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WRITERS
STAFF
Deborah Harris John Guatta
Tevye Harper - Editor-In-Chief Deborah Harris - Asst Editor Jessica Johnson - Content Editor Theresa Hinton - Ad Sales
MODELS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rane Rose Kristin Colbert Elly Brown Jamillette Gaxiola Jasmin Keith Crystal Taylor
Amari Dixon Roger Bennett Robert Conner Glenn Student
fashions Christina Roman Bullet Studio Demarko Taylor ANGL CoutureSlave Tatyana Khomyakova Pamela Humphrey 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
my new york minute 12 34
CONTENTS
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FROM THE EDITOR Fashion Month has come to an end and if you haven’t been following the runways and latest or up-and-coming trends, there’s some great things coming. Unfortunately not for another 6 months. Fashion Month kicks off with New York Fashion Week where some great local talent was on display. We congratulate Pamela Humphrey, Wanda Potter-Merritt, and David Tupaz for representing Las Vegas with style and distinction. It does make me wonder when Las Vegas will get on the map for Fashion Month or have its own event that the world will recognize. Things that make you say hmmmmm. In October’s issue we feature a powerhouse in a small frame, Rane Rose. For those who know Rane she’s a great mix of fun, professionalism and is always together but she’s also tough and direct. She’s in full bloom beautifully styled for the world to see. We were privileged to spend time with Sr. Buyer Kristin Colbert for Zappos. She shares some insight on their activities in the fashion community and how designers can prepare and be more engaged with one of the largest online marketplaces. Also in this issue we feature designs from local designer and retailer Tatyana Khomyakova and designer Pamela Humphrey. Deborah Harris shares her NYFW adventures. and we spend some time at the only higher learning institution molding the minds of our fashions future, The Arts Institute of Las Vegas. Thank you for reading and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Tevye Harper Editor-In-Chief
parlaymagazine
@parlaymag
parlaymagazine.com
my new york minute
by Deborah Harris
The current sludge of jet lag is catching up to me and my feet and knees are swollen beyond recognition due to being on a plane for half a day and dodging the heavily psychotic traffic of Manhattan for the past few days. It wasn’t until I settled into the realization that I wasn’t getting back into my own bed until the middle of the night that I decided to just let everything go and breathe. Staring out of the window at approximately 32,000 feet in the air, I saw that the clouds were serenely resting just below and I began to cry. The sudden swell of emotion caught me off guard and I wondered if it was just the weight of exhaustion finally taking its rightful place or whether I had actually caught up to the reality of what just happened in my whirlwind of a life. The tears welled up in my eyes before I remembered that I was not alone on the plane and they began to fall just as quickly and without apology to my face. The passengers beside me were fast asleep and I noticed an eerily silent moment had taken over the aircraft cabin. It was then that I had known what being on cloud nine really meant. Not a month before my arrival in New York City for Fashion Week had I put out into the universe and prayed to God that somehow I would make it to Manhattan in September. My original plans were to accompany a well-known swimwear designer to the city and assist her in business and partake in recreational exploring of Times Square, Fifth Avenue and Central Park. Without a dime in my little black pockets to fund this dream excursion, I said “Yes” to the designer in joining her so confidently that I began to picture myself already there within seconds. In a span of 24 hours, someone near and dear to me heard I was willing to sell whatever body part was necessary to make it to the Big Apple and offered to cover the flight expenses…This was ACTUALLY HAPPENING…and I just knew to expect something incredible once I arrived to the concrete jungle. Once my editor for Parlay Magazine received word that I was in fact traveling to New York City for Fashion Week, his main goal was to immerse me in as many activities and press functions as
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possible but initially I struggled against the grain just a tad because I wanted to enjoy New York and not just work but I had to remember that this is a city of hustlers and EVERYBODY WORKS. Within a span of three weeks, every plan that I had originally set was changing drastically but I could not and would not let go of what was in front of me. I now had to figure it all out on my own and that determination helped form what turned out to be a magical “New York Minute”. Everything happened in a flash and slowed down all in one moment and every detail began to morph into something new and exciting, including new travelling companions, a changed itinerary, and even a frenzy that led to a mad dash after a taxi down Fifth Avenue. You know how everyone always says that there is no place like New York City? Well they are right and what’s strange is that I immediately felt at home upon arrival to the terminal inside La Guardia Airport. I felt like I belonged amongst the crazed traffic and garbage laden sidewalks, the hustle and harmonic noise of Times Square, the lunch hour crowd inside of Ray’s Pizza and the Premiere Deli, the Front Row as press during NYFW Shows, and hip hop dance offs during rooftop after parties. Looking back from the beginning of my heartache upon moving to Las Vegas in 2007, I had no idea that I’d wake up one morning and know that every misstep, every short coming, and every “No” I’d ever heard were bricks lining up to create a life I was excited to build which in turn gave me freedom to rediscover who I truly am. I know now that whatever we want in life is totally possible and life responds to our deepest desires, even the ones that are unspoken but show up in our actions as we push towards the top. Reflection is one of the greatest gifts within our power and we should never become too consumed with life not to stop and think upon the things that have made us who we are today because you never know when life will pass you by in a New York Minute.
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www.ortizproductions.com
Ortiz-Productions
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H A R O B E D S I E R N E A S R R O R Full Bloo H A F O G N I THE MAK N A M C I S S CLbyAAmari Dixon PHOTOGRAPHED written by Deborah Harris PHOTOGRAPHED by Amari Dixon
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Poised, proper and consistently at the ready are just a few attributes that describe the woman who we know and love, Rane Rose. I’ve come to realize and jokingly mention from time to time that Rane is likened to a smoking gun nestled in a hot pink blazer, pencil skirt, and conservative pumps. She presents herself as harmless but she has found a way to sneak in the thorns and guns a blazing’ that let persons across the room know that she means business. Ever presenting herself as a lady and gentle spirit, many are I’m sure caught off guard by how demanding and assured she is of getting exactly what she wants before leaving any board room meeting. Rane Rose has most certainly become a household name amongst top executives on and off the strip and has been entrusted with some of the most important accounts anyone could ever imagine. Rane has proven herself as a force of nature in the fields of marketing and communications and has gained such a following that branding was inevitably the next step in her journey. Q&A For me Rane, this has been the most difficult Q&A I’ve done thus far for the magazine. I believe it’s because you have so many different personalities that most people don’t get a chance to experience so I feel as if I’m telling secrets about you. I feel like it’s a blessing that I know you on such a personal level. I’ve watched you work tirelessly in this industry in supporting local designers and I can’t tell you how excited I am for the Rane TAKEOVER that’s happening this month with Parlay Magazine. I want to have some fun with these questions so I hope you’re ready. I’ll start off easy for you. Tell me who has been your favorite local designer that you’ve worn so far to an event? Lenka Fucikova and Pamela Humphrey. I love Lenka Fucikova because of the romanticism I see in her work. I admire the cut and curves of her designs, very feminine, flattering, and subtle but distinctive. She’s a pleasure to work with! Pamela Humphrey is a genius, very fashion forward. Her collections are sexy and feminine but never vulgar or over the top. I always love her choice of fabrics, silhouette and imagery; it’s so gentle and fragile. Pamela Humphrey under-promise but over-delivers. Can you tell me a time that you absolutely wanted to run kicking and screaming due to an event not coming together as you may have planned or does everything tend to work out in the end? That last one we’ve had for VUTV (www.vegasunlimited.tv), you were there and you know exactly what I mean! Lol There was so many last minute changes and restrictions on the actual day but we’re happy to know that no one even noticed the chaos backstage. All in all, I believe everyone had a great time.
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Burgundy Dress by Christina Roman Jewelry by Bullet Studio
Silver Dress by Demarko Taylor-Student at AiLV Jewelry by Bullet Studio
Have you ever left a friend at the bar drunk before? Just kidding, but what is a typical girl’s night out for you? Haven’t tried it, won’t hurt to give it a go with you... ha-ha, just kidding. I will never do that. A typical girl’s night out for me? I’m a fan of happy hour. I love karaoke nights and watching movies! If there was one thing about yourself you could have warned your closest friends about before they met you, what would it be? That I am for keeps. Break me and you’ll lose me. Friends come and go; only those that last are the ones that are true. I don’t judge people for who or what they are. If I’m your friend, you have my loyalty. Do as you would be done by. Do you see yourself continuing to support the growing fashion industry here in Las Vegas and what are some current measures you are taking to make sure it keeps moving in the right direction? I have always supported our Las Vegas fashion industry. Through several TV shows I have been involved in especially VUTV (vegasunlimited.tv); we have featured many local fashion designers and promoted their shows and events. I will continue to do so. If you could be a super hero tomorrow, what would your costume look like and what would your special powers be? (And your special power can’t be picking the best cocktail off the menu every time.) I want the power of invisibility for a better view, insight. As far as costume is concerned, it won’t matter now would it? I could be in a little black Givenchy dress or hot leather pants in stiletto... nobody would see ;) When it comes to the boardroom, is there anything about you that catches people off guard in your approach to business matters? I for one have noticed that you are EXTREMELY DIRECT AND WITHOUT APOLOGY. People would take me on as someone sweet and fragile. It’s because of my size, I guess. It’s only after I speak that people realize I’m actually 8 feet tall. And I never fail to ask for what I want and what needs to be done. I am prepared with a list, of course. FOLLOW www.ranerose.com Floral Dress by ANGL 18
Black Dress by ANGL Jewelry by Bullet Studio
Black JACKET by ANGL earrings by Bullet Studio necklace by ANGL
Purple Mesh &Taffeta Dress by CoutureSlave
www.amaridixon.com AmariImages-Photography amaridixon1983@yahoo.com
g n i d l Mo s n o i Fash e r u t u F At MAGIC this August there was a panel session where the question of whether fashion education was preparing students for the real world was raised. Landing a job in the fashion industry is getting harder and a degree is mandatory. The Arts Institute of Las Vegas has the only higher education program in the valley. Sara Brinckerhoff, AiLV’s Program Coordinator Fashion and Retail Management, leads the way for her team to provide the education and professional experience that these bright minds need. And since they are the only game in town, there’s a lot of pressure to succeed. Thankfully we can say that they are. Your students represent our fashion future. What are they excited about learning? The students are always hungry for new opportunities within their field. Currently, the school has been fortunate to be asked to participate in many real-world fashion event and experiences, and the students learn so much from chances like this. Anytime the students can apply the material they hear about in class and then use it in an actual event is priceless. The Fashion Retail Management students have focused a lot on marketing and the use of social media in fashion, and the Fashion Design students have been learning about concepting and how to use inspiration to create new looks. Do you feel that once your students graduate that we have enough resources locally to support their growth? I have been in the Las Vegas fashion industry for almost nine years now, and I am amazed at the growth that has happened over the last two years. Fashion is here to stay. For the Fashion Retail Management students, there are many opportunities to succeed here in the local market. For the Fashion Design students, the opportunities have been slower however, I have 26
seen many more jobs come about in the last year. Many students want to open their own stores, and Las Vegas provides a very feasible foundation to do just that. Other than a fashion design certificate program at UNLV, you’re program is really the best game in town. What are you doing to keep up with the latest fashion trends? The fashion department at The Art Institute of Las Vegas takes the education of their fashion students seriously. I have an amazing team of educated industry professionals that also serve as faculty. Faculty members provide my students with the latest information relevant to their classes and are consistently introducing new resources to help our students become successful. Our staff and students attend many trade shows and conventions including Magic, World Market, and Liberty where they have a chance to see future designs and trends. Who are some of the shining stars of your program? Having been the Program Coordinator for the Fashion department for three years now, I am amazed everyday at how far our students have come. I keep in touch with alumni who are working in many different states and for many big name companies. They serve as a source of inspiration for both myself and their fellow students. All of my students are shining stars in their own right! The Las Vegas fashion industry is still in it’s infancy. What is your outlook on where we are and how it’s progressing? I have seen tremendous progress over the last few years as far as fashion goes for Las Vegas. There are people here that care about fashion and want to see things grow and change, and that is a blessing for the students I talk to everyday. Students want to stay here. They don’t want to go to New York and Los Angeles. As the fashion industry grows here in Las Vegas, staying here is getting much easier for the next generation of fashion icons. I think the opportunities for growth are fantastic here in Las Vegas, and I hope more people start to realize the potential we have as a city to make a permanent mark in the fashion world. FOLLOW & SHARE Facebook Instagram Twitter
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Yvette Auger’s Cosmopolitan Connections.com. Sept 2
PHOTOGRAPHED by Roger Bennett Photography.com Parlay Magazine Release Party at The Ainsworth, Hard Rock Hotel
KRISTIN T R E B L O C The Zappos Effec
PHOTOGRAPHED by Amari Dixo
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When Zappos relocated to Las Vegas they brought one of the world’s biggest online marketplaces to our footstep. The best thing about their move is that they fully planted themselves into the fashion community in such a way that most Billion dollar companies don’t. They’ve partnered with Stitch Factory, they do all kinds of outreach and they’re great ambassadors for our city. What most don’t know is how approachable they are. They’re an invaluable resource that local designers should be engaging. Parlay was fortunate enough to spend time with Kristin Colbert (Sr. Buyer) to shine some light on Zappos’ role in the community. As a Senior Buyer for Zappos, what do you feel are the core values of this company that have helped keep its integrity and relevance in an ever changing fashion industry? Our ten core values are great because they can be used as a check and balance system for almost anything. There isn’t one singular core value that supports longevity for our brand (Delivering WOW through service is our most important), but a balance of all 10. The fashion industry is always changing, and we are mindful to “Embrace and Drive Change” so I think that listening to our customers and our community and being open to trying to new things keeps us on top. When I look at other leading fashion cities, I am so encouraged by how involved major surrounding institutions are in order to promote growth and exposure among local and national designers. Zappos is one of the largest and most well known e-commerce fashion sites in the world and you’re located right in our backyard. What is the Zappos effect on our local fashion community? We have a big voice in this city and I think the best way we can support our local fashion community is by being a cheerleader for it! We sponsor, host, and participate in a lot of events and generate a lot of press around them which is great for exposure. What is Zappos role and involvement as we strive toward becoming a major fashion capitol? I think people were surprised when Zappos chose Las Vegas as our Headquarters. We were the first major Retailer to do this and unintentionally we sort of put Vegas on the map. The better retailer we become, the more people will talk about Las Vegas in the industry. In reality, we hold a small role in getting us there. We just happen to be in this crazy, creative city that doesn’t get a lot of credit yet! Look around at all of the entertainment people from all over the world come to see. We have amazing costume designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers, and writers- these are the people who will make us a major fashion capitol.
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What are some activities currently taking place that many may not be aware of that support the local fashion industry? We’re big supporters of Stitch Factory and Stitch Factory is a key player in our local fashion industry. They offer education, brand development, production, and events for designers. Our buyers are always a great source for consultation and personal development. I’ve taken students to market to job shadow and met with young shoe designers from the Pensole Academy to offer advice on growing their brands. In addition, our creative team works with lots of local make-up artists and hair stylists to create imagery that we use on our website and marketing materials. If anyone from the Zappos team were invited to become a part of the fashion community through local business and educational endeavors, what would need to happen to procure your services and presence? Just ask :) If a local designer wanted to have their products as a part of the Zappos marketplace, what advice would you give them? • Create a great product with a strong brand behind it. • Be on social media! Gain a following. • Get out there and get in front of customers everywhere you can. Events like Stitch Factory’s Market Row are perfect for this. (http://www.stitchfactory.com/market-row) • When you’re ready, participate in tradeshows like our own MAGIC, Platform, Project. • Come shadow a Buyer for a day and learn about what we look for in a new brand, our requirements, and keys to being a successful supplier
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Daniel Hernandez Fashion Show Aug. 23, 2015 @ One Monarchy
Stylist: Russel Frank Hair and Makeup: Making Up Las Vegas Photographer: Robert Conner
R E N G I S E D LOOKBOOK Tatyana Khomyakova Tatyana is the go-to destination for chic, contemporary fashion that is inspired by the Golden Age of fashion (1940s – 1950s). The brand evokes an attitude that is simultaneously original and nostalgic, eliciting confidence and style for the confident, sexy, modern woman. Photography: Glenn Student Stylist/Designer: Tatyana Khomyakova Hair: Crystal Taylor & Luci Lux Make-up: Luci Lux & Crystal Taylor Models: Elly Brown, Jamillette Gaxiola, Jasmin Keith, Crystal Taylor Website https://www.tatyana.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tatyanaboutique Twitter https://twitter.com/tatyanaboutique Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/thetatyanaboutique Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/tatyanaboutique/
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Taking a Bite of the Big Apple WRITTEN by Deborah Harris
One of the many amazing things about working in an up and coming fashion industry, is watching the local talent grow into truly great artists and designer’s right underneath your nose. It’s a true gift to be able to see the workings from an inside perspective on how a designer grows their vision into a beating reality. This season Parlay Magazine’s assistant editor received the opportunity to follow a local designer to one of the most coveted events of the season; New York Fashion Week. The designer Pamela Humphrey is a well-known local designer of Las Vegas whom has captured the hearts of everyone she has come in contact with in the fashion industry. What we at Parlay found most intriguing is her introduction into the world of fashion design because it was a path Ms. Humphrey hadn’t initially sought after yet clearly one that was seeking her. Ms. Humphrey was one that had not taken the traditional route and studied within the areas of fashion design, merchandising and marketing but had only originally found interest in the field as a hobby that gave her peace of mind after long days at the office; Pamela Humphrey soon answered the call into making fashion design her life’s work after someone near to her encouraged her to shake things up a bit and not be afraid of the unknown. From that moment on, she has dedicated her creative mind, finesse and knowledge in business management to creating an empire and opportunities for young entrepreneurs such as her-self and the world is taking notice. From an outsider looking in, it seemed that Ms. Humphrey had her eye on the prize from the beginning because each step seemed to be a strategic move toward the coveted CFDA roster during the most anticipated culmination of fashion held twice a year in New 52
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York City. Ms. Humphrey’s gaze remained steady as she conquered the runway during Fashion Week Las Vegas 2013/14 with the release of Mitye under the Chic Geek umbrella, started her own private manufacturing operation, began mentoring design students at the college level while simultaneously gearing up for her first New York showcasing in February 2015. All of these milestones and accomplishments lead to a day filled with all of the magic and adventure a genuine NYFW moment could offer. The stage was set and the white flooring was polished to reflective perfection at the Designer’s loft located inside of Studio 450 where the array of bay windows gave clear view into the perfect Manhattan skyline. The feel and layout of the loft rendered an intimate and modern atmosphere while simultaneously projecting memories of a high-end 90s grunge throw back day party. An A List front row, including Real Housewives of Atlanta stars Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney and Karrueche Tran, began filing in as the press pit attendees gathered within their assigned positions. At this moment Parlay Magazine decided to grab the attention of the production manager Vic of Evil Genius Group and find out what gained his interest with the First Lady Collection. Vic of Evil Genius Group stated that it was the initial presentation of the First Lady collection in February of this year that caught his eye and impressed him; he knew that this designer could go pretty far if put in the right place and in front of the right audience. His plan to host First Lady Spring 2016 collection one block away from one of the main NYFW venues proved to be a pure stroke of genius which led to the influx of other fellow designers who had just showcased across the way, adorning press sector members, and star-studded runway model cast as well. From the very first note of music that filled the loft, a parade of goddesses glided flawlessly in gowns of prestige and seduction. Top models Hana Nitsche and Devyn Abdullah stomped the runway effortlessly as they sashayed in the slinkiest and most revealing gowns of the First Lady Collection. With the final walk commencing, head designer Pamela Humphrey took her rightful place in front of her army of beauties and gave the crowd one last look at a genuine crowning moment of glory and arrival. It was in this moment that Pamela Humphrey won the heart of New York and relished in the taste of sweet victory.
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No6
desert Rose