my CULTURE Issue 3

vol one • issue three

Designer Spotlight:

KEN CHEN

Fall/Winter 2012 THE

ULTIMATE TRENDSETTER CHALLENGE

Social Commentary:

Androgyny in the Industry

+

FIVE MUST-TRY COCKTAILS THE MUST-HAVE BEAUTY & FASHION FATES

TOUGH Decisions

A Fight for the Perfect Outfit

A L o o k i n t o t h e W o r l d o f A rt i s t, B e at r i c e C o r o n

3 8 1 5 t h A v e 3 r d F l o o r, N e w Yo r k , N Y 1 0 0 1 6 www.kb1111.com H Office:212.213.0601

Photo: Jeff An • Model: Saoro KB1111 Model Management

Lette r Fro m The Pres i de nt [Insert New Year

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The new year is a time for a change. Good change and spreading a new profound outlook in life can only help bring bigger and better change to the world.

Karem Belalcazar President/CEO KB1111 Inc. 2 m y CU LTURE

myCULTURE caters to our “one percent”: the affluent, fashion-forward select few who can call New York City home. In a city where we are privileged to be surrounded by the finest luxuries this world has to offer; therefore, as New Yorkers we are granted access to the melting pot of beauty, culture, lifestyle and, of course, various forms of fashion.

Join the elite with myCULTURE. For advertising information please call 212.213.0601 or email info@myculturemagazine.com To secure a complimentary subscription please email info@myculturemagazine.com

Photo: Brittanny Taylor • Model: Joe Marvullo KB1111 Model Management

t’s a great thing that we have reached the NEW YEAR, after another big fiasco of the ending of the world. The holiday season has always been my favorite time of the year. This is the time of the year when people are turning out their holiday best, the turn of the new year inspires people to change what they did not enjoy about themselves the year before.

When I was growing up in my native Colombia, the introduction of the new year has always been a time of change. Even now, when I visit my family during the holidays, there is this overwhelming feeling of change. It always makes me feel to better myself, inside and outside. New Years Eve, we would all get dressed up in our best “going out” clothes and that feeling of “being at your best” is something you remembered throughout the year.

As the world transitions to a different year, we in the fashion industry is already on full swing getting ready for the Fall/ Winter season. This change keeps all those involved in the fashion industry on the look out for new inspiration. Sometimes we go through our mornings to try and figure out how we can look our best and try to portray ourselves the best we can. But there are times when we can not figure out what to wear and a giant fight begins with our closet and anyone in your vicinity.

This fight, in essence, is how much we care and want to always portray the best of us. Something that I would like to remind all of our readers, though this industry we push for “Outer Beauty” we also need to remember when we look our best we also try to show the best of what is in us. It is the courage of putting on something you think you would never be able to pull off and having a new found confidence in yourself to break free from the shell you have created prior to this change.

The new year is a time for a change.

Good change and spreading a new profound outlook in life can only help bring bigger and better change to the world. •

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Photo: Victor Cucart

Cliche Here]

myCULTURE Magazine explores and celebrates the rich cultural diversity shaping fashion and our lives in the great metropolis we call New York City and (better yet) our home.

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outh Link offers prevention and early intervention programs that exist in partnership with police departments, housing authorities and dedicated business leaders who support a powerful solution that brings crime down and offers new possibilities to youth at risk for violence and gang involvement. It is a division of North American Family Institute (NAFI) currently operating in ten cities including Hartford, Providence, Indianapolis and Boston.

Over the past two years:

• Over 1000 youth and 700 officers have graduated from Youth Link programs.

• Youth Link has assisted keeping kids in school or, when necessary, obtaining GEDs.

• Youth crime has fallen by as much as 40% in neighborhoods where

Youth Link has been active.

• Hundreds of Youth Link participants have obtained part-time employment.

• Dozens of youth have completed our Culinary Arts Program in Boston and have taken part in a profit-sharing catering business.

• Youth and police have replaced feelings of animosity and distrust with mutual respect and understanding, creating sustainable relationships.

• Many graduates have steered from gangs and attended local colleges, camps and sports academies.

• Gang life has been deglamorized. College has become a reality and the kids who were once prime candidates for gang recruitment now want and expect more out of life than what was previously thought possible. They are dreaming big and it is working.

• Today Youth Link operates in ten cities, including Hartford, Providence, Yonkers, NY and Indianapolis and Boston.

For more information, contact: Jay Paris, Director • jayparis@nafi.com 617.480.8238 • www.youthlinkusa.org

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WWW.KENCHENSF.COM 4 m y CU LTURE

Le t t e r Fr o m Th e E di t o r

B

T h e Ye a r o f S t y l e

Y O G A

B E A U T Y

Get the same unique Ayurvedic glow (The Ayurvedic treatment completely detoxifies your skin by removing waste from your facial lymph nodes, giving you vital, healthy skin! Special Ayurvedic herbs and essential oils are used to reduce inflammation and help heal the skin. The results from this facial include restoration of new collagen and elastin, balance of skin’s pH and a natural glow. in express time with an addition of yoga acupressure points on the facial muscles (‘because how often do we work the facial muscles?’) and includes an Organic Ayurvedic Chocolate Tamarind Mask.

Benefits: Detoxifying, Healing, Illuminating and Re-balancing. ideal for Sensitive, Dry, Dehydrated, Mature and Pre/Post-Op

“

I’d like to challenge all of my aspiring fashionistas out there, as well as myself, to continue living their year as stylish as they started.

“

SP BAR

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t’s January. I’ve always been a bit biased to having this spectacular time of year as my favorite. Not only is it my birth month, but it’s also the start of a new year, offering us all a chance at revitalization and discovering new experiences.

Like most, I often begin the year with those little false expectations we call “resolutions,” as if looking to resolve all the negativity and bad habits that might have built up over the past 365 days. And I’m sorry, but for this year… Well, that ain’t going to cut it.

It’s my philosophy that we must incorporate both our strengths and weaknesses into a single, honest existence. Embracing the good and bad. Although I definitely support the pursuance of bettering oneself in ways such as yearning to travel more or learn something new. But to stop eating chocolate or eliminate all carbs? Well, I’ll just leave that to Lent.

I’d like to think of my resolutions as a challenge. I mean, that’s what they are; therefore, for 2013, I’d like to challenge all of my aspiring fashionistas out there, as well as myself, to continue living their year as stylish as they started. And even more so! (The fate items – those special and timeless must-have items – mentioned in this issue will help you on your way to obtaining an enlightened sense of personal style.)

It’s with this letter, I officially declare 2013 as the year of graduated style.

Brent Ramsey Editor-in-Chief, myCULTURE Magazine

“

Instead of a one-size fits all spa menu, our spa offers clientele a customized skincare program based on their individual skin type and needs. B Spa uses an impeccable line of facial cocktail treatments, the latest advanced skin therapies and other services to nourish your body and preserve your skin. We strive to maintain and prolong a vital healthy glow for each individual.

“

-Diana Seo, B Spa Bar creator

310 W. Broadway, New York, NY, 10013 • 212.274.8888 • www.bspabar.com 1031 Boston Post Rd Rye, NY 10580 • 914.921.0880 • www.bspasalon.com www.my cul turemagaz i ne.com 5

Publisher

President & CEO

KB1111 Inc. Karem Belalcazar

Chairman/ Irvin Ajes Creative Director Editor-In-Chief Brent Ramsey

Artistic Director

Editorial Models

Tony Iatridis Brendan Amoruso

Magnus Jonsson

Joseph Marvullo

Fitore Shasivari

Victoria

MSA: Kim McMullen

Writers Irvin Ajes

T. Elizabeth Jackson

Elizabeth Lilly

Xhiljola Nano

Felix Quinonez, Jr

Brent Ramsey

Photography

Production Assistants

Stylists

Hair & Make Up

Jeff An Ash Fox Whitley Nnatubeugo Irvin Ajes Luca Burnett

Tena Ramoodit

Mildred Malave

Brand Manager

Public Relations myCULTURE

Sales

On the cover

Nicole Kroese

Public Relations myCULTURE marketing Magnus Jonsson

and Victoria

(Photographed by

Jeff An)

MyCulture magazine 381 Fifth Avenue 3rd Floor, New York,NY 10016 212.213.0601 myculturemagazine.com info@myculturemagazine.com Š2012 myCULTURE Magazine. All rights regarding the printed edition of myCULTURE and www.myculturemagazine.com are reserved. Reproduction of any part of Capacity and/or this associated web site without the written permission of publisher is prohibited.

All views and comments expressed in myCULTURE are solely the opinions of the writers and contributors. myCULTURE reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertising content or materials submitted to it.

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44 Beatrice Coron:

in Dreams Begin Possibilties

magazine

Jan • Feb 2013 www.myculturemagazine.com

departments:

2

5

60

62

64

president’s letter

editor’s letter

recipes

food trends

credits

features: Resolutions for the New Year

8

And How to Keep Them

Around the City: Five Must-try Cocktails

Achieve Glowing Skin Naturally

10 12

Natural remedies you could be using

Wintertime Hues Get the most out of dark wintry hues

Ultimate Fashion Beauty Fate Items

14 15

Those things worth lusting after

For the New You: Must-have Fate Items of the New Year

Fate Items For Him Staying Stylish on the Commute

Ken Chen Designer Spotlight

Tough Decisions A Fight For The Perfect Outfit

Androgyny How Important is Gender [Bending] in the Industry?

The Ultimate Trendsetter myCULTURE magazine up-and-coming contest winners

16

24

18 20 24 43 52

52 20 www.my cul turemagaz i ne.com 7

A dvi c e

Resolutions for the New Year And How to Keep Them

By Xhiljola Nano

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he New Year offers the chance to start over and attempt living the right way. A chance to learn to live responsibly, while still enjoying the pleasures in life. However, it is common for people to make New Year’s resolutions and never stick to any. Therefore, everyone must remember how the key to achieving and maintaining all of one’s resolutions is moderation.

Change is a process that takes time and it is normal to occasionally fail on your path toward achieving it, but persistence will pay off in the end. Here are five resolutions everyone can make and achieve, not only for the year of 2013, but also for the rest of their lives.

To Save More

Make an Excel spreadsheet on your computer and keep track of your expenses. If at the end of the month you realize you have wasted a good amount of money on useless things, then slowly stop buying those useless items. Once you realize all the money you can save by keeping track of your spending’s, you can now use that money to actually treat yourself to something worthwhile. Live life smart and in the best way it can benefit you.

To Travel

To Get Organized The more organized you are the more likely you will have a clear head and be able to make sense of events in your life. Buy a planner and write down everything needing to be done and the deadline or date of occurrence. By having a clear idea of all the work you need to accomplish, you automatically eliminate stress and save time. If you have a lot of deadlines, events and meetings all around the same time, relax. Look at your planner and think of the best strategy to approach the workload in order to finish it on time. There is no point in stressing over something that is going to occur anyway, might as well do it right and calmly. Once you have accomplished something, treat yourself!

To Eat Healthier and Be Fit

Working out should be ingrained in your life in the same way eating, showering and sleeping is. Stop making excuses.

Even if you feel like you have too much to do for the day and cannot afford to waste time working out, do it anyway. Working out will make you feel more productive which in turn will benefit you. Do not stress yourself by eliminating all sweets and carbs or begin working out five hours a day; you are not a Victoria’s Secret or Calvin Klein model. Simply eat in moderation, watch your caloric intake and work out a little bit each day. Stop weighing yourself and just believe what your body is telling you. If your body feels better and looks better than keep going, you’re doing it right. Again, you must remember, change takes time and effort.

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Traveling does not mean going to an exotic place and costing you thousands of dollars. Simply travel to the state next door, walk more around your neighborhood, go to a nearby lake house, look for vacation deals on Groupon; the point is to just move. Traveling relaxes the mind and provides a change of atmosphere, which is good for all of us when life becomes a bit monotonous. It will help you feel more independent and feel better about your place in the world.

To Learn Something New

Do not make your new hobby learning the guitar if you do not have time to invest in it. And don’t even think about making your goal to become a professional skydiver by the end of the year. In order to achieve and maintain this goal, learn something small every now and then throughout the year. Learn to cook a new recipe, instead of aiming to become a professional cook. Read a book about a topic you’ve never heard of; don’t aim to write a book about that topic afterwards.

Yet again, the key is moderation.

So there you go, some resolutions to be accomplished by anyone and easily maintained. It is much easier to live happily this way than to constantly indulge and regret.

Remember, on New Year’s Eve; please do not think of your resolutions. Just celebrate! •

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City & C u l t u re

Around the City: Five Must-try Cocktails

By Irvin Ajes

S

easons change. We renovate our apartments and add clothes to our wardrobe. But why not introduce a liberation of taste? A new sensation to the palate? As part of this voyage, we’d like to share with you some of our favorite cocktails.

While we are always looking for a new drink to satisfy the after-work coma or quench a liquid night out with friends, these drinks are new tweaks to old favorites, presenting your fond memories of drinks gone by with brand new buzz.

The Old Fashioned at Amor y Amargo with the Spirit of your Choice, Bittermens & Spiced Cranberry Citrate.

It’s hard to make old drinks taste new, but Amor y Amargo’s Old Fashioned hit of the spiced cranberry citrate gives this old favorite a new lease on life. (And our Editor-in-Chief orders it every time!)

Try it for $14 at 443 E 6th St.

Feeling haggard and hella tired after work? Pouring Ribbons’ happy hour is not to be missed. To get a second wind, try this very adventurous drink with a punch. The Hagar & Helga will definitely give you the wake-up call you desperately need.

Try it for $14; 225 Avenue B, 2nd Floor.

The Mata Hari at Employees Only with Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac, Chai-infused Italian Vermouth & Pomegranate.

An exotic name for an exotic drink. The Mata Hari will sneak up on you like double-agent espionage, all while making you feel like a classy courtesan.

Try it for $16 at 510 Hudson St.

The Pravda Press at Pravda with Rye Whiskey, Peychaud Bitters & Pressed Limes.

Think whiskey and bitters sounds like the making of an old man’s drink? Well, think again.

The Pravda Press will make you feel the wisdom and sophistication of a refined individual, but this new twist by Pravda will keep it as new as if you were just partying at the Limelight (back in its good ole days).

Try it for $14 at 281 Lafayette St. The Hagar & Helga at Pouring Ribbons with Linie Aquavit, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, Cumin Syrup, Cinnamon Bitter

The Captain’s Blood at The Raines Law Room with Appleton Reserve & Smith + Cross, Jamaican Rums, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup & Angostura Bitters.

Walking through the rooms of the Raines Law Room, you’ll feel as though you’re Sherlock Holmes in need of a mystery to solve. So why not find some [captain’s] blood to quench that thirst – and begin your adventure into the night.

Try it for $13 at 48 West 17th St. • 1 0 m y C U LTURE

for subscriptions: Contact: info@myculturemagazine.com or call 212.391.0668

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Health & F i t n ess

Achieve Glowing Skin Naturally The cold winter weather can be specifically harsh on your skin, making it dry and dull.

Instead of wasting money buying different types of face washes and lotions, keep reading to discover the natural remedies you could be using to do wonders for your skin.

By Xhiljola Nano

beauty tip: Vitamin C supplements help your body prevent early aging.

Sugar, Meet Skin

Drink & Filter

To prevent pimples, keep your skin smooth by using a sugar scrub. The glycolic acid generally found in cane sugar can help prevent acne. Simply, take some organic

To prevent and eliminate blackheads and dry skin, drink at least 2 Liters of water every day. In the cold winter weather, we might sometimes forget to drink as much water as we should, but it is important to remember how crucial it is for our skin and body. Also, if you can, filter your water; this way you can get rid of the chemicals hitting your skin and hair in the shower.

cane sugar and mix it in with your face wash to help prevent breaking out – and to add a great exfoliator to your routine.

Vitamins, Vitamins, Vitamins To prevent early aging and help your body produce more collagen, take Vitamin C supplements. If you already eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, you might not need to take the vitamin itself, but in the end it can’t hurt!

Lemon & Yogurt To lighten dark spots and acne marks, apply a dab of fresh squeeze lemon juice or organic yogurt to your entire face and neck and leave on for 10 minutes. For those of you with a darker complexion, use the organic yogurt method to avoid getting a halo around spots of your skin due to the lemon juice.

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Natural Oils For a quick glow, instead of using your highlighter, add a little bit of olive oil or coconut oil to your cheek bows and under the eyebrows.

Eat Well Remember to eat a lot of dark greens while maintaining a sugar free diet. Sugar not only inspires more fat, but it also promotes breakouts to happen more frequently.

Emergency Heal To heal an unexpected pimple, apply 100 percent tea tree oil with a cotton swab every few hours and Vitamin E oil on the spot at night, one hour before bedtime.

Bring Out the Champagne To give your skin a glow, shrink pores and even out skin tone, use a cotton swab and champagne. By applying

Manuka honey and Stevia are some great alternatives to sugar – and they won’t do any harm to your skin.

A DIY Home Remedy To smoothen skin and minimize pores, use this mask at least once a week. Made by mixing natural ingredients found in your fridge. Add one egg white, a teaspoon of honey and juice of one lemon. Mix the ingredients together and apply to your face. Keep the mask on for 10-15 minutes and continue to re-apply the mask throughout that time whenever it gets dry. Afterward, wash your face with warm (not hot) water and enjoy the smooth results!

Always Moisturize Use a lotion mask every night before going to bed and every morning before applying make-up. • champagne to your face as an astringent, you’ll cause your skin to have a more glow-y look. But be sure to save some for drinking.

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Beauty Tr e n d s

Make the Most of Wintertime Hues Now Beauty and fashion are always one step ahead of the seasons, which is problematic when the weather is still on calendar. Or, when we’re still sporting tights and coats long past the desired time. (We live in the greatest city in the world, yet still complain when we see our Southern Facebook friends boasting about wearing shorts in April.) Now is the time to get the most out of dark wintry hues before going into full-on tropics mode.

By Elizabeth Lilly

I

t’s high time to wear those gray, black and bordeaux shades now. As New Yorkers we lean toward the dark shades when it comes to fashion, but it isn’t as appropriate for our cosmetics during spring and summer. However, there’s no shame in investing in a few lastminute cold weather beauty goods to rock these trends while you still can.

Black and Gold Equally festive and chic, this daring color combo was our favorite during the holidays and we’re still working it as long as it’s still tights-appropriate weather. The pairing of these two winter classic colors is insta-glam.

For a late night spent at the office, rather than a night on the town, let your nails do the talking with the vibrant gold glitter chunks in black polish. A bold mani is just enough in office environments and Deborah Lippmann is queen of the chunky glitter lacquer.

Deborah Lippmann nail lacquer in Cleopatra in New York, $18; lippmanncollection.com.

Girl Gone Grey It’s about the time we start yearning for New York in the spring, or even fall for that matter. To put it bluntly, the skies are grey and so are our moods. That isn’t necessarily the worst thing, though. As New Yorkers, we can appreciate many shades of grey beyond the erotic book series we wouldn’t be caught dead reading on the train.

Consider yourself lucky if you were able to snag the MAC Grey Friday lipstick and nail lacquer during the shopping vortex called Black Friday. (That was almost too much, even for seasoned shoppers like us.) The pearly gray shade is one of those lip colors you can really get away with in the city without prompting a second glance.

Although, we’re sure tourists will delight in the sight and tell friends back home all about the luxe zombie lip look.

Did someone mention mood lipstick?

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Un-Prudent Purple Dark hues are always big in the colder months—and honestly, all the time in our great city—but certain shades have had their moments this season. Deep purple was just one of them and we’ve been wearing it like it’s going out of style.

Sometimes the only flirting you can do while bundled up in pre-spring weather is batting your lashes across the subway aisle out from under your knitted cap. Shades of purple will grab almost anyone’s attention in the place you try hardest to avert eye contact. However, if subtle is a little more your style, a plum mascara with nude shadow will do. The shade is so lovely it’s sure to become a makeup bag staple. BADgirl Plum Mascara, $19; benefitcosmetics.com

Just The Tip Nail art has gone as far as possible and now we’re starting to show a little restraint during our salon manicures.

We aren’t sacrificing colors and patterns overall, though.

Never! Finding creative ways to incorporate those fab finishes into our manis without looking like a walking cartoon is more our current speed.

If painting tiny designs on just the tip of your nails sounds like your own personal nightmare (and we totally get that), then nail art stickers is a quick and easy solution.

We’ve been huge fans of nail strips for a long time now and found that they mostly last longer than the promised week long stay. So sticking with the lazy nail art tools and opting for a sparkly French mani, albeit a golden one, is desirable, to say the least. Sally Hansen Salon Effects French Mani in Gold Cabaret; sallyhansen.com. •

Be a u t y & Fa s h io n

Our Ultimate Fashion Beauty Fate Items Those things worth lusting after for our own personal beauty closets

By Elizabeth Lilly

N

othing feels quite as exhilarating as purchasing that beauty product you’ve been vying after for what feels like ages. The one thing to surpass that feeling is when said item does wonders for your look and self-esteem.

It’s happened to all of us before. We’ve cyber stalked the high-end product to catch it at a reduced price and stopped by Sephora to try it out in person to justify a crazed obsession. If we’re fortunate enough it can be poured into a sample vial, we frequent different stores throughout the city to stock up on samples and prolong the wait until we drop the big bucks on it. If only beauty sample sales were as common as fashion ones!

Here are a few must-have, once-in-a-lifetime beauty fate items worth vying after:

Clarisonic Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush The holy grail of all skincare products, this spinning brush has captivated makeup artists, beauty editors and skincare obsessionistas for years. No one can say he or she truly knows skincare unless he or she has started a fund for this beauty bag essential. Think of it as a spinning tooth-

the dark-hued dazzler. A nail polish addict can’t dream of a better dark, glittering lacquer. Alas, a $25 version is available at Fred Segal for the 99% — or those of us who realize the value of giving our children a college education. $250,000; azature.com

Tom Ford Lip Color in Aphrodisiac It doesn’t take a genius like Tom Ford to determine how outstanding lip color can completely transform your look. It does, however, take a genius to develop a range of lip colors to cover a woman’s every want and need.

The outstanding formula is creamy, rich and packs an incredible punch of color, deeming it the ultimate lipstick.

(Dita Von Teese is a big fan of the product’s matte finish.)

This 80s fuchsia is the perfect standout hue for a range of skin tones and can easily transition into the spring. $48; neimanmarcus.com.

Nails Inc. Bling It On Black Leather & Skulls Perhaps by now, the wait list for this enviable nail polish and embellishment kit will have dwindled down a bit. Or, at least the British nail lacquer house will have increased its production on the must-have beauty item. But a milelong wait list tends to happen when Alexa Chung tweets her nail art featuring your product. Nails are the new-ish fashion frontier, and there’s an ever-expanding catalog of special nail effects to prove it. Alexa loves a little leather (as do we), and this is one of those items you didn’t realize you needed until you were made aware of its existence – and it’s temporary short supply. $24; nailsinc.com.

Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar in NSFW Some of us struggle over allying with either lipstick or gloss. There’s nothing like discovering a product that gives a happy medium for picky beautyistas. This little tube of high-voltage color promises (and delivers) a lipstick-like finish with a gloss application. A mini lip brush helps navigate the tacky texture and a nylon pouch keeps it from ending up all over the inside of your favorite purse. The true red shade, NSFW, makes us want to do things befitting the name. $16; occmakeup.com brush for your face, buffing away dead skin and minimizing pores. Replacement brush heads make this products one for the ages and address specific skin problems like acne and sensitivity. $199; clarisonic.com.

Azature Black Diamond Nail Polish Remember that $250,000 nail polish Kelly Osborne wore on the red carpet? The least frugal find on this list, the black polish has 267 carats of black diamonds, brought to you by—of course—a jewelry couturier that specializes in

NARS Blush in Orgasm It’s an oldie but such a goodie with the reputation for a bonified reason. This sparkly peach blush is meant to give the effect of a post-lovin’ glow. Not going for a hot mess look? Don’t worry. The universally flattering shade is buildable from subtle to startling, if that’s your desired look. It’s also worth checking out NARS’ other cosmetics available in the shade. At this price, there’s no excuse to not keep this in your makeup arsenal. $28; narscosmetics.com •

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Beaut y & Fa s hio n

For the New You: Must-have Fate Items of the New Year We’re now well into the new year, and if you’re like me, those resolutions are already beginning to look a bit slack from when you excitedly told everyone you were planning to start training to run a marathon. Or, you know, to do something charitable like feed the hungry.

B y B re n t R a m s e y

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’ve mentioned before to some friends how this year shouldn’t be about running marathons or working out six days a week (although that charity idea mentioned earlier really does sound golden, so keep that), but I’d like to focus my efforts on institutionalizing 2013 as the year of graduated style for aspiring fashionistas.

As we begin our voyage into the next 365 days, jumpstarting this new and improved wardrobe of fashion fates and beauty finds, graduated style should take priority. I mean, who really wants to spend all those hours sweating in the gym anyway?

To assist you on your search for the must haves of 2013, here is the ultimate compilation of fate items, from those must-have fate items and style tips to what to focus on while shopping. After taking a look through this, you’ll definitely be on the right track to establishing the perfect wardrobe for a graduated fashionista.

THE FATES The Perfect Oversized Coat Overwhelmingly warm and comfy. A blanket of fashion.

And BIG is beautiful again. From winter whites and blacks to browns and soft purples. This oversized look pairs beautifully with wide-leg trousers and structured skirts. In Fall/Winter collections,“shoulders were dropped, lengths were long and trousers had low crotches,” according to Vogue UK fashion director Lucinda Chambers.

The simple way to oversize right? Contrast pieces of volume with slim fit, structured opposites.

The Perfect Leather Biker Jacket Leather, leather and more leather! Add a biker jacket to any ensemble for a perfect flair of edge and cool.

You won’t have any trouble finding one either — they’re everywhere in the stores. And everywhere on the streets! Now, it’s your turn.

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THE STREET STYLE Shoulder the Coat Who ever you said you had to wear the coat? Simply drape it over your shoulders for a dramatic caped look.

Peek-a-boo Spring We can’t always feel (or dress) drab during the winter.

It’s time to brighten up our days and our wardrobes with a palette of brighter colors (like fuchsia and yellow) and skin. Just remember to pair a sweater on top to be able to compromise between the cooler temps and those mini-skirted or short-shorted bare legs you have going on below.

THE SHOPPING SPREE Think Texture I’ve always been a fan of texture in my clothing. Looking for weaved or knobby sweaters, embellished or studded jackets or shirts. They don’t only look cool, but they also add a bit of variety to your ensemble. And a statement.

Pair a textured sweater with black skinny jeans and the leather biker jacket mentioned earlier and you’ve one cool outfit.

Think Denim Denim is definitely having a moment right now. No, I’m not talking about denim pants; it’s the time of the denim jacket. I love wearing them as a layered piece under a larger coat during harsh winter time – and a simple jacket by itself during lighter weather. Absolutely, the denim jacket is the king of outerwear, and you can pair with almost everything. (Just be sure not to make the same mistake Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake made with same-colored head-to-toe denim ensembles… Ouch.)

Think Metallic Whether a vixen or a virgin, metallic accents are wonderful for all types of personalities. Givenchy and Chanel featured shiny beaded embroidery and fringes and metallic tights in their collections, respectively. Pair those metallic tights with knitted sweater dress for a subtle yet stylish look.

Think Accessories & Shoes Every outfit needs the finishing touch, and accessories tie it all together. This season calls for thick-heeled pumps, booties and thigh-high boots. Focus the other parts of the body with thick belts and necklaces. To stay warm, wrap up with a knitted or printed scarf.

My mother always says to me, “Scarves are so versatile; they can do so much or very little with an outfit. It’s all in the way you wear it.”And I definitely think she’s on to something with that. •

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Beaut y & Fa s hio n

Fate Items For Him Staying Stylish on the Commute Into a blur of black with all those warm yet drab coats filling the sidewalk.

And I must admit, sometimes that fluffy, down feather parka looks so comfy and warm. But here in New York, we like to make statements and not even the harsh, frigid wind will keep us at bay.

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taying stylish on the commute means determining what counts, and that’s curb appeal: What people see first. As you’re walking into the subway, holding on to the support poles in the train or grabbing a coffee before walking up to the office.

To help you out, I’ve broken it down into a few categories from top to bottom – and even the book to carry.

Now, buck up men! It’s time to stand out and to let your style be known to the city of commuters without knowing the pains of frostbite.

The Hat Keep the wind away with a nice hat. From felt fedoras to knitted beanies, headwear provides some great protection during this time of year. I opt for the slouchy knit beanie, but for a more dapper, sophisticated look you might want to choose a simple, grey felt fedora. At the time in the season, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find them in almost every store.

The Overcoat Here’s the ticket for staying warm on the walk to work.

An all-encompassing coat allows you to stay stylish underneath and on top. Although my personal fate item of the season is an oversized black coat with a draped hood, I layer in a brightly colored denim jacket underneath, such as a blue or green. When shopping for a coat, remember to evaluate it on four points: Practicality, warmth, style and options. If you can’t wear it over a blazer or sweater, it’s not a winner; so keep on looking.

The Timepiece Although most of us do not really need them anymore since we all have cell phones, watches play a massive role in men’s style. When it comes to shopping for this male arm candy, bold is better. And big faces stand out beautifully. Just make sure not to get the athletic-wear, sports branded watch; they can thoroughly throw off an entire outfit. Remember: Sleek, stylish and bold. (Side note for the brave: Pocket watches are making a comeback!)

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From high tops to low tops, slip-ons to lace-ups, sneakers are experiencing an all-time high. And all thanks to the way colors are being used. Blue, purple and turquoise to yellow, beige and olive green. These suede, canvas or polyurethane delights have never been any more stylish. Wear them with slim-fitting black jeans, a printed t-shirt and a leather biker jacket for an effortlessly cool look.

The Fun Accessory

The Required ReaDing

Guys just want to have to fun, too. And in our accessories is where we can do it! From wooden skull bracelets to leather bow ties, let’s remind the world men can be stylish and cool. For your consideration, Stitch Collective features a stunning, black Lambskin Bow Tie ($74; stitchcollective. com), and you can find wooden skull bracelets in many different locations, from H&M to Urban Outfitters.

Mr. Porter’s The Manual for a Stylish Life: Volume One, a comprehensive style guide and required reading for any style-conscious man. Throughout this volume of worthy style tips and advice, Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Langmead shares his immense fashion knowledge and insight, offering profiles of style icons, as well as few well-known dashing chaps from around the world. He also provides some much-needed advice for the modern man, touching on many topics from fashion and style to the best way of dancing at a wedding. Yes, The Manual for a Stylish Life: Volume One ($35, mrporter.com) sounds like a guaranteed spot on every man’s required reading list. And the perfect read for a morning commute. •

The Boot: Chukka or Chelsea These ankle-high boots pair well with most outfits, but I favor them with my black skinny jeans (a.k.a. part of my daily uniform). These versatile boots are both sleek and masculine — and stylish. You can also find them for reasonable prices: Topman and Zara usually have a few styles in stock.

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Staying stylish on the commute means determining what counts, and that’s curb appeal: What people see first.

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The Colorful Sneaker

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designer spotlight:

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ilitant, minimal and elegant. Three of my favorite words to describe the perfect fashion piece, which just-so-happen flawlessly articulate the design aesthetic of one, Mr. Ken Chen, lead designer of his eponymous line KEN CHEN. The wise-beyond-his-years San Francisco-based designer has shown at New York Fashion Week, operated a successful pop-up shop at Wesfield Centre in downtown San Francisco and, in the future, hopes to extend his brand to even more, including fragrance and furniture. And all before his 24th birthday.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, but I traveled and studied around the world while I was growing up.

Where do you live currently?

San Francisco, California. — continues on next page...

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But as I’ve been looking back on military attire of the past I’ve also been thinking about the body as a perfect machine, particularly the nervous system.

How did you become interested in fashion?

I’ve always been interested in design, learning how things work and how to make them better. I was always very conscious of fashion growing up. My grandmother who helped raise me was very stylish and elegant — so an interest in fashion seemed very natural.

Very well said. Do you see a direction toward doing only one in the future?

No, actually I see myself taking on a wider catalog. I’m really interested in perfumes/colognes, small leather goods, furniture and lighting.

Tell us about your education: Where did you go to university and what did you study?

Have you interned with any designers?

I currently go to Academy of Art University as a undergraduate student studying fashion design. As much as I want to, I have been so occupied with KENCHEN and haven’t had the chance to intern with other brands, though I would love to.

Tell us about the Wesfield Centre KEN CHEN pop-up store in August 2012.

We were looking for a way to reach our clients more directly and shopping for a location for a pop-up shop. We had just finished our look book and made a strong presentation to the Westfield marketing team among other potential locations.

How did your partnership with Astonish Magazine come about?

While planning a fashion show I met with Astonish because they were interested in our line and working us into their next issue.

How did you feel when they said they’d like to host your runway to launch last February’s fashion week?

We were excited to be supported by an experienced and knowledgeable team. As it was our first major production, they helped us avoid pitfalls and get a great response from the New York fashion scene.

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So you design for both men and women.

Why? I feel like most young designers wouldn’t start an undertaking like that for many years.

My answer to you is why not? As a designer, I feel like it’s a must to know both men and women’s bodies and style.

My job is to design beautiful things for people, not just one gender or the other.

What was the response like?

From opening to closing the reaction from people was very positive. We were pleasantly surprised to hear so many compliments on our clothes as well as the store itself. We garnered more awareness and interest in our brand from locals as well as international travelers.

Do you think you’ll be hosting another one anytime soon?

Absolutely. Currently looking for our next venture.

Is there anything you’re excited about in the following months? Another fashion week?

Currently I am focusing on pushing the current collection through social media and also focusing on school more, so there won’t be many events coming up; although I am doing a charity show for a well-known private school in San Jose.

Now, back to the clothes: What inspired this Fall/Winter collection?

There’s a strong sense of military in this new collection, which works well with my structured and tailored roots. But as I’ve been looking back on military attire of the past I’ve also been thinking about the body as a perfect machine, particularly the nervous system. By adding a sense of biology to the uniform, the look is propelled forward.

What’s currently your favorite piece from the lineup?

The Euclid Coat.

If you could have only one piece of clothing to wear everyday the rest of your life, what would it be?

My Burberry coat I have had for four years already. I wore it everyday — and I still do!

How would you characterize your design aesthetic?

Although I see my aesthetic taking new shapes over the years, I believe elegance and sophistication come from beautiful simplicity, minimalism.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years. I hope to have many stores around the world and have a fashion house to work out of. I have very high ambitions. •

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381 5th Ave 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10016 www.kb1111.com H Office:212.213.0601

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TOUGH Decisions

A Fight for the Perfect Outfit KEN CHEN tackles the daily challenge of finding what to wear by delivering beautifully tailored pieces for the metropolitan man and woman.

Him • Brass Tusk Her • Semblance Shirt Dress in Beige, Antoine (2), New Coco, Henry 8520 Photos: Jeff An • Styled : I. O’Donnell Hair: Luca Burnett • Make up- Tena Ramoodit Jewelry Provided by Saint Germain by Cynthia Germain www.myc ul turemagaz i ne.com 2 5

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Him • Brass Tusk Her • Semblance Shirt Dress in Beige, Antoine (2), New Coco, Henry 8520

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Him • Runaway Salamander, Brass Tusk, Henry 8520, Her • Brenya Piel Dress, Bone Horn, Henry 8520, Antoine, New Coco, On Bed • Ruffle Dress, Semblance Shirt Dress in Beige, Sicarious Leather Jacket, Warrior 4408

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Him • Brass Tusk, Runaway Salamander, Bone Horn, Vintage Brass Misc 1977, Adem 8500 Her • Ruffle Dress, Sicarious Leather Jacket, Nefertiti Tassel, New Coco, Antoine (2), Henry 8520, Bed/Room • Vitreous Bag, Euclid Fur Coat

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Him • Runaway Salamander, Brass Tusk, Henry 8520, Her • Brenya Piel Dress, Bone Horn, Henry 8520, Antoine, New Coco, On Bed • Ruffle Dress, Semblance Shirt Dress in Beige, Sicarious Leather Jacket, Warrior 4408

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Him • Jacket, Brass Tusk, Runaway Salamander, Bone Horn, Her • Ruffle Dress, Euclid Fur Coat, Nefertiti Tassel, Antoine, New Coco

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Him • jacket, Railroad, Adem 8500, Warrior 4408, Her • Fibula Top, Contour Leather pants, Nefertiti Tassel

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Him • jacket, Railroad, Adem 8500, Warrior 4408, Her • Fibula Top, Contour Leather pants, Nefertiti Tassel

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Him • jacket, Brass Tusk, Henry 8520, Adem 8500, Warrior 4408, Her • Fibula Top, Contour Leather pants, Euclid Coat, Nefertiti Tassel

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Him• Euclid Prime Coat, Bone Horn Run Away Salamander, Warrior 4408 Her • Sicarious Leather Jacket, Some Fur Jacket ( email kenchen), Contour Leather Pants, Nefertiti Tassel Room • Ruffle dress, Fibula Top, Semblance Shirtdress, Vitreous handbag (black/tints), Euclid Fur Coat, Euclid Coat, Vitreous hand bag (brown/clear)

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Him• Euclid Prime Coat, Bone Horn Run Away Salamander, Warrior 4408 Her • Sicarious Leather Jacket, Some Fur Jacket ( email kenchen), Contour Leather Pants, Drema Saddle, Nefertiti Tassel Room • Ruffle dress, Fibula Top, Semblance Shirtdress, Vitreous handbag (black/tints), Euclid Fur Coat, Euclid Coat, Vitreous hand bag (brown/clear)

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How Impor tant is Gender [Bending] in the Industr y?

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B y X h i l j o l a N a n o • P h o t o s b y A n d re w L a w re n c e right. Legler began modeling when friend and highprofile photographer Cass Bird asked her to model for a man’s role for Muse Magazine.

It wasn’t long after the shoot when the editorial reached Ford Models, where she was signed the following day as the newest addition to their men’s board and one of the first female models to be signed exclusively for male modeling. In interviews she has mentioned how she does not like to think of the topic of gender bending as related to sex, but rather as one’s freedom to be who they are, regardless of the clothes they wear. (Editor’s Note: Legler will be walking in upcoming fashion weeks in Paris and New York.)

When on the topic of gender bending in the industry, one cannot forget to mention Andrej Pejic, the poster boy for androgyny. Discovered at 17 years old, he was exclusively signed with DNA Model Management, walked for Jean Paul Gaultier and named one of the 100 Most Compelling People of 2011 by OUT Magazine.

“The way I need to look, it’s a very personal thing.

When I started experimenting, it was to make myself feel happy, to look in the mirror and be satisfied. I never did drag or anything like that. It was always that I wanted to be pretty, to look beautiful, as a girl would want to,” said Pejic.“In this society, if a man is called a woman, that’s the biggest insult he could get. Is that because women are considered something less?”

Pejic raises a compelling statement: Gender bending does not only benefit the fashion industry but inspires people to find satisfaction within themselves. And the way they look. An inspiration to all to embrace who they truly are and not defined by sexuality.

Often various media portrays the fashion industry as a bad example. As an institution in society who creates unachievable standards for the average woman. On the other hand, gender bending is something to set the right example by teaching men there is nothing wrong with femininity while inspiring women to embrace who they are regardless of how different it might be from general social expectations. Gender bending is important to the fashion industry and revolutionary to the rest of the world. •

Model: Kyu KB1111 Model Management

ome might say the fashion industry blurs the line separating femininity and masculinity by bending the genders with the use of androgynous model.

However, there’d first have to be a line dividing these two distinct attributes. Exactly, is there one within the fashion community?

Fashion is art and what can be more artistic than giving people the ability to represent the diversity within. If someone can wear Karl Lagerfeld’s new collection as a male or female and still look amazing, then the industry benefits from gender bending by getting the price of two models in one.

Ford Models just welcomed their newest addition Casey Legler, to their men’s board. She is an artist and a former Olympic swimmer and now a model for Ford. This multitalented woman has stated how she can look just as good in menswear as she can in a dress – she’s absolutely

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Hair: Lucas Burnett • Model: Kim- MSA Model Management

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A Look Into the World of Artist,

Beatrice Coron B y F e l i x Q u i n o n e z J r. • P h o t o s b y A s h F o x

The studio lights shone brightly on the dreamy art adorning the pristine white walls.

A French song set the mood and if it weren’t for the two cluttered workstations, this could have passed for a gallery exhibition. But this was the Manhattan studio of French-born artist Beatrice Coron, who specializes in making engaging artwork inhabiting a world between dreams and reality. And in that reality, she stands in the kitchen preparing a cup of tea.

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hat flavor would you like?” she asked.

I’m more of a coffee person myself, so I quickly averted a disaster and continued examining the art. About a minute later, as Beatrice walked out of the kitchen with a cup of tea, proceeded to give me a private tour of her studio. Along the way she explained some of her process, inspiration her journey as an artist.

These days her work can be seen in museums, in subways, on t-shirts, cups and other merchandise. She has published art books and exhibited her work all around the world. And, of course, dresses. Like the rest of her art, these dresses are multilayered and narrate a distinct story. She refers to these stories as “artist books.”

She describes them as “a surface to write what’s important to you or the moment you’re living. Some of them are more wearable sculptures than dresses.”

Just earlier in the day, her dresses were involved with a photo shoot.“I can’t believe she was out in the cold in those dresses,” Beatrice said sounding genuinely concerned with the health of the model.

I try to convince her it’s part of the job and that we all make sacrifices for the things we are passionate about. And passion is something she understands very well. At a time when most children were preoccupied with toys, Beatrice had already begun pursuing her interest in art.

“I began drawing with pencils at a very young age,” she explained.

As an only child, Beatrice had to come up with her own adventures. But even though she was a bit of a loner, she received plenty of support from her parents.

“I had encouragement to do whatever I wanted to do,” Beatrice said as she took a sip of tea.

And although it’s hard to picture this kind woman as anything other than warm and generous it wasn’t always that way.

“I was a bit of a rebel…a contrarian,” Beatrice admits with a sly smile.

And when she was a teenager she began to explore different approaches to making art when she started working in ink. Later, Beatrice briefly studied art and mandarin Chinese at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts of Lyon, but her pursuit of higher education was short lived.

“I went to school of art for four or five months but it was too formal. I stopped drawing after that for a while and did other kinds of jobs,” she explained.

And it was this assortment of odd jobs—which included shepherdess, truck driver, factory worker, cleaning lady and tour guide—that helped her experience life away from the classroom. During this time she lived in various places around the world including Egypt, Mexico and China. She absorbed different cultures and was slowly drawn back into the world of arts.

“When you’re an artist it’s like you’re a sponge and absorb everything. Filtering whatever you see and putting it back into your visual words,” she recalled.

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“

I often dig into my dreams for my work. I love reading The Interpretation of Dreams

by Freud.

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During this time she didn’t produce a lot but after spending enough time away from art, she moved to New York, dedicating herself to becoming a full-time artist and make a living by doing so.

As anyone who has pursued a career in any creative field can attest, starting out can often be the hardest part.

“When I decided I wanted to become a full-time artist, I set my mind to produce as much material as possible,” she explained.

However, aside from producing the work, getting it displayed is another great challenge every artist has to face. This problem was tackled straight on by visiting and submitting to any place displaying art.

Although Beatrice has worked in many different mediums, she has been primarily focusing on paper cutting for the last 15 years. Like most artists, Beatrice draws from her own 4 6 m y C U LTURE

experiences and her inspirations are as eclectic as her work.

“I often dig into my dreams for my work. I love reading The Interpretation of Dreams by Freud,” she said.

In this way, her work can be seen as a bridge connecting two opposite worlds, telling stories and inventing situations, and it is up to the viewer or wearer to decide what to take away from her works of fantasy.

“I put different elements in my stories but the viewers read it their way. I invite the viewer to make their own stories,” she explained.

The importance of storytelling unites us all. After all, we all have a story to tell.

“Storytelling is a very strong tool; it is a way of giving purpose to what you’re going through. She said, and by having purpose, you’re bringing hope and can lift your burdens.” •

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In December, myCULTURE magazine held a contest to discover up-and-coming artists in the New York fashion scene. Pictures of various contestants’ work were posted on Facebook, and the people selected their favorites. Though a very close competition, three were victorious. Here are your ultimate trendsetters: Ana Segura, designer of Black Label; Mildred Malave, hair stylist and makeup artist; and Jeff An, fashion photographer.

A n a S e g u r a • D e s i g n e r B l a c k Lab e l

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rom an early age it was clear Ana Segura would quickly carve her space in history. Born in Puerto Rico to Dominican parents, Segura embraced her talents as a member of a threegeneration family of seamstresses.

As she continued to hone her craft and mature as an artist, her evolving ambitions lead her to the High School of Fashion Industries in New York before graduating to Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida where she received a Bachelors of Science in Fashion Design. Then it was back to New York City where she worked for Nike’s flagship as a visual merchandiser.

In 2005, wanting to remain true to her spirit, her family’s traditions and her Bronx roots, she launched Anne S. Limited. A year later, increasing exposure circulating the label led to her collection’s debut on The Tyra Banks Show in February 2006.

After her Fall/Winter 2006 debut collection, she moved on to develop six more collections under the Annie S. Intimates Label. Now under her own name, she has included Wedding Night Gold, Swim, Resort and her couture Black Label, as well as her Ready-to-Wear Silver Label, which launched during 2010 New York Fashion Week.

Segura’s one of a kind, made-to-order designs have been sold in New York, Los Angeles and London. Her distinctive signature style combines a unique vision to the intimate apparel industry while paying tribute to rebellious times in fashion history. Black Label preserves the femininity and sophistication of the Baroque, Rococo and Victorian eras while rejecting the rigidity and conservatism of those times.

The result is a tangible sultriness and distinctively feminine style aimed at a sophisticated, uninhibited and provocative clientele.

M a r i lu z F o n ta n e z • M a r i lu z F o n ta n e z H a u t e B e a u t y

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V Host for Beauty/Fashion Segment“Viva La Mari”for NBC/Telemundo 47’s“El Show De Jackie”and founder of Mariluz Fontanez Haute Beauty, Fontanez is a fashion forward, innovative and multi-faceted artist with 15 years of experience in the industry. Trained by prestigious labels such as MAC, Chanel, Elizabeth Arden, Clinique and Benefit Cosmetics, she has been certified in black and white makeup photography, special effects, scar/tattoo cover-ups, airbrushing and fashion/editorial.

Over the years, she has collaborated with many celebrated professionals, including photographers Michael Polizzi and Allen Martin; Latin music video producer Eric Mamery; actress Nia Peeples (from“Pretty Little Liars”); Latin Grammy winner, group Aventura; bachata singer Jay

J e ff

O

An

• J e ff e r y A n P h o t o g r aph y

riginally from a small town outside of Washington, D.C., Jeff An has always been drawn to various art forms - music, film, paintings and architecture. This passion for exploring the traditional and contemporary arts was further fueled by his travels to Europe and time spent living in Asia.

It was while working in advertising in Seoul and New York City Jeff became aware of a growing desire to become a visual storyteller. He had many stories to tell from his experiences, as well as a desire to create, not just appreciate,

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Martin and the Off-Broadway show“Celia Cruz.”

Her work has appeared in many various outlets: publications Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Weddings, GetMarried, The Knot and BRIDES; the ANova Rotolight campaign; and on the runways of Wedding Channel Couture Bridal Week in New York and Barcelona Bridal Week in Spain for designer Rosa Clara.

art. In order to do that, Jeff enrolled at the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California. To study photography.

Known to allow photo shoots to grow organically into the unexpected, An is still able to evoke a natural, yet meticulous attention to composition and lighting. At the same time, his photos showcase a model’s distinct features, movements and wardrobe. The underlying inspiration being to capture fleeting moments where elegance, allure and sensuality all come together. To capture the beautiful fantasy. •

Fitore: Fall/Winter 2013 RTW Collection- Nature Warrior

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Fitore: Fall/Winter 2013 RTW Collection- Nature Warrior

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R ec i p e s

For the City Cook: Timeless Recipes for a New Year B y T. E l i z a b e t h

Southern Fried Chicken For tender, juicy and flavor-packed fried chicken, brining is the way to go. Ever heard of it? Basically, it’s the soaking of meat in salty/sugary water infused with your favorite herbs and spices. The meat is therefore flavored through the bone, and your chicken won’t dry out.

Before Frying:

Photo: Stil-Life Media Photography

Try using Grapeseed oil to fry the chicken with. Not only is it a healthier alternative, but it also reaches a higher boiling point without burning.

The Brine: 2 gallons of water 2 cups of kosher salt ½ cup of honey 12 bay leaves 1 head of garlic, halved through the equator ½ cup of whole peppercorns 1 bunch of parsley & cilantro 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper (or 1 tablespoon of habanero pepper) 1 bunch of thyme 5 lemons, halved 2½ - 3 lb. chicken Editor’s Note: Since I like spicy food, I added 2 tablespoons of cayenne or 1 tablespoon of habanero pepper. This can be reduced or eliminated.

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The Coating: 6 cups of flour ¼ cup of garlic powder ¼ cup of onion powder 1 tablespoon of paprika 1 teaspoon of cayenne 1 teaspoon of black pepper 1 teaspoon of kosher salt Rosemary and thyme sprigs finely chopped.

Buttermilk Grapeseed Oil

The Process: 1. Bring all of the brining ingredients, except the chicken, to a boil in a large pot. Boil for 10 minutes and cool. This brine can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days.

2. Cut chicken into small pieces. Pour the brine into a large container and add in the chicken. Refrigerate for 12 hours (no longer or the chicken may become too salty).

3. Remove the chicken from the brine, discard the brine and rinse the chicken under cold water, removing any herbs or spices sticking to the skin. Pat dry with paper towels or lay flat to air-dry. Let rest at room temperature for 1½ hour, or until room temperature.

4. If you have two large pots (about 6 inches deep) and a lot of oil, you can cook the dark and white meat at the same time. If not, cook the dark meat first, then turn up the heat and cook the white meat. No matter what size pot you have, the oil should not come more than onethird of the way up the pot. Fill the pot with at least 2 inches of oil and heat to 320 degrees. Set a cooking rack over a baking sheet and line a second baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Combine all the coating ingredients in a large bowl.

Transfer half of the coating to the second large bawl.

Pour the buttermilk into the third bowl and season with salt and pepper. Set up your dipping station: the chicken pieces, one bowl of coating, the bowl of buttermilk, the second bowl of coating and the parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer to the rack, sprinkle with salt and turn skin side up. Fry the chicken for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the wings to the rack and turn off the heat. If your chicken has rested longer than 10 minutes, put the tray of chicken in a 400-degree oven for a minute or so to ensure a crisp crust and warm chicken. For a garnish, add the herb sprigs to the oil (which will still be hot) and let them cook and crisp for a few seconds, then arrange them over the chicken.

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New York is known for its pizza. And although there is no way of competing with some of the best well-known pizzerias, here’s a recipe to give it your hardest – and a really delicious one at that.

It starts with the perfect crust. But that takes time, and that’s that time most of us don’t have. So consider purchasing your raw crust at Whole Foods. Have them put it in the box and roll it out yourself. If you want to pat yourself on the back for being more healthy, request the Whole Wheat Pizza Dough.

Add flour to your workstation and the rolling pin (to prevent sticking) before rolling out the dough. Thin is in, and I prefer the dough as thin as possible, but without it breaking apart. To spice it up your pizza night, here’s an easy flatbread recipe to include pesto sauce and your favorite mushrooms.

Ingredients:: 3 cups of fresh organic basil leaves ½ cup of Parmesan and Pecorino cheese 1 teaspoon of garlic Handful of pinenuts or walnuts Handful of cremini, bella and shitake mushrooms Olive oil Course ground pepper Kosher salt

The Process: 1. Add all ingredients except the olive oil to the blender to break up the leaves, then the oil to get the creamy consistency you/re looking for. Season the green paste with salt and pepper.

2. Heat pan with olive oil. Add garlic when hot, then mushrooms. As soon as the mushrooms are added, turn off the heat. Season with kosher salt and pepper. You want to break down the mushrooms before adding to the flatbread. Roughly chop the mushrooms.

3. Brush dough with olive oil and spread pesto paste on top.

4. Layer with mozzarella and sprinkle with goat cheese.

5. Add mushrooms and bake at 350 degrees until cheese melts and slightly browned.

Rock Shrimp & Lobster Tacos It’s time to host taco night! Your friends will think you are the next Top Chef when you mention Lobster meat in their tacos. If they only knew how simple and easy this recipe is… But just go along with it as they compliment your culinary expertise.

Ingredients: 1 lb. of rock shrimp 2 lbs. of lobster 1 cup if yellow cornmeal 1 cup of flour ½ cup of seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko) 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon of kosher salt ½ course black pepper 1 teaspoon of garlic powder 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning ¼ cup of skim milk Mild cheddar cheese and queso fresco 1 cup of cilantro 1 cup of finely chopped white onions 1 cup of chopped green onions White corn tortillas Grapeseed oil

“

Your friends will think you are the next Top Chef when you mention Lobster meat in their tacos.

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Mushroom Flatbread with Pesto

The Process: 1. Bring a pot of water to boil and then turn off. Add whole lobster to the water for less than one minute (you do not want to cook the meat, just separate it from the shell). Cut shell open and pull out the raw lobster meat.

Cut in large chunks and season with kosher salt, Old Bay, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and course black pepper.

2. Completely remove shells from shrimp and devein. Clean the shrimp and season with kosher salt, Old Bay, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and course black pepper. Set aside.

3. Wash cilantro and place in food processor, until shredded well. Bring oil to medium heat.

4. Combine cornmeal, breadcrumbs (or Panko), 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of course black pepper. Add milk to the shrimp, and then add shrimp to the cornmeal mixture. Coat evenly. Fry shrimp until crispy, but do not overcook.

5. Pan-fry corn tortillas until crispy.

6. Enjoy! Let your guests build tacos to their liking with mild cheddar cheese, queso fresco, white onions, green onions and cilantro. www.myc ul turemagaz i ne.com 6 1

Fo o d Tr end s

New Restaurants in New York City There are many joys of living in New York City, such as having the opportunities to try Michelin Star restaurants -- and at the same time, a neighboring spot by an unknown chef. Keeping the search for the next best restaurant perpetually alive. During 2013, aspire to check out some of the newest culinary experiences to hit the streets, no matter if it’s for appetizers, the main course or dessert. Or all of the above.

Siro Ristorante

For Starters Sirio Ristorante Sirio Ristorante in the Upper East Side offers authentic Italian but with a twist. Sitting in the bar during the winter and eating butternut squash soup, beef carpaccio or seared scallops will keep you coming back for more.

You would never visit Italy without sampling wine, and this place does not disappoint with an extensive wine selection. The experience will make you feel as if you are in a modern but rustic city in Italy.

El Toro Blanco Chef Scott Linquist brought a new taste of Mexicaninspired dishes to El Toro Blanco on Sixth Avenue. Since opening, restaurant goers have raved about the guacamole with spicy yellow salsa, fresh lobster ceviche and short rib empanadas. Sounds like you couldn’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Why walk the busy streets of NY after work or squeeze into the crowded subway during rush hour when you can order Jicama Fig margaritas or choose from the vast selection of authentic Mexican tequilas? Perfect for starting your evening feast or a chance to unwind after your daily grind.

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Chez Sardine Chez Sardine in West Village is the perfect go-to Japanese fusion with choices of clever small bites. Chef Mehdi Brunet-Benkritly does not have formal training with Japanese cuisine — and this is where it is gets interesting. The menu lists some pretty spectacular opportunities, such as caviar and butter toast, crispy chicken with kimchi aioli and foie gras and cheddar grill cheese. (Sounds like an opportunity to take out a group so you can nibble off of someone else’s plate while enjoying your own, too.)

For the Entrees Koi Soho The term“clackers”from the movie The Devil Wears Prada comes to mind when I think of the clientele visiting Koi Soho, the new restaurant serving up fresh sushi with so many variations and the lobster tail with sake butter sauce to make your tummy love you more with each morsel. At Koi, inside the Trump SoHo Hotel, the chef creates a fusion Japanese experience, with a little tradition thrown in.

The Dutch on Sullivan Street

The Dutch If bold choices or Asian fusion aren’t on your radar for the night, there might not be anything like a big plate of homemade Southern fried chicken, the truest of comfort foods.

The Dutch on Sullivan Street in South Village has the largest portions and served with warm butter bread. The days of fast food fried chicken are gone! (Or at least should be.) The real foodies now want that special homemade taste when indulging in this greasy goodness. Adding some unconventional non-Southern flair to menu, the Korean-style Hanger Steak with kimchi fried rice tastes like nothing you have ever had before. And then there are the fried oyster sandwiches.

YUM! The Dutch stands strong as a casual yet energetic restaurant with trendy ambience, just like grandma’s kitchen in Alabama.

Socarrat Paella Bar Only if your Spanish mother and grandmother raised you on their home-cooked Paella would you understand that Socarrat Paella Bar has the best in New York. Located in Midtown East on Second Avenue, Socarrat dishes out their signature paella made to your liking as vegetarian or with meat or seafood. You can literally close your eyes and point to an item on the menu and be equally as satisfied, making this an ill-advised location for dinner of the indecisive New Yorker but a great chance for the hungry foodie. In case you want to try something other than Paella, which you must, there’s the tender pork burger, the mushroom flatbread with chorizo paste and the breakfast frittata filled with artichokes, asparagus and fava beans.

For the Sweet Tooth Ladurée Macaroons are the cutest. These small and colorful desserts are equally delicate and delicious, and the Upper East Side’s Ladurée on Madison Avenue gets it right every single time. Not only do the owners serve the perfect Macaroon, but they also come packaged in the prettiest

box. With a bite out of one of the trendiest treats there is, you’ll immediately feel some French comfort. As if you are at home in a sidewalk café, in view of the Eiffel Tower.

Big Gay Ice Cream Shop Ever have a tall scoop of ice cream with the cone served lying flat on a plate? Neither have I. So I cannot wait to visit Big Gay Ice Cream Shop at their new location in the West Village on Grove Street. Visitors not only love their creamy ice cream goodness, but the names are just as interesting, like the “Salty Pimp” with vanilla, dulce de leche and chocolate dip. How about a “Mexican Affo’gay’to” with hot chocolate, vanilla and cayenne pepper? Yes, cayenne pepper.

Melting into a combination that’s said to be addicting.

Silk Road Tavern Nothing reminds us of our childhood memories like popsicles.

The chef at Silk Road Tavern in Flatiron helps us re-live those fond memories of enjoying those icy treats on hot summer days in our childhood. Although it’s up to the Chef’s discretion on the specific flavors for the sicles, it would still be a delight to sit in a crowded restaurant of adults and not be judged for eating popsicles. Silk Road also has an extensive menu with bar options, like the Tavern Punch. But beware, that one has jalapenos. Proving this hot-and-cold place might be just what the inner kid ordered. •

The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

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