POSE

Page 1

POSE M A Y / J U N E 2 0 12

MUSIC FESTIVAL SEASON DANGEROUS BEAUTY

What you should be wearing to all the shows this summer

Can Brazilian Blowouts put you in danger?

THE MUSIC ISSUE

FEATURING ROZZI CRANE, AXEL MANSOOR, CLEARY CLARK AND MORE


“ " After silence , comes nearest to expressing inexpressible i .�


that which the s music.� -Aldous Huxley


P O S E Vol. 2, Issue 4


TABLE OF CONTENTS LIFE Sounds of the World: The Most Popular Music Across the Globe

22

Next Big Thing: SC Artists to Watch

26

Staff Playlist 38

BEAUTY Nails of Glory 42 Ask Molly 44 Someone Like You 48

STYLE Broadway Debut 72

The Model as Muse 84


POSE EDITOR IN CHEIF

Sheridan Watson

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Natasha Cirisano Elizabeth Pereira PHOTOGRAPHY

STYLING

Elena Hutchinson Carlo Acenas India Bulkeley Dylan Dreher Eddie Kim

Kiko Zang

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Christina Ellis Hailey Nowak Karen Pham

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

CASTING DIRECTOR

Theresa Huffman

Whitney Brooks BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Molly Leighton

WRITING

Kandace Cook Kelly Belter Rachel Brauer Paige Cooley Asher Feldman Sean Fitz-Gerald

Eddie Kim Kathy Le Katerine Ostrowski Samara Slater Nikki Than


CONTACT

pose.magazine.usc@gmail.com

Facebook.com/PoseMagazineUSC @PoseMagazineUSC Posemag.tumblr.com



LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Here at POSE, the importance of music never goes unnoticed. Whether we’re blasting tunes during shoots – Nicki Minaj is a personal favorite – or using certain sounds for writing inspiration, music has always carried some sort of presence around here. And that’s the magic of music – everyone likes it. It’s a connection so universal that you can travel to any country and find someone that loves your favorite Britney Spears song from 2000. Although personal tastes may differ from person to person, we are still united by our love of a beat, of a voice, of a word. Music has the power to leave even the strongest person vulnerable – hey, you try listening to Adele without shedding a tear – or even building strength in a time of weakness. Simply put, it’ s a form of communication, a way to speak through emotions. This idea is what we attempted to capture in our second issue of the semester. Something so important and emotionally affecting has to be handled with care, so we took our time in producing a Music Issue in which we could be proud of, and hopefully inspire you as well. We covered all our bases: if you’re part of the festival crowd, then definitely check out Kandace Cook’s list of what to wear to epic festivals like the Electric Daisy Carnival and Bonnaroo. Or perhaps you’re looking for the hottest new tracks to download onto your iPod; in that case, check out our Upcoming Music profile. In addition, one of our guy panelists Sean Fitz-Gerald wrote a hilarious article on the songs that guys don’t want you to know that they love – hint, it includes a little tune by Carly Rae Jepsen. But it doesn’t end there. We’ve profiled amazing artists who are also students here at USC. If their talent and determination doesn’t inspire you, I don’t know what will. And for all of our readers who are expecting more fashion than music, don’t worry. I’m so proud of my team for producing some incredible shoots including a gorgeously shot spread inspired by music’s greatest couples. Our Beauty Section has also stepped it up a notch: Beauty Director Molly Leighton took the time to answer some of your most burning make-up questions while new contributor Janey Feingold gives us the lowdown on upcoming nail trends. I hope that you’ll enjoy this issue and want to reread it again and again, almost like keeping your favorite song on repeat. All the best, Sheridan


SPOTLIGHT ON Get to know more about the lovely staff members WHITNEY BROOKS Even though Whitney Brooks modeled for our last issue (definitely check out her shoot, it’s stunning), she decided to focus solely on the casting side of things this go ‘round. When not studying or going out with friends, Whitney spends hours finding models for our shoots, even managing to hire twenty-one good looking people in one weekend, which is impressive on any count. Hailing from Irvine, CA, this sophomore is a sucker for all things Sara Bareilles, “She’s just so incredibly talented and every song she writes, I end up falling in love with.”

ASHER FELDMAN

Asher Feldman is not your typical fashion writer; after all, this is a guy who grew up on sports, sports, and more sports. Although he’s been a champ and giving the Guy Panel everything he’s got, Asher truly hits his stride with this issue’s opinion piece on modern female rappers. Obsessed with rap – his life’s “anthem” would be “Int’l Players Anthem” by UGK featuring OutKast – Asher also admits to loving “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen (he should really read Sean’s article then). Since he’s a senior, Asher will be leaving SC soon and venturing out into the real world. We can only hope that he still has time to stay fashionable.

MOLLY LEIGHT ON Not everyone knows how to perfect a smoky eye, but our venerable Beauty Director Molly Leighton certainly does. The New Jersey native has been creating our beauty looks all semester (not to mention helping out a certain Editor-in-Chief before she goes out on Thursday with an awesome professional make-up job in the comfort of an apartment). For our music issue, Molly created some jaw-dropping looks, including a hard-to-accomplish Lady Gaga lightning bolt and a twenties glow on two models for our Musicalthemed shoot. We should have known that Molly would have been up for anything, after all, her favorite lyric is from the Slightly Stoopid song “Collie Man,”: “Doesn’t really matter as long as the music goes on.”

10 POSE


POSE 11 STYLE 64


Events. Workshops. Headshots.

Facebook.com/TroyShots 912 POSE


ON THE COVER

EMILY BECKLUND

GET THE LOOK Emily wears a PIKO 1988 black lace top, Nordstrom Rack bandeau, Silence and Noise blue blazer, Burberry cuff, H&M cocktail ring and H&M shorts; boots: model’s own.

From a small town outside of San Francisco, Emily Becklund is a highly-driven USC student, interested in fashion and music. When she’s not listening to her favorite artist Florence Welch or adventuring to find new restaurants, Emily spends time writing for her personal online blog. Finding time to read French literature, European history and philosophy, Emily is a student with a wide-range of interests. You can find her sporting her bohemian

chic style at any coffee shop or restaurant around campus. As a Policy, Planning and Development major with an interest in entrepreneurship, Emily is looking forward to starting her own business someday. In her final year at USC Emily gives advice to present and future USC students: “No matter what happens in college you will always find a way to come out on top and learn to find happiness in the chaos.”

POSE 13 STYLE 64


ASK THE What was the first albm you ever bought?

In your opinion, what was the best album of 2011?

WATCH THE THRONE

14 POSE

BON IVER


GUYS Favorite musical artist?

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

MUMFORD & SONS

THE BEATLES

Learn a little more about our Guy Panel’s taste in music Fill in the blank: I’d never date a girl who likes to listen to _______

LMFAO

MEGADEATH

MILEY CYRUS

POSE 15 STYLE 64



LIFE


UPCOMING MUSIC

SBTRKT The duo, consisting of producer Aaron Jerome and vocalist Sampha (who latched onto Jerome’s initial solo act after frequent collaborations), will be hitting the famous festival in the midst of a world tour scheduled to run until October. Wearing masks to contribute to a mysterious, semianonymous identity, SBTRKT (pronounced “subtract”) is an electronic music group who isn’t too concerned about sticking to a single genre. While they’ve come to be labeled as dub step, their electronic beats uniquely infuse disparate styles. Soulful, R&B vocals ring out over hard, syncopated rhythms and heavy bass. For example, you may have heard Drake rapping on the radio over the instrumentals of “Wildfire,” SBTRKT’s seductive hit track. Their live shows are performed with real instruments, creating a tribal sound that goes perfectly with Sampha’s haunting vocals on tracks like “Hold On.”



GROUPLOVE Five friends who came together on the Island of Crete, the members of Grouplove could have never imagined they’d be playing Coachella just a few years later. Last summer I remember noticing Grouplove popping up quite frequently on my XM radio. Since then, this indie-rock group has seen success beyond their wildest dreams. They’ll be spreading their message of love on a headline tour that hits up all the major festivals this spring and summer—Coachella, Sasquatch, and Bonnaroo, to name a few. Their sound is so undeniably catchy that it’s no wonder they’ve had hits on TV (Gossip Girl) and videogames (FIFA 12). One look at the music video for their song “Colours,” and I was totally hooked on their bold style. Indie rockers with a harmonious hippie message of peace, love, and rock-n-roll? It’s definitely a refreshing revival of an old classic.



SOUNDS OF THE WORLD Here’s a taste of what’s the most popular music across the gobe

BY KATHERINE OSTROWSKI


To p 4 0 Po p M u s i c : T H E U K Apparently the Brits are big fans of American pop music. American artists dominate BBC’s Top 40 chart. Six singles from the top 10 alone are from artists like Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj and David Guetta. The remaining four represent the UK’s pop music scene, ranging from rapper Plan B to soulful R&B singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé. Below are the top 10 from the BBC’s April Top 40. Most of the artists should, surprisingly, be familiar already. 1. Chris Brown – Turn Up The Music 2. Sean Paul – She Doesn’t Mind 3. Nicki Minaj – Starships 4. Katy Perry – Part of Me 5. Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) 6. Plan B – iLL Manors. Plan B is a British rapper and singer-song writer. In his single iLL Manors, he raps about the 2011 London riots. 7. Flo Rida – Wild Ones (feat. Sia) 8. David Guetta – Titanium (feat. Sia) 9. Labrinth – Last Time. Labrinth is a British singer-songwriter whose style mixes hip-hop and house music. In Last Time, he sounds astonishingly similar to Chris Brown. However, Labrinth differs in his frequent use of electronic sounds and beats. 10. Emeli Sandé – Next To Me. Emeli Sandé is an R&B singer-songwriter with Adele’s soul and Sara Bareilles’ talent on the piano. However, her voice is uniquely her own; both smoky and crisp at different parts of her single.

To p 4 0 Po p M u s i c : KO R E A Korean pop, or K-pop, mixes dance, electro-pop and hip hop beats. The only way I can describe it is really upbeat American 90’s pop music mixed with electronic beats. However, the fact that it is so upbeat makes it catchy. Korea’s Billboard Top 40, unlike the UK’s, is full of native artists and groups like Ailee, a pop singer that drew fans with her YouTube channel, and BigBang, a popular boy band. Below is Billboard’s list of the top 10 for April. 1. 2AM – I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me 2. BigBang – Fantastic Baby 3. Shinee – Sherlock (Clue + Note) 4. Ailee – Heaven 5. BigBang – Blue 6. Shinhwa – Venus 7. Kim See Hyun – One Person Back Then 8. Busker Busker – Ideal Type 9. Ga In (of Brown Eyed Girls) – For You Not To Know 10. Lyn – Teddy Bear


CALL ME, MAYBE? AND OTHER TUNES BOYS ARE AFRAID TO ADMIT THEY LOVE

BY SEAN FITZ-GERALD


Your first night on The Row is always memorable. Mine was freshman year. A couple of friends and I were going out to experience USC’s party scene. We didn’t know what to expect. All we’d heard were stories and rumors. And they were mostly good ones—the houses, the people (the girls), the booze. But the music. Somebody must’ve left out something about the music. Admittedly, some of the details from that first night are nebulous, but one thing is for certain: Every house we went to played Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The USA.” “So I put my hands up / They’re playin’ my song / The butterflies fly away / Noddin’ my head like yeah / Movin’ my hips like yeah.” There’s something odd about going into a frat house—a place that’s supposed to be loaded with testosterone—and hearing these lyrics. Or maybe it’s just odd at first. Because the thing we quickly noticed was that everybody was having a good time. Including us. And the reason why is simple. Girly songs are catchy and contagious. They get the people goin’. So here, in no particular order, are some girly songs that make the man cut:

“212” — AZEALIA BANKS FT. LAZY JAY

“I’m the new sh-t, boo, Young Rapunzel,” says Azealia Banks. The rapper, who’s been compared to the likes of Nicki Minaj, whips up a track that doesn’t hold anything back (for example, the lyrics that have gotten the most attention: “I guess that c-nt gettin’ eaten”) and serves as a clear indicator that girl rappers mean business.

“PARTY IN THE U.S.A.” — MILEY CYRUS

The legendary Miley Cyrus (for better or for worse) has somehow immortalized this song. Everything from the sophomoric lyrics to the haunting melodies are probably going to be ingrained in our musical memories forever. Shakin’ my head like yeah.

“WE FOUND LOVE” — RIHANNA FT. CALVIN HARRIS

The cheerful-sounding beat of “We Found Love” is what makes Rihanna’s hit so hypnotizing. That coupled with the cheesy love song lyrics make this one of Rihanna’s catchiest songs—and with the flourishes of elec-

tronic bass lines and melodies, a song that is bearable to listen to. The music video is pretty rad, too.

“CALIFORNIA GURLS” — KATY PERRY FT. SNOOP DOGG Speaking of music videos: Any song whose music video features Katy Perry, whipped cream and Snoop Dogg is bound to be a hit. Need I say more? Fine. Fresh. Fierce.

“LOVE YOU LIKE A LOVE SONG” — SELENA GOMEZ

Though “Love You Like A Love Song” might not be as exciting and catchy as some of the other songs on this list, the track has been recreated into more listener-friendly remixes. Renditions by Dave Aude, Jump Smokers and Ken C stand among some of the better ones.

“CALL ME MAYBE” — CARLY RAE JEPSEN

This is crazy: I don’t know why, but everybody around me (including myself) knows the lyrics—all the lyrics—to this song. It’s kind of like Rebecca Black’s “Friday,” in the sense that nobody listens to it for fun, but more so, to make fun. And as hard as you try, it’s impossible to avoid singing along.

“GIMME MORE” — BRITNEY SPEARS

It’s Britney, b-tch. So hot right now. Not really, but this song is the perfect anthem for a “balls back” or an “on fire” in beer pong. Gimme gimme more. Gimme more. Gimme gimme more.

“STARSHIPS” — NICKI MINAJ

The ever-intriguing Nicki Minaj always does a good job of infusing her songs with shock value, quirky idiosyncracies, risqué lines or all of the above. “Starships” is no exception. Highlighted by its electro-infused interludes, this is a Nicki Minaj song with a little something for everybody—one that exemplifies why she has been so successful as a female solo artist. Whether we like it or not, it’s true. Be it in the car, at a party or in the confines of our own manly privacy, let it be known: We, guys, like girly songs. (Maybe for some “like” is a strong word, but for the sake of partying, we definitely “tolerate” them.)

POSE 25 STYLE 64


ROZZI CRANE Expectations were high and I was extremely nervous. After all, how do you have a normal conversation with a twenty-year-old girl who was recently signed to Adam Levine’s new record label, frequently tours the country with Sergio Mendes, and appeared on the star-studded Hunger Games soundtrack? Thankfully, singer-songwriter Rozzi Crane is not the diva-type. Completely turning the R&B stereotype on its head, Rozzi Welcomed me in with a warm smile – it’s very easy to see why Levine chose her as the first artist for his 222 label. While many can sing, Rozzi possesses that sort of “it” quality rarely seen in an individual, and it’s difficult to put your hand on it. Whatever it is, Rozzi’s X-factor will soon propel her into superstardom, and that’s a tall order for a USC junior. “It can be stressful,” Rozzi says. “But it’s something that I’ve always known that I wanted to do, from the time I was a child.” That sort of determination and ambition guided Rozzi from the eclectic bohemian city of San Francisco to USC’s esteemed Popular Music program. Her major led her to copious jobs and exposure, something she will always be grateful for. “School right now is difficult to put my energy into, but I definitely want my degree, it’s something that I know I’ll get,” Rozzi states. Hey, when you’re buddies with Adam Levine, school can wait. Check out Rozzi’s Hunger Games single with Maroon 5, entitled “Come to the Water” on iTunes.


NEXT BIG THING To try and be an artist in this musical climate is terrifying. Now just add in the trials and tribulations of being a student at the same time. These three musicians have wowed us with their talent and drive to become the best of their craft. Whether exuding the same soulful sound as a modern day Etta James, evoking the spirit of Jason Mraz or bringing rap down to a relatable level, Rozzi, Axel and Cleary have all proved to us that they’re the next big thing. Photography by Carlo Acenas


AXEL MANSOOR Once in every blue moon, a singer with the lung power and raspy vocals to portray a range of emotions within a simple song comes along to knock your socks right off. Axel Mansoor is one of those singers. The USC sophomore has been writing and performing his music since high school, and frequently showcases his John Mayer-like talents whenever and wherever he can. When Axel talks about music, it’s easy to see that it’s serious. I mean, what nineteen-year-old boy can equate music to a cleansing of the soul? “It’s hard to explain,” Axel says. “But it’s such a huge part of me, I’d be lost without it.” If you see Axel perform, you know it’s true. Passion flows through his veins, when we strums his guitar, it’s almost as if each movement carries some sort of emotion. In addition, Axel’s lyrics are often poignant and universal (just listen to his Jason Mraz infused “Gotta Let Go). However, it’s his voice where he holds the most power. Both strong yet vulnerable, raspy yet smooth, Axel Mansoor has one of the most distinct voices around today. It’s almost shocking to think that it belongs to a college student. Wise beyond his years, Axel is bound to sing himself into hearts everywhere. Axel’s EP “Inside Voices” is available at music.axelsmusic.com.

28 POSE



30 POSE


CLEARY CLARK Cleary Clark is different. I realized that as soon as I sat down. He places a napkin in my lap, fixes my plate and says things like “Yes ma’m.” You can’t help but think that this is not your average rapper. Not everyone may “get” Cleary Clark right away. Since hip-hop has been on a dramatic decline into gangstaville, it’s difficult to imagine rap not involving any sort of violence. Cleary is different, however. The twenty-six-year-old graduate student from Seattle is not into the Big Pimpin’. Instead, he tries to write raps that represent the day-to-day lives and tribulations of everyday people. “I’m interested in getting to know people from the inside out,” he states. “What’s on the outside, how you look like doesn’t really appeal to me. I like to see the inner soul.” Strong words coming from a young man, and yet Cleary is full of surprises. Although he’s a full time graduate student in Film Production, Cleary often puts on Open Mic nights in Tommy’s Place, Dj’s his own radio show on KXSC and records and films videos for his original work. This may seem like some elaborate act to show the rest of us up, but Cleary assures me that it’s not the case. “I’m just being real,” he claims. “I love everything about what I do, and I put my heart into it 100%” Finally, the rap world can return to its authentic roots. Check out Cleary’s blog on inspiredreamsdaily.blogspot.com, where you’ll find music, videos, illustrations and more.


THINGS TO WATCH

What’s going on in the fashion world today Dangers of the Brazilian Blowout Are you fed up with your frizzy, unmanageable curls? Well, think twice before venturing to the salon for the Brazilian Blowout, a treatment that straightens and smooths hair; you might just be exposing yourself to risky carcinogens. The Food and Drug Administration found high levels of Formaldehyde, a toxic substance, in the product. Even though the bottle is labeled “Formaldehyde-free,” the product is roughly 10% Formaldehyde. However, the outcome of a class-action lawsuit against the product allows salons to continue to do Brazilian Blowouts despite the associated risks. I would stick with your curls. Hey, Taylor Swift decided to rock her natural look. You can too.

Sweatshop Scandal According to former employee Wenyu Lu, Alexander Wang uses sweatshops. The talented designer has been accused of operating a “sweatshop” due to his alleged mistreatment of workers in Chinatown, New York. Lu claims he ended up in the hospital after working a 25-hour day without breaks to complete a project. The lawsuit claims that this is a common occurrence and employees usually work 16-hour days in a window-less building without breaks. The case was recently re-filed in New York Federal Court, and another plaintiff employee, Flor Duante, was added.

32 POSE


Dior hires new Artistic Director After months and months of speculation, the famed House of Dior has finally announced its next Artistic Director: Raf Simons. Last year, the fashion world was rocked with the spectacular fall of iconic designer John Galliano. Right before the Spring 2011 shows in Paris, Galliano was famously caught on camera declaring that he “loves Hitler” amongst other anti-Semitic remarks. Since then, many have speculated over who would take over one of the most profitable and highly desired jobs in the biz – names such as Ricardo Tisci of Givenchy and Marc Jacobs of Louis Vuitton and his namesake line floated around. However, Simons ended up as the victor, leaving his post at Jil Sander in order to take over. Although Dior has not been exactly struggling in terms of profit, creatively the fashion house has been at a standstill, producing shows under Bill Gattyen that were panned by the critics. Hopefully Raf Simons can use his understated glamour to steer Dior back into its golden age.

Gel Manicures: A New Risk? Gel manicures give your nails a polished, glossy look that lasts an astounding three weeks. However, they might also give you cancer. After applying the gel, manicurists put your hands under UV lights for up to 10 minutes so that the nails dry quickly. Dedicated nail-salon costumers should reconsider booking normal manicures instead because the risk for skin cancer increases with every minute under the UV light.

Naomi Campbell: Model, Naomi Campbell: Model, Rageaholic, TV Star? It seems as if Naomi Campbell, one of history’s most iconic supermodels, will be heading to your television sets sometime soon. The famous diva will host “The Face,” a new modeling competition set to air on Oxygen. Similar to other modeling shows, the winner of the competition will be given the opportunity to become the face of a national campaign. For now, details are being kept under wraps, but if Campbell shows even 1/3 of her trademark diva attitude then sign us up.

POSE 33 STYLE 64


THE CASE FOR THE

FEMALE RAPPER

BY ASHER FELDMAN


It’s no secret hip-hop has been a truly maledominated genre since its humble beginnings. Certainly, along the way hip-hop has seen its fair share of females who made a name for themselves — Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Lil Kim, Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopez — but through and through men have held the throne much of these past few decades. Now, more than ever, it seems tougher for a woman to make her name in the game, with one major exception. Nicki Minaj, who was barely recognizable on a local level just three years ago, now sells millions of albums and packs arenas around the world. So what is a female hip-hop hopeful to do? Well, if they know anything, they’ll look to Minaj for seemingly the only way to make it to the top these days. Minaj took some of the oddities that made Missy Elliott so beloved in her own time, the sex appeal that brought Lil Kim over the top when Junior Mafia ran New York and even some of the colorfulness that has brought Lady Gaga to fame and come up with an a look never seen before. Look no further than Minaj’s outlandish wardrobe and everchanging hairstyles to see how she’s co-opted an unusual look into an avenue for exposure. That seems to be all a female hip-hop artist can do to succeed — be so eccentric that absolutely no one can ignore you. It wasn’t long ago that Minaj was playing on Young Money Cash Money’s JV squad, hopping on tracks wherever she could and riding Wayne’s coat tails to fame. These days she could easily leave Wayne behind and take millions of fans with her. But Minaj is in the minority. That she needed to so separate herself from the pack shows that the genre is not yet ready to accept a mainstream, “normal” version of a female rapper. She has to be coated in something else, like sex appeal, to truly break out. What we are left with is a genre of hip-hop so dominated by male artists that Rihanna, a staple rhythmic R&B singer, is among the more closely hip-hop-associated female artists, simply because of her ability to provide catchy and meaningful hooks to songs like “Run This Town” and “Love the Way You Lie.” When artists like Rihanna or even M.I.A. hop on tracks so dominated by the boisterous, boastful male voice that has conquered the genre these past five years, it’s such a revelation that it’s often the key to hit making. Who knows where either song would have been

without the Barbadian beauty? Even Rihanna has taken a page out of Minaj’s book, playing with hairstyles, clothing options and vibrant colors in her music videos to get the edge Minaj enjoys because of her flamboyances. That fire red hair or the plastic attire she wore in the “S&M” video were no accident, that eccentricity needs to bleed out of the screen for a female to be recognized by hip-hop and more urban R&B listeners these days it seems. There never really was a time when music was the only thing that mattered in hip-hop. From its very start, the genre came with a certain look — think the Sugarhill Gang, bboys of the ‘80s or even LL Cool J’s Kangol hats. But it all seemed secondary, it still mattered that they had skill necessary to back up the outlandish looks. These days, though, it seems like Minaj and Rihanna have been able to capitalize on their immeasurable talents only because they also know how to market a certain fashion and style. Earlier in the 2000s, that didn’t seem to be the case. Elliott and Eve were dominating both hip-hop and pop charts with a string of successful singles like Elliott’s smashes “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On” and Eve’s Billboardtopping collaboration with Gwen Stefani of No Doubt, “Let Me Blow Ya Mind.” Neither approached fashion and style in the hip-hop genre conservatively — with Elliott often being cited for an odd eccentricity — but neither wore beehive wigs or leather S&M outfits in their music videos. Then suddenly, the female voice seemed to turn more toward rhythmic radio, as names like Beyonce, Ciara and Alicia Keys became the standard bearers for women in urban radio. Minaj broke through this apparent migration to more rhythmic songs. Yet, the strangest thing in all of the hubbub created by Minaj’s success is that Minaj herself shies away from a purely hip-hop identity. On her most recent release, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, Minaj spends just as much time showing off her Lauren Hill side — singing instead of rapping — as she does showing off her true MC abilities behind the mic. If Minaj, the best female hip-hop artist to break the mold of a male dominated genre in five years, doesn’t even want to admit to her own ability, how can anyone else be expected to follow in her footsteps?

POSE 35 STYLE 64




STAFF PLAYLISTS Looking for new music? Check out three playlists created by a few of the ladies of POSE

CHRISTINA ELLIS Head of Design Genesis - Grimes Friend Crush - Friends It’s Around You - ANR American Daydream- Electric Guest Lovesick Teenagers - Bear in Heaven Dance Music - Mounain Goats Benny and the Jets - TV Girl Little Talk - Of Monsters and Men Hello My Old Heart- The Oh Hello’s A Real Hero (ft. Electric Youth) - College


THERESA HUFFMAN HEAD OF PR Black and Blue - Miike Snow Soft Shock - The Yeah Yeah Yeahs Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap Signs - Bloc Party Salt Skin - Ellie Goulding I Would Do Anything for You - Foster the People Not Over You - Gavin Degraw A Bad Dream - Keane Fences - Phoenix

SHERIDAN WATSON Editor in chief Roman’s Revenge - Nicki Minaj ft. Eminem Just a Game - Birdy Hoppípolla - Sigur Rós What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction Elle me dit - Mika 6’7” - Lil’ Wayne Danza Kuduro - Don Omar Ai Se Eu Pego - Michel Tego Seven Devils - Florence & the Machine Mercy - Kanye West


1560 AM KXSC.org 24 Hour Streaming, Free Concerts & Ticket Giveaways


BEAUTY


NAILS W

hether you are waving your hands in the air at a music festival or running sand through your fingers at the beach, now is the time to paint your paws and sport the seasons newest nail trends! Brights and pastels are the forecast for spring, and judging by the latest colors released by the big name brands, it seems that Magenta and Sea Foam Green are the colors of the season! Similar hues of Both pastel “Sea foam” and bright Magenta have been released in pairs by Dior, Ilamasqua, Essie and Mac. Dior is calling it’s collection “Garden Party”, the pricey duo of polishes is actually scented, and with names like “Waterlily” and “Forget-Me-Not”, we an assume they smell like the flowers they were named after! Illmassqua called it’s collection “Human Fundamentalism” and took a brighter turn with both colors. The Magenta shade is called “Stance” and is slightly brighter than “Forget Me Not”. However he sea-foam shade, known as “Nomad” is pretty much the same. and of course, Mac also featured their take on this combo, with “Hyperion” as a slightly more blueish sea foam and “In The Dark...Purple” as a darker magenta. However, for those looking to explore


OF

GLORY

We break down the hottest nail trends of the season

other ends of the color spectrum this spring, have you considered Bright Orange or Pastel Pink? Pink is a solid staple, but finding the right seasonal shade can often be a chore. Essie just released a cute and some-what shimmering pastel pink called “Pink-A-Boo” in their 2012 resort collection. Climbing up the price ladder, Chanel released their spring colors over the holidays and I know I have been counting down the days until I could finally start sporting this pastel pink stunner known as “May”. In other news, Saphora has just partnered with Pantone to create a line of products based on their color of the year. With this years color being “Tangerine Tango” the nail polish collection is perfectly on trend.

For more updates on the latest color sightings and polish trends, follow @Maniplease on twitter, and feel free to tweet in your


ASK MOLLY... POSE’s Beauty Director Molly Leighton answers your most Burning Beauty Questions “How should I do my make-up so that it won’t sweat off in the hot festival sun?”

When it comes to anything outdoors, let’s lay down the number one rule… SUNSCREEN! SO ditch the cakey foundation and mix some sunscreen in with a tinted moisturizer. Lightly dust on some sheer powder to seal the deal. Stash some oil blotting sheets in your bag to absorb any unwanted moisture throughout the day. Lastly, keep your eyes nearly bare during the day (let’s not forget you’ll be wearing sunglasses anyway) and feel free to whip out all the crazy glitter you want when the sun comes down.

“What’s a great waterproof mascara that will hold back my raccoon tears when I cry during my favorite artist’s concert this summer?”

If it’s hot and you’re wearing sunglasses, forget about mascara. But if you do feel the need, a waterproof type is a must, and there’s no need to stretch your funds. I use Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara ($6.48, drugstores) and believe me, crying hysterically at concerts is one of my favorite past-times.

“What is the best foundation that’ll show up well in pictures?”

The key here is to reduce shine. Most liquid foundations will reflect a camera flash like you’re a disco ball. Start with a great moisturizer as your base. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is my god-send. If light coverage is all you need, finish with a sheer matte powder like Maybelline New York Fit me! pressed powder. For heavier coverage, apply a pigmented powder like bareMinerals Matte SPF Foundation for a flawless finish. Add just a dab of highlight to your cheekbones (a slightly shimmery eyeshadow will do the trick) to avoid looking like a mannequin.

44 POSE


®

.com

Fashionable, Feminine, Flirt

Ice Girl Danièle wearing the Off the Shoulder Dress by Simply Sporty

proudly wear

Sport Your Team in Style! SimplySporty.com

POSE 45 STYLE 64


WHAT’S MY BAG?

IN

Head Designer Christina Ellis lets us take a peek inside her bag

Black Bow Purse,

Big enough to carry anything you may need

Curel Moisturizer

46 POSE


Keychains forever. Disneyland, Coachella, Walgreens.

External Hardrive Moleskine Journal

Wallet Fossil

Tarte LipSurgence, Mentha Lip Tint & Chapstick

iPhone

Neon Sunglass Case

Easy to find and awesome to look at


ONLY GIRL IN THE

WORLD Get these iconic looks by following simple step-bystep instructions!


WE FOUND RIHANNA Briana rocks MAC and Nars Foundation, Nars lipstick in Schiap, Revlon Colorstay eyeliner in Black, Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Liner in Charcoal and Maybelline Expert Wear eyeshadow in Mocha Motion.

Photography by Elena Hutchinson Styled by Kiko Zang, Make-Up and Hair by Whitney Brooks and Molly Leighton

POSE 49 STYLE 64


ROLLING IN THE ADELE Amanda captivates in Maybelline Eyestudio gel liner in Blackest Black, Victoria’s Secret Eye Shadow Quad in Eye Contact, BareMinerals Eye Shadow in Bronzed and Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara.


JENNY FROM THE BLOCK Amy glows in Nars Casino bronzer, Maybelline Impeccable eyeshadow, Maybelline Mineral Powder Finishing Veil, Maybelline Superstay 14hr lipstick in Beige Forgood, Maybelline Eye Studio Black liner and Victoria’s Secret Triple Drama Mascara.


HEY TAYLOR Sarah Beth shines in Maybelline Eye Studio black eyeliner, Victoria’s Secret Silky Eye Shadow in Sparkle, Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Gold Wet/ Dry Shadow, Maybelline Dream Bouncy blush in Candy Coral, Maybelline Blast lipstick blendable lip duo, Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara in Very Black.

52 POSE 43 POSE


JUST GAGA Brittany kills it in Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Liner in Charcoal, Lorac Eyeshadow Palette, Smashbox Holiday Eye Palette, Revlon Colorbust lipstick in True Red, Maybelline Colorsensational lipstick in Tuffle Tango.

POSE 53 STYLE 64 BEAUTY 44


GET THE LOOK RIHANNA

1. If you’re not lucky enough to have Rihanna’s flawless finish, mimic it with a smooth matte foundation for a clean-looking base. 2. Use a thick Kohl pencil to line upper and lower lashlines and the inner rim. 3. Flick the outer corners out a quarter inch to create a smooth winged cat-eye. 4. Highlight cheekbones, underneath the brows, down the nose, and inner corners of the eyes with a shimmery pink shadow. 5. Perfect your pout with electrifying fuschia lipstick.

ADELE 1. Use a black pencil to line the upper lash line, continuing in a wing to the end of the brow. 2. Draw a line from the endpoint diagonally to connect with the inner corner of the eye, and fill in the shape with the pencil. 3. Blend in a dark metallic brown shadow at the crease, smudging it with the liner. 4. Highlight underneath the brow in a light shimmery beige shadow. 5. Fill in the brow with a matching pencil and add false lashes for a more striking look. 6. Finish with a glossy nude lipstick.

54 POSE


TAYLOR SWIFT

JLO 1. Apply an icy blue glimmering shadow across the entire lid up to the brow bones. 2. Heavily line the upper and lower lashes, as well as the inner rim, in black eyeliner. 3. Dust the same shadow under the lower lashes, beneath the line. 4. Liberally apply mascara and fill in the brow for striking definition. 5. Use a matte nude lipliner to fill in the lips.

1. Start with a matte powder foundation for a porcelain doll-like face. 2. Draw a black line from the inner corners ending with a tiny upward flick for a subtle but sexy cat-eye. 3. Apply lengthening mascara to top lashes only. 4. End this simple look with a shiny cherry pout.

LADY GAGA 1. Cover both lids in a high-pigment fuschia shadow. 2. Hightlight beneath the brow and inner corners with a shimmery white shadow. 3. Use an eyeliner brush dipped in charcoal gel shadow to trace the outline of a lighting bolt over one eye, beginning above the brow and continuing below the bottom lash line. 2. Fill in the shape of the lighting bolt with a dark green-grey high-pigment shadow. Dab spots of highlighting white shadow on the bolt to add dimension. 3. Apply a rustic brown lipstick, and dab the centers of the lips in a bright berry hue.

POSE

55


THE GAGA EFFECT The flashy style evolution of musicians

BY EDDIE KIM


Somewhere along the line — maybe it was the drooping meat dress (a zombie favorite!) or the hellacious outfit of flapping Kermit the Frogs, or that entire incident with the egg — you probably realized that Lady Gaga had lost it. I saw her live at Staples Center on the Monster Ball tour — tickets courtesy of the then-girlfriend, of course — and what’s judiciously clear is that Gaga is a hell of a performer. She holds a goldmine of talent, so much so that she probably could even have succeeded as a Joan Baez-esque folk singer, if she wanted. But she’s not a folk singer. She’s the chick covered in Kermits — and somehow, people want to follow her lead. Doesn’t it feel like there’s been an explosion in artists — and not just the fringe ones like Bjork — who sense a need to step up their image game? There’s Lady Gaga, of course, but also Katy Perry (blue hair, odd assortment of facepalm-inspiring dresses), Rihanna (red hair, odd assortment of facepalminspiring dresses) and Nicki Minaj (“Roman Holiday,” 2012 Grammys). Like Gaga, all of these performers have the talent to thrive as pop stars, yet somehow feel an urge to dress like they’ve stumbled through a 99 cent store in a state of alcohol-induced unconsciousness. Would you like “Part of Me” any less if Perry didn’t wear anything outlandish? What about the still-stunning verse from Kanye West’s “Monster” if Minaj didn’t sport a freakish wig? The answers, I’d bet, would probably be “no.” But to be perfectly fair, style has always played a huge role in music, even when it seems it didn’t. We can look way, way back, for instance, and note that ancient African celebration rituals involved elaborate garments and accessories. A bit more recently, the jazz scene in the ’30s and ’40s coined the concept of being (and looking) “hip” — or, as Miles Davis might say, “cleaner than a brokedick dog.” The sharp dress of many jazz legends, including seminal pianist Thelonious Monk and Davis himself, was a point of pride: Tailored suits and fine leather shoes were to be respected and admired. And in the ’60s, music icons like Jimi Hendrix pushed the boundaries of style, donning everything from perfectly cut velvet blazers and military jackets to a vast array of Techno-

color paisley scarves and shirts. We’ll always remember his shrieking, psychedelic take on “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock ’69, but that memory wouldn’t be complete without seeing his gloriously over-the-top white-fringe jacket, either. In the ’70s and ’80s, though, things took a bit of a turn. Let’s be clear: There were plenty of bands and musicians who didn’t stick out with their looks. Example: Infamous rock band Guns N’ Roses had its own signature thing, what with frontman Axl’s headbands and guitarist Slash’s classic top hat, but that’s not what they were known for. However, many prominent members of the ’80s music scene blew up for their image just as much — and sometimes more — than for their music. So-called “glam rock” bands, who donned bleach-blonde feathered haircuts, platform boots and an unusual amount of glitter, blew up. “Hair metal” followed and characterized itself more by its flashy appearances than its music, which was an undoubtedly catchy, but not particularly sophisticated, mix of generic pop choruses with power chords crashing in the background (and probably a guitar solo, the one redeeming element). And this is only mentioning the rock-music side of things — in the world of pop, anything went, and a little star named Madonna led the way. For the first time, good music wasn’t enough, or even prioritized — stars needed to stand out and define themselves through how they dressed. With the rise of MTV, how you looked to the public (at all times!) mattered more than ever. Does this mean that music has suffered because of it? Not necessarily. Does this mean that stars had to juggle both their music and their looks as nearly equal parts? Maybe. And will this change how music icons are remembered? Undoubtedly. Here’s an anecdote: I used to play guitar in a band in high school; we specialized in performing classic-rock covers and a small handful of our own tracks that were laced with progressive metal and ’80s rock influences (and, I see now, some clumsy songwriting). We had a show coming up, which brought up the issue of dress: What were we going to wear? I proposed dark jeans and light-colored shirts with black ties, which worked out fine on concert day. The lead singer and my good

CONTINUED ON PAGE 98 POSE

57


A PEEK INSIDE THE WOLD OF A

FASHION ILLUSTRATOR

BY EMILY DODS


Dani Mayo is a Fashion Illustrator based in Spain who has been dazzling the fashion world with his pop art, manga inspired pieces. Dani utilizes acrylic paint to create pieces that look like the products of Photoshop and Illustrator. Looking at his work after discovering that it is all man made makes the paintings even more inspiring. A self-taught painter, he is very proud to be following his dream and fulfilling his lifelong passion of painting. I was lucky enough to speak with Dani pick his brain about his style and the life of an artist within the fashion world. Read on to learn how passion and perseverance can produce beautiful works of art. How did you get involved in fashion illustration specifically? Did you start from the fashion side or the art side? I´ve always liked to draw since I was a child and I´ve always had a special talent for female characters. I like the fashion world, the clothes, accessories, etc. I enjoy drawing beautiful girls wearing the latest fashion. These areas are full of icons that I like and which inspire me to create new designs. My brother has always encouraged me to show off my new ideas, designs and drafts to fashion magazines because my style could blend with these publications. When I began to show my designs to Spanish magazines, they loved my style and from there on, I began to work in these magazines with my drawings. I began in the art field. I think that an artist has to be versatile and learn to do a bit of everything until you find your own style. I´ve drawn everything that´s possible, even things that I didn´t like, with the objective to keep learning and to be more versatile. Your work seems to be a comic book or animation based. Have you always worked within this style? What does it stem from? It´s a style that I find myself quite comfortable, so generally yes, I draw these types of designs. When I was a child, two main sources of inspiration were the

Disney animations and “Shojo Manga” (manga for girls). My actual work is the result of my matureness as an artist where you can see certain influences of these styles. What has been one of your favorite projects to work on? At present, my favorite project has been my first individual exposition in an art gallery. I was excited in having the opportunity to show my original paintings directly to the public. Even though my paintings look like they´re digital, [they’re] not. My work is 100% manual (acrylic paint over a board). In an art exposition, the public can appreciate the artistic value, the creativity and hard work of your own paintings. The first exposition is the most special, because you´re full of hopes and goals. It´s the beginning of [the] journey of that great dream. How did you get your start? What was your first “big break”? Before becoming an artist, I worked for an airline company and in my free time I liked to paint. I began to gather paintings and when I had enough to exhibit, I started to look for art galleries, to see if they were interested in sponsoring my work. An art gallery in Madrid gave me this opportunity, the exposition was a success and, at that moment, I left my job at the airport, so that I could concentrate myself in the illustration field. After the exposition, I began to work in various fashion magazines. My first great opportunity appeared when a famous restaurant in my city asked me to decorate the restaurant with my designs to give it a more modern popstyle, cosmopolitan, a younger image. I decorated the three dining areas, the bathroom and the main entrance with my “girls”. Thanks to this decoration, I´ve been able to exhibit to the public where they´ve gotten to know my work and I have received new work offers to design products for other businesses like wineries, fashion and interior decorating.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 98 POSE

59


Are you involved in anything other than Fashion Illustration? Yes, at the moment, I´ve just released a new infant line of bedroom decorations and baby accessories called “Dani Mayo Kids”. From where do you draw inspiration? I believe that the inspiration appears at any moment. I constantly see things that inspire me (on the street, watching a film, flicking through a magazine...) When I see something that I like, I draw it and I think how can I adapt it to a new idea. I turn the idea that I like into the main image of my painting, so that I can give it a personal touch. Dani Mayo is my own vision of pop-art which makes it special and different. Of course, when I work on drawings for fashion magazines, I like to read these magazines and I research to be up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, so that later on, I can apply them to my drawings.

60 POSE


Events. Workshops. Headshots.

Facebook.com/TroyShots


MICK AND BIANCA

Reed and Amanda wear clothes courtesy of Selvedge Dry Goods vintage store. Earrings by H&M.

62 POSE


I’ve Got You, Babe

Love lifts us up where we belong . . . So why not celebrate some of the most iconic couples in music history. Join POSE on a trek through the decades, recreating the style of Mick and Bianca, Kurt and Courtney, and more. Photography by Eddie Kim & India Bulkeley, Styled by Kiko Zang, Make-Up and Hair by Whitney Brooks and Molly Leighton


KURT AND COURTNEY

Will L. wears a Ralph Lauren flannel shirt; Lindsey wears clothes courtesy of Selvedge Dry Goods vintage store.


SID AND NANCY

Will T. and Maya wear clothes courtesy of Selvedge Dry Goods vintage store.


PAUL AND LINDA

Clothes courtesy of Selvedge Dry Goods vintage store. Hat by Urban Outfitters.



BEYONCÉ AND JAY-Z

On Cleary: model’s own. Alayjah wears an Xscape dress and Chinese Laundry shoes.


www.somethinghealthy.net Something Healthy速 merchandising contributes to a cleaner planet for future generations which teaches eco-friendly, reusable, and recyclable solutions to help reduce pollution and protects our environment.



STYLE


72 POSE


BROADWAY DEBUT The 20s, 60s, and 90s were a time of fashion revolution. Join POSE as we recreate some of our favorite musicals.

Photography by Elena Hutchinson Styling by Sheridan Watson Hair and Make-Up by Whitney Brooks and Molly Leighton

POSE 73 STYLE 64


HAIRSPRAY 74 POSE


POSE 75 STYLE 64


76 POSE


RENT

POSE 77 STYLE 64


www.somethinghealthy.net

78 POSE


CHICAGO POSE 79 STYLE 64


ROCK OUT

Need to figure out what to rock to each festival? POSE gives you the low-down

BY KANDACE COOK


The sun’s coming out and so are the bands: its festival season! But no music festival is the same when it comes to style. From Bonnaroo to Stagecoach, each festival has its own character. Whether you’re a festival veteran or a virgin, here are some ideas to stay stylish while keeping cool and in the festival spirit. Coachella- Indio, CA Renowned for having a plethora of big names in almost every genre of music, Coachella is one of the biggest music events of the year. Whether you’re dying to see The Black Keys, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre or Sebastian Ingrosso, Coachella’s the place to go bohemian but still trendy. Pair a flowing maxi skirt with a cropped bustier top. Or for a casual, no frills look, try a pair of loose trousers in a great print. Complement the pants with a mid-crop tank or tee in a solid color. Add a floppy brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face, and whatever you do, don’t wear heels— stick to flats or wedges. Stagecoach- Indio, CA If you’re a country music fan, Stagecoach is heaven. Featuring stars like Miranda Lambert and Brad Paisley, it is the ultimate destination for country-lovers this spring. But going country doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion. Ditch the denim shorts and instead combine your cowgirl essentials with a feminine dress in a pastel hue to keep in line with spring trends. Your worn-in cowboy boots will add some personal flair to an eyelet sundress and maintain that country attitude. For a flirty, slightly retro feel, try a polka dot print dress or romper. And if you’re in the market for a new pair of boots, consider an ankle height pair to help keep you cool during those long days in the sun.

Electric Daisy Festival (EDC)- Las Vegas, NV Just because you’re going to a rave doesn’t mean you have to go full-on mirror bra and tutu when you’re getting dressed. Neon is in this spring, so making the rave style seem fashionable isn’t entirely impossible. Consider sporty pieces day glow shades with a racer-back cut. A body con dress made of spandex or neoprene will take you from the show to the Strip. If you’re not feeling the neon, take on futuristic metallics for an edgy party look. For a little more comfort and simplicity, try a pair of tie-dye or print shorts and a soft tank or tee. You’ll want your hands free, so consider a fanny pack instead of a purse…yes, a fanny pack. If you’re brave, there’s no better time to let your freak flag fly than at a rave. Bonnaroo- Manchester, TN Featuring music stars like Foster the People, Skrillex and Major Lazer, Bonnaroo has an incredible lineup. But one thing to keep in mind about Bonnaroo is that it is HOT. Tennessee, like the rest of the South, is hot and humid in the summer. You’re going to want loose, breezy clothing to help you manage the climate. Luckily, loose and breezy goes perfectly with the hippie-chic style of this festival. Anything in white or other light shades will help keep you cool, and a lightweight open-weave like crochet will let in the breeze. Bring a quirky hat like a straw fedora to keep your head cool. Add some earthy accessories like a blanket bag and native inspired jewelry.

POSE

81


3 WAYS TO WEAR

Festivals: fun, dirty and quite frankly, exhausting. The last thing you want to be worried about is lugging around a suitcase that you’ve overpacked. Have no fear, POSE is giving you 3 ways to wear your favorite band tee – we chose a classic Guns & Roses one from Melrose Music and Comics - and 3 ways to wear the on-trend sequined shorts – hit up H&M to find our pair. Reduce, reuse, recycle: it’s good for the environment too.

Christina looks effortlessly glamorous in a Melrose Music and Comics tee, vintage blue Hi-Low skirt, vintage belt, Zara shoes, and a Chanel bag.

Look crazy-cool like Christina in the Melrose Music and Comics tee, American Apparel dark wash high waisted shorts, vintage belt, and vintage boots.

Get Christina’s VIP look with a Melrose Music and Comics tee, Levi’s vintage denim shorts, Codes Combine yellow blazer, and ankle boots from lulus.com

BAND TEE


SEQUIN SHORTS

Look as famous as Christina in H&M sequined shorts, an Aqua tuxedo blazer, and Zara black pumps.

Christina rocks the H&M sequined shorts, paired with a Pacsun button-down, vintage bracelet and Zara pumps.

Christina strikes a pose in H&M sequined gold shorts, J. Crew silk button up, Anthropologie scarf, and BCBGeneration striped wedges. Photography by India Bulkeley, Styling by Kiko Zang, Make-Up and Hair by Whitney Brooks and Molly Leighton


THE MUSICIAN AS MUSE Fashion Designers are looking to musical stars for inspiration

BY SAMARA SLATER


The collaboration of music and fashion is bigger than ever this year. The hot trend among fashion designers of all styles this year is using various music artists as inspirations for their collection. Fashion and music are two forms of self-expression that are becoming more and more intertwined as the world of fashion and music evolves. Music is especially having a particularly powerful impact on the fashion industry in today’s society. Designer’s are attracted to the individual styles of musical artists and are intrigued by the idea of attempting to reflect the sound of a certain artist in their clothes. No surprise, music is a big part of fashion, as fashion is a big part of music. The kinds of songs that are played during a runway show set the tone for the show and also express the feel and emotion behind the designer’s collection, as well as the overall aesthetic of the designer. Florence Welch, the fiery redheaded singer of the hip indie-rock band, Florence and the Machine, is making headlines in the fashion world. Welch is an emerging music artist, receiving her first Grammy nomination this year for best new artist. Welch’s bohemian, breezy, and eclectic style is capturing the minds of haute-couture designers all around. Welch’s unique, fresh, and unconventional look is why designers of all areas of fashion find her so appealing. She has a quirkiness about her that makes her relatable yet distinctly unique at the same time. With her vintage vibe and bohemian flare, her iconic look is billowing garments and flowing fabrics, which echo the sound of her music. For Frida Giannini, the creative director the Italian fashion house Gucci, Florence Welch is the epitome of the Gucci woman – confident, sophisticated, and contemporary. Using Welch as her fashion muse for her Fall 2011 collection, Giannini experimented with flowing garments, jewel-toned dresses, and sleek silhouettes. Also spotted on the runway were necklines adorned with luxurious

furs and multicolored flowers, giving a twist to a classic 1940’s look. The Gucci Fall 2011 collection explored the more ethereal and eccentric side of the fashion house, keeping in tune with Welch’s own personal style. The sinuous gowns and unexpected details emulate the sound of Welch’s voice and music. Giannini could not have picked a style muse more suitable for her collection. The renowned English designer label, Mulberry, took a special liking to Welch for their spring/summer 2011 collection. The runway show featured a parade of models sporting Welch’s characteristic vibrant red hair with heavy fringe. The singer provided musical entertainment at the show, fusing the style of the clothes with the atmosphere of the party. Pastel hues and feminine touches were a main focus, with splashes of bold prints and leather carryalls. Mulberry truly embodied Welch’s simple yet unexpected style as well as her impeccable fashion sense. A beloved designer who also turned to musical artists for inspiration is Alexander Wang. His more affordable, casual-cool line, T by Alexander Wang, redefines casual-chic. This stunning collection features simple and basic pieces, such as t-shirts, sweaters, pants, and shorts, that all exhibit that A-Wang edge. Wang was particularly captivated by the electro sounds of Diplo and the alternative/pop sounds of Santigold. Rather than using his music muses as attractions for his fashion shows, Wang decided to incorporate their musical talent in his ad campaigns for T by Alexander Wang. The energy of the music that these artists create is what Wang believes to be the true representation of the T collection: fun, easy-going, cool, and creative. The commercials are truly eye-catching – once you watch it, you won’t be able to get the image of Diplo and Santigold rocking out to their beats dressed in fresh designs of Alexander Wang.

POSE

85


PROJECT: DESIGNER BY MOLLY LEIGHTON AND ELIZABETH PEREIRA


POSE talks with the Project: Runway alum about his most recent ventures. After gracing us with his presence and his design skills on television, we had the pleasure of speaking with a most talented and inspiring fashion designer. With his next collection in the works, his line of greeting cards for Papyrus and a new bridal collection with Bebe, Rami Kashou is a busy man. And yet, with every new endeavor, he seeks to bring out the “inner goddess” in every woman. “Every woman wants to reach a certain level of sophistication, yet also a kind of sex appeal that is subtle and innocent… She doesn’t have to be coming out of a specific mold but I think it’s all about feeling special and wanting to stand out in a way that’s not alienating to others,” he said. Rami recently finished his stint on “Project Runway All-stars,” where he recalls the experience “like being back in an insane nightmare.” But despite the strenuous schedule and constantly being surrounded by producers, the show was a good opportunity to reboot his notoriety, perfect timing considering the release of his Bebe bridal collection back in March. “After getting out of ‘All Stars’ it showcased my capability of becoming a marketable evening dress-wear designer. So I think that avenue opened up.” The collection includes ten wedding gowns and ten bridesmaid dresses, all of which are reasonably priced. But the best part? A bridesmaid dress that you will actually want to wear after the wedding. “The cocktail dresses I designed as bridesmaid dresses are not your clichéd dress. It’s a dress you want to buy and wear again, not the dress you’re forced to buy because your best friend is getting married.” Thus far the collection has received rave views, and Rami hopes to expand his success with the Bebe company. Rami is drawn to the elegance and so-

phistication of evening wear, stemming from his Middle Eastern upbringing. “The women I grew up around exuded elegance and I think we live in a culture where dressing up is an obligation to society. I think that presenting yourself a certain way and expressing a certain level of class is whispered through my designs as such.” With fashion successes under his belt, Rami hasn’t been afraid to venture into more unconventional mediums. He designed a line of greeting cards to be sold in Papyrus stores that exudes as much elegance as his famous gowns. He is also considering expanding into handbags, accessories, and fragrances. “Now these doors are opening and I’m experiencing different avenues of showcasing my work and my skills. There are no limits.” We couldn’t let Rami go without offering some words of wisdom. “I think the most important thing for women in general is to understand your body and what works for you before you follow certain trends.” And for hopeful young designers? Be very clear on what makes you distinct and stand out amongst the rest. I feel like glamour is definitely something that’s a part of fantasy and I think it’s my job to bring it to life and make it accessible. There’s a lot of fantasy that plays into creativity.” And as long as Rami Kashou keeps fantasizing, women everywhere will have the pleasure of walking in his glamorous creations.

POSE

87


Good Vibrations Don’t fall flat, stay sharp with this POSE style guide

Photography by Carlo Acenas, Styled by Sheridan Watson, Make-Up and Hair by Whitney Brooks Emily wears a PIKO 1988 black lace top, Nordstrom Rack bandeau, H&M shorts, and Alexander McQueen skull scarf; boots: model’s own.



Emily wears a Burberry London black trench coat, Alexander McQueen scarf, Target studded belt; boots: model’s own.




Emily wears an American Apparel scarf, vintage cuff, vintage Versace bag and her own boots.


RENAISSANCE MAN

Celebrities can’t have just one talent; they need to take the whole world by storm.

BY PAIGE COOLEY


For years, artists have risked their careers with an attempt to break away from the music industry and taking on new tasks such as acting or designing their own clothing line. While some have been successful on this precarious embarkment, others have not. Mickey Mouse Club’s Justin Timberlake got his start in the entertainment industry in 1993, where he appeared alongside future pop sensations Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera as well as future bandmate JC Chasez. After the show on Disney ended in 1995, Timberlake recruited fellow castmember Chasez to be in an all-male singing group that eventually became known as N*SYNC. From 1998 to 2002, Timberlake and Chasez, along with their three other bandmates, became one of the most successful groups in music history. N*SYNC sold more than 42 million records worldwide and received eight Grammy nominations all within a five year span. After N*SYNC decided to call it quits in 2002, Timberlake released his first solo album, Justified. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 album chart and included the top ten singles “Cry Me a River” and “Rock Your Body.” In 2006, he released FutureSex/LoveSounds, which produced four #1 singles including “Sexy Back,” “My Love,” “What Goes Around…Comes Around,” and “Summer Love.” With his first two albums, Timberlake sold over 17 million copies worldwide. Along with singing, he has written and produced his own music as well as music for current popular artists such as Madonna, Rihanna, and T.I. In addition to music, Timberlake has also embarked on a successful career in film and television as both an actor and producer. Probably his most successful project to date is The Social Network in which he starred alongside Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield. Although it did not win him an Oscar nomination, countless critics raved over Timberlake’s stunning performance as egotistical Napster founder Sean Parker. Other films including Alpha Dog, Friends with Benefits and Bad Teacher have showcased Timberlake’s talent as an actor on the rise. He has also been featured on three episodes of Saturday Night Live, has hosted various award shows, and executive produced MTV’s short-lived reality show “The Phone.” With 20 nominations under his belt, Timberlake has taken home four Primetime Emmys as well as eight other

distinguished awards for his roles as actor and producer in film and television. Accordingly, it appears that Justin Timberlake’s transition from eminent pop superstar to distinguished actor and producer has raised his stardom reputation for the better. Fans of the pop star turned actor would agree that Timberlake can take on anything. Could a possible fashion line be in the near future? Oh wait, he’s done that too. Seeing as the clothing line, known as William Rast, has been in commission since 2007, we’ll assume that any project Justin starts will become a success. Next, we have Jennifer Lopez. We all know and love her from her title role in Selena in 1997 as well as her contribution to the music industry with top hits such as “Waiting for Tonight,” “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” and “Jenny from the Block.” One-of-a-kind Latin American actress and pop star Jennifer Lopez jumped on the scene in the late 1980s when she began her career as a dancer in stage musicals and music videos. She then landed a few small acting roles in two television shows and soon after in a TV movie. In 1997, Lopez got her first big break playing the title role in Selena, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and becoming the highest-paid actress in history with her paycheck of $1 million. She began her music career with the debut of her Latin pop album, On the 6, in 1999, followed by the release of six other albums within the next 10 years. She has been nominated for two Grammy awards and two Latin Grammy awards. In 2003, Lopez launched Sweetface, a high-end urban street-wear line. Due to its rapidly dwindling appeal and therefore poor sales, Lopez was forced to shut the line down in 2009. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the self-designed clothes of Jennifer Lopez have had to take a leave of absence. Lopez’s venture into the fashion world has had its ups and downs for a number of years. In 2007, the star put her JLO brand to a halt in the United States after six years on the market, although the line continues to be sold in 40 countries across the world. Still optimistic, the actress-singer created another label in 2007. Known as JustSweet, Lopez’s third line consisted of a sexy and sparkly mix of pants, jumpsuits and dresses to fill the gap between her casual JLO line and the high-fashion Sweetface. Unfortunately, JustSweet was also

CONTINUED ON PAGE 98 POSE

95


STORIES CONTINUED FEMALE RAPPERS It’s almost as if Minaj has come to terms with a reality where a purely hip-hop female cannot succeed, which is unfortunate for the rap community expecting the Minaj everyone grew to respect from her guest verses on “Monster” and “Bottoms Up.” Maybe Minaj is not the answer, maybe a female waits in the wings, ready to take the hip-hop crown, but who knows what it will take to get them the recognition, fame and exposure needed if even Nicki Minaj, she of multiple personalities and endless talent, won’t even commit to the genre herself?

GAGA friend had developed a curious love affair with glam rock, however, and came donned in black platform boots, a multicolored headband and a two-toned leather jacket with fringe sleeves. Our friends liked the concert, but found our frontman’s outfit more interesting to discuss. Today, I’m pretty sure that’s what we were remembered for, not our genuinely epic take on The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. Like it or not, we do judge books by their covers — or in this case, music stars by their outfits — and it can have a dominant effect. But thankfully, great music tends to live on much longer than wild style, no matter how forward-thinking or innovative the latter might be. Hopefully, Gaga knows that. RENAISSANCE discontinued after only a few seasons. Needless to say, Lopez’s three attempts at a fashion line have seemed to fall short as its appeal quickly diminished. While she remains a popular and talented Latin American singer and actress, she probably shouldn’t be trying to launch a fourth line anytime soon. As we have taken a look at two different, well-respected pop stars, we have been able to see how the risk of branching out into acting and designing has made an impact on these artists and their careers. While Justin Timberlake has become a well-respected actor within the last few years, Jennifer Lopez struggled to make a comeback after the essential failure of her three clothing lines. The success and failure of these two artists

96 POSE

has given other pop icons the initiative to risk their careers for a shot at another, such as Jessica Simpson, Gwen Stefani, and P. Diddy. Whether it hurts their reputation or enhances their pocketbook, this is a risk several musical artists today are willing to take. MAY INTERVIEW Are you involved in anything other than Fashion Illustration? Yes, at the moment, I´ve just released a new infant line of bedroom decorations and baby accessories called “Dani Mayo Kids”. From where do you draw inspiration? I believe that the inspiration appears at any moment. I constantly see things that inspire me (on the street, watching a film, flicking through a magazine...) When I see something that I like, I draw it and I think how can I adapt it to a new idea. I turn the idea that I like into the main image of my painting, so that I can give it a personal touch. Dani Mayo is my own vision of pop-art which makes it special and different. Of course, when I work on drawings for fashion magazines, I like to read these magazines and I research to be up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, so that later on, I can apply them to my drawings.

More articles soon to come on the Pose Blog! PoseMag.Tumblr.com



POSE

pose.magazine.usc@gmail.com Facebook.com/posemagazineusc posemag.tumblr.com @PoseMagazineUSC


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.