where I am. Right now I’m feeling edgy and hard. I grew up around a lot of rock music and biker Ts. I can be spotted wearing a Jack Daniels cutoff or a Stella McCartney dress. I gusti non si dicutono; tastes are not to be judged.

KA - You do a lot of cooking for the movie productions here in Montreal, that must be so demanding. What is it like?

NS - It all started with Academy Award winner Eiko Ishioka.

The late Costume and Artistic Designer was in Montreal working on The Immortals. Her assistant, and my dear friend, was tasked with finding meals that would fit within very strict restrictions. I was called in to interview and soon I was cooking specialty meals for 32 crew-members a day. It’s a hectic run which usually lasts 3-5 months, but I love the adrenaline rush.

The day starts at 7 a.m. in my home kitchen. I put the kettle on and make my way down to the garden to ask what it has to offer. I fill my basket with a variety of tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots, celery, peppers, zucchini, dill, parsley, chives, and mint. By this time my assistant has arrived and starts the diligent washing process. It takes time to wash and prep all the vegetables and I’m very arduous about this task.

I get started on soups, salads and mains. By 10:30 a.m. the main haul is done and then its time to work on the finishings –

edible flowers, chopped herbs, seared lemons, roasted nuts.

We use reusable PBA free plastic containers so that’s a lot of washing and drying. Figure 2 per person, everyday. We then pack individual salads, dressings, soups, mains, breads and sides and print out the menu. By 11:45 a.m. it gets picked up and the clean up continues. By 1 p.m. I start my sprint around town to stock up for the next day while returning calls from the morning. I’m back by 3 p.m. and get to work on catering proposals, menus and detailing for upcoming projects. I have supper with my husband around 8 p.m. and jump back on my computer to answer emails until midnight. And do it all over the next morning. *The latest production was Mirror Mirror starring Julia Roberts.

KA - Do you ever have down time?

NS - I do. I try to balance my time, but it’s hard. I find myself going full throttle for months then a dead stop. I’m forcing myself to appreciate the down time, reenergize and refocusing. I’m usually juggling at least 3 projects so I never stop the creative process.

KA - What is the trend, new for weddings in 2012 is it heading more towards “real” food?

NS - Real food is here to stay. People are more engaged in what they consume and they’re starting to demand better.

I’m doing a lot of family style dinners at weddings this year.

Large pewter platters with roasts and vegetables rolled out and served table-side. It’s quite an impression when your meal is being carved and plated right in front of you. I’m introducing more vegetable alternatives like Swiss chard and turnip. The asparagus is still a favorite, but I think it needs to be shelved for the time being. I continue to incorporate a lot of local cheeses and charcuteries into my menus and I’m noticing my out of town couples seek that out more and more. I like to create a local experience on all my menus. After all, we do have some of the most talented food artisans in the world right here in this province.

KA - What would be your most fun assignment, real or imagined?

NS - Creating a fuss-free feast like my parents used to throw on

our hobby farm with tons of family and friends. Jugs of housemade wine, cold beer and mint flavored water being sipped under the shade of the tall maple tree. Long make shift tables topped with colored cloths, jars of hand picked wild flowers and mismatched plates. Opera or classical is crackling through the cassette player, and kids playing tag and racing up and down the dirt road on hand-me-down bikes.

An oak burning fire is prepared early in the morning to allow for perfect coals to receive the feast of assado, Argentine grilled meats. With great patience, the coals are raked and shoveled.

Once a white layer of ash has covered the bed of hot coals, the parilla, cast-iron barbecue grate, is set directly over to welcome the succession of meats; short ribs, sausage, sweetbreads, churrasco, t-bones. The sides are simple fire-roasted potatoes, corn in their husks and sweet peppers. At least 3 different salads with vegetables still warm from the afternoon sun are juggled around the table. The procession goes on for hours with meats in constant rotation. As we wind down, enormous slices of cold, juicy watermelon, are gobbled up by all. Once the dishes are washed in the outside sink with hand pumped water, trays of vanilla ice cream soaked in espresso coffee called Affogato is served to adults and children alike. Once the sun starts to set, we gather around the fire and roast marshmallows each taking turns to recount our day.

KA - What’s next for Nicolina?

NS - Creative direction. I’m doing more creative directing of menus, plate presentation and event design for restaurants, caterers and photo shoots. It’s been such an organic progression for my career to head this way. I feel I am coming full circle and I’m happy where I’ve landed.

KA - Who is Nicolina?

NS - I’m me. I never had that internal struggle to find myself, I always knew who I was. I live in my head a lot but I think it’s essential to have that level of focus to be able to dedicate so much to your art. I’m fortunate to have a husband, family and friends who understand that I need a lot of alone time to be able to do what I do.

TAL

The term “Creative City” is really misleading as a City in and of itself cannot be creative, but in the case of Montreal, I do think that the City does play a integral role in the creativity of it’s artists. We have to be all somewhat creative to get on in Montreal. The rules, so to speak, are not as cut and clear as in other cities. Case in point; go to a stop light in Mtl., observe - now go to a stop light (as a pedestrian) in say T.O., observe…

Montreal just seems to bring out the creatives, as the song goes: “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere”, a reference to NYC. But I believe that if you can make it in Montreal as an artist, you can make it anywhere. It is not easy to be an artist period but like Q-Tip, from a tribe called Quest so eloquently said in a recent interview: “This is not what I do, this is what I am, there is no retirement from what I am”.

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KSENIA BOEVA

“Beautifully made with love,” is the way that I would describe the creations of Ksenia Boeva. Never have I met (ok, myself not included) someone as obsessed with the small details as she. The result is clean and beautiful pieces, each one as stunning and precious as the next. Are we having a love-in with Ksenia Boeva’s jewelry?.. Hell yeah! And I can bet you will too! That is if you can tear your eyes away for a moment from the equally stunning creator of said jewels. Look on her wrists folks.

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KA - So the last time we met, you were a student of fashion here in Montreal. Fast-forward five or so years, and you are creating exquisite jewelry. What made you switch?

KB - It isn’t so much a switch, it’s just another way of adorning a person, another way of creating something to wear. Ever since I was a little girl, I always had tremendous love for fashion and a strong desire to create. My artistic side comes from being around the multi-talented artist, my father. I admired his achievements and he has definitely inspired the artist in me. Though I graduated at Lasalle College in fashion design, various events in my life have led me to jewelry. Ever since then, my desire to create a jewelry line took over.

KA - Isn’t the idea of creating jewelry even more nerve racking than creating clothing?

KB - In my opinion, it is kind of like comparing apples and oranges. All creations and businesses entail hard work and, of course, the pressure is there. I had the opportunity to experience both. I guess jewelry came to me more naturally and more spontaneously through my passion.

But definitely, I think when the time is right, a clothing line will come along.

KA – Tell us what about Russia do you miss most and how it inspires you in creating your collections?

KB - I left with my parents at the age of 5 years old, when it was still USSR. Born in Ukraine, Russian by nationality.

My family is what I miss most. Unfortunately, I haven’t been back to visit ever since. It’s definitely a priority for my next travels! I would say I am a European and North American blend (since I’m Russian raised in Canada). I feel lucky to have such cultural variety… I wouldn’t be able to say if there’s more influence of one or the other but I love to think that my collection is the best of both worlds. To answer how Russia inspires me in creating my collection, it is a great question that I have come to realize how much subconsciously it has always been a part of me as I have grown into a woman. I would say, the strongest fashion statements of the Russian identity are throughout the history and the political changes. As a Russian writer once said: “Russian history is in a sense a history of fashion.” From Peter the Great to the Revolution of 1917 to Gorbachev’s Perestroika. It has influenced many fashion designers and inspired their collections, as did the Russian ballet also. It’s class, glamour, sophistication, magnificence, colour and a extravagance. Last but not least, a big part of my collection is a reflection of my mother’s taste. I was raised by the most incredible human being to my eyes, my mother. She was, as a young girl and still is, as a woman today, a fashionista. I would say, that thanks to her, I fell in love with fashion!

KA – We’ve now been accustomed to Jewelry designers showing their collections on the Runway during fashion weeks. Is this something that interests you, coming from a fashion background?

KB - I would love to show my jewelry collection in fashion week. At this moment, I am enjoying taking it step by step with the development of the brand. But in the near future, it would be an awesome experience!

KA - Your pieces are all beautiful, whimsical and pure, giving the observer that feeling of wanting them all! Was this result intentional?

KB - Well thank you so much for your sweet and kind words, as always! I sure hope to get this reaction, obviously…I didn’t make a few to be loved and bought and the

rest unwanted and deserted, now did I? KA - You made the decision of showing yourself in your ads, a gutsy but brilliant move! How do you feel this will translate to your clients?

KB - I see my collection as an extension of myself. I was selfishly thinking of what I would love to wear when I was creating the pieces ;) So if this collection reflects me, why not represent it through me?

KA – What is the most thrilling part of launching your own brand?

KB - Oh! Everything!… It feels like I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life. I definitely feel anxious to get the world’s reaction but I also think we are the biggest critics of ourselves.

I am confident however, because I believe the clients will fall in love with it just as I did! I feel as though I am following in my father’s footsteps and making my family proud by pursuing my dreams. But most of all, it’s a luxury to be able to love what I do for a living!

KA – In a world where “fast-food” fashion is the new trend for so many, what makes you stick to keeping such a high quality standard for your made-in-canada products?

KB - I have always appreciated things that were custommade whether it be in clothing or in jewelry. One of my earlier experiences was actually working in a tailoring shop and custom making clothes. Yossi Moyal, my mentor and my talented friend made me realize how much quality, exclusivity & a happy customer is important. To be honest, we could go on and on about this subject, but the fact of the matter is, yes we are in a generation that is used to getting everything yesterday.

However, this probably fuels the opposing trend, that is that most people still desire special, quality products from time to time, something they can invest in emotionally. That is where I think my line comes in.

KA - What is your process to get the creative vibe going?

KB - I imagine what I would love to wear! Seriously, it depends of that day and that moment. I love to take my time in choosing the beads, crystals, pearls, etc. And since I am very visual, when it’s all in front of me… the creation comes along so naturally. In the early days of my start in jewelry I became very interested in the various healing powers of all the different crystals and stones out there. So I realized it would be great when people buy my pieces if they also received a description of their healing properties. Not that I wasn’t already in love with crystals, but it led me to an even bigger desire to add more in the collection.

KA – Tell us about the inspiration behind your latest collection.

We know you have many sub-divisions within your jewelry line, are these variations of Ksenia?

KB - Well, this is my first collection, as a true and genuine jewelry lover I poured my heart and soul to create different sides of my vision. You can tell it’s a collection with an overall touch of elegance and ease. But each sub-division has its own identity, theme and statement. Because I see myself in every woman, these are variations of me, different and unique in their own way. In the larger sense, I think women are multifaceted, just like the stones I use in my pieces. My collection is mostly for woman, but I have a sub-division for men and charity, of course! I will have many more for the next collection coming. :) KA - Who is Ksenia.

KB - A person for whom FAMILY, LOVE, PASSION, LUST FOR LIFE and a desire to always LEARN are the driving forces. I also consider myself a hopeless romantic, a true aesthete and an advocate for women, who GREATLY APPRECIATES every day she gets to continue doing what she enjoys most!

BERTRAND W.

This is the strangest KA issue to date, is it just me or does most of the people featured look like someone uber-famous? Ksenia: Angelina Jolie — Luchy: Salma Hayek —and Bertrand looks like that french actor, you know the one I am talking about.

Bertrand unknowingly has been instrumental in the success of KA Magazine, because he is the man that trained our very own Rabbi in hair wizardry. Now living in LA and taking care of the stars, Bertrand has decided to do what all artists tend to do at one point in their careers: shake it up a bit. He is now designing bags and from the samples that we have seen, this will definitely be a big hit. KA sits with the man himself durring his trip to Montreal.Puditatem harumque nobite cusantias pores asperia volore con rem quibus.

KA - Do you think coming from a background in hair, this has helped in styling and creating your collection of bags and other accessories?

BW - For sure. Before I did my first less professorial bag, I started to do bags and accessories for me to go to work on set and to take with me to my private clients. Like LePratique, for instance, is a big roll up that makes it easy to carry my hairdressing kit. I can hang it on a door in case I have to work in a small space. And also I made my first belt kit that I could easily wear to work on set. I imagine that my understanding of hair proportions, space, and dimensions helped me to know how to design a bag.

KA - In your hair craft, you are considered one of the best.

Being so good in one field can sometimes box you in. How do you manage to get beyond this restriction?

BW - Whether it be hair or anything else, I try to stay true to myself and my vision. I try to create simply the way I would love to see things. I try to push my ideas from what are sometimes started by very simple details. I design to simplify my life and that of others (it is a form of liberty I imagine).

KA - Does living in LA help in your creative process or is most of your work and creating done in Montreal?

BW - Of course, we are always influenced by our environment, so definitely my use of leather and color were sparked by the choices on offer in Los Angeles. When it comes to creating the “Aime by W” line, I would be able to create it anywhere in the world. I see this line as an opportunity to be able to live and create anywhere I want, drawing inspiration from my environment. In Montreal, for instance, where I am surrounded by very good friends, I am influenced to create certain specific pieces and details of my collection.

KA - Is there a signature piece in your line?

BW - The first one, of course, LeJosephine Gros, the one made for my professor, who definitely inspired me for my first big bag--- and always. I was very excited the first time I saw the finalized prototype of that bag in front of me. When it materialized in front of my eyes and the proportions were right—it was a beautiful surprise.

KA – It is amazing that we would meet the man who trained and mentored my favorite “go to” hair person in MTL. Without asking a hair question, if you were to have a dream client, who would it be?

BW - I already have a few dream clients, but I can definitely not give you any names! It would be putting all the others in

front of the mirror for a reality check, what a horrible thing if you aren’t ready for it.

KA - Can you share an interesting hair story with us?

BW - Hair story? OK. The most funny one then! It was the day when Jeremy Scott did a series of clothes for miss Piggy, the Muppet superstar. The first time he called me about the project, to see if I wanted to do the hair for that story, he explained to me simply and seriously that she was very very nice, but very short and had no hair---and on top of it, she had only three fingers. In my head I was saying to myself, after all the world is well done, she’s still the body double of Miss Piggy. But then, in the second conversation with Jeremy, when I was talking to him about the wig that we should use for the look, I got a flash and realized suddenly that during all those conversations, we were going to work with the REAL Miss Piggy. And she of course was short, very very nice, wore a wig, and only had three fingers. But with the clothes of Jeremy, and the way we took pictures of her, we made her look like the superstar of the fashion runway. She looked more like a star than ever. And of course, we told this story to Miss Piggy and we had a very good laugh.

KA - What are you currently reading?

BW - It is a French book called “Joseph sous la pluie” by Mano Solo.

KA - What makes you wake up in the mornings?

BW - I wake up every day with almost the same energy that is made by the desire and the craving to experience different and new things. That is my source of inspiration and I love to wake up for that. And did I mention my professor already?

KA - Which store(s) would you see Aime by W bags sold in?

BW - In my fantasy, I would love to have a space or boutique to expose my line of bags and accessories in each city that I love to visit the most: Paris, New York, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, Berlin, Vancouver, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. For now...

KA - Who is Bertrand?

BW - Good question. Do we ever know that answer? Will we ever know that answer one day? The only thing I know at the moment is this: I want to open my eyes wide as a child to absorb all the new things that I can see and to use them to inspire me for this big new project. And it is very exciting to watch the future with a positive eye—even in the world that we live in.

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LUCHY DEL GALLEGO

The first time we met Luchy was at one of those fashion sample sales, there we were, in a packed store (when I say packed, I mean women changing inside the store full). When out of the crowd, like lightning from a cloud, Luchy appeared. Both myself and a member of my staff thought that it was Salma Hayek, as it was not unnatural to have stars in the store at any given time unannounced. Fast forward 10 or so years later, and the lovely Ms. Del Gallego is still as beautiful as ever and with her role as director of one of Montreal’s best Medispas, she is presently helping many more women to be beautiful as well.

KA - What is beauty to you?

LD ­­- Beauty is such a loaded word that means so many things. I think that beauty, and not to be cliche here; is something that we cannot see with the naked eye. But I do believe that there is a moment in each person’s life, not chronologically speaking, that the inside joins completely the outside, and is exactly when a person’s beauty is blooming at his most. I think is a mix of sparkles in the eyes, gestures, words, glimpses, past and future experiences. A self-awareness is beauty.

KA - When you see a client for the first time, how do you connect especially when you are dealing with something as fragile as a person’s beauty?

LD - I listen, not only their words. I stay totally present with them and I let go my own barriers and fears. Being sincere is the key to earn the trust of people.

KA - When are you the most satisfied?

LD - I am most satisfied when I see joy on another person’s face, when I make someone even a person that I have just met for the first time laugh so hard that they lose themselves for a moment. They have sparkles in their eyes and somehow it makes them feel good about themselves.

KA - What makes you happy then?

LD -To be capable to wake up and have the chance to see and live another day. To see the joy and peace in my girl’s face, a walk on the mountain, a nice chat with a friend, such simple things that could be complicated sometimes.

KA - Do you often find that we tend to want to “over-treat” ourselves - where the treatment takes over and we over do it?

LD - Sometimes it can do that. The key is moderation.

When you find this “beauty” it becomes a force on it’s own and this is where we have to be really sensitive to the client and let them know what they need and what they do not need.

KA - Can the services you provide become an obsession?

LD - Yes, of course. Some people get extremely hooked on the services because they simply try to replace a lack of love and attention. In this fast paced world, I think it is a way to try and stop time, or for some to get control on themselves. This is not a bad thing, in fact there are worse things to be stuck on; but the main thing here is that again we have to be honest with the client and let them know what they need and what they don’t need. Here we go back to the previous question where we take the treatment as only half of the equation and the relationship as the other half. This keeps things balanced and healthy.

KA - When a client ask for more than they need, how do you address this?

LD - I am honest, simple as that. Is hard to argue that, even the most defensive person can’t fight it. We are conditioned to over do things in this part of the world so it is difficult to address this face on the trick agin is in the relationship building process which creates a trust and with this trust we are the ones that determines the need based on what the clients want.

KA - What is “Caliente” and do you think we all have a little hidden Caliente in us?

LD - Caliente, is self-acceptance in every level. Yes, we all have that what I call KAliente.

But some, are more afraid than other to show it. By that, I am not meaning to show skin, of course. This is only the superficial, I mean to take risks to be the person that you wish to be.

KA - What book are you currently reading?

LD - I am actually reading 2 books, is what I always do. One is The prisoner of Terahn by Marina Nemat and the other is Mystery of the White Lions by Linda Tucker.

KA - Who is Luchy?

LD - Someone that is becoming more who she is supposed to be on my own definition. Compassionate, grateful, spontaneous, passionate, loves life in every sense, and a huge thirst for more knowledge. And if reincarnation exists, I will like to be back as a woman for eternity.

KA - How annoying is it to have Salma Hayek looking so much like you, how do you deal with people constantly telling you how much she looks like you?

LD - I find it very sweet to receive such of compliment. It goes directly to my heart never to my head. I can tell you some funny tales about it. So yes, it is lots of fun. It’s nice to receive a compliment and give back a graceful answer. Always brings a smile to my face and to the other people’s faces.

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STEVIE B HAMRON Stevie B as mayor of Mount Real. Imagine, how cool would that be!

The bridges fixed, the roads paved, a winning baseball team, not to mention cheerleaders at hockey games (why should football have all the fun?)! Yes, Stevie B for Mayor is not such a bad idea after all.

Imagine a city where French and English got along. It’s obvious that French is cool right. I mean Montreal without french is like poutine without gravy or (gasp) greasy fries, yum!!!

In the mean time and in between time, lets just say mayor or not, Stevie has KA’s vote hands down as the coolest cat in MTL. Who needs a big Grey building in the Old Port when you have the Hotel De Ville of Cool on Mountain Street above Rosalie’s, harkening back to the good old days (yes I said it) when cool was hot and the doorman sat on his purple Harley outside of his respective club and ate fried chicken from a box.

“I’ve been mostly building Lego blocks and living the dream.”

KA - The last time we met was a bit over a year ago now we are 2012, man time flies! What have you been up to since then?

SB - Oh man, time does fly..and very fast must I add! But I have to say, its been a good year filled with excitement. I’ve been mostly building Lego blocks and living the dream.

KA - What made you jump into the “Montreal scene” again?

SB - I got back into the scene cause there was a desperate call for help…People asked and I replied, besides that it is what I’m good at.

KA - How is your new venture different from the offerings already out there?

SB - My new place is called The Club House. It’s a 1930’s type of speakeasy, it is located on the 3rd floor of Rosalie restaurant. The vibe is magical and unique. We showcase live bands, burlesque shows and tons of surprise elements, thus making it feel like a modern version of a classic Cotton Club KA - What is going on with the night life in Montreal? We keep talking about the days of BUSINESS but that was incredible, Montreal’s studio54!

SB - The Night life in Montreal is very ill and desperately needs a good DR. with a strong remedy!

We were once leaders in the industry, but now we seem to be the result of a copy & paste campaign. The work ethic in this town changed a lot..and there’s only a few of the good people left in the game.

KA - If anyone can bring the Party, you definitely can, but does the expectation stress you out?

SB - Nah it doesn’t stress me out…cause I love what I do and when you love, you become good at your job. Besides, it’s the challenge of the job that allows me to excel.

KA - You never seem stressed, what’s your secret?

SB - What’s the point, stress only makes you clumsy and gets rid of your smile.

KA - What do you do when you are not working?

SB - Reading KA Magazine.

KA - How is DTMB, and will we see something special from your team for Grand Prix 2012?

SB - Don’t Tell My Booker is still very strong& beautiful …tons of big & new stuff happening world wide this year….including MTL Grand-Prix!!

KA - The last time we spoke, you mentioned that Montreal was needing a bit of a vibe fix, is this happening?

SB - I’m working on it, but I will need all your help… I only wish Montreal was more united…I’m fed up with the French vs English issues. Come on get over it already!

KA - What would be your dream venue to create?

SB - A Hotel with a mini Opera house /Theatre, accessorized with a few restaurants, bar-lounge, club and an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the ocean.

KA - Which city do you enjoy the most?

SB - I love traveling, therefore I’m in love with many cities, but for different reasons..Paris, Nyc, Miami,Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, Mykonos, London, Barcelona, Bali,..etc.

KA - When are you your most relaxed?

SB - On a Beach. If not available, then with a cigar and a good Scotch KA - Who is Stevie B. (in 2012)?

SB - Better, Wiser, Stronger, focused and still very motivated & determined.

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MABEL PALOMINO When you first meet Mabel, one thing is for sure and that is what you see is definitely what you get. The woman is intense, but not the tasmanian devil sort of intensity, more like the slow, smouldering type of intense. You know that you are in the presence of a perfectionist who knows what she is doing and does it well. Mabel is as good as it gets in her field, but don’t call her if you only need an ordinary event.

KA - If you were to get Mabel to do your event, what would can you expect?

MP - An event that is out of the box, a touch of glam, sex appeal, taste and wow. I put a lot of thought into a creation, big or small.

Even if it’s a theme that has been seen over and over again, I try to find that twist that has not been explored to make it unique. I come from a show background, so for sure you will have incredible entertainment and costumes at your event. A live experience is truly my signature!

KA - What’s your take on the very title of event planning, what exactly does it mean (event planner)?

MP - A word that I associate with event planner is logistics. It’s the project manager, the person that can gather all the elements that make an event and execute them on a schedule, so it can come to life. Very important asset in the life of an event. It’s not all you need but it’s a huge part.

KA - Then how do you differentiate yourself from an event planner?

MP - Trust me you don’t need me personally to plan your event! You want me to design your event, to create it, to find the angle, choose the colors, give you the most for your budget, etc. You want my company to do your event, which we work with in house planners or we can work with your event planner. For someone artistic like myself, event planners are my best friends!

KA - What is the purest form of staging for a performance?

MP - To stage an honest performance, you have answered the question: what is the mes-

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sage? That it’s where it starts. If I’m working with a recording artist, I listen closely to her music, the lyrics and I try to see where are they coming from; when working with a brand, I ask where is the brand from? What is the message of their campaign? Then I explore the ways to communicate that in other art forms. The clearer I am on the message the better the performance will reflect it.

KA - Now that is just beautiful, why do you think there are so much noise bells and whistles on stage on a regular basis?

MP - There are noise bells and whistles used for 2 reasons. One is to magnify something that is great in essence, whether it’s a song, a design, etc. The extra extra can really bring it to life and make it truly amazing and surreal. Watch what Moment Factory did with Madonna at the Super Bowl! The other way is to use it to hide or mask the lack of talent or design...won’t name the many examples....

I compare bells and whistles to Indian cooking.

Put on the right hands, the mix of all spices can be a masterpiece however given to the wrong chef....Bottom line: use them wisely and with moderation!

KA - You mentioned the J-Z and Kanye West concerts as an example of simple. But isn’t that much more engaging and moving?

MP - Their show comes to support my answer to the last question. They are a great example of using the big lasers, and visual effects to magnify their amazing talent as rappers, lyricist and performers. The show was about them because it was so well designed to have the essence shine.

KA - What would your dream event be?

MP - Please don’t ask me this question! It’s the hardest question to answer! The only thing I can answer is: give me carte blanche, no limit in venue choice, theme or budget and complete control over guest list. I would love to do something outdoors, a real peace celebration!

KA - Do you feel that to get a full experience it is necessary to have the “soul vibe”?

MP - In life you need soul to live so to experience anything to the fullest you need to have a true connection with yourself and the world.

KA - What are you reading?

MP - I’m currently reading Human Revolution

by Daisaku Ikeda volume 2, discussions on youth and life of Steve Jobbs (too curious).

I read a lot on Buddhism, on the philosophy and on dialogue. Dialogues between religions, political parties, medicine, etc. I really know that dialogue is the way to resolve any conflict and the path to world peace and I love learning through the discussions and experiences of others.

I have a feeling that this selection of books might come to a surprise... What I feed my mind is really important to me and since I don’t have much leisure time, I don’t give in to tabloid magazines or any sensationalism.

KA - Do you ever take time to relax?

MP - Absolutely!!! The balance is very important. When life gives you a hint of what exhaustion and stress can do to your health and happiness, you learn your lesson quick. I’m very fortunate that I got a hint and that I was able to fully recover in a year and a half. Trust me I learned from that and I changed my habits! I now take time to meditate, travel, relax, and be with my loved ones and with myself.

My perspective has changed; I know want to live the most fulfilling life possible and I know that I make that happen for myself. This guides my choices at work and time management. The trick is to be very productive with your hours at work so you don’t take some home, know your limits and say no to projects that don’t go with your ambitions and to have a good man at home!

KA - Your events seem to be getting larger and more complex, how did you pull off training regular people to perform at a recent event?

MP - The power is the internet is incredible. YouTube specifically in this case. The mandate was to create a team building experience for Iris Vision to commemorate their 20 years in the business. The experience consisted of making performers out of their members (from secretaries to VPs). Since they are a company that has locations all over Canada, you tube was the best place to meet. I recorded myself teaching each choreography step by step, breaking down as a dance class for them to learn at home or office and train with me. We then met 3 times in total during the process to space out the numbers and bring in musicians and technical team and this is the way that we put together a professional gala award show that blew everyone away. Performing U2 songs to

Michael Jackson’s Thriller in the nicest theatre in Vancouver was a huge accomplishment for all of us, one of the best experiences of my professional career. It was a true challenge as they had never stepped foot on a stage before, however with their passion, commitment and drive we made their dreams come true. It was great! Something that could not have been possible years ago without the web.

KA - I am sure people are always asking for charity how do you decide which event to take in the context of charity?

MP - I’m an artistic director so I’m artistically driven. It starts with a project that has great vision. When a great cause approaches me that is accompanied by a great idea I usually dive in. I’m mostly driven by ideas than money. Not the best path to the bank but a for sure path to my happiness and sanity.

KA - What is new for you in 2012?

MP - Being back on stage is new for me this year! I’m been dreaming to go back on stage and even though I’m getting older, I have found the courage to do so. You can find me on a show near you...

NATHALIE

COUREY Nathalie is the reason why we know that the future of charity events is safe. This twenty something does charity events (with her team) while others are out partying and getting tatoos.

With a desire to create over the top events, (Victoria’s Secret anyone) coupled with a drive to give back to the community, Nathalie is definitely one to watch.

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“It’s kinda like that tap on the shoulder. That “Yes Natalie, you did a good job” feeling is priceless.”

KA - Attend any charity event an the majority of volunteers are in their twenties, what do you think is the cause of this trend?

NC - I think there is an increasing number of young adults that want to get more involved in good causes. For years, we have seen our parents attend, but the problem is they are a wee bit too expensive for us to attend them as guests, so what better way to give back than to attend as a volunteer!

KA - What made you wake up one morning and decide “beer at the pub just won’t do it, let me do something to make a difference”?

NC - I guess I was lucky enough to have a mother that has always been very involved in fundraising. I have also been blessed with a healthy and good life. I have traveled, and I have been to good schools. If the time I give can help someone else’s lifestyle just a little, well then I think I have done my part. I got involved in benefit events as a teen. My first gig was in 1999 as a volunteer at the Daffodil Ball for the Canadian Cancer Society as a ticket seller. From there, I started volunteering for all sorts of galas, then I got involved in the Cedars Cancer Society Dragon Boat race, and in 2009, I became captain of my own team. This is when I started organizing my own events for charity and how I grew interested in the whole “event planning” side and not just attending the event.

KA - What would be your dream event?

NC - I would love to organize something like the Victoria Secret Fashion Show after-party, where you can really do almost anything, where your goal is not to save money, but to spend it. This way, you can go really crazy with the decor, the food, the music. Benefit events are hard because the ultimate goal is to raise money and so the budget to throw it can be limited, which limits ones creativity. If I had a huge budget for a benefit event, I would make sure my guests would have the party of the century. I’m thinking...let’s get the best chefs in the world.

Bring in the chef from French Laundry, let’s get Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay too and have them fight it off for the best dish. We can even let the guests vote and they can win a private dining affair with these chefs. Also, we can raffle out great prizes to win like a trip into Space!

Or maybe something more realistic like a full weekend of golf at Augusta, or a dinner with your idol, whether it be Warren Buffet, Brad Pitt, or Madonna. My dream event would allow me to just snap my fingers and get anything I want, from the most exquisite venue to the most mouthwatering dishes to the best prizes, gifts and decor.

KA -What is the most fun part of doing a charity event?

NC - The most fun is actually enjoying the event. I get the most satisfaction when I see everyone shaking their booty on the dance floor like it’s going out of style. I could

just sit on the side and watch everyone for a good 2-3 minutes. I have the most fun watching others have a great time, and enjoying the event I made happen. It’s kinda like that tap on the shoulder. That “Yes Natalie, you did a good job” feeling is priceless.

KA - You stress that it is not you alone that creates an event, how important is the team in making things successful?

NC - When organizing a charity event, or any larger event, you need a team. I couldn’t have done the Star Struck Halloween Event for the Starlight Foundation without Anick Beaulieu and Marie-Eve Pasquin’s help. We complement each other. I can’t think of everything, and neither can they. So we do it together. We also had a great committee who helped us a lot with sponsors, extra decor, selling tickets and getting our collateral material together. Also, the foundation we raised the money for was such a big help in the whole process. It really takes a group effort for everything to work well and for the event to run smoothly. When you walk into an event and everything goes well, you need to know that tons of people are behind that.

KA - You have your blog and it is quite fun, where do you think the next change will come?

NC - I started my blog because I had a lot on my mind that I wanted to write about. I was been called the Carrie Bradshaw of Montreal! It’s funny. It’s called “What It Feels Like For A Girl”, and that’s what I write about, my opinion on relationships, on food, on music, on going out, basically I’m an online morning talk show for women that some men like to watch from time to time. But I haven’t been writing as much as I used to. I guess I’m transitioning into event planning more and more so I’m thinking of maybe doing an online blog themed around events.

Things are still in the works, and I have no definite ideas yet but I’m hoping to really pierce the event planning industry and see where that can take me.

KA - How relevant is print in the digital age?

NC - Not relevant. Print is dead. Who reads magazines anyway? HAHA. I’m joking! I think that despite anything being available online, people still need to feel those pages through their fingers and look at something that isn’t always a computer screen. Whether you are at a coffee shop, on the plane, at home, some great alone time with a book, a newspaper or KA Magazine (!!) is good quality time with yourself and I think people still very much appreciate that.

KA - Who is Natalie?

NC - I’m a proud Montrealer, foodie, young professional, risk taker, party organizer, friend, sister, daughter, granddaughter and out to conquer the world one event at a time!

NATHALIEFAY Canadian actress Nathalie Fay caught our attention as the Vegas hotel receptionist in the first instalment of the hilariously funny “The Hangover.” It was one of those “who is that girl” moments that we have all had when someone comes on screen and steals the camera from the lead just by his or her mere presence. In the case of Nathalie, it was taking the screen from not just one but four lead actors. KA caught up with the Canadian beauty (now living in LA) after the wrap of her most recent movie and we get the scoop on what goes on in those love scenes.

KA - You chose acting over finance, what made you, a Canadian, wake up one morning and convince your parents that LA is the place to be?

NT - It was a burning desire for me. yes i was a baby-theirs and convincing them wasn’t my ticket.. it was good grades and an oracle like in the matrix who did my astrology and prophesied that the following year I would be “Out of the state of Florida”. I thought it was crazy and made no sense to me so I asked her, “ You mean out of Miami, like Gainesville, right?” At the time I was very interested to transfer schools and go to University of Florida. She said no, and I thought she was old and crazy and this was another one of my mother’s entertaining stunts that should be taken with a grain of salt; and low and behold- the salt did not dissolve this time. It calcified into an offer letter I received when I returned from my spring break trip. It said congratulations! Due to my excellent grades I qualified for a National Student exchange program for all 50 States and pay in-state tuitions and that offer in hand was convincing enough- an offer I couldn’t refuse and the rest was history. My dad’s friend got me a studio sublet for $250/ month on sunset blvd and Laurel Ave. right next to the Famous Laugh factory- imagine that! I remember looking up at the sky thing -Holy Cow! This is so surreal!

KA - Is life in LA as crazy as we are told, or is True Blood just a show and there are no such things as vampires?

NT - Well.. Vampires come out at night, right?

Luckily LA is more organized around the sunny days and working and staying busy help out a lot. LA is the kind of place where anything goes, which is great, but you do have to be careful with trust- It’s Hollywood baby!

KA - Your look is a little Rocker, a little Chanel - how do you find balance with this contradiction?

NT - I Love fashion, but I love comfort too, so I mix and match. I like texture and natural silks,

cottons and blends are even better. Cotton and cashmere blends are yummy with cargo pants and you have yin and yang. I like dramatic, but a little shy and flirty too.

KA - You are currently working on a thriller, and directed by a Canadian no less, tell us a little about it, and your role.

NT - “Green Valley Lake” is a psychological thriller about a young married couple (Cat and David) and their weekend trip to a summerhouse in the San Bernardino Mountains. The minute the couple arrive; a dark history begins to be revealed and the fight to survive begins.

Small town chatter, a rhumored haunting of the lake, and a terrible accident, make for a fun ride. The film is character driven and the writerdirector, Cory Lutz (Canadian), would always tell me, “It easy to scare people, but it’s harder to get them to care about the characters…identify with them.” He really focused on the backstory and the relationships between all the characters in the film. I really appreciated that. He’s a real actor’s-director. It’s my first role as a female lead so this was an amazing experience and grueling at times, but overall it’s like sports- the exhaustion somehow makes you much more fit and strong.

KA - Do you get scared, or is it just the audience that thinks it isn’t ketchup?

NT - Yes, there is that element of “movie magic” that creates a more real or visceral experience for the audience. As an actor, you are aware that you are not in complete danger. But that doesn’t mean you don’t get scared or “feel” like it’s real because, after all, that’s my job, right?

To make it real. As for ketchup, I like it on fries.

KA - Really how hard were the love scenes?

NT - Loves scenes are always tough. People think it’s hot. First of all, there is a crew, lights, a huge camera, and the director saying things like, “Okay, now mount him….run your hands down his chest…that’s it.” Second, I’m wearing a skimpy nightgown and worried if my butt is showing. Lastly, again, I have to make it real for the audience without it turning into a funny

orgasm scene like Meg Ryan’s in “When Harry Met sally”.

KA - What is your take on this whole “love thing.”

NT - Ahhh The “love thing” so far has been an idea, like an elusive white rabbit I seem to have been chasing all my life. I am a Hopeless romantic. I see the best in people-even when I am borderline naive about it. Guys seem to use girls and my guy friends seem to have the same complaints about the girls they date. Unfortunately, these are not the right matches to form a lasting bond/union/whatever because it seems like it’s just the status quo in LA. It’s never never land and no one wants to really grow up in one way or another. I want to find a man who treats me like a lady and we need to be best friends.

KA - What would your dream project be?

NT - My Dream Project would be do to a remake of Casablanca where I could play (Ingrid Bergman’s character) Ilsa Lund and Daniel Day Lewis was Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart’s Character) directed by Roman Polanski.

KA - What is it about Canadians, that we seem to be bit by bit popping up all over the entertainment map?

NT - I think Canadians love life, are good people, fun to be around, and work hard…and lot of talent in there too.

KA - How is New York these days?

NT - New York is really inspiring, as it really is invigorating and super charged. I love how authentic everything is. I think it’s the best place and it would be nice to live there someday, I could also commute to Montreal much easier and visit mom and the family.

KA - Who is Nathalie?

NT - I am passionate, approachable, engaging personality, love to laugh (even at myself), detailed, a traveler, I have a sense of community, spiritual, I really love to have experiences, and truly enjoy them. I am career driven but still find the time to have a personal life. Always striving for balance!

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IFIGENIA PAPADIMITRIOU KA Magazine caught up with designer Ifigenia Papadimitriou, for Montreal’s own Bod&Christensen between her travels to China, India and Vegas in between, we had a little glimpse in the mercurial mind of the artist. This drop dead gorgeous young designer is an example of why Montreal is so darned creative, and if that is not enough, she also is case in point for my second argument: Montreal has the most beautiful women in the world.

“Luxury is a lifestyle. It will never be over used. It’s a feeling that it gives you, and I find it is quite personal.”

KA - Why do we need designers?

GP - Fashion is a way that people can express themselves by. The clothing a person choses to wear at a given time, is a reflection of who they are. Us designers, design to our aesthetic, our vision and to what we believe is beautiful for ‘our woman/man’. So we provide the pieces that the people can express themselves with.

KA - What do you think about “luxury” as a term and a word…is it not over used?

Luxury is a lifestyle. It will never be over used. It’s a feeling that it GP - gives someone and I find is quite personal.

KA - In a world where luxury is something as simple as clean water, how do you define it in the context of something as non essential as luxury clothing?

GP - We are a lot smarter now and are more aware of the conditions that people live by. This makes me appreciate everything I have been so blessed to have in life. In my travels, I have seen a lot, and believe me, it’s really tough.

KA - Where is the clothing industry heading, when all the creative brands are being bought and made into a giant conglomerates?

GP - I think it’s important that the creative brands remember where their roots are and what is important to them before entering such a world. The Creative side and the Business side quite often aren’t in sync.

KA - Do you think that we should all dress the same all over the world a sort of jeans and t shirt world?

GP - No, that would be terrible. It is really a surreal feeling being in a foreign country and observing. They way they dress, the way they act. It is so beautiful. I am in India now, and imagining this place with the people dressing in jeans and tshirts… It would not be India. This country is amaz-

ing, all the colors and busyness of it all. You cannot replicate it.

KA - You are an exceptional model; does this help you to create clothing?

GP - It definitely gave an extra skill… I think in my head… Angles! Angles! Angles!

KA - What is Ifigenia’s personal style?

GP - Black & Sleek.

KA - There are looks that we adore here in Montreal, yet in NYC these same looks are not even a blip on the radar. Why is that?

GP - Different markets where they are geographically, different buyers that are being targeted. Many factors come in to play.

KA - The fantasy: I would love to travel for my job… what is the reality check?

GP - I am fortunate enough that I travel for my work.

It’s never boring and I am seeing the world. However, it is very very long hours, from morning to night and weekends.

KA - Tell us about your first experience as a newbie on the circuit?

GP - I fell into this quickly and full force, so it was overwhelming at first but you get used to it. You have too. Everything is due yesterday and very quickly it is night time and you find yourself still working.

I had studied at Lasalle and during the time I was working for Nevik, where Kevin was my mentor, still is, and he has taught me so much of what I know.

That is where I fell in love with fashion. Working in the boutiques and the atelier in the Old Port of Montreal was one of the most special periods of my life.

KA - Do you fashion-beautiful-good-lookings like romance?

GP - Yes, we do! We love to love.

KA - Who are you!!?

GP - A Montreal designer with a love for Fashion and the Arts.

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LAURENCE TREPANIER “The twenty somethings are coming, the twenty somethings are coming!” I have been saying this for a few years, and now it is more like the twenty somethings are here. Laurence is what we would consider to be a triple threat beauty, ambition, and know how. KA Magazine was able to catch up with this very busy journalist and get the scoop on her.

KA - Why do you think that the twenty-somethings are taking over?

LT - Because they are connected. The world is now so accessible. Young people are educated, curious and aware of what goes on everywhere. New technologies have made our generation creative and ambitious. We can be more than one thing, we have the power to experience many things at once and have endless opportunities. I feel lucky and proud to be part of it.

KA - Which part of your career do you love the most?

LT - The adrenaline. Always a new topic, a new story to tell. Very challenging and so dynamic. I love being first on the news and producing top-quality reports in very little time.

Plus I am passionate about almost every art form (visual arts, music, film, stage...) so covering arts and entertainment is a blessing.

KA - When the day is done, what do you do for fun?

LT - I cook. I don’t eat much during the day as I run around and only stop for little healthy snacks. But when I get home, cooking a gourmet meal is such a relaxing activity and most often a creative adventure.

KA - What would be your dream assignment?

LT - Covering a major film festival or event. Cannes, TIFF ... Or the Academy Awards.

KA - What form of art is your favourite?

LT - As I said earlier, I love ART. It’s where I come from, what I studied and what I do. I am totally intrigued by the modern era in visual arts and try to make as much time as I can to follow contemporary artists. I love cinema, I dreamed of acting when I was growing up. And music, there’s just no life without it.

KA - If you were to play a character in a movie, what would it be?

LT - Some artist, pioneer or significant figure from another era.

KA - Would you do the full-on love scenes?

LT - Maybe, but probably not. Only if essential to the story.

KA - In this issue, we raised the question that is as old as it is new; “The end of days”, what would you do in the end of days?

LT - Be with the ones I love. My boyfriend and family. Nothing else really matters.

KA - How do you feel that Canadian journalism has changed say in the last 10 years?

LT - Everything media-related has changed. Information sources have increased so much that the task is not as much to find what’s hidden, than to carefully analyze content. As I am new to this field and am still learning so much everyday, I may not be the best to ask... But I know for sure that the model has changed and certainly made information more accessible and more democratic.

KA - If you were to interview anyone living or passed, who would it be?

LT - Barack Obama KA - What are you reading presently?

LT - Just Kids, by Patti Smith. I Love it.

KA - Describe a week in the life of the lovely Laurence?

LT - Mondays and Tuesdays; CBC News at 5 and 6 on CBC. Wednesday through Friday I replace on the french network, on the radio or do artistic videos and free lance on various projects. As long as it’s art-culture-entertainment related, I’m in. I try to read as many papers, journals, articles from various sources and different places everyday. If I’m off work, I sit around with my Ipad, read and write, go see exhibitions and spend time with friends. I like shopping, dancing, yoga, skiing and wine.

KA - Who is Laurence?

LT - A very simple girl, fascinated by life. I feel blessed to be surrounded by good people.

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“I love cinema, I dreamed of acting when I was growing up. And music, there’s just no life without it.”

CHRISTY GUNTNER Asking a professional photographer to do a self portrait is like asking a vegan to become a butcher, not a very easy task. When the idea of interviewing Christy was put on the table, the first thing that came to mind was “hey what would it be like if she took her own pictures”. Well, Christy is a sport and accepted the challenge, but later-on confessed to how truly difficult the process was. We are thrilled to have such a candid view into the heart of this artist.

KA - What is it about the self portrait that makes it so difficult for the artist to do?

CG - I much prefer taking the shot than being the shot. Not having a human connection to respond to help relinquish control, and without feeling like a total narcissist wasn’t easy. I was shy even with myself! Critiquing the results was difficult. I think everyone judges photos of themselves more harshly than anyone else.

KA - When we look at the majority of photos, they are mostly of women: why do you think that is so?

CG - Women are such beautiful and interesting beings, and of all ages. Women have always been judged on their cultural beauty (yet still so easily demeaned but that’s another subject). Women embrace beauty, are inquisitive, and try to improve so we are a buying force. When we feel good and look good, we are in a better place and thus become a better place.

KA - In an incredibly unscientific poll taken by KA, we noticed that more women than men are excited and even welcome having their photos taken fantasy or portraits, but yet the majority of photographers are men. What gives?

CG - You got me on that one. I didn’t realize we were so out numbered. Regardless, no matter what age you are and how you feel at the time, I encourage everyone to get a portrait of themselves. There is never a better time than now. Appreciate the beauty you are today - not have today. Here’s a story for you: A few years ago, a young mother in her 30’s phoned me and asked me to photograph her breasts. She has the BRCA gene (the gene that will most likely result in breast and ovarian cancer). So, before her radical surgery of removing her breasts and uterus, she wanted to seize the time when she still had them. She said the one thing she really loved about her body were her breasts. I remember how vulnerable she felt that day in the studio. It had been 4 hours and still she was too shy to remove her shirt. During this time, there had been a lot of tears and calls to her husband. That’s when I offered to take my own shirt off so she wasn’t alone. I choked as soon as I felt my own vulnerability, yet I had to stay true to my word. I think she was grateful for the mere suggestion, and even though I didn’t, she did. Soon after, we got the shot. When I look back at those images, I see her fear, her sadness, and the beauty of it. This was her truth, her reality at that moment in time. After her surgeries, we went for lunch and she proudly showed me her implants! She was

a new woman, and loves her new breasts! But this is just an example of how a portrait can be poetic and powerful.

KA - We have a generation of little girls, now teens that grew up and are growing up with mass media deciding on their self image how can the photographer help to reverse the stress of the “ projected image”?

CG - How long an answer can I give? I could write a book on this very subject. Short answer (I know it’s long): Many girls suffer a low self esteem. It can take a lifetime to reverse this. If I had a daughter, I would tell her how smart she is every single day, and I would teach her what beauty really ishaving a good self esteem. Beauty is being kind, it is feeling good in your skin, and it’s about being a good person. As a photographer, I can succeed in making her feel good about herself, and have fun during the photo shoot. It’s fun for me too. I get to capture her where she gives it to me, I take it and give it back to her in a print. The gift goes both ways.

KA - What would be your dream assignment?

CG - Exposure and knowledge simultaneously are of paramount significance. The more we are exposed to something combined with knowledge about it, the less we fear. I love photojournalism, and I’m most happy doing this. Using my cameras as tools of photography and videography, can help reduce prejudices in all aspects of life. In 2009, I was in Africa working on a documentary film to expose the world that FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) still exists and prominently in certain countries. We followed Tostan, a non-profit organization that have been educating people within certain tribes about the dangers of FGM, and the ever lasting suffering and pain subjected to young girls. To our surprise, Senegal had significantly reduced these unjust practises although sadly it still does exist. However, we also witnessed some tribal women owning their own bakeries, chicken coups, etc..., and earning for themselves. The documentary developed into a film about women’s empowerment as well. So, no matter how old I get, I hope I’ll still be able to lift my camera and be part of journalism.

KA - What is the watermelon story.

CG - A memory I will always keep. It’s about an elderly woman not much bigger than the watermelon she bought and was trying to cart home last summer. The essence is that it’s the small things in life that count, and anyone can make a big difference if they tune in.

KA - Photographers sometimes take hundreds of photos then choose one that captures that moment, then this image

is post treated to create the image that was in the mind of the artist. Why do you think young girls in particular wish to live an air brushed reality?

CG - What we believe our reality is, isn’t necessarily what is. Our egos are our visions of ourselves. Our reality doesn’t always match. It’s like listening to your own voice and thinking it doesn’t sound like you at all. The same goes for a photograph. Capturing personality is personal, where for that split second did or didn’t capture the part you know is there. Many aspects of portraiture photography is comfort and connection. It’s only after a person relaxes where you’ll see their naturalness and personality emerge. So, we have to do our best to really capture who we think they are in this small window. One thing is for sure: you always know when you get “the” shot, and you may not always get it. When you do, it’s blissful. I think we all would like a piece of art of ourselves - to be captured how we see ourselves and love it. We just have to remember that art is flawless, and it is personal - at least to me.

KA - What makes Christy the most “in Joy”?

CG - When those pockets of happiness come over me for no particular reason, and I feel lucky to be alive. It’s usually when I’m outside appreciating the nature around me, or going out of your way for someone who is having a crumby day.

KA - How fun is it to take pictures of babies?

CG - Newborns love looking into my studio lights. They blink, and slowly their eyes find their way right back into the light.

It’s like they are mesmerized. When they are sleeping, we get to prop up their little bodies, and the mothers and I get to chuckle at how adorable they are. Babies are so much fun, and encouraging them to explode their emotion and personality is just the best. I have to move very fast though since their patience is a teeny window and they move quickly.

KA - Who is Christy?

CG - I’m a romantic and a dreamer. I can be so many things. I can be nonsensical, a kindred spirit, or a big pain in the a__ hahaha!! What I love is justice and kindness, wisdom and observing. I have little patience for stupidity and gossip. I dislike gluttony and greed.

All in all, I love to be in the company of those with good hearts and kind souls. My credo: Only kindness matters.

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ESTHERMORIN

Esther Morin was born to make women beautiful period, and just a few minutes with her will be all you need to know what I mean. She just exudes that “it” vibe. The kind of vibe that once you feel it, you know you are in good hands. I for one would not go to an over-weight person for diet advice or the Arctic for ice-cream. One look at Esther and you know that you have come to the right place. Now let’s get to know her a bit better shall we.

MORIN

KA - Take me back to how you made the decision to create the Esther Morin Medispa?

EM – I love esthetics… as beauty both in females and males have always interested me ever since I was young. I do have an artistic side, so I am fascinated by the challenge of transformation. One day, I was offered the opportunity to follow a training program for a laser technology company. After many conferences, I said to myself “Why not start my own clinic?”

KA - You started with an idea, and built your Medispa from the ground up, what kept you going?

EM – I wanted to offer a full service that reflected the financial means of my clients. I am sort of like a one stop shop, as at the Medispa, I try to fulfill all the needs of my clients, in an enlightened way as I give information without any pressure whatsoever. I offer to many different treatments, be it for the face, the body, or even physiological with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with Dr. Tinh Van Duong.

There are no taboos for me, I do my research and I am always up to date with the newest technology in order to give the best result. I am also very open to refer my clients to external resources if needed, such as my very strong collaboration with the plastic surgeon Dr. Ezat Hashim.

KA - When we meet you for the first time, we feel such lightness, do you think this is a quality that creates a trust and loyalty in your clients?

EM – In effect, the Medispa was created in my image… when we enter, all is calm, light and comfortable. My transparency, experience and my will to give detailed information create a relaxed atmosphere. The clients feel this, they leave knowing that they are heard and that they can trust me.

KA - What makes helping people to be more beautiful such a mission for you personally?

EM – Helping people, this comes from my nursing background, as I worked many years in Nunavik with the natives. Becoming more beautiful, this is what a lot of my clients want, and there is a true joy when a client reaches that point when they feel beautiful – this is my motivation.

KA - When you meet a client for the first time, where do you start?

EM – My first question is “What can I do for you?”

I make the person talk about their needs. Sometimes people want a lot of things, so I tend to have them start by what is priority. And some clients know very little about the treatments that exist these days, they can be insecure so I try to give as much information as possible as well as time to reflect on what it is they would like to do. Sometimes clients can have had a bad experience, so I listen and propose treatments to meet their

expectations, I must adjust myself in some cases and this is a process that is done gradually in a way that is best for the client.

KA - Do you find that men are beginning to take better care of their skin and looks or are they uninterested in this part of their lives?

EM – Absolutely, men are very interested. My male clients are just like women, in the sense that they are also looking to meet the “beauty standards” of today.

Some don’t really know where to start, and I feel that with me, they are reassured and comfortable. Maybe it is my medical background and the atmosphere of the Medispa which is located on the 3rd floor, a destination that is very discreet, where no client ever waits and that is very private. I find that more and more men are looking to take care of their skin, some of my clients tell me how they feel privileged after a treatment.

KA - We tend to think of Medispas as the oasis of the more mature, but would you suggest that the younger women also come see you and how would you treat them?

EM – The Medispa is for everyone, as I also do believe in prevention and I do encourage it. In Europe, young women resort to treatments in order to preserve their youth, the methods to this effect are very advanced.

I find that when we start young, we tend to keep our youth longer. Also, young women do have other needs that I am able to help with; such as scars, cellulite, acne and hair removal.

KA - If I would love to have your services but at present I am not able to, what would be the simplest thing for me to do at home and on my own?

EM – The basics; which is to use good sunscreen (as the sun is the number one cause of wrinkles), exfoliating your skin often and also giving a sort of comfort to the skin using hydrating creams.

KA - What is next for you?

EM – Soon I will be offering to my clients the possibility of seeing a life coach, Marie France Lalonde, directly in the comfort of the Medispa. Any clients who wish to have a change in their lives will be able to speak with someone with whom can guide them to find results quicker and more effectively.

KA - When are you the most satisfied about the work that you do?

EM - My biggest satisfaction is when a client is told “Wow, you look great, you are so beautiful and rested” At this moment, I know I’ve achieved my goal.

KA - Who is Esther Morin?

EM – A passionate and determined woman, always searching for the best solution possible, while maintaining a light a fun attitude with everything I do.

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EZAT HASHIM Ezat is known as one of the best there is in what he does: plastic surgery, and isn’t that what KA Magazine does...We find the best. This fashion and beauty issue would not have been complete without Ezat, we are pleased that we had the chance to sit with him and get a glimpse into this very known, but at the same time unknown world.

“As plastic surgeon, I can take my thoughts and apply them to the most amazing canvas in existence: the human body.”

KA - Plastic surgery has a branding issue.

When you ask anyone about this field, the first thing that pops to mind is the pain, but this is no longer the reality, is it?

IH - Funny, I didn’t think that Plastic Surgery had a ‘pain’ issue. In any case, pain is a complex issue and depends on the type of surgery that is performed, along with other factors like the psychological state of the patient, the genetic tolerance to pain and the amount of swelling that will occur as a result of the surgery. The job of the surgeon to minimize pain is to reduce the amount of postoperative swelling by performing meticulous, anatomic dissections during surgery and to control bleeding, as much as possible. Any residual pain can be controlled by minor medications at home. In my practice, pain is hardly an issue. Probably the most painful surgery is an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and even then, I’m told that it is less than that of a Caesarian Section. Breast augmentations are about as painful as breast en- gorgement when breast feeding. Facelifts and rhinoplasties don’t even have any pain to speak of.

KA - You said in a conversation that one has to have a healthy ego to do what you do; can you explain?

IH - Perhaps I should have said ‘confidence’ rather than ‘ego’. The public perception of a plastic surgeon is often someone with an over-inflated ego. What I meant to say is that in order to pick up a scalpel and cut into someone, one requires a certain minimum of ego (and the self-confidence that comes with it). No one wants a surgeon who trembles with uncertainty!

KA - You were an artist of paint and brush would the field you are in now be an extension of this artistic drive?

IH - I never actually painted. I mostly dabbled in pen, pencil and coloured markers. I always found paint rather messy! In my youth, I would spend hours drawing. Since becoming a plastic surgeon, I have rarely drawn. For me, drawing was a creative outlet, somewhere to represent my thoughts visually. Now, as plastic surgeon, I can take my thoughts and apply them to the most amazing canvas in existence: the human body. It is even more interesting, however, because in the process one has to consider (among other things) the tolerance limits of the tissues, the patient expectations, the response to healing and the ultimate result. It all has to be done perfectly with as little down-time as possible. That, my friend, is the art of plastic surgery.

KA - Why do you think that when we think of your world the rich and famous is the first

thing that comes to mind?

IH - The rich and famous are, well, famous, which is why people know so much of their lives; plastic surgery not withstanding. This group mostly includes movie stars and artists who make their livelihood based on their looks, so they have no choice but to turn to plastic surgery more often that the general population.

Because of this misperception, people think that plastic surgery is only affordable to the rich and famous. The reality is that it is accessible to anyone that can afford a 10-day vacation abroad.

KA - Who are your clients?

IH - My patient population are individuals who have regular lives, with regular jobs. A typical patient would be a woman who works hard, either at home raising her children or in a career bringing home that bacon. After a many years of sacrifice for their children, family or job, they wake up one day and realize that the vibrant energetic person on the inside just doesn’t connect to what they see in the mirror.

They then come to see me to find out what can be done about this dichotomy. Other patients come because of pressures at work, and this often affects men. Our society places a high emphasis on youth and looks, qualities that are often unconsciously equated with competence, without any basis whatsoever. The patient sees that they are slowly being displaced at work by younger employees not because of any lack in skill, but simply because they are looking (but not feeling) older and more tired. A trip to the plastic surgeon can often even out the playing field in this situation.

KA - I am a cute twenty something female and I feel I need to get some work done on myself would you do it?

IH - Part of my job is bring patients back to reality. The perception of oneself can change with time and I occasionally see patients who come to see me during a time of uncertainty in their lives and they don’t need any surgery at all. I would just tell them so. Often this would occur with younger patients who essentially need nothing but a boost of self-confidence. The young are more influenced by media and there can be a significant amount of confusion when dealing with their own standards of beauty. They often come with their mothers and I can see the stress in the mother-daughter relation where daughter has been complaining about some body issues that needs no correction. I am there to put the matter straight and give my honest evaluation.

KA - What are you reading presently (non medical)?

IH - I am currently reading 2 books: The Girl Who Played With Fire (Stieg Larson) -non-med-

ical Kluge (Gary Marcus) - somewhat medical (but not plastic surgery related) KA - What does the good doctor do for Joy. IH - I watch my children become young adults.

It’s the most amazing thing anyone can do! I am not much of a hobby-person, but I have a computer software company (www.nopali.com) that occupies a good chunk of my spare time.

Interestingly, it is also a creative outlet for me since good software requires good design.

KA - You said something very interesting earlier when you stated that sometimes you feel you have to work a bit harder because of your name. Here you are handsome and successful but still: How do you explain to your clients that there are many facets to what they are embarking on ... self enhancement.

IH - I have an odd name. My father was from Lebanon and my mother from Argentina. I was named after my grandfather. Despite being born and raised in Cowansville, Quebec and receiving my training at McGill University, people are under the impression that I am from a foreign country with foreign training. It just makes it that much harder for me. It’s amazing how much power a name can hold!

KA - How did you solve your personal name “obstacle”?

IH - By working extra-hard and giving the best care imaginable to my patients. At a certain point the reputation outweighs the name and ‘Ezat Hashim’ becomes synonymous with ‘Great Result’.

KA - Where do you think Plastic Surgery will be in the next 20 years?

IH - The next 20 years will see an explosion in in the demand for plastic surgery be- cause of the aging baby-boomer population. The older population will feel the need to maintain a young and energetic appearance at work. They will also find that the youthful feeling on the inside does not correspond to what they see in the mirror. In our society today, and even more-so in the future, looks allow one to get ahead in life, and this will cause them to seek out a plastic surgeon. Plastic surgery will be taken out of the realm of a ‘personal secret’ to that of a ‘personal requirement’. The increased openness will further push the profession to new heights and patients will be able to benefit from an even better outcome with much less downtime.

A word of caution, though, is that with the increased demand for plastic surgery, there will also be an explosion of unqualified individuals who will be ready to take your money. Make sure that you seek a consultation with a certified plastic sur- geon and not just someone who claims to do plastic surgery.

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MADDY K.

Before we actually do any sort of intro, I have to take a moment and say a big thank you to Maddy K. You see, it was after hooking up with this force of nature that we decided to do KA Vol.5 The Bridal Issue. She was such positive force that we were like “hey let’s do a issue totally about bridal, high end bridal!” We didn’t end up doing a bridal issue but, Maddy K is that good, read on!

KA - You once said that this business of making fabulous events was not your first calling, how did you end up in this business?

MK – I actually never once thought about wedding planning when I was growing up…

I did know all along that I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but wedding planning was not even a thought!!!! I actually fell into this position… I was working with magazines, and naturally with that came planning launch parties and fashion shows in collaboration with different brands! That was the start of my life in the events field… but what pushed me into weddings, was when we decided to do a one-time wedding issue at the magazine, and when we started putting the magazine together, I realized that the city of Montreal majorly needed wedding planners… so at the time, it was very funny when I first launched my website for wedding planning, because no one else in the city had a website for wedding planning, and secondly, my friends and family thought I had officially lost it!!!! I always took it as a side thing, more of a hobby, but almost 5 years ago, when the business started growing, I had to make a decision about my career, and decided to give up my marketing career to pursue and grow Maddy K… I’ve never even looked back since that moment!!!

KA - After you started, what made you stay in it… was it the thrill of the new?

MK – I loved the fact that I could use all my skills: Creative, analytical, business!! It really is a very satisfying career because it allows you to tap into everything!!!

Of course I always say this to my clients is that it’s not enough to be a good designer or planner… you also have to be in business to succeed in this career!!! It’s not as glamorous as people think it is… but it definitely satisfies me in every aspect!

KA - So after you conquered the wedding party planning world, what was next on the radar?

MK – I have two new babies I am working on presently: One is Maddy Kids… this will be the Maddy K division that plans parties for babies/kids from baby showers, to baptisms, birthday parties and everything else that involves kids!! The city really needs something trendy for kids, and it’s a very natural flow for

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me, since I build a relationship with all my brides and they grow to trust me… These brides will all have babies one day, so they will know who to call for the second stage of their lives!. Second baby is Le Trousseau – This was created to satisfy my hunger of my old life – Marketing – I just love marketing and after years of helping friends in the wedding industry, I decided to launch my own marketing agency that caters strictly to the wedding industry nationwide! We do everything from branding, to social media to creating video campaigns and print campaigns!!

It’s quite exciting actually… and the fact that I have a proven record with ‘Maddy K’ helps!

KA - How hard was the jump to this next phase of Maddy K.?

MK - Not hard at all… I just love new projects and I love to constantly challenge myself… the status quo bores me, regardless or how successful stats quo is.

KA - You make it all look so easy and effortless, but can you let us in on one secret to being so cool under pressure?

MK – There are two reasons: First secret and most important secret is that I have the most wonderful supportive husband that takes care of a lot of things behind the scenes, which allows me to focus on what’s important – my clients! Second secret is that I’m born with it!!! I just don’t get stressed very easily… it’s my nature! I actually drive on ‘stress’ and love the high I feel on the day of the event, when all the suppliers are coming in for a big set up, and there are a few things going wrong, and we have a disaster to deal with… that’s when I just LOVE my job!! ;) I wouldn’t have it any other way!

KA - Where is the most pressure; is it from you or from your client?

MK – The most pressure is from knowing that my clients’ most special day is in my hands and they have trusted me with it… It is very stressful; because you want to make sure you measure up to their expectations and even surpass it!

KA - But beyond the pressure and the stress, there must be the reward; tell me, what was your most fabulous Maddy K event?

MK – The truth is, every event is fabulous… just when I think, “ok this is the best one ever” I prove myself wrong with the next one!!! I can’t chose from my weddings, because each one of them is very special!!! So I would say the most

fabulous event after my weddings, would be the annual bridal show I produce called Bridal Boudoir Affair!!! I founded that event in 2009 and I’ve been doing it every since then! It’s a fabulous event with a fashion show created just for the Montreal City Bride. The objective of the event is to promote local talent and show the wedding industry in North America that Montreal is home to extremely talented individuals that have built extremely successful businesses!

KA - Now what would you do as a fantasy no-bars-hold event?

MK – I’ll invite you to our next Bridal Boudoir Affair and you’ll get your answer ;) KA - Back to earth, what is next for Maddy K.?

MK – Now that Maddy K as a brand has been built… I would consider going into Merchandising… but only when the time is right!  KA - I love Maddy K by the way, it just rolls off the tongue, did you plan it this way? (hihihi a little poem just for you!)

MK – It’s funny you ask me that question… everyone asks me that! I’m afraid I can’t take the credit for this. It was my parents that named me… so we’ll have to thank them for this!! My name is actually Madeleine, but for as far as I can remember, people have been calling me Maddy … so when it was time to name my company… it only made sense to name it after what people know me as  KA - Branding in your field is something that you have brought to another level; how intertwined is Maddy the woman, and Maddy K the brand?

MK – After almost 10 years of having founded “Maddy K” I think the brand has found a life on it’s own!!! Maddy K the brand is all about luxury, all about entertaining, all about creating fabulous events, and all about everything that glitters!!!  However, Maddy the woman is the completely opposite… Don’t understand me wrong, I love everything fabulous…but at this stage in my life, things are very different in my life!! I just gave birth in October to my second baby… so these days my life is very far from that luxurious lifestyle ‘Maddy K’ stands for... right now, my life is all about sleepless nights and dealing juggling a family and work!!!!

LEEJA MURPHY We live in a PR world. Everything is PR, even in our personal lives it is all about PR. Like most professions (the cobbler has the worst shoes), PR people seem a reluctant lot when it comes to self PR. Luckily, Leeja considered to be one of the hardest working PR people in town, took the time to chat with KA.

“I like to say: The sky is not the limit. I’m a Go-Getter”

KA - Leeja Murphy, it is hard to describe your work as it seems there is nothing you will not do for your client, but for simplicity your work could be described as public relations and marketing.

LM - Yes, I do what we typically call PR. I establish contacts with the media, build PR campaigns for clients, propose marketing strategies and organize events. I also help clients to manage their personal image and, in a nutshell, to become a star.

KA - But what exactly do you do really for the people lucky enough to get the Leeja treatment?

LM - Basically, everything that needs to be done publicity-wise! We start by brainstorming ideas to make a company or a person number one in their chosen field, by becoming outstanding among their competitors.

KA - The setting of a launch or a event plays an important part in the final result how much say do you have with this part of the event, location choice?

LM - It’s team work. I work with the client and with the best event designer, Mabel Palomino, because the style of the event is also very important. We choose a location to suit the concept and from there the magic begins! My objective is to invite the media and the guests to the most fabulous and meaningful events.

KA - How important is it to get the right people together and do you have a A-Team?

LM - It is very important to have the perfect team. For an event to be extremely successful, everyone has to be on the same page: hard work, attention to detail, creativity, fun... I have an amazing team, entirely focused on creating events that are truly reflective of the essence of our clients.

KA - It really is important to throw a good party, but it is as equally important to be a good guest isn’t it?

LM - Definitely. Anyone can throw a party, but not everyone can throw the perfect party! There is always a purpose to everything. Public relations is fantastic, but it remains “marketing”. A brand needs to be well represented, well exposed and well recognized. The right guests are a major part of any event. You want the right people talking about it in the most enthusiastic manner for the longest time.

KA - In a way a good guest has to give up his or herself to the dynamics of the group and immerse into the experience provided.

LM - Yes! Every fabulous event has a wonderful, playful concept. We want guests to feel the magic and to be engaged.

KA - Which part do you prefer: Guest, or Public Relations /Co-host?

LM - I like to be in the action, so I must choose Public Relations / co-host. Although both are a joy. .

KA - I knew you would choose being the host; but when do you relax?

LM - Who needs to relax when you’re having fun at work? I have the best job! We work very hard, but it’s always a pleasure.

KA - So how often do you ignore people as they try to get your attention killing your name: Leeja!!?

LM - I don’t ignore them. I correct them (haha) and tell a joke: I was born 2 years before Star Wars came out, so I own the rights to the name “Princess Leeja.” Yes, my name is pronounced Leeya.

KA - You seem to have the sunniest most positive disposition, who - are - you!?

LM - A bizarre mystery! haha KA - No really, who are you, who is Leeja Murphy?

LM - I’m the President of the PR firm Agence Pink Marketing. I’m a Sagittarius/Aries, a mix of Irish and French, which makes me the bilingual, dynamic, always-on-time, fun and very hard working woman that I am. In PR, we have to be quick and very efficient. I like to say “the sky is not the limit.” I’m a Go-Getter and I always get what my clients need!

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DANIEL

STANFORD

Daniel Stanford Photographed by Martin Rondeau

We discovered Daniel like all good things: by chance (and a hot cup of coffee on a cold winter’s day). I was sitting having coffee, and this beautiful man happens to walk by and we both say “hey! I know you!

What’s up?” Well what’s up is nothing less than the most beautiful photo to artwork I have seen. The man loves beauty and it shows, but his love of beauty doesn’t stop and the female form, for his images of horses – as one lover of Daniel Stanford’s work enthused “made me cry”.

KA - When did you become an Artist?

DS - When I sold my first painting and got tired of doing other peoples / companies concepts. Now, I do what inspires me. I think you’re born an Artist, but you might not recognize it or accept it. I was always doing artistic projects as a child from painting miniatures to drawing hyper realism.

KA – What inspires you and what materials do you work with?

DS- Beauty inspires me: -the human form and nature. Beauty is all around us from a butterfly to a majestic Arabian horse, but I have a particular passion for all things Asian. In fact this is the name of the collection I have been working for 2 years now “Fascinasia”. My materials of choice are Gold Leaf, Acrylic, hard wood and I add Swarovski Crystals to select pieces. I often finish the process by applying a thick covering of epoxy resin that gives 3 dimensional perspectives to the viewer.

KA – Your eye is highly developed, how do you come up with your visions?

DS- My creative process is the result of over 15 years of fashion photography directing for major International brands. I could not have done this even 5 years ago. I just was not there yet.

Having finally visited South East Asia in 2009, this gave me a bank of inspirations this is the basis of almost everything I do now. I do creative shoots

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Vanessa Cave

Adriana Lima

Sparkles Asia Pose

Rihanna Eyes

while the weather is nice in Montreal, or I fly down to Miami and do a photo-shoot down there. I also sample inspiring images from magazines and transform them into a new vision.

This is also called decoupage; it’s existed for decades now, even Picasso used it. Some of my art has a ‘Pop Art’ element to it although with a new take on it. My Art is truly a mixed media approach, I use everything that inspires beauty.

KA- What are your future projects and how do you see your work evolving?

DS- I plan on doing my first big US solo show in Los Angeles when possible this year and continue promoting my paintings and art to as many international markets as possible. I have an ambition to be like an Andy Warhol except I want to continue making my brand of ‘Pop Art’.

Few artists make truly beautiful art even less in contemporary art or pop Art. One Gallery described my art as elegant and this I feel is a just description that I intend to further.

KA- Who is Daniel Stanford DS- A romantic, an idealist, an Artist that is passionate about creating things of beauty that bring joy to others. I feel joy to see people’s reaction to my art and I am in wonderment everytime it happens!

www.kseniavoevacollection.com

blackbook

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NEW YORK

LOS ANGELES

MIAMI

stores

stores

stores

Maryam Nassir Zadeh – 123 Norfolk St. Comme des Garcons – 520 W 22nd St. Maison Martin Margiela – 803 Greenwhich St. Atelier New York – 304 Hudson St. VBH Luxury – 940 Madison Ave

dining Ai Fiori – 400 Fifth Ave Boulud Sud – 20 W 64th St. Esca– 402 W. 43rd St. Nobu - 105 Hudson St. Per Se - 10 NY

hotels 60 Thomson - 60 Thompson St. The Mercer - 147 Mercer St., Tribeca Grand - 2 Ave Of The Americas The Setai Fifth Avenue - 400 Fifth Ave. The Standard - 848 Washington St.

TORONTO stores Holt Renfrew - 50 Bloor St. W. Chanel - 131 Bloor St. W, Gucci - 130 Bloor St. W. Rimowa - 101 Bloor St. W, Corbo - 119 Yorkville Ave.

dining Blu Ristorante – 17 Yorkville Canoe – 66 Wellington St. Blowfish – 668 King St. W. Auberge du Pommier – 4150 Yonge St. George – 111 Queen St. E

hotels The Hazelton Hotel - 118 Yorkville Ave Thompson Toronto – 550 Wellington St. W. Hotel Le Germain Toronto – 30 Mercer St. Soho Metropolitain – 318 Wellington St. W. Trump Hotel – 325 Bay St.

IntermixNEW – 634 Collins Ave YORK Alchemist – 438 Lincoln Road En Avance – 161 40th St. Offictur, il inNE restotatio mos ma voMartin Margiela - 9970 Santa Monica Blvd.

Offictur, il in restotatio mos ma voOffictur, il in restotatio mos ma voAzul Boutique 3015 Grand luptiore,–officiatem natur?Avenue Quideles il Tom Ford - 346 North Rodeo Drive luptiore, officiatem natur? Quideles il luptiore, officiatem natur? QuidelesCurve il – 2381 Collins Ave is el inihiciist audae nobis eniment et Alexander McQueen - 8379 Melrose Ave. is el inihiciist audae nobis eniment et is el inihiciist audae nobis eniment et aliae es ea abore nectest unt. aliae es ea abore nectest unt. aliae es ea abore nectest unt.

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Nulparum mintisque The Setai - 2001fugitis Collins Ave. magnimp Sofitel Los Angeles - 8555 Beverly Blvd.fugitis mintisque magnimp usam estiur?

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MONTREAL

MIAMI

stores Offictur, il in restotatio mos ma voluptiore, officiatem natur? Quideles il L’Uomo Montreal – 1452 Peel St. is el inihiciist audae nobis eniment et U&I – 3650 St. Laurent Blvd aliae es ea abore nectest unt.

Rosenstein Paris – 2148 De La Montagne Eperum que plandandebis excepDuo – 30 Prince Arthur W. tae conseque min poriossim quaTNT - 4100 St. Catherine St. W. tatem nemo blam, nemos rem quiandanto eius eum que nusant veliciates accabor aut ipsunt lacdining caboriae non reicill oreptatur sitium – 1446 Peeleium St. nonFerreira repelestiCafé blabore pturibus 740utWilliam St. queLequiLocal con –eum int erchillique Chao Phraya – 50cus Laurier Ave. W. volupiciunt as solentet, pa voLe Cartet – 106 McGill St. luptaspero estis esequia tendunt, Queue de Cheval 1221 Blvd. W. odigniaepra samus quae pro Rene-Levesque ilicit videliciet am eum voluptatem estiusam estiur? hotels Nulparum fugitis mintisque magnimp orehentia Hotel Gault ditaturibus - 449 Ruedoluptae St. Helene ducimint la James voluptat Hotel ulloritam venet The St. - 355 Rue St. Jaques Ritz Carlton Montreal - 1228 Sherbrooke St. W, Hotel St. Paul - 355 McGill W Montreal - 901 Square Victoria

VANCOUVER

LOS ANGELES

stores Offictur, il in restotatio mos ma vo-

luptiore, officiatem natur? Quideles il Hermes - 755 Burrard St. is el inihiciist audae nobis eniment et Burberry - 1101 Alberni St. aliae es ea abore nectest unt.

Chanel - 900 W. Hastings St. Eperum que plandandebis exceptae Holt Renfrew - 737 Dunsmuir St. conseque min poriossim quatatem Tiffany & Co - 723 Burrard St. nemo blam, nemos rem quiandanto eius eum que nusant veliciates acdiningcabor aut ipsunt laccaboriae non reicill oreptatur sitium non repelesti Vij’s - 1480 W. pturibus 11th Ave. blabore eium que qui con C Restaurant Howevolupiciunt St. eum ut -int1600 erchillique as Bishop’ssolentet, - 2183cus W. pa 4thvoluptaspero Ave. estis Blue Water Cafetendunt, - 1095 odigniaepra Hamilton St.saesequia West - mus 2881quae Granville St. pro ilicit videliciet am eum voluptatem estiusam estiur?

Nulparum fugitis mintisque magnimp hotels orehentia ditaturibus doluptae ducimint la voluptat ulloritam venet quunt Four Seasons - 791 West Georgia St. esPacific ulparumque nis esecto volupFairmont Rim - 1038 Canada Place Shangri-la - 1228 W. Georgia St. Opus - 322 Davie St. L’Hermitage - 788 Richards St.

TRUMP T.O. Let’s face it, we live in a world where not much makes us stop and pause. Really, think about it, besides the once a year Super Bowl, are you even excited about Christmas, do you really go and buy Valentines gifts because you are moved by red heart shaped candies?

Get my point, we are not that easily excitable any more, and we are not to blame, I think it is more to do with expectations not being met on a regular basis. But one thing that is sure, to excite even the most jaded is the word TRUMP. Now add these words to the tallest residential building in Canada, and we are definitely excited.

This perfect marriage of steel, stone and glass would only be more perfect if I lived in there, but as this is not the case, I will still go on to tell you why I covet this Bay and Adelaide street beauty.

The building is 65 stories tall with 261 luxurious rooms and suites with equally stunning views of the Toronto skyline.

There is a world class spa in the building: the Quartz Crystal Spa, 24 hour concierge service, valet parking and my fave, someone designated to you personally to walk you through the whole experience if you wish. We have yet to try the Stock restaurant situated on the 31st floor, but if it is located in a TRUMP tower, it must be above average. Maybe we will put it on our list for KA Vol. 6, stay tuned.

The simple fact that the project developed by Talon International carries the TRUMP name, says it all for me. If there is someone that is a bit more perfectionist than TRUMP, that would be the Universe, but the Trump’s, they are definitely a close second.

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KA MAGAZINE EN LIGNE www.kamagazine.com www.facebook.com/kamagazine

TOP 5 PLANS TO ENSURE THE CONTINUATION OF OUR SPECIES So here we are in 2012, one of the scariest years that I can remember or at least scary leading into this year “2012”! If you are like so many, you have seen either the movie or the actual trailer for the blockbuster “2012”, so you know how scary this 2012 thing is. If you only saw the trailer, not to worry, you pretty much got the whole plot. Here is a mini run through: earth’s crust collapses like a bad soufflé, meteors shower the planet and chase John Cusack’s van around.

In 157 minutes, on screen of course, civilization collapses and the Global institute for Human Continuity load a selected group of “passengers” into “Arks” and ride out doomsday.

When we look back at this in hind sight, the logical mind starts to think; was this all a big scare tactic to promote a freaking movie, sort of like the genius campaign in LA before the launch of the Twilight onslaught (T-shirts claiming “Vampire’s Suck”)?

There is definitely something that came out of this massively viral ad campaign and it was a stirring of legitimate concerns over humanity’s ability to survive a possible extinction event. As far as we know it, there is no such thing as the Institute for Human Continuity (or is there?), but that does not change the fact that real scientists have been grappling with this dilemma for years: The survival of the human race.

We are about to zip through five scientific takes on the doomsday scenario and the plans that these learned ones have come up with to save us all. So take off that foil hat for a minute, pop open a can of re-hydrated food stuff and lets see what can be done shall we!

01. NEAR EARTH OBJECT DEFENSE The amount of reasons to be in awe of our creative genius are far too many to be printed here, but there are a few standouts that beg mentioning. The great wall of China, Mona Lisa, Youtube (ok Youtube before being bought by Google), the iPad, and the fact that 25 billion people have now downloaded Apps from the App store. Human civilization has definitely created truly memorable bits of culture, but the fact is, we are still spinning in the middle of a vacuum with other objects whirling by us at incredible speeds, and we are just one extraordinary catastrophe away from kissing it all goodbye.

If you think this is all “much”, then think about the 65 million year-old K-T boundary extinction event. If that is a bit too far away, then how about the event of 1908, yes 1908 (Tunguska Event), in which an asteroid spectacularly self-destructed comparable to about 185 type Hiroshima bombs. Luckily for all, out in the Siberian wilderness.

What would happen if NASA were to discover a space rock heading for our little piece of paradise the size of Mars? Scientists have proposed a number of options, such as blasting it off course with a nuclear explosion, strapping rockets to it, or even get this: painting the bloody thing a different color ( giving new meaning to student painters) to let the sun push it away! This is by no means an exhaustive list of meteor deflecting methods, but it goes to show: the thinkers are a thinking.

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01

02. PLANET HACKING Face it folks, for those of us who actually look up every now and again, and I don’t mean look up when the commercial comes on to see where we placed the snacks. I mean look up into the sky past the clouds, look up and realize that yes we are on a planet, and such things as melting ice caps and rising sea levels are definitely a problem to our space vehicle.

This is where planet hacking comes into the picture, no not like hacking into a computer. Planet hacking is trying to counter solar radiation with every means at our disposal; things like reflective roof tops, to robotic fleets of ships creating artificial cloud covering. Even mirrors on orbital satellites. But the best one of all is after we cut down all the trees in the rain forest and other forests around the globe, we erect frosts of fake trees to suck up carbon dioxide. Some if not all of the artificial fixes mentioned could potentially unleash unforeseen atmospheric changes, but at least the world will be saved.

02

03. TERRESTRIAL SEED VAULTS If you are like me, your main source of learning is Sesame Street. I particularly love the episode when the First Lady Obama came on and planted seeds with the children. I mean, it was mind blowing to see that from those tiny seeds, we get the food that we eat daily. Should the planet face a cataclysmic event, what would be the first thing that pops into everyones mind? You guessed: it food. How would we protect those little seeds? Well, it seems the answer is already here. The best thing would be to lock them in a seed Vault preferably located somewhere cold. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is very, very real. Located on a snow covered island in the Arctic Ocean, this Norwegian facility consists of three chambers buried 300 feet in the side of a mountain. The facility has the capacity to store 4.5 million samples of seed.

With the aid of its own electric machinery, the vault keeps everything frozen. If a generator should blow, the permafrost should keep every thing nice and cold. If you were paying attention you might ask the question: “how can it hold up to Tibet-toppling tsunamis?” At 430 feet above sea levels, it should definitely withstand rising sea water. In fact the designers think it should withstand everything short of a direct nuclear strike.

So far, 400,000 seed samples from 22 countries have been stored at Svalbard. Now, my only question is this: With 400,000 variations of seeds, what is up wit the very limited choices of fruits and veggies at the grocery store, anyone?

05. OFF-WORLD COLONISATION “The long-term survival of the human race is at risk as long as it is confined to a single planet” Hawkins told BBC Radio 4 in 2006. ”Sooner or later, disasters such as an asteroid collision or nuclear war could wipe us all out. But once we spread out into space and establish independent colonies, our future should be safe.”

To say that I am a science fiction buff is a gross understatement, but the thing that I have learnt from all the movies and books, is that planet Earth is definitely special in the Universe and human’s are a pain in the ass where ever they go. So with all respect to Mr. Hawkins and not withstanding something on the scale of Hadean Eon meteor bombardment, which could turn the surface of the planet to magma. Or in a few billion years from now, when our sun exhausts itself and turns into a black hole engulfing not only Earth, but an ARC laden moon as well.

Here is a unscientific KA solution: why don’t we try cleaning up the environment, stop unnecessarily cutting down the trees, establish a sustainable culture., and oh I don’t know... give world peace a try. I mean what is the use of spreading this sort of madness to other worlds anyway! peace.

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04. EXTRATERRESTRIAL DOOMSDAY ARC If you are like most normal persons, you know that you need to back up your computer, defrag your hard-drive and stop using up all the RAM. You know that your this close to crashing, but you keep on downloading unnecessary porn. Well the planet and all the species on it are sort of like that, it’s time to back things up folks. To be sure we are actually well under way to doing this with every thing from Joe sperm to the extinct Indian Cheetah.

The only problem with this, it is like backing everything up on your desk top.

Not a good idea.

Enter the New York University-based Aliiance to Rescue Civilization (ARC), which, along with the European Space Agency, is proposing the solution to back it all up on (which would be the biggest external hard drive for humanity) the moon. Yes create a vault on the moon and store all our genetic stuff there, buried deep beneath endless lunar wastes. In its depths, they wish to store all human knowledge on hard disks, including DNA sequences, technological information, and agricultural instructions.

My first question was: Ok so we have all this stuff on the moon, now what?

But, ARC is way ahead of me, this very ambitious plan calls for a domed Earth-like staffed habitat and eventually a human colony.

The next question might be how would that help Earth? Well the plan would be to basically wait it out, then come back and reboot the planet.

ARC hopes to install the first stage of the project by 2020. I don’t suppose they watched the movie.

04 05

05

les essentiels

CHANEL What can be said that hasn’t already been printed, quoted or blogged about Chanel No.5? Is there a more famous perfume with a more storied history? Chanel No.5 is still a timeless classic and a number one seller for over 90 years since it’s launch in 1921.

Created by Earnest Beaux, No.5 was the first perfume every created using as much Aldehydes as it does, which by the way is what gives this fragrance its sparkle.

Legend has it, that Beaux presented Mademoiselle Chanel with ten fragrances to choose from. (Or so the story goes…) Chanel then proceeded to choose the one that corresponded to her lucky number five (which in this case was choice number five) hence the name, and the legendary scent being born.

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BVLGARI The Jewel Charms Collection of iconic Bulgari fragrances is so beautiful and unique in its simplicity of design, that the bottles alone makes you want to collect them all. When you hold a bottle in your hand, one instantly has the feeling of holding on to something precious. This unique purse spray collection with pink, white, black and transparent bottles is truly colourful and completely feminine. This line of fragrances consists of Bulgari Perfumes most prestigious women fragrances. Such fragrances as Jasmin Noir, Omnia Amethyste, Rose Essentielle, Bulgari Pour Femme and more. View the whole collection online or better yet, put one in the palm of your hand, then spray.

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CREED Is there a perfect Oud or for that matter a perfect anything. I think so and since perfection exists this Royal - Oud by Creed is as close to perfection as anything. Spray this fragrance let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and you too will be hooked. Royal - Oud is an exquisite fragrance so well executed that it exudes the right amount of sophistication the signature of the Creed line of fragrances.

Royal - Oud is a stylish and warm fougere fragrance with a beautiful kaleidoscope of woody, aromatic green and spicy nuances.

Top notes: lemon, pink berry and bergamot Middle notes: cedar, galbanum and angelic root Base notes: Regal Indian oud, sandalwood and Tonkin musk. The nose behind this fragrance is none other than sixth generation Olivier Creed. $300 - Available in Canada at Holt Renfrew, US at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Creed Boutiques

DIOR The Blacktie; a trendy sophisticated model. The “Dior Homme� scar in palladium metal is applied on the black acetate frame. $275 - Available in Canada at Holt Renfrew, US at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Dior Boutiques

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This mens black and greay shoe is truly remarkable with its graphc detail on in the leather. Sophistication with an edge. We like. $ 620 - Available in Canada at Holt Renfrew, US at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Prada Boutiques

Me...

watch

BVLGARI MOON PHASE PIAGET LIMELIGHT

The “Bulgari Bulgari” collection, the icon of the Bulgari watch line, has just been updated. Usually an update within any other collection would be no stop the presses affair, but this is Bulgari we are talking about here folks, and this is a release of a new model in an already exquisite collection.

This is definitely one of Imus as quodis etur simoloreptis millend itiume evelit veniminim nate minctaethose times when words will only clutter the obvious, runt. and in the context of less is more, we will settle with Ab ipsuntis eatiostis eum re qui nis sequi rerum re one si asofea quiaeribus, thisdoluptaeped writer’s favourite words: WOW!!! a fewandandi stats to add to that milalready descriptive vel iumqui in ratemporios sum qui qui rem conetJust essimus aligentur word: This exclusive version has a 38mm case with lum, ullabo. Ut veni voles accae simperoreste voloria cum ra sequate quiatem eum a characteristically linear and contemporary design re voluptur, omni berae. Itat hicim hil maios atur? that renders this timepiece unmistakable. The white mother-of-pearl dial is embellished with diamond pave’ Qui tem qui re ea desto omnis sitinullibus aut ut apis utem ad expernam resequas and hand-mounted markers. alita et laceper atiostiur res eturepr oriasincidit doles ese nis illutskin autemporem et steel buckThe white alligator strap has a folding que eum quam, sum et aliscipsamus siti re eria dem invenim viducipid moluptatia le. Water resistant and the piece de resistance: the watch actually marks the phase of the moon and is nossed et por sunt as embellished by Côtes de Genève and Perlage treatments. Cool just got cooler.

TWICE QUARTZ

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VERSACE DESTINY SPIRIT After Gianni Versace’s untimely death in 1997, his sister Donatella began a skillful and arduous task of taking the ailing business into the 21st century. The attention was immediately placed on accessories; to be exact watches and jewelry. The timepieces, which came out of this effort, received rave reviews from the beginning, for their innovation and technical complexity. But really, who is reviewing “technical complexity”. The watches rock, they were stunning from the get go and pushed the envelope, in an area that was flooded with the same old same old.

The Versace watch was a true marriage of style and functionality. They just looked so darned good, and the fact that they were amazing timepieces was a great bonus added to the wow factor.

I have yet to meet a person (beside the die-hard watch collector/respect) that doesn’t buy luxury first on how it makes them feel. With the introduction of the Versace Destiny Escape we are definitely feeling good.

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The original Chanel J12 was in and of itself a land mark watch. It wasn’t about design or for that matter materials, it was more of a success of packaging. Chanel took what was tried-and-true (the desirability of a dive watch style), combined it with the durability of high-tech ceramic and ended up with something very special indeed. As an aside, Rado likes to quip that they invented the ceramic watch. I think that in all fairness we should give them credit, but it is arguable that it was Chanel that gave this type of watch universal appeal.

Ceramic not only holds a shine forever, but it is virtually scratch resistant (whereas steel and gold gets scuffs and scratches). The original J12 came in black or white ceramic and was an instant hit for it’s combination of what we call double S with the double C ((smooth look /smooth material). But Chanel not one to rest on their laurels continued the quest for the holy grail which is of course ceramic material that looks just like metal. The answer a special titanium ceramic hybrid material used in the new J12 Chromatic.

All the tech stuff aside, this time piece is especially beautiful to look at and wonderfully light weight, with a smoothness that gives the wearer a feeling of never wanting to take it off. Though the original J12 has not gone out of style, the material breakthrough of the new J12 is definitely a special offering.

05

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ICONS

ETTA JAMES

I wonder if there is one person reading this that does not know the song “At Last” by Etta James. There is something very odd about this song though, it’s this: many people knew the song long before even knowing the critically acclaimed and influential source of one of the most well known and loved songs ever. Etta James might not have taken home cart loads of Grammy’s, but she definitely took home cart loads of hearts. Love is the only thing we can say in the context of Etta James. KA has never been about tributes per se, but with the passing of not one but two vocal legends back to back, it is fitting that we give tribute.

Etta did not have an easy life, and like another famous singer (Tina Turner), her engagement was tumultuous at best. But there is something about her emotional hunger that seemed to seep into her vocal style, leaving the listener with a deep chill up and down the spine. The ferocity of her voice documents a neglected child, and a woman that was constantly drawn to bad relationships and an artist raging against an industry and a society that had routinely taken her for granted.

Etta James became an “over night success” when played

by Beyonce’ in the 2008 film Cadillac Records, fans of Beyonce’ were by default given a brief glimpse into the life of a living legend and for once, the true origin of At Last became known to the masses.

Lest it be forgotten, James did win 6 Grammy awards, she has a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Check out her book Rage to Survive, published in 1995, which readers will find as blistering as her singing.

What song is your favourite Whitney Houston song?

When I think about Whitney Houston, I am so saddened by her death, but I am also torn since in a way I am also saddened by a life that seemed to have made a wrong turn somewhere and ended very far from its intended destination. But even with this as her reality the fact still remains that Whitney Houston is one of the most successful female singers of all time. She has won 6 Grammy awards nominated twenty-six times and winning album of the year for the Bodyguard soundtrack and record of the year for “ I will always love you.�

Whitney was my first poster when I was a teenager. I remember when she first came out with her debut album, it was the vocal equivalent of an nuclear explosion. There was no one, and I mean no one, that had that sort of vocal strength or range and from such a tiny frame. Whitney single-handedly rose the vibration of the Universe with her voice and for a strange inexplicable reason, her absence from our 3 dimensional reality that we call life, has created a void. Rest in peace, Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

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NEVIK Since 1986

UNTIL THE PHILOSOPHY WHICH HOLDS ONE RACE SUPERIOR, AND ANOTHER INFERIOR ,IS FINALLY AND PERMANENTLY DISCREDITED AND ABONDANNED ,EVERYWHERE IS WAR, UNTIL THERE IS NO LONGER FIRST CLASS AND SECOND CLASS CITIZENS. UNTIL THE BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS ARE EQUALLY GUARANTEED TO ALL WITHOUT REGARDS TO RACE, AND UNTIL THAT DAY DREAMS OF LASTING PEACE WORLD CITIZENSHIP WILL REMAIN BUT A FLEETING ILLUSION TO BE PURSUED BUT NEVER ATAINED AND EVERY WHERE THERE IS WAR, WAR IN THE EAST WAR IN THE WEST WAR RUMORS OF WAR Robert Nesta Marley

www.nevik.com

NEVIK Since 1986

SINGER ASHLEY KING PHOTOGRAPHED BY KEVIN ALLWOOD