LnLaug11issue by Samantha Phagu

INSPIRATION

03. 08. 12. 15.

MUSE OF THE MONTH: SISI NIKE A DANCER’S STORY: PAIGE FRASER THE ART OF NEGATIVE SPACE MORE THAN A GAME

* MUSE OF

SISI NIKE* [SEE - SEE : NEE - KEH]

BLOGGER & FREELANCE MUA & STYLIST

THE MONTH WRITTEN BY: JIHAN DEMPSTER

“

I’M HEAVILY DRIVEN BY INSPIRATION

”

Describe your path to spoken word. (How did you start?, How did you become interested in it?) I remember trying to write typically sappy love poems. The woes of a teenager dealing with high school crushes and fitting in. I didn’t start to recite my poems till college. It was like pulling teeth just to get me on a stage but I am forever thankful to those that encouraged me to begin to use my voice. What is your writing process like? I’m heavily driven by inspiration. It may be a thought, a conversation, a picture - anything. Anything can inspire me. Once I have that drive, it’s free flowing from there. I’d like to believe it’s as if I’m writing a note to myself when I start writing a poem. What is the most difficult part about writing? Do you make material based upon audience reception or are these reflective of your person experiences? Writer’s block blows. I hate when I can see the things I want to write about in my mind but I can’t find the right words to express it. I also find it very difficult to just get started. The first few lines are always a struggle. I draw upon my own experiences as well as things that I have seen and heard about through friends and family. Drawing upon my own experiences can also make it difficult to write because when I think about how I would eventually perform the poem in front of a room full of strangers, it can sometimes block the creative process because I start to censor myself. I can be very shy at times. What does the term inspiration mean to you? Inspiration can be anything self-seeking and/or anything brought upon by fate. I love to people watch - self seeking. I also love the random conversations when you discover your six degrees of separation from someone that needs to be in your network - fate. Any instance where you feel moved, excited, conflicted or intrigued by something can inspire you. Inspiration is essentially a displacement of emotions from an external or internal source. A transfer of positive or negative energy. I know that you have graduated with a degree completely different from the field you are in now, do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs? DO WHAT YOU WANT. Ha, easier said than done but it really is that easy to spark the motivation needed to start your own line of work. When you’re in college, a lot of the times you forget that you can do whatever you want. If you major in engineering, you have to be an engineer. If you major in computer science, you have to be a programmer. If you major in anything, you must work for Corporate America for the rest of your natural life! Well, no. I completely say no to that Do what moves you. Although,I will provide the caveat that you will sometimes have to do things that you do not want to do in order to eventually live the life that is fit for you. But all and all, I think it all starts with that spark of motivation which can sometimes be overshadowed by what an institution is telling you to do. After the motivation, draft a plan with actionable and measurable tasks and deadlines to keep you on track. I admire the S.M.A.R.T. goal methodology.

Give us a background on your blog? (How did you start?, Does the name have any significance?) I started the blog after I was featured in Essence Magazine for their Street style section. I gained a lot of support from people that saw me in the spread. Then, all by coincidence or should I say fate, I was at my boyfriend’s house talking to his sister about what I would do next with my hair. I was debating on going natural and she directed me to this blog called Mop Top Maven [www.MopTopMaven. blogspot.com]. I instantly fell in love not only with her natural hair and how healthy it was but how she put her blog together. The tutorials, the fashion, the photography. I was so intrigued by her life. I was quickly introduced to the “blogging world” that day. I never knew that blogging was such a big hit and almost like it’s own little society. Then (again by fate) I took another look at the other girls who were featured in the Streetstyle section with me and who else did I see? None other than Nikole Crowe, the author of MopTop Maven. I didn’t know who she was prior to my conversation and introduction to her blog but when I took a second look at the magazine and realized it was her, I flipped out! I was so shocked to be featured along side such a stylish woman like Nikole and that’s what made me feel like hey, maybe I could blog too? And so I did. The name actually derives from one of my favorite songs “Float On” by the band Modest Mouse. One of the pictures that was submitted to Essence I felt captured this “modest” side of me. I captioned the picture “Modest Mouse” on my Facebook. Never did I think it would

land me in Essence, but it did. Anyway, I originally called the blog My Modest Mouse when I started it in September 2010. The first banner I chose for my blog was a picture of me taken by Jason Akoi of “Herds of the Fathers” during the summer after a Summerfest concert in New York. I was being coy covering my mouth in laughter in the shot. My brother saw that picture of me while he was reviewing the blog before I launched it and he said...”well, why don’t you just call it ‘mymodestmouth’?” And so I did. [www.MyModestMouth. com] Being a woman, a black woman at that, in a male-dominated society, do you see any changes or have any enlightening advice geared toward women empowerment and do you have any projects geared toward this theme? I do not have any projects geared towards women empowerment per se. But I am all about developing and encouraging women that want to be successful. Let’s face it, we rule the world. Ha! But really, as a female, you have a duty to yourself and to other women to continue to raise the bar and open doors. Cut out the crabs in a barrel mentality! Do not pull each other down. Encourage one another. There’s nothing I love more than meeting a beautiful, educated and driven woman who is down to earth and humble. These are such attractive traits to have and you ARE what you attract. I have the most amazing girl friends. Oh, and you’ll probably find a strong black man having these qualities too! ;-) I know I did. How has your college experience shaped, defined who

you are now, as a woman? Man, I loved college. College introduced me to a large amount of intelligent, driven, inspiring and eclectic people. I created such a great foundation for my network in college. As a woman, it made me more confident and pioneering. Studying engineering as a female automatically means that you are outnumbered. I always had to band together with the other few females in my class just for encouragement to get through the grueling curriculum. Essentially, just about all of the students and administration that I met in college kept me sane. They always made me remember, “you’re not the only one”. College really challenged who I thought I was and could eventually be. Now, I see myself as a woman who taps in to her talents and isn’t afraid of self discovery and renewal. What is your favorite inspirational quote? Bible Scripture Matthews 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I’m such a worry wart. This scripture has gotten me through so much mentally: doubt, fear, rejection. I try to let go and let God direct my path. Do you have any upcoming projects and/or events you would like our audience to know about? I recently teamed up with Larry Lyons of Brick City Varsity and I’m open to working with more designers, labels, magazines etc. I’m available for bookings: mymodestmouth@gmail.com

A DANCER’S STORY: PAIGE FRASER WRITTEN BY: DAPHNE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHED BY: CHRISTOPHER REED

At 20, Paige Fraser is at the top of her game. Started dancing at the age of only four years old, Paige never would of thought her dreams would of came true.

“SPENDING A YEAR IN CALIFORNIA HELPED ME REALIZE THAT DANCE CAN BE DONE IN SO MANY WAYS.”

aised in the Bronx, dance isn’t the most common thing you heard someone did as a hobby. Always having to explain herself to her peers, Paige didn’t let the way they thought influence her. Dance being an expensive hobby, Paige’s parents never let that intrude on their daughters dreams. They always stood by her and supported her all the way. At the age of 13, Paige got accepted into the Professional Performing Arts High School in Manhattan where she majored in dance. It wasn’t till the age of ten years old when Paige fell in love with dance. “Not until this age did I start taking dance more seriously. In high school, I was also exposed to new types of dance other than ballet such as; modern, jazz, and tap.”

After attending summer programs such as; the Rock School in Philly, Dance Theatre of Harlem, American Ballet Theatre, the Julliard School, the Alvin Ailey School, and Jacobs Pillow. Paige made the decision that dancing was what she wanted to do as a career.

and it was all I knew. I had read articles of how many professional black dancers had been subjected to this racism and it discouraged me many times but I used this as a way to prove them wrong.”

For the first 9 years of Paige’s dance training the only form of dance she knew was ballet. Realizing the stereotypes that are involved with ballet for African Americans; Paige began to become discouraged about her career choice but that didn’t stop her.

During Paige’s high school years was where she was exposed to other forms of dance like, modern, African, and jazz. For her first year of college in Northern California she trained at the Alonzo King Lines School in San Francisco, and learned that ballet can be done while incorporating modern and jazz. This is known as contemporary dance.

“I remember reading a book about a black ballerina called “Dancer”. There was a quote saying that “a ballerina should be the color of a freshly peeled apple”. I was so hurt because ballet had been my passion

“Spending a year in California helped me realize that dance can be done in so many ways I realized that I wanted to be contemporary ballet/ modern dancer after college.”

ollowing her first year in college, Paige decided to transfer to Fordham University because of the appealing dance program at the Alvin Ailey School in Manhattan. After two years at the Ailey School, She began apprenticing for the Ailey II Company her junior year. “My dreams came true and I was asked to be a member this June. It has been an amazing experience because I finally doing what I love and performing way more than when I was a student.” Being able to express herself through dance, Paige has released many emotions through her choreography while on stage; many has found it to be captivating. Having witnessed Paige perform, I can agree. Paige’s body control and slow movements gliding across the stage would leave you in awe. “I am able to unleash all my feelings. I am not one to always say how I feel verbally, but when I’m dancing on stage or rehearsing I let my dancing do the talking.” Aside from dancing professionally in as many different dance companies, Paige also aspire to be in the Lion King on Broadway and dabble in commercial modeling. In the near future Paige sees herself teaching dance to those who are trying to follow in her footsteps. Still on her quest of graduating college, with many accomplishments. Paige still believes she has much learn at the young age of twenty.

THE BY ART OF TANG NEGATIVE YAU SPACE HOONG

SELECTED ILLUSTRATIONS EMPLOYING NEGATIVE SPACE

WRITTEN BY: DAPHNE MARIE Anyone who witnessed Irving Hyppolite on the fields of NYC could see that he is a man of charisma and determination. Starting his career playing football on different teams at the age of 14. Hyppolite also known as “Zeus” made an name for himself throughout the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn by the age of 18. Weighing in at 292 lbs with the height of 6’1”; what better name to call oneself.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;ZEUS? IT STARTED ON THE FIELD BUT

lthough, not fortunate enough to go away to school to pursue football on a college level. Zeus didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let that get in the way by joining a few city teams just to get the pros to pay attention. Joining the semi pro team The New York Panthers, Zeus became the youngest player to start on the defense.

After two years of playing up and down the East Coast with this traveling team he decided to take his talents to the next level. Trying out at the open combine for the Pro Arena team called New Jersey Revolution. Hyppolite signed a year long contract after going through four months of tryout phase for the 2008 season and once again became the youngest player

T STUCK AROUND BECAUSE OF MY SIZE” up fast and learn to be ‘professional’ in my craft.” In 2009, Zeus decided to play football in long island for the Nassau Punishers were he had an all-star season and ended the year 8-2. Ready to make his dream of playing pro football real and put himself in a position to support his family and friends. Given the chance to compete against some of the best NCAA,AFL,CFL players at the Gridiron placement combine in Baltimore, Maryland. Zeus scored in the top two in every statistical category for the linemen showing his determination to win. Catching the attention of Coach Gaunt who attend the combine later signed Zeus to play with the champion caliber team The Harrisburg Stampede. Ending their season 11-3 with a tripto the eastern conference championship. What has Hyppolite been doing since then? Far from a break, he says. Zeus continued to train himself for the pros and began his own personal training business where he helps individuals get into shape. Not straying far from football he hopes to help train football players just as he trains for himself. “My goals outside of football is to be an athletic trainer for a NCAA team. As of now I train a lot of models, artists and just regular people who want to stay in shape. But, I want to work with college football players.” In the up coming months, Hyppolite will be reporting to training camp and plan to make to most of his opportunity of playing Pro football. on the team. Due to off the field problems with the coach and organization he was then released out of his contract. While this situation became a step back to his goals, Zeus then looked at the bigger picture and realized what had to be done to further his career. “It put me in a position where I had to grow

“If I could pick any pro to play on it would be the Miami Dolphins.” With his conviction of becoming pro, Irving Hyppolite wont be the next Tommy Harris in his prime but the first Irving Hyppolite.

MUSIC

20. 21. 23.

A WINNER WITHOUT THE TROPHY VISION TURNED REALITY YOU THINK THEY WORKED THIS HARD TO STAY THE SAME?

A WINNER WITHOUT THE TROPHY:

TORI KELLY

WRITTEN BY: ALEXANDRA JOHNSON Meet Tori Kelly, a phenomenal & amazing young woman who took American Idol by storm with her melodic voice. Although she fell short of winning the trophy, she still managed to win over an ever growing fan base. She proved that there really is no such thing as failure. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only a matter of time, before we witness this young talent blossom, with sold out tours. With over 500,000 YouTube subscribers sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the fast track to stardom. Tori Kelly is a Singer, Songwriter, & Producer. This is all the ingredients that are needed for inevitable success in the industry, and what most talent lack, substance.

VISION TURN WRITTEN BY: ALEXANDRA JOHNSON

hen you take a look at music videos, or tastefully taken photographs, does your mind ever wonder to who was the person behind the lens. They play the biggest role as in that project. The person behind the lens serves as the liaison between the artist and bringing their “vision” to life. Which brings us Vision Alternative, cue in Ellis Flynn. Ellis, 21 years old , has managed to excel in his skills to create a masterpiece through video and photography. He has used his skill to start up his own company, bringing the vision of the artist he works with, to life. With videos reaching over 100,000 views, (L.I.E- “Go Girl”), is certainly an accomplishment that many at the tender age of 21, would love to have on their resume. This is just the beginning stages for Vision Alternative. However, with the dedication and Passion Flynn depicts, its success is inevitable.

NED REALITY PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOE PHOTOGRAPHY

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Vision alternative lifestyle was started by Ellis Flynn which was created to develop & combine a lifestyle based on alternative concepts with state of the art visual products. Vision Alternative is a visual production brand that deals with a different variety of visual production form videography, photography, animation etc. Vision Alternative works with clients and potential clients to develop outstanding methods of visual advertising and promotion to help each client reach their desired full potential.â&#x20AC;? Vision Alternative stands for Peace Love and CoExistence To contact Vision Alternative: VisionAlternativeNYC@gmail.com

YOU THINK THEY WORK THIS HARD TO STAY THE SAME?

heres this whole mantra in the hiphop industry mainly, that when people reach a certain level of success they change & ultimately forget where they came from; where the word cocky & bougie comes to play. But when you think about an artist’s struggle to make it & become successful what is the goal when you’re trying to obtain success. It’s not to just be successful but to reap the benefits of your hard work. To have a better life, for your family, friends, & yourself, to able to enjoy the finer things in life, & to experience things that you would normally never be able to. Travel to luxurious ar-

eas, sip wine from the most amazing vineyards, & to be able to relax in lavish homes & to sit back & realize that this was all obtained through your hard work & success. No one works hard to remain in the same exact place, & to remain complacent, to see things that you’ve been surrounded by your entire life, or remain in the same setting your already accustomed to. I.E Sean Carter better known as JayZ to most, is perhaps one of the most beloved & respected rappers but in the same breath the most hated & preyed upon musician as well, it’s a double edged sword. When Jay-Z

who was struggling, he had now become a business man. Bank accounts had changed, business meetings to discuss new multimillionaire partnerships, luxurious vacations, had all began to reflect in his lyrics. He was now speaking on things there were relevant to his present life, his lyrics & his outlook on life has changed. His past life was just that, his past. His success had utterly allowed him to expose himself to the finer things in life; once again being able to reap the benefits of his hard work & success.

first started his music career, he talked about struggles, living in a property stricken community (Marcy Projects) in Brooklyn, NY. The fact that he had to sell drugs to support himself, his absentee father & so on & fourth. As the years went by he would continue to take us down his journey & his life. At the same time, Jay-Z was reaching a different level of success, he was no longer just considered a “rapper” but a music mogul, an entrepreneur, a billionaire making Forbes list & becoming one of the most profitable musicians in the hip hop community. With an abundance of enormous business ventures, Jay-Z’s life had ultimately changed. He was no longer the same individual

As the time goes by & his salary changes, & he talks about things that most musicians dream of attaining, the attack from fellow artists seemed to accumulate. Now its not Jay-Z their favorite rapper, who they once looked up to & were praising a year or two ago. Now their opinions were it was Jay-Z, the overly zealous musician who has changed, & forgot where he has come from. But my question to these artist/ consumers who feel the need to attack artist such as Jay-Z is; who works that hard to remain in the same position ? These luxurious things in life were created for a reason, to be exploited & enjoyed by those who can. Its part of life, people grow & change. Never fault someone for living life how they see it. Success does alter how most people live their lives, no one person remains the same after success, NO ONE. Why work hard if you cant enjoy the lavish part of the end result? Would it make sense for him to CONTINUE to rap about poverty, and hustling to get by? The whole point of his journey was to get past that. So before you say things like, “Kanye is nothing like his first album lyrics”, etc., ask yourself this. You think they work this hard to stay the same?

FASHION

26. 29. 33. 36.

FASHION FALL TRENDS HAUS OF BELLE JALIL PERAZA HAS APPEAL TAYLOR MADE

FALL FASHION TRENDS

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

(F)

WRITTEN BY RANDI CORBO

ALPINE KNITS Incredibly cozy yet enviably chic (A - Chloe), these chunky ski sweaters (B - Moschino Cheap & Chic) and (C - Yves Saint Laurent) are perfect for fall’s crisp weather. Burberry Prorsum (D) also got it right with their deliciously attractive versions. TRIBAL PRINTS As seen at Balmain, the bolder the better! There is nothing understated about this season’s Native American motifs. Striking and fanciful accents (E - Etro) and (F -Proenza Schouler) were ubiquitous on the runways. SING THE BLUES This ultramarine hue (G Versace ) and (H - Jil Sander) is this season’s of-the-moment color! From solid shades like indigo to turquoise (I - Isabel Marant) and paired with hints of noir (J - Zac Posen) give a modish touch to otherwise monochromatic dressing. TIMELESS CLASSICS Black and white will forever be a venerable color combination (K - Moschino) and (L - Gucci). The graphic prints (M - Diane von Furstenberg) add a headturning effect to this supremely stylish classic.

SKIN IS IN Colorful and vivacous brights dominate this season (N Prada), and (O - Gucci) coupled with unyielding rich textures (P - Michael Kors), combines for a powerful and more than luxurious feel this fall.

(G)

(H)

(L)

(M)

(Q)

(R)

GRAY AREA Smokey tones fill the air with everything from tailored pieces (Q - Michael Kors) to subtle looks (R - Alexander Wang). Menswear inspired (S - Salvatore Ferragamo) to the structured and glamorous (T - Chanel). DARK ROMANCE Mysterious and edgy yet feminine and romantic (U Giambattista Vall). Covetable yet chilling, the dark side to high-octane drama this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s floral arrangements have a dark & twisted fantasy.

(I)

(J)

(K)

(N)

(O)

(P)

(S)

(T)

(U)

FOR ANOTHER SEASON!

HAUS OF BELLE’S BUZZ-WORTHY DESIGNS ARE BACK

WRITTEN BY: RANDI CORBO PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOE PHOTOGRAPHY

bony Alexander, a 22-year old Brooklyn bunny, has extended her stay in this industry and longevity is absolutely in her future. Only 11-months old, the boldly branded Haus of Belle has already received international accolades. Ebonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amorous collections are a panoply of evocative & exotic prints, spunky, and edgy yet infused with an aura of feminine charm, which makes for quite a striking aesthetic. Her unyielding personality and flare for the deliciously attractive, are quite pervasive in her clothing. Flashes of vintage, and clashing contrasts are what sets Haus of Belle apart from other emerging brands. Pouring her heart and soul into Haus of Belle, Ebony has experienced beautiful bliss with the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. Her creative genius as well as business savvy has geared her for greatness. Ebony has built a solid foundation and her noteworthy Fall/Winter 2011 collection is expected to be nothing short of amazing. There is no stopping this mogul-inthe-making!

JALIL PERAZA HAS APPEAL WRITTEN BY: RANDI CORBO PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOE PHOTOGRAPHY

alil Peraza, Rosewood Movement’s youngest member, is on the road to riches and diamond rings. His good fortune in this industry has not come without dedication, persistence, perseverance, and passion. Although in addition to his own diligence, working under Kanye West has also boosted this well-on-his-way kid’s reputation. Appeal, a cross breed of casual wear with formal style dressing, was a simple idea which turned in to entrepreneurial brilliance. Expressing himself through fashion, Jalil’s brand is on everyone’s radar. Targeting savvy, stylish dressers, Appeal combines new-age zest with inspiration from past eras. The line is best known for

its Appeal Pocket Tee Collection. The tees can be dressed up and down, which is the versatility Jalil’s brand emphasizes. Appeal’s Pocket Tees take a regular tee shirt and bring it to life. The graphic pocket gives a twist to an otherwise plain tee. Jalil has proven his ability to produce and sell out—and his ingenuity is certainly one to be reckoned with. This young man is definitely going far and his Appeal is sure to be an essential staple in this industry.

TAYLOR MADE WRITTEN BY: SAMANTHA PHAGU PHOTOGRAPHED BY: SOFT PORN PHOTOGRAPHY

E. TAYLOR HEIGHT: 5’11.5 WEIGHT: 130 BUST: 34 WAIST: 24 HIPS: 37.5 DRESS: 2/4 CONTACT: SHOE: 8.5 www.E-Taylor.com HAIR: Brown Booking@E-Taylor.com EYES: Brown

What made you start modeling? Truthfully I couldn’t stand it up until I had my first fashion show, It was the lights, camera action concept. The rush of the fashion show, hair, make up, last minute details and then comes the moment, when it all comes together and your out! Bam! I didn’t look back. What was your biggest downfall, and how did you keep moving from it? I believe overall its the fact that I’m not typical, I’m hippier, my nose is round, eye brows are thin and then some. I just focus on my strength’s and perfect what the world of modeling feels is not “A” typical which rounds me out to be better then many could even think of. What was your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

I’m not sure if its the billboard, being publish in very well known magazines or TV, Better Yet Fashion Week! They are tiptop places that I’ve been able to exceed to and continue building a brand which is what I work so hard for. How do you want the people to view E Taylor 5 years from now? As a all around business women, an entrepreneur, a brand and lady of my word, When I say I’m going to get it or it’s going to happen then that’s just it! What was the most difficult photo shoot you’ve had? How did you make it through it? I’d have to say recently while shooting for a very well off published magazine; There team SUCKED, it wasn’t what it should have been due to the “creative director”

truthfully I was completely disappointed. When it comes down to circumstances like this I keep focused on what i’m there for, I get it done and I get it over with, I was brought in to do a job I’m going to do it as best I can with the issue and move forward. What advice can you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in the fashion industry? There are a tons of things I can say, but truthfully study your craft! Don’t allow fog to dismantle what your interest that in which is at the end of the road and lastly this is a shaky business so know each angle, educate yourself, stay in school and be more then just a “model”. Anything you want to tell everyone ? Anything to look out for or promote? Keep the look out for me on various day

time TV shows modeling for multiple swimsuit designers, you can also catch me in Sheen magazine, Suavv magazine and more to be added, For those attending model Camp I’ll also see you there, Africa Fashion week, New York Fashion week as well as many Events all over the city. Lastly if you want to keep up with those updates keep updated on the site www.E-Taylor. com and follow me on twitter being that I’ll put it out there first [twitter.com/_ ETaylor_] Thanks You all so much for reading and thank you all of Expose magazine for having me!!!