November
NYCHIC
Table of Contents Contributors page Editor’s Notes Features Look out for Benjamin Closet, the styling website by Keino full of lookbooks and trends for the ultimate fashionista, coming in 2010. Global Pedestrian Lusting for Leather Fashion in Film Spotlight Unlocking the Beauty That’s Truly Skin Deep : ERNO LASZLO Skincare Iosselliani Jewelry Editorial MODERN DAY MYTH Theseus & Minotaur: article interview with Stefan EAST MEETS WEST and Vancouver shopping guide GREENWICH VILLAGE GLAMOUR When these students go about their day there is something that sets them apart from the masses. Each mundane task is vitalized by their innate charm and style;
they are the head turners, emitting effortless glamour with every step. A Fasionable Life
Out of the Orient; with Wesley Sun Restaurant Review ; Kyotofu and Joseph Leonard
days.
Calender of Events: November Explore New York City in 30 autumn
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ONTR
Andrea Ng : Co editor-in-chief Tina Liu: Co Editor-in-Chief
NEWS TEAM Dabina Gim: News Director Gillian Wong: Co Copy Chief Anna Podkovyrova: Co Copy Chief
Amy Zhang Erin Stovall Allison Leu Justina Lee Eunsun Huh Stephanie Lin Kelsie Pelletier
FASHION TEAM Rachel Small:
Co. Fashion Taylor Siebenaler Co Fashion Donna Kim: Beaut
PR TEAM Tiffany Domenec PR D Samantha Khan: Fund
RIBUTORS
n Director r: n Director ty Director
ch: Director
draising
Daniel McKinney: Marketing Francesca de Fuso: Events Co-ordinator DESIGN TEAM Mia Yoo: Creative Director Todd Hanlon: Webmaster Justina Lee
Allison Leu Steph Lin Charles Leung PHOTO Eunsun Huh: Photo director
Editor’s Note
NYU students know that they do not go to just any university. It is a school where sweats are frowned upon and students can go directly from the Washington Square Park to the tents at Bryant Park during Fashion Week without looking out of place. When given the chance to reinvent NYU’s only fashion publication, I immediately felt the pressure. I brought influences from the East and the West and inspiration from my travels to China this past summer. My mother’s closet provided just as much inspiration, especially for the East meets West editorial. Her closet is the perfect example of a fusion between East and West and after decades of her excessive obsession with fashion, I am finally able to take full advantage of it. There is no other place where I can pull vintage Comme des Garçons and Dior from the same place. If only I can move her closet to New York… Enjoy the new issue and stay fabulous! Who knows… we might feature you in an upcoming issue! Andrea Ng Co Editor-in-Chief
ItÍs been a tumultuous year for the world„ and thus the word ñreces sionistaî has crept into our vocabulary and elbowed its way into our lifestyles. Most college students, with their 60k a year tuition burning Jupiter sized holes through their wallets, are forced to prioritize and therefore fashion is often forced into the back seat. However, weÍre n ot most college students. NYU students are as colorful, creative, and spirited as the magnificent city we’re so privileged to live in. I love walking down Lafayette or West 4th and seeing my fabulously stylish peers traipse down the street as if it were a catwalk. IÍm in Lo ndon now, and while the city is beautiful and the kids unique, nothing quite compares to the Big Apple. ThatÍs why the NYChic team has worked so arduously on this new issue of NYChic„ to present the worlds most stylish students with a magazine worthy of their time and attention. Sending you all my best wishes from London, Tina Liu Co-Editor in Chief
Editor’s Note
Dear readers,
features Co Editor-in-Chief Andrea Ng models different looks styled by Keino at LF shop in Soho.
Keino Benjamin Inter Keino Benjamin
, stylist t
Tarah Smith clutch ($198); Millau skirt ($88); Emma and Sam tank top ($48); Emma and Sam metallic crop top ($44); Please leather jacket ($724); Report Signature shoes ($198)
from reality TV star Jessica Rich and rising Finnish pop sensation Alex to model Jaimie Hilfiger (niece to Uncle Tommy). Hailing from the island of St. Kitts, the Caribbean fashionisto has taken t You will find him at all the hot industry parties, red carpet e at the tents of Bryant Park, and even on the Satorialist’s blog.
He shares with NYChic his journey to the top and his tips for su
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to the stars, has dressed
xandra Alexis,
the country by storm. events,
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Eunsan Huh everyone
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eino came to the US to further his education when he was fifteen years old. He went on to pursue a degree in business management, but divulges that all throughout, fashion was in his veins. He chuckles as he shares memories of using his stylistic expertise on previous girlfriends. “It all came very naturally to me,” he discloses, “I didn’t go to school to learn about fashion.” During his college years, his style matured and Keino began a professional career in fashion. The key to Keino’s success was his expert dedication to self-promotion. He started by going to industry-related events and marketing himself. “I was a walking billboard,” he says. His confidence and thickrimmed glasses became the two key components of his signature look. Soon, people were approaching him on the street and at clubs, wondering who the suave stylist was and asking for tips. At red carpet events, he quickly learned to network with celebrities, leading to a flood of requests and recommendations. Styling is a tricky business, whether it’s for a celebrity or a private
client - it is a balancing act between fashion and personal style. Keino analyzes his clients to ensure that they look and feel their best (his business savvy comes in handy, no doubt). He looks at their complexion and shape, as well as their features. One other thing he always looks at? Their walk. “You can learn a lot about a person and their style just by watching her walk,” he explains. So who does this natural-born stylist look to for inspiration? “Anna Wintour,” he reveals, “She has made a major impact on fashion because she goes above and beyond to create a masterpiece.” Like Ms. Wintour, Keino puts great emphasis on taking fashion seriously, and respecting the trade. Despite his success, Keino remains ambitious: “I am still learning right now, but I hope that one day I, too, will be an icon.”
Previous page: Vintage hat ($75); Era of Chaos jeans ($178); Miz Mooz combat boots ($178); Millau velvet jacket ($188); Emma and Sam t-shirt ($78); Chain mail bracelet ($38) – brand unknown
Keino’s Tips: 1. Educate yourself Learn about fashion: read fashion magazines to familiarize yourself with designers, and brands. Remember to pay attention to trends! 2. Market yourself Dress the part and create a buzz! Create a website or print business cards to promote yourself. Remember, sophistication is the key. 3. Get Connected Visit local hot spots, show rooms, store openings and other fashion events to meet industry professionals 4. Be Confident And his number one tip? 5. Always wear the clothes; don’t let them wear you!
Millau jacket ($178); Millau cocktail dress ($158); Velvet Angels shoes ($295); SOOS bracelet ($50); Stacy Sterling earrings ($35); Chain mail bracelet ($38)
globalÌ pedestrians You know this already: fashion bloggers are the world’s new celebrities. They are sitting alongside editors and stars in Fashion Week, and their daily sartorial choices are being emulated by youngsters everywhere.
But if you look more closely into these trendsetters’ profiles, you’ll be surprised by the backdrop of their fashionable lives: Stockholm, Singapore, Paris, Berlin, Hong Kong, Tokyo…this is when you feel compelled to borrow a catchphrase from economists: the world of fashion is flat. Consider the front-row crew at New York Fashion Week: Rumi Neely hails from California; Susie Bubble is a British-born Chinese; Bryan Boy is Filipino. Big-name bloggers from traditional fashion capitals are also focusing their cameras outside their native countries: Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist has shot in Berlin, Stockholm, Shanghai, and other foreign locations; the French blogger, Garance Doré, also travels afar. Meanwhile, almost every modern city has a blog celebrating its chic pedestrians. And if you want a mix of different styles, visit Lookbook, a blog that collects self-submitted photos of fashionistas from all over the world. The site allows readers to browse according to country – and the total number of countries? 48. A reason why international street style has spread around the world more rapidly than other aspects of culture (such as music or movies), is that language is hardly a barrier in fashion. Style is the lingua franca in fashion; you do not have to understand the blogger’s commentaries to appreciate his or her playful accessories or subtly elegant ensemble. Garance Doré, for example, was entirely French until she shot to fame in the non-French-speaking world. Similarly, Miss at la Playa, a Madrid-based blog, was entirely Spanish a few years ago; now, like Garance Doré, it is bilingual.
Consequently, while the Internet usually spreads mainstream American culture in other aspects, it has done the opposite in fashion. Media coverage may still be centered on the fashion capitals, but street style blogs are reminding us that fashion is indeed everywhere: you don’t have to live in New York or Paris to be stylish. Style-arena.jp (www.style-arena.jp), for example, exhibits the youthful and often avant-garde style of the Japanese. A brief scan of the photos is telling enough: bright colors, funky experiments with mix and match and of course, the ubiquitous dyed platinum blonde hair. Facehunter presents the quirky and bold style of the British – made famous by Agyness Deyn and Susie Bubble. And if Japanese or British street styles don’t seem new to you, look to Stockholm, deemed “fascinating” by Scott Schuman. The sophistication and personality of Swedish fashionistas are certainly up to speed with their French or Italian counterparts. The impact of international street style is subtle, but not unnoticeable. As we are made aware of how differently the fashion-savvy across the globe dress, the standards of the word “fashionable” are also being widened. It is possible that the accessibility of fashion news and editorials may cause our styles to converge, but even more likely is the creation of unique styles with runway essentials as well as exotic elements from fashionistas near and far. To borrow from economists again: that is fashion globalization.
Lusting for Leather by Kelsie Pelletier
The type of cool exhibited below 14th Street is entirely its own breed. The quintessential downtown girl, swathed in leather and a smattering of studs, can beat you up in her Balmain. And you’ll like it. For her, a night on the town calls for a vintage fringed leather jacket, thrifted boots, and a generous helping of attitude. Tough accents carry an outfit from middle America to the cobblestone streets of SoHo. This September when Marc Jacobs explained the logic behind his Spring 2010 collection as being the opposite of this rock and roll style, it made these usually chic downtown girls stop and wonder. An arbiter of fashion in ways topped by few other style personalities, what Marc Jacobs says affects the ways we dress ourselves and perceive “good” taste. Marc Jacobs’ show was a change of pace. Inspired, if not just a bit too opulent. Ruffles upon ruffles topped gowns of silk and taffeta in a color palette more conducive to brunch on the Upper East Side than a latenight downtown romp. We can marvel at his construction, at his patience in creating gowns that appear to be wearable works of art, and at the sheer feat of creating a 52-look collection. However, when it comes to relevance, Jacobs missed the mark. He offered opulence when we needed practicality, sophistication when the look de rigueur is biker chic. Other designers, however, weren’t as ready as Jacobs to abandon the downtown leather and studs look. Erin Wasson x RVCA sent out models in leather pants, layered necklaces, and studded seventies-inspired denim, worthy of any young fashionista’s lust. Charlotte Ronson, in her eponymous line, catered to the downtown clientele with grey and black pieces piled on, including a standout hooded bodysuit with pewter studs
adorning the arms and waist. Phillip Lim, too, embraced the tougher side while maintaining his upscale aesthetic. His dresses, with their whirling combination of pleats, sequins, and leather, could easily transition from day to night, and can also find relevance both above and below 14th Street. Showing that leather wasn’t just for those of us who prefer to be cloaked in black, Alexander Wang channeled vintage American sports culture and created looks with accents of camel-colored leather. His leather shorts, which were almost the exact color of a well-worn football, are sure to make an appearance on It girls around the city. Jacobs singled himself out. Taking a stand for sophistication, his collection was immaculate. But only time will tell if Jacobs has truly made an impact. This winter, before a night on the town, we’ll see just how many girls reach for ruffles and leave their beat-up leather jackets at home.
Erin Wasson: The ripped leat her skinny jean s at Erin Wasson x RVCA. Alexander Wan g: Wang’s camel le ather shorts rede fine classic American sports wear. Marc Jacobs: Inaccessible op ulen
ce at Marc Jaco
bs. Charlotte Ronso n: Do downtown bold with Charl otte Ronson’s studded hooded bodysuit.
fashion on film
When Breakfast at Tiffany’s comes to mind, we all imagine the same image. Audrey Hepburn smiling from behind a pair of black sunglasses, wearing a little black dress, dripping with
diamonds and pearls. The outfits and style of a particular character that we see in the movies or television shows we watch have the potential to become iconic, almost legendary. Movie makers and television producers are willing to shell out big bucks in order for top stylists and costume designers to work on their movies. Designing the clothing of fictional characters has become an important job. The clothing that an actor wears allows the audience to grasp many aspects of a character’s personality at a glance. The clothes can either make it or break it. Patricia Field is perhaps one of the movie and television industry’s most famous costume designers. Her credits include Sex and the City, the Devil Wears Prada, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and Ugly Betty, all of which have been noted for excellent displays of style. Her work for Sex and the City earned her several Emmy awards. If you‘re a fan of Patricia Field’s work, you can check out her boutique and hair salon located at 302 Bowery between East Houston and Bleecker. At Field’s boutique you will be able to find brightly colored dresses, sequined corsets, and studded sunglasses, in addition to actual pieces that have been sported by the characters of Sex and the City and Confessions of a Shopaholic. Field is currently working on styling the second Sex and the City movie, and claims that the styling in this installment will be “more fun.” She continued saying, ““When you’re in a recession, what do you want? You want to have a good time! White plays a big role in general because the movie takes place over seven weeks in the summer. But it won’t only be white dresses! I’m going for a new look, new elements on these familiar girls.”
Fashion lovers can get an inside look into New York City’s fast-paced fashion industry on MTV’s reality show The City. The series, which kicked off the second part of its first season in late September, follows California girl Whitney Port as she works for several of fashion’s top names like Diane von Furstenberg and public relations giant People’s Revolution. Port was first introduced to the American public as Lauren Conrad’s fellow intern on The Hills. Since then she has risen up the ranks and is currently working on designing her own fashion line. Cameras follow Whitney’s co-star, Olivia Palermo, as she begins a new job in Elle Magazine’s accessory department. While the fashions worn on the show may not be the most practical (Whitney wears four inch stilettos as she struts down the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District), they definitely make the show more interesting. The drama on the show may be pure fiction, but there is no denying that the show’s main characters have true style. Of course, it’s impossible to talk about TV shows and fashion without mentioning Gossip Girl. As the “Sex and the City” of our generation, the clothes seen on the main characters have sparked many new trends. Costume designer Eric Daman is the one responsible for hundreds of girls running around in colored tights, flirty lace tops, and headbands à la Blair Waldorf. Serena van der Woodsen and Vanessa Abrams both wear colorful patterns and boho-chic frocks. The show’s youngest character, Jenny Humphrey, has a unique style that mixes edgy
Whitney Port and Erin Lucas strut their stuff in The City.
rocker flair with the prim and proper style of the Upper East Side. The show also helped make little known designers, like Lorrick, into household names. Most recently, Anna Sui designed a collection for Target that was inspired by Gossip Girl’s fabulous foursome. And no one could forget the outrageous style of Chuck Bass. In the third season of the show, the boy billionaire’s wardrobe will be modeled after Gordon Gekko, Michael Douglas’s character in the movie Wall Street. This means that viewers can expect to see Chuck in suspenders, printed ties, and flashy cufflinks. As the characters evolve, their personal styles undergo an evolution as well. Another must-watch television show for any fashionista is the Rachel Zoe Project. Rachel Zoe is one of the industry’s top stylists with a list of clientele that includes A-list celebrities like Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, and Jennifer Garner. It’s difficult for any fashion fan not to swoon when the camera pans to show Zoe’s extensive clothing selection. The Rachel Zoe Project shows both the positive and negative sides of the styling industry. On one hand, thousands of people would give anything to be in Zoe’s shoes. How many people have private meetings with legends like Karl Lagerfeld or are allowed an opportunity to view Diane von Furstenberg’s collection before it even hits the runway? For Rachel Zoe, this is all in a day’s work. However, she is often stressed and pressed for time – her employees butt heads and she must deal with picky and indecisive celebrities. Over the two seasons of the show, fashion geniuses like Zac Posen and Marc Jacobs have made guest appearances, with their clothing being featured. That’s basically all that needs to be said for this show to be added to a style maven’s “Must Watch” list. The most memorable aspects of most movies and television shows are their characters and the clothes that help show us who they are. Fashion is more prevalent in the film industry than ever. No longer are supermodels – like Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista – gracing the covers of mainstream fashion magazines. Actors have taken their places over the years. Many people improve their own personal styles by watching actors on film and taking notes, while fashion industry it-girls are unknown to the majority of the American public. Movies and television shows are only a remote click away and show us the old, the new, and the future trends in fashion.
Fashion shows are so last season Amy Zang
There’s nothing quite like being at a fashion show—the thunderous music, the flashing lights, the celebrities in the front row, the pain from standing in heels for too long—and that’s before the show even starts. Once the glamazons start marching down the catwalk, all else is lost to the beautiful bombardment of colors, cuts, prints, fabrics, and fashion. For a long time, this was the norm at Bryant Park, but it looks like the times are changing.
This past September marked a decided shift in how designers presented their collections. MAC, once the official makeup partner of IMG’s twiceyearly fashion fetes, split off to team up with Milk Studios instead. The new venue, located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, offered over 80,000 square feet of studios [1] for designers to transform into their dream runway . This season, a number of prominent (and generally younger) designers, including Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Erin Fetherston, and more, opted out of big shows in the tents and moved instead to show at Milk Studios. Along with the move away from the tents came another change. An increasing number of designers chose to present rather than show their Spring 2010 collections. In many ways, presentations do not differ much from shows—the music, lights, icons, pain, and amazing clothes are all still present. Perhaps the most important of these difference lies in something that is not readily visible: cost. Runway shows require elaborate set-ups and stages, while presentations show “mannequin-like models” [2] (or even actual mannequins). The trade-off, of course, is that the clothing cannot be seen in motion, which is often the most breathtaking part of a show. At the same time, a presentation allows the audience to move about the room and really take in and appreciate the clothes at their own pace.
Guests can munch on hors d’ouevres, mingle amongst themselves, and revel in the atmosphere. It is a much more relaxed environment than a timed and choreographed show, and it is also easier (and more affordable) for the designer to fill the presentation room with the personality of the collection. For example, the Alice + Olivia presentation placed models in simple-but-adorable cardboard images of Paris, while the Frenchgirl band the Plasticines performed for the party and caterers offered scrumptious mini-cupcakes to the crowd. This past September seemed to serve as a trial run as designers experimented with locations and format. Many designers held presentations at Milk Studios, while some stayed with traditional runway shows at Bryant Park. Other designers chose neither option, and instead showed or presented in other studio spaces (Donna Karan), or at hotels like the Plaza (Betsey Johnson) or the St. Regis (Jason Wu). It is difficult to say which format is most enjoyable— most likely because they all are—but in the end, it’s about the clothes and not the presentation. If the MAC/Milk collaboration holds, the shift away from the tents may continue, particularly when the long-standing tradition of Fashion Week at Bryant Park itself moves to a new location next year. Is Lincoln Center big enough for opera and fashion divas?
[1] Milk Studios: http://www.milkstudios.com/index_mac.html [2] Cutting Costs: http://blogs.wsj.com/runway/2009/01/21/recessions-impact-on-new-york-fashion-week/
Spotlight Unlocking the Beauty That’s Truly Skin Deep : ERNO LASZLO Skincare by Donna Kim With the zillions of face and skincare lines that are out on the market, it’s difficult to figure out which brand can help cater to your skin’s needs. We have the oily, sensitive, dry, acne-prone, normal- the list can go on. Sometimes even the most popular brands that most people tend to use, may not work for everyone. However, I am pretty convinced and confident when words like, dermatologist approved, lab tested, custom, and natural are used to describe products. ERNO LASZLO, is this new brand that I just discovered and after testing some of these products, I can honestly say how pleased I am with their effects. My skin feels nourished, hydrated, and soft. Here are a couple of my favorite products from the line, and can all be purchased from www.ernolaszlo. com and make sure to check out the LaszloMatic section where you can fill out a custom personalized skin survey to help figure out which products work best for you!
ERNO LASZLO pHORMULA No 3.9 Moisture Lip Balm SPF 15 I love a good lip balm that has SPF, especially a higher number. This lip balm feels like agloss, but doesnĂ? t leave a shiny, sticky effect. ItĂ? s a squeeze tube so its great to measure how much you want to apply. Applying lip balm regularly is essential to keeping your lips feeling moisturized and to prevent any sort of flakiness. This formula consists of moisture-absorbing marine spheres, shea butter, and other natural oils. $34.00
Clothes are not the only things coveted once the models hit the runway—designers and makeup artists work closely to send out the latest and greatest makeup trends, too. Here’s a preview of the major looks from the S/S 2010 collections at New York City’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
BlueEyes-Theeyeshadowontherunwaycameinevery
color of the rainbow (sometimes all in one look), but richblueswerethedefinitestandoutshade.Looksranged from a thick cobalt upper-lid line at L.A.M.B., to smoky navyblueshadowatJenniKayne,toaheavyindigocateye atBabyPhat.Whateverthestyle,thebestofthebluehues tendedtofallonthedeeper,darkerside.Restassuredthat the blue eyeshadow of the ‘80s isn’t back—yet.
Sun-kissed Skin - Not that a youthful glow and flaw-
less skin ever go out of style, but this spring, many shows emphasizedbeachybronzebeauty.ThelooksatThakoon were “samurai-meets-surfer,” [1] while both Christian Siriano and Lela Rose showed carefree beach beauties. Regardlessofthetitle,though,thekeyproductforeachof theselookswasanaturalbronzertogivethemodelsasoft, golden glow.
Braided Hair - The plaited schoolgirl pigtails may be
one of the most iconic forms of the braid, but designers andtheirhairstylistschallengedthetraditionallookwith a number of creative recreations. Most notably, Oscar de la Renta channeled Heidi with braids that wrapped around models’heads, Alexander Wang sent out long, loose, side-swept braids, and Hervé Léger mixed thin braids in with curls and crimps for extra texture.
Matte Lips - Just as matte nail polish is currently enjoy-
ing popularity, matte lips will have their moment next spring. But the runway lips were about more than just themattefinish—colorplayedahugeroleinthelooksas well. Twinkle by Wenlan and Rebecca Taylor both sent outbrightblendsofcoralandorange,MariaGrachvogel’s models showed off rich reds, and Vena Cava went with violet and plum.
O
bsession Andrea Ng
A reinterpretation of classic Italian jewelrySilver, and gold meet skulls with Swarovski crystals. Iosselliani is redefining jewelry for the new generation.
There is clearly a strong influence of classic Italian jewelry on designers Roberta Paolucci and Paolo Giacomelli Their pieces maintain a sense of elegance even through the juxtaposition of different materials. The jewelry liberates the new generation; we are no longer confined within a Tiffany’s box. The sophisticate and the edgy rebel do not have to be alter egos—Iosselliani allows them to co-exist as one.
Iosselliani is available at Barney’s CO-OP and on www.iosselliani.com.
a modern day
myth
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Styling| Andrea Ng & Tina Liu Photography| Matthew Pandolfe Hair & Makeup| Christine Sciortino Costumes| Alice Tang
Previous Page: On Anna: Top, American Apparel. Booties, Nine West.
inotaurs, gold-encrusted costumes, violence, fire, and a modern-day mother/son relationship. Interesting mix, huh? Last April, NYChic helped Tisch alumni Stefan Klim style his film, “Theseus and Minotaur”. In the film, a boy, confused about what he ultimately wants in life, has flashbacks to ancient Greece where he fights a Minotaur. At the end of the film, the boy rips off the Minotaur’s mask and realizes it’s himself he has been fighting against. After styling and making his costumes for the film, NYChic borrowed the costumes to create our own interpretation of the movie from a fashion point of view. In NYChic’s photoshoot, the Minotaur seduces the boy, and after the unmasking, the tables are turned and it is a female Minotaur who is being threatened. As exhibited in the title of the film – an authentic Greek myth – the film’s main influences stem from ancient Greek mythology. “Mythology
has always influenced me”, Klim says. He adds, “Myths are the first stories that we as humans have. Every story that’s told, no matter how modern or contemporary will always have some sort of mythic root to it.” Klim incorporates many common mythological features into the film, such as strong relationships among characters, heavy usage of symbols, and extravagant fashion. In the film, characters are draped in ornate cloaks and wear masks. “There’s this old belief in theatre practices that goes back to ancient times…when actors put on masks, they transform and become what the masks represent. The main character in this film always has a mask on.” Klim’s concept of masking the actors stemmed from the film “V for Vendetta”, in which the main characters remained masked for the duration of the film. Although characters in the film are highly varied, their style comes from the same influences, says Klim. He explains, “The film’s style is influenced by
ancient Greece, in particular the people of Crete and Minoa. The women in these civilizations would dress in flowing robes, and they would have their hair tied up, cascading down with long, black curls, which I included in the high priestess in the film. There is something beautiful and goddess-like about that hair style.” Greek art also influenced the style and character of the Minotaur in the film. “The Minotaur always appeared in ancient art; unrestrained, animalistic, masculine, with many tribal tattoos.” The ornate gold decorations in ancient art also influenced the style of the Minotaur. “The gold that’s part of his body makes his entire meaning. It makes him look like a statue that’s come to life; it’s as if he’s not even real. He’s like a figment of the boy’s imagination, one that he has to battle. And then ultimately it’s the boy himself under the mask of the Minotaur.” In this way, fashion directly correlates with the persona of the characters in the film.
Klim acknowledges Quentin Tarantino, Stanley Cooper, Tom Tykwer, and Guillermo del Toro as directing influences for the film. Del Toro’s films “Pan’s Labryinth” and “The Devil’s Backbone” had a large impact on Klim’s vision for the atmosphere and overall feel of the film. Other films that influenced “Theseus and Minotaur” are “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”, “Lord of the Rings”, “Eyes Wide Shut”, “Clockwork Orange”, “The Wizard of Oz”, and “300”. In fact, Klim was so impressed by the style in “300” that he purchased the film’s art book and gave it to NYChic to aid inspiration for the style of the film and photo shoot. The cloaks worn throughout “Theseus and Minotaur” strongly resemble the cloaks worn in “300.” Klim says the weighted, rich wool adds to the authenticity of his film. “Theseus and Minotaur” is quite revealing regarding Klim’s own life as well. “Everything any artist creates or writes about, ends up being somewhat
Minotaur Mask (worn throughout), hand-made. On Anna: Swimsuit, Victoria Secret, $88. Bangle (worn as an armlet), Urban Outfitters, $4.99. Bangle, Wet Seal, $3.99. Heels, Topshop, $145.
On Lena: Dress, $80; belt, $30. All by Topshop. Necklace, model’s own.
autobiographical. The mother and son relationship in the film is pulled mostly from personal experience. I have a very close relationship with my own mother, we can talk about anything.” Even the family dynamics in the film could be said to originate in Greek mythology. “Mainly I wanted to look at this classic mythical concept that as young children, since we are born from our mother, we’ll be a little closer to her at first. As we grow older, the shift happens and you feel that same connection with your father. I wanted to try and bring that into the conflict of the story. Because Brandon never had a father, it became a struggle for him to let go of that close relationship with his mother which was beneficial yet in some ways suffocating.” However, Klim wrote and directed the film with objectivity in mind. “I changed the story enough so that I could separate myself from it and look at it as an objective story. If you make something too personal, it’s hard to direct and understand all different sides of it because you’re just going to be stuck in your own viewpoint.” Klim hopes this objectivity will lead to more introspective thinking within viewers. “I tried to go towards a general archetype regarding young men coming to terms with the way they see their father figure and themselves. I wanted to make the film relatable.” In fact, Klim says the film garnered strong reactions from essentially all the viewers. “Most people said it struck them very powerfully and hit something deep inside of them. A lot of parts made people uncomfortable, yet their thoughts return to the film days later.” This deep personal impact is what Klim desires in his films. “That as a director, is everything I could ask for. It’s far more enriching for me that I made my audience uncomfortable and made them think about themselves, as opposed to enjoying it in a shallow sense and forget about it after seeing it. I always want to create stories that hit something deep inside of the viewers so that they can realize some-
thing about themselves.” Klim feels proud and content with the outcome of “Theseus and Minotaur”. “I’m very happy about it. I could probably nit-pick and change things in the film for the rest of my life, but at some point you have to stop, step away from it, and accept that it’s done. You have to let the audience do whatever they want with it and interpret it in their own way.” Speaking of interpretations, Klim highly enjoyed NYChic’s photographic reinterpretation of the film. “It was a bit of a shock at first because it was very different from what I expected. But like I said before you have to create something and let the audience do what they want, and I think what NYChic came up with is great”. NYChic maintained a dark, ominous backdrop throughout the shoot, correlating to the violent, deep tone of the film. However, the characters in the shoot were portrayed in a different way than in the film. “It’s interesting how in my film, it’s the minotaur being the dark, masculine one, but in the photos it’s more of a dark, feminine Minotaur who is going to devour the boy, which is an interesting concept. The priestess pictures are beautiful. It’s interesting to see the symbols I created transformed into something different. Yet everything in the shoot is still connected to film.” Klim’s passion for film is highly apparent in talking with him. He enjoys and appreciates many different aspects of the filming process. He says, “Even though I love to write and direct, I also am interested in production design, set design, art direction, costumes, sets, and makeup.” He also thoroughly appreciates the artistic and creative aspect of film: “Writing and directing films is such a big part of me. I love creating these worlds, whether they’re dreamlike or realistic, in which people can lose themselves and rediscover something completely unexpected about themselves.” At NYChic, we think Klim has done just that, and we too, have lost ourselves in the world of “Theseus and Minotaur”.
On Lena: Dress, $80; belt, $30. All by Topshop. Necklace, model’s own
On Rebecca: Belt, Topshop, $60. Heels, Pour la Victoire, $298. Available at Bloomingdales. On Anna: Leggings, LNA, $98. Available at Free People. Heels, Topshop, $145. On Cornelia: Sandals, Steve by Steve Madden, $139. Gold Bangle, model’s own. On Lena: Necklace (used as a broach), Urban Outfitters, $78. Dress, Elizabeth and James, $345. Available at Bloomingdales. Heels, Irregular Choice, $160.
Greenw
Styled by Rachel Small & Taylor Siebenaler Photographed by Matthew Pandolfe Hair and Makeup by Donna Kim & Christine Sciortino
wichVillageglamor When these students go about their day there is something that sets them apart from the masses. Each mundane task is vitalized by their innate charm and style; they are the head turners, emitting effortless glamour with every step.
Nylon Stretch Lace Bodysuit, $34.00; at americanapparel. com; Necklace, $18.00; at aldoshoes.com. Shoes, models own.
ON A MUGGY SUNDAY, the doe-eyed beauty, adorned in lace and pearls, finds her wild night has turned into a rough morning.
ON A BRISK FALL DAY, she daintily strolls to class: the epitome of sophistication with a touch of edginess in a loose blazer and cloche hat.
S&N Boyfriend Blazer, $78.00; KB Crop Studded Cardigan, $29.00; Grosgrain Flower Cloche Hat, $38.00; S+N Silk V-Neck Racerback Tank, $54.00; Slinky Chain Necklace, $34.00; Leather Gloves, $34.00; all at urbanoutfitters. com. Pearl Chain Necklace, Stylists own; Shoes, Stylists own.
BDG Breezy Striped Shirt in Grey, $48.00; Professor Shawl Cardigan in Burgundy, $48.00; Single Stripe Tie, $28.00; Standard Press Gang Peacoat in Charcoal, $118; all urbanoutfitters. com; Jeans and boots, models own
IN THE MIDST OF A STROLL to a favorite coffee shop, he pauses to wipe his mind of wearisome business lingo, all the while utterly oblivious to the gazes he holds fast.
Levi’s 510 Acid Indigo Jeans, $54.00; Allson Faux Military Jacket, $128; Brushed Beanie, $18.00; BDG Triblend Stripe V-neck, $18.00; all at urbanoutfitters.com. Shoes, models own.
AT TWILIGHT, he leaps about the Washington Square Park fountain, not a care to be had.
SHE CAN FEEL THEM STARING as she strides forward, completing her last lap around the track. Maybe itĂ? s the heels?
Polyester Micro-Fiber Tulip Skirt, $28.00; White Cotton Thigh-High Sock, $15.00; Lame Silver Shiny Wide Headband, $9.50; Black Micro Mesh Gloria V Bodysuit, $40.00; all at americanapparel. com. Guerrette Shoes, $125; at aldoshoes.com; Purse, Stylists own.
BCBG Dress, Hat, Stylists own.
STUDENTS ARE ENTICED AWAY from their studies as she enters the room, delicately extending upwards to seek out one last book. Fashion Assistant: Melissa Wong Models: Brittany Barberino, Sheri Chiu, Tylan Cunningham, Erin Fitzgerald, Jimmy Li, Maria Martyak, and Nathan Shahani
EAST MEET
W E S
S
Styling| Andrea Ng Photography| Alaina Hase [www.flickr.com/ ahase-photography] Hair| Siwin Lo Make-up| Catharine Chan
T
ww
On Caroline: Qi Pao, stylist’s own. Dress, Acne, $832. Available at Gravity Pope. Booties, Acne, $657. Available at Jonathan + Olivia. On Jennifer: Skirt, Walter Ma. Blouse, Opening Ceremony, $350. Bootie, Opening Ceremony. Blouse and bootie available at Jonathan + Olivia.
On Caroline: Dress, stylist’s own. Shoes, model’s own. On Jennifer: Dress, Dior. Blazer, Talula Barton, $193. Available at Artizia. Earrings, Harriet Grey, $36. Available at Plenty. Shoes, Zara.
Left: Tank, Wilfred, $74. Available at Aritzia. Skirt, Zero, $525. Available at Jonathan + Olivia. Shoes, Whyred. Necklace, Uranium, $31. Available at Plenty.
On Caroline: Qi Pao, stylist’s own. Tank, Alexander Wang, $298. Available at Gravity Pope. Jeans, Current/Elliot, $219. Available at Plenty. Booties, Acne. On Jennifer: T-shirt, Preen, $285. Available
On Jennifer: Tank, Wilfred, $74. Available at Aritzia. Skirt, Zero, $525. Available at Jonathan + Olivia. Shoes, Whyred. Necklace, Uranium, $31. Available at Plenty. On Caroline: Dress, Acne, $285. Shoes, See by Chloe, $460. All available at Gravity Pope.
On Caroline: Dress, Black Label Paul Smith, $469. Shoes, L’autre Chose, $521. All available at Gravity Pope. On Jennifer: Skirt, Wilfred, $96. Available at Artizia. Sweater, Alexander Wang, $447. Available at Jonathan + Olivia.
On Caroline: Dress, Black Label Paul Smith, $469. Shoes, L’autre Chose, $521. All available at Gravity Pope. On Jennifer: Skirt, Wilfred, $96. Available at Artizia. Sweater, Alexander Wang, $447. Available at Jonathan + Olivia. Shoes, Whyred.
On Caroline: Sweater, Vintage Comme des Garcons. Shirt, Hope, $346. Shoes, Surface to Air, $437. Shirt and shoes available at Jonathan + Olivia.
On Jennifer: T-shirt, Diane Orving, $153. Available at Jonathan + Olivia. Shorts, Zara, $69.95. Shoes, Opening Ceremony, $425. Available at Gravity Pope.
Location| E. 6th Street & Quebec St., Vancouver, BC. May 2009. Models| Caroline Castid & Jennifer D. Lee Fashion Assistant| Priscilla Lui Special Thanks to Kimberly Catton, Natalie Tersigni, and Marie Tuazon. All prices converted to USD.
Shop Six Oh Four
By Andrea Ng
Vancouver, BC is much more than the wild west of Canada; indeed, it is an emerging fashion capital. With the Winter Olympics taking place there in February 2010, there has never been a better time to visit this thriving city. Although Vancouver is dominated by chain stores that sell similar brands and merchandise, these smaller stores challenge the typical Vancouverite uniform consisting of yoga pants and parkas. Take a break from breathing the incredibly fresh air and staring at the breathtaking scenery and make sure to stop by these boutiques for a unique Canadian shopping experience.
Plenty
Having been a staple in Vancouver since 1989, Plenty still stays true to its philosophy of capturing individuality in its merchandise. Each of Plenty’s four locations offers a comfortable shopping experience. Its denim bars provide every brand, size, style imaginable.Shopping for denim becomes a breeze rather than a painful experience. Plenty not only offers a wide variety of clothes but also has an interesting collection of whimsical costume jewelry by local and Canadian designers that are great accents to any outfit. Robson Location 1107 Robson Street Vancouver, BC V6E 1B5 Tel: 604 689 4478 www.getplenty.com
Jonathan + Olivia After being in the fashion industry for 10 years, Jackie O’Brien decided to be her own boss when opening Jonathan + Olivia in 2005. Situated in South Main Street, the boutique stands out drastically from neighboring vintage stores. Their motto, “A Departure from the Expected”, is exactly what you get. With a unique collection of contemporary designers, like Alexander Wang, Acne, Opening Ceremony, and Vanessa Bruno, it gives Vancouverites a piece of New York City in a little boutique. Their merchandise inspires you to dress differently from the rest and also gives you the resources to do so. 2570 Main St. Vancouver, BC V5T 3E4 Tel: 604 637 6224 www.jonathanandolivia.com
Gravity Pope & Gravity Pope Tailored Goods Although it was founded in Edmonton, AB in 1990, Gravity Pope didn’t make its way to its Kitsilano location in Vancouver until 2004. Gravity Pope offers an incredible collection of shoes that cannot be found elsewhere, including vegetarian shoes and ethically made shoes, while Gravity Pope Tailored Goods’ merchandise is so distinct that they rarely carry the same items as other stores with the same brands. Gravity Pope should be your first stop in Kitsilano as the store sets the tone for your relaxing promenade eastward to Cypress Street. 2203 and 2055 W. 4th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6K 1N9 Tel: 604 731 7673 www.gravitypope.com
A fashionable
Life
“If you are on the path to a more fashionable life, splurge on high-end shoes and accessoaccesso ries rather than designer clothes. Wear what suits the occasion. Everyday can’t be a party.”
Out of the Orient T
his is the advice given to aspiring fashionistas by Wesley Sun, a writer and reporter who definitely leads a fashionable life.
Sun walks into the café, sporting a casual, hooded coat over a quirky, vintage Superman T-shirt. The pieces alone would seem simple and unremarkable, but Sun manages to turn them into an effortlessly stylish outfit. “Truly fashionable people can spend little money but still look put together,” he says. Sun describes himself as not having one particular style, but constantly experimenting with different looks. Friends say he wears a “totally different style each day.” Rather than follow trends or read fashion magazines and blogs, Sun prefers to wander the city streets and observe fashion first-hand. A favorite location of his to encounter New York’s fashionable inhabitants is the Meatpacking District, because its tranquil, tourist-free surroundings. Gravitating towards more low-key, affordably chic shops, Sun is fond of Urban Outfitters and small secondhand stores and Japanese boutiques along 7th and 8th Streets. He also frequently strolls down 5th Ave. and SoHo, not for the fabulous shopping, but for the people watching. With a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from NTU (National Taiwan University), Sun came to America to receive his Master’s Degree in Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU. What brought him to the Big Apple? Sun sought out big, lively cities, applying to universities in Los Angeles, New York and London. He chose NYU because – like countless others – he was drawn to the melting pot of cultures the city offers. As the editor of a Taiwanese fashion magazine for men, Vision Man, Sun is well on his way to a career in journalism. He has already published two books and has a third in the works.
Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Sun frequently visited Tokyo from a young age. His admiration for the style and culture of Japan is reflected through his books. The first book is a travel guide of sorts – a where-to in Tokyo for today’s youth. The second book is a more personal account of his travels with a small group of close friends. Sun grins sheepishly as he takes the second book from his bag, explaining apologetically, “I only brought this one. The first book is too heavy.” The brilliantly colored pages depict Sun and his friends at various designer stores and posh restaurants that would make anyone green with envy. Sun’s next project may be a travel guide of New York geared towards Chinese speakers. Sun has already lived many girls’ dream by attending numerous Spring/Summer 2010 shows, such as BCBG Max Azria, Philip Lim, and Lacoste, to name a few. Sun explains that there are various fashion shows in Taiwan but not a whole week dedicated to fashion. “It was a new, special experience,” he says with a smile. As an ardent admirer of Japanese fashion Sun notes the differences between street style in New York and Tokyo. “Tokyo is a very fashionable place,” says Sun. Each area holds a different style. Sun considers a key to the quirky Japanese style the attention people pay to details. Japanese people often play with color and accessorize with eccentric items, making a bold statement. In comparison, Western styles tend to be simpler and more subdued. Shopping is also a different experience in New York than in Tokyo. The Japanese favor smaller, inexpensive boutiques while in America, most shopping takes place in department stores that hold major brand names. “Anyone interested in fashion should make a visit to Tokyo,” Sun advises.
Photos courtesy of Wesley Sun on Facebook.com
Kyotofu and Joseph Leonard Restaurant
F
by Stephanie Lin
rom designs to food, they lie on the two opposite ends: the antiquated and the contemporary, the East and the West, the serenity and the thrill, and the traditional and the skillful combination of both.
The name Kyotofu does not explain all. Sitting on the 9th Ave, Kyotofu presents to the city more than just tradition. The exterior glassy window and wooden door produce a mixed sensation between the modern and primitive. About ten black wooden tables lining in the space that is enveloped in the dimming golden brown light and white-birched color surrounding walls, a sense of calmness and tranquility prevail. The candles on each table, enhancing the dreamy effect, make the place perfect to have delicate desserts and dinner that could melt the hearts of both his and hers. Shifting the scene to the West Village, where the fall of the day does not diminishes energy of the area, Joseph Leonard situates itself at the corner between Waverly and 10th Street. It has no extravagant design on the outside; the petite sized site is wrapped in plain painted white walls that augments a sense of antiquate to the lively neighborhood. Though the rustic surface from the outside displays old-day peacefulness, the atmosphere inside is a total reversal. In almost complete darkness, with music blasts and bartender stands inside the zinc bar where the diners surround around, a night of thrill is inevitably felt. Though Kyotofu’s design demonstrates stillness and harmony, its food, on the other hand, brings excitement like the atmosphere in Joseph Leonard to its guests. The menu is an integration of the Western and Eastern culinary; it has the Western burger and cocktail but also the Japanese miso soup and tea. The restaurant provides more than just dinner, but also brunch, lunch and its specialty, desserts. The variety of desserts is made
with carefully decorated appearances and delicate textures that immediately dissolve inside the mouths of the diners, leaving them with overflowing delights in their hearts. For the sweet lovers who can never get enough of the charm of the sugary, a take-home dessert and online shopping are also available. Different than the spacious room Kyotofu has, Joseph Leonard is rather small and loaded with people. However, guests can always ask for bartender for a drink while waiting and chatting with their companions. The menu in Joseph Leonard is more of a traditional one, but extensive nevertheless. A night with oysters serving on a layer of salts, butter that melts as it touches the tongue, chilled lobster that are served in tails and claws with affordable prices is definitely enjoyable. A night in tranquil atmosphere, but pleasure from variety of food or stimulating music, but a more customary cuisine, all should be able to leave the New Yorkers an unforgettable night.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDN
1 Chocolate Show
2 Auspicious Stitches (Fabric Arts Workshop)
3 Fashion & Politics
4 Lunch Bre Class
8 Peter Pan & Adventures in Never Land, a musical marionette production 15 Sunday Film Screenings
9 Dress Codes: The Third ICP Triennial of Photography and Video 16 Design for a Living World
10 American Beauty
11 Vetera
17 Cinéma Tuesdays
18 Read My P Madeleine Collection
22 New York City Horror Film Festival
23 Clothing and Textile Recycling
24 Exhibition Tour: Design USA: Contemporary Innovation
25 Macy’s Thanksgiv Parade Ba
29 Hatha Yoga
30 Gotham Independent Film Awards
NOVEMBER
NESDAY
eak Dance
ans Day
Pins: The e Albright n
THURSDAY 5 American Voices (New York City Opera’s Opening Night Gala Celebration) 12 Fashion in Art
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
6 Art after dark Central park moonlight ride
7 Tastings New York City
13 Radio City Christmas Spectacular
14 Stargazing at Inwood Hill park
19 Glenda Bailey in conversation with Valerie Steele
20 The Twilight Saga: New Moon Release
21 Brooklyn Flea
26 Thanksgiving Day
27 Black Friday!!
28 Tim Burton at MoMA
ving Day alloon