Canvas Magazine by Karim Kurdi

CANvAS My thoughts My Endevors

Content

Big Girl Small World

Who The Fuck Am I?

We Are Alessandro Michelle

Your Love Has Become Forgein

Till The Shoe Drops

Keep Your Balls, I Got My Own

Being Me Is A Full Time Job

Interview With Gala Limon

Masthead EDITOR IN CHIEF Karim Kurdi ART DIRECTION Karim Kurdi FEATURES/FASHION Karim Kurdi Laura Berthelot PHOTOGRAPHERS Karim Kurdi Fee-Gloria Groenemeyer LAYOUTS Karim Kurdi

Contributors William FrÃ©on Fee-Gloria Groenemeyer Laura Berthelot Yun Ng Gala Limon Benjamin Agoyer Eduardo Bravo Sergio Alvarez Raquel Pinto Lucie Lefevre

Editor’s Note

At a day and age when the high tech world is dominating, the values of the old are somehow fading over time. Text books and magazines, even the use of papers and pencils are slowly vanishing away from today’s generation. As for magazines, the success comes within every new idea. A new idea that makes it stand out from the crowd. One that the readers could relate to and indulge in. True, the experiences can happen through online media, but the experience cannot be the same. Magazines offer a tactile experience that their digital versions could never replace. Ones that could be displayed, and looked at after a period of time for inspirations, and ideas are that remain important, and have value over their online publications. The aim is not to fight against the online world, but to work twice as hard and deliver eye-catching spreads that would make a breakthrough and have people reach over the shelf for. Print is not dead and will not die anytime soon. It’s just a harder product to sustain as the 21st century moves forward. Double the work, double the time, double the energy and double the creativity needs to be put into every detail to have it succeed. The art of storytelling intertwined with fashion is rarely in magazines. And everybody that has tried to step into the fashion world has had their own and personal experience. Whether it was a bad or funny one, some have stuck and made it through as the topic of the night. So when it comes to things like this, it is always nice to share the things that inspired people or that have really made a change in people’s lives. So why not have a platform where people can express themselves with entertaining stories, and articles that talk about people’s experiences and endeavors in the fashion world. They make great conversations at the dinner table, why not have them printed into magazines alongside beautiful editorials that people on a larger scale can enjoy? This is the first issue of Canvas and it was a delight to work on it. I hope you enjoy every story as much as I enjoyed writing and sharing it with you.

By Editor-In-Cheif, Karim Kurdi

BIG GIRL

WORLD

“In a world filled with commeners it’s never bad to be different”

I find myself surrounded by small things. small people, small houses, small cars, small walls even the dress was too small. How did I grow this much? What happened that led me to become so big? I squeeze myself through my hallway only to find myself stuck in what used to be my kitchen. I reach over to grab my cup coffee and that’s also too small! What is it that happened last night? Was it something I ate? Am I turning into Alice where one pill makes larger and one makes you small? As far as I know I was in a sober state of mind. These days it seems like there’s no place for big girls like me. I was once described as big boned, but is that a term people use to describe fat people in a nice way? The fashion I used to love no longer loves me back. It seems like this is the age of skinny girls, and if you’re not one then you don’t belong. The media has manipulated the minds of people to believe so. I find myself starving my body from its own nutrition in hopes of one day fitting in. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say, what a load of bull that is. When the only things you see are girls that fit into a size 2, then it seems like there no hope for being different. Social media today has infested the minds of young people everywhere with the ideas of what beauty should be. You see images of girls with tiny waists and big bums getting much attention from guys, and claiming ideas of perfection. Is this what the world has come to? It’s simple to say that the rise of social media is at one point dangerous, anyone from anywhere can sign in through their device and start criticizing other for being different or not fitting into the ideal standard of beauty. But that’s not what our young generation needs today, we need to show and influence the younger generation that everybody is beautiful in their own way. I woke up today finding myself self lost in small surroundings, but I have come to terms that I should no longer feel that way. I should love my curves, love my full shape, and be happy and feel blessed that I’m here today feeling happy and healthy. I woke up today and it was tough at first, but I’m here now feeling strong and beautiful! By Laura Berthelot

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who the fuck am i? “In a world filled with commeners it’s never bad to be different”

Who am I? Am I the person I always wanted to be? Society has restricted us from ultimate liberty. Dress accordingly, act accordingly…etc. who’s to say what is and what isn’t? I find my self trapped in a vessel I once called my own, trapped in a memory that once gave me joy, trapped in a body that yearns to mirror my inner desires. The word trapped can sometimes be wrongly interpreted, a trap can either be refered to as a means of security or deception. In my case my trap is my way of deceiving people, to please society and cultures I fake my outer appearance. I find my self walking in the steps of someone I don’t know, my clothes represent not the person I am…I feel alienated in my own skin, how could things make me feel this way? I long for the day when I’ll be able to brake free and express the person I want to be. The looks that people give me as I walk down the street give me confidence even when I know I know they are looks of judgment. My strong shell with cracks it with stands, and my pride with no shame is carried on my shoulders. But I can’t fight the thoughts that come into my mind as I lay my head to sleep. The heels I long to wear, the dress that dazzled me, the jewels I long for, I can’t help but think it’s all a fading dream in my mind. One day ill be in that white outfit, walking towards the one I love, standing tall and proud in my own skin, with the world judging me with thoughts ever so thin. One day ill be me, the me I longed to be, while society will mock every vision I see. One day ill look back and say it was the hard and tough times that shaped the man I became, and ill hold my self strong, tall and bare no shame. To all the ones that feel different I have one thing to say, in a world filled with commoners sometimes it’s amazing to be the one who’s not sane. Be yourself, express your every emotion, your every thought, your every desire, and don’t look back at the ones that pointed and laughed, because you’re beautiful in every shade and color that you craft. CANVAS - 11

who the fuck am i?

â&#x20AC;ŚI feel alienated in my own skin, how could things make me feel this way?

We are Alessandro michelle he said “Come over here” he said…no one can see us…we are fashion”. Questions ran through my mind as I approached this guy who I clearly knew wasn’t my kinda guy. He had worn out Stan Smiths, a ragged old sweatshirt and what seemed to be like a New Yorker baseball cap hooked to his jeans. “Why are we standing here?” I asked. “Well because we are fashion, no one can see us here. We are Gucci…we are Alessandro Michele.” For a moment there I guesses he was just another jerk out for a big laugh, so I walked away. “Hey! why are you leaving? Stay”. “But what is that you want, its clear to see that you’re here for a laugh, no?” I replayed as I put on my Gucci denim jacket getting ready to leave. “No of course not!” he replayed with the utter most sincerity. “I just want to chat, I find you cute and would be nice to have a talk, everybody else here seems to be drunk and wasted. And besides you got that certain style about you that intrigued me”. It was Halloween night, and I had no plans what so ever on going out until my friend rings my phone bursting with joy about a big Halloween bash at our favorite club. In the depth of my laziness I find the energy to dress up. I carry out my black tight denims throw on my black T-shirt and knee high Dr. Martin boots. Put a mask on my face and flaunt my simplicity with my oversized denim Gucci jacket embroidered with flowers, bees and tigers, damn what a jacket. With no intentions of going out, I had no expectations for the night. I promised my self that I’d join my friend for a drink and head home. Little did I know that on this particular night, my world would flip. He approached at exactly 4:00 A.M as I was smoking my last cigarette before going home. At first I thought the usually, a little talking here and there and that would be all. But one thing led to another and and I find myself having a conversation with this guy about Gucci, Chanel, Cartier and Dior. We spoke about how the new creative director, Maria Grazia, at the maison Dior was doing a horrible job for the brand, using her daughter’s skater ways for styling and other things that really did not represent the brand. Intrigued, yes I was for sure, especially since he was not involved or a lover of fashion, but just cultivated and knowledgeable about the topic. He later invited me for one last drink before asking me to come back home with him, and with an impulsive response I say “YES”. I get into the cab with him, driving down Place De Vosge, watching the sun rise as it adorns the Parisian streets with a lovely light shade of yellow. “What am I doing here?!” I ask myself “I don’t know this guy and how am I even here with him”. I was haunted by questions and emotions when we finally arrive to his place. He opens the door and I find my self in an old Parisian styled apartment. Clean, simple, elegant and full of style. Old Art Nouveau couches, 16th century photography of what I could only assume could be his great grand parents adorned the walls. And as I look over a beautiful antique Singer sewing machine in the corner of his bedroom. “How are you into fashion when you have an item like that just laying at home”? I ask. “Baaa…I use it to hand my necklaces and it reminds me of my grandmother” he replays, with the sexiest French accent I’ve herd. I laugh in my chest and my smile rises from ear to ear. He was funny, he was smart…he was different. He takes me over to his closet showing me that although he doesn’t work in fashion he still payed attention to the brands and clothes he wore. My knees weakened as I herd him speak and before I knew it I face him, at this points our chest touched, I could smell the alcohol on his breath, and before I knew it we kissed. There’s nothing like a first kiss to tell you all you need to know about a guy. Weather or not he’s affectionate, tender and a little rough when he has to be. Using the old cliché expression, there were fireworks, ones that could be mistaken for bombs. He throws me to bed climbing over me, my heart pounding, my hands shaking, he was charming. He looks at me with his deep green eyes and pulls my hair from my face, and whispers French words into my ear. I lose my self at the sounds of his voice, deep, rough and masculine. We had spent all morning together. And wake to the sound of neighbors as they laugh while going down the stairs, typical Parisian walls. I take my shower and give him one last kiss before leaving. I walk out in my dirty clothes from the night before, not taking his number, or his full name. Never did I think that I would be hung up over a guy from the club. But little didn’t I know that my world was about to get flipped. 4days had passed and I can’t seem to get him out of my mind. Who was he, what was his name, I search Facebook in hopes of gaining some answers…and nothing. The only thing I remember was where he lived. Was I actually going to go onto his streets and expect to run into him? Was I really going to go and drop by asking if he was still interested? All pondering thoughts that left me with no answers. Till this morning when I wake up deciding to go over there and knock his door seeing where things would go. Totally crazy and not myself, but I realized it had to be done for me to feel sane again. So I get myself out of bed, drink my coffee with utter blank in my head. I start to prepare myself, changing one outfit after the other. When I finally decide on what to wear I call my friend and we decide to meet by the metro, after all I did need support! When we finally get to his building I feel my heart beat in the palm of my hands, nerves and emotions leave me feeling like a 12-year-old in the principles office. When I finally gather my clustered self, I build the courage to go up and knock his door. After two knocks and an overdose on adrenaline I realize that he’s not home, so I decide to leave a note with my number. So I leave the building with my friend by my side to comfort me. Boy who knew that feeling like things could lead a person to do such things? Well all I know is that I did what I had to do and for now it a matter of waiting and seeing whether or not I get a call back form the guy who flipped my world around. CANVAS - 17

“WE ARE FASHION”

He looks at me with his deep green eyes and pulls my hair from my face,

n g i e r o f e m o c e b s a h e m Your love to

I Loved you through all the hurt and pain. I fell for your charm, your lies and your game. You made feel like I was the your special one. But with all your deceit and deceptions, I became your object of fun. I wanted material things, I wanted you, I wanted everything. Only I found myself at the other end of your every sting. On the floor my body you dragged. How could I let myself by your knife get stabbed? You cried to me, and down on your knees I herd your pathetic pleas. For you I forgot me, and it was you I longed to please. I swore to myself I wouldn’t let it happen again. Your apologies always came with material things. A fool I was because the next day your fist on my eye left a stain. I guess money and items can’t buy you everything. I was young and dumb, and slowly my heart became numb. My hunger for products brought me to decay. With you I cannot spend one more day. A woman is a diamond, one to be cherished. You didn’t know what you had until it all became perished. The day I left was the day I lived once again, Your love to me has become foreign.

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Describe Fashion In 1 Word

Till the shoe Drop s As I sat down in the corner of a Starbucks near by I couldn’t help but think, could you have a relationship when the sex is bad? It had been two weeks since I’ve been seeing John, aka MR. Comic, a cast stylist who recently moved to Paris for work. Things were going perfect, the chemistry we had was indescribable, he was funny, smart, and easy to be with. For the first time in a long time I found myself in a relationship with a guy who made me laugh and made me want to be with him more than ever. We met at a concept store just down the street from Galleries Lafayette, he made a joke as I dropped a banana shaped phone, and before I knew it we were sharing memories and thoughts on work and relationships. He asked if I would be interested in dinner later on this week, and I said yes without a doubt. I ran back home thinking of the perfect outfit to wear for my date with John. When I get back home I get a message on my answering machine, and to my surprise it was him. Another joke from mister comic that just put a smile on my face. Thursday morning, and it was today, the day for our date. I went through all my outfits to find out that I had nothing to wear, nothing that made me feel the way I wanted to. I hop from store to store down my street till I finally found that one dress that leaves much to the imagination while still being sexy in all the parts needed. After plenty of hours getting ready, I make it just in time to the restaurant that we decided on. The dinner was perfect, the food was perfect, he was perfect… we were perfect. We got each other, the jokes were simple, the connection was strong and the heat between us was ever so flaming. He leaned over for a kiss, and I gave him my “you can go for it” lean. Our lips locked for hours, and his touch was just right. We left the restaurant as the staff began to close the place, yes we were the last ones there. He walks me over to my place, a gentleman, hard to find these days. I invited him to come upstairs. Now back in my day, come upstairs meant, come over for a movie and make-out, and indeed that’s what happened. Before the kettle was hot enough for tea we were wrapped around one another. All was perfect until we got into bed, things were just not right. The connection was lost, the physical connection between one another was just all wrong. Things were quite, awkward, plain and dull. Where were the fireworks? Where was the chemistry? Where was this connection we had? Now it’s known that first times are always the worst. So I decided

not to shut myself off right away. Only this time I decided to heat it up a bit. I put on my sultry lingerie underneath my couture…I have never gone wrong in this piece. As we met another time for a light bite and a movie, the night ended with him back at my place for “Tea”. However, once again things were all wrong. So bad to the point that my Valention’s were still on as we were going at it. How could this be? We just seemed to match perfectly everywhere else but the bed! As I laid back to sleep that night, I couldn’t help but wonder, could you have a perfect relationship without the perfect sex? Or could you have a healthy relationship without the other? They say that in every healthy relationship its good to talk about things that aren’t going so well, but with such an uncomfortable topic how could one start? And the idea that this could be good to him was what scared me the most. Telling a guy that he’s not good in bed is relationship cancer, there’s no turning back from there and you can be sure that he wont be the same. So I decided to put this behind and try to work with it, maybe a few drinks could help, maybe some music…I was out to find solutions. I gave Mr. Comic a call, planning a dinner date at my place. I don’t usually cook but take out and some nice candles always seem to work like a charm. I set up everything perfectly, I played some nice jazz, had candles in every corner of the house, new sheets, aroma therapy oils adorned the air. And of course I was all dolled up. I gave myself the bed head hair look, my black eye liner outlined the deep blue color in my eyes, essential oils softened my skin while the silk dress flared around my body, and finally my I put on my heels that put at a perfect height with him. A few hours later and one to many glasses of wine later, we were on the bed. He slipped the dress of my shoulders as he kissed my lower neck and back. Things were going fine up until he stopped knowing that I was waiting for the awkward moments to come. He looked at me and explained that he doesn’t know why things haven’t been as perfect in bed. I was just thankful to know that he thought this was bad too. We spoke and realized that it was probably the pressure we put on ourselves that made things this bad. We decided to play it cool from then and just take it one step at a time, and that sex wasn’t that essential for a relationship. But with a split of a second we both jumped on one another and for the first time in a long while my shoe finally dropped!

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keep your balls, i got my own He wanted me to be the Celine girl. Pretty in pink, tall and thin in my heels with my hair all sleek and pulled back. He wanted me to be the flower girl, the girl that is shy and blushes. He wanted me to be the damsel in destress that needed a man to save her. He wanted me to be the house wife, the lady that took care of all the household errands, the one to iron his shirt and greet him at the door when he came back from a long day at work. He wanted me to be the girl I’m not. It’s no surprise that men can sometimes be intimidated by a strong powerful woman. Times have changed, and yes things are not as they used to be 15years ago. But at the same time, there are some people who still seem to be stuck in the 50’s, expecting women to play they housewife role at all times. Women with strong personalities are often to referred as manly, aggressive, or butch. However, when it comes to men, if they have a soft and emotional side they are right away girly, sensitive or gay. Why are either sex’s used as adjectives to describe or mimic someone? I’m not your typical girly girl, not the one that’s going to run to you with problem expecting solutions, or looking to be saved. I am the girl that can take care of her self, the girl that stand on her own when the tougher gets tough. I worked hard to be the one I am today. I put myself through collage, I bought myself that bag I wanted and I’m in no way waiting for anyone to come and support or take care of me. I can be tough at times, and I can be forward, but that’s only because I have been through things in my life that have led to to dependent on no one but my self. There is no need to be frightened, or for my courage to put you off. This should only show that I can and will be there when you need it, it goes t show that when you fall I will be your legs to carry you. When you’re lost I can be the one to guide you as you can guide me when I get mislaid. That’s when I would know that we have both completed each other, when I’m not your damsel, but your equal. Only then can I at times be your “Celine” girl, the girl who you want to carry, the girl you want to save, the girly girl that runs to you when in need, and the girl that will empower you as her man.

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"BEING ME IS "BEING ME IS A FULL TIME TIME JOB..." "BEING ME IS "BEING ME IS A FULL TIME TIME JOB..."

S A FULL E JOB..." S A FULL E JOB..."

William Fréon, 24 Fashion Business Graduate, In an Industry that is very competitive, I don’t know what made me decide to go into fashion. I’ve always loved the art of cloths making, and found beauty in each individual piece. But let’s be real, the competition is fierce and you have people from all over the world trying all they can to get into the field. And for what? To start at a company where you are treated like you don’t matter, payed very little to nothing even. And you spend hours crying over your desk just hoping your boss appreciates what you have done. I just finished my BA in Fashion Business, and I’ve been cramping myself at home, in front of my laptop day in day out, sending CV’s in hopes of getting accepted for an internship. It’s been 2months, and I find myself drowning in my own thoughts and mess. I find potential in myself, and believe that I can do the job well when asked. But when it comes to finding a job in this dog eat dog industry I worry that time is going to pass me by as I am only getting older.

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In an Industry that is very compatative, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what made me decide to go into fashion.

YUN NG, 30

Yoga Instructor, Fashion MBA Student

A lot of my work or moving meditation is in yoga practice. When I exercise yoga I practice my mindfulness and mediation. Because of mindfulness I learned to appreciate every action and everything that I do. And that includes appreciation of design, appreciation of creativity and that exists in fashion as well. So for my thesis I’m writing about how fashion business can use mediation to new brand loyalty for their consumers. I have to say that I aspire to become a loyal consumer myself, but I think at the time being, I wouldn’t consider myself a loyal consumer due to financial reasons and the convince, I’m not that free with my time, I would reach for something that is right under my nose rather then going around and looking for something from a brand I love. But I hope and work on changing that slowly.

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Gala Daniela LimOn Carmona, 27 Fashion Designer, And Fashion MBA Student

Gala Daniela Limón Carmona aka Gala Limon, is a young fashion designer and MA graduate from the university of IFA at Paris. She is born in Guanajuato México and lived and studies most of her life there. Her love for her heritage and culture has helped her develop a strong identity when it comes to designing her own clothes. With the arrival of fashion week in Paris, Gala had to create a collection for her final project at IFA. Taking on her love for México and all the vibrant colors that come with, she managed to create a collection that we couldn’t but feature in our magazine. We also got a little into Gala’s mind, asking her questions about her inspirations, and future plans. She was very responsive, full of life and laughter.

C: Hello Gala, first we would like to thank you for taking the time to answer a few of our questions. G.L: It;s no problem at all. I love sharing my thoughts and creations with everybody. I’m happy to help. C: What sparked my interest in fashion design? G.L: I have always enjoyed the process of mixing and matching. I can even recall back when I was a teenager dressing up for school. I was always looking for ways to feel different in front of the mirror, to sort of cut that routine feeling, sometimes I used the bomber jacket for days when we had sports mixed our daily day skirt also ading different pins that I loved from funny cartoons to rock bands, just to add some style to simple Jacket. Also when I’m shopping I take so much time because I have very specific ideas on materials, colors or shapes I’m looking for. C: Before arriving to Paris, what was your main goal? G.L: My main goal was to find new ways to source, nurture and express my brand. As I’ve been observing the fashion system, I understand in a better way all the means that the universe of the brand has to express. And the possibilities of coming into new market places and a larger network of distribution. C: How does your culture and heritage influence your designs and inspiration? G.L: I like all to explore with all textiles and artisanal heritages of my country. It’s full of symbolisms and each technique is different from one region to another. It’s an infinite palette of possibilities to play around with. The garment history is very rich and in this particular new collection I’m making traditional pieces such as the “Reboso” that is usually wrapped around the body, mixing it with contemporary and very Durban-chic garments as bomber jackets or jumpsuits. C: How do you balance creativity with commerce? G.L: I design with the aspiration of wearing my own clothes, which helps me so much in the commercial perspective. So from the very beginning I chose materials I like to feel on myself, to touch and to see. I think garments should allow someone to easily move with comfort and ability do normal day to day activities. Its fun to create pieces for the show as merely art objects but what really challenge me is to make the same kind of impact in a wearable garment that could be worn on a casual day out.

C: Do you have a specific research process when starting a new collection? G.L: My research process is really free of forms, I like to go back and forward or even to the sides. I like to explore as much possible and new techniques I can. I pay a lot of attention to the textures and the color palette. A large part of the process is experimental. And the last part is to land everything in the wearable story. C: What’s the biggest thing you learn from the MA degree at IFA? G.L: I learned a lot about communication tools, fashion ethnography for better understanding in depth of fashion messages, strategy and business management. Which is very important to learn in fashion business, especially when planning to develop your own brand. C: Do you plan to go back to Mexico? If yes, how would you help your country? G.L: I do plan to go back to Mexico and when I do so I´d like to help my country by creating fair trade system jobs, with high standards in work environment. Also I’d like to commit the brand for children education causes, art and technology institutions. These are ways in which I feel I’d be able to help my country one step at a time. C: Who are you biggest influencers in the fashion industry? Why? G.L: I would say my biggest influencers today in the fashion industry would have to be Hussein Chalayan and Iris Van Herpen for their approach on technology and materials. I dream a lot about a sustainable technology future and circular economics in the fashion system. Also their designs mixed with the use of technology has such a beautiful outcome that leaves me mesmerized every time. C: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? G.L: I would like to see myself with a better established brand on an international level. Also working in parallel to what I do now, that is mentoring on innovation and new mindset for public servants. I would also like to collaborate with the construction of a more ethical fashion system and with institutions to promote better work environment on corporative and fashion enterprises. C: What advice would you give to the youngsters who hope to become fashion designers? G.L: Build strong human ethics, think outside outside the box and take risks. The fashion world needs people who try and transform the path in which fashion production and consumption has reach. Work in enriching your spirit and your drive to be able to deal with any task or challenge successfully. Also think of what you can bring to fashion and to society. Try not only to create beautiful garments, but try and find a way to merge that into helping our society.

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Credits Adidas 01 42 99 99 09 Armani 01 42 86 15 30 Apple 01 44 83 42 00 Benjamin Agoyer Calvin Klein 01 48 07 86 11 Casio 01 80 49 07 50 Champion 01 800 832 0594 Dr.Martin 0142 27 74 34 Durex www.durex.com

Eduardo Bravo eduardobravohair.com Fee-Gloria Groenemeyer feeglory.net Fitness Price Paris4eme 01 44 54 02 90 Gap 01 56 88 48 00 Gala Limon www.galalimon.com Gabriela Reck gabi.perez.792 H&M 01 55 34 79 99 Karim Kurdi karimk_88@hotmail.com Levis 01 42 21 00 11

Le Succulents Cactus 01 48 87 07 18 Laura Berthelot berthelot.laura@gmail.com Lucie Lefevre lucie-lefevre@hotmail.com Marelli 01 42 64 29 40 Mango 01 42 43 40 40 Mac Cosmetics 1800 588 0070 Nike 01 42 25 93 80 Reebok 01 42 33 36 57 Raquel Pinto rakapinto7@gmail.com

Sergio Alvares www.sergioalvarez.co.uk Valentino 01 47 23 64 61 William FrĂŠon william.freon@icloud.com Yun Ng yun.lyst@gmail.com Zara 01 55 78 88 88

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Canvas Magazine Volume 01 By Karim Kurdi Canvasmagazine.com