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goods thoughts The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights
letter from the editor Creating each issue of The G.O.O.D.S Magazine is always an exciting voyage! Our staff are able to meet, get to know, laugh with, Interview, collaborate with, showcase, and spotlight some of the most talented and creative people this beautiful world of ours has to offer. We’ve taken it to another level for this issue. We caught up with the extremely talented actor Jay Ellis at the beautiful Sofitel Beverly Hills Hotel for this month’s cover shoot. I have to say, he is one of the coolest & down to earth people who we’ve ever featured in our publication since its inception. We would like to thank him, his staff, Valentine Group PR Firm, Franchesca Walker, Robiat Balogun, Phil Bailey, Leo Malevenchik, Stephanie Malone and the entire G.O.O.D.S Mag staff for stepping up to the plate and knocking this one out of the park! A very special thank you to the entire Sofitel Beverly Hills staff, they were incredibly gracious during our time there and truly surpassed our expectations in going the extra mile for us at every turn. We hope that you enjoy this month’s issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. Until next time, stay Goods!
Photo by Leo Malevanchik
Omarr Olasewere 6
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GOODS team Editor in Chief & Founder Omarr Olasewere
Editor-at-Large Marcus Diaz
contributors Lifestyle Contributor
WRITERS: Dominique Kimbrough, Franchesca Walker, To-
Angela Calvin
sha Cole Clemens, Angela Calvin, Stacey Blanchet, Tymisha Singletary-Blunt, Aunindita Bhatia, Antonio Ochoa,
Lead Photographer
Photographers: Heather Beaver, Kim Craven, Ken
Leo Malevanchik
Alcazar, Joseph Graf, Jonathan Sevilla
Executive/Managing Editor Solomon Osayande Jr.
Copy Editor
Angela Soberanes
on the cover Photographer: Leo Malevanchik
Creative Director
Model: Jay Ellis
Marketing Executive
enquiries
Ashley Willis
Racquel Yarborough
Model Coordinator/Stylist Tiffany Williams
Beauty Contributor Latera Pugh
Editorials: Editorials@thegoodsmag.com Writers: Articles@thegoodsmag.com Advertisers: Advertise@thegoodsmag.com
connect
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Table of contents
2015 Spring Summer Issue
Photo Editorials
Tosha Cole Clemens - 1800cinchers
“Kissed After Midnight” Heather Beaver
Tosha Cole Clemens – Finding Your Rhythm Julia Escobosa – Mother Earth Lover Julia Escobosa - Hoppy Birthday Julia Escobosa - Dakotah Peña Student Spotlight
“Twin Power” Kim Craven “Misunderstood” Jonathan Sevilla “A Day with Jay” Leo Malevanchik “Nelly @ AD Nightclub” Jaryl Cabuco
Julia Escobosa - Hipster For A Day Julia Escobosa – Wear It Now Julia Escobosa - Natural Nugs Angela Calvin - Who You Calling Names? The LGBT Community Angela Calvin - Veto New Year’s Resolutions Stacey Blanchet - ‘The Desert King’ Amato Tymisha Singletary-Blunt – Tinder and Meetup Aunindita Bhatia - Accessorize the Green Way Antonio Ochoa - S/S 2015 RTW Antonio Ochoa- G.O.O.D.S. on Grammys Dominique Kimbrough – Soul of San Diego Franchesca Walker – A day with Jay Franchesca Walker – Real J Wallace Dan Romero – SF Beer Week 2015
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C
A Day with Jay
By FRANCHESCA WALKER
harming. Sweet. Handsome. Entertaining. Those are just a few ways to describe upcoming actor Jay Ellis. You may recognize the young actor from BET’s hit show The Game. Joined in at the sixth season, Ellis has entertained fans with his compelling acting, wittiness, and good looks.
Ellis’ big break in acting was from “The Game” in 2013. He plays the character Bryce “Blueprint” Westbrook, who is a wide receiver for the fictional team The San Diego Sabers. With the show in its final season that will debut in June, Ellis stays focused and has some projects he’s working on in the future. In one project, he will both star on camera and be off as producer for a film called “Lemonade.” Set in New York, the film is a romantic comedy about a man who is trying to discover himself and falls for a woman who appears to be out of his league, but she is perfect for him. Production for the film begins mid summer.
Wardrobe Credits Blazer - Hardy Amies Shirt - Ted Baker
Pants & Belt - Ted Baker Pocket Square - Klein Epstein Parker Socks - Polo Ralph Lauren Shoes - Hugo Boss
I caught up with Ellis before his photo shoot with The G.O.O.D.S. at the Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills. He was dressed in a dual toned blazer and slacks, and blue suede shoes. He wasn’t uptight during the interview, but entertaining and often funny. We spoke briefly emerged into acting and his move to Los Angeles to pursue it. Some years ago, he moved with to LA with a former girlfriend, who he said he convinced her to apply to medical school in the city. He dreamed of becoming an actor and wanted to pursue acting for a while. When his girlfriend was accepted into medical school, it was the perfect time to kick-start his dream career. “I always wanted to be here, I talked her into applying to medical school – which was actually a good look because she got into a phenomenal medical school. I always wanted to act. “
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When Ellis arrived in the city, he believed roles were directly going to be given to him, and agents would see him on the streets and ask him to come on set to act. “I got here thinking someone was just going to pick me up off the street like, ‘Yo, where you been, we have a show for you.’ And it really didn’t happen like that.” Instead, he worked in retail for a few years selling women’s shoes at the Beverly Center mall. “I was Al Bundy, essentially,” he jokes. Ellis also worked in other retail stores in the Beverly Center. At a party Ellis met and spoke to an agent who he conversed about becoming an actor. The agent guided him to several studios to get headshots taken and locations for acting courses. However, he didn’t go to any locations the agent suggested and thought he didn’t have to do the requirements to become an actor. “It was all ego for sure which led me to no jobs for a long time. The reality was I didn’t take it serious and I was a coward because I was running away from the work that needed to be done. And so years later I lost this job, and I lost myself. I thought, what am I going to do now?”
Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Suit - Theory Shirt - Ted Baker Belt - Ralph Lauren Tie- Klein Epstein Parker Watch - Nixon Shoes - To Boot New York
Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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White Shirt - Original Paperbacks Button up - Kennington Pants - Original Paperbacks Bracelets - Topman Shoes - Sperry
Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Wardrobe Credits Shirt - Ted Baker Pants - Hugo Boss Shoes - Sperry Bracelets - Topman
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Interviewer: Franchesca Walker Videorgrapher: Phil Bailey Makeup: Chelsea Bierman Hair: Chelsea Nohlan Wardrobe Stylist: Robiat Balogun Location: Sofitel Beverly Hills
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Wear It Now
By Julia Escobosa
Although SoCal’s climate doesn’t see much of a transition from winter to spring, your wardrobe could probably still use a springtime update. Spring break, festivals, and Summer Fridays are just around the corner, so don’t let the predictions of Punxsutawney Phil tempt you into sticking with your winter wardrobe.
Men
Go Long
Rag & Bone
This season’s new and exciting tailored shirt? Actually, it’s not that much different. But hey, that’s what makes it easy to transition to! The fashion adventurers can take this elongated shirt all the way to their knees, while those who want to just dip into the trend can stop the hem at the bottom of their fly.
Bombs Away
If you’re looking to invest in pieces that can stay in heavy rotation for years to come, consider a classic bomber jacket. This bad boy has been a staple for a century, and isn’t going out of style anytime soon. For a 2015 take on the classic, look for interesting details like chambray collars or new neutrals like camel or forest green.
Pearly Whites
Another perennial favorite, white sneaks are making appearances on the runway, the streets, and the stage. Be sure to grab a bottle of stain and water repellent at the register and coat your trainers fresh out of the box. Bally
A.P.C.
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Island Style
2015’s take on the Hawaiian shirt will have you seeing your dad’s go-to Sunday BBQ shirt in a whole new light. Rather than raiding his closet, find modern styles that pair abstract florals with slim tailoring. Looking for an piece that will be gentle on the earth and your wallet? Hit up our local thrift shop! Find a funky floral that catches your eye (try stay away from vintage cars or poker playing dogs) and bring it to your tailor for an updated silhouette.
Legs For Days
Tom Ford
Marna Ro
Not sure how to bring attention to all those dead lifts you’ve been doing? Take a cue from Tom Ford’s Spring 2015 collection and set those quads free! Ready to go full-shorty? Look for a 6” inseam. Need to work your way up there? Look for 9”.
Women
Pick A Pattern
Alice+Olivia
Can’t pick just one stunning print? Dare to pair fair florals with sassy stripes this spring. For a more subtle look, try pairing a neutral pattern like a subtle polka dot with a bold pattern like a thick contrast stripe. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous go for loud prints, but find a common color or keep it to just two in order to stay on the right side of chic.
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Baby Blues
Marsala may have been Pantone’s color of the year, but Periwinkle is the color of Spring. A wealth of designers from Coach to Charlotte Ronson are playing up the youthful color. Afraid of appearing to saccharin-sweet? Look for leather (or vegan-leather for the eco-friendly).
Anna Sui
This season’s military inspired pieces take army-chic off the battlefield and onto the runway. Looks for pieces with a little shimmer in lighter shades of green. Designers are also giving utilitarian a bit of a sexy edge with nipped-in waists and daringly short hemlines.
Charlotte Ronson
Anything But Drab
Sheer Genius
Another simple update to pieces probably already in your closet -- bare that California sun-kissed skin. Sheer layering is perfect if you want a bit of sex appeal but aren’t ready to bust out the crop top. For a more risque look, find pieces that strategically layer opaque over sheer to avoid any oversharing. If you’re not comfortable letting it all hang out, layer a bandeau or cami underneath for a bit more modesty.
Day Tripper
True to the spirit of California, the hippy trend has resurfaced in full force. Get inspired by 1967 photos of The Rolling Stones or The Beatles and ile on the ruffles, florals, and psychedelic prints. Designers are bringing the energy of the sixties to the modern age with old school prints on new school fabrics that won’t feel as restricting as the mid-century polyester blends.
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S/S 2015 RTW Antonio Ochoa It’s finally that vibrant, fun, time of year.. Spring time! These looks have been compiled from Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear fashion presentations from last Fall, and in this read you’ll find our pick for two looks each from our top 10 runways. They feature Spring fashion MUST haves, including vibrant colors, patterns, sparkles, and all that’s to be associated with this gorgeous time of year. Of course, high fashion couture is stunning (and what we all look forward to seeing every year), but when it comes to ready-to-wear, you can actually wear these pieces in your everyday lives! These runways were filled with tons of stunning looks, fully accessorized, and paired up with perfect footwear.
Alexander McQueen, S/S 2015 RTW
Alexander Wang, S/S 2015 RTW
Chanel, S/S 2015 RTW
Elie Saab, S/S 2015 RTW
Lanvin, S/S 2015 RTW
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Louis Vuitton, S/S 2015 RTW
Louis Vuitton, S/S 2015 RTW
Stella McCartney, S/S 2015 RTW
Ralph Lauren, S/S 2015 RTW
Valentino, S/S 2015 RTW
Just like we promised, this Spring’s fashion is full of a large variety of colors, sparkles, and so much more. You may or may not be able to fully commit to dropping the cash on a Moschino S/S 2015
And, a bonus: Versace, S/S 2015 RTW (just because we could not leave these looks out!)
Ready-to-Wear ensemble, but that does not mean you can’t take trends and styles from this season and use them towards inspiration for creating your own looks. Let us know what you think!
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used www.thegoodsmag.co Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used www.thegoodsmag.co Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used www.thegoodsmag.co Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used www.thegoodsmag.co Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used www.thegoodsmag.co Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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“Kissed After Midnight” Credits Lead Photographer: Heather Beaver and/or HB Photography www.hbphotography.dphoto.com MUA: Sophia Borghese MAC & Smashbox products used Model: Jaluv Bartley signed with Taxi Talent Management
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A New Year, A New You! Can you believe it is that time of year again? A new start, a reason to make things be different in your life and be the best you, you can be. Did you know that getting into better shape is the most common New Year’s resolution? That means we all want to feel and look better! Even the most beautiful people I come across still have something about themselves that they wish they could improve. Don’t us all! I know for myself, I have turned 30 and all of a sudden my body is changing. I am now realizing the importance of taking care of the one body I have. No one else is going to do it for you, right!
Like so many others, my New Year’s resolution yet again is to get in better shape. So how are the best ways of doing it? Starve yourself by eating a horrible tasting diet that once you go off the diet, the weight comes back? Or do a cleanse to lose a quick 5 pounds and then yet again the weight comes back in a month! Let’s face it; if we want to be as healthy as possible, we must have a new way of life. A combination of eating healthy (non-processed foods) and working out regularly is what will make us see a difference. Don’t forget, drinking plenty of water. Working out is the hardest part for me. However, once you get into the routine I find it refreshing and actually enjoyable, especially when you start to see physical results from your hard efforts. It’s rewarding to see that your routine is paying off. I know a lot of people are trying workout cinchers
as a way to enhance their workout.
Waist cinchers have been used by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Snooki. They are now catching the eye of people world-wide. So what is so unique about this method of working out? I have learned that the cinchers are meant to keep you in place and also helps with getting your tummy flatter (especially good for those mom’s that just had a baby and want to get their body back quicker). To get a better understanding of how amazing these workout cinchers are, I set down with the owner of 1800 cinchers to learn more about this hidden gem!
What made you decide to start 1800cinchers? JM: 1800cinchers was born out of necessity. After having a C-section birth, I went in search of a waist reducing technique which included belly wrapping. It involved the help of 2 people wrapping a tight cloth around the belly of a new mom and the new mom keeping it on for a few hours a day, every day.
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What is 1800cinchers known for? JM: 1800cinchers is known as a hub for body contouring shapewear that helps to reduce fat naturally with time. All our products, in one shape or another; assists in weight loss and fat reduction.
JM: In the next 5 years, we want to do what we are doing now. Shaping women and men who need a real body shaper that will not just smoothen them up but will also provide permanent results.
What do you enjoy most about your job? JM: I enjoy seeing the difference our products make for women, especially those who could not afford to go under the knife and want to use a more natural approach. I see our products make them happy to see realistic results. What has been your greatest accomplishment with 1800cinchers? JM: Our accomplishment has been to see real customers and celebrities alike say the same thing about our products. Everyone, famous or not just wants real results and that’s what we’ve been able to give.
Now we know the celebrities secret to looking great! To find out more,
What is your company’s philosophy? JM: Our philosophy is to keep providing products that yield realistic results. We believe that if you give people the right tools to help achieve their goals, they will stay motivated until it pays off! What is your goal with 1800cinchers over the next 5 years?
What is one thing that you would like people to know about this brand that they might not know? JM: The 1800cinchers team consists of individuals who truly love what they do. We work hard every day with the question is mind. What do our customers need? That is what we live by. We work hard every day and have team meetings to make it right for our customers and give them quality products.
go to: www.1800Cinchers.com Article By: Tosha Cole Clemens Fashion Industry Expert www.Facebook.com/ToshaColeClemens
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“Real J. Wallace Opens Up Music and San Diego’s Hip Hop Scene”
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Real J. Wallace opens up about his music and San Diego’s hip-hop scene (might change) A few months ago, musician Real J. Wallace experienced going to the Grammys. He also met and chopped up with producer Ryan Lewis of the group Macklemore and Ryan Lewis on a Delta Plane flight on his way there. He was chosen out of many artists for Delta Innovation Class’ mentoring program with Ryan Lewis. It was his ground breaking album, “The Holyfield,” which he said led him to those experiences.
Signed to the label New World Color, Real J.’s album “The Holyfield” released in late 2013 and was produced by AbJo. Currently he is working on his new album, “Cali,” which was inspired by the Hindu goddess Kali of time and space.
I had a chance to link up with Real J. Wallace at thChrch - where he is one of the cofounders- in his studio Holyfield Studio. In the following interview, Real J. Wallace discusses “The Holyfield,” perception of San Diego’s
hip-hop scene, spirituality, and his upcoming album. What does “The Holyfield” represent?
Holyfield is my philosophy and these are all the things we’re gonna build upon that foundation. That was like the biggest implications of manifesting destiny. Like all the things that I talked about in those – in that album – really ending up happening. So it’s mastering that manifestation and doing other albums and building that library. Did those happen prior to writing the album? Or happen afterwards? They happened after the album. We were manifesting on these thoughts and creating this into reality, and a lot of them happened. We had raised money to bring kids instruments. But we kind of ended up just funding everything towards thChrch and finding other investors. And it actually became its own (place). We created Holyfield Academy to teach kids just like we intended to do. And just the whole idea that you can create thoughts, create reality with thoughts. That was stuff I was more learning that year (2013) and I put it onto record, then I saw it happen. Now that it is a reality, it’s like, OK now let’s manifest the next thing and keep improving upon that part.
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With everything you said and how it happened, would you say that you’re a spiritual person? Yea, I like it. (laughs) People do what they like. I went to this Tibetan Buddhist thing this morning and it was cool. But at the same time I really wish I grew up in Tibet or something because I would be able to understand it way more. Or if they actually did the chants and I was only getting it translated from that culture. How impactful it would be because a lot of stuff is being converted to English… When I make my music, I’m directly where I come from so it’s a direct reflection. But I wish I could connect more directly to it. What made you get into music?
Really I saw the power in music. Before, I think my (former) girlfriend would say, “Oh, my boyfriend raps,” because I would rap in the car sometimes. So I was just stepping up to the challenge kind of thing until I saw and identified art as a connection to God, something that’s bigger. Especially be an instrument for it, can connect to people that might not even know the language or might not even know the culture… How much would say you’ve progressed since the beginning?
Well before I would hit up Bam (Leon St. Heron) all the time and we would record. Now we have a location, not just to record music, but help other people record. I’m running the studio, Mondays and Tuesdays in the morning I’m trying to get (musicians) Piff Herrera and Jonnae Thompson in here and other people in here to record their albums. They were in the same situation as I was. I didn’t have a spot to record in. And what I learned is that you have to help other people that need those opportunities, especially when they’re really talented. San Diego has a problem with like a lot of things are just stories. There is not a doc-
umentation of like, “Oh, you ever heard of them, and you can look them up here?” It’s like you gotta go to the homie’s house to check out some real San Diego shit. So I’m like oh, how can we document it? So that’s what we’re doing, I’m trying to document that within a record label. We had learned that from New World Color. They said that no one wants one person; they want a group or collection of people… They were like open up a label and maybe we can sign a label. Then (the artists) can have that same distribution like I got because people need distribution out here in San Diego. People are out here putting music out and it’s not really going anywhere besides those couple places that are in the vicinity. We need those people that access it across the world to access it. We have the internet but we need to those distributions that can stretch a lot farther.
A lot of people leave San Diego especially to do music like L.A. Do you feel that it can change in San Diego and that more people can stay and music culture can grow here? If we support each other, if we create that movement, we can. But a lot of successful artists, I feel like they feel disrespected by San Diego because they weren’t supported here or feel they were a little too different because we have that obvious LA influence and a lot of people have tried to copy stuff that other people are doing, so when you try to be all the way original in San Diego you’re kinda shunned. But just be unique as possible and build that library and lineage for us. I think that’s the best thing to do. I mean I definitely have thought of moving to LA just for that, but I’m such a San Diegan.
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There are a lot of rappers out here in San Diego. There’s always so many people who perform and they open and stuff like that but they don’t really go anywhere with it. And sometimes it’s because of discouragement because sometimes people don’t support each other, and it’s always looked down at. Promotion wise everybody needs to be supported. Put the act that sounds the best on for the opener that going. It has to be relative, not just like the biggest show goes to your biggest homie. That just doesn’t sound cohesively good together, and I hate when shit don’t be right, I hate when shit don’t be right. All that shit needs to be put together right … were trying to bring some things that sound like San Diego so it feels right, cohesive. So what kind of sound?
Cali (his album) is more like an older sound. We’re trying to do more live instruments
For like a year and a half I was volunteering at Platt College. I knew the teacher and he said, “If you can help the students connect with culture, I’ll let you get free studio time.” … The (students) knew it was there but no one was taking advantage of it until I was in there all the time. It’s like when a kid get’s a toy and he don’t play with it but he see’s another kid play with it, he like, “Yo, that’s my toy!” I was in there recording everyday … The teachers got tired of working there because there certain things you couldn’t do … So they started an apartment and all we did was music in the apartment … Then the next extension was thChrch and the first thing was, “Yo, let’s build a studio in there.” One of the chambers of thChrch turned into a studio. We ended up calling it the Holyfield Studio, Holyfield Records because that was where the first album that got done. It was done at Platt and so that was the first thing that happened.
What does your upcoming album entail?
It’s a continuation of the laundry room, cycles of time was the concept. And it’s about letting go of ego and the idea of owning things. We are part of this experience called life but we don’t own it. Cali is about letting go of those ideas after being married to matter and time … Cali helped me see the illusion and not be afraid. For me it was like time was a woman. We manifested her into the album. So the hills were her hips, and sky was her eyes type of thing. And once the moments gone, it’s like in a sense we’re mourning each moment or like time is the woman that got away that you can never have. No matter what, time is gonna keep going by. When did you decide to have a studio and what was the process to have it here at thChrch?
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What To Know About Buying Organic By Julia Escobosa
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any of us have heard that eating organic is healthier, and organic food is popping up as a trend in many mainstream supermarkets and restaurants. But WHY should we eat organic food? Is it really worth it?
Why Organic? Non-organic food contains pesticides and hormones that are absorbed by your body when you eat the foods. Organic foods are free of toxins that can cause damage to your brain and nerve cells. Many GMO foods are actually designed to produce their own pesticides, and the pesticide production doesn’t stop once you’ve eaten them. The pesticides used in growing standard fruits and vegetables also pollute about half of America’s drinking water, so it affects everyone regardless of their decision to eat organic. Even more important than your own health, organic foods support children’s growth, when they are more susceptible to toxins found in non-organic foods.
Know Your Meat Compared to fruits and vegetables, which are generally just categorized as organic or non-organic, meat has a wide spectrum of classifications that can be a bit daunting to the average carnivore. The Whole Foods butcher counter is outfitted handy dandy guide to answer your questions on the spot, but sady we can’t keep the WF butcher in our back pocket. There are several factors to consider for buying meat that will fit into your lifestyle. Perhaps you’re trying to cut down on grains or soy. Maybe you’re sympathetic to the animals that gave their life for your juicy cheeseburger, but not ready to swap that Angus patty for a black bean burger. Either way, it’s smart to have an understanding of what you’re putting in your body. Grass fed and grass finished is the best on the spectrum because it has the highest amount of natural beneficial vitamins, minerals, and other compounds. One of the compounds is Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), a very expensive supplement when purchased on its own, but naturally found in grass fed
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meat. CLA benefits include long-term weight management and prevention of cancer, asthma, and high cholesterol just to name a few. Free-range animals have an approximation of land comparable to what they would have to roam in the wild. These animals are not kept in cages and are not force fed Pasture raised is as good as it gets for pork and poultry because these animals would naturally eat and self regulate a grass fed diet normally, but are typically fed a completely different diet. Wild Caught is the seafood equivalent of pastures raised animals. These meats all offer healthier levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Skip The Organic While buying organic is ideal for optimizing the health benefits of all those plants you’re eating, if you’re on a budget it can be difficult to justify spending more money for something that seems to be the same. Some foods are actually perfectly safe and can help you save a few bucks by opting for the non-organic varieties. Fruits and vegetables that are naturally resistant to pests and disease aren’t inundated with harsh chemicals during growing and those with thick skin naturally block their edible insides and just need a rinse. Here are some foods that can save you a pretty penny by opting for non-organic: Onion, Avocado, Sweet Corn, Pineapple, Mango, Asparagus, Sweet Peas, Kiwis, Eggplants, Papaya, Watermelon, and Broccoli.
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Model: Vel Jones Photographer: Joseph Graf
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Model: Tiffany Williams Model: Davina Van Dusen Model: Gillian Hanson Model: Sterling Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Tiffany Williams
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Model: Tiffany Williams Model: Davina Van Dusen Model: Gillian Hanson Model: Sterling Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Tiffany Williams
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Model: Tiffany Williams Model: Davina Van Dusen Model: Gillian Hanson Model: Sterling Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Tiffany Williams
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Model: Tiffany Williams Model: Davina Van Dusen Model: Gillian Hanson Model: Sterling Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Tiffany Williams
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Model: Tiffany Williams Model: Davina Van Dusen Model: Gillian Hanson Model: Sterling Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Tiffany Williams
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Model: Tiffany Williams Model: Davina Van Dusen Model: Gillian Hanson Model: Sterling Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Tiffany Williams
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Model: Tiffany Williams Model: Davina Van Dusen Model: Gillian Hanson Model: Sterling Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Tiffany Williams
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Model: Tiffany Williams Model: Davina Van Dusen Model: Gillian Hanson Model: Sterling Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Tiffany Williams
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Model: Tiffany Williams Model: Davina Van Dusen Model: Gillian Hanson Model: Sterling Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Tiffany Williams
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Photographer: Leo Malevanchik Model: Tiffany Williams Model: Davina Van Dusen Model: Gillian Hanson Model: Sterling Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Tiffany Williams
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A Natural Detox- Get Your Body Back!
I’m sure everyone can agree on one thing, everyone wants to look and feel better! Most of us try diets only to end up frustrated because we can’t maintain the extreme limitations on our favorite foods. Others join a gym and try to get disciplined to a workout schedule and yet again we realize we have to also watch what we put into our bodies. When in reality, everything is about a balance. Exercise, diet, and maintenance are the keys to creating a healthy balanced life. What do I mean by maintenance? Well, think
about it this way, your car would not run unless you change the oil, add gas, replace the tires, etc. Our bodies are also a machine. So why do we think our bodies are different than a car? We have to invest in ourselves, be proactive to take care of the one body we have. The maintenance I am referring to is cleaning out our bodies or better known as detoxing.
Detoxing is a way to rid yourself of harmful chemicals that you are exposed to on a daily basis. If we don’t take the time to clean out our system, it becomes hard on our organs to handle this load. Think of it in terms of a clogged drain. A drain cannot function properly if it is clogged. However, once a product is added to release the clogged drain, it is free to function normally.The same is true with our bodies.
I am always on the lookout for natural products that aid in helping maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lyfe Tea offers a natural way to eliminate the toxins in our bodies. We develop toxins whether it is from the environment we are in or the food we eat.
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It is important for our well-being to cleanse ourselves from these harmful factors. Not only will you lose weight, you will boost your metabolism and improve your digestive system. Are you the type of person that hesitates to try new products until you see proven results? Well, I’m sure you will be convinced once you see how thousands of people have transformed their bodies by using Lyfe Tea. Once I discovered Lyfe Tea’s website, I took a look at their instagram page and was blown away with all the celebrities that have used their products. They have also been voted the best product to eliminate toxins by Dr. Oz. Now if that isn’t convincing then I don’t know what is! What I love most about this brand is the fact that their products are all natural and include vitamins, minerals, vital proteins, antioxidants, omega oils, and other added benefits.
To see before and after transformations, as well as all the celebrities using Lyfe Tea, go to: https://instagram.com/lyfe_tea/ Let’s transform our bodies from the inside out! Article By: Tosha Cole Clemens
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Hoppy Birthday By Julia Escobosa
Celebrating its 13th birthday this year, Green Flash Brewery is a San Diego craft beer staple. Founders Mike and Lisa Hinkley along with Brewmaster Chuck Silva have grown their ale offering to include eight year round beers and are consistently creating new seasonal favorites. Check out their next limited edition batch -- available February 27, 2015. We decided to welcome this microbrew into teendom by taking a look and taste into five of their mainstays on a Tuesday night with a case of beer and a pot of chili. It was like taking our tastes buds on a hop filled adventure down PCH. West Coast IPA DOUBLE INDIA PALE ALE IBU’S: 95 ABV: 8.1% To ensure that the West Coast remained the best coast for everything from surfing to beer, Green Flash brewed their West Coast IPA. Boasting five different hops used throughout the brewing cycle, it offers a strong fragrance with just the right amount of hoppy bitterness. Le Freak BELGIAN-STYLE IMPERIAL INDIA PALE ALE IBU’S: 101 ABV: 9.2% Le Freak offers another mash up - Belgian-Style Trippel meets American Imperial IPA - for those looking for an ale with a hint of bitterness. This super-freak also features spicy and fruity notes and yeast aromatics.
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Hop Head Red DOUBLE RED INDIA PALE ALE IBU’S: 70 ABV: 8.1% A hybrid Double IPA and Red Ale, this brew offers a smooth balance of hoppiness and maltiness. With a light fragrance and a bit more bite than your average Red Ale, it keeps you on your toes with a slightly intense aftertaste.
Hop Head Red DOUBLE RED INDIA PALE ALE IBU’S: 70 ABV: 8.1% A hybrid Double IPA and Red Ale, this brew offers a smooth balance of hoppiness and maltiness. With a light fragrance and a bit more bite than your average Red Ale, it keeps you on your toes with a slightly intense aftertaste.
Double Stout BLACK ALE IBU’S: 45 ABV: 8.8% Last but certainly not least, this was hands-down the crowd favorite. Think you’re not a fan of stouts? This one’s worth a try. The Green Flash team adapted 19th Century British Stout Recipes for this modern take on the UK favorite. A perfectly rich after-dinner treat, it features bold yet smooth coffee notes with a hint of chocolate.
Imperial IPA IMPERIAL INDIA PALE ALE IBU’S: 101 ABV: 9.0% Imperial IPAs typically offer a stronger, hoppier ale and this high-gravity brew is a crowning achievement for Green Flash. Their Imperial IPA combines earthy pine and evergreen aromas with fruity pineapple notes. Explore the brews and the brewery that brews them and find a brew near you at http://www.greenflashbrew.com/
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Veto New Year’s Resolutions By Angela M. Calvin
I personally do not like making New Year’s resolutions every year. I am not even the person that likes to make long term or short term goals all the time. Yes, there is the feeling that I could be disappointed and they never come to fruition so why bother. Yet,I am not always that dismal and “oh ye of little faith”, so don’t worry. Now I do think that goals are important and many love resolutions, but are they for everyone? Your reason may not be my reason. So I am here to say, there is no pressure. We all live our lives by our own methodology every day. Some live by benchmarks, some by mile markers, some by the moment, some by the seat of their pants. I believe that you must do what feels right for you, not because the time of the year someone has designated that time for significant changes to happen. Change can happen at any time. It’s encouraging to think that at one time of the year we have a do-overpass. We psychologically feel good about this invisible clean slate. Yet, have you ever asked yourself why you can’t have a clean slate every day? Why put so much pressure on one time of the year? There are many moments that make up a lifetime and each of them counts. I fear that we often start to skip those very important moments to get to the quick fix at the end. We want the chance to start over because we can sometimes feel inadequate in facing our failures. When we fast forward to the New Year resolution, I think we will more times than not find our-
selves making the same resolutions again. “Ok this time I REALLY will stick to my diet”, “This time I WILL save more money.” And so the list can go on. What has happened? Well, we really didn’t face the failure. There’s nothing wrong with that failure. Easy for me to say as someone that can be hard on oneself for those failures, but really it’s an opportunity to fine tune our characters and see what is and is not working for us. It is not a time to force out another resolution. Be easy on yourself and gentle. You can take bite sized pieces out of life and enjoy the way it goes down, rather than stuffing your face and getting a bellyache. Living life is a process each day. Again it is made up of smaller parts. Work with those smaller parts. If you want to make goals and resolutions then it’s ok to make them doable for YOU. Make the goals variations of something that is incorporated into your everyday life. You are a writer and you enjoy cooking every day, write down your own recipes with a healthy twist and create a mini cookbook. Two goals down. A healthy lifestyle change and producing a written piece. It’s ok to challenge ourselves. Add that in too. In the end, I say Veto New Year’s Resolutions and say yes to resolution within one’s self. You are just fine and on the right track. Happy New Year!
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Hipstar for a day By Julia Escobosa Julia Escobosa is a So Cal native currently residing in Beverly Hills. She graduated with an Associates in Merchandise Production Development in 2009 from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) and with a Bachelors in Liberal Studies from California State University Channel Islands in 2014, while also serving in the Army National Guard. She currently works as a fashion recruiter in Los Angeles, writes freelance, and volunteers on the event committees for the Animal History Museum and the Art Deco Society of L.A. She is hardworking and driven, and when not following her passions, she is following the signs to the best happy hour and brunch deals that L.A. can offer (which is a pretty big selection, so she has her work cut out for her). You can follow Julia on IG @JPMaven
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Twin Power
Models: Lonnie and Donnie Hawkins (Lonnie in straw hat) Stylist: Lonnie Hawkins Photographer: Kim Craven
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Models: Lonnie and Donnie Hawkins (Lonnie in straw hat) Stylist: Lonnie Hawkins Photographer: Kim Craven
Twin Power
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Dakotah Peña, 29, SoCal Native
LATTC Class of 2016 Twitter @OmniaContexta // http://dakotahtyler.clothing Interviewed by Julia Escobosa
massive debt and lacking necessary skills, such as basic sewing. What are your plans after graduation?
Why did you choose to major in fashion? My interest in fashion started around my late teens and my interest grew stronger over the years. Eventually a friend and I visited Japan for the fashion scene a couple years ago. Last year I was working at a company with very flexible hours and I started taking some early morning sewing classes at the Sewing Arts Center in Santa Monica before I decided to officially go back to school. Why did you pick LATTC?
I plan to work as a pattern maker while gaining fashion industry experience to slowly grow my own line. What is your favorite thing about SoCal? It has the benefits of an urban metropolis but you aren’t locked in a concrete jungle even when you are in the city. I think the mid-city area near West Hollywood to Hancock Park has the best concentration of stores and amenities within walking distance. Where are your favorite places to shop in SoCal? Opening Ceremony and H. Lorenzo.
I had looked for fashion classes at community colleges in LA expecting to find several programs and found that LATTC had a massive program. Later I read that Rick Owens studied there in the 80’s and I decided to enroll in LATTC because of its well-rounded practical skill-building program. What is your favorite thing about LATTC? LATTC is results-oriented so there’s no coddling like there is in private colleges. It’s hard work; you learn real-world skills for getting a job in the industry. They teach you to not be delusional in thinking that it’s all glamorous and the teachers truly want you to understand how to market yourself professionally. A surprising number of my teachers have worked at FIDM and Otis and left because they felt bad for students who are run through school with
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What is your favorite fashion trend for Spring 2015? I don’t pay attention to fashion trends; it’s wasteful because your clothes are passé after a few years. Great design is timeless. Where do you find inspiration? I am inspired by some of my favorite designers, of course, but also clothing from different cultures and eras. Almost all clothing produced by people outside of the developed world, usually to the cheapest and most practical of specifications, have some interesting detail that is inspiring or surprising. Even the way a hole is patched or a sleeve is reattached can be an interesting detail. What do you think the biggest environmental concerns are in the fashion industry? I think the biggest area for concern is pesticide use for fibers, dyeing processes that discolor bodies of water, or harsh chemicals used for a certain finish, such as bleached denim. How has the fashion industry become more or less green recently? I believe we are at the top of a bell curve of irresponsible practices and things will very slowly get more ecologically friendly. 100 years ago experts, probably sustainably manufactured, crafted all clothes and hugely expensive so people owned only a few garments. With the advent of mass production and fast fashion trends the industry has reached untenable levels of waste.
Organic textiles, domestic production, and natural dyeing processes could decrease profits in the short term. However, one thing companies can do right now is not participate in the race to the bottom with their prices. Consumers may love fast fashion for now but many may begin to realize the garments are poorly constructed with horrible fabrics forcing them to continuously throw them out or donate them. By producing quality made goods, it would cost about the same for customers over time because the prices force them to love the garments they buy and keep them longer. Do you think there’s a trade-off between profitability and green technology? Some industries can switch to more sustainable technologies easily and profitably but I think fashion and the manufacturing industry are areas where there is less financial incentive for recognizing what the pesticides and textile waste waters are doing to the oceans and waterways. How can fashion companies encourage their customers to be greener? By not contributing to the fast fashion trend, instead focusing on quality garments. The amount of donated clothing is incredible and is mostly attributed to fast fashion; people usually hold on to quality pieces. Also, placing less emphasis on the shopping bag can encourage customers to utilize one bag.
What do you see as emerging trends in green technology for fashion? I think having the Internet brings new possibilities for communication, collaboration, and digital workflows. How can companies become greener and more profitable at the same time?
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Dan Romero SF Beer Week 2015
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angovers be damned as craft beer from around the world flowed freely in the Bay Area during SF Beer Week 2015. SF Beer Week reached unimaginable levels of participation in 2015. What started in 2009 as a gathering of insiders and aficionados has turned into a region-wide free-for-all for beer lovers. This year’s incarnation of SF Beer Week featured nearly 800 events at 288 venues from Sonoma county to coastal Santa Cruz. The 10-day event kicked off with the Opening Gala, where 2,500 guests packed the Fort Mason Center Herbst Pavilion to sample from 82 of California’s finest breweries. The sold-out event featured the debut of this year’s San Francisco Brewer’s Guild collaboration Swept by Fire, a smoked pale ale which pays homage to the cities breweries destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. San Francisco’s current brewers were on full display as one-off specials and local favorites were featured prominently throughout Beer Week.
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Anchor, Speakeasy, and 21st Amendment appeared at some of the weeks biggest gatherings, but it was newcomer Fort Point Beer Company that made the biggest showing. The brewery, founded just last year, was exclusively featured at 18 events, including a five-course dinner at La Trappe Cafe in North Beach. East Bay breweries were well represented, as the budding Oakland/Alameda County beers spilled across the Bay. Drake’s Brewing of San Leandro hosted one of the most anticipated events of the week, the fifth annual Sau & Brau pig roast. The $50 admission landed attendees an abundance of pork and access to more than 20 of Drake’s finest brews. Add in live music and the cool night air, and it’s easy to see why the event has become a staple of Beer Week. The largest trend of SFBW was the onslaught of barrel-aged beer. From Sierra Nevada’s Barrel Aged Bigfoot barleywine to a barrel-aged tap takeover at Good Karma Artisan Ales and Cafe in San Jose, bourbon-barrel-treated brews dominated palettes all week long. One downside of the rising popularity of Beer Week is the overcrowding at the more popular venues. continue to grow larger, yet more tight-knit over time.
Known beer halls The Trappist in Oakland, Zeitgiest in the Mission, and Toronado in the Haight often packed patrons in elbow-to-elbow. But the joys of SFBW are greater than long lines and beyond exclusive brews. The camaraderie among the California craft beer community is what keeps this event going. The sheer pleasure in discussing a shared bond with strangers is contagious. Brewers and consumers alike bask in the joy of sharing a beer with a fellow enthusiast. If SF Beer Week 2015 is any indication, the community will
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Finding Your Rhythm: Stelari Life can be as simplistic or as complicated as we wish. Having that choice is the beauty of life. The freedom to be you! Whether you set your own supernatural goals, live a healthier life or travel to an unfamiliar territory, all of us have the desire to let our true selves be known. Fashion is the most visible way to speak to the world without having to say a word! Within just a few seconds, you can tell a lot about a person by what they are wearing. An inner reflection of an outward expression is what fashion represents. So what do you represent? Who do you support and why? We all know what we like; yet some of us do not feel comfortable enough to fully let ourselves be authentic. Let’s challenge ourselves this year to let our inner being shine through in our clothes! Speaking of shine, Stelari is a new boho chic active wear and lifestyle brand that embodies a unique effortless style. Stelari’s first season in active wear debuts with the “Tarot of the Bohemians” collection. Based on vintage tarot cards, the collection features eco conscious yoga tanks with a whooping recycled content of 94%! Whether enjoying the sweat wicking lightness during your favorite yoga flow or hanging with your friends in cool, casual comfort, Stelari speaks to your inner gypsy. Stelari’s focus is on creating meaningful, wearable pieces of artwork. Each Tarot of the Bohemians Collection design is meant to symbolize your own truth. Wear it to strengthen your intention for yoga practice and for life. I was pleased to get a chance to interview the owner, Kim Roach on this new exciting brand. What made you decide to start Stelari? KR: There was never a decision to start Stelari because it always lived in my heart. I feel my most authentic and best self when I am active and creating, so it was only natural to marry the two. Did you have a background in fashion? KR: My undergraduate degrees are in Marketing
and Finance. After graduating college I sought out to work in fashion but found it extremely difficult to break into the industry, especially in the city I was living in. I am an entrepreneur at heart and have been creating businesses since I was a child. I always knew I would create my own brand. When my kids were old enough to start pre-school I began my journey to Stelari. I basically started over – attending fashion design classes and gaining a deeper knowledge of the industry. Creating a line that embraced my love of fashion, yoga and fitness is the clearest extension of who I am at my core and the essence of my life. What does the word Stelari mean? KR: Stelari is an abstract word my mind kept saying whenever I would think about life and my connection with others. When we listen to our intuition and live a conscious life that is authentic and meaningful to our unique selves, we are in the rhythm of life. This is how I strive to live my life and I want to inspire others to do the same. Stelari - find your rhythm. What is the inspiration behind this Tarot of the Bohemians collection? KR: This collection was inspired by the ancient wisdom and symbolism of the Tarot. I am constantly in awe and inspired at the way life and the Universe communicates with each of us, if we are conscious and quiet enough to listen. For me, the message of this collection, is the we are all our own fortune tellers and we create our destiny with every thought, word, action and non-action. Our lives on the outside are simply a reflection of our inside.
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What do you enjoy most about your job? KR: Being creative! The early mornings are my “me” time. There is something very sacred about the creative energy of the morning- when my mind, body, and soul are refreshed and there is serenity around me. This is when I get most of my creative inspirations. It is truly one of the most fulfilling things to have a vision, to see it actualized, and to find that others connect with its meaning. How is your brand different? KR: Stelari is unique from other brands because the apparel we create is designed to be meaningful, functional, and fashionable. Our clothes are pieces of artwork - each design symbolizes our core values and the intention of the person wearing it. Who is the Stelari girl? KR: The Stelari woman believes in her own powerful being. She’s curious about life. She loves connecting with people just as much as she enjoys silent walks alone. She’s a hard worker and a fun seeker. She’s creating a purposeful life and believes all her dreams can come true. What has been your greatest accomplishment? KR: Striving to always follow my own truth, popular or not. What would you say the hardest part of growing a new business is? KR: Balance! I have a 5 and 7 year-old, and at times it can be difficult being a mom, an entrepreneur, a yogi and a wife. Striving to balance and fulfill all my roles is a challenge that I believe we all face at one time or another. The key, I found, is to stay focused on my purpose and my intention. What is your daily routine like? KR: I usually wake up around 5am to enjoy a couple hours devoted to creativity and spirituality. For me, these two things are deeply intertwined. If I have a busy day of meetings, I try to get in an early morning run. At 7am the kids wake. After getting them off to school, I drive to my favorite local yoga studio. A daily practice is sacred to me and I strive to preserve this time for myself. The rest of my day is spent working on my line, responding to emails and general business operations. In the afternoon, I pick up my kids from school and we begin our own routine. It’s busy, but it’s exactly the life I wanted and created, and I am so thankful for it. What’s your philosophy of life? KR: I believe that our life’s greatest purpose is to let our soul be seen. When we connect to the deeper part of ourselves, the Universe, and each other, we can begin to shed the layers and let our most beautiful, fragile and vulnerable self be seen. You can see Stelari’s new collection at: www.Stelari.com. Don’t forget to check out the amazing yoga towels as well! Finding our rhythm to life looks different for everyone that is why it is your rhythm, not someone else’s. Be unique, be bold, be you!
Article By: Tosha Cole Clemens Fashion Industry Expert www.Facebook.com/ToshaColeClemens
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“MISUNDERSTOOD” Credits Photography Jonathan Sevilla Make-Up Kristina-Monique Cortez Hair Stylist Roberta Acher Hair Color Carrera Bailey Nails Brian Allen Wardrobe Stylist Sonia Tabor Production Abf Makeup Assistant: Jacqueline Coulon
Credits Photography Jonathan Sevilla Make-Up Kristina-Monique Cortez Hair Stylist Roberta Acher Hair Color Carrera Bailey Nails Brian Allen Wardrobe Stylist Sonia Tabor Production Abf Makeup Assistant: Jacqueline Coulon
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Tinder and Meetup: GOODS ways to meet people?
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heard of Tinder last year from my female boss, and didn’t think much of it since there is many a dating/meet up site for the using. One afternoon, I decided to check it out and download the app. I wasn’t too sure of the premise of it but I quickly got the jest of it—you swipe, swipe, swipe your heart out, looking at people in your area’s profiles (but mostly focusing on their pictures of course) then maybe reading what they decide to boast about or if you have similar friends as it uses your Facebook to sign up. Every swipe, whether you swipe right on the shirtless six pack fella or swipe left on the other side of the spectrum, is anonymous, unless you find a match. Finding a match means that you both swiped right on each other and now have the opportunity to chat with each other. Very exciting indeed when this happens and that’s where the addiction comes into play—at times you are a little iffy about positively swiping on a profile, not wondering if they are truly your type or if they would be interested in you and so forth, later to decide “Whatever. I’ll just swipe right” then find yourself surprised that that very person swiped you also. One can only wonder if half of the people really do find you attractive or not or have other intentions. Meetup on the other hand is less physically inclined and gathers people from different backgrounds/areas together for various meet ups to do anything from midnight hiking to clubbing down
town. This one seems to focus more on activities that help one get out there, meet people and have a good time doing it. With both apps/sites, they are excellent ways to meet people depending on what you yourself are looking for. Take for instance Tinder. Tinder is geared more towards the younger generation, with hooking up being its main focus (whether they want to admit it or not) whereas Meetup seems to be geared more towards the older crowd or even those new in town that want activities to do while meeting people. There’s a huge decision at hand, to swipe or not? –
Tymisha Blunt .
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Who You Calling Names? The LGBT Community By Angela M. Calvin LGBTTQQIIAA: Lesbian. Gay. Bisexual. Pansexual. Transgender. Queer. Questioning. Intersex. Intergender. Asexual. Ally. Yes, these are identities and labels that are not an exhaustive list, but some that attempt to cover the queer community. The term queer describes all individuals that do not fit within gender or sexuality “norms”. I am sure when you took a look at this you said to yourself that you knew at least “LGBT”. But where did these others come from!?. Trust me so did I. As I researched, combing information about labels, my head began to hurt. As someone that has chosen to live outside of the heterosexual “norm” in relationships at a later time of my life, I am wondering why the need for so many labels? Are they beneficial or are they harmful? What are the uses for such labels? I do feel that there is some need for certain labels to differentiate one person from the next just as much as we have races and ethnicities. Mainly, I believe that labels are here to define ourselves to the world and that in itself can be problematic. It definitely is NOT for us. Or maybe it is so that we more clearly know who we are and dissipate the confusion. What happens when labels stop being identification and start becoming boxed confinements in which we must fit in order to gain validity as a queer person? What happens when they can be a source of division, judgment and ostracizing? In a time where there has been an ongoing fight to establish equality in the LGBT community, I dare to say that the need to “label” ourselves has caused our own quagmire. More for some than others I might add. Within certain cultures we are drowning in labels and it’s become obsessive, more isolating than unifying in the cause. I find myself in this muck. I already face the imposed burden by society of being black and a woman, I now must face being required to check off a label box of how I identify. I feel the eyes and the desperation in which another queer or heterosexual person is trying to figure me out. They just HAVE to figure me out. I can see the computing in their heads “ hmm.. she a femme huh, no wait she seems bisexual, wait no she could be a Dom or Aggressive femme, no she isn’t butch. Hmm I wonder…..” Just stop. Just stop. There is this incessant need to define something or someone so that WE can make sense of it. Unfortunately, many of us have fell prey and feel we must claim something. I have often said I choose to love who I love and yet, I would bet my life on it, someone would snicker and be like “she’s confused” But why? Why am I confused? Can you just let me live my life! I know who I am. So does my partner. I think that is enough. Should I force you to select a political party? No. Then there you have it. This conversation is one that must be explored and cannot be broken down in one article. We can have this discussion in great depths. There may be those that disagree with my sentiments. I respect those who live and die by the label. But will you truly die by the label? Suffocate yourself from the fluidity of enjoying life? Let me leave you with this. We all have our own stories to tell and no one can tell YOUR story, so why are you trying so hard to tell another person’s? Many know the road to equality in the LGBT community has been hard. It is NOT easy to know how to identify in this space for some more than others. Yet, everyone has suffered their time of discrimination and hardship. When we try holding so tightly to labels, we run the risk of making the road that much harder for our brothers and sisters that are trying to find their own voice and identity. Let’s not be hypocritical in our plight. Let’s be empathetic and embrace that we are all trying to find our way and at the end of the day we are ying and yang, masculine and feminine and we will flow however we want without an agenda. I know my name and who I am. Do you? If so then I ask you. “Who you calling names”?
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Designer
: Kaye Morales Makeup : Jackie Smith Models : Kiera Smith, Nikki Haroldson Photographer : Ken Alcazar / AlcazarK Photography Videographer : Michael Kahn Photography assistants : Jin Yu, Leo Baybay
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Designer
: Kaye Morales
Makeup : Jackie Smith Models : Kiera Smith, Nikki Haroldson Photographer : Ken Alcazar / AlcazarK Photography Videographer : Michael Kahn Photography assistants : Jin Yu, Leo Baybay
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Designer
: Kaye Morales
Makeup : Jackie Smith Models : Kiera Smith, Nikki Haroldson Photographer : Ken Alcazar / AlcazarK Photography Videographer : Michael Kahn Photography assistants : Jin Yu, Leo Baybay
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Designer
: Kaye Morales
Makeup : Jackie Smith Models : Kiera Smith, Nikki Haroldson Photographer : Ken Alcazar / AlcazarK Photography Videographer : Michael Kahn Photography assistants : Jin Yu, Leo Baybay
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Designer
: Kaye Morales
Makeup : Jackie Smith Models : Kiera Smith, Nikki Haroldson Photographer : Ken Alcazar / AlcazarK Photography Videographer : Michael Kahn Photography assistants : Jin Yu, Leo Baybay
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Designer
: Kaye Morales
Makeup : Jackie Smith Models : Kiera Smith, Nikki Haroldson Photographer : Ken Alcazar / AlcazarK Photography Videographer : Michael Kahn Photography assistants : Jin Yu, Leo Baybay
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Designer
: Kaye Morales
Makeup : Jackie Smith Models : Kiera Smith, Nikki Haroldson Photographer : Ken Alcazar / AlcazarK Photography Videographer : Michael Kahn Photography assistants : Jin Yu, Leo Baybay
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The Desert King’ Amato By Stacey Blanchet
W
hat is the value of an imagination? Most would say priceless! Does life imitate art or does art imitate life? How do you have your imagination come to life by creating something breathtaking for the world to see?
Like a hand reaching out of the magazine, he grabs you so you have to take notice of his masterpiece. He is a direct descendent of the “Alexander McQueen” school and has captured my heart and imagination as a designer, leaving me speechless. He is a master with beads and daggers. The fabric he uses adapts to his will as he takes his Orchestra to the grand finale. Furne
Desert King”.
Amato is “The
Design house “Amato” is helmed by Filipino designer Furne One. Based in Dubai, it is internationally recognized. Furne’s masterpieces have graced fashionistas such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Tyra Banks and Shakira.
How did you experience growing up while wanting to be a fashion designer? To be honest, it wasn’t that difficult. As a boy, I would keep to myself and spend most of my time alone with my imagination, sketching away dresses. As I grew older, I became a little rebellious. In time, I grew out of that phase and started focusing on my career and became a successful designer.
When we last spoke, you told me that you decided to be a designer from the time you were a child while watching your mother and grandmother get ready. Can you tell us why that act had such an impact on you? Do your remembrances effect your collecWhat in your childhood/adulthood intions? spired you and still inspires you to be so creative? I guess I just saw how wearing their beautiful dresses transformed them from ordinary women into elegant queens. I’d like to think that this early memory that I have of these women’s sense of style has influenced me in creating my collections that exude confidence, power, beauty and grace.
Besides my mother and grandmother, as a child I would always look towards movies, magazines and MTV for inspiration. It was then that I was opened up to how fashion plays a huge part in our society.
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What is your favorite part of the process in designing? I.e. illustrations, fabric shopping, creating or business? I find the entire creative process very fulfilling as it is exciting. From conceptualizing ideas and sketching the design, to the sewing and finishing, it still amazes me how a simple imagination can come to life. Being able to create a dress that people appreciate is the most rewarding experience for any designer.
Do you make your own fabric? If yes, why?
and being famous. They often forget about the responsibilities that go along with it. The truth is, it’s all about having a clear vision of your aesthetic, good business acumen, hard work and perseverance.
You have No, not yet at least. But we are planning on creating always been our own fabric prints that we will use for our ready Haute Couto wear collections. ture, why did you deWhen did you move to Dubai and why cide to pursue Ready to Wear? do you call that home for Amato? Shortly after working for Josie Natori in New York, I decided to visit a friend of mine. It was around 1998 when I first came to the city (Dubai) and discovered the endless possibilities it held for a young designer like me back then. Dubai was so lavish and extravagant and held so much promise of progress. Till this day, I find this city enchanting and mysterious – things that are synonymous to the vision of Amato.
We wanted to be able to cater to all of our followers, not just the socialites and royalties but also to the everyday woman/girl who want to try being bold and edgy. Our ready to wear line will consist of basic pieces (t-shirts, sundresses, shorts etc.) but with an Amato twist, of course! The goal is to create something that is plain and simple into something equally intricate and opulent as an Amato haute couture gown – but for a lower cost.
Where is Amato going to be in your plans 5 years from now? What is your What advice do you give young designers just starting out about what to vision and how are you making it happen? watch out for in this business? Amato intends to grow and expand from a singular brand into a global fashion empire. It sounds ambitious, I know, but I do not doubt the possibility. That little boy watching his mother and grandmother getting dressed has brought them alive on the runways and in the magazines around the globe. He is a true testament to the importance of a nurtured imagination. What is to stop him? Each season he takes us on another journey that leaves us breathless. Furne is clearly soaring among the greats! A lot of young designers think that the fashion industry is just about pretty dresses fabulous parties
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Credits Photography by Jegavision
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Credits Photography by Jegavision
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