LA VIDA THE VERY BEST OF
spring 2013 issue 03
fashion lifestyle & nightlife
Exclusives with
NE-YO MEGHAN MARKLE misha b
life on the runway charlotte wiggins s/s 13’ trends
Spring Issue
UPDATE YOUR LOOK
NEW SEASON arrives at my-wardrobe.com Kick start your SS13 look with the very best designer fashion
my-wardrobe.com is a stylish global online boutique selling everyday luxury fashion to men and women
La Vida Magazine Suite 101, Barclay House 35 Whitworth St. West Manchester M1 5NG info@itslavida.com www.itslavida.com Publisher Abanoob Anton Creative Director Anthony Logan Marketing Director Andreas Anastasiou Managing Editor Athina Macpherson Features Editor Jsky Writers Daniel Bernard Effy Pafitis Emily Mulenga Farah Musa Gina Jaiden Micheal Joseph Dent Patrick Humphreys Saf Ashraf Media Developer Andy Wheeldon Photographers Amir Shah Ella Tebbutt Hanna Hillier Matt Eachus Make Up Artist Dominique Desveaux Rebecca Anderton Rhian Jones Scarlette Burton La Vida TV Chris Curtiss Circulation Manager Michael Harding Designers Anthony Logan Athina Macpherson Grace Maleedy Branded Digital Creative Agency
La Vida Media Group Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. Whilst every effort is taken, prices and product details are subject to change at any time; La Vida Magazine Ltd. take no responsibility for omission’s or errors. We respectfully reserve the right to publish and edit any articles at any time.
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insideLA VIDA spring 2013 issue 03
7 EDITOR’S LETTER
Athina Macpherson introduces the Spring Issue
10 FEMALE EDITORIAL SHOOT
Find the equilibrium between androgyny and femininity to embody the Girl in the City’s urban attitude
18 WOMEN’S FASHION TRENDS
Monochromatic, Neon, Palatable Pastels, Spring 13’ Shoe Collection
22 LIFE ON THE RUNWAY Exclusive interview with top model and face of Burberry, Charlotte Wiggins
30 MEGHAN MARKLE
Exclusive interview with leading lady Meghan Markle form hit USA series ‘Suits’
36 SKJA
Sacha James and Khadija Ahmed speak to La Vida about their collaboration and their new spring line
38 MEN’S EDITORIAL SHOOT Follow these premium looks and you, like our Metropolitan Man, can conquer spring with finesse.
44 NE-YO
Exclusive interview with RnB superstar Ne-Yo
48 MEN’S FASHION TRENDS Suiting Spring, The Little Things That Make a Big Impact, Spring Transitions
59 LA VIDA DIARY
We round-up the hottest events that hit Manchester
60 MERABI S/S13’ CATWALK SHOW Manchester fashion designer, Nadine Merabi, showcases her Spring/Summer13’ dress collection
62 HOW TO GET IN SHAPE FOR SUMMER FAST Nutrition for weight-loss made simple
64 ITSLAVIDA.COM
Highlights of our recent features online
66 1 WEEK WORKOUT PLAN
70 CLOSE MALE GROOMING Men are embracing the artistic quiff and Alex Shore shows us how to achieve this fashionable look
73 LA VIDA BEAUTY
Minimalism, Colour Blocking, Grunge Love, Dramatic Nails, Catwalk Beauty, Day & Night
82 SAPPORO TEPPANYAKI Manchester’s top Japanese restaurant
84 WE MEET THE FACE’S BEHIND THE VOICES
La Vida sits down with Capital FM’s new presenters Adam Brown and Carla Kompany
88 INTRODUCING MISHA B
Exclusive interview with Manchester’s finest urban artist, Misha B
90 AMELIA LILY
La Vida meets Amelia Lily for an exclusive interview on her pink party bus!
92 JOSH KUMRA
La Vida meets Swindon talent Josh Kumra
You know the moves - now it’s time to learn how to choose the right ones for the most effective workout
93 THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS
68 RAW FOOD
94 PARKLIFE WEEKENDER
Learn how to sprout and make your own hummus
Cover Model: Chloe Frankie Peers Photographer: Brian Rolfe
La Vida meets The Martinez Brothers
The line-up for this years leading UK music festival Parklife Weekender 03 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
EDITOR'S letter
W
e can finally all sigh a breath of relief as spring has finally arrived. The long anticipated wait was longer, and colder, than usual - I guess that is somewhat the beauty of the contradictory British climate, no? With that being said, I still daren’t leave the house without my umbrella. Regardless, it seemed natural for this issue to take our long-awaited spring months by the reins by bringing you, our lovely readers, a fully fled issue dedicated to this sprightly season. With the latest fashion and beauty trends, for both our city girls and our metropolitan men, straight from the catwalks of London Fashion Week S/S13’, the transition from winter to spring will be oh-sobreezy. We also took the liberty of talking to leading lady Meghan Markle from hit USA network series ‘Suits’; talking love, life and all things fashion. Charlotte Wiggins also let us glimpse into her life as a top model and how she feels to be the face of Burberry – exciting! But don’t worry guys, we haven’t forgotten about you. Fashion forward Ne-Yo spoke exclusively to La Vida about his recent tour, his album R.E.D and, of course, his effortless style. Our seasonal health and fitness pages remain in tact, helping you all get fit and ready for summer – beach body here you come!
With a multitude of interviews including exclusives with Misha B, Amelia Lily, The Martinez Brothers and Josh Kumra, our music section will undoubtedly form your playlist for the spring months. A chat with Capital FM’s new presenters Carla Kompany and Adam Brown have been a huge talking point at La Vida HQ, as well as a buzz around the office for the highly anticipated Parklife Weekender – which of course, we also run you through. As a whole, this spring issue has been an exciting talking point within the office and, as always, great fun compiling; finally moving into our new HQ, redecorating, enjoying the spring weather and longer days, trying out the new fashion and beauty trends and listening to the new hits on full blast – we’re living La Vida! (I couldn’t resist). As always though, a lot of late nights and hard work have been put into this issue – no rest for the wicked, hey? But we honestly believe that you will thoroughly enjoy this issue as we have, and we look forward to bringing you our summer edition; hopefully the Manchester weather will oblige!
Athina Macpherson 07 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
SMILE OR CRY CHARITY SHOOT
Photography : Matthew-Comer.com
GIRLIN THECITY
With the high-paced lifestyle of the modern city constantly challenging its inhabitants, overwhelming them with day-to-day priorities, even the most dedicated fashionista has no room for haute couture in her wardrobe. From the office to the home, business luncheon to friend’s brunch, the Girl in the City balances style and comfort, simultaneously balancing realistic looks with her passion for fashion. Take a more wearable approach to this season’s top trends in creating your city wardrobe with a mixture of classic pop-colours and monochrome statement pieces, jeans and sharp tailoring, bold accessories and natural make-up. Find the equilibrium between androgyny and femininity to embody the Girl in the City’s urban attitude -whether on or off duty.
Models: Candy McCulloch & Natasha Beardmore from Nemesis Model Agency Photographer: Amir Shah at AKA Creative Photographer assistant: Chad Hugo Stephenson Make-up & hair: Dominique Desveaux Stylists: Sophie Washington, Elena Apostolou & Andrea Kyriakou Direction: Anthony Logan
Candy (left): Vest top: Primark Waistcoat: Zara Jeans: Zara TRF Necklace: Zara Rings: H&M Handbag: stylist’s own Natasha (right): Vest top: Primark Jacket: Topshop Jeans: Zara Shoes: Zara Jewellery: H&M Handbag: stylist’s own
Candy: Bra top: Rihanna for River Island Leather jacket: Lipsy Skirt: Zara Rings: H&M Handbag: stylist’s own Natasha: Crop top: Topshop Denim crop top: Rihanna for River Island Leather trousers: River Island Bracelet & rings: H&M Necklace: ASOS Handbag: Michael Kors
13 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Shirt: ROMWE.com Coat: Zara Jeans: Zara TRF Necklace: Zara Shoes: Zara Handbag: stylist’s own
Vest top: Primark Blazer: Zara Trousers: ASOS Hat: Topshop Rings: H&M Handbag: Michael Kors Shoes: Zara
16 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Natasha: Dress: missguided.com Clutch bag: stylist’s own Candy: Vest top: American Apparel Trouser suit: Topshop Necklace: Zara Clutch bag: stylist’s own 17 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
LA VIDA FASHION
Monochromatic Is black and white the new black? It certainly appears so as a distinct trend swept the Spring/Summer13’ catwalks in the form of the monochrome look. With stripes visible at Marc Jacobs and squares at Marni, designers set the scene for these two staple shades in our everyday wardrobes to come together. Do black, do white, and do black and white together to get that clean cut, bringing out a streamline figure. What’s more, this model mix of black and white is a timeless style that can be ignited with the most basic of pieces; a white boyfriend blazer or a pair of black palazzo pants. The possibilities become truly endless with the direction this look can take; we can choose from graphic prints, Gaultier-esque stripes or androgynous classics. By the end of the S/S13’ shows, it was evident that the sharp monochrome distillation was set to be a stand-out trend for this season. Who needs colour when you can see the world in black and white?
Zara, £39.99 River Island, £40
Marc Jacobs
Topshop, £50 H&M, £29.99
Oasis, £45
Missguided, £19.99
Next, £12 18 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Chloé, £1,145
Bershka, £69.99
Bastyan, £110
Marc Jacobs
DKNY
Victoria Beckham
IBBEL, £39
KARL, £329
Giuseppe Zanotti, £860
The Row, £165
Karen Millen, £99
DKNY, £225
Topshop, £55
Dorothy Perkins, £6.50
Warehouse, £38 Topshop, £55
Kain, £75
Mango, £44.99
Topshop Boutique, £80
Urban Outfitters, £18 The Kooples, £190
River Island, £60
19 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
ASOS, £40 Karen Millen, £99
Topshop, £55
Mary Katrantzou
Christopher Kane
Oscar de la Renta
NEON
Jenny Packham
Osman
LA VIDA FASHION
Diane Von Fursetnburg, £245
Topshop, £30
Topshop, £55
KENZO, £245
ASOS, £18
Topshop, £35 20 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
French Connection, £65
H&M, £29.99
J.Crew, £128.93
ASOS, £25
Reiss, £95
River Island, £35
Pedro Lourenço
Reed Krakoff, £465
Issey Miyake, £115
Warehouse, £80
The Kooples, £80
Butler & Wilson, £28
Ted Baker, £169
Topshop, £38
Zara, £39.99
If there is one thing to get excited about this spring, it’s colour and everything bright. Neons are making their return enticing us to make fluorescent and flamboyant statements. This can be in the form of bold accessories or even a cute knit for a pop of colour. Then there is the colour block; two shots of colour from opposite ends of the spectrum that somehow blend together, making you appreciate colour palettes that little bit more.
Tucker, £175 (net-a-porter)
The beauty of brights is that you can mix it up as much or as little as you like. Perfect for the days where you want to step out of the monochrome box.
Prabal Gurung
Tucker, £195 (net-a-porter)
Stella McCartney
Zara, £49.99
21 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
© Copyright Burberry/Testino 22 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
LA VIDA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Life oN the Runway
A
s fashion week has come to an end, and the new campaigns for S/S13’ are out and about, the models to watch this season also emerge. Brit born Charlotte Wiggins is one model that we just simply can’t get enough of; boasting an impressive CV as well as the face of Britain’s most iconic brand, Burberry. Charlotte first debuted her model looks in 2010 for Burberry, and has since not only walked numerous catwalks around the globe, but remains the face of the quintessentially English brand to this day. La Vida therefore had a quick chat with the Liverpudlian top model to discuss all things fashion and life on the runway. How does it feel to be the face of one of the most iconic British luxury brands? Incredible! I feel so lucky. I’m so proud to be working for such a classic British brand. How did your life as a top model begin? I was scouted by my agency, Select, at the clothes show in Birmingham when I was on a school trip. They asked me if I would come and take some pictures with them. I was really hesitant but my friends talked me into it. A couple of weeks later, I went down to London with my mum and auntie to meet the bookers and they signed me that same day; the rest is history! What influenced you and spurred you on to take a career in fashion modelling? I think from the first shoot I did with Burberry Prorsum, back in 2010, I knew it was something that I wanted to do. It was so different from what I was used to. The more modelling work I did, the more I wanted to make this my full time job. My family encouraged me as well; they knew this was such a great opportunity for me. How did you feel on your first shoot with Burberry? I was so nervous! I didn’t have a clue what I was doing or how to model. I had only been scouted a month or two earlier and I was suddenly in a world-wide campaign without any modelling experience, not to mention that it was shot by world renowned photographer Mario Testino - it was scary! I don’t think I slept a wink the night before. On the day though, everybody put me at ease and made me feel relaxed and it’s now one of my greatest memories. Working with so many designers from Céline, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Acne and Mary Katranzou, what’s been your favourite shoot so far and why? I had so much fun shooting the Burberry Spring/Summer13’ campaign with Romeo Beckham. He was so cute, and the politest young man. It was also great to work with the Burberry team again. I also had an amazing time shooting the Brit-Girls Editorial for British Vogue; I’m really good friends with several of the models who were on the shoot, so we had such a laugh.
CharlotteWiggins Interviewed and Written by Grace Maleedy
With regards to a favourite show, the Tom Ford presentation was a fantastic experience. One of my best career highlights so far though has to be opening and closing the Burberry Spring/ Summer show at London Fashion Week 2012. How do you prepare before a catwalk? Do you have any ‘pre-walk’ rituals? I don’t have any rituals as such. I generally listen to music and just chat with the other models; we see each other at different shows and castings so we’ve all become really close. The other girls keep you sane during Fashion Week when you’re really exhausted. Oh, and I always try my shoes on a million times because I regularly get ones that are too big for me. Double-sided tape is essential, ha! What do you do when you’re not walking the catwalks? How do you relax? I like to cook with my lovely flat mates Sam Rollinson and Danielle Copperman. They are great cooks and I’m rubbish, so I’m trying to learn a thing or two. I’m also slightly addicted to watching trashy Reality TV - my guilty pleasure! When I have a few days off, I come back up North for a night out with the girls and to relax at home with my family. Who are some of your favourite designers and why? Ooh, tough question… I obviously love Christopher [Bailey] at Burberry as it’s the quintessential British brand, and that’s what I adore about it. Burberry also makes amazing outerwear pieces - their trenches are timeless. Alexander Wang is another favourite of mine, I want everything he makes! His clothes are very cool. Céline handbags are my all time favourite, and I was lucky enough to get one as a gift after I walked their show. It’s beautiful, and one of my most treasured possessions. Who do you look up to in the industry? There isn’t anybody specifically who I look up to. Fashion is full of so many creative people who are passionate about their job that it really makes you want to work harder and continue to be part of it all. What’s the best part of your job? I definitely love the travelling that comes with it. I’ve been lucky enough to go to some incredible places to shoot such as Paris, Milan, New York and Miami. I also like the fact that there isn’t much routine to the job; every day is different and exciting and I get to meet and work with incredibly talented and fascinating people. What does the future hold for Charlotte Wiggins? I definitely want to continue modelling, travelling and seeing the world, and hopefully I can keep bettering myself. I never take anything for granted. 23 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Š Copyright Burberry/Testino
Palatable Pastels
LA VIDA FASHION
Topshop, £40
Topshop, £40
Erdem
Oscar de la Renta
H&M, £6.99
J.Crew, £140
Topshop, £30 Roberto Cavalli
Antonio Berardi
Reiss, £95
ASOS, £40
Mango, £29.99
Marc by Marc Jacobs, £350 26 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Warehouse, £16
Next, £30
Topshop, £50
Rosie for Autograph, Marks & Spencer
Dorothy Perkins, £26 H&M, £19.99 Reiss, £120
Ted Baker, £109
Kurt Geiger, £140 Topshop, £32
Willow, £835
Vivienne Westwood, £305
Warehouse, £40
Topshop, £40
Carine Gilson, £560 Mango, £79.99
Blush a little with a pastel infused palette for those extra-girly days where your look is flirtatious and packed with frills and sweet silhouettes. Shades of beiges, nudes, pinks and mints blend nicely for a soft combination of sheers, frills and dollhouse-like motifs. It doesn’t have to look all innocent and tea-party chic though; little flashes of flesh and sheer pastel panels will also do the trick. River Island, £90
27 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
LA VIDA FASHION
Bershka, £25.99
Nike, £67
Isabel Marrant, £370
Zara, £69.99
Nasty Gal, £144.24
BCBG Max Azria, £186.15
Spring13’ Shoe Collection
Topshop, £85
V
Acne, £460
Undercover
Choose to go undercover DKNY, £219.99
Russell and Bromley, £315
Urban Outfitters, £38
Nasty Gal, £164.09
Miss Selfridge, £65
Fabulous Flats
Zara, £29.99
Vivienne Westwood, £85
Tory Burch, £195
Zara, £49.99
Topshop, £65
Ted Baker, £50
Zara, £49.99
V
BCBG Max Azria,
Altuzarra, £465
Topshop, £60
Giuseppe Zanotti, £970
Topshop, £62
Mango, £69.99
Zara, £29.99
Barely-there
or dare to bare some spring skin
Steve Madden
Tory Burch, £250
Tibi, £247.07
Bershka, £39.99
Acne, £410
Nasty Gal, £85
Senso, £100
Point the Way
Nasty Gal, £89.32
Aldo, £40
Valentino, £725
Dune, £39
LA VIDA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
SUITS
Meghan Markle
This beautiful paralegal of Suits has definitely caught our eye. We catch up with her to see what catches hers. Interviewed by: Anthony Logan Written by: Effy Pafitis Images: UKTV
“
I honestly notice a man’s smile before anything else. Just as I like to wear jeans and a t-shirt most days, I love that look on a man. Relaxed, kind and confident are the sexiest things a man can have going for him.
”
“
Lead with your brain, but don’t hide your beauty.
32 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
”
LA VIDA EXCLUSIVE
W
ith millions of dedicated viewers world-wide from the release of its pilot episode, it’s safe to say that USA Network’s hit series Suits has taken the world by storm. The show, created by Aaron Korsh, centres on New York law firm Pearson Hardman and the enticing characters working there. The plot follows the story of a young man, Mike Ross, and his struggle to live up to his great potential and mind, after being given a chance to make something of himself in the competitive world of New York’s best law firm. As the storyline progresses, he begins to turn his life around with muchneeded help from the shows main characters, Jessica Hardman (Gina Torres), Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman), Donna Paulsen (Sarah Rafferty) and, of course, the impressionable Rachel Zane, played by the stunning actress Meghan Markle. Meghan’s character, a paralegal at Pearson Hardman, aspires to move up the legal ladder and compete with the best at the firm. Her high ambitions collide with personal struggles and we see Rachel’s full range of emotions as she battles through the well-written plot. The first season became sensationally popular almost immediately; exciting viewers with the insight into the professional and personal lives of the six main characters. The playful back-and-forth banter between the legal figures epitomise intelligent humour, perfectly complimenting the seriousness of the intricate legal cases they take on – and of course win. These cases are all executed, and won, in their luxury working environment whilst dressed in their spectacular character wardrobes. Yes – the outfit ensembles are impossible not to notice. From impeccable hand-tailored three-piece-suits to trademark skinny ties, asymmetric power dresses to form-fitting midi pencil skirts, silk pocket squares to delicate jewellery, each character has their own unique image, profoundly professional with a touch of personal attitude. The second season, whose British premiere aired on Dave at the end of January 2013, reveals changes in the sensitive character dynamics as power struggles ensue. The players at Pearson Hardman must redefine their priorities and choose loyalties as the hierarchy in the firm is tipped to the brink of collapse. The new season sees many character relationships develop; among them is Rachel’s relationship with Mike, keeping audiences watching the many complex ups and downs with bated breath. To the delight of fans, Suits has been renewed for a third, highly anticipated, season. With the elaborate, enthralling plots constantly building addictive suspense, we can expect to be kept on the edge of our seats for yet another 16 episodes once the current second season ends. With the stakes at Pearson Hardman raised higher than ever before, beautifully shot and expertly edited, Suits is perfectly tailored to stimulated viewers seeking regular doses of 40 minute entertainment like they’ve never had before. Meghan portrays a character that faces the very genuine, relatable challenges of a woman trying to balance her right to femininity with her aspirations to rise to competitive positions of power in a predominantly maledominated profession. Whilst personal and professional lives begin to intertwine, and difficult decisions present themselves, Rachel remains strong and dignified.
Noticeably, Meghan seems to embody many of the admirable qualities of her character. As a key component of the success of the show, she displays pragmatic qualities - surprising of such a successful actress. Looking into her personal life, you see her to hold many values with the same importance she dedicates to her acting. Supporting public service programs, addressing social injustices and cultural divides, involving herself in the political arena and leading by example as a figure of female empowerment, Megan has become an ambassador for much more than her current TV show. We asked her about these aspects and more during La Vida’s exclusive interview with Meghan Markle: Suits has been focused on not only for the spectacular plots and acting, but also the magnificent character wardrobes. How large a role do you think the impressive clothes play in the portrayal of the characters? The clothes are so important to the look and feel of the show. It’s New York, it’s a prominent law firm – so appearance matters. Jolie, our wardrobe designer, and I worked hard to ensure that Rachel’s look is classic but also realistic. Rachel comes from money, but invests in classic pieces – so unlike other characters on the show, she mixes and matches pieces all the time as any normal twenty-something year old girl would. The viewer should always feel like Rachel pulls from her closet – albeit a closet clad with the most amazing designers. I just feel so fortunate to be able to wear those pieces. What is the best thing about playing Rachel Zane? Is Rachel Zane’s fashion sense anything like yours? I love how sassy Rachel can be, but also how sensitive she is. That really came out this past season in her friendship with Louis Litt and her friendship with Donna. In real life, I’m a California girl and I’m much more comfortable in jeans and a tank top than all dolled up as Rachel is. But honestly, playing her has made me much more aware of fashion and how sexy it feels to really get dressed for the day. New Yorkers do that. People in LA are generally in yoga pants or jeans and flip flops every day. Being surrounded by the series’ handsomely dressed men so frequently, do you think you’re more particular of what the men in your life wear now? Do you like to approve & tweak their fashion choices? I honestly notice a man’s smile before anything else. Just as I like to wear jeans and a t-shirt most days, I love that look on a man. Relaxed, kind and confident are the sexiest things a man can have going for him. What’s the biggest fashion faux-pas you’ve ever made? When I was 16, I was dying to be more grown up. My dad calls it my phase where no outfit could be “small enough, tight enough, low enough, or black enough”. My poor parents! I spent all day long in a school uniform from my all-girls Catholic school, and spent every day outside school trying to dress like Heather Locklear on Melrose Place. Your character’s lifestyle is quite hectic and definitely focused on work. How does this compare with your own? We film the series in Toronto eight months out of the year – during that time, it’s endless hours for work and press. Sometimes we shoot until 6am and we’re deliriously tired, trying to make sense of the scenes. With that being said, when we are on hiatus, I relish being home and cooking dinner for friends, drinking wine, sleeping in, and enjoying life. I love to travel, so I also do quite a bit of that in my off-time. 33 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Do you think a carefully established dress-sense helps a woman in the professional world, striking some kind of balance between beauty and intellect? One hundred percent! I think finding the balance in anything is the point. But for women, I think many of us just want to be taken seriously, but feel that we have to hide our beauty in order to do that. Frankly, I think there’s a way to have both. Lead with your brain, but don’t hide your beauty. I spent most of my life as the ‘smart’ one - the skinny, freckled face girl who didn’t get much attention and immersed herself in books - I was the nerd. So for me, all of this attention on Suits is surprising. I still see myself as that little girl, so I often get very self-conscious when people focus on my ‘beauty’ versus my intellect. Tell us some of the idols you had growing up and now as an adult? Ha! Well we already covered Heather Locklear - I think that’s enough for my teenage years! As an adult, I look up to women who are able to balance life, family, career, and look beautiful doing it. Our boss, Bonnie Hammer, is the first person who comes to mind - I’m not brown nosing! I really do admire what she’s accomplished and how effortless she makes it seem. We confess we’ve looked a little into your previous achievements, and we’re definitely impressed. Having a double-major university degree in Theatre and International Relations, worked in the Public Affairs Department of the US Embassy as well as impressive modelling and acting gigs - do you consider yourself a good example for young ladies trying to conquer the worlds of politics, communications as well as fashion and performance? (We certainly do!) Wow! Well thank you so much! I have always been an overachiever, much like Rachel on Suits. Being a role model comes with a lot of responsibility, but I am happy to take that on. I pride myself on being thoughtful, valuing education, and still knowing how to have fun and roll the dice a bit. I learned long ago that you can plan everything to a ‘T’ but at the end of the day, it can’t all be in your control. Enjoying the ride and rolling with the punches ... that’s where the fun comes in. We’ve noticed you’ve used your fame to create awareness for social issues, having taken part in the Characters Unite anti-racism campaign. Tell us how you got involved and how important that was to you. I am so proud to be able to use my recognisability from the show to raise awareness about certain causes. Characters Unite is an amazing campaign and I was able to go and speak at a school, sharing stories of personal experience with racism and hear kids’ stories too. It’s so powerful to see what happens when we listen to each other. I am very proud of who I am and where I came from. I am proud of being bi-racial, and despite some intolerance along the way, I hope my candidness helps others feel accepted or less alone. If I can’t use my personal success for something greater then really what’s the point? We’ve noticed you’re a bit of a foodie! Do you prefer to eat out or at home? Oh I love eating out! I’m a great home cook, but I’m no chef. I’m constantly in awe of what chefs are able to create. It’s staggering to me. I love everything from a beautiful steak to a vegan meal. My favourite things in the world are French fries and coupled with a good glass of wine, you’ve never seen me happier! Don’t get me wrong, I can throw down some barbecue and beer any day - it’s so much fun!
34 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
We are enjoying watching your role broaden within the show – what we can expect from Rachel as the second season develops? It gets so good! I’m really grateful to Aaron Korsh, who created the show as he’s given me so much more for Rachel to do in season two. He always said he wanted to leave viewers wanting more of Rachel, and I think that tease worked! But now, between love and career, Rachel has so much brewing. I keep pitching the idea of Rachel having a British love interest and doing an episode in the UK. If you tweet Aaron (@akorsh9), it may happen!
Tune-in to Dave every Thursday at 9:00 pm to watch Meghan and her cast-mates in Suits. Follow Meghan on twitter (@MeghanMarkle) and Suits Official (@Suits_USA) for more updates and behind the scenes.
Sacha James & Khadija Ahmed on their collaboration and current spring line.
T
he old saying “two heads are better than one” has definitely been put into practice with SKJA. The two lovely ladies, Sacha James and Khadija Ahmed, have come together to bring us a fabulous, chic and downright beautiful collection of dresses this spring. “We used to help each other out a lot before we partnered up, and then one day we just thought ‘lets work together’”. The girls have formed a truly powerful team, combining Sacha’s self-proclaimed perfectionism with Khadija’s fantastic illustratory techniques to design an array of stunning dresses. The SKJA brand features pieces that compliment the female figure in all shapes and sizes. “The hourglass shape of a women is very important to us. We want all our dresses to compliment every curve and everyone’s figure. We want people to feel unique and special and most importantly, confident in their body through the dresses we make”. The made-to-order collection has finally enabled women of the North-West and beyond to dress for their figures. The range showcases sexy styles such as sheer panels, backless cuts and low fronts, all designed to allow the classy, refined lady to exude sultriness. Not only guaranteeing ultimate style, the girls assure the superior quality of their designs, using specially sourced lace and mesh in the dresses with precision and care. “We personally source our fabrics and only choose the best materials – the ones that we know and believe will look amazing and compliment our customers figures. There’s a lot of ‘us’ in the clothes we make. We want our dresses to fit, feel and move just as we would want them to on us; we make sure that every dress is comfortable, soft to touch, sexy and fun.” With their website launching this month, www.skja.co.uk, and moving to a bigger studio in Oldham, the talented twosome have created a brand that not only caters to our body, but also to our individuality; each dress unique and made solely for the customer. No more worrying about whether someone else will be wearing the same dress as you, the SKJA brand and dresses are exclusive to you and only you. Today, the gifted girls have taken Manchester by storm, giving back to the city its once textile and manufacturing image by keeping their work in-house and ensuring high quality and care. For the future, the girls plan to expand into menswear and extend their female collections further in regards to both their product portfolio, but also their brand nationally and globally. For now though, the girls focus is on their couture collection and brand, and along with their new website and location, the prospects for SKJA are infinite. It’ll be no time until this dynamic duo are gracing the catwalks of the most fashionable cities.
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Visit www.skja.co.uk for a look at their collection and made-to-order dresses
www.skja.co.uk
Cl e a n a n d f r esh , sleek a n d s i ck , th e urba n Ge n tl e ma n tac k les Sprin g i n h i s s tr i d e . T h e sea son ’s u n p r e d i cta b i lit y presen t s th e ch a l l e n g e t o rem a in on - p o i n t co m e ra in or sh in e. Co mb i n i n g co lours a n d te x tu r e s, th e sim plicit y of th e s h i r t a n d ch in os co mb i n ati o n pre sen t s e n d l e s s p o s s i bilit ie s for co l o u r f u l s m a rt-ca sua l. F o l l o w th e s e prem ium l o o ks a n d yo u, lik e our Me tr o p o l i ta n M a n , ca n co n q u e r S p r i n g wit h fin esse.
m e t r o p Models: Marlon Mckenzie & Josh Elliot Photographer: Amir Shah at AKA Creative Photographer assistant: Chad Hugo Stephenson Make-up & hair: Rhian Jones Direction: Abanoob Anton Clothing suplied by House of Fraser (www.houseoffraser.co.uk) and Doherty Evans & Stott (www.dohertyevansstott.co.uk)
o l i t a n Shirt: Ralph Lauren Blazer: Doherty Evans & Stott Belt: Linea Chinos: Linea Shoes: Linea
Shirt: Hugo Boss Tie: Doherty Evans & Stott Blazer: Doherty Evans & Stott Belt: Linea Chinos: Farah Shoes: Dune 40 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Shirt: Hugo Boss Tie: Doherty Evans & Stott Blazer: Doherty Evans & Stott Belt: Linea Chinos: Farah Socks: Pringle Shoes: Hudson
Shirt: Farah Belt: Linea Chinos: Levi’s Shoes: Dune
Sunglasses: Rayban - Seen Opticians (www.seen.co.uk) Shirt: Farah Belt: Linea Chinos: Dockers Socks: Pringle Shoes: Hudson 43 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
La Vida Magazine caught Up With this Rnb Superstar To Talk Music, Fashion, Life & His Uk Tour!
NE-YO Interviewed by Jaiden Micheal Written By Athina Macpherson
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You know, when we get on that stage and we hear the roar from that crowd, it makes it all worth it.
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LA VIDA EXCLUSIVE The soulful RnB singer has made moves around the globe, gaining our hearts with his beautiful music, effortless style and oh-so suave dance moves. With his tour kick-starting in England last month, and gracing Manchester on the 9th March, we at La Vida took the opportunity to sit down with the platinum-selling singersongwriter after his mesmerising performance, and discuss all things now and his plans for the future. Your UK tour started in Manchester last month and your fans were definitely impressed. What did this tour entail? Well I was rehearsing hard pretty much all the way through February and making sure that the show was good as it should be! I just picked up from where we left off – you know, the last time I was touring in the UK, I felt that the shows were too predictable - they weren’t perfect for me. I mean, back in 2009 the last time I was in Manchester, my voice went out on me mid-performance and I couldn’t finish the show. I’ll never forget that moment you know, because that was when the people of Manchester really stood up for me. I didn’t get any negative feedback from the fans at the concert, or from the media, everybody was just supportive and understanding, and I really appreciate that. Now I was given the opportunity to come back and give you all the show that I should have given the first time and have a great time - it was exciting! Coming back to Manchester, I planned to give the people an even better show than they ever imagined. Well, you definitely did that, it was fantastic! Tulisa joined you as a supporting act on your tour, do you think you’ll ever collaborate with her in the future? Well, it’s possible! We haven’t had the opportunity to sit down and have a real conversation about anything like that, but I definitely plan on doing so, yeah, we’ll see what happens. Tulisa is a judge on our British X-Factor show; would you ever consider being a judge? You know, I definitely would! But it would have to be something that I could do along with everything else that I’ve got going on; I’ve got a lot of stuff on my plate. If I could do everything that I’m doing right now and host a music show, then yeah, I would definitely consider that. A lot of artists seem to be working together; Jay-Z and Kanye West have most recently made headlines over their amazing collaboration. Would you ever do something like that and team with anyone else on tour? You know, with me, you gotta bring it. You know what I mean? My tour is a lot of energy, it’s a roller-coaster ride. We gon’ do the sexy stuff, then we gon’ turn it up and give you the stuff you can dance to; it’s a good collaboration of emotions and feelings that are hard to bring together on stage, so it would have to be somebody who could match that, somebody who has that same passion. Going back to your tour, we know many artists have strange pre-performance rituals - something special to them that they feel helps them start the show with confidence. Did you have any before you wowed us? Let me see... Well, you know what, I think all the time that we put into the rehearsals is our ritual man. We go into that little room and we sweat like slaves! It’s definitely the time and labour of love. A lot of sweat, a lot of sore muscles, aches and pains – that’s what gives me the confidence for a show. But at the end of the day, you know, when we get on that stage and we hear the roar from that crowd, it makes it all worth it. Practice is my ritual! 46 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
No pain, no gain as they say here. There you go! Your success in the music industry has led you to tour all over the world where you have performed on countless stages; do you have any particular performing venues that have stood out to you? There’s been quite a few! The O2 in London was always a great time. Doing the Wimbledon Arena [again in London], man, that was crazy! 80,000 people on their feet all jumping up and down at the same time - you can’t beat that. Man, it’s just love, a lot of love. So you have a lot of love for England? We’re glad to hear it! Your fans get so crazy because your shows are always so energetic – you’re known for including fantastic choreography in the concerts and this tour was no exception. Did you make any changes since your last tour in 2009 to make all the madness of touring any easier on you this time around? Oh yeah, lots of love! Well, a lot of things have definitely changed from the last tour till now. My biggest move, I think, was on January 1st when I officially went vegan – so those chicken wings, fish and cold-cuts and all that stuff, have definitely come off the menu - I’ve become Peter Rabbit! I definitely have to compensate for the lack of protein though ‘cos I need that energy for my whole schedule. My personal trainer goes with me everywhere I go and looks after me. There’s this really-not-verytasty protein shake that we take on a regular basis, on top of just the natural foods that provide protein. All that has definitely helped. At La Vida we see you not only as an incredible artist, but as a style icon also. Your look is very specific, what’s the inspiration behind it? Thank you! That means a lot. My initial inspiration was from The Rat Pack [1960’s group of actors Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior, Joey Bishop, Dean Martin and Peter Lawford], particularly Sammy Davis Junior. Just those guys in general, they represent that time when you got dressed up - not because you were going anywhere, just because it was a Tuesday! You know, you just got fly. So, that was the initial image I drew from. And then, of course, you pull other things together that you like to make it unique; you make it yours, and that’s what I do. What about on your time off, do you feel any pressure to always dress to impress? There’s a way to always look good in everything that you’re wearing. A lot of people don’t understand that it’s not necessarily what you wear, but how you wear it. So, I can have a relaxed day with trainers and sweats, but the brand of sweats or the way they fit or how clean the trainers are, you know, these are the things that matter. Not so much what it is you put on, but the way that you put it on and how you carry yourself in it. You know, it’s easy to be thought of as a gentleman in a suit and tie, but if you can get the same gentlemanly respect in jeans and a T-shirt, that means you’ve mastered what it is to be a gentleman. It definitely has to do with what you wear but it’s more about who you are inside - that’s what matters the most. And finally, as such a great fashion influence, have you ever considered launching your own clothing label? My own clothing label? Well, I’ve thought about it but that’s something that you’ve got to learn, you gotta get the basics down first in regards to fashion and I’m in that learning process right now. So once I get that down you might be seeing a clothing line with my name attached to it!
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It definitely has to do with what you wear but it’s more about who you are inside. That’s the thing that matters the most.
NE-YO
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We can’t wait to see what more Ne-Yo has in store for us, maybe a clothing line? Fingers crossed! But until then, and for those of you who missed the soulful RnB singer in concert, his album R.E.D. is available to download or buy from all major music retailers, with 14-song set smooth RnB collaborations and solos.
Suiting Spring
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With this season’s trend of colourful evolution, we’ve scoured through designers to show you how to pull off a colourful suit for spring.
There was a time when the colour of a gentleman’s suit defined his status or represented a specific occasion he would be attending. For instance, brown was never appropriate for business and was commonly associated with leisurewear. Black-tie events always called for black; navy or charcoal would inevitably be frowned upon. These traditional ideas were invented to make a man look professional and composed and were rarely challenged during the early 19th century. Times have changed however, and today designers and men alike have started to embrace the colours of the rainbow, expanding and reconstructing the ideologies behind formalwear. Now, a suit can be purchased in every shade and colour imaginable in a variety of textures and patterns. A man can wear a dusty blue tuxedo in a sea of black – yes, we’re referring to Ryan Gosling at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival – and look ten times more desirable than his traditional comrades.
Victor & Rolf
Your spring suit should ideally be made of a lightweight material of linen or cotton; allowing your body to breath in the warmer weather.
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A man could also wear an olive green suit beside George Clooney – yes, we are yet again referring to Ryan Gosling at the premiere of his movie “Ides of March” in 2011 – and put the 50-something year old heartthrob to shame. In light of this sprightly season and love of colour, designers across the board have introduced a new wave of lightweight cotton and linen suits that give off that fresh look. The options really are endless, but we have a few suggestions that you might like to consider if you’re looking to invest in a suit in a new colour palette. Written by Daniel Bernard
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Versace
To be on the safe side, stick to a solid coloured suit as patterned and printed suits can be dangerous territory - unless you’re super confident.
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Gucci
Ermenegildo Zegna
Hermés
This season it’s certainly not about the double-breasted jacket. Keep your look light with a simple twobutton suit jacket.
If you and your choice of suit can get away with it, there is no reason why you should have to wear a tie. So, if you can get away with it, don’t wear a tie.
Colour blocking with your tie, but not too drastically, is a great way to add a pop of colour to a simple suit - just make sure the tie doesn’t overpower the colour of your suit.
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Canali
Mixing and matching is cool, and extremely on trend, so why not match black suit pants with a bold yellow or salmon jacket to really make the colour a statement.
Paul Smith
We’re aware that some of you out there are traditionalists at heart and the thought of even trying on a salmon coloured suit makes your skin crawl. So, we’ll compromise with a taupe suit.
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Bottega Veneta
To complete your look, the appropriate shirt is needed to compliment your spring suit. It’s best to avoid printed or patterned shirts as there’s enough drama in the colour of the suit. Instead, opt for a lightly coloured and simply designed shirt.
Dune
www.dune.co.uk
The Little Things That Make A Big Impact
Written by Daniel Bernard
Any outfit can be completely thrown off if it’s not accessorised properly. For instance, a guy will be wearing a killer suit with a tie that is alarmingly disproportional to his collar, leaving people wondering if he’s their server or actually their CEO. In other instances, a guy will be dressed to the nines in his best jeans or sweater, but his ‘arm party’ or ‘geek-chic’ glasses will leave him looking more pre-teen than dapper gent. These are the little things that give an outfit personality and can define a man’s individual style, but they can also be utterly disastrous if not executed properly. Now, this is not to say that one should reject their personal style and conform to the status quo, but for the kind of man who takes pride in looking put-together, it would be disappointing if his belt was the reason he didn’t get the job. Thus, we’ve put together a list of potential accessories that you can play with to jazz up your outfits, but also trust will keep you looking fit and professional.
Sunglasses
Optical Glasses
If you don’t require optical lenses, try out a pair of tortoise frame shades for a vintage-inspired fix under the sun. If you’re looking for something more trendy for spring, find a pair of clear (yellow or white) plastic frames that add just enough pizazz to a look without making it seem too adolescent. Then again, if none of these popular options suit your style, stick to a classic wayfarer or aviator to keep your eyes covered and adorned this season.
Classic and vintage eyewear has become a big trend in fashion, but one that we feel is going to stick. So, put away those thick black plastic frames and try out a pair of classic brown tortoise frames. These vintage inspired specs have a “hipster” feel, but eliminate the “geek” trend for a more sophisticated look. If the rounded tortoise frame doesn’t work for you, try a similar style in a square frame, which will be just as flattering.
Cutler and Gross - Dark Turtle, £290 (www.shopstyle.co.uk) Moscot - Emis, £215 (www.irisoptical.co.uk)
Persol - Suprema, £285 (www.mrporter.com) Garret Leight - Hampton, £270 (www.mrporter.com)
Belts
These days a guy can pretty much wrap anything around his waste and call it a belt. To be on the safe side however, we suggest that you stick with the standard leather or canvas bands. Invest in a solid brown leather belt with an interesting buckle (like a pelican hook) this spring, or - if you’re feeling more adventurous - try opting for a coloured (red, navy, or dark green) canvas belt with simple ringed or rectangular silver fixtures.
Sir Jack’s - Pelican Hook Belt, (www.sirjacks.com) 52 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Rag & Bone - Army Belt, £82.52 (www.shopestyle.co.uk)
Bracelets Arm parties are usually more appropriate for preteens and hippies and don’t generally work for grown men. Yet, that doesn’t mean that a man shouldn’t be able to sport a bracelet or two with his suit or jeans to make his look more personal. Try pairing a thin black or brown braided leather bracelet with your suit at the office to make your look more customized. If you’re going to the pub, try a coloured chord bracelet to offset the relaxed look of your jeans. Just remember to keep it simple and understated so that people aren’t constantly staring at your wrists.
Watches You can’t really go wrong wearing any type of watch (unless it’s made of plastic and came out of a cereal box), but it’s good to keep in mind that certain watches suit certain occasions. Gold is currently a big trend in the watch department, but if you’re worried that a whole band of gold will make you look more Austin Powers than James Bond, try out a watch with a rose gold hued face and a brown leather strap to maintain a similar look. If you’re looking for something more casual, opt for a classic Timex with a canvas strap (note: straps come in a variety of colours this season, choose wisely). The great thing about both these types of watches is that they can generally be worn at any time: business in the face, party in the strap. Timex - Modern Original, £47.99 (www.timex.co.uk) Uniform Wares - 200 Series Steel Wristwatch, £240 (www.mrporter.com)
Ties Ties are a touchy subject because men often wear the wrong size or style with their suits. Therefore, the best advice for any guy is to wear a tie that’s age appropriate - that will hopefully match the style of suit he’s wearing. Knit ties are a safe option however, since they are most often than not made at a comfortable size (not too thick and not too skinny) and don’t target a certain age group. Don’t be afraid of colour here and try one with horizontal stripes or polka dots to add some character.
Gieves & Hawks, £85 (www.gievesandhawkes.com) Paul Smith, £70 (www.mrporter.com)
Miansai - woven-cord & anchor bracelet, £30 (www.opuomo.com) Tods - My Colours Double wrap Bracelet, £105 (www.tods.com/uk)
Bags These days, a wallet isn’t always sufficient for the man who has to carry around his money, credit cards, books, gloves, laptop, tablet, phone, MP3 player, and other miscellany, so the “man-bag” is becoming an increasingly popular necessity for those living in a fast-paced environment. If you’re in the market for one of these bad boys, be on the look out for a neutral coloured tote with few bells and whistles to keep the look sophisticated - not tacky. Remember, you want something that’s functional that also looks clean and practical. The bags come in a variety of materials, but we suggest sticking to a good leather or cotton canvas (or a combination of both) that will keep all your articles intact.
WANT Les Essentials De La Vie , £335 (www.mrporter.com) Hasso - Valero Messenger, (www.behasso.com) 53 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
SPRING TRANSITIONS
The mac, the trench coat’s less complicated sibling, has been worn — hitherto unbeaten in practicality and style — to tackle spring’s unpredictable showers since its introduction by Scottish inventor Charles Macintosh in 1824.
PROPER PROTECTION
If the recent snowfall is any indication, spring might be reluctant to spring for a good while. But we’ll not let that discourage us from preparing — if only mentally — for the proposition it delivers - the transition. The winter chill will pass, the sun will come out of hiding, but the wind and rain will remain, and within this seasonal prelude to the main event of summer, one’s wardrobe must adapt.
Written by Patrick Humphreys
The above selections by likeminded heritage brands Mackintosh and Aquascutum, are made in Britain — Cumbernauld and Corby, respectively — as they have been for over a century and a half now; crafted in densely-woven gabardine twill, employing technicallydiffering waterproofing techniques, and fall a few inches above the knee - as short as you’d want to go for a topcoat, cropped coats are for cads.
Substitute your winter outerwear, layering up initially if needs be, for the rain-slicking ease of a mac. Not only for its weather-protection properties, but to count yourself among those arbiters of taste who’ve contributed to its status.
LIGHTEN UP
Ease into the warming weather by swapping your cashmere, lambswool and heavier-gauge knitwear for a lighter-gauge Merino, as offered in an unrivaled range by John Smedley. Merino wool - often cited as a “super wool” - is that of the Merino sheep. Prized for its superior properties, this wool keeps the wearer warm in cool conditions, cool in warm conditions, wicks moisture from the body and is naturally odour resistant - hence its common use in luxury activewear.
Knitwear by John Smedley is made fully-fashioned (knitted as a whole, rather than seperate pieces sewn together) in Derbyshire for exceptional fit and quality. Coveted details such as its turn-back cuffs, set this 230-year-old brand’s pieces apart from the rest.
SHIRTINGS
John Smedley Hunter New Zealand–merino crew-neck in midnight.
That most favoured of trousers, the chino, hasn’t seen much wear in recent months, but with anticipation we await the day we can bring them out of hibernation - for the cotton trouser, in all its manifestations, is a trouser worth wearing. In fact, if you were to depend only on one pair of casual trousers for the warmer seasons, let it be a chino. Popularised following the return of soldiers from the Second World War and the coinciding influx of surplus goods in the consumer market, the chino was quickly adopted by the style set for its utilitarian cool and remaining as part of the sartorial landscape ever since.
LOAFING
RETURN OF THE CHINO
Reflect the spirit of the upcoming season with an according shirting selection. Blue screams spring, especially when backed by white in a gingham or stripe. Solid lilac is a particular treat, and of course serves to celebrate the blossoming of the flower after which it’s named. For a no-nonsense shirt wardrobe for this time of year, stick to poplin; it’s lightweight, dressy, but also neutral enough to wear casually.
Ralph Lauren
Gaziano & Girling
Howard Yount Egyptian cotton trousers in tan.
Cotton is not only an inexpensive and low maintenance fabric, but it possesses its own set of characteristics so as to compete with those more costly. As chinos are so inherently casual, the smarter the pair, the more versatile they’ll be. A dressy pressed style, such as the Howard Yount pair, in cream or a pale shade of khaki, can be all you’ll ever need.
Cary Grant wore loafers with everything. Alexis, Baron de Rédé, ordered innumerable pairs of shoes during his lifelong patronage of Cork Street’s George Cleverley, the loafer listed high among them, to the extent that the elegantly-chiseled, bow-tassel loafer, De Rédé, is now a standard Cleverley model. Simply put, a fine loafer, penny or tassel, calf or suede, in a medium–dark shade of brown is not merely an excellent option for spring, but arguably the most versatile shoe a man can own. 55 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
www.risKcouture.com 10 % Discount USING CODE: LaVida10
liverpool launching this summer
LA VIDA LIFESTYLE
La Vida Diary Jaiden Micheal Diary of a z list launch party
Our very own Jaiden Micheal launches his first book ‘Diary of a Z.list’, comprising of diary extracts from the past 12-months of his whirlwind life. The book promises a collection of hidden celebrity secrets, scandalous gossip and personal aspects of Jaiden’s life. Already on sale via Amazon, Jaiden’s new book assures excitement, tantalising truths and expressive thoughts.
#Jsky26 live p.a at the circle club
Features Editor Jsky celebrates his 26th birthday at the legendary VIP celebrity haunt, The Circle Club, Manchester. The night consisted of a live P.A from Jsky himself, with special guests including TV Actor Marcquelle Ward & RnB sensation Bluey Robinson. The live set included a medley of club hits including upcoming summer track ‘The Sound of Disco’, produced by Mark One.
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LA VIDA DIARY
Manchester: Merabi S/S13’ Catwalk Show Manchester Fashion Designer, Nadine Merabi, showcased her Spring/Summer13’ dress collection. Nadine is well known for her glamorous dresses which are often seen on a selection of soap stars at red carpet events. Photographs by Carl Sukonik of The Vain Photos. 60 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Michelle Collins
Catherine Tyldesley
Lucy Mecklenburgh
Louise Cliffe
Brooke Vincent
Georgia May Foote
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LA VIDA HEALTH
How to get in shape for summer fast Written by Saf Ashraf
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any of you may have been meaning to improve your diet for a while now, or felt that it was about time you became a little more active maybe even both - but, for a number of reasons, you simply just haven’t got round to it. Well, it’s never too late to making your health a priority, just remember that! Every moment that passes is another moment to start on the path to a healthy lifestyle - stop contemplating it and just do it! NUTRITION FOR WEIGHT LOSS MADE SIMPLE The 5-Factor diet is a simple one to follow and a helpful guide for anyone who wants to improve their eating habits. Every meal must contain 5 key ingredients: protein, fibre, healthy carbs, a healthy fat and a sugarfree beverage. I also suggests stocking up on the following: Egg whites: Add veggies for a power-packed egg-white omelet. Garbanzo beans: Toss into a salad, or blend into a dip. Non-fat Greek yogurt: Mix into smoothies, eat with fruit, or, again, turn into a dip. Apples: Eat as is, shred over pancakes, or slices and eat with almond butter. Whole grain oats: Great for baking, or eat them for breakfast with some fresh fruits and nuts. Taking a daily multivitamin is also a great insurance policy for those days when you may not get all the nutrients your body needs. 1) Start moving If you find yourself saying “I want to get in shape,” then you need to start exercising right away. The best way to get in shape quickly is to start moving your body. Exercising burns calories, any exercise, helping you drop those unwanted pounds. Aim to fit in at least 30-45 minutes of exercise each and every day. Whether you hit the gym for a kick boxing class or go out for a run, find an activity that you actually enjoy, that way you’ll be more inclined to stick with it.
For more information on boot camp, or for personal training sessions, check out A+ Bootcamp by Saf & Amissi @McrBodyBlast No gym membership? No problem! Try for one month my boot camp/fit camp. Otherwise, you can also get in shape at home by using exercise DVD’s or doing your own routine in the comfort of your living room. If you’re wondering how to get beach body ready this year, the answer lies in exercise! 2) Eat clean Now, this isn’t an invitation to eat a plate full of food, but rather to clean up your plate and rid it of the bad foods. Begin filling your plate with healthy items; getting in shape for the summer starts with exercise, but it’s determined by your food choices. While there are many diets for summer floating around, the best diet plan is one that focuses on consuming mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Reducing the amount of sugar and fat in your diet will also be important in helping you get into shape for summer. It’s time to kick doughnut’s, cakes and cookies out of the house and welcome the good-for-you foods that will help you attain your goals. The most dangerous thing you can do when losing weight is skipping meals. Eat, and do it often. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks in between; this will keep your metabolism up, helping you burn more fat. 3) Hit the hay Getting adequate sleep may not seem like it would effect your efforts to get in shape by summer, but it actually plays a huge role in maintaining a healthy body weight. Lack of sleep not only effects the way you perform and how you feel during the day, but can also halt your weight loss efforts. Aim to get about 7-8 hours of sleep every night to truly reap the benefits of rejuvenating sleep.
Photography © Jorg Badura.
4) Grab a pen and paper Keeping a food and exercise journal can be an extremely helpful tool as you get in shape for the summer. Writing down everything you eat, drink and do for exercise will give you a clear and concise picture of where you’re at and any changes you need to make. Writing down those three doughnuts you ate for breakfast on Sunday morning and seeing it on paper is a great way to stay in shape and help you tweak your diet and calorie intake to reach your goals. 5) Keep salt at bay While drinking water is awesome, retaining it by eating too much salt is not. Cutback on the salt and you’ll cutback on your weight. This works along the same principle as dropping your carb intake. Since sodium is directly related to the overall water balance in the body, be sure you’re aware of some of the sneaky places salt can get into. Chocolate puddings, some cereals, certain bread and snack products are ridden with hidden salts, as well as many sauces and condiments we use daily. 6) Pump Iron/weights Men and women cannot live on cardio alone. I know you’re not trying to compete in a Bodybuilding Competition, but you still need to hit the weights at least two days a week; muscle helps you burn more calories, so go ahead and give them a go. You’ll thank me later. 7) Boot camp/fitness camp training For boot camp workouts, think ‘group training sessions’, think ‘outdoors’ or indoors, (whatever the weather and whatever the season!), think ‘fun’ and think ‘challenging’. Sessions are organised by personal trainers in parks and open spaces for groups of approximately 20 people at a time — including both men and women. Sessions usually last for one hour and contain a broad mix of running and bodyweight exercises, which have the aim of providing an all-over body workout. The majority of boot camp sessions take place in the early morning and early evening — typically 7am and 7pm — which proves popular with nine-to-five workers, who are able to fit in the invigorating training sessions around their working day. In these circuit-training-style sessions outdoors, you can expect to work hard and get hot and sweaty, but also enjoy a new dimension to exercising because of the variety that the sessions bring. Benefits By providing a mixture of exercises and cardiovascular training, a good boot camp session will work the heart and lungs and give almost every muscle in your body a workout. Sessions involve a warm-up and cool-down, bodyweight exercises, resistance/weight training, running, stretching, relays, and exercises with a partner. Training ‘al fresco’ is also invigorating — whether you’re training on a frosty winter morning or a balmy summer evening — the team-based theme also encourages participants to really put the effort in and achieve results. Who is boot camp training suitable for? Boot camp training is suitable for novice exercisers and fitness enthusiasts alike, because individuals will be allowed to work at their own personal level and intensity. Some sessions will also be specifically designed to introduce people to the boot camp concept.
A good boot camp session will include variations of each exercise to cater for varying abilities, and instructors will select balanced teams so that the competitive element remains fair. If a participant has an injury or is concerned about how challenging the session will be, then it is important to raise any concerns with the instructor at registration. 8) Evaluate your goals After a period of time, sit down with the list of goals you made and evaluate where you are at that given moment. If you find one of your goals is going to be a long-shot, then change it to something more realistic. The point of making goals isn’t to make them so hard that they are unobtainable, but to make them so you have a game plan for success. 9) High-Intensity Interval Training So what are intervals? In their simplest form, they’re short bursts of high intensity exercise separated by periods of lower intensity effort. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) describes any workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity or even complete rest. For example, a good starter workout is running as fast as you can for 1 minute and then walking for 2 minutes. Repeat that 3-minute interval five times for a 15-minute, fat-blasting workout. Not only do you burn more calories during ‘HIIT’ workouts, but the effect of all that intense exertion kicks your body’s repair cycle into hyperdrive. That means you burn more fat and calories in the 24 hours after a HIIT workout than you do after, say, a steady-pace run.
Fat loss food 1) Cinnamon Without going into the whole scientific explanation of why it works, adding 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of this spice to something you eat every day — hot cereal, marinades, yogurt — helps blood sugar get into cells to be used for energy, so less is stored as fat. 2) Green Tea One ingredient, caffeine, is a stimulant that raises your heart rate and compels your system to burn calories faster. Plus, green tea has catechins, substances that some experts believe help burn belly fat. Aim for three 8-ounce cups a day. 3) Yogurt Yeah, dairy has a bad rep for high calories, but yogurt, both the low-fat and regular kinds, contains probiotics - ‘friendly’ bacteria that preliminary research suggests may actually help reduce the amount of fat your body holds. 4) Coffee Again, the caffeine kicks your metabolism into high gear. Caffeine also jumpstarts lipolysis, the breakdown of fat. One to two cups a day is ideal. 5) Chilli Peppers Often found in high quantities in hot salsa as well as in many Thai, Indian, and Chinese curry dishes, these wonder foods are packed with a metabolismboosting compound called capsaicin, which provides the chili peppers’ fiery flavour. In addition, capsaicin increases your body temperature somewhat, giving your metabolism an extra calorie-burning push. 6) Chicken and Fish It actually takes energy to digest food, and your body burns more calories digesting and metabolizing protein than it does while breaking down carbs and fats. Translation: consuming a few servings of lean protein, such as chicken, fish, and tofu, each day may help keep your metabolism revving away long after you finish eating your meal. 7) Grapefruit Grapefruit actually lowers the insulin levels in the body - not by a great degree, but by some. This slightly decreased insulin level prevents the body from storing as much sugar as fat. Those lower insulin levels also help curb appetite, as a high insulin level is what turns the brain on that it’s time to bring some energy into the stomach. While it’s a great diet food, don’t use this information as a means to jump into a grapefruit diet. The best plan is a wellbalanced diet. Unbalanced diets can do more harm to your health than any real good. Try combining half a grapefruit with your breakfast and the other with your lunch a few days a week to get started. 8) Oatmeal Low in the glycemic index, which means that it yields sustained energy as it is released slowly, and it also does not spike insulin levels, thus making it an excellent carbohydrate for dieting and fat loss. High in fibre, which is good for the lowering of cholesterol levels and also helps to suppress the appetite.
63 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Forever Unique’s S S 13 Evening D r es s Lau n c h
Simon + S imo n D re s s S o ap S t a rs f o r C h a ri t y B a ll Menswear brand Simon and Simon sponsored the Once Upon a Smile Annual Ball on Saturday 25th March, held at the luxurious Lancashire Cricket Ground. Director and designer Simon Peters, dressed a host of celebrity soaps stars for the celebratory black tie event. Charity founders and actors Danny Miller and Daniel Jillings wore Simon and Simon fitted white shirts under their black tie suits to a flurry of paparazzi on the red carpet, alongside celebrity charity benefactors Matt Lapinskas, Elliot Tittensor and Tony Discipline.
jsky interviews amelia lily Features Editor Jsky caught up with young pop singer Amelia Lily on a pink party bus during her promotional tour for her latest single ‘Party Over’.
For exclusive celebrity interviews visit La Vida TV online.
When a sunny day or a formal event is on the cards, dresses are the firm favourite garment in any female’s wardrobe. There are some women who are renowned for having a memorable dress collection; The Royal Family, for example, are particularly famous for having a great collection of designer and off the rack dresses. The Royal dresses of Lady Diana are so popular that a previously private collection of ten dresses that she wore for official engagements between 1985 and 1997, are going to auction in London. The dresses were all designed by well-known British designers including Catherine Walker and Zandra Rhodes and some are expected to fetch up to £300,000.
Desired D enim ‘The Guilty Hoarder’ has become an applicable definition that applies to most fashion lovers today. The once ‘got to have’ items of clothing, have now become solely responsible for occupying the eclipsed area of the wardrobe, yet they are simply too hard to throw away. However, there comes a time when every girl is confronted with the dreaded moment that cannot be put-off any longer; the clear out. Admitting defeat usually comes around this time of the year as the new Spring/Summer looks are due to dethrone some of our wardrobe favourites. Thankfully, we may have just been thrown (yet another) lifeline. Fashion has its own way of reinventing itself; dated pieces are forever making a comeback with styles reappearing from the past - the inevitable fashion cycle. The ‘skinny jean’ has, rightly so, held its legacy. However, as fashion marks its course, we witness some denim classics re-establishing themselves. A number of designers displayed a range of somewhat unexpected styles, featured in the closing shows of Paris Fashion Week and, as it stands, it is fair to say jeans are back!
64 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
FOR ALL THE LATEST IN FASHION, LIFESTYLE, NIGHTLIFE & MUSIC VISIT US ONLINE
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LA VIDA HEALTH
1 WEEK WORKOUT PLAN You know the moves - now it’s time to learn how to choose the right ones for the most effective workout Upper Body Push and Pull (focusing on the chest and back)
Workout 2 Dips (weighted or not) 8 / 12 reps x 4 sets Single Arm Dumbbell Rows 8 / 10 reps x 4 sets (60 – 90 seconds rest in between each set)
Warm Up Mobility and Pulse Raiser (No weights needed) 10 Deep Squats / 10 Step and Toe Touches 10 Good-Mornings / 10 Reverse Lunges 10 Jumping Jacks / 10 Seal Jumps 10 Shoulder Circles Forwards / 10 Shoulder Circles Backwards 10 Mountain Climbers / 10 Glute Bridges 10 Push-ups / 10 Lat Stretch into upward doggie 10 Hindu Push-ups X 1 set Workout 1 Bench Press 8 /10 reps x 4 sets Pull-ups 5/8 reps x 4 sets (60 – 90 seconds rest in between each set)
Abdominal Core Circuit Wheel Roll-outs (knees) x 12 reps Saxon Bend x 8 reps each side V–ups x 12 reps Single Leg Bridge (2 sec hold) x 8 reps X 4 sets (60-second rest in between each set) Flexibility training Stretch Off! (Using the technique of relaxing into the stretch via the exhalations)
TUES D AY
Energy System Training Energy Circuit Warm up Mobility and Pulse Raise (No weights needed) 10 Deep Squats / 10 Step and Toe Touches 10 Good-mornings / 10 Reverse Lunges 10 Jumping Jacks / 10 Seal Jumps 10 Shoulder Circles forwards 10 Shoulder circles backwards 10 Mountain Climbers / 10 Glute Bridges 10 Leg Swings on each leg / 10 Butt Kicks on each leg X 1 set Energy Circuit 30 seconds Skipping / 10 seconds rest 30 seconds Medicine Ball Slams / 10 seconds rest 30 seconds Kettle Bell Swings or Dumbbell Swings 10 seconds rest / 30 seconds Hindu Squats
30 seconds Burpees X 4 sets (60 seconds rest in between each set) Finisher Farmers Walk (with heavy pair of dumbbells) x 3 sets Continue each set till you are just short of failure. (60-second rest between each set) Flexibility training Stretch Off! (Using the technique of relaxing into the stretch via the exhalations) Flexibility Training Tips for Stretching: Always relax into the stretch, don’t think about stretching the muscle, think about relaxing them. Inhale deep into the stomach and as you exhale, think about relaxing the muscle and take the stretch further. Do this for 5 exhalations for each stretch.
10 seconds rest / 30 seconds Punch-Outs with light dumbbells or resistance bands / 10 seconds rest
WE D NES D AY - R E S T 66 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
M ON D AY
Written by Stelios, Soma Fitness
Photography by Amir Shah
Lower Body & Overhead work (focusing on the legs and shoulders)
10 Deep Squats / 10 Step and Toe Touches 10 Good-mornings / 10 Reverse Lunges 10 Jumping Jacks / 10 Seal Jumps 10 Shoulder Circles forwards 10 Shoulder Circles backwards 10 Mountain Climbers 10 Glute Bridges / 10 Push-ups 10 Lat Stretch into Upward Doggie 10 Squat Jumps X 1 set Workout 1 Goblet Front Squat 8-12 reps x 4 sets Dumbbell Overhead Press (single arm) 8-10 reps each x 4 sets (60 to 90 second rest in between each set)
Energy System Training Hurricane Workout Warm up Mobility and Pulse Raiser (No weights needed) 10 Deep Squats / 10 Step and Toe Touches 10 Good-mornings / 10 Reverse Lunges 10 Jumping Jacks / 10 Seal Jumps 10 Shoulder Circles Forwards 10 Shoulder Circles Backwards 10 Mountain Climbers / 10 Glute Bridges 10 Leg Swings (each leg) / 10 Butt kicks (each leg) Energy Circuit 30 seconds Skipping / 10 seconds rest 30 seconds Medicine Ball Slams / 10 seconds rest 30 seconds Kettle bell Swings or Dumbbell Swings 10 seconds rest / 30 seconds Hindu Squats 10 seconds rest / 30 seconds Punch-Outs with light Dumbbells or Resistance Bands / 10 seconds rest
Abdominal Circuit Wheel Roll-outs (from the knees) x 12 reps Side Plank 20 seconds each hold Weighted Glute bridge 10 reps (2 second hold at the top) Parallel Bar Leg raises 10 reps x 4 sets (60 seconds rest in between each set) Finisher Weighted Walking Lunges 20m x 3 sets (60-second rest in between each set) Flexibility training Stretch Off! (Using the technique of relaxing into the stretch via the exhalations)
Round 1 25 second Treadmill (sprint 5% incline) / 5 seconds rest Bodyweight Dips 8 reps / 5 seconds rest Dumbbell Pullovers 8 reps x 3 sets 5 seconds rest / X 3 sets Round 2 25 second Treadmill (sprint 5% incline) / 5 seconds rest Bodyweight Push Ups 10/15 reps / 5 seconds rest Bodyweight Incline rows (Barbell, Trx, Gymnastic Rings) 10 -12 reps 5 seconds rest / X 3 sets Round 3 25 second Treadmill (sprint 5% incline) / 5 seconds rest Medicine Ball Slams 12 reps / 5 seconds rest Medicine Ball Chest Throws against Wall 12 reps 5 seconds rest / X 3 sets Flexibility training Stretch Off! (Using the technique of relaxing into the stretch via the exhalations)
FRI D AY
THURS D AY
Warm Up Mobility and Pulse Raiser (No weights needed)
Workout 2 Romanian Deadlift 8 reps x 4 sets Lateral Raises 8 / 10 reps x 4 sets (60 to 90 second rest in between each set)
SATUR D AY & SUN D AY - R E S T 67 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
LA VIDA HEALTH
RAWFood Written by Gina
How to Sprout: • Measure out desired amount of seeds. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups sprouted chickpeas 1 garlic clove (optional) Juice from ½ lemon / 4 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
This takes trial and error as many seeds grow as they soak. • In a bowl, soak the seeds using bottled water (not tap water) for the designated length of time; this varies from seed to seed and can be anything from 15 minutes to 12 hours.
2 tbsp Tahini
Note: best to soak before bed.
Dash of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil (optional)
• Drain, rinse and transfer to a container, sprouting tray or jar.
Water
• Just watch the sprouts grow!
Paprika (optional)
You can then add the sprouts to salads, smoothies, raw cakes, or even eat them as a snack with some olive oil, chilli powder, salt and pepper. They’re really versatile.
Himalayan crystal salt
On a side note, try to always buy organic.
Hummus Recipe: • Add all ingredients (except water) at once to a food processor. • Blend to combine, adding water a tbspn at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The more water you add, the smoother your hummus will become. • Scrape the blended hummus into a serving bowl. • Drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika. You can even add some whole chickpeas for a gourmet look. 68 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
One personal essential for my new found diet is sprouting. Before eating ‘raw’, I hadn’t a clue what sprouting was; instead it sounded far too technical and complex to deal with. In reality, it really is one of the simplest things to master and will take your nutritional intake up by 500 percent - that’s right 500 percent!
Before I personally made the transition to a predominantly raw food diet, I didn’t have much love for food. I would eat out of necessity and, now what I know to be, addictions rather than enjoyment and nourishment. So much so, I can now hold my hands up and say that I was a terrible cook. I found it boring and repetitive preparing meals, and so I would Many seeds, nuts, grains, beans, splits invariably end up eating tinned soup or and pulses when dry can last for years, some other equally bland, processed, unnever changing, but when you soak them healthy concoction - getting me in and in water, you activate them, bringing out of the kitchen in a matter of minutes. them to life (alive being the key principle here). Once ‘sprouted’, some seeds have This phase of my life has now shifted 180 up to 500 percent more nutrients than degrees over the last couple of years, and they had previously. Thinking about I even surprise myself with my recently it, that tiny seed has the remarkable developed culinary skills. The fact is, potential to become a complete beautiful with raw food you can’t go wrong. For plant or an incredible powerful tree; one, it’s always healthy so even if it that’s powerful life source energy. doesn’t taste spectacular the first time, you know you are giving your body a From the minute I started adding sprouts serious health boost. That alone should to my diet, I saw and felt things I hadn’t be the primary reason for every meal in a long time; I noticed an increase in anyway, although many of us do forget my energy level, focus, vitality, my skin this. glowed, my eyesight was clearer and the healing of various little aches and pains When you use raw, organic produce, was instant. it’s really a simple matter of throwing together whatever you have in the fridge For all the boys out there, sprouts are in various and new adventurous ways; super high in digestible protein – a tastey, fresh and real food becomes the much healthier form of protein than in result of this inventive cooking. With meat which takes a great amount for the practice, you will start to understand and body to digest, usually more than what appreciate the variety of tastes that there the meat provides; known as an anti are. It’s like a journey, as is life. nutrient.
With an almost infinite choice from natures gifts of fruit, vegetables, splits, beans, pulses, spices, herbs, oils, nuts, seeds and more, it really began to excite me, and I started viewing meal times as an opportunity for self growth, learning and healing. Getting healthier daily creates natural happiness, energy and a whole array of other constantly growing lists of benefits. With this new found passion for all things raw, I threw myself deep into nutrition and the truth. I researched heavily about whether I was getting all the right minerals and vitamins for my body, and that’s why I’m here, to share all the tips I’ve learnt.
For more information visit www.rainbowcityuk.tumblr.com
69 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
LA VIDA LIFESTYLE
Written by Athina Macpherson
A
s an element of fashion, hairstyles come and go in style - today, men are embracing the artistic quiff.
Speaking to Alex Shore, owner and barber at Manchester’s Close Male Grooming, we bring you an informed analysis of the fashionable quiff and how to achieve this hairstyle according to your wants and needs. Here, Alex gives an insight into achieving each look, respectable to you and what suits you, but also how to maintain easily and effortlessly this stylish do. Stemming from the 1920’s, the quiff has evolved in a variety of altering forms and types from the classic, the modern and the extreme. As an adaptation of this 20’s look, the quiff emanates the renowned TV series Boardwalk Empire, and the extreme adaptation of this cut from the legendary 50’s Rock ’n’ Roll group Rockabilly. The impact and popularity of this style waned in the 1960’s but during the late 70’s and early 80’s, this look enjoyed a major revival of popularity that has endured and revived today. Alex describes how the once classic ’short back and sides’ cut, a typical classical male cut once chosen as a safe bet, has now changed. Men are now more willing to venture out and try different looks - far from the once traditional. The key though, according to Alex, is to ensure that the look suits you, and is feasible for you and your hair type.
70 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
“” You have to adapt the look to the customer to what suits them and their hair. This means the colour, texture and length of their hair are major factors in choosing the suitable look. You have to adapt it to them so that they can style it at home as I would in the salon”. It’s natural for girls to spend hours on their hair, as most men know, but the busy workingman wants something he can achieve quickly and effectively. It is therefore a fundamental aspect of any haircut, and something Alex assures, you can achieve at home.
The Classic Quiff
rockabilly
The classic quiff is somewhat adapted from
Boardwalk Empire - also known today as ‘’The
Comb-over’’. The classical cut is something that
many businessmen opt for, and something that
suits most hair types. This particular classical cut can be just as effective cut using scissors, as opposed to clippers; creating a softer look for the client - as would have been done traditionally.
The Rockabilly look This look works for those with rich and healthy hair. The sides are severely disconnected from the top and this is what gives this quiff the Rockabilly edge. This look is both classic and edgy, but rather extreme for the regular businessman. The best way to achieve and maintain this look is to use a hairdryer and plenty of products such as Classic Pomade. If you don’t have as much free time on
your hands, and wish for a low-maintenance do, then the classic quiff may be more you.
f
Classic Quif
Alex’s Top Tips: • Let my team and me work our magic! Pick the style of quiff that you wish and we’ll guide you towards what we believe will work for you and your hair - don’t be afraid to bring a photo of your desired cut in to us. The Modern Quiff
•
As a medium between the extreme and the classic,
The aftercare: Buy yourself a hairdryer! (Or
the modern quiff bases itself around the modern day man and the likes of ex-TOWIE star Mark Wright. With a slight disconnection from the top, less so than the extreme look, but more so than the classic, the modern quiff emanates a sense of class,
borrow your partners). A hairdryer is vital to get the best results. When we do any of our style work, a hairdryer along with the right products
style and modernisation.
makes all the difference. It will change how easy
The modern quiff is the most easily adaptable for
the quiff can be achieved at home.
all types of hair - from thick to thin. The thicker the hair, the richer the quiff, but with the less drastic sides, and thinner hair works just as well with this look. Although products are eminent for any hairstyle to stick, this style should avoid the Brill Cream and excess of gel, but instead a use of light products such as Salt Spray.
• As everybody knows, the weather is quite temperamental here. The wind factor at the moment is the biggest concern for anybody’s hair and if you haven’t used the right holding products, your hairstyle wont stay. • We use Fudge products such as Membrane Gas and Salt Spray when we style anybody’s hair, and to achieve the best quiff possible, these products are what we swear by. Close Northern Quarter 22 Great Ancoats Street Manchester M4 5AZ Telephone: 0161 228 0701
the modern
Close Whitworth Street The Lock Building Whitworth Street West Manchester M1 5BD
Close Chorlton 539A Wilbraham Rd Chorlton Manchester M21 0UE
Telephone: 0161 237 1619
Telephone: 0161 637 2806
quiff
www.closemalegrooming.co.uk
D J
Daniel Johnson
bydanieljohnson.com
La Vida
BEAUTY
One of the biggest events in the fashion calendar, London Fashion Week, took place showcasing the current fashion and beauty collections for this Spring/Summer13’. Although the last thing we want to do is jinx it, it does appear that winter might finally be over; calling for a fresh re-vamp and spring clean of our make-up and beauty products. The promise of (slightly) warmer days has arrived and a selection of the hottest beauty trends from colour blocking lids, natural and minimalistic complexions, wavy bed-head hair and FabergÊ styled nails, are all doing their rounds this season. Here, beauty writer Emily Mulenga and celebrity fashion make-up artist Scarlett Burton, bring you the lowdown of the hottest beauty looks from fashion week, as well as a selection of the most wacky and wonderful hair and make-up styles that hit the catwalks. 73 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
LA VIDA BEAUTY
Welcome SPRING 13’. You’re bright, you’re bad-ass and you’re
beautiful. You’ve got
makeup,
bold shades,
grungy
eyes,
messy hair,
narly
nails
- and La Vida shows you how to
work it.
Take note... Written by Emily Mulenga
74 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Minimalism
One big trend, which is guaranteed to make you look as sprightly and fresh as a newborn lamb this spring, is the natural face. This season we’re loving the minimalistic look of a polished, flawless and fresh finish; this means using the necessary products to give you that youthfall, dewy glow as spotted on the catwalks of Balmain and Ruffian.
T o A c h i eve : - Prep skin with a hydrating base, and add subtle touches of contouring to sculpt the features. - Curl mascara-free lashes for a dewyeyed look. - Flush cheeks and add lip balm to create a face that’s natural and puttogether all at once. - You can also apply moisturiser over foundation to produce an extra-dewy glow. - Or, you can make believe you have been kissed by summer sun by drawing on a scattering of youthful freckles; a cute look seen at Kinder Aggugini (make-up artist Val Garland used dabs of brown eye and lip pencil to achieve an outdoorsy, fresh-faced complexion).
Victoria Beckham
natural
Kinder Aggugini
what we want:
Michael Kors
Donna Karan
Donna Karan
Michael Kors
We love these Estée Lauder Pure Colour Stay-on Shadow Paints, £19 in Extreme Emerald (1) Bold Cobalt (2) Neon Fuchsia (3) - perfect for colour blocking like the profesionals.
Big blocks of colour in various vibrant shades lit up the catwalk of London Fashion Week. At Donna Karan and Topshop Unique, magenta and bubblegum pink graced the lids and lashes of models, and an equally vibrant blue and green look showcased at Michael Kors. At Antoni & Alison the neon trend remained just as bold and bright, where make-up artist Jo Frost took the classic smokey eye and made it explosively bold using green, blue and violet pencils by MAC, followed by this seasons neon shadows and creams.
Colour
Blocking
A trend tailored to all you lovers of colour
J o Fro s t w i th ho w to ach i e v e the look :
Rainbow Feather Lashes, £24, by Shu Uemura (4) NARS Eyeshadow Duo, £25 in Fashion Rebel (5)
Chloe
Antoni & Alison
Kenzo
Donna Karan
“The colour should fade out. It needs to be soft focus, hazy and matte. It makes the look so much more sophisticated - it’s very painterly”. Evidently with this look, more is certainly more, but remember to think chic when applying your vibrant hues.
Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme lash Multiplying Volume Mascara, £22 in Bold cobalt (6)
Louis Vuitton
LA VIDA BEAUTY
NARS American Dream Eyeshadow Palette, £39.50 (1) NARS Series Eyeshadow, £18 in Night Breed (2)
Diane von Furstenberg
Lanvin
Lanvin
Christian Dior 5 Couleurs Lift Eyeshadow Palette, £41 (3)
Grunge Love
A less uptight approach to beauty, according to Max Factor make-up artist Mel Arter, the grunge look has finally been showcased as part of the overall Nineties trend running through both fashion and beauty. This look includes the straight-out-of-bed hair and select lashings of make-up, with a focal point on the lower lash line. Grungy liner was seen at Diane von Furstenberg and Lanvin, as well as 3.1 Phillip Lim and Christopher Kane. At Gucci, smokey brown shadow was worked above and below the eye, paired with a thin streak of liner and mascara applied to only the roots of the lashes. This look eminates a sense of sexy bad-ass attitude from day through to night.
MAC Pigment, £16.50 in Rose Gold (4) Laura Mercier Eyebrow pencil, £16.50 in Blonde (5) Trish McEvoy High Volume Mascara, £22.50 in Jet Black (6) Revlon Moon Drops Moisturising Lip Conditioner, £8 (7) Tom Ford Lip Color, £36 in Sable Smoke (8)
76 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Gucci
NARS Radient Creamy Concealer, £21 in Amande (9)
Natural Locks
Step away from the hairdryer - undone, minimal Nineties hair is the order of the day, with a natural look full of texture being spotted again and again. The ubiquitous dip-dye trend has been ditched in favour of a softer look. Grunge was on the menu again at House of Holland, as well as an unruly Seventies look, where Babyliss created textured waves with hair pinned down at the top to create an intentional ‘hat hair’ look.
Peter Som
House of Holland
At Peter Som, wild untamed tresses were streaked through with pastel shades, creating a gorgeous, dreamlike look. At Rag & Bone, the masculine tailoring of the clothing matched the simple wet-look hairstyles which were slicked back but left tousled at the ends. Topshop Unique took the no-fuss approach to the next level using L’Oreal Beach Fizz on the hair, leaving it to dry naturally without the use of styling tools.
Rag & Bone
dramatic nails
Textured nails are huge this season with nail brand Ciaté creating a selection of products to go wild with. Their Caviar Nails and Velvet Manicure, dreamed up by creative director Charlotte Knight, make this nail look oh-so yummy. Metallic nails are also a great versatile trend, including simple glitter nails or metallic polish applied only to the tip of the nail.
Ruffian
Nicole Miller
Behnaz Sarafpour
Despite nude nails making their umpteenth return as a beauty staple, there are a whole host of other options for those who are after something a little more daring.
L’Oreal Professional Play Ball Beach Fizz (10) Ciaté Caviar Manicure, £18 in Cotton Candy (11) Azature nail polish, £17 in Black Diamond (12) Models Own nail polis, £5 in Wonderland (13)
More opulent looks were seen at Ruffian, where Keri Blair of MAC created delicious Fabergé eggstyle nails using filigree trimming.
77 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
LA VIDA BEAUTY
Matthew Williamson - Shapely Skin At Matthew Williamson, we saw model of the moment Cara Delevingne sporting her trademark bushy brows with a flawless, nude complexion. The emphasis here is on the contouring of the face, with particular attention given to the definition of cheekbones and the socket lines creating a beautifully natural structured shape. All this look needs is a zig-zag of mascara on the lashes paired with natural clean hair and the look of high-end beauty is achieved.
Mary Katrantzou - Bowl-Cut Bangs You wouldn’t be wrong in thinking that a colony of cloned models had taken over Mary Katrantzou’s catwalk, or at least a large family of sisters, as each model donned matching, round-cut fringes on the designers runway. The look was sharp and clean, with thinly defined eyebrows as the main feature and focal point of the makeup. This minimalist beauty does not need much else, just a light pencil-line of white eyeliner on the inside waterline and clear gloss on the lips to create a simple, yet wide-awake effect.
78 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
Pam Hogg - Petite Pouts As expected, the runway at Pam Hogg was a theatrical performance, as overly accessorized models tip-toed in ballet shoes down the catwalk. There was a nod towards the orient with the make-up styling, with subtle pink pouts painted in Geisha girl style, paired with light, porceline skin and hair greatly styled down as to accommodate the oversized headpieces - certainly not a look for the attention-shy!
Vivienne Westwood - Paint by Picasso In terms of beauty, the Vivienne Westwood catwalks are always show-stoppers, and one that we makeup artists eagerly await to see - this season was no different. The make-up adopted by Vivienne Westwood was reminiscent of Picasso’s ‘Weeping Woman’, with the use of bright colours and angular lines framing the models’ eyes and lips; each face a couture masterpiece. The hair, in contrast to the makeup, was bouffant and backcombed – no doubt the result of a spectacular blow dry, creating that unique glam-rock style Westwood is forever loved for.
Written by Scarlett Burton. Photography by Ella Tebbutt
DAY Yves Saint Laurent Cream Blush, £29 in Fuchsia Temptation. This candy-pink soft blush is easily blendable with fingers. Turning to powder once on the cheeks, this cream blush gives a healthy finish, without the need of powder.
No.7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow, £7 in Moroccan Sands. For a fresh, dewy shine dab on the eyelids as a warm contrast to the glossy bright lip.
Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara, £22 in Black. Layer the top and bottom lashes for excess length to give that natural, wide-eyed look.
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Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Complexion Highlighter, £25. Perfect for concealing those dark circles around the eyes and any other skin blemishes. You can also use it down the bridge of your nose, cupids bow and cheekbones for a glowing defined complexion.
Rimmel BB Cream SPF 25, £6.99 in Light. Great for day time wear, for a light, fresh finish; a quick and easy one step. Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer, £34.50 in Shimmering Beige. This lightweight liquid foundation is a perfect base for a shimmering glow to enhance the complexion.
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MAC Amplified Lipstick, £14 in Impassioned. This bright orange-pink maximum colour lipstick, layered with a high shine gloss, makes for a full effect, and looks great on all skin tones. Make-up: Scarlett Burton Photography: Hanna Hillier Model: Amber Pitkin
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NIGHT Rimmel Volume Flash The MAX Mascara, £6.99 in Black. Great for dramatic lashes, full of volume and length. Layer-up for a true MAX effect.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer, £7.49. Containing apricot and raspberry extracts, this concealer boosts radiance around the eye area as well as giving great coverage for those dark circles and blemishes.
Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow for Eyes, £16 in Massive Midnight. Long wearing, non smudging eye colour which can be layered for maximum results. Containing vitamin E, not only is this product in trend, but soothing and smoothing for the delicate eye area.
No.7 Natural Blush Power in Honey, £8. Great colour for contouring the face; use just below the cheekbones layering slowly for a naturally defined finish.
Lancôme La Base Primer, £28. This oil Free primer can be used before foundation for a long lasting matt finish one that will keep make-up put all night.
MAC Amplified Lipstick, £14 in Strong Woman. This rich, true purple colour, with strong intensity and a matte finish, will hold all night long. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £34.50. A lightweight foundation with a silky smooth feel, perfect for taking you from day to night with its buildable coverage.
Fashion make-up artist Scarlett Burton takes a look at the best beauty looks of this season and the products to achieve them; giving you an on trend and glamorous look for day & night.
LA VIDA LIFESTYLE
A
perfect piece of Japan has fallen to earth in our great city of Manchester, and it’s called Sapporo Teppanyaki - a lively, hip and happening teppanyaki restaurant between Deansgate and Castlefield, minutes from the luxurious Hilton Hotel on Liverpool Road. First opening back in 2007, it’s honed a brilliant act over the intervening years – and now it’s launching a new à la carte menu featuring excitingly different sushi and sashimi dishes, new set menu combinations, extensive vegetarian options, oriental salads, new teppanyaki dishes and an entire section dedicated to premium delicacies. Sapporo is named after the fourth largest city in Japan, while teppanyaki itself is a healthy, exciting, modern Japanese style of cooking, with dishes prepared freshly before your very eyes on a hotplate - part barbecue, part flaming grill, and full entertainment! As a diner, you are given a ringside seat (with your party and a few fellow diners) around a horseshoe-shaped table that surrounds the chef and his hotplate – you’re entertainer for the evening who will make your experience utterly memorable with tricks and juggling acts whilst preparing your meal. Chefs spin, flip and catch ingredients; dazzling all diners with their impressive culinary tricks. As the highlight of your meal, and the ‘pièce de résistance’, your chef will set light to the grill in a spectacular, yet totally controlled display of flames. Next to the taste, the best thing about teppanyaki is the lively and friendly atmosphere - you can’t help but get to know your fellow diners - many friendships have been made at the teppanyaki table, so it’s perfect for couples, small groups and large parties alike.
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Fresh Ingredients - Natural Tastes and Flavours Teppanyaki food is cooked quickly at very high temperatures to seal in the natural flavours and goodness of the ingredients, and here at Sapporo Teppanyaki, they’re totally committed to using the freshest and finest produce to make the food as tasty and as healthy as it looks; what’s more, they willingly support local suppliers, so all their fish, meat and poultry, vegetables and drinks are provided by suppliers exclusively from the North-West. A typically delicious teppanyaki signature dish is tender spicy beef fillet, prepared with freshly chopped garlic, chillies, soy sauce and Japanese Mirin wine. Besides this, the most frequently ordered dish is Sapporo’s barbecued prime pork ribs, coated in their special barbecue sauce - look out for both appearing on their new à la carte menu. On that same menu are twelve new sushi and sashimi dishes, eight new teppanyaki dishes, plus a new special signature page containing premium platters such as whole lobster, turbot, brill, porterhouse steak, chateaubriand and the very best beef in the world, wagyu. A highly recommended three-course meal from the new menu is soft-shell crab nigiri and tuna tataki with spicy citrus sauce for starters, followed by 12oz chateaubriand accompanied by grilled vegetables and egg fried rice. To finish, Japanese yuzu fruit cheesecake with P&D Deli ice cream - perfect! Knowing that the food at Sapporo Teppanyaki is truly superb and irresistible, it’s no surprise to discover that the same can be said of the restaurant’s interior! Its fresh and sophisticated Japanese-style décor features beautifully crafted bamboo, polished wood and Japanese artefacts, creating a modern and chic style redolent of the very best of contemporary Japan - yet with a strongly traditional theme. If you think the food menu sounds good, just wait until you discover the cocktails on offer! Try a Senji Caipirinha, comprising of fresh strawberries, mashed with lime and sugar and then flavoured with sake and strawberry liqueur. Or, how about a Sparkling Ginza? The recipe is gin shaken with apple schnapps and elderflower syrup, balanced with soda and freshly squeezed lemon juice. A truly unmissable delicacy is the Sake’tini – sake infused with Chambord black raspberry liqueur, strengthened with vodka, and then topped with fresh pineapple juice for a smooth, fruity finish.
Sapporo Teppanyaki also offers the widest selection of Japanese whiskeys in Manchester, including a rare vintage 12 year-old Hakushu and a truly special 18 year-old Yamazaki; you can also choose from a range of western beers, wine, champagne and soft drinks.
For reservations please contact:
Right now, there are some excellent special offers available, including an Express Lunch menu (two courses from £9), and an Early Diner menu (three courses for £15.95). There really is no excuse not to visit Sapporo.=
91 Liverpool Road Manchester M3 4JN
So for young and old, couples and groups, girly lunches and boys’ nights out, Sapporo Teppanyaki has got the lot - entertainment, atmosphere, great service, and of course, the best Japanese food you’ll find!
0161 831 9888
Sapporo Manchester
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LA VIDA MUSIC
WE MEET THE FACE'S behind the voices: carla kompany & Adam brown
What do we expect from your show? Carla: Just fun! Obviously primarily it’s a music show, so we have tons and tons of good music, all the latest hits, that’s obviously what Capital FM is all about. And then we just add that personal touch with different features that we find funny that hopefully everyone else will too. We want lots of interaction with everyone who listens, via video footage on our website as well as loads of texts and calls and that kind of stuff. Adam: As we’re on every Saturday morning, it’s quite a reflective show of what’s going on in Manchester. We also give a unique insight into elements of our own lives. We lead really different lives; Carla has quite a glamorous life, like she’s jetting off to Dubai and I’m sat around in my living room playing Fifa or watching WWE wrestling! [Laughs] I think that’s why it works so well you know. It’s a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, and just generally a really good way to start the weekend. It’s something different, something you haven’t heard on other shows or on other stations in Manchester.
Written by Effy Pafitis
Providing millions of people with the very best in current music played between banter from the country’s wittiest presenters, it’s easy to see why Capital FM is the UK’s number 1 hit radio station. With radio so proudly keeping up with the whirlwind world of media, Capital has never failed to maintain their reputation as one of the most relevant broadcasting sources in the nation. Having recently expanded their influence by launching their own TV channel alongside their extensive radio shows, Capital TV shows all the best music videos all day every day, filling the demand for the old-school music channels that focus purely on the music in an age where MTV has let reality TV shows take over their schedule. At the heart of the great hype, created by mixing the mediums of radio and TV, is their website, CapitalFM.com, which contains countless links to all of the live radio and TV shows as well as recorded clips, gossip on our favourite artists, upcoming music events and exciting competitions to win exclusive prizes; it looks like the Capital brand won’t be relinquishing its dominance any time soon! Tuning-in to 102 (or visiting their website or TV channel for that matter) is your ticket to the greatest current tracks and light laughs, keeping you clued in and up-to-date with what’s going on in our city, without breaking the entertainment factor, whether you’re relaxing at home or on-the-go. With something for everyone, it’s unsurprising that Capital FM’s audience is that of over 7 million people nationwide. In keeping with the fast-paced cities they broadcast to, listeners expect refreshed schedules with new talent coming on-board to mix up the regular show patterns, something the brand never denies them. The La Vida team had the pleasure of meeting with the hosts of Capital Manchester’s newest weekend show, Adam Brown and Carla Kompany. Airing every Saturday morning from 8am till 12pm, their show is the latest addition to the sensationally popular Manchester weeklong line-up and will help Mancunians start their weekend the right way with the best breakfast banter. 84 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
What made you want to work together? Adam: Carla’s just really fun! From when I first met her she made me laugh straight away and it’s weird as well because we grew up like ten minutes away from each other, but obviously didn’t meet until we started working together at Capital. We’ve got a lot in common and for a co-presenter you need to have that chemistry, and that’s exactly what I felt with Carla straight away. The more we work together, the more fun it gets. Carla: Adam’s a funny guy, he makes me laugh. We have a natural rapport, and I think that really works. Like he said, we met through working at Capital FM, I’ve been there for about a year just doing bits and bobs, demos and stuff, learning and whatever, and Adam’s obviously got tons of experience so it’s great to work with someone who knows so much about the industry and you can learn from every day and who you just get on with - who’s just funny. He’s a good crowd too, he laughs at all my jokes as well - makes me feel good! Why did you choose to work in radio, as opposed to any other form of media? Adam: I think, for me, the best thing about radio is that it’s so personal. If you’ve got a story to tell someone, there isn’t a more powerful way to tell it than on the radio. I just love everything about the medium, I think it’s so powerful and you can tell things on the radio that you can’t get across quite so well on TV. From the first time I went to a radio studio I was hooked – straight away. I thought, right, that’s it, this is definitely what I want to do and I’ve been fortunate enough to do it.
Carla: I used to listen to radio all the time on my way in to work and it’s just that personal connection that you have with the presenters that attracted me to it. You can get in contact with them, you can be in the moment, your text or tweet can be read out and it’s great to be involved in that way. Capital FM is obviously famous for playing all the best current commercial music, but what are your personal favourite music genres or artists? Carla: It’s a tough one, I’m a bit eclectic! I like a bit of Fleetwook Mac and I like a bit of Drake. Cheryl Cole is my guilty pleasure though– who doesn’t fancy her?! A bit of everything really, as long as it sounds good, I feel that it’s been well-produced and it’s catchy or it’s got a good melody, then I’ll listen. I’m not really a lyrics kind of girl, but sometimes if the lyrics are good, then anything goes! Adam: I like absolutely everything! People have asked me this so many times and it’s a bit of a cop-out answer, I know, but I don’t want to lie! I don’t think there’s a genre of music that I wouldn’t consider or wouldn’t listen to. My fingers have to pulse with what’s going on. I’m really open-minded about music, but I’m passionate about it as well.
What do you think has influenced your taste in music? Carla: It’s quite embarrassing but I used to go to Country & Western lime dancing when I was like seven (eight, nine!) – Adam, don’t even look at me! And my uncle was a massive fan of American stuff and my mum was massively into Madonna and RnB, so the music I grew up with was literally as broad a spectrum as you can possibly imagine. My dad is into that old-school hip hop stuff so I listened to a lot of different things. I think that’s probably why I like a lot of everything, because I just grew up that way. What about live gigs, do you go regularly? Any favourites? Adam: I’ve been to so many, but in terms of big artists, I saw Labyrinth perform live and he was really, really good. I mean really good, I was blown away! It wasn’t what I was expecting; I was really taken aback by how talented he was. Obviously I expected him to be talented, but it was a completely different type of gig to what I expected and I really enjoyed it, and I’d definitely go and see him again. At uni I used to go to a lot of unsigned nights, but this was a little bit different to these tiny gigs I’ve been going to in the Northern Quarter!
Can you pick a favourite song? Adam: Ahh that’s difficult … let me think! I really like Ellie Goulding’s new album [Hanging On], I like her song Explosions, that’s really cool. And I actually quite like Calvin Harris and Tinie Tempah, Drinking From the Bottle. I’m liking those at the moment but there’s loads! Carla: Well, I wouldn’t really want to tell the world this, as it’s quite old now, but it’s no secret that I like Cheryl Cole’s Call My Name. Calvin Harris produced it though so that makes it kind of cool doesn’t it?! I’ve got it on my iPad and I listen to it on repeat. I can’t get enough! I also love a bit of Robin S, Show Me Love, that kind of old school dance. I like a bit of Drake, Rick Ross, a bit of the hip hop and RnB but mainly that Cheryl Cole track. It’s got me!
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LA VIDA MUSIC At LaVida we’re all about the lifestyle in Manchester and new and exciting events and places. We know you’re both Mancunian, born and bred. What is it about Manchester that keeps you excited? Adam: I love it! I can’t imagine not living and working in Manchester. I love the fact that there’s so much going on. Literally, I don’t think there’s ever a weekend or a weekday when it’s just boring. You never think “oh what can I do today? Where can I go tonight? There’s nothing”. Carla: None of the other cities really compare to Manchester. It’s just the friendliest place you can go to. You can be in London, be surrounded by a million different people, and just feel completely alone, totally isolated. In Manchester you get people randomly saying “hi”, always willing to help, and it’s that friendly element that separates us, I think, from any other city; anyone who visits here says the same thing. Adam: People are proud of Manchester for different reasons. The musical heritage is a large part of that, so are the different sports which are obviously amazing here, but there are also other things that people don’t talk about as much that I think we can be equally as proud of, and that’s the artistic and creative side of things in the city. For me, that’s the big plus-point about Manchester. People are more positive about creativity here - that’s the whole ethos of the city. If you want to do something, no one’s going to frown upon it or question it. I love the fact that you’re free to be who you want and express yourself in any way here. For me, that’s really important. Manchester is notorious for its varied popular nightclubs and bars, which are your favourite nightlife spots? Carla: Ahhhh, I’m a bore, I’m a mother and a wife, I don’t go out, I don’t socialise, I just use twitter to communicate! But probably my favourite bar is Panacea. As for clubs, I don’t go to clubs, but I’ll say when I used to go out, it was The Circle Club. Is that still cool?! Adam: When I go out I generally go to the Northern Quarter, I like places like Hula Tiki Lounge, it’s quite cool there. I’m a bit of a film geek as well so I like TV21, just because I like looking at all the stuff in there! I love just going in to Common Bar for a pint now and again if I’m out and about in town. As for clubs … I’d love to say I go to clubs but I don’t! That’s really bad at the age of 26 isn’t it?! I think there was a turning point in my life about a year ago when I went into a club and I was like, “the music’s a bit loud!”- you know its downhill when that starts happening!
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What about shopping, do you have a favourite shop here in the city? Carla: When you say shop, do you mean like Sainsbury’s? ‘Cos I’m always there! [Laughs] Clothes shops, yeah?! I get most of my stuff from Topshop, so I guess there. I always walk in and go “ohh there’s nothing good in here”, and then walk out an hour later with a million different things. Adam: I go to loads of places, I can’t really pick just one and I think that’s another example of how much there is on offer in Manchester; you can never remember all the places you go to, there’s so much choice. I mean, if I did have a favourite shop, I’d probably just go in there and spend all my money anyway so it’s better for me this way!
Be sure to tune in to Adam and Carla’s show on Capital FM’s 102 MHz frequency every Saturday from 8am till 12pm. To get in touch and be part of the show text 83958 starting your message with AC, call the studio on 0161 832 0102 or tweet @AdamandCarla.
LA VIDA EXCLUSIVE
I nt ro ducin g.
misha b. We catch up with Manchester’s finest urban artist. Interviewed & Written by Jsky
Images: Chuff Media
LA VIDA EXCLUSIVE
AMELIA LILY Over at La Vida HQ, we’ve been playing your new single non-stop! It features Ooh La La, made famous by Lauryn Hill/The Fugees. What’s your favourite song by Lauren Hill? Ooh that’s a tough one. I listen to her album almost everyday. Erm…..Lost Ones! You have received a lot of attention for your sense of fashion. What looks are you enjoying at the moment? Well….these…[points down] platform creepers. Everyone that knows me knows I love a heel. I love a bit of height because I’m only 5”1. Could you give any advice to anyone wanting to be a singer? What words of wisdom could you offer our readers? Believe. Believe in yourself. As corny as it sounds, it is one of the key things to succeeding. You have to believe in yourself, so much that people will think that you’re mad. I used to say to my friends in high school “one day people all over the world are going to know who I am, my name’s going to be in flashing lights”, and because I believed it, it’s happened. Believe! Work hard, stay passionate and don’t stop. When is the album coming out? The album’s coming out in summer, it’s almost finished now. I’ve been working on the album for the last year, wrapping things up. I took a trip out to LA and I went to Sweden and Denmark; soaking up all the musical inspiration I need as well as working with some wicked producers and some wicked songwriters.
M
isha B was the talk of the town during a controversial series of The X-Factor in 2011. Two years on, and with two hit singles firmly under her belt, Misha B reflects on her time on Britain’s biggest entertainment show, whilst gearing up to release her brand new single Here’s To Everything (Ohh La La). Do you miss Manchester? Ain’t no place like home and when I say it, I mean it! When I was on the motorway coming here, I was like [sings] “I’m going home, I’m going home…” [laughs]. What do you miss most about Manchester? The people. The accent. Now that I’ve moved down to London there’s not many people with a Northern accent, so when I do hear someone with one I’m like “You’re from up North, aren’t you?”. Do you miss The X-Factor? Hmm…miss it? I do often go through photos and I reminisce a lot, but I don’t miss it. Kelly Rowland only had one year as a judge, but do you still hear from her? I do! I spoke to Kelly four days ago by email. Did you see the Destiny’s Child reunion? Erm hello! Somebody get me a fan! Oh my gosh, that was amazing. It was so sick.
Here’s To Everything (Ooh La La), out April 27th. 89 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
AMELIA LILY ON THE PARTY BUS WITH
Interviewed & Written by Jsky
LA VIDA EXCLUSIVE
AMELIA LILY Your new single Party Over comes out on the 21st April, and the video is incredible, but what are your parents like about it all? Do they get as excited as you? My parents are always nervous about my videos and songs because they think I’m a little rebel. They think that I’ll come out with something that they don’t approve of. My parents aren’t strict and they support me and admire everything I do; they’re really proud of me. They are so supportive and they’re really grateful that I’ve still stuck to who I am and kept being myself. Well, you were the comeback kid on X Factor…what do you think of the other contestants that have come from the show? Have you got any favourites? I thought last year had quite a few really good contestants. I thought James Arthur and Union J were incredible, and I think they’re doing exceptionally well. I’ve got a lot of gigs with them this summer, which I’m really excited about. I think what’s amazing is every year there are so many different artists, and everyone is really unique and individual like Cher Lloyd and One Direction. It’s great to see how well people can do. What do you think of other shows, like The Voice?
X Factor’s 2011 ‘comeback kid’ Amelia Lily has the makings of a true Brit pop star. Mentored by Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland, after being reinstated onto the live shows by the public, Amelia Lily went on to finish 3rd place on the show; an almighty conquest. Currently promoting her single Party Over across the UK, on a pink party bus may we add, Amelia Lily exclusively let’s us into her world. First of all, what was it like working next to Kelly Rowland and having her as your mentor?
I think The Voice is great because it’s just about the vocals. It shouldn’t matter what you look like, or anything else. It should be about the vocals and about the music, and that’s exactly what it is. I think that show is a great inspiration. Having said that, your sense of fashion is something that sends your fans crazy! What has been your favourite look? I’m quite spontaneous, and I tend not to follow trends. I just wear what I think is me, and quirky and fun, and shows off my personality. I’m really into monochrome at the moment; the whole black and white thing. I’ve always been a big black and white fan. I really like cool, little, punk-rock shops. I don’t like to go in there and look like a goth, but I like to find cute stuff and make them quite girly. Yeah, I’m quite individual.
Crazy! I still can’t believe that I spent such a long time with her and get to know her as a person. I was a massive fan of Destiny’s Child when they were together, so it was really overwhelming. Your new single Party Over; we love it…but what’s your guilty pleasure? What song comes on during a night out that you have to get up and dance to? Whitney! <sings>”oooooh I wanna dance with somebody…” I’ve got a story to tell you! On the last night of the Girls Aloud tour I was in the hotel bar and it was only myself and the guitarist left. It must have been about 2 in the morning and Whitney came on, I Wanna Dance (With Somebody). Well, I decided to get up and start dancing, and I went to do like a jump kick and I fell flat on my left leg. I’ve still got a bruise from it. Only my guitarist saw, thankfully, but he thought I’d killed myself…and then we both fell asleep at the bar.
Images: Chuff Media
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LA VIDA EXCLUSIVE Interviewed & Written by Jsky
LA VIDA MAGAZINE MEETS
JOSH KUMRA Fads come and go. New styles emerge and die out. Amidst an ever-changing sea of new artists, genres and technology, it has become increasingly difficult for credible musicians to build a sustainable career in the music business. Josh Kumra is a new artist that chose to stay true to his singer/ songwriter roots; something most artists find difficult when faced with the pressures of a major record label and life on the road. His first release Don’t Go alongside Wretch 32, reached number 1 on the official UK charts, but it wasn’t until the release of Kumra’s solo version, and his later album releases Helicopters And Planes and Waiting For You, that it became apparent just how much potential this young Swindon talent harnessed. So…how long have you been doing music for? I’ve been doing music for about 10 years, but professionally I would say about 4-5 years. What was it like working with Wretch 32? How did that come about? Erm, the Wretch 32 collaboration came about when I moved up to London from my home town of Swindon. Within about 2 weeks I got a phone call from Wretch saying ‘I’ve heard your song Don’t Go, and I’d love to rap on it’. So we did that. I had heard Traktor which had just come out (it was number 5) and I was a big fan of his. What we did in the studio that day when I first met him became the single [Don’t Go], which went to number one. It was crazy. Do you ever get sick of performing it [Don’t Go]? No, because I did a lot of performances with Wretch that was to big crowds with a big band like T4 On The Beach and stuff like that…but now I’m playing my own version; the original version. There probably will come a time when I will get sick of it, but at the moment it’s a nice transition from playing the Wretch version as they’re 2 completely different songs in my opinion.
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Do you have any other big collaborations lined up, or are you hoping to work with anyone in particular one day? I haven’t got anything big yet because I just wanted to my make my first album just focusing on me mainly. It sounds a bit selfish but I wanted to make a statement. The girl who I co-wrote Don’t Go with, Mayday, has a lovely voice and she sings on a couple of songs. Mr. Hudson also sings on a couple of songs as well as doing the backing vocals - he also produced the album. I’d love to work with Norah Jones. For one, she’s a great singer, and two, she’s hot! So, it’s a great way to get to know someone. How have you adjusted to life on the road? What have you been getting up to? Touring is my thing. Everything I do in the studio is to help me get on the road. So now the debut album is getting finished, I’m just looking forward to touring. Manchester’s got the ski slope right? [Chill Factor Indoor Ski Slope] Yeah I went there, it was sick. Are you not scared of heights? No, not really. We had a day off in Manchester so we went and did a bit of skiing, which was cool. I love skiing. It was a shock to me to know that was here. We have indoor sky diving too. Yeah that’s next to it right? I’d love to do proper skydiving. I want to do a music video that’s just me with a guitar, jumping out of a plane. Do you prefer to perform on television, festivals or more intimate settings and smaller venues? What’s your ideal crowd? I’ve actually been supporting a brilliant artist called Lianne La Havas... she’s amazing, and that was huge. For me, it’s not about the size of the crowd though, it’s all about the connection and if they love music. I mean, I’ve played some gigs where it’s like all they want to do is get a drink and have a mental time. But then I’ve played some other gigs where from the first note I played on the guitar, to the last note, they just listened. I could have played there for 24 hours straight. When it’s like that, it’s easy.
LA VIDA EXCLUSIVE
LA VIDA MAGAZINE MEETS
MARTINEZ BROTHERS You’ve said before that one of your biggest influences was your dad; what was the most important lesson he taught you? What records and musicians did you grow up listening to in the Martinez household? And are there any that really stand out in your minds? Yeah he’s definitely one of our biggest influences; our parents in general were super instrumental in all of this. At home they would play us so many different types of music from Héctor Lavoe, MFSB, a lot of jazz and fusion stuff like Chick Corea and Jean Luc Ponty. My dad really put us on to a lot of things, not just disco and house. Playing in church bands as kids is not every DJ’s usual route into the music industry. How do you feel God and religion in general has helped shape the force you are today? God has basically been the cornerstone of our lives ever since we were young. We’re really fortunate for that upbringing as it instilled so many good morals in us that we still carry with us today. God is still important to us, and we recognize God for our talents and our blessings. With that being said, we don’t consider ourselves religious; God and religion are two different things. What was it like being taken under the wing of the legend that is Dennis Ferrer? What wisdom did he impart on you guys, and how did he influence you at this crucial part of your careers? When we think about it, it’s kind of crazy how everything worked out; the trajectory was just so organic. He taught us so much, things we will always take with us; he’s an amazing teacher. He definitely imparted a lot of wisdom on the production end - he’s a brain in that aspect. But he also gave us an outlet, a credible outlet, to put out our music, and that was crucial. Safe to say, his role was definitely substantial in our journey. If all roads hadn’t led to music, what would you have liked to do with your lives if you could choose anything? Honestly, we cant really imagine what life would have been like without music, but we’ve always loved basketball, maybe something in that! You’ve played at some of the best clubs and festivals in the world, but during your life travels so far, what has really stood out? We played at the Panorama Bar last month, and it was really something special - we love that place! Obviously DC-10, where we were residents, has given us so many highlights, there are so many other great clubs that we love to be honest, it’s a long list for sure. As far as festivals, for me so far, BPM takes the cake – love it!
Interviewed & Written by Joseph Dent
You’ve said when you guys are relaxing you like to put down some jazz and hip hop at your pad in Monroe, upstate NYC. Who do you respect in each genre and why? Love us some a John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock… we could just go on and on. On the hip-hop front, we love J Dilla, Madlib, old school stuff like Cypress Hill, Big l and Jay-Z, obviously. We get inspiration as much from jazz as we do from hip-hop. What releases and remixes have you got coming up and with what labels? Can you give us a taster of what you’ve got up your sleeves? We have some remixes coming out on Circus, and we’re also finishing up a remix for Timo Maas which should be expected for the summer. The only things we have up our sleeves are our records that will make you dance. That’s our only formula! In general, what do you believe to be the next big thing in music, specifically in the house and techno scene? Is there anyone we should be keeping an eye on? Any riders on the next wave so to speak? We love this time, we feel like people are really receptive to all types of things right now. We love that we can play deep house, and techno, tech house, disco stuff, all in one given night. We think that’s the next big thing, people who can just play it all and not just stick to one sound that can get boring. Last year you were residents at DC-10 in Ibiza. Are you going to be doing something similar this season? On that note, where are you looking forward to playing at this year? We most definitely will be back for our DC-10 residency, and that’s probably the place we’re looking most forward to, besides Eastern Electrics of course. You will be going B2B with Soul Clap under the new alias Soul Brothers for the first time at Eastern Electrics Festival, could you tell us a bit about how this came about? What have you got planned with your brothers from down under? It came about kind of as a joke, putting both our names together and coincidently you get Soul Brothers, but it’s something really cool as we love disco and classic house, and rocking with them we will really get to shine light. Not to mention, they’re like the coolest dudes on the planet! Finally, you’re both young guys; what advice would you give to up and coming producers and DJ’s? BE YOURSELF! 93 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
LA VIDA MUSIC
weekender 2013
saturday 8th june
The Parklife Weekender has fast seen off competition to become one of the leading hipster UK music festivals. What’s more, this year’s collective is the biggest to date. Situated at Manchester’s very own Heaton Park (famous most recently for the much well celebrated Oasis gig), June 8th9th will encompass leading edge acts across the vast spectrum of genre’s that walk along the border of underground and commercial success. Music that is cool and credible with an audience of people who respect their craft.
MAIN STAGE in association with i, the concise quality newspaper PLAN B THE MACCABEES JESSIE WARE DELPHIC CRAZY P QUADRON TROJAN SOUND SYSTEM WILL TRAMP Plus Special Guests: THE TEMPER TRAP WHP & Now Wave present SOUNDS OF THE NEAR FUTURE in association with FACT DISCLOSURE (LIVE) FOUR TET (LIVE) ALUNA GEORGE BAAUER DAPHNI DANNY BROWN JOHN TALABOT KRYSTAL KLEAR CYRIL HAHN LAPALUX NOW WAVE DJS PARADISE presents HOT NATURED HOT NATURED (LIVE) JAMIE JONES LEE FOSS DYED SOUNDOROM RICHY AHMED ROB JAMES WAFF CIRCO LOCO MACEO PLEX KERRI CHANDLER DAVIDE SQUILLACE TALE OF US SHAUN REEVES CIRILLO
94 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
HOSPITALITY NETSKY (LIVE) HIGH CONTRAST CAMO AND KROOKED DANNY BYRD LONDON ELEKTRICITY S.P.Y FABIO NU:LOGIC FRED V & GRAFFIX METRIK MCs: WREC, DYNAMITE, LOWQUI, TEXAS, YOUTHSTAR, FELON HEIDI PRESENTS THE JACKATHON VS KALUKI MAYA JANE COLES HEIDI BICEP CASSY GEORGE FITZGERALD ELLESSE PETE ZORBA Plus very special guest DERRICK CARTER 10 YEARS OF METROPOLIS SUB FOCUS (DJ SET) & ID BENGA JAGUAR SKILLS FRICTION MISTAJAM HYPE FOREIGN BEGGERS RONI SIZE (FULL CYCLE SET) GOLDIE ROCKWELL DISMANTIE NORTH BASE MCs: DYNAMITE, IC3, GQ & TONN PIPER TERRACE - DROP THE MUSTARD MADEON JAMES ZABIELA FAKE BLOOD REDLIGHT PEARSON SOUND BEN UFO BONDAX DUSKY HUXLEY MARIBOU STATE
june 8th & 9th heaton park. manchester From Manchester with love.
MAIN STAGE in association with The i EXAMPLE RITA ORA RUDIMENTAL (LIVE) WRETCH 32 IGGY AZALEA RIOT JAZZ (LIVE) JUICY DJS JOHNNY DUB Plus very special guest JURASSIC 5
DAVID RODIGAN MBE PRESENTS RAMJAM DAVID RODIGAN THE TODDLA T SOUND SHY FX & STAMINA MC ZINC THE BUG feat. FLOWDAN, DADDY FREDDY AND MISS REDZ DUB PHIZIX & STRATEGY MELE VENOM SOUND SYSTEM
BIG TOP TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS (LIVE) SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO (LIVE) TODD TERJE & LINDSTROM (LIVE) PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS TBA PLUS DJS BOYS NOIZE EROL ALKAN MAX COOPER WILL TRAMP
WHP PRESENTS JULIO BASHMORE EATS EVERYTHING & JUSTIN MARTIN SCUBA (LIVE) TIGO BENOIT & SERGIO (LIVE) TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS (DJ SET) BODDIKA LONE ALEXIS RAPHAEL KRYSKO GREG LORD
NOW WAVE in association with CLASH THE HORRORS EVERYTHING EVERYTHING TOY LIARS SAVAGES KING KRULE TORO Y MOI POST WAR YEARS NOW WAVE (DJS) Plus very special guest JOHNNY MARR CROSSTOWN REBELS DAMIAN LAZARUS ART DEPARTMENT SUBB-AN SHAUN REEVES ROB JAMES FRANCESCA LOMBARDO
THE APE PARKLIFE BEATDOWN DJ FRESH LIVE MARK RONSOM B2B A-TRAK JOEY BADA$$ ANDY C BENGA BREAKAGE JOKER DJ EZ ROSES GABOR BROKEN N ENGLISH RICH REASON MCS: GQ, LX ONE, MAJESTIC
Sunday 9th june
Written by Jsky
HUDMO PRESENTS TNGHT (LIVE) ACTION BRONSON ZEBRA KATZ BREAKBOT HUDSON MOHAWKE (DJ SET) JACKMASTER REDINHO (LIVE) SPENCER ECLAIR FIFI
www.parklife.uk.com 95 LA VIDA SPRING 2013
A TRIBUTE TO LUXURY E N J OY R E S P O N S I B I LY
W W W. G O U T D E D I A M A N T S . C O M