MANIERA - DECEMBER 2012

Vol. 1 Issue 4

December 2012

Who’s

watching

You?

The art of graffiti DANK

Guest columnist

Burkatron ‘nails’ the occasion

2012 exciting year for MANIERA

Editor’s Note

What a year 2012 has been!

With the launch of our brand-new magazine and the excitement making the shortlist for the Digital Magazine Awards (DMA) last month, 2012 has been a wild but enjoyable ride.

We want to congratulate all the winners in their categories. To be shortlisted with such legendary publications within the first few months of our first issue has been a true honor. Even though we did not win it, I am grateful for what we accomplished being so new to this industry and look forward to what 2013 holds for us..

Wishing our readers and staff a joyous and safe holiday season and a very Happy New Year.

Yours Faithfully,

Thelma Lay

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DECEMBER 2012

editorial

Editor-in-Chief Thelma Lay

Read past issue of our digital publication at mymaniera.com/archive

Writers Cyntia Aranday, Gabriel Berger, Thelma Lay, Juliette Lord, Sara Lovelace Layout Artist Sara Lovelace

business

Publisher/Owner Thelma Lay Chief Operations Officer / Promotions Juliette Lord VOL. 1 ISSUE 3

NOVEMBER 2012

about us

PHILIP TREACY’S

Catwalk Return the 0101 of love

fashion reimagined

MANIERA Magazine is a fashion and lifestyle publication owned, operated and published by MANIERA LLC. Any views, opinions or interpretations expressed in columns are solely those of the author and do not represent those of Maniera LLC and its subsidiaries. Maniera LLC will not accept any responsibility for any views, opinions or interpretations expressed in the pages of Maniera Magazine, MyManiera.com or other communications.

editorial inquiries

All editorial inquiries including submissions and feature ideas are to be sent to editorial@mymaniera.com.

business and advertising inquiries

All business inquires are to be sent to our chief operations officer at juliette.lord@mymaniera.com All advertising inquires are to be sent to advertising@mymaniera.com.

visit us in second life® and online

In-SL: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Citizen%20Kane/111/126/22 Online: www.mymaniera.com Second Life® and Linden Lab are registered trademarks of Linden Research Inc, and Maniera LLC is in no way affiliated or sponsored by the aforementioned party.

Coming to your

smart phone this holiday season.

Contact us

MANIERA LLC P.O. Box 15379 Washington D.C., 20003 (202) 294-4147 e-mail

Contents

DECEMBER 2012 | Vol. 1 Issue 4

COVER “Who’s Watching You?” |DANK

31

FEATURES

Who’s Watching You? The answer may surprise you

Happy Birthday Yasmina Rossi A timeless beauty

Coming to a wall near you

14 Regulars 18

Publisher’s Note Creative Focus Health & Beauty Mani Style Man Style Int. Travel

4 10 56 57 58 60

The artistic talents of Dan Kitchener

Nova Chiu

The designer behind ‘Bon Voyage’ - and then see ‘Bon Voyage’ for real

Jan Knibbs

Craftsmanship with a couture edge

Explore the nature, beauty and wildlife of Kangroo Island

14 18 31 42 52 60

Creative Focus

Grand

prix j e w e l er y

JULIETTE LORD MANIERA STAFF

Poppy Porter Connections Cocktail Ring |Angela Chan

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The 2009 Formula One Grand Prix winner Jenson Button may seem an unlikely source of inspiration for a jewellery designer but then Poppy Porter is no ordinary artist. Back in 2005 she witnessed up close the combination of style and power that is a Formula One racing car, and she was hooked.

Fascinated by the complexity of these awe-inspiring machines, Porter began photographing and sketching racing cars, taking every opportunity to be close to the real thing to take in the finest detail of their design.

Drive shafts and gearboxes, however, are not the stuff most women dream of hanging around their neck.

Fortunately, a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London provided a counterpoint inspiration for Porter.

DECEMBER 2012

“A visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London initially to see their fashion section turned into an epic sketching session in the Japanese Galler,” she says “The kimono patterns and fabrics they have there blew me away, so perfect and so gorgeous and so complex.”

By combining the delicate art of Japan with the glossy technology of a racing car, Porter produces exciting cutting-edge statement pieces of jewellery which are unique not only in design but also in the way in which they are constructed. Creating a process which involves a fusion between lacquer and inlay - a clear or coloured wood finish and a decorative technique of inserting pieces of contrasting coloured materials into depressions, respectively - Porter manages to create “jewels” from photographs.

“I suspend a silvered photograph into sheet titanium using resin in a process inspired by the lay-up of carbon fibre in Formula 1 car deDECEMBER 2012

sign,” Porter explains. “The titanium is anodised (electrically coloured) then I use my technique to create a jewel from a photograph, the end effect is a little like a butterfly’s wing” Porter works with digital images she has taken and employs these images in both two- and three-dimensions. She then combines this selfdeveloped photo-inlay technique with titanium, precious and other reactive metals to produce pieces of what can only be described as wearable sculptures. The results are astounding: vibrant statement pieces which are simultaneously delicate and bold. The oriental influence is clear, beautiful chrysanthemumshaped pieces in a variety of hues are both avant garde and beautiful.

Poppy Porter is available to make specially commissioned pieces, details of which can be found on her web page along with her full range of ready to wear collections.

For more information on Porter, visit poppyporter.co.uk.

From left - Poppy Porter draws inspiration from the most unlikely places. One such work, right, is influenced by Asian culture and named “The Flowing Kimono” |Angela Chan

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CLOCKWISE from UPPER LEFT - Porter spends a lot of time in her workshop working on pieces such as these two necklaces - the Podium Neck Wreath Blue and Podium Neck Wreath Gold. |Angela Chan

DECEMBER 2012

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GENDER: FEMALE AGE: YOUNG ETHNICITY: CAUCASIAN

Eye See You

Retailers step up their tech with smart mannequins

JULIETTE LORD MANIERA WRITER Sometimes it feels like somebody’s watching me…

We have become used to being observed by surveillance cameras.

Each time we enter the public sphere, we become extras in the grainy-imaged drama of closed circuit television (CCTV). At the railway station, Metro and high street, the ever vigilant camera eye relays what it sees to a team of people who are paid to ensure that nothing untoward is happening under its watchful gaze. Inside retail outlets, more cameras focus in

Mannequins comes in different shapes and styles, in different outfits, make-ups, ethnicities and facial patterns. |Photos provided by Almax

on the shoppers, attempting to identify potential shoplifters and providing a digitized record of the comings and goings throughout the day.

A new generation of digital speed cameras watch us as we drive, recording our speed and automatically sending the relevant information to a control centre which, once the car has been identified from its number plate, can send out a notice of intended prosecution – the first stage towards fining motorists and putting points on their licence.

Attitudes towards CCTV are split between those who consider CCTV helpful to policing and mainDECEMBER 2012

taining law and order and those that regard it more as a means of social control. Privacy and CCTV has been the subject of considerable debate in the media and in academia, but most of us go about our daily business without giving the cameras as much as a second thought.

As consumers, particularly on the Internet, we are also becoming used to our spending habits being recorded by companies keen to discover customer profiles. Loyalty cards, company-sponsored Internet competitions, online surveys and market research questions are all methods of gathering customer promymaniera.com | Maniera | 15

CUTLINE

file information. Customer profiling is based on building common definitions that groups of people will fit into. These are based upon age, race, income, housing choices, household structure and more. Basically they are looking for who spends how much on what, all of which adds up to valuable marketing information.

Internet cookies are also a way of gathering information about web users. A cookie is a piece of text that a Web server can store on a user’s hard drive. Cookies allow a website to store information on a user’s machine and later retrieve it. For example, a cookie can provide information on things you have selected on the site, pages you have viewed from the site, information you have given to the site in online forms, etc. All of the information is stored in the site’s database, and in most cases, a cookie containing your unique ID is all that is stored on your computer.

Now imagine a smart camera that not only watches but also analyses your behaviour and profiles you as a consumer.

Imagine that this camera is hiding behind the blank stare of a store mannequin and you have the new $5,000 bionic “EyeSee” dummy courtesy of Italian-based company Almax.

The mannequin uses the same type of facial recognition software that is used to identify criminals in a crowd, and they are designed to create consumer profiles using the same categories used by online merchants.

This information can then be used by the store to better design their show window, store layout and thus ultimately improve sales. If most of a store’s clientele are found by “EyeSee” to be young mothers with children, DECEMBER 2012

moving the children’s wear section to the front of the store may make good business sense.

It is most likely, given the cost of these hi-tech mannequins that they will only be employed by high-end luxury stores seeking to better profile their customers shopping habits.

“Any software that can help profile people while keeping their identities anonymous is fantastic,” Uché Okonkwo, executive director of consultant Luxe Corp, told Bloomberg Businessweek. “It could really enhance the shopping experience, the product assortment, and help brands better understand their customers.”

Images are not stored by the mannequins. The mannequin translates the image into digital data that is then stored and analysed but nevertheless this covert surveillance of customers walks a fine ethical line for many people.

Although all data is anonymous, U.S. and European Union regulations while allowing the use of cameras for security purposes, do require retailers to display notices advising customers they may be filmed. Moreover with the mannequins there is no element of consent involved, no form to sign, indeed you will more than likely be unaware that the data is being gathered at all.

Although currently the mannequins are deaf, there are potential plans to include speech recognition technology to record customer comments on specific items.

So next time you are out shopping, and you get that strange feeling that you are being watched, take a closer look at that dummy next to you, he may not be quite as dumb as you think.

Imagine a camera hiding behind a blank stare of a mannequin

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|Jose Aragon

Y

Happy Birthday,

asmina Rossi

MANIERA’s Juliette Lord talks with Yasmina Rossi as she reaches her 57th birthday about her career and remaining strong, beautiful and vibrant.

It is hard to believe that the beautiful Yasmina Rossi will celebrate her 57th birthday this month. Most people will recognise her by her now signature long silver hair, stunning cheekbones and glowing skin, which would be the envy of many women 20 years her junior.

What strikes me however is just how genuinely nice she is, as I ask her the question she must have been asked a thousand times: just how does she manage to look that good?

She tells me there are no secret creams, pills or potions; no miracles; just a few simple rules she follows which embody her philosophy on life. Her diet includes fresh organic produce, meat, fish and olive oil which should come as no surprise given that although she now resides in the USA, she originates from the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. She emphasises the importance of making food look attractive saying “Put colorful things in your body ...pleasure your eyes before your stomach.”

Tranquility and sleep are also important. Rossi has not owned a television set for over 30 years and stresses that the secret to a good night’s sleep is a peaceful de-cluttered bedroom. She does exercise but advises that exercise should be gentle and fun, rather than a grueling regime focused on weight loss. In fact, fun and pleasure are pivotal to the Rossi way of life.

“Pleasure is a major key in a great life; be connected to your inner child,” she said about her philosophy, “Don’t forget him, he will be nice to you and give you this youthful appearance... it is in the eyes that you can see if a being is connected with the inner child and gets energy from him. Gratitude is a key for happiness... make life lighter and elevate your vibration that attracts light experiences. Enjoy and love your body, not in a narcissistic way, but in recognition of the wonder that it is, he will give it well back to you... here again importance to have gratitude toward him; he is your best friend.”

This focus on the playful is important to Rossi as is the concept of being yourself, without feelings of guilt or fear of what others may think. It is very clear that this is a woman who is very comfortable in her own (albeit very beautiful) skin and a woman who is very generous with her time, despite her busy schedule.

She admits that her levels of self-confidence and self-assurance have risen with age, and that she now finds modelling much easier than she did in her 20s because of it.

What many people may not know is that Rossi is equally comfortable behind the camera as in front of it. In fact she tells me that she prefers “to be back of the camera as a photographer, where I can completely forget myself and be there just for the model himself , honoring life through him.” She is particularly fond of portrait photography, where she manages to capture the emotion behind the eyes, bringing the image to life.

|Marta Elena Vassilakis

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DECEMBER 2012

|Yasmina Rossi

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|Yasmina Rossi

|Yasmina Rossi

Yasmina Rossi modeling Eileen Fisher. |Martin Bone

“Portraits are one of my favorites because of the magic contact eyes to eyes... soul to soul with another living human being, so precious, mysterious and rich.

You are touching a timeless dimension.”

She also has a great eye for landscapes, often focusing on what may to some appear bleak wildernesses, but which to Rossi are a source of great beauty.

“Beauty is everywhere, I am in love with simple things that surround me, they inspire me just by seeing them, very present in the moment. Love is the inspiration and love to share is important to me, so I catch what makes me vibrates to share with others that beauty that feeds me.”

She cites Ansel Adams as a major influence on her work. Adams was a 20th century American photographer famous for his black and white images of landscapes, and the wilderness in particular, capturing America’s wild and scenic areas on film for posterity. Rossi says of Adams: “what he caught is simple but in a very noble and deep way, very rich and timeless, just pure beauty at work.”

Rossi loves to work with light in her images and expresses a “passion for light and shadow and how they enhance each other , ...it is this secret in that wedding between light and shadow that operate in the magic of photography that fascinates me.”

The child-like fascination and wonderment of Rossi is evident in her photographic work, the focus on a small detail that many may overlook, the ability to see the beautiful surrounding her, her eye for the special amongst the ordinary. This fascination is something most people lose as they get older but perhaps if we want to find the elixir of youth, we should look inside ourselves rather than to the cosmetic counter or plastic surgeon. Rossi gives her greatest beauty tip ever when she tells us: “Allowing myself to be connected to the energy of the little girl who loved a stone, a light, a turtle, a fruit, was fascinated by all these simple beauties in simple things of daily life,” she said. “It is what keeps you young.”

For more of her work, visit yasminarossi.com.

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DECEMBER 2012

Yasmina Rossi has taken several different types of photos ranging from human interest to fashion to landscape, producing emotional response. | Yasmina Rossi

DECEMBER 2012

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coming

to a wall near you “Demon” covers the side of a huge 60 foot wallDECEMBER June 20122012 UPFEST street art and graffiti art festival.

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juliette lord, MANIERA WRITER

ou may not necessarily be familiar with the name, but anyone watching Paul McCartney play his set at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace earlier this year will have seen some of Dan Kitchener’s art. Kitchener, or DANK as he is often known, provided the stop frame animations which played behind McCartney on stage.

According to DANK, it was “a definite highlight of my career.”

Y

This multi-talented artist is equally at home with a spray can or a computer producing some incredible works of art. The sheer volume of work he has produced is astonishing, including digital art using both photographs and original sketches, music videos, stop-frame animation, stage visuals, video games, graphic novels, television commercials and his large-scale street art.

“I love the freedom and the scale that graffiti and street art allows, from initial sketches in my sketchbook to huge 60-foot monsters that everyone can see,” DANK told MANIERA. “It’s a medium I’ll never get bored of!”

DANK only paints legal spaces, approaching companies with a wall to spare to request permission to paint, or more likely as word of his talent spreads, commissions from both individuals and companies 32 | Maniera | mymaniera.com

who want to visually enhance a space.

“It’s great having a wide variety of surfaces, locations to paint, keep my imagination going and my interest,” DANK explained. “I do get noted very quickly and strive to create bigger and better things every time I paint!”

Originating in Essex in the South of England, which is probably better known for its love of spray tans as opposed to spray cans, DANK has been painting and drawing for as long as he can remember.

“I find it funny that someone can just start doing art, street art, etc.,” he said. “I have done this for my whole life, it’s all I know; it is all I have ever done. I spend every day drawing and painting and have done ever since I was able to hold a pen/ crayon, and I am lucky that this is now my job / career.”

DECEMBER 2012

DANK working on TOKYO NEON. |GAGIBBENS

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DECEMBER 2012

DECEMBER 2012

“Trench Siren� - A spectre formed in the deepest darkest trench bunkers, formed from mustard gas mists, hunting a seeking out life. Created by iPhone photograph of a sketch, then coloured on Mac book pro in photoshop, with final touches on the move on the iPad 2 in sketchbook pro.

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DANK’s “The Watchful” was the winner of Open Art in Southend, Essex a few years ago.

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DECEMBER 2012

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He attended school and college in Essex, then completed an illustration degree at Portsmouth University. This education in art formed the bedrock of his talent but as he points out “You never stop learning and experimenting.”

DANK uses a vast array of mediums and techniques to produce his art, including a wide range of computer software for digital art and animation. Howunderlying I love the freedom ever, all of it is his and the scale that beloved sketch graffiti and street book.

“I feel strongart allows, from initial ly that drawing is a fundamental sketches in my to all forms of sketchbook to huge art, for me it 60-foot monsters that is,” DANK said.

“Everything I everyone can see.” do starts on my sketch book DANK from a drawing.”

He cites a variety of influences on his work including the comic books he avidly collected as a child. He also has a love for science fiction and old black and white war films. These influences are clear in much of his work which includes enormous alien monsters, mythical beasts and gorgeous women. The product of his work is what he calls a “visual memory bank,” created by soaking up as much imagery as he can and absorbing things from his environment, which he then dips into to create something new and unique.

The artists who DANK admires include, James Jean, Ashley Wood, John Martin, Paul Delvaux, Mr

“

38 | Maniera | mymaniera.com

Jago, Georgio de Chirico and Simon Bisley. This extraordinary range of influences from the comic book animations of Wood who has worked for Marvel comics and Dreamworks amongst others, to the 19th century painter Martin who was known for painting fantastic religious inspired subjects such as The Last Judgement and The Garden of Eden may appear unusual bedfellows. But it is the quality of the drawings which attract DANK. He is “inspired by artists that can draw well.”

Although a lot of DANK’s street art is in London, because of its geographical proximity to Essex, he has also done murals in Barcelona and at Villa Friekens, which is a travellertype community just outside Amsterdam.

Walls and large-scale street murals only began to form a major facet of DANK’s work over the last six years. Discovering spray paint made him appreciate that he could turn his paintings and drawings into huge street based illustrations, which is something that still excites him creatively. DANK relishes the large scale opportunity street art provides, and the impact these pieces, which can be up to 60-feet in length, have.

“I don’t feel restricted by mediums or techniques,” he said. “It’s all out there to try and be used; street art, large scale murals, spray paint, it’s just another tool for me, another technique to use, it suits the scale of the work I want to produce.”

More of DANK’s work is available to view on his Facebook; illustrations: Showreel; paintings / canvas work and murals and large scale artwork. His work can also be purchased at his shop.

DECEMBER 2012

“Expectations” is a digital painting, one of DANK’s personal favourites.

DECEMBER 2012

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Mob: 0409 170 647 Ph: +61 3 9016 9591 jude@outbackchef.com.au 40 | Maniera | mymaniera.com www.outbackchef.com.au

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DECEMBER 2012

DECEMBER 2012

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NOVA CHIU SPRING/SUMMER 2013 ‘Bon Voyage’ READY TO WEAR COLLECTION

When Nova Chiu took to the runway with her “Ready to Wear” by Bon Voyage Spring/Summer 2013 at London Fashion Week, she brought with her the signature explosion of colour with which she is identified. Vibrant pinks, blues, purples, green and yellows in tie-dye style prints made this easy-to-wear collection really stand out.

Leggings featured prominently, as did looser fitting pants, which were cropped just above the ankle. These were worn with long-line jackets and deceptively tailored, draped tops. The show also featured short, sleeveless cocktail style dresses which could be worn from daytime through to the evening. The entire range is extremely versatile and can be dressed down for a casual holiday wardrobe or dressed up for a night on the town. This time the designs are “concentrated on creating a more wearable and versatile collection... the minimalist tone taken embodies a clean, flattering and functional collection with simple, yet beautiful structured shapes,” according to a release from Nova Chiu.

Chiu loves to play with both colour and texture, mixing prints and patterns. It is hard to believe that this talented woman only graduated from the London College of Fashion in 2011, when her Shangri-Ladida collection took the world’s fashion industry by storm, winning her “Collection of the Year” and a first class honours degree. Much of Chiu’s influence comes from the southwest China province of Shangri-La. This area of China boasts a large forest area, one of the 10 sacred Tibetan mountains with a plethora of fauna and flora. Due to its relatively isolated location the traditional lifestyle is still much in evidence, and has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations within China.

Chiu’s boyfriend and business partner, Jeff Archer, whom she met whilst working as an intern with Anna Sui, has added some of his influence to the designs to produce what is an astonishing fusion of East and West.

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DECEMBER 2012

Designer Nova Chiu and boyfriend and business partner, designer Jeff Archer (middle) Nova Chiu SS13 catwalk at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, London. |PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NOVA CHIU

DECEMBER 2012

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Avante Garde traditionally

JULIETTE LORD Maniera Staff

|Filmphoto.co.uk

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British-based jewellery and dress designer Jan Knibbs has a lifetime of experience in a wide range of traditional crafts, including textiles, embroidery, knitting and theatre costume. One look at her amazing designs will tell you that the standard of craftsmanship in her pieces is second to none.

Her superlative embroidery skills have been recognised in a number of contests over the last 10 years. In 2001 she took first place in the embroidery category in the British Bridal Awards and in 2009 after completing her Master of Arts Degree at Bath Spa University, England, she won the Swarovski Prize and took second place for embroidery in the prestigious, international Hand and Lock Prize.

But Knibbs’ work is so much more than that of an accomplished needlepoint expert. Her quirky almost eccentric designs have a couture edge and a unique individuality which elevates her to an entirely different league. She manages to DECEMBER 2012

|Jack Willingham

Jan Knibbs in her studio.

combine a vibrant mix of art, craft and high fashion.

“I have slowly developed my own personal signature style of rich hand-worked embroidery incorporating delicate floral designs in appliqué, ribbon embroidery and beadwork especially Swarovski crystals but also lots of vintage finds (fabric, lace, costume jewellery etc.),” Knibbs said. “I suppose I’m just a bit of a magpie and a complete hoarder!”

Her fascination with collecting delicate scraps from vintage pieces makes her designs ecologically sound as she up-cycles the old into new exciting creations, allowing clients to buy into new luxury with a clear conscience and enjoy a unique range of ethical embroidered garments, accessories and statement

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jewellery.

She cites her major influences as “nature and the changing seasons as well as more quirky things like tattoo imagery and militaria.”

Knibbs also loves to work with other designers and recently collaborated with UK-based, Iraqiborn fashion designer Reem Alasadi who creates stunning one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces. Many of Alasadi’s pieces are reinvented from salvaged vintage items.

Knibbs’ most recent collection is for sale at the Reem pop-up shop at LaForet, Harajuku in Tokyo and the collaboration with Reem is set to continue under the label “Jan Knibbs for Reem” She is constantly on the lookout for new designers with complementary design aesthetics to collaborate DECEMBER 2012

with, and is hoping 2013 will see some new and exciting partnerships coming to fruition.

Knibbs still thoroughly enjoys entering competitions and contests where she often produces her best work. Last year she employed all her theatrical costume experience to produce the “Cirque de la Nuit” creation for the annual Art Couture at Painswick festival (UK), working alongside fellow designer Anne Selby who provided the pleated fabric. Knibbs will be entering the Art Couture Painswick 2013 contest which will be held July 14, 2013 as well as taking part in Bath in Fashion Week (April 1521, 2013) and a runway show at Cardiff Castle (Wales) in February 2013 and Cheltenham Fashion Week in September.

Knibbs told MANIERA that in the future she would love to “work with some of the top French couture houses as I’ve been told that my style of embroidery is very French.”

While she does modestly say this might be just a pipe dream, she notes she has never backed down from dreams.

“I have been following my dream all my life and who knows what may happen through perseverance and tenacity!” she said.

“When I was young, my natal horoscope said that I would be successful through my talent in later life so I’m just waiting!”

Knibbs is available to make bespoke pieces and can be contacted via her website at janknibbs.com

|Jack Willingham

Health and Beauty

1

Paint your nails with two coats of a glossy metallic gold base coat.

Two-style combo pack - nails and lashes

2

Using a white nail polish simply dab random circles onto the gold base.

3

Using a black nail art pen outline the white with black broken circles.

You can be quite abstract with the outline it doesn’t have to be perfect; leopard print is a naturally occurring pattern after all.

This month MANIERA is delighted to include a special celebratory nail art tutorial by guest writer Caroline Burke. Caroline is the creative force behind the fabulous “Burkatron” blog, which is a mixture of Caroline’s latest fashion styles, favourite fashion and beauty items and wonderful nail art tutorials. Based on the MANIERA logo colours of black and gold, these nails would be perfect for the upcoming party season!

If you would like to discover more creative nail art ideas and easy to follow instructions on how to achieve the look, then check out Caroline’s blog at burkatron.com or follow her on Twitter at @ burkatron.

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4

Once the black outlines are finished, add some small black dots and circles in the gaps to add depth to the pattern. All you have to do now is seal the nails with a clear top coat to prevent chipping!

DECEMBER 2012

Mani Style

BY THELMA LAY

One thing most women in all walks of life desire is long, beautiful eyelashes. Long thick lashes can change a woman’s eyes giving her a more alluring, sultry and expressive look.

False eyelashes were originally made in the early 20th century for the glamorous emerging movie starlets but became widely used by women from all walks of life during the ‘50s and ‘60s. This trend has recently resurfaced with a wide range of products now available , from the over-the-counter synthetic lashes to the individual human hair lash extensions Back in 1916 renowned Film Director D.W. Griffith was making the epic movie “Intolerance.”

He wanted to have screen siren Seena Owen to have more of an alluring look - one that brought out her eyes and give more impact. Griffith, along with a studio wigmaker, came up with the idea of false eyelashes which were made from interwoven human hair with gauze applied to the lash area.

In the 40s and 50s, human hair with gauze application false eyelashes were attached to a fringe base but also during this period we saw the introduction of synthetic eyelashes emerge, such as nylon and a nylon/rayon fiber mix. The ‘60s brought the big doe-eyed look made popular by Twiggy wearing long, spiky exaggerated lashes.

Today we see many options from over-the-counter do-it-at-home to the more upscale professionally-applied lashes. False lashes can be synthetic ranging from $3 USD to human hair or more exotic mink - like Velour Lashes’ 100 percent mink - which start from $50 USD. Whatever your budget, there is a lash for you. For more information on false eyelashes and brand comparisons, visit falseeyelashessite.com.

It’s time to bat those eyes and lash out!

DECEMBER 2012

Velour Mink Lashes “Doll Me Up”

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Man Style

M

ost men only really grapple with be able to master the art. a bow tie when the occasion If all this gets too much you can always demands it, but if you can get go for the sexy, casual untied bow tie look, over the association of a bow tie and a tux, which really only works with a suit. Bow you could add some fun and flair to your ties are really a statement piece. They sugwardrobe. gest a slight eccentricity and someone who To be completely is not following the herd. honest, tying a bow tie is How you wear them is critinot particularly easy and cal to the image you wish requires some practice. to portray. You can wear Although a real silk them with a variety of collar bow-tie looks great, it types, not just formal wing may be easier to begin collared shirts. with something rather Famous bow tie wearmore robust such as ers include such diverse satin polyester, which characters as Sir Winston also tends to remain in Churchill, Korean rapper place better than silk. Of Psy, the 11th Dr. Who (as course you could always well as the first, second and opt for a pre-tied version third, although the third by Juliette Lord or even a clip-on one, had a preference for a crathere are a vast array of vat), Groucho Marx, Krusty all types available online. the Clown, Abraham Lincoln, Donald For the purist, however, a self-tied bow Duck and, of course, 007 James Bond. tie is the only option. If you imagine tying where to buy your shoelaces, then tying a bow-tie is fairly beautiesltd.com; bowtieclub.com; similar in principle. If you follow the steps bowtiesunltd.biz/store; tiespecialist.com. below, and with a bit of practice you should

the art of the bow tie

Step 1:

First ensure that the bow tie is the correct length by tightening using the sizing hook on the tie. The tie should be taut.

The left hand side of the bow tie should be approximately two inches longer than the right.

Cross the longer end over the shorter and pass it up through the loop.

Fold the shorter end in two to create the base loop for the tie as well as the left side of the bow.

Step 2: Step 3: Step 4:

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Step 5: Step 6: Step 7:

Drape the longer end over the centre of the half bow you have just made.

Hold everything together in one hand by pinching the loop and the half bow together.

Double the remaining long end to create another half bow and pass it through the loop that is behind the bow tie.

Tug on the ends to tighten the tie and make sure the centre knot is straight.

Step 8:

DECEMBER 2012

Psy at the 40th American Music Awards Arrivals, Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, Calif. in November. | s _ b u kley / S h u tter stock.com

Located approximately 75 miles south west of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the mainland of South Australia, close to the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Approximately 95 miles long and 35 miles wide, with a population of less than 5,000 people the island is a 30 minute flight from Adelaide, and is also accessible by a sea ferry operating from Cape Jervis.

Kangaroo

Island Juliette Lord MANIERA STAFF

Although early European settlers found the island uninhabited, Aboriginal people were living on the island at least as long as 16,000 years ago (before the Island was separated by rising sea levels) and as recently as 2,000 years ago. Why the islands were subsequently abandoned is unclear although mainland indigenous peoples refer to it ‘Karta’ or ‘Land of the Dead’. In the early 19th century sealers, escaped convicts and runaway sailors settled on the island.

The island boasts spectacular 60 | Maniera | mymaniera.com

scenery, with a diverse range of natural habitats including dense bushland, wetlands, sand dunes and pristine white sand beaches. KI as it is known to the locals, is an all year round delight for wildlife enthusiasts. The summer season between December and February sees the birth of young kangaroos, wallabies and koalas inland, while on the beaches New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea-lions give birth to their pups.

Due to its isolation from the Australian mainland, which has felt the impact of European settlement, KI has managed to retain much more of the indigenous vegetation and been spared the importation of foxes and rabbits thus allowing a thriving bird population free from predators. Over a third of the Island is declared Conservation or National Park thus ensuring the protection of the natural environment. It is estimated that there are almost 900 species of native plants on KI, including 46 which are unique to the island, and 60 different species of orchids.

The island is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Penguins and pelicans can be found around the coastline, and if you are lucky you may catch sight of the very rare Glossy Black Cockatoo.

The seas surrounding KI are home to dolphins and between June and August the Southern right whales pass the shores on their migration from Antarctic waters to the Great Australian Bight to calve.

In addition to the wildlife KI prides itself on its gourmet cuisine and natural produce which include olive oil, native berry jams, smoked fish, regional cheese and honey DECEMBER 2012

|J de Selliers

Kangaroos, above, and Sealions are popular animals at this unique location surrounded by oceans.

Kangaroo Island has lush displays of wildlife, with 900 species of native plants, including 46 native to the island.

One of the different species of plants on the island is Ficafolia flowers.

produced from the local Ligurian bees, which are unique to the island.

The seas surrounding the island are a rich source of fresh fish, including oysters, prawns, crayfish. snapper and garfish. In 2001 KI was declared a wine region and there are now approximately 30 growers producing 18 separate home-grown wines.

Between the 25 –30 April 2013 the Kangaroo Feastival (sic) will be hosting over 15 wine and dining events around Kangaroo Island.

There are several art galleries and craft shops on the island some of which allow visitors to watch the artists at work.

One of the best ways of getting around the island is to book a tour with one of the local tour firms, such as Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours, an operation run by husband

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and wife team Paul and Mandy Brown who have lived on the island for over 35 years and have been involved in tourism for the last 10 years. There is a vast array of accommodation available from luxury boutique hotels to beach lodges and economy hotels. They provide a range of tours and the emphasis is on small groups in a luxury 4 wheel drive and a flexible personalised approach to their tours. You are free to book anything from a single day tour to lonegr stays with KIWT organising the whole package for you including flights, transfers and accommodation should you so wish.

Further information can be found at wildernesstours.com.au or email reservations@wildernesstours. com.au.

DECEMBER 2012

BUSH FRUITS

JULIETTE LORD MANIERA STAFF

side Australia it may be difficult to obtain One of the popthe fresh fruit, but it is easy to replace these ular bush fruits with the dried variety which are reconstiis Davidson As the northern hemisphere slips deep- tuted by soaking in water. The general rule Plums, above. er into winter, across the globe in Australia of thumb is about 1-cup of quandongs to |outbackchef.

1-litre of water. They will summer is in full force, com.au generally swell to more ripening the exclusive than twice their dried size. fruits native to the contiPlace in saucepan and heat nent. We are all familiar until fairly hot, but do not with Australia’s unique bring to the boil Simmer wildlife: the kangaroo, for about 15 minutes then koala, wallaby, wombat leave overnight in the and duck-billed platypus. fridge. These fruits have a We are less familiar with Fingerlimes tart flavour and will require some of the other natural |wildfingerlime.com sweetening to taste. riches, however, in the form The Davidson plum of bush fruit that Australia has to offer. Nehas a deep dark purple skin and vibrant glected by mainstream chefs for too long, dark red flesh. The delicious tangy acid these foods consumed by the Aboriginal people for thousands of years are now find- taste of this fruit makes it perfect for Click jams and wines but for those who ing their way into gourmet cooking. here for appreciate a sharp tasting fruit it The Wild Finger Lime, or Citrus three bush fruit is also delicious eaten fresh. australasica, comes in a finger-like shape recipes from Wild For more information on and wide variety of colours from the palest FInger Lime and purchasing these fruits and green to deep ruby red. Inside, the fruit’s Outbackchef. other fantastic aboriginal food caviar-like spheres give the fruit its nickcom.au. products, go to outbackchef. name of “citrus caviar.” Finger Limes are ideal with any seafood, such as Thai, Malay com.au. Outback chef Jude Mayall currently ships her wide range of bush and Japanese cuisines, salads, cocktails, dressings and desserts. They are also widely foods all over the world and is happy to answer any specific queries at jude@outused to produce chutneys, jams and other backchef.com.au. For more information on condiments.

Finger Limes please, visit wildfingerlime.

Quandongs are another versatile abcom. original fruit that is high in vitamin C. OutDECEMBER 2012

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