Parlay Magazine - No5 Magic

No5

MAGIC

WRITERS

STAFF

Deborah Harris John Guatta

Tevye Harper - Editor-In-Chief Deborah Harris - Asst Editor Vaness Cruz - Exec. Asst Theresa Hinton - Ad Sales

MODELS

PHOTOGRAPHY

Deborah Harris Glenn Wright Vashti Harris-Brawdy Shantel Fairclough Quest Gulliford

Amari Dixon Eric Ortiz Roger Bennett Jim Smith

Submissions Submissions are always open. If you would like to be considered as a contributor please send your material to submission@parlaymagazine.com Sponsorships & Advertising Send your inquiries to ads@parlaymagazine.com

COVER

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INSIDE 08

MADE IN ‘MERICA? 14 34

CONTENTS

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FROM THE EDITOR Ok I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting this issue to be as big as it is. But what a blessing that so much is going on in our city that’s fashion related. As everyone knows MAGIC just ended and there’s always a lot of good buzz.

In this issue we get to celebrate two people who are not only important to Parlay but important voices and talents in the city. Deborah Harris, our Assistant Editor, fashion advocate, stylist, entrepreneur,... I can go and on. She’s the bomb. I think that’s the one word that fits. We get to know her a little closer and we also had some serious magic happen in her shoot. We introduce you to a new talent in Amari Dixson.

Together with Deborah’s sister Vashti.... speechless. Sharing the cover is Glenn Wright. Glenn is a rare talent and we are blessed to have him in our city. Glenn also has multiple talents; Master tailor, pattern maker and educator to just get started.

Any designer would be privileged to know this man because he’s difference from finding your wears in the bargain bin at Wal-Mart and Neiman Marcus.

We’ve also reached a milestone that I never thought we’d reach so soon. We now have over 25,000 global readers. This means that Las Vegas fashion matters. I see good things happening for our industry and we are thankful to everyone who’s made this milestone possible.

Thank you for reading and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Tevye Harper Editor-In-Chief

parlaymagazine

@parlaymag

parlaymagazine.com

taiwan China MADE IN ‘MERICA? india vietnam With the last stages of MAGIC 2015 coming to a close, I am reminded of the economic efforts of our nation to establish balance in the apparel manufacturing industry. For me, one of the most important aspects of the MAGIC convention surrounds sourcing day and the companies that are supportive tools and resources for the apparel industry.

Apparel manufacturers, textile production companies, organic fabric mills, leather goods, wholesalers, etc. make up the global backbone of the fashion industry. As I walked the sourcing floor this season, I was disturbed by how trivial a presence American manufacturer’s had amongst at least 500 international manufacturing businesses.

The largest and most influential apparel convention globally is held in the United States in the city of Las Vegas, NV. Twice a year the MAGIC and Project convention is stationed in our city and yet a greater American apparel and production front has not been present for the past 10 years. Questions that are in relation to this lack of presence are currently being asked among local business owners and private factions looking to support new apparel manufacturing business in our city. Many investors and city officials are concerned and interested with the climate surrounding the growing desire to recreate the industrial revolution here in America and governments plan to do so over the next 20years.

But in order to address a national plan for economic development and a considerable relocation of trade labor from competing countries such as China and India, we must address what is currently happening in this industry and in community venues that are utilized to support and lend exposure to what resources are available here in America.

What strikes me as odd is the fact that with the largest apparel trade shows being held on the west coast, surprisingly slim numbers of business manufacturers turn out from LA 8

and especially this 2015 fall season. If our goal to re-establish America as the frontier of textile creation and manufacturing, more gusto must be seen from prominent sectors of the American apparel industry to show our strength and support to continue growth in job creation and fair trade labor environments.

What will it take for all factions across the board to band together and connect the dots so that education, professional training, and small business progression all play vital roles in the establishment of an American empire? Fortunately our current president has made strides to support this effort and has implemented a grant initiative to help build out new and existing business in manufacturing across the United States. When we approach matters of this caliber, I am a firm believer in going straight to a ground level source and learning from beginners in business to established CEO’s who have grown their brands in the midst of this economic shift.

“What will it take for all factions across the board to band together and connect the dots...”

We at Parlay Magazine took the time to speak with a couple business owners on the sales floor of the MAGIC convention and discovered what their personal endeavors were when attending MAGIC and expanding their businesses into multiple markets, what their methods of production were and where they stand on the rebuild of Industrial manufacturing in the United States. Our first designer we encountered at MAGIC on our search through the enormous Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center was the beautifully bright Amanda Perna.

by Deborah Harris

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Amanda Perna is the creator and head designer of House of Perna which showcased under the Project Runway Designer umbrella. Amanda is on the current season of Project Runway and has been receiving a considerable amount of press surrounding the development of her line. Our photographer was immediately drawn to the color and cut of her of her fabrics and wanted to know more about what she wanted her line to say to women who purchased her clothing and where she saw herself long-term in the apparel community.

What voice are you looking to give women through your clothing?

I want women to be confident and strong and sparkle wherever they go…I want my women to feel like a ray of sunshine whenever they wear a garment from my line.

Why were these particular cuts and draping used in your design aesthetic?

My cuts and draping create a silhouette that helps to accentuate any woman’s body type.

I also do custom design for any woman because I’ve had personal experience with a friend of mine who expressed her right to feel pretty after not being able to find a gown that was up to her standards for a special event. Every woman needs to have the assurance in what they buy and where they shop in knowing they will feel pretty when they put their clothes on.

What’s your long term planning goal for your design house?

I’d like to gain more press for sure for the West Coast demographic because we are originally based in Florida. Our first endeavor to increase our brand awareness was to participate in MAGIC. We would like to move into the Las Vegas market because I believe my clothing represents the colorful and free feeling environment here.

SHOP & FOLLOW http://www.thehouseofperna.com https://instagram.com/thehouseofperna/ https://twitter.com/TheHouseofPerna

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Sydney by ITRO Why the same Sydney and where are your operations located?

We are located in LA and the name Sydney is actually the head designers name and so she decided to go with her name for the brand Why the rhinestone embellishments in the back and who is your target demographic that your designing for?

Most people believe in making an impression upon face to face first encounters. We like to believe that great impressions can be made while walking away. All of the bling is stationed in the back of our best-selling tops. The owner of Sydney designs with her own personal comforts in mind and because she is a more mature woman who wants to stay young in dress her designs speak to every age group. Your average sweat suit is transformed into a stylish afternoon or evening outerwear that you can feel confident in. We look forward to moving into the Las Vegas market because just being at this convention the last few days we have seen plenty of women who dress with this style aesthetic in mind.

FOLLOW https://www.facebook.com/SYDNEYbyITRO

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www.ortizproductions.com

Ortiz-Productions

eric_ortiz_photography

H A R O B E DDEBORAH S I R Rte LHifeARRIS HA Hau A F O G N I THE MAK N A M C I S S CLA

PHOTOGRAPHED by Amari Dixon PHOTOGRAPHED

by Amariby Dixon CLOTHING provided Pamela Humphry & B

S

Buffalo Exchange

The fashion industry often goes hand-in-hand with creative genius on one side and super ego on the other. Fashion is all about ego and sometimes it’s ugly and pretentious. Hidden underneath the show it’s a cutthroat industry. But sometimes there’s undeniable beauty.

When people work with beauty and artistry as their intention fashion mastery is created. But artists can do it alone. They need people that truly support them as people. The industry needs advocates so that beauty can shine through. Deborah Harris is one of those people you want in your corner. Everyone who knows her knows her heart and head. Let’s get to know this diamond in the fashion ruff.

You’re a Chicago transplant, what brought you to Sin City?

To be perfectly honest, coming to Las Vegas was a choice I never wanted to have to make so to speak. I had a wonderful starter career back home in music with a group called Untitled.

I loved Chicago and all of my closest friends were there etc. Some transitions happened with me leaving the group and sometimes I wonder what my life could look like now if I had stuck around. But long story short, I was getting away from a relationship that had just ended….in my mind I couldn’t even be in the same state lol…It was heartbreaking.

How do you go from pre-med bio to fashion maven?

Ummmmm lol….it was an interesting set of events and totally out of the blue. I was always stylish in college and all of my friends were very unique and head-strong so to speak in their personal styles. But of course I knew in my heart and mind that I wanted to follow medicine.

Well when I moved to Las Vegas and wanted to move into a master’s degree program, none of institutions of higher learning here had even heard of my field of interest, which at the time was Bio-Ethics.

Because of this I fell into a rut you would say and moved here and there with work. It was my baby sister actually who turned me on to fashion. She was never really into school but she was bright and was hungry to become someone who created art and beautiful clothes for a living. Being the loving sister that I am, I stepped in and said “Hey I’m kind of smart… let’s give it a whirl” The rest is history you know. I owe almost everything to her because she opened a door I never knew I was destined to walk through.

Those who know you understand that you’re a true designer and fashion advocate. Why is fashion so important to you?

Well this is an interesting question because I didn’t wake up one morning and say “I want to become a designer and have my name in lights and everyone love me” I grew up watching my mother sew for countless women day and night and I NEVER wanted to be her….OH MY GOSH I didn’t lol. I jumped into this industry with both feet because someone near and dear 16

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to me needed help and needed to know that she was able to accomplish a dream no matter what her background or formal education resume looked like.

For me, fashion isn’t necessarily the “THING” or industry that’s important to me; it’s the establishment of self-worth and security that is and fashion just happens to be the capsule surrounding what my heart truly desires for all communities. Please don’t get me wrong. I have LITERALLY cried watching a runway show because it was so beautiful and I was enthralled by the imagination and creativity of the designer. I believe it was an Alexander McQueen 2012 spring collection that first brought me to tears and that collection I believe was helmed during the early stages of Sarah Burtons reign for that particular design house.

But my point is, I desire for individuals to do what they love and have it touch our world in such a way that it makes you proud within yourself and proud share it and inspire someone else. Without guidance in education, business, and the development of the human spirit and mindset, an individual will stay in the daydream phase and never move forward in their career and long term goals.

What inspired you to form the Fashion Artist Guild?

We formed the non-profit Fashion Artist Guild Inc. because we saw so much of a need repeatedly recycling in institutions of learning and beyond. We started out as volunteers and sponsors of events in the high schools and colleges here in Las Vegas under our small business banner CoutureSlave. From there we listened hard to staff and students on what the true needs were at a grass roots level that would economically develop the city and careers of this gifted generation. Once we grabbed hold of the big picture we understood that there was no way we were going to selfishly believe that we would make it as a small business and become an influence in the fashion community if so many of our kin were not. Our goal is to change lives and create tangible opportunity across the board.

So your sister was your muse. In every great partnership each partner brings out the best in each other. What qualities she bring out in you?

I pretty much led the majority of my life by the book…I mean to the letter. My baby sister never thought twice about what she wanted or how she would go about getting it. She constantly spoke her mind and was always transparent. My sister makes me brave and fearless. When I have moments that make me feel small or unsure, I hear Vashti’s voice telling me to “Get over myself and go kick a$$” The best thing about her is that she only allows me to cry for 5min when I’m feeling down…literally 5min. I’ve learn to toughen up because of my baby sis.

Through FAGI you work with local designers who are in various stages of development.

What do you see are the resources they need to grow their careers?

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The main resources this community needs to secure are focused in the areas of business management and expansion. There is plenty of raw talent here in Las Vegas but there is disconnect when it comes to taking the raw talent to the next level. Designers and artist here need avenues to grow reach into their target demographic and real world experiences and knowledge of the ever changing fashion industry.

You have a unique pulse on our local fashion industry. If you look through your crystal ball where do you see us in five years?

The next five years depends solely on everyone viewing the big picture as the end goal. In order to accomplish that, we must all learn how to serve one another instead of ourselves.

It seems like the Las Vegas fashion scene is constantly going through its ups and downs.

We have MAGIC twice a year so we always trend higher before and after. Then we have the Fashion Week Las Vegas drama which didn’t help our exposure. This year three new fashion magazines started up, Parlay included, but then two of them claimed that they were the first; completely disregarding Fashion Feed LV Magazine who was truly the first Las Vegas fashion magazine. Why does it seem that we keep shooting ourselves in the foot?

I suggest that everyone refer to the answer given to the previous question. But I will also say that there is beauty in progression during the growing stages if we bother to see it as such.

Las Vegas is going through its labor pains as a mother does during birth; it isn’t pretty, it may rip you from front to back, but in the end you have a blessing and a new life to hold and nurture. I respect mothers in this light because they fight for the big picture. We have to do that for our industry here in Las Vegas.

Who are some of our rising stars?

There are so many of course but Mauricio Montebello and Sabrina of Sabrakadabra are local favorites. But the apple of my eye will always be Angel Alcala who is the head designer of Anarchala.

How do you describe your personal style?

This is a tough question for me because my style per say has changed so many times over the years. I dress according to which side of my personality wants to be heard. This tends to be a challenge at times because I’m not a huge fan of color or most trends…my wardrobe consists of black and white articles of clothing. I’ve received praise for my garment and accessory choices and ridiculed by those closest to me for not embracing all the colors of the wind. I’ve learned to be comfortable and confident in just being myself.

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People know you for your hair. It’s part of your identity and personality. Let’s call her Sasha.

You could probably give Sasha her own Facebook page and people would interact with her. When shopping for clothing, how much consideration do you give her?

Sasha…no no no…I do have an alias that I go by and it’s not Sasha. It’s funny because my hair has been a hot topic since college. I was known around campus as the black girl with the curly hair. There is definitely a more fierce and adventurous side of me that awakens when my hair is in its natural state. I never thought of having a Facebook page for my hair although my hair is currently undergoing sponsorship. When I shop I always keep in mind straight vs. curly and which garment would look best with a particular hair style Chicagoans have a great fashion sense. It’s upscale, sharp and very climate appropriate.

It’s always on point with season. How does that style fit in with this desert climate?

Chicagoans have a natural confidence and the capacity to shift and acclimate with grace and tenacity. We are in style no matter where we land So when you close your eyes and look at your dream closet, who are you wearing?

Jill Sander, Balmain, Donna Karen….This is me in a nutshell and all three designers represent me so well and how I change back and forth in this industry FOLLOW http://vshawsview.blogspot.com FAGI http://fashionartistguild.org

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www.amaridixon.com AmariImages-Photography amaridixon1983@yahoo.com

Address: 5165 S Fort Apache Rd. B155 Las Vegas, NV 89148

Telephone: 310.383.6938 Website: peacockbliss.com

Yvette Auger’s Cosmopolitan Connections.com July 29

PHOTOGRAPHED by Roger Bennett Photography.com Parlay Magazine Issue Release Party at Andrea’s, Encore Hotel

GLENN T H G I R W Tailor Made PHOTOGRAPHED by Amari Dixon

Glenn Wright is a rare Las Vegas talent. He’s a Master tailor, pattern maker and educator to just get started. Any designer would be privileged to know this man because he’s the difference from your wears being found in the bargain bin at Wal-Mart and being on the racks at Neiman Marcus.

Glenn you wear a lot of hats; Master Tailor, pattern maker, designer and educator.

How did your journey begin?

By nature I believe the I am an entrepreneur subsequently, I believe that it is inevitable that one wears more than one hats. In my case I spent the first sixteen years studying tailoring basically to create and make my own garments. As I grew older I stared designing and building gowns for the women in my life. This forced me to develop skills in custom dress making.

I believe the second part of the question “How did your journey begin? At the age of fourteen a concatenation of events placed me in a very unique and blessed position. they didn’t have Magnet Schools at that time where I grow up, it was pilot t program that afforded me the opportunity to spend half my school day at a community college studying “Fine Custom Tailoring” under the renowned English Master Tailor, Mr. Standly Hostek and the second half in high school securing my academics.

How does someone become a master tailor?

To master the art of custom tailoring one has to invest years studying under the tutelage of an established master tailor. Sadly I say, that is a very challenging for this at is point.

For very few master tailors are passing on the art.

As an educator what skills do you think young designers need most to succeed?

The most potent ingredient in the success factor in any designer ( young or mature) is “Passion”. I believe passion is far more powerful than skill; nonetheless, every coin has two sides. As so I solemnly believe that if one couples passion with skills and proper techniques one builds internal success. Diversity is also a powerful component. The more aspects of garment construction and pattern making one know the more longevity one will have in the fashion industry.

Chanel has their houses of savoir-faire maisons at Paraffection where craftsmanship is preserved and promoted. It’s a one-of-a-kind place. Are we seeing the end of craftsmanship because no one’s teaching these skills anymore?

It does appear that we are reaching the end of the where our craft is not being passed down from one generation to generation. Places like the Chanel House seem to be 36

growing extinct. My endeavor is to help change the fibers of that scenario. Over the past couple of years I have dedicated my life to writing the curriculum and building concept of “The Academy of Practical Tailoring.” This academy will train passionate students in job specific techniques in various aspects of garment construct, alterations, pattern making , and design. Our goal is to help resurrect what appears to be an dying art.

You’re known for your craftsmanship. Whose work do you admire?

Over the years I have dedicated my life to developing, maturing, and refining my talents, skills, and knowledge in the garment construction and fashion design field. As my foundation as a custom tailor, the nucleus of my designs are inspired by the individuals to whom I cater. I enjoy creating one-of-a-kind garments that meticulously accent ones individuality. I call that “Just The Wright Look.” All my creations are fabricated based upon what I call my trilogy-- quality fabrics, quality workmanship, and classic designs. However, I am always amazed and inspired by a multitude of designer from the classy styles of the Chanel House to the exciting sexiness of Roberto Cavalli.

Who are some of your favorite Vegas designers?

Las Vegas “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” I believe should be one of the fashion capitals of the world. As we speak I am both aware and involved in a movement to transform Las Vegas Nevada into the fashion hub of the west coast. For there is an avalanche of super creative designer here with few resources to bring their creations to fruition. I have the privilege of working with so many incredible designers until it is quite difficult to name one or two. But if forced off the top of my head I will say, an incredible designer David Topaz, sexual designer Wanda Potter Merritt. Before moving on I must mention a very creative brother name Del Harris with whom I am co-designing a new and innovative line of leather wear “Del-Wright Leather Collection.”

You’re an accomplished designer, are we going to see a new collection from you sometime soon?

I must smile on this question, for I don’t know how accomplished of a designer I am, for over the past couple of years I haven’t done much designing. I have devoted those years to writing the curriculum and developing the concept of “The Academy Of Practical Tailoring.” Nonetheless, I do have three distinct and different lines: my culture line “Esoteric”, my younger and slightly edgy line “Flirtatious” and my “Just Wright Denim Collection.” and as I mentioned I am just starting on my “Del-Wright Leather Collection. Look for us in stores near you soon.

Just Wright Inc. - Custom Tailoring http://www.justwrightinc.com PARLAY MAGAZINE

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Aldo Mencatto Fashion Show Aug. 22, 2015 @ Coghills

PHOTOGRAPHED by Jim Smith - Fit Image Photography

R E N G I S E D LOOKBOOK Christina Román Born in 1987, her passion for fashion drove her to never settle for an average 9-5 job, as she first discovered her love for the industry as a small child making clothes with her sister, Carina, and her grandmother. As a bright-minded visionary & exercising her entrepreneurial skill, Christina began making and selling scrunchies as a kindergartener.

Christina has devoted her life to developing her name as a designer as well as motivating students still establishing themselves to do the same.

Christina has even had one of her designs inspired by, “The Matador”, featured in the Winter issue of the Las Vegas Couture Magazine, released January 15, 2015.

Just this year, Christina usurped leadership in The Las Vegas Fashion Design Council as the Head Coordinator for Planning & Events, Fashion Show Coordinator, Student Ambassador, & she’s already making bold strides to further solidify this Council’s position in the city of Las Vegas under the tutelage of David Tupaz of David Tupaz Couture.

Christina has worked over 10 years within the Fashion and Entertainment Industry which has only motivated and inspired her to move forward despite her hardship. She gives thanks to all those who have supported her because with them none of what she has done would have been possible without them.

Follow Christina Freelance Fashion Designer, Event and Fashion Show Coordinator for: LVFDC fashionlives4ever@yahoo.com (775) 600-7033 Facebook: /beautiful637 Instagram: beautiful637 Twitter: @beautiful_637

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SPIRIHTOODS Q&A by Deborah Harris

What drew you to the EDM culture and using its platform to launch your business and party line?

SpiritHoods was birthed from festival culture. We were inspired by the faux fur fashion that has originated and evolved within it over time. It happened naturally as SpiritHoods was and is a reflection of our lifestyle. We wanted to share that with the world and most importantly with the community that helped create it.

What is the main underlying factor that helped you and your founding partners decide to bring your business to Las Vegas once EDC switched gears and moved here for the festival?

We launched our product at Pool Trade show (MAGIC) in Las Vegas in 2010 and we have a strong following here that continues to grow.

How long have you been operating in Las Vegas and how has your client base grown?

We come out to Vegas a couple times a year for various trade shows, events and parties.

The Vegas community has always been a part of SpiritHoods. We are now looking to start holding events and potentially start a music festival out here ;-) What are the unique areas for business growth that Las Vegas has to offer that other cities may not from your point of view?

In regards to the fashion industry, #1 on our list are the trade shows i.e. Magic, Pool, Project etc. It’s where the industry comes from all over the world. It’s where we launched our brand and a powerful place to be if you want to kick things off.

What I find most incredible is the work that Tony Hsieh and Zappos are doing within the Las Vegas Downtown Project. In regards to business, opportunity and growth - you might not be able to find a more unique, innovative and powerful place to grow your business. . . and change your life.

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Has Launching a clothing and business always been a goal of yours? What were your past experiences and how have you been able to fuse them into your company?

Launching a clothing company was never even in my imagination. My focus has always been geared towards directing film, commercials etc. At first I found the two at odds with each other, or maybe I was at odds with myself ;-) As SpiritHoods grew I found it obviously taking the majority of my time, but the change came for me when I realized that story telling is truly at the heart of a brand. . . so I have been able to use my background in film to develop as not only a director, but a creative director as a whole.

I think at the end of the day business, just like film, is the art of storytelling - requiring many different disciplines and skills to create a product that elicits a desired emotional response within your audience.

Why the name SpiritHoods? I’m guessing there’s a pretty cool story behind the brand and how it came together.

We came up with the name and the whole business model one night over a bottle of tequila ;-) My partner Marley and I were making the hoods by hand for friends and family and it caught on. After all the crazy attention it garnished, we decided to turn it into a company.

SpiritHoods is about embodying the spirit of your inner animal, your wild and primal self. The concept of Spirit is at the foundation of all we do. The name has a duality, on one hand it’s a descriptive term (spirit animal - Spirit and Hood) and a more figurative term: SpiritHood, much like brotherhood or sisterhood.

How has the EDM/EDC culture opened your eyes to new ways of branding, marketing, and collaborations that will help you to increase your reach within your target demographic?

It’s constantly changing and evolving so much it’s incredible. Every year there are new festivals, new artists, new music, new brands - the potential is limitless. At the end of the day we want to work with awesome people that align with our values and tell stories and create products that can help influence positive change. The “EDM” scene lives this. But really it’s all about community. . .

Alexander Mendeluk has been very successful in launching Spirit Hoods and growing its consumer base. He now seeks to encourage and lead others to do the same with unconventional methods to reach a target demographic. You can tap into his mentorship and workshops that he offers through The Disruptive at www.thedisruptive.com.

SHOP & FOLLOW https://www.spirithoods.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirithoods Instagram: https://instagram.com/spirithoods YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SpiritHoods 58

SHARP Tuxedos by VegasWeddings.com PHOTOGRAPHED by Eric Ortiz MODEL Quest Gulliford

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