mf
music .fa shion
JaimieAlexander Yelle Peter,BjornandJohn GoodCharlotte NicoTortorella GreyDamon YaraMartinez TaylorHandley BrookeNevin ZoeTwitt RebeccaTaylor
spring 2011
issue 17
WHO WE ARE
Erik Schultz Editor-In-Chief Emily Peterson Lead Designer Star Noor Fashion Editor Shawna Amini Fashion Assistant Richard S. Advertising Sales Richard S. Marketing/Promotions Jesse Weed Website Dude David Ziggy Greene Comic Artist Pamela Lopez Grant Michael Dos Santos Fashion Photographers Pamela Lopez Grant Cover Photographer Lauren Weigle, Kate sZatmari, Michelle Nelson, Pamela Lopez Grant, Jalani Morgan, Diane Walsh, Myriam Santos, John Dajkovich, Sayuri Mitsumori, Camille Yvette, Aidyn Crowe, LaToya Brown, Michael Dos Santos, Legend Rivera Jr, Dana Boyer, Uzmee Krakovszki, Cassandra Diaz, Richard Gerst, Stacy Zimmerman, Erin Skipley, Alvin Nguyen, Johan Bergmark, Eric Hason, Ursula Agurto, Misuzu Miyake, Mako Iijima, Kelli Kickham, Cathrine Westergaard, Candice Crawford, LP Fashion Philosophy, Kristin Brynn Costello, Jenni Shaw, Engie Hassan, Stephanie Luzuriaga, David Ziggy Greene, Jamie Poster, Teresa Walters Contributors Check us out
www.musicfashionmagazine.com
Reach out and virtually touch us at
info@musicfashionmagazine.com
Tweet with us at
twitter.com/mfmagazine
Wanna be our friend?
myspace.com/musicfashion
If you are looking to see your business become fruitfull then you should get your freakin’ ad in our magazine. Send us an email and we will work with you to make that happen. mf magazine is published about four times a year by Spec Media. All material in mf may not be printed without permission from the big chief. The views expressed in these pages are not the views of the magazine but those of the rad people we talk with.
Photo by
Pamela Lopez Grant Hair and makeup by Uzmee Krakovszki Styling by Cassandra Diaz tunic Isabel Lu silk sequin mini skirt Rachel Gilbert vermeil necklace Janessa gold plated bangles and ring Double Happiness
Skinny Jewelry
crystal bangles Swarovski
CONTENTS
8 10 12 14 16 20 22 30 32 34 46 50 52
Peter,BjornandJohn Yelle GoodCharlotte ListenUp! NicoTortorella GreyDamon JaimieAlexander YaraMartinez TaylorHandley BrookeNevin ZoeTwitt Seasonings RebeccaTaylor
Rachel Gilbert satin and crystal dress
‘Outsourced’ Madhuri’s musical resources A
1) Cosmic Love - Florence and
Anisha Nagarajan
the Machine This song is something I listen to on repeat sometimes. It is anthemic and glorious and a celebration of being connected in love.
mixtape
2) Last Goodbye - Jeff Buckley
Everything he sings gives me goosebumps but this song in particular is one of my favorites.
3) California - Joni Mitchell
Whenever I listen to this song, it makes me happy that I live in sunny CA.
.mixtape. 90 B
Stand the Rain - The Rescues 4) Can’t I saw this band play live at Hotel Cafe and fell in love with them. This song is amazing, and even better live!
Sweet It Is - James Taylor 5) How This was my wedding song. Enough said! B
6) Tiny Dancer - Elton John
After watching “Almost Famous” this song became one of my all time favorites.
7) America - Simon and Garfunkel
My mom used to listen to Simon and Garfunkel all the time but this song is one I discovered on my own and it is beautiful.
8) Something - The Beatles
A
This is just a George Harrison masterpiece. My favorite Beatles songs were ones that he wrote “While my Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Here Comes the Sun” are two more of my favorites.
90
music fashion
9) Buildings and Bridges - Ani DiFranco The lyrics in this song are just awesome.
10) Far Away - Ingrid Michaelson
I love the folky pop vibe she has. It is not over produced and just acoustic perfection.
Photo by Richard Gerst
Before making her hilarious TV series debut starring on NBC’s “Outsourced,” Anisha was best known for her incredible singing talents and her work in theatre, which included originating the role of “Priya” in the Broadway musical Bombay Dreams and performing for the President of the United States and the Queen at the Winfield House in Regents Park, London.
Tech This DJ’s
2.
3. 1. 4.
6. 1. NSP BreakOut $115 2. Paul Frank iPhone 4 case $39.99 3. Hello Kitty Tank HeadPhones $80 4. Paul Frank and Skullcandy headphones $49.95 5. Pioneer DJ’s HDJ-500 series headphones $125 6. Pioneer’s Packaged CDJ-350-W and DJM-350-W System in Pearl White $2,445 7. Pioneer HDJ-1000 LE Headphones $209
5.
7.
PeterBjorn&John By Michelle Nelson Photo by Johan Bergmark
albums should come with a SBjornome warning label. After listening to Peter & John’s 6th album Gimme Some,
the first thing on your mind might be, “Gimme Some More!” The Swedish band has once again proven its expertise in writing undeniably addictive, extremely catchy indie pop songs. Gimme Some is strikingly different from the band’s much darker 2009 release Living Thing. The band has returned to their 60’s pop/rockn-roll roots with this album. They put away their flutes, bongos and electronic gizmos and wrote an album that relies mostly on good ol’ fashioned guitar, bass and drums. Gimme Some balances edgy guitar riffs, catchy lyrics and perfectly placed hand claps. The only think it leaves you desiring is for it to be twice as long. It captures the band’s quirky humor and carries through its entirety the signature sound that Peter Bjorn and John are known for. I caught up with the band’s witty percussionist/vocalist, John Eriksson about PBJ’s recent album, what it was like working with an outside producer, and what they have in the works for their fans in upcoming months. How does Gimme Some differ from your previous albums? I have read that you were “returning to your punk roots” with this album. Your band is known for writing catchy indie pop songs. Can you discuss how punk music has influenced your band and how that manifested itself in Gimme Some? If our last album “Living Thing” was a tuxedo then “Gimme Some” is a pair of jeans. Unfortunately I don’t think that any of us has enough roots in the punk community but I know a guy who used to be a punk-rocker in Stockholm in the 80’s. He is now working in a fish-shop. Our roots as a band are more like 60’s pop or pub-rock and since pub-rock was kind of the beginning of punk maybe our roots are punk...? Anyway, punk inspired our new album for sure. Lyric-wise there are a lot of “angry” songs, even political songs. Sound-wise we listened a lot to bands like The Damned, Buzzcocks, The Crowd, Prats and Sex Pistols before writing songs and recording the album. But we also listened to Can, Stone Roses and Elvis Presley. Why the big blue triple thumbs up on the cover of Gimme Some? Mainly because my mother didn’t think that our first cover-idea (a big red triple penis) was commercial enough.
mf _ 8
How long were you working on Gimme Some? Can you discuss the process of writing and recording this album? We started to rehearse in the beginning of January 2010 and before that we had as usual been writing songs on our own in our separate studios and apartments. Since “Writer’s Block” we always begin our process with sending demos to each other via Gmail. If someone hates a song we remove it from the list and from the Internet. Then we meet up and arrange the songs together and quite often we change everything from lyrics to lead singer. That is why we decided to write “Peter Bjorn and John” as composers on our three latest albums. We always have an idea of what kind of record we want to make and this time the concept was power-pub-rock or maybe pop-n-roll. We really need to decide on a genre or a concept before each album because if we don’t do that the album will sound like a music-collage of everything. We asked our fans on twitter if they would prefer more rock or more pop and most of the responses replied rock. So, we asked someone to hide all the harpsichords and flutes and focused on guitar, bass and drums. Why did you decide to work with a producer on Gimme Some and not produce the album yourself like you did for previous albums? What do you think Per Sunding brought to the sound of your new album? Well, same as with the writing process, on the last two albums (“Seaside Rock” and “Living Thing”) we also produced the albums together and in the end that turned out to be quite expensive. Those albums are super-great but I believe that we all felt that we would save both time and friendships by taking in an outside leader. So we talked about calling a magician, we almost called Brian Eno and I think we called James Murphy but in the end we found Per Sunding on Facebook and since Facebook is where all the cool people hang out, we asked Per to produce our new album. I read on a few interviews that you were encouraged by Per to drink more while making this album. Is this true? If so, do you think it was effective? Does the band have a favorite drink? That´s right. Per tricked us into drinking. It´s not like we haven’t been drinking while recording before but we definitely drank more this time. And I think you can hear that. When you are drunk you become more self-confident and relaxed and also you might do things that you would not do if you were sober. I can’t remember exactly but I believe that 82% of the takes we used were the drunk takes. Since it is a pub-rock record we drank mostly beer and whiskey. Peter had some red wine at one point and the things he played then sounded horrific. The video for Second Chance features the band and the stage covered with litter that looks like the aftermath of a crazy party and reverses itself to a clean state by the end of the song. Can you discuss the concept behind the video? Can you describe what you were literally covered in during this video and how long you had to be covered in all that stuff? I had this idea to make a video for each song of the album
and for a change the three of us should actually be in the videos. We met a bunch of directors and Ted Malmros (who made the animated video for Young Folks) and Gustav von Arbin were the ones who said they could do it. Their take on the idea was to make it as some kind of an art-rockmusic-movie so we recorded 11 videos in 2 days and that became the challenge and the concept. Each video is built on a simple idea and the idea for “Second Chance” was reverse. There are some really advanced backwards videos out there but the feeling in all our new videos is sort of the feeling of an improvised live-performance so they are really spontaneous and we didn’t know what was supposed to happen. We tried to learn how to play and sing the song backwards (well, not Peter) and then we just rolled. It was the last video we filmed and we only did it once. The cleaning of the studio took a week, though. Can you describe what it was like experiencing the popularity that you achieved with your 2006/2007 release of Writer’s Block and the hit single Young Folks? How did having such a big hit change you as a band? Did it cause more pressure when writing your subsequent releases? The popularity came so unexpectedly and it grew slowly over two years so I don’t think we realized how popular we were until today. If we would have been smart maybe we should have recorded a new album filled with whistling and bongos but we did a weird instrumental record instead. Time will tell, but that was probably a monumental idea. You only get one period in your career when you are looked upon as the “new shit”. The challenge is what you do after that period. Our formula is to surprise people by making different kinds of albums and to make music in various genres and styles but at the same time keeping a unique semi-twisted Peter Bjorn and John sound. And we just realized that it will probably make our band last longer. It’s like friendship. You don’t want a friend that just says “-Yes” all the time. You want friends with a little more depth. Like someone who might say: “-Ass”. Can you discuss the inspiration behind the recent photo of your band with 20+ dogs of varying breeds? Are you pet lovers? Are any of these dogs your dogs? Hmm. It was my idea. And I wanted it to look like the Jimi Hendrix album-cover with the band in the middle of tons of naked women but with dogs instead of women. It ended up being something a little bit different but also good and it was a magical photo-shoot. The dog-lady placed one dog at the time in front of us until they all were in the right place and not even one of the dogs moved an inch. I think I was more nervous than the animals. Peter owns a little dog but since his dog is kind of the opposite of these dogs when it comes to being well-behaved it had to stay at home. Are any of you currently working on solo projects? If so, can you please tell us more? We all are. All the time. Peter’s working on a second solo-album in Swedish, Bjorn is building a studio and I have made 2 solo-albums under my alter ego name “Hortlax Cobra” that will be released later this year. I´m also about to write the music for a Swedish science fiction movie.
By Lauren Weigle Photo by Cathrine Westergaard Hair and Makeup by Candice Crawford Styling by LP Fashion Philosophy
mf _ 10
From a shy little French girl to opening up for the Katy Perry tour! Many of you who were part of the big Laguna Beach and The Hills craze that went on for a few years thanks to MTV, became captured by Yelle’s famous pop hit A Cause De Garcons. Interestingly enough, it was actually a French cover of a girly duet that Yelle listened to as a young girl, translating to “Because of Boys”. It’s all about the things girls go through and do in life all because of guys and their influences. Feeling that the song’s message was still relevant today, she took it and put her own fun spin on it… just as she does with everything she creates. So, one might ask where the name Yelle comes from anyway. “Well, in the beginning, it was just Yel, which means ‘you enjoy life’, but it was more feminine to add the ‘le’, so it just became Yelle. And, ‘yell’ is like ‘to scream’, which is like me…LOUD,” she laughs. Starting out as such a shy introvert, one would never think of corresponding the two, but as she grew, so did her confidence. Her confidence not only grew as an artist, but as a woman, realizing that it was attitude that makes a woman sexy. However, one needs to learn to balance her sexy so as not to cross the line into vulgarity. According to Yelle, it’s all about your “charisma and presence”. Taking her cues from dozens of different fashion magazines, she loves to play with her styles, combining chic looks with casual and designer brands with second-hand clothes. So, was it the clothes and attitude that finally made the timid little French girl comfortable enough to show people that she was a force to be reckoned with? I’m sure growing up in a musical family also helped her in breaking out of her shell. “As a young teenager I began singing a lot of ballads. I would just sing in my bedroom in secret,” Yelle confesses. But, one day everything changed. When she was seventeen, she broke through her fears and began singing in a band… IN FRONT OF PEOPLE. Before long, she met GrandMarnier and Tepr, who became her musical copilots. In 2005, they tried their hands at mixing and began to DJ together, loving every live performance. Mixing “hot rhythms with cold synthesizer”, Yelle wanted to put out music that was “fresh, happy, and full of love”. Their most recent album Safari Disco Club, definitely encompasses each of these ideals, but, at the same time, digs a little deeper. Its eleven songs are filled with soul-searching lyrics dealing with messages about making choices, relationships, and changing your life. And so, this next year will definitely be devoted to Safari Disco Club and its electropop melodies… not to mention the California Dreams Tour. Now, how did Yelle and Katy Perry get together? After meeting at the Coachella festival and seeing Yelle’s talents for herself, Perry knew she wanted to do something with the band. Prior to their meeting, Yelle had actually remixed Perry’s pop hit Hot and Cold. “Two years ago we did it. We were on tour too and we actually did it in our hotel room, which was a lot of fun. We had to do in under the sheets because we didn’t have a real studio and we thought it was really cool. She really liked it, which was great.” So, how did all of this add up to Yelle going on the California Dreams Tour? It all happened in twenty-first century fashion… via Twitter. This was bittersweet for Yelle, though considerably more sweet than bitter, because with such a busy schedule lined up for the year, Yelle was only able to sign on for the UK portion of the tour. Between touring until August, then again in October, and a nomination in France for a short film she shot last year, Yelle is carrying a full load. When it comes to the short film, she is definitely hoping to open a few acting doors in addition to her music as well.
Good Charlotte
By Lauren Weigle Photo by Myriam Santos
ometimes I start off an introduction by saying Sa rock” something like “for those of you who live under or “just in case you’ve had the radio turned
off for the last decade”, but I absolutely refuse to do it this time. EVERYONE knows who American rock band Good Charlotte is… there are no exceptions. We all know their hits Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, Hold On, The Anthem, I Don’t Wanna Be In Love, and so many more… We’ve seen them nominated and win music award after music award. They’ve been all over the world, played in every household, and have been showcased on every video music channel known to man. And who has been there for it all? Guitarist and keyboardist, Billy Martin. Yes. Comic book loving, snake hating, Tim Burton worshipping Billy Martin. How long have you been with the band? I joined the band in 1999. Good Charlotte had been a four piece originally and I came on as the second guitarist. Right on. So, over the years, how have things evolved with the band since that point? Well we’ve made five albums and we’ve been touring for over ten years. We’ve seen a lot of ups and downs and grown up over the years. I think if you listen to our albums in order you can see a pretty clear evolution. Well, clearly, the ups have definitely out-numbered the downs, so let’s talk about some “ups” like the band’s plans this year. What’s going on? This year is all about touring and playing the new album for our fans. We are just wrapping up a Europe/UK tour before we head out in America. After that we go to Japan and Australia. Does all the touring and being on the road ever get old? Honestly, playing shows is the best part of the job. Now that the majority of us are married with kids, it’s a little harder. But, it’s all we’ve known for ten years, so we make it work. So, how exactly do you “make it work”? How do you keep a balance on the home front when you’re away? Technology these days really helps. Things like Skype and video chats make a big difference. When we can, our families come and stay on the road. All that technology helps keeping up with your fan base too I bet. Twitter, Facebook, Blogging... does keeping in touch with fans ever get overwhelming? It’s actually easier than ever. Social networking sites really make it easy to give your fans an inside look at your lives. We do a lot of filming on tour and put up video blogs every few days. Okay, so being such a famed and popular group, you’ve seen it all. What advice can you give to new-comers? It takes a lot of work. There’s never a time where you can just coast off your success. You always have to figure out how you can move forward. Tell me about your humanitarian side and what the band does with its passion for animals. I’ve been a vegetarian for almost twelve years and we’ve helped with some animal-based charities over the years. I don’t like to push my beliefs on anyone, but if my choices can effect someone in a positive way, that’s great. Well, without pushing your opinions on anyone, got any good ideas on how to get more people involved or bring more awareness? I think you need to discover things on your own. If you are passionate about something, use the Internet as a resource. There are lots of things to get involved in.
mf _ 13
Listen Up!
By Lauren Weigle
Jake and The Leprechauns, Casey Desmond, Seryn, and Prattle On, Rick. What do these four have in common? Nothing. Absolutely nothing… but isn’t that what’s so great?! In today’s music world, everything generally sounds the same or is a spinoff of something else. These four, however, sound nothing like one another and have sounds all their own in their originality. With Jake and The Leprechauns, you’ll experience a sort of poetry set to “atmospheric folk-rock arrangements”. Desmond, on the other hand, is the fun and edgy pop girl, bringing synthesizers and electro beats to her songs. Seryn uses every instrument under the sun to create music with personality and a wide range of appeal. And, lastly, is Prattle On, Rick…who brings his innocent chamber pop folk tunes to audiences all over Tennessee.
Casey Desmond Photo by Mary Lee Desmond
Jake and The Leprechauns
Photo by Éric Côté
They just won the International Independent Music Awards for the AltCountry category. They are Jake and The Leprechauns. It probably has something to do with their wide variety of instruments and eclectic mix of musical genres that they incorporate in their music. Another great thing about what they do is that they simply just enjoy playing together as a group. “We’re six guys who are first and foremost lovers of words and music, and who are great friends. The first thing that comes across, I’m often told, is how much we seem to enjoy playing together.” In addition, though so many bands would stress the need to be more business-minded, these guys feel that their main focus should just be on playing. So, would you like a little introduction as to who these six musicians are and what they’re about? Well, Antoine can apparently play any instrument he touches and is in quite a bit of demand as a producer. Philippe is not only a writer of music, but is of novels as well. Max is just a friendly, laid-back guy with an extremely unique style to his performance. Marco is the guy who likes to practice his solos when you’re trying to have a conversation with him. Simon, while being a great “accompanist”, holds a shrine to Brian Blade. And, Sylvain, the eldest of the crew, can outplay all the others… any time, any place. Well, now that we’re all introduced, take it a step further and give their sound a listen.
If you haven’t heard her music, you’ve definitely seen her in the latest Diesel campaign. Casey Desmond tells us, “I’m super stoked because I love Diesel; I’ve made a lot of new fans, not to mention its great exposure. I also added my brand new Interstate dance remix of my song Rendezvous exclusively on my Diesel band profile. I’d love to work with them again in the future.” In fact, with her personal style forever carrying into her image as an artist, it is no wonder the two have overlapped. “My music and fashion are a reflection of my true self as an artist; it’s how I create a connection with my listeners, fans, and friends in life and onstage. What you see and hear is not contrived, is the real me.” But, enough about the fashion side…Let’s talk about the pop writer and her “synth-driven” electro side. Its effects like her use of synthesizers, that gives her sound its creative twist. “I feel my sound is fresh and current, but still original. I write pop hooks and electronic beats that sound organic and different… At the end of the day, I am a pop singer, but there is a lot of experimentation in the process of writing and producing these songs. I love my job.” That’s what is truly so great about this girl… you can see she really just loves what she does, which carries into each and every performance. This would probably explain why she’s won so many awards for her singing and song-writing like the ASCAP award, International Acoustic Music Award, VH1’s Song of the Year, and Vocalist of the Month for SingerUniverse.com. Her music has also been heard on many popular shows like The Bad Girls Club, The Real World, My Super Sweet 16, and America’s Psychic Challenge. So, if you haven’t been on the
mf _ 14
Seryn
Let’s give it up for Chelsea on the violin; Nathan on the guitar; Aaron on the bass guitar, cello, and trumpet; Chris on the drums, harmonium, banjo, piano, and marimba; and Trenton on the ukulele, banjo, and accordion. With all those crazy instruments, one might wonder if there’s any room for vocals… but there is… and each member contributes his or her own unique voice to Seryn. So, what is Seryn and what is it about? “Seryn wasn’t started with anyone wanting to play any particular kind of music, but simply that we wanted to be making music with these particular people. Our tastes vary from the more obvious of American folk and country, African folk and rhythm, post-rock, and baroque to the less obvious metal, classical minimalism, jazz, and just about anything in between.” I guess that narrowed it down a little for you. But, Seryn isn’t just a band you can pigeon-hole or put your finger on and say “Yes, that’s it.” It’s an entity all its own. They’ve played in many venues, setting their sights on the West Coast as their next endeavor. With a lot of travelling planned for the summer, they will be playing their music all over from Seattle to Colorado, to Atlanta. Europe is definitely in their sights as well. They’ve already had some radio time in the Netherlands, along with some attention over in Italy and Germany as well. They’d also love to travel to Africa some time to further explore their love for African folk music. Amidst all the travelling and touring, Seryn has already begun working on their next album and definitely have enough steam for more.
Prattle On, Rick
Prattle On, Rick is one in a million. He plays what he feels, what comes from within, creating music that his fans love, while firmly expressing the importance of not pandering to them. “I play the tunes, play the venues, and play the game the way it makes sense to me. I don’t approach Prattle on, Rick as a business as much as I do a service. When I write a song I don’t contrive it to fit a standard or tweak it with a particular audience in mind. What comes out comes out and for the most part, I let it be.” Genuinely refreshing indie and nu folk chamber pop… that’s Prattle On, Rick. There’s a sort of truth and purity to his lyrics, which makes his stuff not only sincere, but completely relatable. Playing all over the state of Tennessee, Prattle On, Rick likes to shy away from the typical kind of venues. He tends to be seen around cafes, restaurants, and art shows. His dream, though, is to one day play the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. No doubt that with some of the tunes off his album Communion Bread, he’s sure to make it there. “Communion Bread symbolizes sacrifice and man’s universal struggle. And, it’s something holy. All feelings I wanted to communicate in the record.” Look out for the bonus digital album too. Aside from his big dreams of playing at the Ryman Auditorium, Prattle On, Rick has a very simple philosophy when it comes to his music. “I’m only hoping to give some voice to the big feelings in my life, and with luck it
If you would like to submit your band to mf magazine for a possible feature head on over to sonicbids.com/mfmagazine
NICO TORTORELLA
T
By Lauren Weigle Photos by Alvin Nguyen Styling by Stacy Zimmerman Hair and Makeup by Erin Skipley
he other day I got to have a nice little phone chat with Nico Tortorella. We talked about family, we gabbed about Starbucks, but most of all, we really dug into Scre4m. Ten years later the ghost-face killer terrorizes the streets of Woodsborough once again and Nico Tortorella has front row seats to it all. Luckily, I got to ask him a few questions about the film. I even took a stab or two at the identity of the killer… no pun intended. His lips were sealed on that one, but he did give me even more incentive to race to the theater as soon as it’s out. Here’s a little taste of what you’re in for… Okay. Let’s dive in. So, you’re a Chicago native, but presently split your time between New York and California. Do you have much time to go back and visit the windy city at all? Yeah, I try to go back as much as I can. It’s where my family is. It’s funny because my parents actually just sold their place in Chicago and are moving out here within the next two weeks, which is crazy. But, the rest of my family’s still out there, so I try to go back as much as I can. It’s nice when I get to work in the Midwest. When I was working on Scre4m, I was working in Michigan, so I was able to drive back every couple weeks. So, are the parents moving out to California to be closer to their son? Closer to the boys! (He exclaims.) Yeah, my brother and I are both out here. Well, aside from your parents moving out to Cali, this year is going to be huge for you with three films coming out. Are you overwhelmed or just taking it all in right now? Yeah. (Off to the side.) Venti Green Tea. (I burst out laughing.) Are you at Starbucks right now? (Chuckling) I’m at Starbucks right now. Yes. (He confesses.) Can you get me a Venti Sweetened Passion Iced Tea? It’s on the list. I’ll get that right to you. (He laughs.) Okay, so back to the three films and everything… Uh, I’m just good, ya know? It’s just crazy. I kind of try to take it all day by day, just handling it all. When it gets closer to the day of stuff coming out, I’m sure I’ll get a little more anxious, but I think I’m good right now. So, is it tough managing a daily routine or social life with everything going on, or has it not gotten to that point yet? Well, it’s kind of like my social life is what my work life is and my work life is what my social life is, so it’s kind of like my daily routine is all in the same. It’s all the same. It’s just all the same shit. (He jokes.) So that must make it a little bit easy?... or complicated? I don’t know? Uh, both. (He kids.) It could go either way. (I take a second to laugh a little.) Okay, let’s talk about The Lowenfish Party and your involvement in that project. Well, that movie’s supposed to go some time this summer. It’s kind of like The Breakfast Club meets Dazed and Confused. My character’s the sort of off-beat, emo hipster, darker type, which will be interesting because I’ve never gotten to play that before. And, there are a bunch of great people attached to it, so it should be a good one. Of course. I mean you’ve already acted alongside so many Alist actors already like Nicole Kidman, Nicholas Cage, and rising Twilight star Cam Gigandet. Any star struck moments yet? Yeah, I mean, at first when I see them, but then they open their mouth and introduce themselves and I just realize they’re a nor-
mf _ 17
mal human being… not someone that I see on television all the time. But, then the aftermath is like ‘Holy shit. I just had lunch with Nicholas Cage.” So, it works both ways. Well, you worked with him in Joel Schumacher’s Trespass. What was the other Schumacher film you did? I did Twelve two summers ago with a bunch of young actors. Emma Roberts, Chace Crawford, and Rory Culkin were in it also. I mean, Twelve was crazy. It was a bunch of us newcomers on the scene in what was, to some of us, our first movie. And, with Joel Schumacher, it was just great. Okay. The moment we’ve all been waiting for. Onto, Scre4m. Yeah! Just when we thought it was all over. What can you tell us about the fourth installment in the series? Well, we start off kind of right where we left off in the third one, but ten years later. Everyone’s still doin’ their thing. Sidney’s still Sidney, but a little more grown up. Gale and Dewey are still having their banter back and forth. And, then there’s the whole new crew who are the new students at Woodsborough High. I mean, right from the first page, in the first five minutes, you just jump into it and the craziness just doesn’t stop until the last shot, ya know. It definitely compares to the first three and takes it up a notch. Any pressure or intimidation at all getting into such a wellknown film series? Yeah, I mean kind of in both ways because it already kind of has a tone to it that’s already set, but at the same time, with an already set tone, I knew what I was getting into and it was kind of this big family that welcomed us with open arms into the brand. What about working with Wes Craven? I’d love to hear about that. He’s unbelievable. The second he starts talking, he has the most insane vocabulary that’s just ridiculous that no one should have. But, on the other hand, he’s like this little kid that just loves making horror movies and then he has these moments where he just laughs in this little, crazy way or he just tilts his head and explains to you how to understand a scene… but it makes total sense. So if you were the killer, would you tell me? No. Well, maybe. Maybeeee. I don’t know you too well though yet, so... Well, you know what I get at Starbucks… (Laughing) Yeah, I do! Okay. I’ll let you off the hook, but if you can’t tell me who the killer is, can you at least give me some keys to survival in a Wes Craven horror flick? Hmmm. Don’t ever say, ‘I’ll be right back.’ Ya know, it’s funny because the rules have totally changed this time around. There’s absolutely no key to survival. There’s no rules. Everybody has a chance to get killed and everybody has a chance to be the killer. Sounds crazy! Okay, let’s switch over to TV and talk about The Beautiful Life. Oh, The Beautiful Life… Well, I was working on Make It Or Break It, the ABC Family show, when I got cast in The Beautiful Life. I was a recurring character on Make It Or Break It. Then I got cast as a series regular. Then I went to Montreal to shoot The Beautiful Life pilot and met this incredible group of people that are all still my best friends and girlfriend for that matter. And, it was great. We shot the pilot and then a few months later we found out it was moved to New York, so we all moved to New York to shoot the show for a whole seven episodes. Then, right in the middle of the seventh episode, the executive producer walks out to the middle of the stage and tells us the show is cancelled. So, we had all completely relocated to New York. I had this amazing apartment that was completely furnished, but we had to go back to LA and start again from square one. It was amazing though because it taught me about the world, how you can have everything one second and then the next second it’s completely gone. It taught me to keep my head on straight.
Plaid shirt by Joe’s Henley shirt by Converse by John Varvatos Jeans by Joe’s Sunglasses by John Varvatos Watch by Vestal Bracelets stylist’s own Ring by Samsara
Shirt by Joes Jeans by diesel Belt by Ben Sherman Boots by Aldo Watch by Vestal Bracelets stylist’s own
Grey Damon By Lauren Weigle Photos by Kate sZatmari Assisting by John Dajkovich Grooming by Sayuri Mitsumori
Styling by Camille Yvette
ERE is Grey Damon! You’ve H probably already seen him on shows like 90210, True Blood, Lincoln Heights, and Friday Night Lights. Now staring on ABC Family’s new series The Nine Lives of Chloe King. Hailing from the Midwest, Damon picked up and ventured off to the city of angels in search of a new life in order to fulfill his dreams as an actor… It’s definitely paying off and he is well on his way, living his dream as a professional Hollywood actor. Having just made his acting debut less than two years ago, Damon is definitely climbing up the success ladder and gaining speed. mf _ 20
So, how did you get here? What brought you to this point in your life and career? I moved from Bloomington, Indiana to see an ocean and a new perspective on life and this is kind of where life took me. My Ma also always encouraged my love of acting and is a large reason why this is what I do today. Having appeared on so many popular TV series’ like 90210, Greek, and 10 Things I Hate About You, how do all your friends and family from home react? Blind shock. Ha. Well, I’m sure you received tons of recognition from your recurring role on HBO’s True Blood. What was your experience like with such a well-known show and cast? I’ve been very blessed to have only worked with some of the most giving and talented individuals in a very competitive industry. In one rather risque’ scene in particular, I was feeling nervous, and I asked Ryan Kwanten who plays Jason Stackhouse on the show for some advice. He took five minutes of his personal studying time to make me feel comfortable and part of the True Blood family. I attribute the modest success I’ve had to people like that who have believed in me and helped show me what I’m capable of.
Shirt by Kill City
Okay, let’s move on to Friday Night Lights. How did you first get onboard with the show? Like most other actors I auditioned for the role a few times and got the part. I was really excited about the character and I guess they saw that passion. Definitely a little luck thrown in too. What are the relationships like with the cast members and crew on set? Devils… every one of them. No, but in all honesty, like I said previously, I’m so fortunate to have worked with such fun, creative, and talented people. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. Well, do you have much time to hang out with each other outside of work or do you all pretty much do your own thing? Both. I wish I could spend more time with the cast and crew, but we all have different schedules, you know. We definitely get a chance to hang out from time to time, though. That’s good. Yea, I guess that’s just life. Let’s discuss your work on the big screen… Would you like to do more on film or is television more up your alley? Television’s great because it takes a lot of discipline to play one role for an extended pe-
riod of time, to hold on to mannerisms and certain traits that you portray as that character. I’ve only done one feature, and it’s definitely a direction I’d love to head in also. Well, I hear you can also sing. Are you open to doing something along those lines too? After a few voice lessons, maybe. If you were to star in a musical of some kind, what would it be? Moulin Rouge 2: Zidler’s Revenge. I love Moulin Rouge! I’d definitely support that one… But, I also hear that you are quite the athlete, playing everything from Rugby to Snowboarding… Although Friday Night Lights may have made me look like a great receiver, that’s really just a tribute to my stuntmen Brent Kraft and Chase Fishback, who can actually do the things I pretend to do. Ha ha. Aw. It’s funny you ask that though. I actually have an under the table deal with Brent and Chase to take pictures of themselves snowboarding and then pretend that I’m the one doing those things. Is that right? (I jokingly sneer.) Well, let’s talk about some of the things you ACTU-
ALLY do… Is it true that you know sign language pretty well or do you have a stunt “signer”? Yes, that is true. My mother is deaf so it was the easiest way for her and I to communicate. That’s a great skill to have. Any other hidden talents we should know about? I’m actually pretty good at making puppets. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I actually made some as presents for my nieces one Christmas. They ran out of the room screaming… didn’t go quite the way I hoped it would. Ha ha. Ya know, believe it or not, you’re actually not the only person I’ve spoken to lately that’s into puppet-making. Weird how that works. So, what’s next on the horizon for you with work or just life in general? I’m part of an ABC Family show The Nine Lives of Chloe King. It’s a really cool concept about a young girl who finds out one day that she has superhuman cat-like abilities, and realizes her powers are part of something bigger throughout the series. I play Brian, the love interest. I really hope you get a chance to check it out.
Urban 1972 cotton polyester blend top Double Happiness gold fill and apatite earring
JaimieAlexander By Lauren Weigle Photos by Pamela Lopez Grant Hair and makeup by Uzmee Krakovszki Styling by Cassandra Diaz
mf _ 23
he’s appeared on many popular shows S including It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, CSI: Miami, and Kyle XY. She’s taken the
crown as a scream queen in a few horror flicks as well. Most recently, though, she has really blown up with multiple projects in the works, along with ones coming up. When you see this gorgeous girl walking down the red carpet, you’ll probably expect her to be this demure, reserved, and quiet beauty. Don’t get me wrong. She is definitely a knockout with a killer personality. What I’m getting at is that you probably wouldn’t expect her to be an avid knife collector who hates pink and likes to drink orange juice through a Twizzler that’s made into a straw… but that’s exactly what she is. She was also on the wrestling team in high school. How’s that for a pleasantly willful spirit? So, what else can we learn about this young woman that we wouldn’t expect? Hmmm… Fortunately, I was able to get the scoop on Alexander’s latest and what she has up her sleeves. I just hope it’s not her knife collection. Don’t you? Your first two lead film roles in the biz were both horror flicks. Was this just merely a coincidence? That just seems to be the way everyone breaks into the business. They are cheap to make and production is willing to hire unknown actors who are looking to build their resumes and gain experience. Makes sense. So tell me about some of the challenges you faced, acting in horror movies as opposed to other types of film. Horror films are very physical and emotionally draining, in my experience. However, they are also a lot of fun. I can imagine. What are some of the fun aspects? The blood and the gore…special effects, make-up… and also the high energy needed to carry certain scenes… running and screaming and such. It’s fun to just let yourself go and get a bit wild. The crazier, the better in this genre. Let’s talk about ABC Family’s Kyle XY. How did you get involved with the show? I auditioned for the role back in 2006 and started filming in 2007. It was a great role for me. It taught me my stronghold, which is playing characters that are both equally strong and vulnerable. I want to hear more about your superhuman powers on the show. My character, along with Kyle, had super-heightened abilities; the 5 senses. She was incredibly strong physically and could manipulate objects with her mind using the polarity of water. As with any superhero, there is a weakness. She was extremely intelligent, which caused quite a bit of mental stress that was often times almost fatal. If you were to have super powers in real life, would you want to fly, read minds, be invisible… what? I’d like to teleport. Then I could be anywhere at any time to offer assistance to those in need. Any people or charities in particular? I’m huge into helping children. The “Dream Center” is a great facility here in Los Angeles that aids in giving shelter, feeding and clothing those in need. However, if I could teleport, I’d be in Japan at the moment helping the victims of the earthquake/tsunami.
American Apparel lace dress Double Happiness gold fill glass earrings and brass druzy necklace Janessa vermeil ring
Yea, it’s horrible. Let’s move on to a little lighter subject… Nurse Jackie. Tell me about Tunie. She’s a wild child and an ally to her sister-in-law, Jackie. She drinks, smokes, and swears like a sailor. Do you have a crazy wild streak also or do you just leave that to Tunie? I am more fun than I am wild. I leave all that bat shit crazy stuff to Tunie. (Smiles) Let’s talk about your work on the web series Ultradome, where you played a male role as Han Solo. Can you tell me more about what that was like? That was a blast. I’m a huge Star Wars fan so I jumped when my friend Milo Ventimiglia asked me to do it. He’s wonderful to work with. Very intelligent and full of amazing ideas. It was like one big nerd fest. What kind of process is it exactly that goes into making a web series? From the acting standpoint, it was just like any other project but much more low-maintenance. I’m not sure what it was like on the producing end. Let’s move on to Thor and Loosies. Well, Thor is a superhero film that takes place in a world called ASGARD and also on Earth. Loosies is a film along the likes of Love With The Proper Stranger starring Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen. It’s about two very different people finding love in New York City under very trying circumstances. Peter Facinelli both starred in and wrote the film. Are you excited for the two of them to be out? Rhetorical question, wouldn’t you say? (Smiles) I’m very excited. A lot of hard work went into making both films. Let’s flash forward a little to what you’re doing with Savannah. Being set in an earlier time period, how did you prepare for the role? The movie is based on a true story about a man named Ward Allen, his wife Lucy Stubbs [me] and his best friend Christmas Moultrie, an exslave. To prepare, I did research on these people to learn about how they really were back then. I wanted to make sure I gave an authentic representation of who Lucy Stubbs really was. What were the costumes like? There were corsets and large dresses involved. It was fabulous! Tell me more about Lucy Stubbs and her part in the film. Lucy Stubbs is the wife of Ward Allen. She comes from a family with money and is well read. She’s clever, cunning, and witty. She’s quite a powerful woman, which is very unconventional for her time. Once Savannah is done filming, will you have any play time set aside for yourself or will it just be more work, work, work? I plan on taking a quick trip to NYC, one of my favorite places, to visit some friends. What are some of your favorite places to go when you’re in the city? There’s a great bar called Westside Tavern down in Chelsea. I love going there, grabbing a beer, and shooting some pool.
mf _ 28
Line & Dot tencil silk top Urban 1972 polyester shorts Costa Blanca metal crystal necklace One Of A Kind Jewelry gold plated brass snake with Swarovski stone eyes necklace Double Happiness gold fill and black druzy ring
Rachel Gilbert crystal embellished chiffon dress
mf _ 29
mf _ 30
Line & Dot silk and polyester beaded tank Stylestalker leggings MIA suede wedges Double Happiness gold plated bangles Little Rooms gold plated bracelet
Yara Martinez By Kelli Kickham Photo by Alvin Nguyen Styling by Stacy Zimmerman Hair and Makeup by Erin Skipley
he year 2011 has already brought a lot of exciting news to Cuban T actress Yara Martinez. She’s already appeared on Law and Order: Los Angeles, on several episodes of Southland, and she is starring on
the new series Breakout Kings. This rising star is only planning to get bigger and better as her career continues. We got the chance to talk to her about the challenges she’s faced so far, and about what she has planned in the future. Breakout Kings is a riveting crime drama. When you first came on, was it at all intimidating playing Marisol, the wife of Laz Alonso? Not at all. Everyone in the cast was so open and inviting. They’re a really great group of people. Laz and I hit it off right off the bat. We were both really excited to be working with a fellow Cuban. I think that helped break the ice. You’ve appeared in a lot of action shows like CSI, Law and Order, and Southland. Is this a genre of television you’ve always been interested in? I’m interested in all genres. If the writing is good then I’m happy. Let’s learn a little bit more about you...What would you say is your biggest pet peeve? Hmmm...I have this weird thing that I can’t stand seeing people brush their teeth. It just really grosses me out. I don’t know why? And your favorite movie growing up? This is a tough one. It’s between The Sound of Music, Grease, or Splash. I’m gonna go with The Sound of Music. One of my fondest childhood memories was watching it with my great aunt on Sunday afternoons and playing all the parts for her. Whenever I see it playing on the TV it takes me back to those days and I can’t help but smile and think of her. It feels like home. However, I was OBSESSED with Olivia Newton John’s look in the last song in Grease. It really doesn’t get much sexier than that. My life became an adventure to find any moment I could use “Tell me about it, STUD”. As far as Splash goes... I’m still an aspiring mermaid. What was it that first inspired you to start acting? I grew up dancing ballet. It was through dancing the classical pieces that I realized what really turned me on was portraying the characters. Then I saw Sally Fields in Sybil and decided “OK, I need to study this craft”. Auditions can be a little nerve-wrecking. How do you prepare before you go into the audition room? Music, music, music. Besides helping me stay in the place I need to be, it also blocks all the unnecessary poison that’s going on in the casting office while I’m waiting. Like offers to another actress for the part I’m going in on. Thinking about where you were 5 years ago, would you have imagined being where you are today? Honestly, yes. But 6 years ago is a different story because I didn’t have my agent or manager yet. Everything felt so far away, like being in a desert What is the most difficult challenge you have faced so far in the entertainment industry? The emotional roller-coaster that comes with the territory. One day you can be high off of a great audition or scene at work, and the next day you find out you didn’t get that part you wanted, or you didn’t hit that moment in the scene. It’s the worst. At the same time, there’s also that excitement that anything can change in an instant. It’s just important not to get in your head about it. You got to put a muzzle those demons up by having a life out of this business.
Gypsy 05 cotton chambray button down shirt Henry Hall jeans
TaylorHandley By Lauren Weigle Photo by Pamela Lopez Grant Hair and makeup by Uzmee Krakovszki Styling by Cassandra Diaz
attle: Los Angeles has hit the planet… hard! But, B long before the aliens, film star Taylor Handley hit the Earth… harder! Being a California native, adjustments into the Hollywood scene weren’t all that difficult, especially after landing his first role in only three auditions. His first role on the big screen was for the movie Jack Frost, starring Michael Keaton. Handley also starred on the CW’s Hidden Palms throughout the program’s short-lived run. In addition to these works, he has acted in a host of other films and many prominent shows on prestigious networks including The WB, CBS, NBC, and FOX.
You’ve made appearances on shows including The O.C., Dawson’s Creek, CSI, Law and Order, and Southland. How do you feel each of these has helped you grow as an actor? Every job I do is a learning experience. Each of those characters helped me explore different parts of my imagination and personality. And once something is discovered, it’s always there to pull from, or to explore deeper. What are some of the perks of being in your field? The best perk is being able to do a job I love doing. Yea, many people dream about that every day. Any downfalls? Not too many downfalls. Only thing I can say is that I’d like to work MORE. Well, you were working A LOT in 2006, acting in four films. Quite an accomplishment. Let’s talk about some of these gigs, from The Stranded to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning. Great movies, great experiences, and glad to have been a part of them. So, your latest venture, Battle: Los Angeles. Tell me about the film. How does this movie stand out from other alien invasion movies? It focuses on a specific squad of marines deployed into Los Angeles, and you’re with them the whole time through all the hell. It’s different because you get to see it very up close and personal rather than seeing the effects the invasion has made on the whole world scale. What were some of the special effects that went into making this Sci-Fi thriller? Massive explosions! (He says with great enthusiasm.) Ha. I bet. Well, with new movies, come premieres. Do you enjoy these festivities or is it not really your scene? It’s always fun to enjoy the festivities, especially when you’ve been a part of the project. Well, when you aren’t fighting aliens in Los Angeles, what can you be found doing? Everyday things… walking the dogs, hanging with friends, taking meetings. On the grind... Would you say you’re more of a homebody or someone who likes to always be out and trying new things? (He grins.) I guess it just depends on what’s going on.
mf _ 35
BrookeNevin
By Diane Walsh Photo by Jalani Morgan
aking it in Hollywood is always a good M story. With Actor Brooke Nevin, her real life story, it is—that. Performing back in the day as a teenager in East York Toronto, Brooke knew she had something to give. Something to give to the world artistically— and Hot Dam! She was right. Brooke Nevin is worth all the notable accolades she’s received in Hollywood, to date. Just in the last 8 some years her credits include How I Met Your Mother, as Amanda, in “Say Cheese”; NCIS as Rachael Sparks, in “Code of Conduct”; Grey’s Anatomy, as Tricia Hale in “Forever Young; DOC as Blair, in “Home is Where the Heart Is”; Smallville as Buffy Sanders, in “Thirst”, Charmed as Hope, in “Little Box of Horrors”; and Without a Trace as Nell Clausen, in “4.0”. Someone who speaks from the heart to the heart Brooke gives us the exclusive on her upcoming performances in Breakout Kings and Call Me Fitz.
Let’s start with Breakout Kings. A terrific series. How did it all come together? The process of Breakout Kings finding a home for a series debut was somewhat of an emotional roller coaster! I was over the moon having been cast in the FOX pilot and equally thrilled shooting the pilot with the cast and director Gavin Hood, and then it all came to a screeching halt when Fox opted to not pick up the pilot to series. It was a huge surprise because it had been really well received by test audiences and within the industry. I just held my breath for over a month after it was let go and shopped around to different networks until A&E opted to sign on and give the show a new life and a 13-episode order. I was so happy that I would get a proper chance to explore this wonderful, interesting character that writers Nick Santora and Matt Olmstead created.
mf _ 36
Tell us about the kind of character do you get to play in Breakout Kings. On Breakout Kings I play Julianne Simms who is the tech expert and resident fact-finder for the team. Every piece of pertinent information, the dirt on any of the escaped cons, and time sensitive clues that will lead the team to the next stage of their chase go through her. She has a job with high stakes, and high stress anxiety to go along with it, which she tries her best to keep under wraps. She was actually in the top of her class on the way to becoming a Federal Marshal herself until her anxiety issues got in the way, and she was thrown out. So, being on this Fugitive Task Force is a real second chance for her to reclaim her life and confidence in her skills. There’s an interesting relationship between Julianne and Ray Zancanelli, one of the Federal Marshalls (played by Domenick Lombardozzi) who can be rather protective and Lloyd Lowery (Jimmi Simpson) who, being an expert in psychoanalysis, has figured her out by episode One. And there’s some tension between these three characters that will be exciting to track throughout the series.
With many credits to your name one could choose any number to focus on. But one performance, in particular, has stood out, for you. Could you tell us more about My Suicide? My Suicide is a film that is really important to me, and that I hope more people have the chance to see. It’s a teen “dramedy” that centers around high school kids and social outcast “Archie Williams” (played brilliantly by Gabriel Sunday) who, creates a whirlwind of controversy when he announces that he is going to commit suicide and film it for his final video class project. I play Sierra Silver, the popular girl at school who is intrigued by Archie, and who is harbouring a dark secret of her own. The story is a graphically revealing, at times comedic, touching narrative that shines the light on teen issues, including suicide, and really strikes a chord with young audiences. The film has had an amazingly successful run of the international festival circuit, and now I’m eager for it to get a wider release, which should be sometime this spring. In the series, Call Me Fitz, how does your character differ from other roles you’ve played? I play an entirely different character in “Call Me Fitz”. It’s a dark, twisted half-hour comedy series with Jason Priestley as Richard Fitzpatrick; this morally-bankrupt used car salesmen. Each episode highlights one of his many failed attempts at redemption, and the deliciously dysfunctional cast of characters that get caught up in his exploits, including my character “Sonja” who is the secretary at the dealership. She is constantly miffed at Fitz for not having eyes for only her, but can’t resist his sleazy charm to save her life. Let’s just say when your character has an apple shot
off of her head with a crossbow; you know it’s going to be a crazy ride.
and comedic roles and that will pave the way for some bigger opportunities in the near future.
What in your spirit or as some like to say in your process drove you to your success? You could tap, play piano (even jazz), do ballet, act, sing—knew you had something…. I had the “acting” bug from a very young age, and eventually begged my mother to get me an agent when I was thirteen and feared I was already “too old” to get into the business. I think having other arts training like dance and music, I always just enjoyed performing in general. I still love dancing and arts and music, but those have become hobbies and take second place to acting which has been my main focus for a while now. I think it’s hard not to be interested in a number of artistic pursuits when you consider yourself a creative person. I love having other creative outlets like photography and visual arts, but acting is still my number one.
You’ve done stage performances to boot. For example, It’s Not Tennessee Williams in 2005 and Hunchback Parking Only in 2004—both performed at LA’s Second City Studio Theater. To your mind, what are the differences as far performing live versus being filmed? There’s a huge difference between stage and on camera. Some technical aspects are inherent to each arena of work, like hitting your mark within a half inch on camera, or being able to project your voice properly on stage. There is a certain rush to performing in front of a live audience though that just doesn’t happen when acting for film or television, especially when there is always the safety net of another take. I do love the subtlety involved for film or television acting though, especially when the slightest raise of an eyebrow or flash of a thought will be captured on camera for a close-up. It’s been a while since I’ve done a project for the stage, and it would absolutely thrill and terrify me in equal measure!
Have you felt you’ve experienced a turning point? I don’t know that I’ve had one definitive moment yet that has set my career path on any clear trajectory. I think every project I’ve worked on has opened doors, allowed me to explore new characters and garnered some more fans along the way. Certainly having a chance to be a part of some cool sci-fi shows like The 4400, Supernatural and Smallville has given me some great opportunities to travel and meet some die-hard fans of the genre. Right now, being a regular and recurring on Breakout Kings and Call Me Fitz, playing these diametrically opposed characters, I hope, will show that I’m game for both dramatic
Is there anything in this list which stands as the performance for which you are the most proud? I’ve especially loved projects that have allowed me to travel for the work. One of my earliest jobs brought me all the way to Zimbabwe in Africa for 6 weeks when I was just 14 years old. One of my co-stars was a baby elephant! Another recent project called “Infestation” was filmed in Bulgaria—I’ve loved these opportunities to work in foreign places and make lasting memories to go along with the projects.
mf _ mf _ 38 46
Photographer Michael Dos Santos Stylist Aidyn Crowe Assistant LaToya Brown Makeup Artist Legend Rivera Jr Hair Stylist Dana Boyer
Natalia
Slip Dress- Zoe Twitt Multi Stone Necklace- Zoe Twitt
mf _ 40
Nathalia Sweater- Tulette Underwerwear- ABS Intimates Traingle Neclace- Zoe Twitt Crystal Earrings- Zoe Twitt Stacked Lace Rings- 24 Karras Julio Jeans- The Cult
Nathalia Dress- Tucker Leather Belt- Zoe Twitt TrenchCoat- Stylist’s Own Fleur Earrings- 24 Karras Red Crock Pumps- YSL Julio Jeans- Perry Ellis Pin Stripe Rain Jacket- Perry Ellis Knit Sweater- Perry Ellis Necklace- Models Own
Nathalia
Slip Dress- Zoe Twitt Multi-Stone necklace- Zoe Twitt Fleur Drop Earring- 24 Karras Queen Victoria Ring- 24 Karras Briefs-
Julio Perry Ellis
Nathalia
Bustier- Seven to Midnight Ring-Vintage (Stylist’s Own) Boxer Briefs-
Julio Calvin Klein
BEAUTY
GLOW
1. Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultra-Moisturizer $65 2. Naturopathica Plant Stem Cell Serum $48 3. Coach Poppy Perfume $60 4. Flirt! It Curl Lash Mascara $14 5. Grassroots Research Labs Pomegranate Overnight Recovery Serum $32.50 6. Darphin Hydraskin Essentials $50 7. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Stars Never Fail Lip Color $11.99 8. LA MER The Moisturizing Lotion $210 9. American Beauty Blush Perfect Cheek Color $15.50 10. Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Scrub $75
2
1
3
5
7
mf _ 46
8
4
6
9
10
MENS
GLOW
1. Jo Malone Lime Basil Mandarin Cologne $55 2. Curel Sensitive Skin Remedy $7.99 3. LAB Series Moisturizing After Shave Spray $30 4. Murad Men’s Skin Regimen $92 5. Origins for Men Skin Diver Body Scrub $20 6. Coach Leatherwear Cologne $74.99 7. Bumble & Bumble Grooming Crème $26 8. Nest Bar Soaps $16 1
2
3
5
7
8
4
6
ZoeTwitt
By Star Noor Photos by Kristin Brynn Costello Hair and Makeup by Jenni Shaw Styling by Engie Hassan Assisting by Stephanie Luzuriaga
oe Twitt grew up immersed in fashion. By the Z age of 7 the Aussie born designer had trekked the globe along with her parents visiting textile factories
the world over and learning from their experiences which inspired her from an early age to sketch designs of her own. Though it seemed that Zoe would naturally become a designer at first, this was not the path that she chose, opting instead to study the performing arts in her pursuit of an acting career. Ultimately, however, Zoe was brought back to her roots when she decided to create pieces she could feel comfortable in at auditions. And, it was so that the designer chose to be a designer launching her self-titled label in 2009 in NYC where she creates her limited addition hand- crafted pieces for urbane socialite’s on-the-go the world over. The Zoe Twitt 2011 Spring Summer Collection entitled The Empress is a mÊlange of luxurious basics, ice cream leathers, dramatic shapes, and a predominant feminine strength. Her accessories for the season channel the High Priestess by use of rock crystal, gold, silver, and semi-precious stone. Already hailed as a designer to watch within the fashion world, Zoe Twitt is all about work and no play, but this in no way makes her a dull girl.
mf _ 49
Describe the quintessential “Zoe Twitt Girl.” She is gutsy but with a feminine softness and sexuality. You can see the dichotomy in the leather pieces. It’s about embracing the body. My cuts are remarkably flattering. I always make sure there’s a slight sense of nakedness but in a flattering sense. The brand is perfect for the fashionable yet unfussy jet set girl who only wants to pack 6 versatile pieces and go. What inspired you for SS11 and why? I was inspired by fairytales and the escape from reality; the avoidance of growing up. Look at all of the sensual, magical, mysterious characters that are female and you will discover they are: sirens, fairies, and of course, goddesses. Through this idea I explored feminine strength and the power the female wields. There is something incredibly alluring about that. As a little girl growing up all over the world, which was your favorite place? Somewhere quiet where I could think. I’m a compulsive thinker. I have always liked the outdoors and enjoy taking things slowly. So, I would probably have to say my house in the country when I was young - we farmed sheep for their wool, painted on bark, and picked mulberries. The house was made of limestone and would crumble when you rubbed your finger over it. I was always afraid the house might one day dissolve. I remember there was a chair made from a rock formation with Aboriginal paintings on the property, and animals like the odd kangaroo and snakes that would slither into the hallway to lie in wait were ever present. It was like a fairytale. What made you give up your pursuit of acting for fashion after all? I never like to think of anything as lost. You go away from things and you come back- sometimes in unexpected ways. Fashion offered something very alluring to me. I can create something tangible and use my hands, but it’s not so different to acting where you are creating an imaginary world and making it real: making it breathe, feel, and come alive – creating a world that the viewer is invited to explore and participate in. Fashion is even more delicious: you’re in control of the concepts, the development, and the final creation. That surpasses everything I could wish for in any other art formcomplete control! Tell me about your childhood growing up in the fashion industry. Oh, things, things, and more things! I was so shy but I absorbed it all. I remember beautiful textures and colors and plenty of red lipstick. My mother always looked so glamorous and smelled wonderful. I wanted to hide under her ball gowns and attend the parties with her. And, my grandmother’s closet: boxes of old fabrics from all around the world. So many I can’t tell you! I have memories of sorting the cupboards and being knee- deep in gorgeous fabrics. These days you can’t buy fabrics like that- not easily anyway. And her hats! She coordinated them to her outfits so there was one for each. She was very beautiful, neurotic, and smelled of face powder. She was a very kind and inspiring lady. My dad always says that you’re only young and beautiful once, and that you should dress well and enjoy youth, I think he’s right. He has a wonderful eye for clothing- and a penchant for shoes. I actually can boast quite a marvelous collection all gratis of him and his selective process. He taught me the other side of the business- the brainy side that I probably don’t need to understand. Then, there is the part where I was dragged all around the world to factories and I saw that the industry is a big drag. So when I signed up for this career, I signed up for the unglamorous parts. Not the parties or the sparkly bits, but the real creation of the collection. And, now I ignore the glamour and the parties. I just stay in and I sketch. I just enjoy the process. What are you planning for the AW2011? Geometric prints inspired by crystal power and nymphets. And some jewelry that has the impression of being crystals and jewels but out of metals. It’s sort of unexpected.
1
His Seasonings
2
3
4
10
6
5
7
8
9
mf _ Hudson Clifton 5 Pocket Jean $178 - 2. Cheap Monday Alex Strip Tee $50 - 3. Cheek-ie 52 1. Men’s Crème Belt $59 - 4. H&M Striped Sweater $ - 5. Libertine Libertine Jeko Belt $40 - 6. Jo Malone Basil Mandarin Candle $65 - 7. Qasimi Homme Jumper £550 - 8. Robert Geller Black Engineer Pant $297 - 9. Archive 1887 Dylan Tee $58 - 10. Devon Omega Plaid Slim Cut $POR
Seasonings for Her
4
2
5
6
8
9
7 10
12
1
13
19
19
15
14
18 17
20
21
11
22
23
24
1. Cynthia Rowley Leather Shell $410-Mille Feuille Skirt $475-Invisible Stripe Sweater $230-Skinny Belt $90 - 2. London Undercover Umbrella $POR - 4. Osborne for Samantha Pleet Polka Dot Oxfords $253 - 5. Muxo QUEEN OF THE SEA $1800 - 6. Melissa Finelli 18K Ring $1500 - 7. Twenty8Twelve Akha Dress $360 - 8. Sires Audrey Frame $300 - 9. Missoni Zigzag Hat $495 - 10.Samantha Pleet Chariot Dress $418 11. Maori Nude Suede Wedge Bootie Sergio Rossi $870 - 12. Cheek-ie Angela Necklace $50 - 13. La Lesso Kaza Dress £72.50 - 14. Loeffler Randal Vivian Suede Platform $495 - 15. Coin 1804 Longsleeve Burnout Owl Tee $50 - 17. CC Skye Annie Turquoise Bag $350 - 18. Pamela Love Tribal Stud Earring Bronze $395 - 19. Katie Rowland 4 Finger Ring $POR - 20. LD Tuttle The Fragment Puff £250 - 21. Flik Hall Hessian Shorts £190 - 22. Built by Wendy Raglan Sweatshirt $135 - 23. Itty Bitty Bra Bralette and Boy Shorts $24 & $18 - 24. H&M Sandals $POR
mf _ 54
By Star Noor Photos by Eric Hason
RebeccaTaylor
Styling by Ursula Agurto Makeup by Misuzu Miyake Hair by Mako Iijima using Milbon Nigelle RX Lotion
Rebecca Taylor has often been called a woman’s woman, the designer that personifies the softer side of lady-dom with signature characteristics like her often colorful palettes, her playful use of prints and textures, and the silhouettes which allow the “Rebecca Taylor Girl” to live life with all of the zest and spunk she wills. Much like the ladies she empowers, Rebecca Taylor is the personification of modern womanhood. A wife, a mother, and a career woman, her spirited lifestyle and eclectic taste have been the driving force behind the Rebecca Taylor brand which in fifteen years has gone from opening its doors to becoming an international fashion house making this New Zealander a beloved American designer around the world. Rebecca first came to the U.S. with six hundred dollars in her pocket and a mission in mind, but finding her way did not come easily at first. Eventually though she was hired by Cynthia Rowley where she worked for six years before moving on to opening her own label with business partner Beth Bugdaycay back in 1996, “We started out sewing samples in our apartments and cold calling buyers and editors to come up and see the collection. Since then we have worked hard
to build it into the global brand it is today. It has been an amazing ride so far!” An amazing ride which has led to yet another elegant downtown-chic collection we want to live our lives in. Inspired by the Me Decade, Rebecca had Charlie on her mind (the iconic perfume dream girl of the 1970’s) when designing her Spring Summer 2011 collection, “I’m in love with clean, fresh, and modern,” she explains. Easy, breezy, and beautiful with a dash of danger and mystery the fun flirty collection features long flowy dresses, neat high-wasted pants, mirrored color evening gowns, silk blouses, sheer pleated skirts, sensible shorts, and the perfect pair of wide legged jeans - making this ready-to-wear collection one of the crème de la crèmes of the season. “It’s everything that’s great about classic American Sportswear,” boasts the designer. With so many great pieces to choose from you would think that selecting a favorite would be hard but when asked to decide which piece is her favorite this season Rebecca knowingly answers, “The Scarlett dot chiffon midi skirt is one of my favorite pieces this season.” While most of the world awaits the arrival of summer, the fashion world gets ready for the
coming of Autumn Winter 2011 with the chaotic calm that signifies the advent of a perfect storm, and the house of Rebecca Taylor is no different. Since the showdown ended in NYC, everyone seems to be wondering, “What next?” “My collection for Fall 2011 was inspired by Ross Bleckner’s paintings, blurred images and sparkling lights. We have lots of beautiful embellished prints; lurex striped knit dresses and gorgeous shearlings [for the upcoming season].” 2011 is a milestone at Rebecca Taylor. With two amazing collections up its sleeve the fashion brand has begun its 15th year, “We have lots of great projects in the works! We are going to be opening up a new flagship store in the meatpacking district. Also to celebrate our 15th year anniversary we are doing fun collaborations with various partners throughout the year which will be sold exclusively at Rebecca Taylor boutiques,” the designer bolsters. So, as we wait for the dog days of summer and the cool nights of fall hoping to be decked out in our favorite Rebecca Taylor pieces we look forward to our own milestone moments remembering always that life is meant to be lived in style.
WIN ALL THE CLOTHES SEEN HERE - TURN TO PAGE 58
SWAG
CREDITS/SWAG INFO
3
1
5
4
2
SWAG fashion credits
SWAG credits Photographer: Travis Geny (tgphoto.net) Hair and Makeup: Janelle Hayden of The Prettiest You and Madeline Roosevelt Special thanks to all the rad folks at the Jupiter Hotel (jupiterhotel.com)
1- Dress: Daughters of the Revolution (dotrclothing.com) Necklace: Limerence Jewels (limerence-jewels.com) Henry Hall Jeans (henryhalljeans.com) 2- Jeans: Top: AJB Clothing (adambaranello.com) 3456-
Hat: D’Moiselle Couture (dmoisellecouture.com) Bag: Della (designers4africa.org) Top: Noctis (noctisthreads.com) Hat: Paul Frank (paulfrank.com) Bottoms: Lolly 38 (lolly38.com) Top: Hoodie Buddie (hoodiebuddie.com) Bag: Paul Frank (paulfrank.com) Shoes: Rollasole (rollasole.com) Bottoms: Lolly 38 (lolly38.com) Top: Paul Frank (paulfrank.com) Bag: Paul Frank (paulfrank.com) Top/Bottom: One Piece (onepiece.com)
You want to win the SWAG from the give-away spread? Simply go to www.musicfashionmagazine.com; fill out the nice little survey; then each week we will draw a winner; you might just get hooked up with some rad clothing.
6
37th seattle international film festival 25 days of film, parties, and discovery! may 19-june 12, 2011
please visit www.siff.net for more information.