MAGAZINE
METHOD SEVE
TABLE OF C PHOTO SPREADS STAR SPANGLED SUMMER Photography by Kelsey Newkham
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STEAMED Photography by Britteny Shaban
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STRANDED IN NOSTALGIA Photography by Kelsey Newkham
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SUMMER BELLES Photography by Lauren Allen
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TENDER IS THE LIGHT Photography by Kelsey Newkham
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HEAD ON Photography by Jelisa Carroll
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BRIGHT AND SCHOLARLY Photography by Kelsey Newkham
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CITY SLEEKER Photography by Kelsey Newkham
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THE THINKER Photography by Kristi Soto
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METHOD SEVEN
THE LOOKBOOK Photography by Matt Fruge
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NEON TRIBE Photography by Matt Fruge
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TEAM LISTING
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DIRECTOR LISTING
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR by Adriana Solis
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EN MAGAZINE
CONTENTS ARTICLES OF INTEREST KOMPASSION FASHION By Ellen Bettis
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CHELSEA BELL: VOGUE WEEKEND By Jordan Mills
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INSIDE THE MIND OF SAMANTHA BAIZE Of La Mode Dallas Magazine By Michele Crow
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METAMORPHOSIS By Tanya Tolbert St. Clair
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WESLEY KIRK: IDEA MACHINE By Alayne Ballantine
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JAN STRIMPLE M7M sits down with a Dallas fashion icon By Adriana Solis and Helen Goodvin
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WALLFLOWER MANAGEMENT By Adriana Solis
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BAO TRAN By Cory Simmons
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THE SCIENCE OF FASHION By Hannah Overstreet
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KIMBRELL McADAMS, SUNDRESS, Says Goodbye to Denton By Rodrigo Vaquez Mellado
DIY: DETACHABLE COLLAR By Emily Hoffman
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SPOT ON By Bonnie McGowan
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r a t d S e l g n a p S r e m m u S
am wkh e N y else K z z y yb vare vare h e e p a N N ca ca togr tine bec e bec e n e n Pho i a R R t l l f n by alla e Ba be o ing B n o l y r e y a t d l S yn ar by A l Ala al w p e n u d o e rs ak Mo e pe dM h n t a r om Hai ts fr n e m Gar
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METHOD SEVE
TEAM L
Aarica Jefferson Adenike (Nikki) Olaleye Adriana Solis Akhila Whitaker Alayne Ballantine Alberto Alvarez Alexa Buckland Allison Crumback Arianna White Ariel Gonzalez Arielle Antwine Ashleigh Tribble Ashley Bonner Ashley Firstley Ashley Jefferson Avery Davis Azalie Corona
Bonnie McGowan Britney Hall Brittanee Pless Brittany Shaban Brittnee Lavender Calli Buckelew Cameron Broomfield Camri Wyatt Chantelle Prejean Chassidy Miles Chelcie Guidry Chelsea Murrell Chie Onozaki ChloĂŠ Halley Christina Ulsh Cory Simmons
David Broyles Davondra Jones Dawn Chevalier Dee Benson Ellen Bettis Emilia Gaston Emily Hoffman Epiphany Ciers Faye Morris Hannah Overstreet Jana Bickham JayMee Rangel Jelisa Carroll
EN MAGAZINE
LISTING
Jenna Hernandez Jessica Paul Joanna Schmidt Jordan Mills Josh Talkington Julio Santos
Matt Fruge Meghan Forest Melissa Brady Melissa Hollis Michele Crow Morgan Watt
Kelsea Gibson Kristi Soto Kyle Martin
Nickie Vu Nicole Balderas
Lauren Allen Leslie Henderson Lindsay Madura Mahdi Ahmadi Marilyn Perkins
Parnia Tahamzadeh Patrice Jackson Rachel Coburn Raven Swearengin Rebecca Nevarez Rebecca Renteria
Rodrigo Vazquez Mellado Samuel Armendariz Subrina Hossain Tamara Strom Tanya St. Clair Taranvir Deol Tiffany Fant Tony Picciolo Tracy Harwood Vicki Aganmwonyi Victor Ramirez Vita Alomar Whitney Long Whitney Roundtree
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METHOD SEVEN MAGAZINE
DIRECTOR LISTING ADRIANA SOLIS | EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITOR HELEN GOODVIN
ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR MELISSA FRIAS
EVENT PLANNING DIRECTOR DONITHA MUSGRAY
ART/LAYOUT DIRECTOR AMBER SORIANO
FASHION DIRECTOR SHANNON KENNARD
ART/LAYOUT DIRECTOR DEE FLORES
ASSISTANT FASHION DIRECTOR JASMINE STERLING
BEAUTY DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR SHAWNEE LEONARD
MARKETING DIRECTOR KARIM JAHANGIR
BLOG DIRECTOR VARISSA CAMPOS
PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR KELSEY NEWKHAM
BRANDING DIRECTOR RACHEL HART
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR SARAH MARGIOTTA
BUSINESS DIRECTOR EDI ASSAMOI
TRENDS DIRECTOR LEAH LEYBOVICH
COMPUTER SCIENCE DIRECTOR KYLE TAYLOR
VIDEO DIRECTOR ERIC PARSONS
letter from the editor Welcome to the first issue of M7M! I want to extend our thanks to everyone involved in the creation of this issue, especially Dr. Jessica Strubel and Samantha Baize of La Mode Dallas for their dedication as mentors throughout the process. This issue is special for two reasons in particular: it is our first, and it is for the spring, the season of rebirth and renewal. For the M7M team, myself included, this has been a time of new friendships, self-discovery and development in our abilities to work as individuals and as a collective. This magazine serves as a reflection of the dedication and talent of those involved, and demonstrates the importance of believing in others and in ourselves. In this issue we explore the theme of renewal with stories of personal transformation, such as that of Sundress, a local Denton band currently moving on to bigger and better things, and Chelsea Pricer's heartfelt recount of her own metamorphosis. Our interview section features inspirational individuals such as La Mode Dallas Editor-in-Chief Samantha Baize, Dallas fashion icon Jan Strimple, Brenda Gomez and Tammy Theis of Wallflower Management and Vogue Weekend blogger Chelsea Bell. The photo shoots showcase an intimate expression of thought and conviction through fashion, which we hope to maintain as the hallmark of M7M. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy the very first issue of M7M! See you again soon!
Adriana Solis Editor-in-Chief
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Kompassion Fashion by Ellen Bettis photography by Kristi Soto
Let’s face it – sometimes the fashion industry gets a bad rap. It’s been notoriously linked to words like “exploitative” and “greedy” and some shoppers feel the guilty suspicion that their favorite stores employ less than ethical practices. At times like these, it’s hard to avoid the shadow of guilt cast over a weekend trip to the mall.
But before your convictions force you to write off the What’s so admirable about Kompassion Fashion is its effort possibility of pleasurable shopping, UNT graduate student to remain close-knit to the local community, as well as its Gabriel Killian will relieve your consumer conscience. His transparency – consumers can see revenue from their purchase project, Kompassion Fashion, offers what he likes to call go directly to the people who need help. “an alternative retail experience.” This is one that allows a purchase to benefit more than just the consumer. So how exactly does a full-time student with three jobs manage to create such a remarkable project? Killian does it through Kompassion Fashion is Killian’s sheer dedication, hard Love Bug, Killian’s first design, personal effort to invoke work, and a heart of gold. He humanitarian value in material worked to design the brand is named after a young girl, exchange. The company was and the clothing line, initiated Avery Love Curtis, who is currently efforts in advertising, built an initiated this January, after an impromptu encounter instantly online network of support, battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. inspired Killian to create the and personally financed the Love Bug design. Love Bug, Killian’s first design, is named project. Killian has also gained invaluable resources through his after a young girl, Avery Love Curtis, who is currently involvement at the University of North Texas. Jennifer Ishmael, battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. an adjunct lecturer in the merchandising department, has made a vital contribution to Kompassion Fashion’s development. Kompassion Fashion donates generous portions of Killian’s graduate studies in international sustainable tourism proceeds from t-shirt sales of the Love Bug design to have laid the practical foundation for his dream. Avery Curtis and her family. In Avery’s case, the funds are intended to alleviate expenses incurred in the course of The Love Bug design is just the first of many projects to come in her treatment. Currently, the merchandise is available for Kompassion Fashion’s effort to “connect those who care with purchase at She Sales Resale Boutique near the Denton those who matter,” according to Killian. He is working to expand Square. the Love Bug merchandise that will emphasize awareness of environmental concerns. All of these efforts are preparing the In all, Kompassion Fashion will donate $1,000 to Avery and company for its official debut, which is anticipated this summer. her family, and the company plans to reach out to future families facing child illness to offer the same financial Kompassion Fashion is about more than taking – it adds giving assistance. Kompassion Fashion will use its website (www. back into the equation. As the company expands, Kompassion kompassionfashion.org) to share information regarding Fashion will continue to reach out to the community to inspire what was donated within the community. The website will altruism, and more importantly, hope in the lives of those that also be a source for Kompassion Fashion’s e-commerce in need it. For more information on Kompassion Fashion, visit the future. www.kompassionfashion.org.
those who care “ Connect with those who matter www.kompassionfashion.org.
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Stranded
in Nostalgia
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Models: Sara Sparks and Jake Baumann Hair by Shannon Kennard Makeup by Morgan Jean Watt Garments from the personal wardrobe of the stylists and Jake Baumann. Green dress and blue suede wedges from Francesca's in Highland Village, TX
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Inside the Mind of
Samantha Baize OF LA MODE DALLAS MAGAZINE
By Michele Crow photography by Kent Baker
South Side of Lamar, where La Mode Dallas operates, is a home to some of Dallas’ most talented innovators. There is so much artistic diversity, that it is difficult to exit the building without feeling inspired. Samantha Baize is one of the inspirational minds who conducts business out of this artistic environment. She is the Editor-inChief of La Mode Dallas Magazine with a heart of gold and a passion for child abuse advocacy. Baize combines her talent and passion into a cultured magazine that will attract your attention and spark your curiosity about the artistic talent of Dallas and the strong women who reside there.
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“
You don’t have to go anywhere else to find great art, great music, and great clothes. It’s right here in our city.
Photo courtesy of La Mode Dallas
She has an exuberant personality and Betsey Johnson is hands-down her favorite designer. Michele Crow of Method Seven Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with Baize to discuss her story and why she loves Dallas.
Baize was recently appointed to the board of Texas Next Top Designer and is happy to continue her support for local fashion designers through her new role. For more information concerning the 2012 competition, visit www.texasnexttopdesigner.org
Before Baize became the founder and editor-inchief of La Mode Dallas, she was an Austin girl who Baize admits to initially having a stereotype about had no desire to move. However, because Austin Dallas in her mind before she made the leap from lacked jobs in the fashion industry, she felt the only Austin. However, in five years, she has grown to option in Texas was Dallas— a city with a certain love the city she now calls home. “You don’t have to stigma attached to it that didn’t much interest her go anywhere else to find great art, great music, and at the time. She recalls, “I kind of stomped my feet great clothes. It’s right here in our city. The most all the way here to work for a corporate buying exciting thing that’s happening is that Dallasites are office in the fashion industry and realized very beginning to realize how great this city truly is.” quickly that I was no the corporate kind of girl.” She left the company to pursue freelance writing The fashion scene in Dallas can only grow from and rapidly discovered here, which is wonderful The mission statement [is] that Dallas, like Austin, news for the aspiring was full of talented fashionista. In fact, the “to support the local arts in a city currently finds itself artists who didn’t feel like they were getting a heavily centered on positive, beautiful light.” chance to shine. fashion shows and our In conversations with many of them, she realized, very own Dallas designers participate in Mercedes “They would either give up their trade or move Benz Fashion Week in New York City each season. away.” This inspired Baize to support local artists “People all over are starting to associate it with and showcase their abilities in the magazine form. fashion. Great Dallas shopping coupled with the Thus, La Mode Dallas was born. local designer craze that I feel is happening right now is just going to make us grow even more,” An interesting element of La Mode Dallas is the says Baize. cover. An exemplary woman of Dallas is made the “cover girl” and given the opportunity to tell Baize happily shares valuable advice for all who her inspiring story. “There are very strict criteria. wish to succeed in the fashion industry. She has to be entrepreneurial; she has to be philanthropic; she has to be family-oriented. She “It’s extremely beneficial to immerse yourself in the can’t just be a socialite. She has to be doing some fashion world. Intern as much as you can. Volunteer good in the community.” as much as you can. Gain as much experience as you can. It is through these experiences that you Maintaining the integrity of the magazine is the will build relationships and gain expertise.” most important thing to Baize. She makes it a priority to make the mission of La Mode Dallas For those specifically interested in fashion come to life in each issue. The magazine reaches journalism, Baize suggests majoring and minoring beyond the superficial and highlights inspiring in both fashion and journalism. A history of women and incredible local artists and businesses. published works is also heavily smiled upon. As The mission statement, at its core, is “to support an employer, she’s easily able to detect who has the local arts in a positive, beautiful light.” “I want adequate journalism experience, because their to see the art-lover in the same room as the artist,” knowledge and preparation shines through. notes Baize. Be on the lookout for an end-of-year 2012 coffee Baize’s personal philanthropic platform is table-type book of Dallas fashion, art, dining and combating sexual and physical child abuse, and she culture that is being compiled through the year for works with organizations within the community, La Mode Dallas. Be sure to pick up a copy of nationally and internationally to fight for the cause. La Mode Dallas when you are in the city and Making a positive difference in the community is visit www.lamodedallas.com important to Baize and thus, she makes sure to support non-profits that are true to their mission. With emerging talent and a fantastic publication “Don’t join whatever is trendy. Find out who is doing like La Mode Dallas, the city is truly in for a the right things.” In fact, every event that La Mode wonderful transformation. Dallas hosts becomes an opportunity to raise money for a local charity.
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Tender
IS THE
Light
Photography by Kelsey Newkham
Styling by Victor Ramirez and Chelcie Guidry
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Garments worn by male model from Dillard’s in the Golden Triangle Mall in Denton, TX and garments worn by the female models from She Sells Resale boutique in Denton, TX and the personal wardrobe of Rebecca Nevarez
Models Rachel Kolbensvik, James Trawick, Chelsea Dobson, Rebecca Nevarez Hair and Makeup Morgan Jean Watt
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JAN STRIMPLE
M7M sits down with a Dallas fashion icon // by Adriana Solis and Helen Goo
Born and raised in a small Ohio town, Jan Strimpl was far more interested in the business end of fash than strutting her stuff down the catwalk.
E
odvin
However, this is exactly what ended up offering her the opportunity to travel the world as an international runway model.
Today, Strimple continues to elevate herself and inspire others to new heights by acting as a sought-after fashion show producer, a mentor, and most recently, a contributor to a fashion show production college textbook.
Method Seven Magazine had the pleasure of getting to know the fashion icon.
le hion
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Method Seven Magazine: How and when did you discover that a career in the fashion industry was perfect for you? Jan Strimple: When I was 13, I took what was essentially a charm course that offered eight weeks of finishing classes along with fashion advice and some grooming dos and don’ts. It wrapped up with a fashion show on what then seemed like an intimidatingly long runway (18 feet). I was hooked the moment I stepped on that runway! As my career progressed and opportunities became global, it reinforced my initial instincts that I would not have been a good fit for the corporate world. Modeling put me amidst all of the fashionable madness and allowed me to travel the world, but it never satisfied my creative side, which at a younger age was not yet fully developed. Production has allowed me to push the edges of my original thoughts and give outlet to my overactive Disney-meets-sexy brain. M7M: Is there a significant moment in your life that made you realize that you could truly make your dreams come true?
JS: My dream was not to model, but rather to be in the business end of the fashion business. In most environments I found myself in, my stature and dramatic bones drew the natural assumption that I was a model. My attitude changed towards modeling from, “I’ll do this until I find a job in the business end of fashion,” to “Looks like the fashion world is now my oyster,” when I went to New York to get an agent and do a round of castings for the press shows. About three weeks before the press shows, I arrived in New York with Bob Mackie’s show already confirmed, yet I had no New York agent. I had met Bob while he was doing a trunk show in Dallas, and he invited me to do his NYC show. Walking into an agency with an important booking in my back pocket certainly gained the attention of the agent I preferred to secure. Legends was the agency, and Gary White was the booker. I booked 12 shows my first season, with eight of them being majors. Within two weeks, I had twelve agents around the world in countries I had never been to. That was probably the most defining moment of what the next 10 years of my life would become, none of which was on my horizon as a girl from a small town in Ohio. M7M: Were there any struggles that you had to face along your journey? How did you overcome them? JS: There were a few struggles along the way, but my upbringing and strong sense of self allowed me to handle them with grace. Because I was clear about who I was when
I entered this business, the rejection associated with this profession didn’t impact me personally. And on the counter side of that, the success didn’t define me. I was often “too tall” for this or “too exotic looking” for that, or my agents would hear “we don’t think she’s pretty,” or “she’s not for us.” If you’re crushable, this isn’t your world. In my case, it contributed to the strength of my backbone. I’ve always liked a good challenge. Jealousy is another issue that occasionally rears its head. My thought process is that we make our own space at the top of our given fields with knowledge, strength, grace and being smart enough to recognize opportunities when they are presented and fast enough to respond to them instantly.
Giving creative direction to a program was what I could do, and so I did it. M7M: Tell us about your involvement with Girls Inc. in Dallas. What would you like for those girls to learn from their experiences? JS: The world has given me an appreciation for the beautiful, loving and confident upbringing I was fortunate enough to have had. A good upbringing is not measured in wealth but rather in sense of who you are, your responsibilities to employers and to friends and living honestly and gracefully. Girls Inc. enriches young lives by exposing them to others whose lives
M7M: What is your perspective regarding the importance of education? What is your advice to those who wish to discover their calling?
M7M: What do you value most in life? JS: Something I have little of: time. I always struggle with the love of what I do and the lack of time to spend quality time with those I love. It saddened me that during that last ten years of my father’s life I seldom saw him because I was busy traveling the world. Yet, at the same time, it afforded wonderful life experiences with my husband. Life offers us choices, and we make them. And Dad got a kick out of the fact that his daughter was all over the world working. I know he was very proud of all three of his daughters. M7M: Tell us about your involvement with Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA). What motivated you to support this cause? JS: Burying friends, agents, people who provide laughter in your life, and those who touch your life in small ways is a pretty strong motivator for doing whatever you can to help others. I couldn’t write huge checks to help reign in HIV and AIDS, but I could do something that helped make the lives of those living with AIDS more comfortable while the medical community was searching for a cure.
JS: My xterns and their passion, high standards and dedication to excellence are my legacy. I have always worked to raise the bar for fashion presentation in Dallas simply for my audience’s and my own amusement. It’s been great fun to have our community embrace my work as it has! I enjoy the body of work I’ve done and get a kick out of the fact that it’s entertained tens of thousands of people while helping hundreds of non-profits generate revenue to provide services and fill needs. Something new on my horizon makes me smile. There is a college textbook on fashion show production that’s on the verge of publication, and I’m proud of my inclusion in it. Five fashion show producers were selected from around the globe, and I love leaving that imprint on the next generation.
are rich with purpose, those who have overcome hardship or those who have made and corrected mistakes in their lives. There is an expression that says, “Look towards the light so that there will be no shadows.” That summarizes to me what Girls Inc. is all about. It teaches young women to look to higher horizons and beyond whatever immediate hardships might be in their lives. It grants them permission to succeed and important ways to measure success. And it’s not by how many Facebook friends you have. Any opportunity to be a catalyst to alter a young life path is a wonderful opportunity. That’s what I also like about mentoring all the young women and a few young men in my production business. I enjoy watching them come of age philosophically as they learn what they’re made of in this crazy fashion business! M7M: What legacy would you like to leave behind?
JS: Education must come from both the book and experiences from beyond the book. One of my favorite film lines comes from the movie Avalon when a young child sits on his grandfather’s lap and inquires why he hears the same stories repeated over and over again when his family gathers. His Grandfather replies, “We remember so we won’t forget.” Fashion history is very important to understand, so that your eye grows more discerning as you participate in the collections and the wealth of information that comes your way. And that doesn’t just mean learning what a leg-omutton sleeve shape is. In this field, it’s vital that you understand fashion’s history to participate in its future. If you don’t roll up your sleeves and dive in by devouring all information accessible and all experiences available, this isn’t your field. The well-rounded fashion student weaves all of the elements of her book education through her industry experiences in the field. Then she ties it all together with contemporary magazines, blogs and books that keep these gears grinding.
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Bright AND
Scholarly
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k w ale Ne b y o e s B Kel vich elsey rd y b o h y b na aph h Ley and C e Leo r g to ea de ne Pho g by L al Wa Shaw y lin nd Sty els Ra keup b a d Mo and M r Hai
Gar
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nts fr Lea om th Str h Leyb e pers ipe d d ovich onal w res s co and Ra ardro be ur nd by Btesy o al Wa of d ritt f Be nee Lav e, Lav ish end er method seven magazine
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WALLFLOWER MANAGEMENT By Adriana Solis // Photography by Kelsey Newkham
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WHAT IS A WALLFLOWER? This is a common question asked to Brenda Gomez andTammy Theis, owners of the Dallas-based modeling agency Wallflower Management. In three short years the Wallflowers, their models, have taken the fashion world by storm: they have walked the runways of Dallas, New York, Paris and Milan and graced the pages and covers of local, national and international magazines. And this is only the beginning.
Gomez works as the agency director of Wallflower Management, and Theis as the creative director. They now share with M7M their story, the future of Wallflower Management and advice for those interested in entering the industry.
Owning your own business is a challenge within itself,” recalls Gomez. Theis and Gomez happily related that the first anniversary of doing business was cherished. “Every accomplishment has been very special,” says Theis.
Early Days
Brenda Gomez: Agency Director
With valuable lessons from past experiences and a willingness to embrace opportunity, Gomez and Theis set out to establish Wallflower Management. “It was a big step for us,” recalls Theis. Gomez adds, “We had a similar vision and wanted to bring an innovative approach to establishing and managing a modeling agency.” “It was a challenge to open in Dallas in the worst economy, in 2009, after the recession hit. At times we encountered those who were skeptical about our agency’s survival, and that was discouraging.
Family and career focused, Brenda Gomez asserts the importance of staying optimistic and keeping an open mind while working in the industry. Having worked as a model booker and stylist for the catalog and online divisions of Neiman Marcus Direct, this Texas Christian University alumnus possesses extensive experience in the Dallas fashion scene where she discovered her strength as a negotiator and passion for working in the business and management side of the modeling industry. method seven magazine
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Gomez understands that being a successful agency director means staying up to date with the fashion industry and what its market calls for. As she describes, “You have to constantly educate yourself about what is happening in this dynamic industry. Knowing all kinds of trends is incredibly important. You also have to have passion for what you do.” A key facet of the modeling industry is its internally developing trends, and Gomez explains that, as a model booker, she has to become fully aware of the different emerging model styles. “For me it’s important to have the ability to understand the pendulum swing and be prepared for it, all while remaining true to the Wallflower Management aesthetic,” she says. A day in her shoes includes constant communication with clients and models. According to Gomez, “It’s all a matter of looking at the bigger picture and prioritizing the tasks at hand. I love my job, and every day is a new exciting experience because it isn’t really a routine. I enjoy making things happen for our models and clients.” Convincing a client that a particular model is the right one to book can be a challenge, and for this reason Gomez emphasizes that optimism, tenacity and dedication are essential for success.
Tammy Theis: Creative Director Creativity and fashion have always been present in Tammy Theis’ life. She recalls her interest in magazines from an early age that ultimately led her to pursue a degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Upon graduation, Theis began her career as a writer for the fashion section of the Dallas Morning News, for which Theis traveled overseas to cover the
runways of Europe. While later taking part in the production of weekly photo shoots for D! Magazine, she discovered her passion and talent for styling. Today Theis works as the creative director of Wallflower Management and F!D Luxe— the fashion, design and lifestyle magazine of The Dallas Morning News— and as a freelance stylist represented by the Independent Artists Agency in Dallas. Theis shares her insight as a stylist: “It is important for a stylist to have a keen eye for elements like proportion, color and texture— to name a few. Staying up to date with information on trends, photographers and models of the moment, and having an understanding of how lighting affects garments is essential.” Theis also mentions that being a stylist requires stamina, as the job is physically demanding with frequent long workdays. “As a stylist you are usually the first one there and the last one to leave for many reasons. You have to be completely prepared when participating in a photo shoot, and that means transporting all of the merchandise to and from the set as well as preparing each garment that will be used. Sometimes you have to be on location when the sun rises and when it sets for lighting purposes. There is a lot of moving around involved and collaboration,” she explains. Styling also requires an incredible amount of accountability and responsibility: for a novice stylist, building a positive rapport with retailers who are willing to lend their merchandise for projects is vital. As Theis notes, “It is necessary to build professional relationships and remain respectful with those who you work with including models, photographers and retailers. It is also important to take responsibility for the garments and return them in the best condition possible. It’s all about gaining trust.”
For Students Students may encounter difficulties in deciding their career paths. Both Gomez and Theis agree that for all students some of the best endeavors are to partake in as many internships and volunteer opportunities as possible and to build positive professional relationships along the way. The key to finding one’s calling is exploration and taking advantage of each opportunity to discover one’s strengths and interests while remaining perseverant and optimistic, even in the most challenging times.
A Wallflower Future Having experienced great success since its founding, Wallflower Management has
added a unique influence to the Dallas modeling scene by opening doors to up-and-coming models, makeup artists and stylists, and Gomez and Theis have done a remarkable job in remaining true to the Wallflower brand. While considering expansions in various directions, both Gomez and Theis express their wish to keep the agency boutique-like; through the years they plan to grow their business with their current models while continuing to support each new generation. With its considerable brand potential and a history of endurance to fruition, Wallflower Management will certainly continue to flourish and make its impact on the world of fashion.
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The Thinker Photography by Kristi Soto
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Model: William Durham Styling by Arielle Antwine and Tony Picciolo Garments courtesy of Original Octane 3120 Knox St. Dallas, TX 路 www.originaloctane.com
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THE
ScienceO F
Fashion by Hannah Overstreet
I
t’s the first day of class. Perhaps you spent last night choosing your outfit hoping to make the right first impression.
Maybe the alarm mysteriously malfunctioned, and you grabbed the first clean clothes you spotted. Maybe you could not care less what fabrics are draped over your body at any given moment. Whatever. My point is: some care, others don’t, and the rest of us are too tired and malnourished— ramen gets old, man— to give thought to what we wear. Regardless, we all make impressions on others, and simultaneously, they make impressions on us, all by the way we dress. You walk into your classroom for the first time, scan the room, find an empty spot and sit down. If you’re like me, you people watch. If you’re not, try it— it’s great. You assess people according to the way they’re dressed, the expressions on their faces and the way they present themselves to others. “Yeah, that girl’s probably a punk. Check out those studded combat boots and the anarchy symbol tattooed on her forehead.” Bingo. It’s usually not that easy, but you get the idea. I’m not saying we’re all judging people in a negative way— ‘cause that’s mean, but we have eyes, and we use them. We try to figure people out, because we’re human, and we want to explain things. Have you ever thought about why we dress the way that we do? Personally, this question has always fascinated me. I dress in a pretty ridiculous fashion, and as far back as I can remember, I always have. Why? Was I genetically engineered to be a weirdo by crazy scientists? Do I love getting stared at when I walk into QuikTrip? Probably not. Everyone creates their own identity through dress and the groups to which they belong. One of my best friends is in a sorority, and we look like complete opposites when we walk to class together. She wears bright neon Polo shirts and boat
shoes, and I usually look like Sandy at the end of Grease. We have different social circles and don’t look like we’d be friends, but we are. In fact, she comes to weekend house shows with my friends and takes me to fraternity and sorority parties. Some of us use clothing to give people cues to what social groups we belong, in order to attract similarly minded people, or to gain “subcultural capital.” Subcultural capital is just a fancy way of describing stuff that’s cool to a certain group. It could be that shirt with your Greek letters on it, or a shirt you bought at that Radiohead show everyone wanted to go to. Clothing gives you cool points. We associate certain clothing styles with certain groups, social statuses, and even personality types. Clothing also gives us clues about things like gender and cultural affiliation. Judging a book by its cover isn’t always spot-on, but first impressions like these give a good starting place for learning more about someone new. We’ve used appearance to signal our place in society for as long as we’ve existed. Subcultures have always used dress and adornment to send messages, and so do modern businesspeople and punks. It’s all nearly a science: much of fashion can be explained through psychology and anthropology. Interesting, right? So next time you’re picking out your outfit, think about what signals you’re sending and how fashion affects you. Start checking out what other people are wearing, and get to know them. Take notes. It’s a big science experiment.
Illustrations by Brittnee Lavender
DIY: DETACHABLE COLLAR
1.
Lay out your men’s button dow collar completely unfolded.
by Emily Hoffman // photography by Melissa Brady
materials
• 1 Men’s button down with stiff collar ($3 from Denton Thrift). • 1 Pair of scissors. • Decorative accents (I used pyramid studs ordered from eBay for about $5 plus shipping).
2.
Cut along the seam that conn to the rest of the shirt.
Cut as close to that seam as p be less likely to fray after use
wn flat with the
nects the collar
Attach whatever accessories you want on your collar. Get creative! You can attach sequins and studs or even paint on patterns. Just be sure to reflect your personal style.
COST: $10
3.
DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER
You’re done! Now you have a trendy collar that you can pair with any top to give it a posh touch without the weight or bulk of a real button down under your shirt!
possible so it will e.
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Spot On
The polka dot is a major trend for spring and summer 2012.
SOMEHOW, this speckled character always finds its way back into our closets, but from where does it come?
the 1928 film “Steamboat Willie.” Minnie Mouse’s polka-dotted skirt became iconic.
Jude Stewart of Slate Magazine explains that in medieval Europe, dots were associated with measles, boils and other spotty ailments. Therefore, the polka dot was not used in fabric.
Polka dots again became popular in the 1940s and 1950s and were worn by numerous celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lucille Ball.
In the 1500s-1700s, European men and women placed black patches on their faces known as mouches. These little flecks of fabric were used to enhance the wearer's beauty. Polka dots made their 20th century reappearance when Mickey and Minnie Mouse hit the big screen in
According to Jake Levy in Flaunt Magazine, the polka dot was spotted — no pun intended — on various spring and summer 2012 runways including those of Tory Burch and Luca Luca. ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNIE McGOWAN MODEL REBECCA RENTERIA
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THE LOOK BOO
Create a shorts suit by staying in the same color palette
Embrace the crop top by pairing it with black slim trousers and flats for a day look
Wear a toned down floral print with a solid colored pant for a more subdued yet on trend look
Add pastels to trendy silhouettes such as a high low dress
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Add a summery touch to the black cutout body con dress with a flowing pink cape
Toughen up a soft feminine dress with some metal studs and a fierce skeleton bracelet
Photography by Matt Fruge Styling by Leah Leybovich and Hannah Overstreet Models Desiree Paul, Jaleesa Howard, Stephanie Darnell, and Lance Weihmuller Hair and Makeup by Dawn Chevalier Garments from the personal wardrobe of Leah Leybovich and Hannah Overstreet, and Lance Weihmuller
The boys can rock the pastels just like the ladies without being too loud
Opt out for a solid top when wearing a busy floral print
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CHELSEA BELL
VOGUE WEEKEND BY JORDAN MILLS first met Chelsea Bell over a year ago after following her buzz worthy fashion blog, Vogue Weekend, on Tumblr for some time. Since then, a lot has happened to this humble, fashion-smart blogger from Lewisville, Texas. With almost 56,000 followers, what was once a place of inspiration for her has become an inspiration for many, and the fashion industry has taken notice. With an invitation to New York Fashion Week, affiliate deals with ASOS and J. Crew and a freelance position with Ology.com under her belt, she now shares her story with M7M. Method Seven Magazine: When did you first start your blog, and what inspired you to do so? Chelsea Bell: I first started my blog in the summer of 2009 as a way to document photos that I enjoyed or that inspired me. A couple of friends had Tumblr blogs and encouraged me to make one myself. I used it to follow other people for a couple of months, but I started posting regularly in November.
M7M: Did it take off immediately? At what point did you realize that it was going to be so successful, and how do you define its success? CB: I wouldn’t say my blog was very successful in the beginning, but I also never sought out to be a blogger, let alone a successful one. It wasn’t until a year later that I started to gain a pretty hefty following, but I don’t think I thought much of it until Rich [Tong], the former fashion director at Tumblr, contacted me with the New York Fashion Week proposal. The idea of my blog being “successful” is still a foreign concept to me. I have a really hard time taking it seriously, and I think that’s because to me, it’s still a website that I use to document my inspiration. I don’t look at it as a full-time job or a stepping-stone in my career, though I will say that it has opened many doors. At the end of the day, however, it’s just a Tumblr blog. It just so happens that a lot of different people from all over the world have
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taken a liking to it, and I find that mind-boggling within itself. M7M: When do you think your interest in fashion began, and what sparked it? CB: I’ve thought about this a lot, because so many people have these great stories about how they took an interest in fashion, and I too want one of those stories. I have always had this passion for magazines, but discovering fashion magazines was like stepping into an entirely different world. I have been shamelessly hoarding issues of Vogue — and even Teen Vogue — since I was in middle school. I kept my interest in fashion hidden from virtually everybody, and I used these magazines as a way to escape into a fantasy world that I had only read about. Years down the road, my blog ultimately became an outlet similar to the one magazines gave me. I don’t think I truly acknowledged just how passionate I was about the fashion industry, nor did I voice my interest, until I went to NYFW with Tumblr. Once I actually got to step into the world myself, I allowed myself to come to terms with the idea of working in the fashion industry. Before it was merely a hobby, something that I enjoyed during alone time. I had planned on majoring in psychology, another interest of mine, but also a major that I knew could secure me a job after school. At an event at Barneys, the former fashion director, Amanda Brooks, said something that really touched me. She said, “Whatever you choose to do in your free time, you should do as a job.” I believe that her words contributed to my change of mind, and that she somehow helped me understand that it’s okay for a suburban girl from Texas to love fashion, and it’s also okay if she wants to work in it too. M7M: What do you love about fashion blogging and fashion in general? You want to pursue journalism, but long term, do you see yourself pursuing more of the traditional end or the digital media side? Will you stick with fashion? CB: What I love most about fashion blogging is how accessible and easy it is. Anybody can start a fashion blog, but it is a lot harder to write an article for a magazine, attend a runway show or design a fall collection. I also think fashion blogging allows people to reach an audience that editors and designers cannot, and I think that readers can relate to fashion bloggers more than they can Oscar de la Renta or Carine Roitfeld.
In general, I love how progressive and evolving the fashion industry is. I’m an Aquarius, so naturally I think in the future and am always months ahead of my peers. The fashion industry allows me to do just that; I always have something to look forward to. When the rest of the world is shopping for spring clothes, I’m dissecting fall collections and thinking about what everybody is going to be wearing in September. I also love how much work goes into the fashion industry. Designers spend months creating intricate collections only for their 15 minutes to be over after a show in Lincoln Center. They then begin preparing for pre-fall, spring, and some even couture. Their passion is admirable, as well as the teams that are being themselves. My fate depends mostly on where the magazine industry will be in a couple of years. We’re seeing this huge transition into digital media, but I truly think that iconic magazines such as Vogue and W will survive the death of print. I’d love to pursue a job on the more traditional side of journalism, but I’m familiar with digital media and enjoy its perks. M7M: What is your ultimate career goal or your dream job? Where do you hope to live?
plane ticket that I allowed myself to get excited and really look forward to the trip.
CB: I’d like to be an editor for either a major fashion magazine or a smaller, biannual magazine like Self Service or Lula. I’d also love to dabble in freelance styling, but my ultimate goal is to work my way up to a creative director’s position. I plan on moving to New York City after college, but I’d be willing to move virtually anywhere if the job fit. In a dream world, Vogue Paris would be calling my name in 15 or so years to replace Emmanuelle Alt as editor-in-chief. After all, they did just decide to start printing in English. M7M: What was it like to be invited to NYFW by Tumblr? How did they approach you with the idea? Who did you see and meet, and what did you do? Whose shows and studios were your favorites? CB: The entire NYFW experience feels like a very long, detailed dream to me. Rich Tong sent me a simple email with the idea. I think it was something along the lines of, “Hey, we’re thinking about sending 24 bloggers to NYFW — on us — and you’re one of them. Would you be interested?” I didn’t think it was real, and I had convinced myself for a long time that it was somebody playing a really cruel joke on me. It wasn’t until I got my
Aside from the other 23 [bloggers, I met so many people while I was in New York. The first people that come to mind are Simon Doonan, Oscar de la Renta, Nina García, David Karp, Deborah Lloyd and Ken Downing, but the list goes on. We had meals and conversed with editors, attended fashion shows and other events and toured offices and Milk Studios. My favorite shows were Preen and Oscar de la Renta. I got to go backstage at Preen and ended up walking into the show late, so one of the producers from the team at Milk that was documenting and filming us convinced me to stand with the photographers at the end of the runway. Milk Studios is known for being relatively small and intimate, so I was virtually feet away from the models. I had the best seat in the house, aside from the front row. I got to see Arizona Muse open Preen in what was her most successful runway season to date, and I remember thinking that it was truly insane that I was even allowed in the building. Oscar de la Renta was the first designer that I ever researched, so naturally he is my favorite. Touring his studio and office, previewing his fall 2011 collection, and meeting him was without a doubt one of the best days of my life. His show was so aesthetically pleasing, elegant and memorable. Everything from the venue to the models and the mood they evoked with the clothes makes it the most prominent in my memory. M7M: You're writing for Ology now. Is there anyone else you’re writing for? How did they approach you with the idea, and how often do you submit work to them? What is your favorite thing to write about or favorite thing you have written about so far? CB: I’m not writing for anyone else at the moment, but I’m definitely searching for more freelance work. I became friends with Lauren Caruso, the editor of Ology’s fashion and beauty channel, through my blog, and she approached me with a modified internship proposal. Her boss liked my writing so much that they promoted me to a freelancing position quickly after. Since there are a lot of changes going on at the Ology offices right now, I’m taking a step back from writing at the moment, but I have a weekly column called “How to Have a Vogue Weekend.” I usually submit another two to four articles per week, but that number can increase depending on the budget, news in the industry and what time of year it is. I generally write more articles during fashion
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CHELSEA BELL
week. I really love writing my column because I think it allows me to connect with my readers in a way that my blog cannot. My favorite article so far, however, is probably my article on the models to watch for the fall/winter 2012 runway season. I had a couple of friends from the industry contribute their own thoughts into the list, and it was interesting to see how everything panned out afterward. M7M: You have ads for ASOS and J. Crew on your blog. Did they approach you with this? CB: After the press that I got from NYFW, I had many brands approach me about business ventures and advertising. I wasn’t necessarily interested in a majority of these companies, and I didn’t think that a lot of them could connect with my readers, either. Through those companies, however, I signed up for Linkshare and applied to be an affiliate with ASOS, J. Crew, and many more. ASOS contacted me quickly after they
noticed just how much success I’ve had with their website in particular. There are a couple of potential collaborations and a definite giveaway in the works right now, but neither of which are with ASOS or J. Crew. M7M: You’re thinking about going to UNT at some point, correct? Why UNT, and what do you hope to do in your time there? If you plan on becoming a contributor to M7M, what do you want to do? CB: After high school I moved eight hours away to attend college at Kansas State University, but I came home after a couple of months after once I realized that I had chosen the school for the wrong reasons. I somehow managed to take a year off, get a job and attend fashion week before I had that light bulb of realization. Once I decided that I was going to major in journalism, I started taking classes at the local community college to raise my GPA. In an effort to save mon-
ey, I’m going to wait until I complete my associate degree to transfer to UNT. The University of North Texas has a great accredited journalism program, and the campus doesn’t overwhelm me like University of Texas does. It just seems like the obvious choice. I’d really love to write some pieces for M7M while I’m attending UNT, or maybe even before I transfer. I know that there are a lot of stylists already, but I’d be honored to work closely with the models and photographers at photo shoots as well. I have a new, more personal blog where I collect editorial ideas that I’ve gathered over the years, and I’m dying to bring them to life. M7M: What are your favorite trends you’re seeing on the runways and in magazines right now? CB: This question is always difficult to answer because my mind is on the most recent fall collections and the upcoming campaign season. Looking back at the spring 2012 shows, I really loved all of the pastel colors, peplum, sportswear, and the retro vibes. Magazines are really eating up the Prada and Louis Vuitton collections right now, so it’s great to see such iconic pieces in editorials and such. M7M: What are your favorite trends you’re seeing locally? Least favorite? CB: I’m seeing a lot of maxi dresses, and I couldn’t be more relieved. I’ve been loving this trend for a couple of seasons now, and it’s great to see it finally filter down into North Texas. I’m kind of exhausted by the continuation of highwaist this and that, but especially denim cutoffs. Maybe it’s the fall collections that have me pinned against this trend, but I’d rather see girls in things like drop-waist dresses. Anything other than highwaist Levi shorts - they’re so overdone. M7M: Any trend predictions for Fall 2013? CB: There’s this huge vamp look for fall, and I think Gucci really emphasized that with their fall collection. I think capes will continue to have their moment, and we’ll see an excess of leather in pieces like trench coats and full skirts. Miuccia Prada channeled a bit of a ‘70s vibe with her suits and prints, and I think that we’re more likely to see trends move in the direction of the past like they have been versus the future, as shown at Fendi. A lot of designers talked about their col-
lections being inspired by powerful women, so I hope that that message somehow translates into trends and the clothes that women choose to wear next season. M7M: What are your favorite designers, brands, clothing stores? CB: Designers: Oscar de la Renta, Miuccia Prada, Jason Wu, and most recently Prabal Gurung. As for fashion houses in general, I will never be disappointed by Chloe or Valentino. Brands: I’m a sucker for J. Crew. I also have taken a pretty strong liking to Everlane, but more specifically their t-shirts. Everybody should Google them. Clothing stores: I surprisingly hate shopping, so I usually stick to online orders. If I convince myself to go to the mall, though, I almost always step into J. Crew. I’m also a pretty avid thrifter, but I keep my favorite spots to myself. M7M: Other favorite fashion blogs? Magazines? CB: My favorite fashion blogger is afterDRK, a Dutch journalist who is currently hoarding my dream wardrobe. I also really love Vanessa Jackman’s photography and street style blog, as well as Ella (partytights) on Tumblr. I met her in New York, but I’ve been following her blog since the beginning. My current favorite magazines are Self Service, i-D, and US Vogue. Anna Wintour is doing great things at Vogue at the moment, and I surprisingly prefer it to a lot of the international versions. M7M: What’s your personal philosophy on fashion? CB: I think that it’s important to wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident, but remember to experiment and express yourself regularly. Looking your best and feeling your best almost always go hand in hand. M7M: Anything you would want people to know about you that hasn't been asked? CB: I feel like there’s a select group of people who attend UNT that are probably reading this and thinking, “Wait, is this the same Chelsea Bell that I went to high school with?” I just want to confirm that it is.
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Photography by Matt Fruge Styling by Calli Buckelew, Tony Picciolo, Arianna White, Shannon Kennard, Jasmine Sterling, and Leah Leybovich Models: Matt Windle, Trevor Brazil, Michael Lossing, Jamarques Bowers, Ashley Jefferson, Calli Buckelew, and Amber Jones Hair and makeup by Shawnee Leonard and Dawn Chevalier Garments from the personal wardrobe of the stylists and models
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Metamorphosis By Tanya Tolbert St. Clair Photography by Kristi Soto
The young girl’s dimpled smile exudes happiness, a perfect companion to her perky personality. Intelligent and from a financially privileged home, she has it all. No one suspects her of hiding a secret. She meticulously orchestrates and rehearses her cheery façade. She plays the role with such precision that convinces everyone that this child is happy-go-lucky, the way children should be. One would think a congenial girl from a good family would have many playmates, but it isn’t so. Chelsea Pricer has only one person to call friend. After second grade, her friend moves away, and with life being as it is for children, they lose touch. Where the acceptance and love of her friend has been, emptiness lingers. Depression, low self-esteem, and loneliness soon creep into her mind. You see, Chelsea is larger than the other kids and has always felt ugly and unworthy of being loved. Children on TV and in magazines are “normal,” unlike her. Still, she carries on with her pretense. No one guesses the intense longing that burns inside her. No one knows the vast number of stinging blue-eyed tears that quietly steal across her pillow at night.
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Things seem to be looking up when an unexpected invitation to a popular girl’s birthday party arrives, but Chelsea is crushed to discover that her classmate has been forced to invite everyone. With Chelsea feeling more secluded than ever, reading becomes her escape. By the time she reaches third grade, Chelsea is reading at a college level. Being smart is the only thing that makes her feel good about herself, but it isn’t enough. She doesn’t fit what she considers the “pretty” mold. She wants two things— to feel “normal” and to gain her mother’s approval. When she is nine, Chelsea’s family moves from Ft. Worth to Marshall, Texas, from a larger school to a smaller one. One day, her mother happens to find a diary the girl kept when she was six. Mom sits down to read what she thinks will be cute anecdotal entries of a smart, well-adjusted six-year-old. The heavy words horrify the mother: “I wish I were dead. The world would be better off without me.” Chelsea is immediately taken for psychological evaluation. The accomplished actress fools the doctor, as she has everyone else. She knows all too well how to act the way people want her to act, how to tell people what they want to hear. Her diagnosis: “Nothing is wrong. She is normal.” She doesn’t need any help. Chelsea begins high school with pink hair, a bold attempt to gain the attention of her new
classmates. Her self-esteem is at an alltime low, and she doesn’t realize that her non-acceptance is mostly self-perception. No one is actually mean. Even the popular kids are nice to her, but they seem insincere in her eyes. She begins to make some friends in choir and explores religion; the depression and self-loathing, however, persist. [In this interview, Chelsea reveals something that she has never shared with anyone. After telling the following story, she smiles the most genuine of sweet smiles and breathes a deep, cathartic sigh, “Wow, it really feels good to let go of that.”]
At age fifteen, Chelsea attempts suicide by overdosing on painkillers. She is rendered unconscious, but no one notices because it’s bedtime. When she wakes, she has severe stomach pains. Without stating the reason, she tells her mother that her stomach hurts. The response: “You’re faking it. Go to school.” If Mom had only known how close Chelsea came to completing the prophecy penned by her six-year-old fingers. She goes to school and muddles through the day. The stomachache subsides after a few days. After that, Chelsea is emotionally numb. To feel something, she frequently hits and burns herself. To feel pain is better than to feel nothing, and all the while she maintains her happy façade. Chelsea’s personal epiphany comes at age 16, when she re-reads Carolyn Mackler’s book, “The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.” The protagonist is just like her and has experienced the same things as she, even attempting suicide. In the book, the protagonist comes to love herself, not caring what others think about her. Chelsea resolves to be like the protagonist. She learns to love herself and, in so doing, discovers something that she has never known: she is truly loved and accepted by others. She is worthy of being loved.
"Nothing is wrong.
She is normal." Although she feels out of place at first, she is surprised when the night is actually fun. Chelsea and her date hang around with another couple. The other girl fits the mold of “pretty” and “thin,” yet she feels out of place as well, due to her shyness.
She climbs out of depression and kicks negativity to the curb. From that moment, Chelsea begins to dress well and primp. Until now, she has made no effort to look nice; she has thought that she is ugly, so it doesn’t matter. In high school, Chelsea goes to homecoming with a male friend, and he becomes her best friend. Before changing her self-image, Chelsea would have never imagined coming out in society as a debutante, but she does just that during her senior year in high school. She doesn’t do it for herself, but she tolerates the ritual to please her mother.
Today, Chelsea is an Honors College student at UNT. “I feel better about myself than I ever have in my life. UNT has been great for me. I love it here,” she says. During spring break, her mom took her on a shopping spree at her favorite store. On a recent windy day, she wore a gorgeous mock kimono, sparkling with a palette of colors. Someone complimented her, and she replied, face beaming, “Thank you, I felt like a butterfly in the wind as I was walking back from class.” The curtain has closed on Chelsea’s act. Her outgoing personality and unpretentious smile are the real-deal. Chelsea says, “I’m fabulous,” and believes it.
The Symphony League in Marshall hosts a debutante ball for senior girls from well-to-do families each year. Patrons of the arts in the area participate.
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Photography by Brittney Shaban Styling by Tony Picciolo Model: Blake Geary, Hair and Makeup by Chloe Halley Black Jumper from Dillard's in the Golden Triangle Mall in Denton, TX
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Wesley Kirk: Idea Machine by Alayne Ballantine photography courtesy of Wesley Kirk irst you click. Then comes the clack. The clack, clack clacking of a projector reel catalyzed an idea that has blossomed into a short film business created by Wesley Kirk, a film major at the University of North Texas. The entrepreneur began as a photographer wanting to demonstrate his eye for beauty and perfection without having to put together a film. This vision has spawned his new business, Click Clack Short Films, through which Kirk strives to leave the world a better place than he found it. Click Clack, which began as a website where filmmakers could sell their work to the public, has grown to a rapidly evolving film gallery. Starting June 8 at the Rose Marine Theater in Fort Worth, Texas, Click Clack will premiere to the general public a series ofshort films entitled “The Love Stories.� Other short film series spanning a variety of themes will follow at later dates in theaters around
Fort Worth and Denton. Kirk handpicks each showing's theme and films, allowing him to utilize a keen eye to incorporate his taste
into his work. Each artist has a connection to their work, which has inspired Kirk to have the second group of films embody the theme of craft and creation, Kirk's work envelops a blend of tradition, symmetry and personality. Attentive to artistry in its various forms, Kirk dresses meticulously; his sophisticated attire draws from the 1950s blockbusters starring Grant and Bogart. The preferred outfit for Kirk comprises his favorite red plaid tie, tan chino pants, a black and white gridded button down shirt and his favorite tan corduroy blazer. Although suits are not daily garb for the usual student, they are a frequent component in Kirk's style. Denton has pushed Kirk's film and photography to the next level, beyond what he created in Fort Worth, his hometown. Kirk attributes his identity in part to the influences in his youth from his hometown, where the community provided support for what he has wanted to achieve in his own life. His gentleman demeanor and appearance are manifest in Click Clack's business philosophy. Unquestionably, his creative ventures define Kirk as an idea machine.
Click Clack’s showings will be at Denton Movie Tavern and theaters around the Metroplex, with more information available at http://clickclackshortfilms.com For information regarding Kirk’s photography, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/ thevisionbeautiful
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Bao Tran UNT fashion design major gets candid about style
by Cory Simmons photography by Mahdi Ahmadi
“Without ever being introduced to fashion, he began to place more effort into foundational drawing and painting at an early age.� method seven magazine
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B
efore opening the door of the workroom, Bao Tran checks to make sure that the room is vacant. After making our entrance, we set up and grab some stools. Random snippets of fabric and unfinished articles of clothing are pinned against the walls. At the very center of the room lies a worktable heaped with sketch paper and rulers. Clearing the table, I sit down to interview fashion design major Bao Tran. Bao Tran was born in Vietnam and moved to California shortly after, and eventually, his family moved to Texas. I wanted to know, of the three places, which was his favorite. “I think all three places gave me equal experiences,” he says.Tran grew up with no siblings and was a latch-key child —both his parents worked full-time jobs, so to occupy the massive amount of time spent alone, Tran took up drawing. Unable to go outside without parental supervision, Tran chose instead to refine this creative talent. Without ever being introduced to fashion, he began to place more effort into foundational drawing and painting at an early age.
everyone is gonna like “Not your designs. You have to take criticism with a grain of salt.
After transferring from Collin College in Plano, Tran decided to change his major from pre-med to fashion design. “I liked learning about science, but not really applying it,” Tran adds lightheartedly. After announcing his decision, Tran’s parents ultimately supported his transition from premedicine to fashion design. Tran is a senior at the University of North Texas and will be the first in his family to obtain a college degree. Since becoming a fashion design major, there are many different designers who Tran deems reputable. “My favorite designers would probably be Roy Halston and Geoffrey Beene,” he says. Clean cuts, American streamlines and intelligent designs accentuate the sportswear aesthetic that Tran embraces. Surprisingly, men’s suits and women’s dresses are Tran’s main areas for improvement. “I just have to imagine my friends wearing it outside,” Tran explains. He goes further to add, “My strengths would be in construction, design and execution. I tend to be OCD about the details.” Tran senses the need to improve his
time management skills. I ask about the hardest lesson he has faced thus far and Tran replies, “Not everyone is gonna like your designs. You have to take criticism with a grain of salt.” Tran’s personal style is completely opposite than that of his work. He likes to dress comfortably in casual clothing, with no attention to any particular brands. Tran’s designs however, are more clean and polished. At the moment, he mainly follows Style.com to find the latest runway shows and trends. One of the worst trends that Tran recollects is Crocs. “In the fashion industry no one likes Crocs. I mean we know they’re comfortable, but no one really accepts them as a legitimate item,” Tran says jokingly. He quickly adds to that list baggy pants and leggings. Tran’s experiences at the University of North Texas have elevated his ability to construct and market his own designs. Personally, Tran adds that he has to research designs and other techniques to stay ahead of the competition. This knowledge cannot be fully taught on an academic level, but UNT has prepared him accordingly. Bao Tran’s future appears especially optimistic. “After [finishing] the program, I plan to go to New York to acquire more experience and refine my skills.” Eventually Tran wants to own his own label that will be sold to boutiques. Subsequently, there are plans to open a private store in Bao Tran’s future.
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Styling by Ashleigh Tribble Models Chiaki Honda, Eva Ramirez, and Taylor Comier
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN ALLEN
Hair and makeup by Alison Martinez Garments from the personal wardrobe of Ashleigh Tribble and models
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D A HE ON
Photography by Jelisa Carroll Styling by Calli Buckelew Models Trent Webb, Molly Scruggs, and Shena Ly Hair and Makeup by Faye Morris Garments from the personal wardrobe of Rebecca Nevarez
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Kimbrell McAdams
Sundress
, e y b d o n o G ento D do ella oll M z rr que isa Ca z a l V e rigo y by J d o h R by tograp pho
The little graffiti-covered alcoves by Big Mike’s Coffee are well-known locations for Denton locals. On any given afternoon, one can see students sipping a chai or an artist adding another layer of street art to the naturally-lit passage next to Kush. On Wednesday, April 4, these locations are where Kimbrell McAdams, singer/front man/guitarist for the band Sundress, chooses to spend his last hours in Denton to meet with Calli Buckhelew and Rebecca Renteria of Method Seven Magazine. McAdams arrives and sits on the little bench between Big Mike’s and Voertman’s to enjoy the breeze and discuss the band’s origin and their future.
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The fine gentlemen of Sundress decided it was time to pack their instruments and relocate to a city known for its musical proliferation and abundant music venues – Austin, Texas.
Denton is the birthplace of Sundress, with band members McAdams, bassist Drew McCary, guitarist Kennon Talley, keyboardist Jim Harrington and drummer Derek Kocich. Today, Sundress continues to fill a self-created niche in the eclectic music scene of North Texas with their particular psychedelic pop sound. Over two years, the band progressed from playing open mics and house shows to being featured in major music festivals in Texas. Sundress has shared the stage with acts such as Tame Impala, This Will Destroy You, and Ringo Deathstar among others. They released a self-titled EP in August 2011 and recently captured the attention of New York-based independent record label French Kiss Records, that signed Sundress to subsidiary White Iris Records. After being added to the catalog of Gold Mountain Entertainment Management and the Windish Agency for booking, the fine gentlemen of Sundress decided it was time to pack their instruments and relocate to a city known for its musical proliferation and abundant music venues – Austin, Texas. Method Seven Magazine: Tell us how Sundress got started. How did you all meet? Kimbrell McAdams: We pretty much all started as students at UNT. We randomly came across a bunch of musicians just as friends in a group called This Old House, and people would come in and out, quit or get kicked out. Eventually when we started getting serious, we settled on a line-up, renamed the project and it became Sundress. M7M: Where did the band play its first show? KM: Our first show as This Old House was at Andy’s at an open mic night. We kind of didn’t tell anybody to show up to see how it would go. Then the first show as Sundress was at Dan’s Silverleaf about two years ago. M7M: What’s your favorite place you have ever performed? KM: We went to New York; I guess it was in October. We went out for about two months and played at this place called Glasslands. It was really cool. We did like five shows within two weeks in New York, so it was really cool.
M7M: What do you guys have coming up? KM: We’re putting out a single that’s coming out in May with White Iris Records, and they’re pretty much a subsidiary under French Kiss Records. We are talking to a bunch of majors about doing our LP next year. We got with a management company called Gold Mountain Entertainment that did Nirvana, The Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters and stuff like that. Then there’s this booking agency that does Foster the People and that sort of stuff. M7M: Do you listen to any Denton artists? KM: Oh yeah, Final Club is one of my favorites. Ethereal and the Queer Show, but they moved to Portland. M7M: What are a couple of your favorite hangout spots in Denton? KM: Well, the new Oak St. Draft house is pretty [cool]. Dan’s Silverleaf is definitely my favorite venue. And apart from that, I just sit at home a lot, honestly. M7M: You’re moving to Austin in a couple of hours. Are you excited by that? Why are you leaving? KM: Yeah, I’m excited. I love Denton, and it definitely helped out with the band. It was a good time here, but I just gotta move on! I don’t know anybody around here anymore. M7M: Is there any advice that you would like to give Denton-based bands and musicians who want to succeed in the music business? KM: Get weirder! (laughs) I think there’s too many bands in Denton that are part of this whole folkcult, and there’s just too much of it. After wrapping up the interview, Kimbrell McAdams hit the road for Austin TX. Sundress’ first self-titled EP is available at http://sundress.bandcamp.com/ Their new single will be released May 2012.
M7M: Does your band’s music sound like the music you listen to on a regular basis? KM: I think it has aspects of it. It’s definitely got a modern twist to it, you know? Because obviously you don’t want to copy people, you just want to try different ranges of music and sounds. Me and my bassist don’t listen to anything similar, me and my guitarist don’t listen to the same music, and I think that’s what makes new, different music— just different influences. method seven magazine
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Photography by Kelsey Newkham Styling by Patrice Jackson and Meghan Forest Models Manolo Munoz and Sarah Bettis Hair and makeup by Shawnee Leonard garments fromthe personal wardrobe of Meghan Forest, Patrice Jackson, and Manolo Munoz. Neon yellow clutch and white belt from The Limited in the Golden Triangle Mall in Denton, TX
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Photography by Kelsey Newkham Styling by Shannon Kennard Model Hannah Overstreet Hair and Makeup by Morgan Jean Watt Garments from the personal wardrobe of Shannon Kennard and Hannah Overstreet