FASHION.CULTURE.TECHNOLOGY
VOL 23
QUARTERLY
THE HOLLYWOOD AND GLAMOUR ISSUE
Meet Starlet Diane Guerrero
BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE F O R Y O U R S P E C I A L D AY O R E V E R Y D A Y
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J e we l r y N e w
Si nce
Yo r k
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RAINE INSPIRE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS [I.C.E.]
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FASHI ON TO LIVE FO R So So Sp ring Bu sin e ss Af ter Wo rk Fa sh ion S potlight At t h e Heart of the A rts Ca su a l Coo l Dou b le L i f e of an Entrepreneur A Love for the Grind
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E N TRE PR ENEU RS TO WATCH L e G ra n d e Green E d u a r d o Verastegui Roya l J et s Don a ld J. Lof tus Rid a K h a n
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BUSI N E SS + TECH NOLO GY Cla r e n ce "KD" McNair 30 M ike Fe r nandez 32 Fa sh Inve st 33 K ickst a r t Innovatio n 36 We a ra b le Techno lo gy 38 Te ch Toys 40
BEAU T Y + F IT N ES S M a i k W ei den ba c h S i m pl e Ha i r F i fty S h a des of Gl a m ou r Z a a i n a S ki n ca r e A M om ent i n Ti m e
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C U LT U R E E N TE RTAINMENT Ble ssin g Of fo r Se a m u s Dev er An n ie Wersching Fr e sh Fa ces
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FAS H I O N TO L IV E F OR
So So Spring
Photographer – Carlton Agius Makeup – Justin Brincat Modal – Tiffany Pisani
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MAGAZINE
RAINE INSPIRE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS [I.C.E.]
VOL 23
ED ITORIA L TEA M Nova Lorraine - Founder, Creative Director & Editor in Chief Derron Forrest - Business Development Kristopher Johnson-Hoyle - Senior Editor Janet Igah - Style Editor R E S E A R C H E D I TO R Bryson Littlejohn
WEBMASTER Mredul Mani
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Javin Forrest Michelle Brown Maik Wiedenbach Suna Senman
INTERNS Danielle Murray
SPECIAL THANKS Carlotta Harrington Frederique Porter Javier Hernandez Natasha Gabriel Tina Littlejohn A RT D I R E C T I O N Martina Micko
COVER CREDITS Photographer – Vaughn Eric Stewart Hairstylist – Takayoshi Tsukisawa Wardrobe Stylist – Janet Igah Makeup Artist – Derek Medina Manicurist – Narina Chan Cover Clothing Credits Red jumper by BCBG Max Azria Necklace by Tory Burch Fur vest by 525 INQUIRIES General: talktous@rainemagazine.com Adver tise: adver tise@rainemagazine.com
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NEW YORK * LA * SAN FRANCISCO * MIAMI CORRESPONDENCE Raine Magazine PO BOX 3021 Windermere, FL 34786 Raine Magazine is a trademark of Raine Creative Holdings LLC and is published quarterly. All contents, logos, and articles are copyrighted materials and all rights are reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of Raine Creative Holdings is prohibited. The publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising material for any reason deemed inappropriate by publisher. Raine Magazine’s subscription is $39.99. Please make checks payable to Raine Creative Holdings. To distribute Raine at your business, please email editor@rainemagazine.com.
EDITOR’S NOTE WELCOME TO RAINE MAGAZINE This is a very special spring. It marks our 5th year since releasing our very first print issue as a “test” issue. That was Vol 5 and our first double cover. Also, not too long after that, I met an amazing human being who became a mentor, business advisor and wonderful friend. His name is David Freschman. Sadly, Mr. Freschman is no longer with us as he recently passed away from an aggressive form of cancer but his words of wisdom, giving spirit and desire to help others will live on! This is a special note dedicated to him. Dear David, I am sorry I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye but please know that your endless support and love for seeing others succeed did not go unnoticed. Your kind words and tireless mission to find great entrepreneurs and open doors of opportunity for them will carry on through all of those who you have helped and inspired. You always challenged me to do better and be more and I appreciate you for that. Thank you again for being such an inspiration and friend! You are greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
Nova Lorraine & David Freschman
INSPIRE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS [I.C.E]
“INTERNATIONAL” ISSUE
VOL 22
THE ART EDITION
Truly,
QUARTERLY
FLYING HIGH WITH FLY LONDON
MEET RAINEMAKER ROMERO BRITTO THE RAINE AWARD
T H E
W O R L D ’ S
M O S T
F A S H I O N A B L E
B U S I N E S S
Nova Lorraine, MA Founder and Editor
M A G A Z I N E
VOLUME 22; Story: Entrepreneurs to Watch – Forging A Path To Filmmaking; Story was written by Suna Senman, LMSW.
FA S H I O N TO L I V E F O R
FAS H I O N TO L IV E F O R
BUSINESS AFTER DARK Photographer - Anderson Smith Wardrobe Stylist - Fabiola Ledesma Make-up Artist - Yvelissa Muñoz using KEVYN AUCOIN BEAUTY MUA Assistant - Violeta Lekocaj Hair Stylist - Selda Cortes for EUFORA INTERNATIONAL & T3 MICRO Photographer Assistant - Mouhsine Idrissi Janati Fashion Stylist Assistant - Ravea Norvell Fashion Stylist Assistan t- Ashley Freeman Female Model: Alina D. with New York Model Management Male Model: Ben Bowers with New York Model Management
On Ben: Blue Jacket, vest and Pants by Hvrminn; shirt by Les Benjamins On Alina: Shirt by Anna Sui; vest by Anna Sui; skirt by Anna Sui; boots by Tania Spinelli; ring by Gemma Simone RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
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On Ben: Jacket by Hvrminn; shirt by Hvrminn; pants by Hvrminn On Alina: Green Jacket by Katrin Schnabl; top by Nirco Castillo; pants by Katrin Schnabl; clutch by Skingraft
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Red Coat by Anna Sui; bracelets by Gemma Simone; earrings by Kathleen Nowak Tucci; Leather Disc Overlay Dress by Kathleen Nowak Tucci; dress by Harare
Jacket, pants and shirt by Paul Smith; bag by Band of Players; necklace by Kathleen Nowak Tucci
5 E N T R E P R E N E U R S TO WAT C H
EN T R EP R E N E U R S TO WAT C H
LIVE OUT LOUD WITH LEGRANDE GREEN
RAINE: Can you tell us how your experience at KING-TV changed your life? GREEN: My first job right out of college was working as a production intern at King Broadcasting in Seattle. I was thrust into a thrilling world of news as I shadowed the stage managers and floor directors in the studio. Eventually, I was allowed to cue the anchors during live newscasts. From there, I met Karen Melamed (to this day, one of my best friends on the planet.) She was the boss of the morning talk show Seattle Today. She had just moved from Baltimore where she worked with Oprah Winfrey on a local show called People Are Talking. RAINE: When you worked at Oprah, you were one of her youngest producers. How did that experience shape your career? GREEN: At age 24, I was hired to work at The Oprah Winfrey Show. Karen Melamed was a close personal friend of Oprah’s executive producer Debra DiMaio. She, Oprah and Debbie all worked in Baltimore together. Having worked in local television gave me a leg up on many of my colleagues. In Seattle, I worked in the newsroom, on documentary units and cut my teeth on all kinds of talk shows before I came to Chicago. RAINE: Your career has had many highs and lows. What were some of the happier moments? GREEN: Obviously some of the high points have been the awards. I’ve won four Daytime Emmys for my work at Oprah and an NAACP Image Award for Best News/Talk Documentary. The NAACP Image Award came for an Oprah episode called “Unsolved Hate Crimes of The Civil Rights Movement” in 1994. It all began when I researched the story of a scared little white boy who witnessed a racial massacre before World War II. We took our cameras into the most racist counties in Georgia to re-enact the story. All of the interviews were raw, emotional and powerful. When the whole thing was said and done, I remember looking at Oprah with a tear in my eye. I knew then that I was privileged and blessed to be able to harness my creativity on such a powerful national platform. RAINE: As an entrepreneur you often advise others to “own their own story”. Can you explain that concept in more detail? GREEN: For many years, I taught classes and seminars around the US and Canada under the banner “Get Booked on Any TV Talk Show.” The question that kept coming up: ‘How do I get on Oprah?’ 16
Now that the show’s over, it’s obviously not about being on Oprah anymore. The goal is to “be your own Oprah!” With all the tools available on the internet and social media, no one has to sit back and wait for a third party to share their messages. There are three basic principles I share with my clients. Lesson No. 1: Know what your hook is. Lesson No. 2: Package yourself Lesson No. 3: Don’t give up. RAINE: Tell us about your new show BOLD and what excites you most about it. GREEN: After working closely with Oprah for years, here’s one thing I never forgot: inspiration is everywhere. Wellness is healthy living. It’s the strategy you choose to lead a balanced life. My interests run from lifestyle trends to pop culture to last night’s “lip-sync for your life” on RuPaul’s Drag Race. I was looking for a podcast that spoke to the heart but was also edgy and entertaining. When I couldn’t find it on iTunes, I said, “Heck, I’m a producer. I’ll create it myself!” My guests are provocative people with inspiring ideas. It’s that blogger, that YouTube video, that celebrity or entertainer everybody’s talking about. It’s everyday people making huge breakthroughs. It might even be you tomorrow. If you break down the word BOLD, it might mean “bring on love divine.” Or my favorite, “blessings of life daily.” There is only now. I profile people and topics that influence the way we live, laugh and love out loud. That’s more than a catchy slogan. It’s really my sole–and my soul–intention. There’s no reason enlightenment can’t be entertaining. RAINE: How has life changed for you now that you are no longer behind the scenes but at the center of your own show? GREEN: The podcast took off like a rocket, which surprised and delighted me. In our first month on the Live 365 radio platform, we pulled in 5.5 million listeners. The greatest gift has been finding and booking the most incredible guests. The other day I was talking to Grammy-winning superstar Jody Watley about confidence and inspiration. She said, “I don’t do many interviews but I wanted to come on BOLD. It’s a place where people can come to be classy, share stories and have great conversations.” I’m humbled by the thousands who love the positivity of the podcast and they are demanding ‘more, more, more!” We are now developing products and books to support our message of transformation and healing. I close each show the same way and that message has become a mantra: “Shift happens right where you are. Be the change and get BOLD today.”
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Image courtesy of LeGrande Green
LeGrande Green is a man that exemplifies bold! His harrowing journey along the path to success has been full of career highs and lows. As a creative savant and producer behind the scenes of The Oprah Winfrey Show, 4-time Emmy Award winner LeGrande Green was on top of the TV world, but lurking behind the veiled curtain of success was a life in dire straits. Before Green stepped into the limelight with Oprah Winfrey, he was already making his mark at KING-TV in Seattle, working as an associate producer on a morning talk show. After a chance meeting with Oprah Winfrey in 1989, his professional life was propelled into the stratosphere; at 24 he became the youngest producer on her team, quickly outpacing his peers to become a supervising senior producer. Eight years later he hit a wall. Green was emotionally exhausted and out of steam as the creative genius behind some of the highest rated moments on The Oprah Winfrey Show. His life had begun to spiral into a downward cycle. Unbeknownst to him at the time, Green was battling with bipolar disorder, characterized by drug abuse, suicidal thoughts and bouts of depression. Through it all, Green valiantly pushed forward to emerge on the other side. Today he is working harder than ever as the driving force behind BOLD, a daily podcast featuring inspiring interviews with provocative people.
E N T R EP R E N E U R S TO WAT C H
LEAVING A LIGHT IN OUR HEARTS Latin superstar Eduardo Verastegui is a man of many talents and after finding success in the music industry and later as a soap opera heartthrob, he broke into Hollywood alongside Sofia Vergara in the feature film Chasing Papi. Since those early days he has continued to evolve as a creative entrepreneur and as a co-founder of his own production company Metanoia Films, which has produced movies such as the 2006 Sundance favorite and winner of the People’s Choice Award at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival Bella. In 2007 The Smithsonian Museum honored Eduardo with the Legacy Award, for the film Bella in recognition of his positive contributions toward the Latin community within the United States. More recently Eduardo produced and starred in the WWII drama Little Boy, which Eduardo describes as a love letter that captures the heart and soul of America. He can also be see in the upcoming film from Sony Pictures Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 out in April 2015. When he is not on screen or behind the camera, Eduardo alongside his non-profit organization, Let’s Be Heroes, works globally to provide food, shelter and medical supplies to those in need. He also works with his second non-profit Manto de Guadalupe, which works to provide quality medical care to pregnant women around the world who are unable to take care of themselves. RAINE: How did you decide to make the leap from actor to establishing your own production company? VERASTEGUI: I didn’t plan it. At the time I was 28 years old and I met someone on a plane that invited me to audition for a film with many Latinos. I did the audition and got the part. During that time, I met my English teacher. She asked me “are you part of the problem or part of the solution”—are you involved in projects that are designed to elevate Latinos or not? Right there I made a promise that I wouldn’t do anything that would offend my family, faith or my people. For four years I had to turn down every project until I lost everything. It was a great cleansing time period for me. I realized that by creating a production company, I had the power to create the stories. We started this company with one goal—to create projects that leave people inspired, and in 2004, we released Bella and won the People’s Choice Awards.
Images courtesy of Nina Duncan
RAINE: The film, Little Boy is an inspirational story about both faith and the enduring love between parent and child. What message would you like for creative entrepreneurs to take away from this movie? VERASTEGUI: This is the thing - even though you may write the movie with a particular theme - for example, this movie is about “love” between father and son and how they will be divided—however I don’t like to say what the movie is about because what the audience will take away from it could be different. I do not want to put a label on it because there is so much that you can take from it. For someone, it’s about love - for someone else it’s about spending “time” with my children. RAINE: What has been the one piece of advice that has served you best in your career? VERASTEGUI: Stay close to your roots and to recognize that I am not called to be successful but I am called to be committed to my principals and my values and then if success come after that, then it’s a blessing. I realized it’s not the same when you compromise, especially in this career because it is very easy to be lost --- at one point when I thought I had everything I had nothing. The integrity of the person is what’s most important. Your faith and integrity comes first. Do NOT compromise. RAINE: Your production company, Metanoi is Greek for “repentance,” what significance does Metanoia have for you? VERASTEGUI: It is turning to God—when you turn to him, you can see. How beautiful would it be that when you leave the theater that you will leave with light in your hearts? Hopefully the light will leave a kindling. RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
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FLY ROYALLY
RAINE: What lead you to start a business in the aviation industry? ALEXIS: In 2012, my partner approached me with the idea of starting a private jet company. I immediately began research about the industry. At first I was a little hesitant but after countless hours of research I noticed the industry was underserved and there was very little information given about the industry in general. We decided to create a platform for the lower middle class to the upper middle class to start flying private without breaking the bank each time. RAINE: Describe your role as a licensed charter broker. What does that mean to potential clients interested in using your service? ALEXIS: As a charter brokerage and private jet membership based company, our main role is to provide our members with the best private jet prices in the market through different partnerships as well as our managed fleet. RAINE: Is Royal Jets only for celebrities and the ultra-wealthy? ALEXIS: Absolutely not. We created a platform for all to enjoy. We have last minute deals that start at just $500. Which means the new college graduate who just started his/her new career can fly private. RAINE: Can you talk about “empty leg air travel,” and how does it differ 18
from private jet charters? ALEXIS: Empty legs allow anyone to fly a private jet at a discounted rate. The two do not differ. 80% of private jet flights are empty when they are repositioning or returning back to home base. This allows us to provide our members with great deals on those empty flights. RAINE: What are some of the popular destinations that Royal Jets fly’s to? ALEXIS: Miami, Las Vegas, California, and the Caribbean. RAINE: You offer a membership program. Please tell our readers about the benefits of each. ALEXIS: 1. No more processing payments after each flight. 2. Simple budgeting. 3. Single point of contact. Fast, easy booking. RAINE: What would you say are the main reasons behind your success? ALEXIS: 1. Being realistic about our goals. 2. Creative thinking and building a really solid team. RAINE: What can customers expect while flying with Royal Jets vs. commercial or other private jet charters? ALEXIS: Unparalleled service, simple budgeting, and a quick/convenient booking service. RAINE: What is the biggest challenge facing your industry, and what steps are you taking to secure the future of Royal Jets? ALEXIS: Some of the biggest challenges are high fuel costs. Royal Jets has begun creating new partnerships with fuel management companies and FBOs to lower the travel cost for our customers. RAINE: What words of wisdom would share with aspiring entrepreneurs? ALEXIS: It’s really important to do your research and be prepared. Find out what the industry is lacking and become the solution. We also believe having a strong team helps with the success of any company. “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” -‐-‐Andrew Carnegie
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Images courtesy of Royal Jets
Young power couple, Angelo Senat Bianca Alexis chose to take a path not typically taken by fairly recent college grads. They decided to launch their own private her company. Four Years later they are providing unparalleled service and access to destinations around the world via Royal Jets. Their company offers an unprecedented experience to travelers without breaking the bank! The rising company boasts many satisfied customers, which is one of the reasons clients continue to come back when it’s time to travel, either for business or for pleasure. In keeping with their service oriented atmosphere, the staff at Royal Jets is known for going out of their way to make sure that customers are well received, comfortable and have an enjoyable experience. Patrons receive world-class service, from the time they board one of the well-appointed aircrafts to the time they disembark. This innovative company has also been recognized as a carrier that will travel to underserved destinations that are in high demand. Royal Jets is setting a new standard for air travel.
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RA I S I NG T HE BAR IN BEAU TY Donald J. Loftus, President of Parlux Ltd. and Executive Vice President of Perfumania, Inc., is having a ball! Perfumania, Inc is the largest US specialty retailer of fragrances and other beauty related products and Parlux, is a major distributor known for its quality and innovation in its products, packaging and marketing. It creates some of America’s most loved fragrances including Vince Camuto, Sean John, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Bahama, Jay Z, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton and Rihanna. Prior to testing the waters in the very entrepreneurial environment at Parlux, Loftus had developed a very accomplished career in the corporate fashion and beauty world. His earlier days included The May Department stores and Field Sales Manager for Estée Lauder. He then moved on to becoming President and CEO for various companies including P&G Prestige North America, Wella’s Cosmopolitan Cosmetics US, Escada Beaute The Americas, Yves Saint Laurent Beaute U.S. and Sanofi Beaute, North America— overseeing such brands as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent, and Oscar de la Renta to name a few. Raised in Ohio, Loftus didn’t always know he wanted to work in the fast paced fashion industry, but what he did know was that he wanted to be in New York. Early-on in his life, like so many young people, he had a fascination with the Big Apple and had a love for the theatre. Neither passion has faded. Donald is currently the Chairman of the Board of The Fashion Group International, and also serves on the boards of The Dramatist Guild Fund and The Women’s Project Theatre.
Image courtesy of Bess Adler
RAINE: Describe in your own words what Parlux is and its importance to your industry? LOFTUS: Parlux is a 20+ year old company and was originally based in Florida. It was bought 3 years ago, and although there is still a small base in Florida, New York is its Headquarters now. While Parlux has seen success over the years, it has really become a major player in the industry over the past three years under its new ownership. One of the nicest compliments we’ve received, “I’ve never seen a company turn around so fast and so well.” I give this credit to our owner. What makes us different from the competition, is that we are really focused on the core of the country, Middle America. We have strong designer brands such as Kenneth Cole, Vince Camuto, and Tommy Bahama, all of which represent high quality designer names but they may not be perceived as hip or chic as some of the French or Italian names. However, our price point makes a difference and the quality of our product is the best. For example, even fragrances like Estée Lauder’s Beautiful are at a $90 price tag and our fragrances are at $75. We are not as big as some of the major corporations, and therefore don’t have as loud an advertising voice, but when our customer discovers our brands, feels the packaging and then smells the fragrance— we win. We also make sure our gift sets and gift-with-purchases are head and shoulders above the rest. Steven Nussdorf is our principal owner and Chairman; he is not pushing us to have humungous sales increases. He wants to build a strong and steady business, giving a quality product that is accessible to Middle America, - a big niche in the market now. The other half of our portfolio is celebrity. Some of our celebrity fragrances include Paris Hilton, Rihanna, Jay Z, Sean Jean, Pitbull and Donald Trump.
What I am doing today is a much faster pace than the corporate roles I have held in the past. I retired from P&G and I said to a head hunter that if I go to a small company, how would that be viewed. He told me that today that is actually respected because you are going to do something fun and more entrepreneurial. It is good to have a mix on your resume…it shows you are willing to take risks. Our support staff is very young and bright and hungry for knowledge. I enjoy sharing stories and experiences with them to help them grow. My experience at P & G was very a great learning period but also very corporate and we at Parlux are not very corporate. We get ideas from our entire staff, we take risks and we get to do some really fun things. RAINE: What advice that you would like to share with other budding entrepreneurs? LOFTUS: What’s most important in your career is that you absolutely love what you are doing. I try to tell 22 year olds how quickly time marches on. One day you wake up and you are suddenly the oldest one in the Board Room. If you are unhappy in your job, find something else that will better meet your business, personal or growth needs. You should try various size companies and it can sporadic. Have as many experiences as you can and don’t get pigeon holed. Know what else is going on around you. People are so much more productive when they are happy. If something is bringing you down, then get out. A lot of bosses wouldn’t say that. If I have an employee that is not happy, I will try to work to make them happy…but if it’s not for them, I would encourage them to find something that will make them happy. If you think you can correct your situation by voicing it then speak up—if it’s a job worth saving. Take charge of your own career and don’t leave it in someone else’s hands. I grew up in a really poor family and I’ve learned… if you work hard and have a goal, there is nothing you can’t do. But you have to drive it yourself. RAINE: As the Chairman of Fashion Group International what are the current challenges facing the fashion industry? LOFTUS: In terms of fashion, I think the biggest challenge is the consolidation of retail. We lost about 83 store names. Each market used to have 3 stores: Good, Better and Best—now Macy’s is 50% of the business after the consolidation of retailing. Dillard’s has also bought up a lot of independent stores. It makes it tough; it’s hard to have a point of difference. If you don’t sell Macy’s—you don’t bring it to America. Neiman’s has done an incredible job in remaining true to themselves and who they are. Others have not been able to keep up with the level of luxury that once existed. There are less choices when it comes to distributing your brand and it’s very hard to stay niche. RAINE: As someone that has held so many prestigious positions in the beauty industry, what would you like for your legacy to be? LOFTUS: I would like to know that I have inspired someone and made a difference in their life.
RAINE: Years before your current position with Parlux, you were a Field Sales Manager. What was your vision at that point in life? Did you see yourself at the helm of a hugely successful beauty company? OR How did you make that transition to the top? LOFTUS: I had no idea that I’d be running companies. I was at a retailer first in Ohio and then went to Boston for Estée Lauder, where Clinique, Estée Lauder’s sister brand, had exploded and was outpacing the “mother” brand. I was brought in as the Field Sales Manager of Estée Lauder to close the gap. A colleague eventually left Estée Lauder and moved to Yves Saint Laurent Beaute in New York and then eventually hired me to be the VP of Sales for Yves Saint Laurent. RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
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EN T R EP R E N E U R S TO WAT C H
REDEFINING STYLE
Arguably one of the most influential women in fashion digital media, Rida Khan knows her business inside and out. Rida Khan founded her company Zee report in 2008 which aimed to provide Fashion Industry news without any subscription costs. It grew rapidly and now provides news coverage in 15 different languages and 50 different countries and has an annual page view of over 30 million. Later in 2009, Khan launched ZeePortal.com which was not only an industry based networking portal, it also had the capability of uploading look books and portfolios and the ability to place orders online. ZeePortal.com was one of the first of its kind and still remains to be the leader in the fashion digital wholesale platform. In 2014 Khan left her coveted position as the CEO of Fashion TV to become the President of the Style Network Channel. With a focus on high-fashion and lifestyle programming, Style Network aims to give audiences in North America an in-depth view of the fashion and beauty industry, bar none. “Being a pioneer in the digital media industry since 2008 has given me a great lead in the fashion industry. I have stayed abreast of all new innovations and have heavy plans for the digital distribution of the channel. Most people in their 20s do not pay for cable anymore and are reliant upon digital distribution. The digital landscape is changing rapidly and we will be one of the first networks to dive deep into it.” –Rida Khan RAINE: In 2014 you left as the CEO of Fashion TV to become the President of Style TV Channel. What circumstances led you to take on this new opportunity? KHAN: I felt like American audiences needed a television channel that allows them to watch fashion and beauty related programming that is more dynamic than just back to back runway shows. I wanted to take them into the industry which is quiet challenging and no one has dared to do it before. Let’s see how it pans out. RIANE: You are known as “Acid Khan” in the industry. How did you get that name? KHAN: I hate to waste time. I feel like time is very precious – so when I am in a meeting I do like to get to the point very quickly, talk business and leave. Perhaps that is what gave me that name? I can get impatient if I am in a meeting and the other person has difficulty in getting across why we are meeting or what we can do together.
RAINE: What have you been most proud of throughout your career? KHAN: I am just happy that apart from small failures when I Initially started, it all worked out! RAINE: As a pioneer in digital media, how have you been able to consistently maintain your lead in the industry? KHAN: By continuously evolving and innovating. RAINE: What do you feel your legacy will be as a woman in business? KHAN: We will have to wait and see! RAINE: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration, and encouraged you to follow your dreams? KHAN: My mom and my husband. My mother raised me with the belief that I can do anything I put my mind into, nothing is impossible and the sky is the limit. I really believed that, and I still do! I was the only girl and she always made sure that I was very confident with who I am and that I trusted my own self! After college I got married and my husband – who is a physician and who comes from a very different childhood than myself, was my other source of encouragement. He was the other half that needed to push me to believe in myself again and to propel me further. He really believed in me, he really believed that I will do something amazing in life and in my potential. I really needed that push and belief and support system that he created! RAINE: What are some of your other passions that you actively pursue? KHAN: I live my passion, work for me is not my work but my passion! I love my “Work” and I love my family/kids. When I am not working, I am enjoying life with my kids! RAINE; If you could redo one thing in your career, what would it be and why? KHAN: I wouldn’t redo anything in my career. I had to make the mistakes I did to learn from them and to propel further. I am happy with the ups and downs! RAINE: What advice would you give to future entrepreneurs? KHAN: Give it all you’ve got! Work hard like you never have before! Believe in yourself! 20
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Images courtesy of Rida Khan
RAINE: You are one of the most influential women in fashion and beauty. What are some of the steps you have taken to secure this coveted position? KHAN: I don’t follow anyone – I create my own path and I learn new things quickly! I always try and innovate and stay ahead!
BESPOKE MEN
FASHION SPOTLIGHT
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Photographer: Jason Jaskot; Stylist: Cary Ayers for the Talent Unlimeted Group Make-up and grooming: Stephanie Silvestri for AMA Model: Matthew Vande Vegte with Major Models All suiting by Malan Breton
FAS H I O N TO L IV E F O R
All suiting by Malan Breton
FA S H I O N TO L IV E F O R
At the Heart of the Arts By Jason Jaskot
For three seasons now, the group show Art Hearts has closed New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, and this season was no exception. However this wasn’t just the last show for the season, it was also the last show of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week as we know it; when New York Fashion Week returns in the fall it will be without Mercedes Benz sponsoring it, and it will be at a new (and still undisclosed) venue. While Art Hearts brought down the curtain on the Lincoln Center era, instead of saying “the end” it would be more appropriate to say “to be continued,” as the show focused on new and bold designers who’s stories are just beginning. Among the seven designers showcased there was extremely smart menswear from House Of Byfield, luxury evening wear from Mimi Tran, chain-mail inspired dresses from Li Jon, and a show-closing burst of male nudity from MT Costello. The show is presented in conjunction with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and at the center of it all is producer Erik Rosete. He isn’t just the ringmaster but also a participant, as his street wear brand Mister Triple X kicked off the show. We asked Erik about the meaning of Art Hearts, the motivation behind Mister Triple X, and what comes next……. RAINE: Tell us about the genesis of Art Hearts, and how you go about selecting the designers. ROSETE: I created Art Hearts Fashion to support the artistic designers that celebrate the art of fashion. Anyone can make clothes, but my designers create ART! I am blessed by living in Los Angeles California where Art and Fashion go hand and hand. International designers gravitate toward Hollywood to supply red carpet and music video attire to A-List celebrities and I am connected enough in this industry to be introduced to extremely talented designers. RAINE: The Art Hearts show has been the closing show for New York Fashion week the past few seasons, how did that come to be that you got that slot? ROSETE: I worked with IMG years ago as a model manager and I was producing Art Hearts Fashion in Los Angeles as a cool underground event with artistic designers. I realized that NYC was missing my heart so I decided to bring my event to the big apple. I planned on having Art Hearts Fashion at a platform called Style 360 that featured streetwear brands and figured that would be a good fit for my type of event. Unfortunately (fortunately) Superbowl came to the NYC area last year and NYC had one of the harshest winters in history. Style 360 got cancelled and I had nowhere to go. I made a few calls and contacted IMG asking if they had space for my event. They not only had space for it but they also gave me the closing show at their largest venue. RAINE: Besides Art Hearts, you also have your own label, Mister Triple X. The collection this season was titled “All X In Wonderland” and you describe it as edgy street-wear. But how much is too much? How do you walk the line between being creative and edgy but still being wearable? ROSETE: In the process of creating my event I realized that fashion was more than an industry, but it was such a powerful art form. I wanted to do something different with fashion, I wanted to tell my story. Mister Triple X was born from my hard work and a true labor of love. Every season I have had hidden meaning in my collections, from the start “The RefleXion ColleXion” was a tribute to the world around me in my belief that we are all reflections of each other and that I was able to reflect all of the negative energy I had experienced and turn it positive. My follow up collection was entitled the RessereXion Collection which featured floral prints and spiritual undertones representing my spiritual transformation. Last season I showcased my “Pair-A-Dice” Collection featuring tropical inspired prints and also representing the huge gamble I was taking in rolling the dice on my career and my event. The gamble paid off and now with my most recent collection titled “All X In Wonderland” I wanted to showcase how everything has come together in a funky fantastic way by expressing my current attitude
in my collection. Follow me down the rabbit hole through the magical world of Mister Triple X. I believe we are all on a crazy journey and my brand represents the sexy streetstyle I would want everyone in my world to be wearing. This is my journey through wonderland and everyone can relate to that because we are all on a journey through life, and I love being able to tell the story through my fashion brand. It is something that has never been done with fashion and something that I am very proud of. RAINE: For the MTX runway shows you’ve used some people outside the fashionmodel norm, including really muscular guys and people covered in tattoos. How do you go about choosing the models? ROSETE: I love using unconventional models as well as pop-culture celebrities to help tell my story. These are all the characters of the magical story of Mister Triple X. War veteran Amputee Alex Minsky walks in my shows with a custom designed leg by me, Jimmy Q embraces the sexy edge I embrace with my fashion line.. I want all of my models to be Gods and Goddesses in their own right, and I would like people to celebrate and admire the human physique while wearing my clothes. The girls in my shows represent the sexy counterpart to the “Mister’s” in the show. I have been blessed to work with Jourdan Miller, Nadia Mejia, Colleen Shannon, Anna Demidova, and an endless list of female icons that empower women to be their best. From winning America’s Next Top Model to being the star of their own TV shows on major networks, these girls are ruling the world. My models are all people that work their asses off to get in top shape and master their craft. I don’t need the skinny anorexic waif models to tell my story, I would much rather have a super sexy costume party called “Mister Triple X” RAINE: What’s next for Mister Triple X? What’s waiting further down the rabbit hole? ROSETE: World Domination is on my bucket list. Love what you do and do it well! The rest will follow. I am excited to have just opened my first boutique at Hollywood and Highland, the most popular retail destination in Hollywood and next door to Louis Vuitton. My clothing is being featured on major television networks in the next few months and will be seen by millions. I am feeling blessed and grateful to have such amazing support from my super sexy models and friends. I believe that everyone plays an important role in our story, and I hope to encourage other designers and artists to tell their stories as well. My platform is all about sharing my stage with others, and my brand is all about my interpretation of our life’s journey. Follow me down the rabbit hole, and find yourself in the process! You never know what magical things you might discover about yourself and the world around you.
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CASUAL cool
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Photographer - Robert Wilde Hair & makeup - Vanessa Venancio Model - Max Sebrechts with Ford Models Styling - Robert Wilde
FAS H I O N TO L IV E F O R
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B U S I N E S S & T E C H N O LO G Y
BUSINESS | TRENDS
MCNAIR WORLD WIDE Clarence “KD” McNair a Baltimore, Maryland native, started his career as an entertainer and entrepreneur at the early age of 2. With the help of his mother, McNair was able to pursue his dreams. McNair was discovered by Brian Dickens and the CEO of University Entertainment, Haqq Islam. Following his discovery, McNair was teamed up with his music group Majusty, later named Prophet Jones landing a million dollar recording contract with Universal/Interscope Records, joining a roster of notable artists such as The Black Eyed Peas, Dr. Dre and Mya. Due to changes at the record label, McNair, (then nicknamed "KD"), later moved to Motown Records with the assistance of Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records.
As a recording artist, he has worked with video director Gil
Green, who shot for platinum artists such as Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Akon, as well as famed video director Jessy Terrero. McNair has also worked with Tricky Stewart from Red Zone Entertainment who has produced artists such as Rihanna. As a songwriter, he had the opportunity to work with Jazze Pha, (producer for Ciara), winning songwriter Gordon Chambers. McNair is also featured on the soundtrack of the action comedy film Bait, starring Jamie Foxx. It featured a successful single, Mya's "Free" which peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100.
McNair being equipped with entertainment industry
experience and knowledge, has also been sought after to do consultant work for Box 10 Entertainment, whose roster includes Beenie Man, Andrew Tosh, Mavado, and Patra. His background includes acting as an entertainment management consultant, specializing in branded entertainment management and project development for a number of entertainment firms, concert promoters, and major video directors.
McNair is consistently in demand not only for his knowledge
and experience but for his innate ability to be a brilliant strategist. He has a natural ability to problem solve, making him a sought after entity. Not only has McNair dedicated his time and attention to the entertainment industry, his skills in life and career coaching has helped inspire and redirect the paths of many. McNair is known to "see into the future" as it pertains to lifestyle and business. McNair has overcome many obstacles; however he refuses to stop moving forward because he firmly believes that God has something great in store for him. As McNair would say “No matter what....Keep going!"
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Image courtesy of Milton Lawrence Jr.
McKelly Jamison, (Faith Evans and Carl Thomas), Grammy Award
BUSINESS | TRENDS
MIK E F E R N A N D E Z ’ S B O O K
Humbled by the Journey: L E S S O N S F O R M Y FA M I LY … A N D Y O U R S
The extraordinary story of a Cuban immigrant turned self-made business mogul, healthcare industry leader and philanthropist Humbled by the Journey is part self-portrait, part adventure-story, and shuttles readers back-and-forth between Fernandez’s 508-mile pilgrimage along El Camino and his journey through a life touched by kindness and prosperity, as well as pain and hardship. The book shines a light on the lessons he learned over a lifetime of working tirelessly and overcoming obstacles.
In 1964, Fernandez fled his native Cuba with his parents and sister
and made a new home in New York City. He was 12 and lumbered through school while working as a floor cleaner and delivery boy to help pay for his private schooling. During those early years, Fernandez learned values and principles from those around him, including his father and the Jesuit priest who led the school he attended. After a stint in the Army, Fernandez worked selling insurance door-to-door and subsequently found his stride and enormous success in business. Fernandez is the founder of MBF Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm that invests in healthcare service companies nationwide. Humbled by the Journey is his first book.
In 2013, Fernandez hiked along El Camino de Santiago – an
ancient, spiritual trail that attracts “pilgrims” from around the world – with a pledge for each mile that led to more than $5 million for a children’s hospital. The experience was challenging and rigorous and provided him with a unique opportunity to reflect and embrace his life in a deep, meaningful way.
Fernandez has given more than $125 million to causes focused on
health care, education and those most in need. He often gives generously and prefers anonymity. He requires only this: Recipients must want to help themselves, be willing to sacrifice to gain a better future, and promise to pay it forward when they can.
Proceeds from book sales will go The Early Childhood Initiative
Foundation, a nonprofit focused on early childhood education, development initiative and “universal readiness” – making high quality health, education and nurturing available and affordable for all children between birth and age 5 in Miami-Dade County. To learn more about the Early Childhood Initiative Foundation, visit http://www.teachmorelovemore.org/ECIF.asp. Copies can be ordered by visiting www.booksandbooks.com.
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BU S I N E S S | T R E N D S
FashInvest Have you ever seen a gorgeous room in a magazine and wondered how you could translate that same look into a truly personalized space in your own home, but you lacked the time, interior design expertise or budget to pull it off? nousDECOR.com helps solve that all-too-familiar dilemma, serving up the tools, community and professional expertise in a single destination to transform a dream design into reality. Unlike other home décor sites, nousDECOR. com provides much more than beautiful images and links to products, but also all the resources you need to decorate a space, from intelligent search tools and a “Same Look Different Price” recommendation engine, to a moodboard builder and access to thousands of moodboards curated by design professionals and enthusiasts. In addition, nousDECOR.com offers a host of exclusive expert content from celebrity designer Mark Cutler, as well as an engaged community of users and professional designers to seek out for advice, inspiration and collaboration. Finally, with its mobile app, nousDECOR.com offers a unique comparison shopping feature – the ability to snap or upload a picture of a furniture or décor item and then run a search across 8 million items in the nousDECOR.com library from hundreds of retailers and other décor sources online for items offering a similar look at different price points. Launched in 2014, nousDECOR.com is the brainchild of CEO Heather Gillette, one of Youtube’s earliest executives who established and led several content and copyright teams from 2005 to 2010 as the company skyrocketed from a few thousand to millions of users around the world. The idea for nousDECOR.com came from Heather’s greatest passion outside of the office – building and enhancing interior spaces, from stables and tree houses to her own home – and the frustration she experienced in trying to source a matching chandelier for an antique fixture she was given as a gift. Heather scoured countless websites, looking for a similar chandelier to fit the space and look of her rustic home. She quickly realized that searching for such unique items was an arduous task. By the time she finally discovered similar chandeliers within her price range on eBay Germany, she recognized that hunting for singular pieces such as hers must be an issue many en- countered. Heather believed there should be a place online where furnishings from anywhere—not just mainstream retailers—were easily searchable by specifics such as size, color, price and category. A place that would not only help her find special pieces, but provide a community that could help her, or anyone else, solve decor dilemmas such as these. That’s when she decided to build nousDECOR. com. According to Gillette, “nous” is the french word for ‘we’ - so nousDECOR loosely translates to ‘we decorate.’ Community is our namesake, and a critical part of what nousDECOR has to offer.” By the way, today, that gorgeous French gilded chandelier hangs in her home right beside an old western saddle, a reflection of eclectic high and low styling that contributed to the philosophy of nousDECOR. 32
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Image courtesy of nousDECOR
nousDECOR.com
Images courtesy of Clique Chic
BUSINESS | TRENDS
Clique Chic is an exclusive members-only luxury fashion global ecommerce destination, delivering exceptional shopping experiences to discerning customers. Our superior concierge services translate the quality and amenities of a traditional brick and mortar luxury environment to the digital platform (desktop, laptop and mobile), marrying human touch with technology for the ultimate in convenience and personal attention. Membership is by invitation only. The program caters to an elite group of fashion lovers whose shopping habits correspond well to the site’s tightly edited assortment of designers and product. Members receive a key that grants access to the complete Clique Chic experience, built to replicate the best aspects of the in-store experience: customized suggestions from expert personal shoppers delivered in real time via phone or online chat, meaningful social interaction, and valuable assistance from a luxury concierge. At the same time, Clique Chic guarantees the ease we’ve come to demand of online shopping, showcasing product in a beautiful, user-friendly interface, clearly highlighting brand DNA, item details and availability, and offering free, no-hassle shipping and returns. There is no cost to join. Luxury shoppers deserve luxury experiences, no matter where or how they shop. —Clique Chic founder and CEO Jessica Martino CEO Jessica Martino
Images courtesy of BucketFeet
Co-Founders Aaron Firestein and Raaja Nemani Founded in 2011 after a chance meeting between two travelers, BucketFeet is a footwear brand that goes far beyond shoes. Constantly striving towards a mission of connecting people through art by tapping into the creativity and diversity of the world, BucketFeet has grown from one hand-decorated pair of shoes to a brand that has collaborated with over 12,000 artists in more than 80 countries. Keeping in mind the idea that art is for everyone, the brand aims to bring people together through stories, break down barriers, and feed consumers hungry for products that truly allow them to express themselves. Every time you wear BucketFeet, you share an artist’s story with the world. We believe everyone in the world wants to be connected to someone or something. If given the chance, people would love to learn more about all of the amazing people and things that exist all over the world. To us, art is one of those universal languages that can bridge gaps and bring people together. It has the power to connect. “BucketFeet is already resonating across the world in a way that few brands ever do,” said Rishi Shah, Founder & Managing Partner of Jumpstart Ventures. “The company has a once in a generation opportunity to redefine why consumers shop and how brands are designed. Backing founders like these is why we started doing venture capital and we’re excited to work with Raaja and the growing team to fulfill the company’s potential.” The brand currently sells sneakers in 20+ foreign countries which account for nearly 50 percent of total sales. In addition, the network’s 12,000+ artists have a global reach of over 24 million followers on social media, spreading the brand far and wide. RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
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TECH TRENDS
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Kickstart innovation
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be smooth and without any video or audio delay. As mentioned, the iCamPRO is the very first affordable camera that can automatically track any moving object. Our algorithms teach the camera to always keep the object in the middle of the viewing area. When an object begins to move away from the pixels in the middle of the viewing area, the camera will track the object until it’s in the middle again. We will have 3 PIR motion sensors placed strategically around the iCamPRO and if one of the sensors is triggered, the camera will turn to face the object, lock in, and begin to track it using the intelligent tracking system. This innovative design ensures no blind spots or dead zones for intruders to hide, and removes the need to install a multiple camera security system. At Amaryllo, we are dedicated to providing superior technology at an affordable price. In order to do this, we’ve had to take a step back and figure out what is the next generation of home security. We discovered that automation is on the forefront of this industry and this is why we’ve decided to set our goals at being the first home security robot company.
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Images courtesy of Amaryllo iCamPro
The Amaryllo iCamPRO is the first robotic home security camera that can actually see, hear, sense, and track moving objects, all while communicating with you. Standing just over 3” tall and powered by a high-speed CPU with a patent-pending multi-sensor network, the iCamPRO is the smallest intelligent security robot that sees and tracks objects in real-time at your home or office, and even in a dimly lit environment. With multiple motion sensors, no matter where the intruders appear in your home, iCamPRO can immediately rotate itself to capture the intruders in its field of view. Real-time object tracking is an expensive technology that is available only in military or professional surveillance systems. Amaryllo is the first company to realize it with a compact design for your home or office at an affordable price. The iCamPRO FHD lens and image sensor gives extremely accurate pixel calculation and therefore a more accurate motion analysis for tracking moving objects.The iCamPRO also features dynamic channel adjustment. This means that as your WiFi bandwidth increases or decreases the camera will automatically downgrade or upgrade the video quality so that the stream will always
iCAMPRO
3D SOUND LABS
Images courtesy of 3D Sounds Labs
When you go to movie theater, you look forward to a special experience. If you want to live this at home, you have to install a home cinema. It could be expensive, it requires lot of space and only fits in one room. Moreover, according to Hollywood movie producers, it is the sound that brings the emotion. So it seems awkward to have a full HD or a 4K TV with only stereo sound. That’s why new audio formats are being introduced, like MPEG-H 3D Audio or Dolby Atmos. That’s why we have created Neoh, the first smart 3D sound headphones. It reproduces cinema sound, anytime, anywhere. These headphones integrate spatial sound rendering, making the most immersive sound experience in history. Neoh is a true wearable home cinema. These headphones use motion sensors, including gyroscopes, accelerometers and magnetometers. The sensors’ data are sent to our application by a Bluetooth Low Energy chip. The sensors track every one of your movements. Indeed, you do not stay completely motionless while watching a movie, and we have to offset even the smallest of your micro-movements to completely immerse you in your activity. This is due to a psychoacoustic effect. We humans locate sounds based on the time differential between its perception via each of our ears, and on the way sounds are shaped by acoustic filters known as Head Related Transfer Functions (HRTF) depending on our individual faces and ears. 3D Sound Labs has developed algorithms with the ability to reproduce these spatial perception mechanisms and therefore detect the tiniest movement of the head to reconstitute sound sources in space and in real time. 3D Sound Labs aims to revolutionize the user audio experience. And it seems to be on the right way as the company just completed a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Images courtesy of Skulpt Aim
SKULPT AIM
Skulpt empowers users to better understand their bodies and achieve their fitness goals sooner. Skulpt Aim is the world’s first device to measure muscle quality and fat percentage of individual muscles on your body. Using technology developed for the medical space, and previously used by NASA, Aim collects thousands of data points per second on each muscle to accurately evaluate body composition and rate the muscles’ quality. Aim tells you when you’re losing fat and gaining muscle, enabling you to understand how your workouts are affecting your body. You can compare your strongest areas, know which muscles need improvement, or which muscles have plateaued and need a change of routine. MQ, or Muscle Quality, is a rating of your muscles’ fitness that is meant to be intuitive. 100 is the average rating, and higher numbers correlate to stronger, leaner, and more defined muscles. At about the size of an iPhone, Aim has 12 sensors on the back with optimized configurations and frequencies. It evaluates the flow of the current through each muscle group and instantly displays the MQ result and fat % for that particular muscle. By measuring individual muscles, Aim gets greater insight into the body that’s far more accurate and convenient than any other tool of measuring body fat percentage, and is also the world’s first to measure muscle quality. For a total body fat percentage and MQ score, users need to measure four areas -- biceps, triceps, abs, and quads. Measurements taken on the Aim are all synced via Bluetooth Smart to a personal mobile app, for users to track their progress over time, visualize their body’s changes, and optimize their training for the most effective workouts.
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TE C H N O L OGY
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
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Images courtesy of AMPL SmartBackpack
AMPL SmartBackpack
The AMPL SmartBackpack is more than just a clever application of modern technology to a time-tested product. It’s a simple solution to a daily struggle. It’s powerful. It’s protective. It’s adaptable. It brings peace of mind to on-the-go, connected consumers everywhere who are constantly worried about whether their portable/mobile devices have enough charge to make it through the day. What sets the AMPL SmartBackpack (available this summer at $299 MSRP) apart from competitors is the seamless integration of an intelligent electronics charging system into the fabric of the bag. No other product can support multiple, modular batteries working as one. No other product allows you to manage the charge-priority of your devices from the AMPL Mobile App (without even opening a zipper!); none support connecting up to six USB devices plus a laptop. The SmartBackpack communicates with the AMPL Mobile App, allowing consumers to manage not only the the charging-priority of their devices (switching the charging from your phone to a tablet for a LA-NY flight, for example), but monitor battery levels, internal temperatures, and even be alerted if they’ve forgotten their bag at their last lunch spot. Consumers can also check battery levels and other vitals on the OLED display on the front of the bag using capacitive touch-sensitive controls. In addition to providing power to charge devices on the go, the TSA-friendly backpack protects consumers’ portable electronic gear with a lightweight, shock-absorbing bottom sole and a water-resistant coating on the exterior fabrics. For more informtion, please visit http://www.ampl-labs.com
Images courtesy RideOn
RideOn Navigation and interaction tend to take up a large portion of a skier’s time, and we thought there must be a solution that makes it fast and easy to get back to skiing. We created RideOn to fill a gap we saw in the the ski experience. We wanted to find our locations on a ski resort map instantly, or to quickly contact each other when we’d get separated. We wanted to do these things without having to take our gloves off, or use our phones. I (Ori Kotek) and my co-founder (Alon Getz) each have 13 years’ experience in jet-pilot visual technology and inertial systems, so we decided to try augmented reality as a solution to our ski problem. Thus, the idea for RideOn goggles was conceived in late 2012. What distinguishes RideOn from other goggles and devices is our delivery of a true AR experience, derived from a see-through display that projects data onto the center of your field of view, not on the side. Furthermore, users interact with these data and features hands-free just by staring at friends, ski lodges, and ski lifts in the distance, or by looking up at floating buttons fixed to the sky. The goggles also feature an HD camera for capturing video and for video-chatting with friends back home. RideOn uses this camera in combination with inertial sensors and GPS to measure user location and head orientation, and this is how we can, for example, find your friends’ locations or create virtual game graphics that are accurately located on the surrounding real world. Outdoor AR is a challenge for a few reasons. For one thing, there exists a scarcity of thin, wide, and bright enough (for outdoor use) see-through display technology in reasonable prices. Also, makers of outdoor AR have trouble determining the direction in which the user’s eye is oriented, and calculating this quickly and accurately enough, so that the artificial graphic symbols are embedded in the surroundings perfectly, has never been done before in a consumer product. The progress made in the last few years in mobile processing power and efficient computer vision algorithm implementations enables us to use the video streaming from the HD camera to assist our GPS and inertial sensors in making head tracking a reality, and that’s how RideOn determines where the skier is looking.
Images courtesy of runScribe
runScribe runScribe is a lightweight wearable that mounts on the back of your running shoe and precisely captures the movements of your foot during the gait cycle. The precision sensing in runScribe and advanced algorithms deliver the most advanced set of running metrics available outside of a professional lab environment. Using runScribe is easy. Users simply clip the runScribe to their shoe (on the back or laces) and run. runScribe senses when you run, and auto starts and stops. When the user is done with the run, they upload their data via an Android or iOS app, and analyze and compare their data through the runScribe dashboard. runScribe measures 13 kinematic metrics – common metrics like pace and distance, and advanced metrics including impact Gs, pronation, stride length and footstrike type. runScribe assesses the intensity of your run, based on your history, through a metric called runScore. runScore is unique to you, and the score gets smarter over time. Our goal with runScore is provide you with a quick way to assess the overall run, compare it to previous runs, and easily drill down into the detailed kinematics to understand why your runScore changes in different environments. We are making kinematics accessible to all levels of runners. runScribe stands out among other running tech: • The sheer level of detail and quantity of data runScribe captures is unprecedented. This information has not been available to athletes in the wild before. We can finally see how running mechanics change in different terrains and in different shoes. • We are using crowdsourced data to learn more about the running injury. As athletes and scientists, we know that running is a very popular, yet injury prone sport. There is very little real world data available to help understand why. We want to learn more about why injuries happen and when they are likely to occur. runScribe data will be especially useful because we will be able to capture data in the real-world, not just in a lab. • Our belief that running technology should not get in the way of the run. With runScribe, you aren’t required to run with your phone or a watch. We believe technology should be unobtrusive and only available when you need it. Running is a sport we love because it is unrestricted and gets us outdoors, so for a running technology to be successful, we believe runners shouldn’t feel tethered. You can learn more at www.runscribe.com RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
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TE C H N O L OGY
Tech Toys PHORM MORPHING KEYBOARD Ever since the days of the Blackberry, there are those who still miss the touch of a physical keyboard for their mobile smart device. Well, now there is some relief coming. Aimed currently at the iPad Mini owners, Phorm is a morphing touchscreen keyboard that initially appears as a typical iPad Mini case. However, once you slide the switch on the back, the fluid that make this floating keyboard work, rises into floating dots above the keys and turns a once flat screen into a three dimensional keyboard. Then, when you slide the switch back, the fluid completely dissipates to reform your typical flat screen. Prototypes for android devices are currently being worked with. Meanwhile, typing satisfaction of the physical keyboard returns - in a liquid form. https://www.getphorm.com Price: $99
SCHLAGE KEYLESS LOCKS Breaking away from the fumbling of house keys, while adding a stylish sense of security, is Schlage Sense. Schlage Sense is a door lock that gives you the added option to open the door via an illuminated keypad or even with your smart phone. Communicating via Bluetooth with it’s distinctive app, you can integrate voice commands using Siri to activate the door lock. Schlage Sens is ushering in a keyless era in which up to 30 user codes that can be stored and managed. This lock has built-inalarm technology that will notify the owner anytime it detects potential door attacks. https://schlage.com
SenseHUD TRANSLUCENT NAVIGATION SYSTEM Heads up! Literally...for a new device that turns your smartphone into a portable automotive headups display. It’s called SenseHUD. Publicized for it’s safety and being a great alternative to preinstalled navigation systems, SenseHUD is able to present phone calls, directions, current driving speed as well as other information on its translucent display. These images appear on the display using a special electro-chromatic LCD, which will automatically adjust regardless of angles, settings or surrounding lighting conditions. SenseHUD connects to your smartphone using Bluetooth technology and relays data to the screen’s projection using its unique app. The clear screen allows drivers to focus ahead without being distracted to take their eyes off the road. https://sensedriver.com Price: $99
Next-Gen Next-Gen key switch technology is here! Wait, what exactly is Next-Gen key switch technology? It is the replacement of the traditional typing keyboard. It offers eight large smart keys that represent the entire alphabet within a very ultra-portable device called TextBlade. TextBlade weighs only 1.5 ounces and is only a third of the size of an iPhone. It will last a month between charges and snaps together using built in magnets. The layout of the keys is still the same as the traditional QWERTY keyboard, thus giving you, the user, an instant familiarity. It also includes audio controls to use Siri. The company behind the engineering of what they regard as the first multi-touch keyboard is Waytool. Looking to cut down on the bulkiness of other Bluetooth keyboard covers, Waytool has designed the TextBlade to have an ultralow profile that is only half as thick as the iPhone 6. https://waytools.com Price: $99
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F R E S H FA C E I N M U SI C + F I L M + FA S H I O N
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FR E S H FAC E S | MU S IC
Image courtesy of Mark Ambrosino
Image courtesy of Harrison Knowles
Blessing Offor
Born in Nigeria blind in his left eye due to a condition known as congenital glaucoma, Blessing Offor immigrated to the US at the age of 6. The youngest of 6 from a tight knit family, Blessing’s parents made the difficult decision to send him to America where he could be properly educated and treated medically. While this decision caused Blessing’s parents great pain (he hasn’t seen his family his family in 21 years), the decision was made in order to secure for him a better future that would not have been possible for him in Nigeria. In a twist of fate, while playing in his backyard at the age of ten, he was shot in the right eye at close range with a water gun, causing the retina in that eye to detach. This effectively robbed him of his remaining vision, and he has been blind ever since. On top of dealing with the travails of preadolescence, Blessing found himself having to navigate a new world without vision. Says Blessing, “While most eleven year olds were figuring out which basketball player they wanted to be when they grew up, I had to learn the true definition of who I was apart from physical things, apart from vision or no vision.” Blessing attributes this time in his life with causing in him a hyper maturity and hyper awareness of what matters most in life. “Right around this time, we got a piano in the house, and all the energy that I had used to play basketball and run around went into music.” Music became Blessing’s outlet for more than just energy. Around this time he began singing and writing songs, taking voice lessons, and listening to the singers and songwriters that would later impact his style. With a genuine love of people, a zeal for networking, and inexhaustible energy, Blessing embarked on the arduous journey of making his dreams come true. To date, Blessing has opened for such legendary acts as The Temptations, Tower of Power, Average White Band, and Sony recording artist and winner of NBC’s The Voice Javier Colon. He has appeared on a songwriting competition show on Bravo television called Platinum Hit. He has performed at the John F Kennedy center for the performing arts numerous times, and is the recipient of a young soloist’s award for song writing from the JFK Center of Performing Arts. Recently, Blessing was a contestant on Season 7 of NBC’s The Voice, where he has been mentored by Pharrell Williams, Adam Levine, Taylor Swift, and Alicia Keys. He is an artist with Sojourn Records, and his debut record entitled “Roots” was released on February 10th, 2015. RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
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F R E S H FAC E S | F IL M
Seamus DeveR
Star of the ABC drama Castle, Seamus Dever is in a league of his own when it comes to acting. As Homicide Detective Kevin Ryan, he proves to be a fan favorite; always imparting his charm, wit, and wealth of obscure knowledge. In addition to “Castle,” Dever has played authoritative figures on the likes of “Army Wives” and “General Hospital;” both of which had him starring as a doctor. Other forays into television include “Mad Men,” “Drop Dead Diva,” NCIS,” and all three “CSI” franchises. He’s also appeared in such films as “Hollywoodland” with Adrien Brody and Ben Affleck, and the independent comedy “Ready or Not.” He most recently starred in and produced the Tribeca Film Festival short, “Sequestered,” and has just launched a fundraising campaign for “The Extraordinary Farewell” for which he’ll also serve as both producer and star. Well known to theatre audiences, Dever assumed the iconic role of Alex in A Clockwork Orange for which he received rave reviews and nominations for an Ovation, Garland, and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award. Another highlight amidst his over 60 plays and musicals is his notable performance in iWitness at The Mark Taper Forum. This past summer, he starred in LA Theatre Works’ “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” He and his wife reside in Los Angeles with their two rescue dogs and are active in animal rights, environmental causes, and proud vegetarians. RAINE: What has been your favorite audition and why? DEVER: I’ve never really thought about that. Probably my favorite wasn’t even one where I actually got the role. I remember auditioning for the remake of the “Flight of the Phoenix.” I had a wonderful breakthrough with the casting director, Deborah Aquila, where I completely let go of the formality and gave into the situation of the part. I had done a lot of theatre and really was used to being in rehearsals for weeks before I could let go like that. It was a moment that gave me a lot of confidence that I could go deeper; especially in moments of scrutiny. I didn’t get the part, but I got something out of it.
RAINE: As the producer of your upcoming film, The Extraordinary Farewell, what words of wisdom can you share with aspiring producers? DEVER: Oh boy…hire people you trust because you can’t be everywhere and can’t do everything. I think I’ve gotten lucky because I’m working with really competent and talented people, but I always try to do too much. You’ll go nuts if you try to handle too much by yourself. RAINE: You also star in the film, can you talk about the challenges that you faced wearing more than one hat on the same project? DEVER: Yes, absolutely. If you are wearing your actor “hat”, you must take off your producer “watch”. By that I mean you can’t be sitting watching the clock and getting all nervous that you’re not going to make your day or you’re going to lose your light, those administrative things. It will get in your way and you will rush your work. Now if you know a way to completely forget about being a producer while you’re acting, please be sure to let me know. Easier said than done. 44
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Images courtesy of Steve Schofield
RAINE; Do you have a creative process that you undergo that helps you to develop your characters? DEVER: I really haven’t spent much time on the technique of character development lately. There’s a process when you’re in school and you focus on so much technique. Eventually the technique becomes invisible and internal. I feel like I am a character actor but I think all characters are an extension of yourself. It starts with you and that helps you make these imaginative leaps. But in general, I’m very obsessive about my work and it never really leaves me. In the shower, right before I go to bed, sitting in traffic; I’m always thinking about my character. I’ve probably been like that since I was a teenager.
FR E S H FAC E S | F IL M Actress Annie Wersching is best known for her role as FBI special agent Renee Walker on the hit television show 24 opposite Kiefer Sutherland and most recently as the female lead on Amazon’s drama series Bosch which she juggles along with her role as “Lily” on CW’s THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. Wersching has previously appeared in memorable arcs on the likes of Steven Spielberg’s EXTANT opposite Halle Berry, BODY OF PROOF, DALLAS, and CASTLE, as well as guest star roles on REVOLUTION, INTELLIGENCE, and BLUE BLOODS. Wersching portrayed the powerful Amelia Joffe on ABC’s General Hospital. Her other television credits include Supernatural, Cold Case, Hawaii 5-O, Rizzoli & Isles, NCIS, CSI, Star Trek: Enterprise, Harry’s Law, No Ordinary Family, Frasier, and Charmed among others. Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Wersching studied musical theatre at Millikin University. Upon graduation, she worked for such theatres as Chicago’s Victory Gardens, The Marriott Lincolnshire and the Utah Shakespearean Festival, as well as performing in two national tours. For this mother of two, Wersching is living the creative entrepreneurs dream and proving that you can have it all. She is seasoned veteran that understand the demands of her work but finds perfect balance between career and family life.
Annie weRsching
RAINE: You were the voice and motion-capture actor in the PlayStation 3 exclusive game, The Last of Us. How different is it prepping as a motioncapture actress for a hit video game versus acting in front of a camera? WERSCHING: “The Last of Us” was such a great adventure. I had no prior video game or mocap experience...so it was a blast learning how it all worked. Instead of being in front of “a” camera...there were about 90 cameras capturing us from all over the room! The really great thing about this game in particular, and Naughty Dog & Neil Druckman our director, was that we approached the scenes exactly as we would have in a film or in a play actually! I got my start in theatre, so this was very familiar to me...it was almost like doing theatre in the round, but we just happened to be wearing crazy tight, unattractive outfits with dots all over! RAINE: What has been the most surprising event that has happened to you on set while filming for TV or film? WERSCHING: I suppose that I’m not invincible! Turns out it is surprisingly hard to swim in the freezing ocean with a leather jacket & jeans on at 5am after 12-hours of shooting...I learned this on Season 7 of “24.” I was a little too eager to do everything myself! And this particular near drowning experience was rather eye-opening.
Image courtesy of Udo Spreitzenbarth
RAINE: You are very much about family. How have you managed to work around the demands of acting and raising a family? WERSCHING: It’s certainly not easy! But I feel like my hubby and I are both on the same page in terms of what’s important to us and we make a damn good team. That’s huge. You really basically take a whole year off for a pregnancy in this profession...which is hard. But oh so worth it!! We’ve both been pretty lucky to work mostly in LA., but knew that was too good to be true. I’ve been back and forth shooting in Atlanta for the last few months which is a first. Our 1-year-old has been traveling with me and my 4-year-old has stayed in LA with Dadda. Soooo tough! But we make sure to see each other as often as possible and, of course, FaceTime is crucial. I’ve even FaceTimed for my older boy’s tee-ball practice and the baby has FaceTimed with our cat! Ha! RAINE: What one piece of advice has served you best in your career? WERSCHING: Of course Spencer Tracy wasn’t speaking to me directly, but I’ve always loved the advice - “Know your lines and don’t bump into the furniture.” I like to think I come to a set incredibly prepared and incredibly low maintenance. Maybe it’s the Midwesterner in me, but I believe a lowkey, hard worker is something of great value in this biz! RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
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VALERIE GATTO HOMETOWN: PITTSBURGH, PA AGENCY – MMG HEIGHT: 5’5’’ Fun Facts: 1. Semi-Finalist at Miss USA 2014 which was “LIVE” on NBC 2. Was an English Tutor to children across Italy and lived with host families for a summer 3. Top 10 marketing intern for PepsiCo and attended a summit at their headquarters in Purchase, NY
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Images courtesy of Lenka Drstakova
Images courtesy of Fadil Berisha
F R E S H FAC E S | FA S H IO N
Photographer: Jason Jaskot
MICHAEL ANDREIS HOMETOWN: SALINE, MI AGENCY: MAJOR MODELS HEIGHT: 6 FEET Fun Facts: 1. In the summer my 3 favorite things are skateboarding, tubing and playing beach volleyball 2. I’m a spirituall guy, I go to Hillsong church every Sunday right on 34th and 8th ave in NYC 3. I took 2 years of culinary class and I consider myself a black belt in burger making 4. I would like to own a gym in the future, it’s always been a dream of mine to own an indoor/outdoor gym facility in Miami or somewhere in California RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
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B E AU T Y & F I T N E S S
F I T N ES S
Gaining Muscle and Losing Fat at the Same Time By Maik Wiedenbach
Building muscle while losing weight is the equivalent of Alchemy in the Middle Ages, (the cliché of medieval alchemists being able to “turn lead into gold”). Can one do it? At first glance, no.
Gaining muscle requires a calorie surplus and
losing fat requires a deficit. Henceforth, the two must be mutually exclusive. This is more or less true, expect for two circumstances: 1. You are a beginner or are gaining weight back from an injury/illness. 2. You are using a lot of drugs. By-the-way, this also means that if you are not losing weight while dieting it is not because you secretly built muscle but rather because you are still eating too much. Just saying... That said, this raises some interesting questions: How do you build muscle without gaining too much fat and by the same token, how do you keep the muscle while dieting? The answer to both is CULKING, a mix of bulking and cutting. Let me elaborate on this; in the past bodybuilders ate themselves silly (a.k.a. got fat) for 25 weeks just to starve themselves for another 20 weeks before the contest. Not only does this make for a year of misery it is also ineffective. The fatter you get the less muscle you build and the more you starve yourself the more muscle you lose. In the end, you have suffered for 45+ weeks just to look the same as the year before.
Instead, I recommend having a slight caloric surplus
(300 calories) when trying to put on muscle for three weeks followed by a week of dieting. This way you’ll stay lean enough to look fabulous and your insulin sensitivity will be increased to
Author and world renowned fitness expert, Maik Wiedenbach is changing bodies with over 10 years of award winning experience. He is breaking barriers and showing people the secret to getting in shape the correct way.
His recent book 101 Fitness Myths tackles some of the
common fitness myths that hold people back from getting the body they want and deserve. In the book, Maik gives you everything you need to know to turbocharge your workouts to get leaner and stronger—faster!
avoid fat gain.
By the same token, if you are dieting; avoid drastic
caloric deficits as they will lead to muscle loss and overeat every 10-14 days depending on leanness.
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SIMPLE HAIR SPEAKS VOLUMES
Photographer - Milos Hair & make-up: Ryan Farrajota ; Model: Kathleen with Viviens Models
BE AU T Y
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Hair & make-up: Ryan Farrajota ; Model: Kathleen with Viviens Models
BE A U T Y
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A BEAUTIFUL CONNECTION WITH NATURE
FA S H I O N TO L I V E F O R
FA S H I O N TO L IV E F O R
Dress by XOXO; Bitchie Booties by HEART
Hounds tooth sweater by Hera Collection; sweat pants by Hera Collection; shoes by Dollhouse
THE DOUBLE LIFE OF AN ENTREPRENEUR Photographer-Lisa Ramsay Wardrobe Stylist-Angelina Scantlebury Hair Stylist-Joshua Calderon Make-up Artist-Aksana Abayev Model-Alexsandra Ziomki, RED Model Management
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Lamb leather top by YANGieNY; faux fur vest by XOXO; quilted pants by Orange; shoes by Michael Antonio
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RAINEMAKER RAINEMAKER
Diane Guerrero Photographer – Vaughn Eric Stewart Hairstylist – Takayoshi Tsukisawa Wardrobe Stylist – Janet Igah Makeup Artist – Derek Medina Manicurist – Narina Chan 62
Dress by Cynthia Rowley Necklace by bcbg max azria Leopard print fur coat by Michael Kors Sandals by Edelman Gold cuff by Michael Kors
RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
I just got sick to my stomach that I wasn’t pursuing something in the creative arts. Then, I decided that I would give it a try. Each and every day I am getting over my fears and getting less and less scared. RAINE: What was your first break?
GUERRERO: It really clicked when I got cast for the ABC drama “Body
of Proof”. The audition was to pretend to fall asleep while driving and
Actress Diane Guerrero is best known for her role on the hit NETFLIX series Orange is the New
Black and more recently Jane the Virgin. Diane is quickly skyrocketing to the top with a new lead role opposite Charlie McDermott in Greg Garcia’s CBS comedy pilot Super Clyde, from CBS TV Studios as well as a book deal scheduled for a 2016 release.
running over a dead body. I actually got the part, and although it was
simple, it meant the world to me. That’s when I got a little taste of the work and knew that this was for me. It brought me so much happiness - just the idea of entering different worlds. It took me back to my
childhood and all those wonderful feelings. It was then that I decided that this had to be my life.
RAINE: Was there an agent or manager that helped you on this journey?
GUERRERO: I started in Boston and then moved to New York. It
Born in New Jersey to Colombian parents as the only American child, Guerrero had her family ripped away from her at the age of 14 due to immigration laws. Due to fraudulent misrepresentation, Diane’s family
was immediately deported back to their home country of Colombia, without warning, leaving a young Diane to fend for herself. Although,
Guerrero faced circumstances that would test even the strongest of wills, her determination has led her to a path of quick success.
RAINE: Relatively speaking, you have had a meteoric rise in the TV and film industry to date. What would you say has been the three single
words that have helped you the most in terms of going after your dreams?
GUERRERO: Let me start off by saying that there is a possibility I have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about. I have a long way to go and much to learn... These are some of the ideas I have formed through my trials and tribulations.
was after doing a showcase that I met my manager Josh Taylor. He was genuine and I felt like he really understood me. In classic 1940s manager style he said “You’ve got moxie kid”. At least this is how I
remember it. He may disagree. Josh has been there for me ever since and has guided me through this whole process. I am so grateful for him and this amazing team at Abrams.
RAINE: What is the best piece of advice that someone has given you?
GUERRERO: My friend Andrea and I always get together and discuss
“the industry”. One day, she said something to me that stuck. “Be the last man standing.” It goes back to having resilience and determination. You have to crawl your way through all the no’s for the one yes and go through all the rounds. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH.
RAINE: What are some goals that you have outside of your acting career?
GUERRERO: I know it’s still an acting goal but I really want to do musical
#1. Persistence. You have to be willing to keep pushing forward. If something is not working, you have to be willing to try different ways to improve and achieve your goals.
theater one day. I’m always on the lookout for little magic moments in
my life and I’m a huge fan of travel and adventure, hopefully I’ll get to travel more. I also want to have a family of my own and live a life that
is exemplary for others, especially for those that relate to my story. I
I have to work on myself every day. The entertainment business is
about people who really want “it”. If you are not prepared, you can miss an opportunity. It’s a lot of sacrifice. You have to deal with yourself
and your bad habits. I go through many moments of thinking—did I do everything in my power to get this?
believe in a better world. I want to be a part of the solution. Because
it affects me so personally, Immigration reform in this country is on
the top of my list. The importance to fight for Human rights and the
environment goes without saying. This is just the beginning and there is much to be done. I know I have to work hard for the rest of my life and that is OK.
#2. Malleable. In this industry, and life really, you have to be open and be able to adapt to every situation. One has to be empathetic.
#3. Determination / Integrity. Do not give up. I set goals for myself, I want to be challenged. I used to say “I just want to work” and although that is still true, I am more conscientious about what kind of work.
RAINE: Acting is obviously your passion, when did you first know that this is what you wanted to do?
GUERRERO: Well, throughout my childhood I always wanted to be a performer. I liked all aspects of performing and wanted to do all of it -
sing, dance and act. One day, at 24 years old, the lightbulb went off. RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
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SXSW
C U LT U R E
SOuth by southwest Innovation, inspiration and creativity, shape the annual South by Southwest Conference & Festival (SYSW) in Austin, Texas. The SXSW Conferences & Festival has provided emerging artists and innovators with a magnificent platform to showcase their work. This unique event is a launch pad for all new and creative content including, independent film, original music and emerging technologies. By nurturing creative and professional growth alike, SXSW is the premier destination for discovery. Not only does it provide buzz-generating exposure, networking and voice for creative entrepreneurs, but exciting entertainment for audiences. The 2015 event was hosted from March 13th to March 22nd in Austin, Texas. The three-part event began with the 22nd annual SXSW Interactive Festival. The event included networking, special events, the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards, SXSW Accelerator, the Gaming Lady Gaga keynote interview SXSW 2014 Expo, a Trade Show, SXSW Create, The Job Market, and cross-industry Image courtesy of Michael Loccisano/Getty Images conversations with attendees from SXSW Film and SXSW Music. There were over 800 sessions in this event, and around 60 employers attending this event providing exposure and opportunity for all. This year’s film festival showcased hundreds of independent films, ranging from narrative features, documentary features, shorts, animated film, music videos and even short films created by Texas High School students. In 2014 there were 18,747 participants from 66 different countries. Out of 6,494 submissions, there were 247 total films screened. The SXSW Music Festival was on its 29th year in 2015, from March 17-22. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the future of the music industry through panels; talk’s trade shows and a music gear expo. At night, there were performances from regional, national and international talents. The Music and Media Conferences aim to educate and inspire all types of musicians and those who work with them. In 2014 more than 28,000 music industry professionals and musicians attended six nights of music performed by over 2,300 acts. Some must see acts from this year’s festival included, Brandy, Elle King, Sam Hunt and Cathedrals. By providing a platform that allows for intellectual and creative intermingling the mission of SXSW is to continue to spark new ideas and carve the path for the future of each ever-evolving field, long after the events’ conclusion. Shep Gordon, Mike Myers and Tom Arnold Image courtesy of Michael Buckner
Outdoor stage at Butler Park SXSW 2014 Image courtesy of Tye Truitt
Startup Spotlight at Startup Village Image courtesy of Vanessa Velazquez
Images courtesy of South By SouthWest Chelsea Clinton Image courtesy of SXSW
Actor, Nicolas Cage Image courtesy of Michael Buckner
Snoop Dogg & Al Bell SXSW 2014 Image courtesy of Jordan Naylor/Getty Images
Cesar Chavez Premier Image courtesy of Michael Buckne
Tilda Swenson & Eugene Hernandez Image courtesy of Heather Kennedy
Sophia Amoruso Image courtesy of Earl McGehee RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
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CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
© FDC / Lagency / Taste (Paris) / Ingrid Bergman © David Seymour / Estate of David Seymour - Magnum Photo
C U LT U R E
(L-R) Director Luc Dardenne, actress Marion Cotillard, actor Fabrizio Rongione and director Jean-Pierre Dardenne Festival de Cannes 2014 / 2014 Venturelli
Sarah Gadon Festival de Cannes 2014 2014 Venturelli
Catherine Deneuve Festival de Cannes 2014 Photo © Charly HEL / Pix'HEL
Through the many years, the renowned Festival de Cannes has taken pride in the ever-growing independent film industry. The Festival has always remained faithful to its founding purpose: to draw attention to and raise the profile of films with the aim of contributing towards the development of cinema, boosting the film industry worldwide and celebrating cinema at an international level. Cannes is a competitive festival that gives room to all types of creative filmmakers. The Official Selection serves to highlight the diversity of film creation through competition in two different sections. The Competition section include films that are representative of “auteur cinema with a wide audience appeal “and Un Certain Regard, focuses on works that have an original aim and aesthetic. There are also Out of Competition Films, which include special screenings and Midnight Screenings, Cannes Classics, and a selection of target film schools. The 68th year of the Festival de Cannes is underway for 2015. Lambert Wilson will once again become the Master of Ceremonies, as host of this year’s Festival de Cannes. The Opening Ceremony on May 13th will begin with Wilson welcoming the Coen brothers, Presidents of the 2015 Jury, to the stage of the Palais des Festivals. The Festival will conclude with the closing award ceremony on Sunday, May 24th. For the first time in history at the Festival de Cannes, there will be two leading figures at the head of the Jury, American filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen. These brothers are well known in the film industry. Some of their most renowned work includes, The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou, No Country for Old Men, and Inside Llewyn Davis. On the subject, they commented, ““We welcome as always the opportunity to watch movies there from all over the world. Cannes is a festival that has been important to us since the very beginning of our career. Presiding over the Jury is a special honor, since we have never heretofore been president of anything. We will issue further proclamations at the appropriate time.” Year after year creative diverse minds are showcased on the big screen. The Festival de Cannes maintains a solid connection with its past, while ever evolving towards the industry’s future.
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C U LT U R E
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
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Images courtesy of Tribeca Film Festival
The season for festivals has arrived and the Tribeca Film Festival is one you do not want to miss! Based in Tribeca, New York, Tribeca Film is dedicated to acquiring and marketing independent films across multiple platforms, including theatrical, video-on-demand, digital, home video and television. The 14th annual Tribeca Film Festival will take place April 1526. There are so may notable and exciting events anticipated for this year’s festival. In February it was announced that the world premiere of the documentary Live From New York! would open the 2015 Festival on Wednesday the 15th. After 40 years of influencing the American story, this film explores “Saturday Night Live” in its early years and follows its evolution into a comedy institution, and the shows influence on modern pop culture. This year’s Festival will include, the Tribeca Film Festival Artist Awards Program, sponsored by CHANEL. Eight contemporary artists will donate original work to be presented to the filmmakers whose films are selected by the jury as winners in their respective categories. A free exhibition of the work will also be open to the public. In the words of co-founder of The Tribeca Film Festival, “These awards are a unique Tribeca Tradition,” she says, “The Festival has always been about artists supporting one another, no matter what their medium is. Along with Chanel, we are looking forward to honoring our prize winning filmmakers with some of the finest art work that is being created and sharing it at the gallery exhibit at our new hub.” The Tribeca Film Festival, features films from narratives, documentary to shorts from all over the world. Creative minds also have the opportunity to converse with top filmmakers and industry leaders at the Tribeca Talks Series. Some of those individuals include, Christopher Nolan with Bennett Miller, George Lucas with Stephen Colbert, Cary Fukunaga with James Schamus, and Brad Bird with Janeane Garofalo, to name a few. Although it is not all film, all kinds of art is celebrated and talked about through the 2015 Innovation Programming, featuring, digital interactive storytelling, virtual reality, gaming and conversations on technology and issues shaping today’s creative community.
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C U LT U R E
Photos courtesy of Kimpton’s Properties
AN EPIC EXPERIENCE WITH KIMPTON HOTELS
With an urban yet tropical feel, The Anglerís ñ located just steps away from some of the greatest beaches in South Beach ñ celebrates Miami Beachís historic architecture while also bringing a fresh approach that is reminiscent of old Florida, yet ideally suited to todayís savvy South Beach visitor. 74
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Surfcomber sits on the Atlantic Oceanís edge along 200 feet of oceanfront property in the heart of the Art Deco District in South Beach on historic Collins Avenue. With direct beach access, this newly and fully renovated hotel offers visitors to this fashionable destination a distinctively relaxed, yet worldly guest experience within a ìbackyard blissî designdriven environment.
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EPIC, a lifestyle, boutique waterfront hotel, is located in vibrant downtown Miami at the edge of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. EPIC combines the timeless style of a cosmopolitan boutique hotel with the amenities of a resort to create a sophisticated recreation oasis for guests amidst the energy and pulse of Miami.
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Photographer - Marc Cartwright
M ARIA C ANALS-B AR R E R A
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Maria Canals-Barrera star of the hit ABC show Cristela, is best known for her role in the Emmy Award Winning Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place, a role which earned her two ALMA Awards and an Imagen Award. She most recently appeared on screen in Universal Pictures’ Larry Crowne directed by Tom Hanks and starring Hanks and Julia Roberts. Canals-Barrera has also appeared in Disney’s Camp Rock franchise, Nickelodeon’s Brothers Garcia, and voices the character ‘Hawkgirl’ in the animated series The Justice League. In 2014, the NCLR ALMA Awards, honored Maria as one of the “ALMA’s 15/Los Quinces,” recognizing Maria as one of the leading Latinos, celebrating diversity and the inclusion in American entertainment and media. Maria has also worked extensively in theater and in 1996 she was nominated for an Ovation Award for her performance in the stage play Changes of Heart. Maria has also lent her voice to several animated series including being the voice of “Hawkgirl” in the animated series “The Justice League” and “Sunset Boulevardez” in Disney Channel’s acclaimed series “The Proud Family.” When Maria isn’t acting you can find her in Los Angeles where she resides with her husband and two children, playing the part of a real mom. RAINE: What has been the most rewarding part of your career to date? CANALS-BARRERA: I really love having the RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
opportunity of bringing enjoyment into the lives of other people. RAINE: How does your current role as Daniela Gonzalez in the hit series Cristela differ from your real personality? CANALS-BARRERA: As Daniela, she is more of an avoider in order to keep the peace and I am more of a confronter and straightforward. Honestly, she is more similar than different, but that little difference is a fun challenge. RAINE: What was the most surprising event that has happened to you on set while filming? CANALS-BARRERA: I was filming the movie Larry Crowne with Tom Hanks—it was pretty amazing to be in one room with Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and in walks Tim Allen to say “hi.” RAINE: What were some challenges you faced while building your portfolio as an actress? CANALS-BARRERA: Not having the chance to show all of my skills as an actor. I have done so many theatrical performances and still there is television, which is not as open for a minority actor to do anything. The challenge has been to just do everything that I can do. There is so much more that I am looking forward to doing. In the meantime, I am very grateful but it would be nice to be seen in more roles. 77
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RAINE: How important to you was it that one of your biggest awards not only celebrated your talent but also your heritage as a Latino American? CANALS-BARRERA: It was very nice, actually it was wonderful—I love who I am. My parents are from Cuba and unfortunately could not go back to the country they loved. Growing up, there was a huge amount of pride for being Cuban and also a lot of love for America. I feel like I have had the best of it all. I had my culture and the American Dream if I worked hard, so to be acknowledged for my talent and recognized for my heritage was wonderful. RAINE: Acting is obviously your passion, when did you first know that this is what you wanted to do? CANALS-BARRERA: I think it was in high school when I realized I needed to decide on a career. I knew that I always loved it (acting) and it was a passion that I wanted to follow. It’s funny but I didn’t have any formal training, I did all my acting in school—it was a fun outlet. As a senior in high school is when I started to get really serious. I just remember how much fun being on stage was, it was like a dream or a crazy fantasy and not like work. During that time an actress friend told me that I should audition for the University of Miami for a scholarship. So I took her advice and auditioned and I got the scholarship. It was at that moment that I really decided that I was going to do it. I was going to do what I love. My parents and brothers and sisters have always been very supportive. RAINE: You are very much about family. How do you balance your career around family? CANALS-BARRERA: Realizing that real life is more important than fantasy. I love my job and love being committed to it, but what is most important is reality and realizing the effect on my children if I have to work and be away from them for six months—that’s what is important. We are so blessed that we are able to do what we love. It is a crazy business and you can’t put your faith in this business, you have to put your faith in God. It is such a hard business to begin with especially if you are not grounded. I want to be there for those that mean the most to me—my family.
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Photographer Alain Dahant
Chloë Bellande
Chloë Bellande is a Canadian Film Director and Founder of Blue Infinity Films. She recently produced and directed the film Will Of Fortune. Chloë has also served as a juror in 3 Canadian film festivals in 2014, and conducted seminars on film distribution, how to prepare for a film market, and how to succeed as an independent filmmaker. Chloë as well as her latest project are both on the rise. Following its World Premiere at the 67th Cannes Film Festival, and Canadian premiere at the 2014 Quebec Comiccon, the short film Will Of Fortune, is based on real-life criminal cases. The film had four screenplay nominations in the US, ranking in the top finalists at the Beverly Hills International Film Festival, the Holly Shorts Screenplay competition, the World Series of Screenwriting competition and the Richmond International Film Festival, where both the movie and the script received nominations. Shot in New York City in winter 2014, the movie follows the real-life murder trial of Susan Wright, Texas housewife convicted for the 1st degree murder of her husband whom she stabbed nearly 200 times. Bellande’s film depicts two parallel acts: a group of outlaws debating on the Susan Wright case and a vigilante who decides to take justice into his own hands. With a cast of 11 actors from New York City, the movie expresses the different opinions of society on criminal rehabilitation. Controversial dramas and twisted-endings thrillers have always been Bellande’s niche. Will Of Fortune is her first CanadianAmerican production. Line Producer Dawid Pypec, and Executive Producer Joshua Friedman conducted the two-day production. Will of Fortune is Bellande’s 2nd movie screened at the Cannes Film Festival, as her last movie While the Village Sleeps also was accepted at the World’s largest film gathering in 2013, and won prestigious awards and accolades across the US. 80
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About Blue Infinity Films© Blue Infinity Films is a Canadian independent film corporation registered since 2008 and owned by Chloë Bellande. For a complete filmography and list of awards, please visitwww.blueinfinityfilms.com
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Images courtesy of Adriatic Luxury Journeys
JOURNEY TO THE GAME OF THRONES: CROATIA
Perhaps the only thing more exciting the jawdropping plot twists and lovably dislikable characters on Game of Thrones are the stunning landscapes of ‘Westeros’ – all real-life destinations shot on-location. Of course, the only thing better than seeing these dreamy castles and coastal sunsets on the silver screen is experiencing them live. Adriatic Luxury Journeys (www. adriaticluxury.com), a bespoke tour operator specializing in personalized luxury journeys to Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania and Italy, has announced a seven-day “Game of Thrones in Croatia” tour highlighting key locations from Season 5 along with popular sites from seasons past. The journey starts at Diocletian’s Palace, a 1,700-year-old castle once home to a Roman emperor, in the heart of Split. There, a local English-speaking guide with first-hand knowledge of filming locations will lead guests through the narrow walkways at the Fortress of RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23
Klis – the same halls that Daenarys Targaryen walked before chaining her dragon. The tour continues through other key filming locations in Croatia, including Trsteno (the country’s oldest arboretum, which become the gardens of Kings Landing on Game of Thrones), and Dubrovnik, home of the old city walls attacked by the Baratheons in Season 1 and the Lovrijenac Fortress, site of the Battle of Blackwater. The seven-day “Game of Thrones in Croatia” tour starts at $1,495 per person and includes all tours with local English speaking guides, private transfers with a knowledgeable Englishspeaking chauffeur, breakfast daily and accommodations at luxury hotels. Adventurers and culture enthusiasts can customize their experience by adding guided tours to the neighboring countries of Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania and Italy, or additional cities in Croatia, from the historic city of Zadar to the cosmopolitan capital of Zagreb. 81
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C U LT U R E A PAR KWEST GALLERY FE ATU RE D A RTIS T
Peter Max emerged as a powerful force in the Art World as an American illustrator and graphic artist with paintings on exhibition in hundreds of museums and galleries worldwide, Peter Max and his vibrant colors have become part of the fabric of contemporary culture. His work speaks for itself as a part of the American pop-culture scene influencing generations of art enthusiasts. In addition to being called a Pop Icon, Max has been successively called, Neo Fauvist, Abstract Expressionist and the United States “Painter Laureate.” The artist has had the distinct honor of painting the last seven Presidents of the United States and the world’s best loved celebrities, among them the young sensation Taylor Swift. So much could be said about Peter Max as an artist, but what comes across very clear is his immense love for American culture, and appreciation for the various art forms that have influenced his work. RAINE: How has living in Paris influenced your art? MAX: Well, I got influences from Paris, but also from everywhere—I was so lucky. When I was a little boy, maybe 2 or 3 years old, although he was very successful business man, my father used to draw a little bit. I thought I would fiddle around with drawing too and he liked it. I remember one day my mother got me these crayons, and to the left of where my father used to sit was a very big beautiful peach wall. I took my crayons and I went to draw on the wall, and my mother said, “no, no, don’t draw on the wall,” and my father said, “no, no let him.” He encouraged me. Thus, I drew and added to it every day and after four or five days, it was maybe ten feet wide. When anyone came to the house, my mother would show it off, and this built me up. It developed my love for art and being recognized for it. RAINE: When you think of your art now, how does it influence present day art or the perception of the world? MAX: Well you know it is interesting, we are living today of course in an age of media—media is all around us. You can’t go out of your house without being touched by media. As you walk out outside there are newspapers on the doorstep. As you go further there are cars with advertising on them. You go to the corner and there is a guy selling 40 different newspapers and perhaps 60 or 80 magazines. You go to your television set and you’ve got like about 1000 different channels. When I was a little kid living in China, we got our first radio and there were two or three Chinese stations. One day, I turned up the radio, and they were playing American music and I asked my mother, “what is that,” and my mother said, “oh, it’s an American station,” and after that, I went to that station every day. That was when I fell in love with American culture! Then American soldiers came to Shanghai. My father had a tenant who had a 19 year old daughter and the word was out, and people were talking about how she was going out with an American soldier. Then I saw him pick up the girl, and I guess he took her out and she introduced me 84
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Photos courtesy of Peter Max
to him. I remember that the guy was chewing gum, and he said to me, “hey kid, what’s happening!” I just liked the way he talked to me, it sounded so cool! that was when I fell in love with American soldiers and all the style that they had and the freedom they represented. I became the biggest American fan ever. Also, my friend’s father owned a Chinese theatre and he converted it into a movie theatre, so I would watch movies, three or five days a week. I would go every day to the movies. I love American culture, I would watch Lionel Hampton and Betty Goodman, I enjoyed the way they would play music as well as American jazz. I was just completely taken away by what came out of this beautiful country called America—jazz, bee-bop and blues. RAINE: How do you think your art is influencing American Culture? PETER MAX: It is right there with the music (talking about his art)! I was very lucky, when I was fairly young; I was maybe 23 years old when Life Magazine did a cover of me and it had 11
pages inside. Since Life Magazine, from when I was 23 until today, I have had 2600 magazine covers. RAINE: What is your point of inspiration? MAX: All that has to happen is that I have this wish and will to be creative. I put the canvas on the easel, I open my paints and there I am. I have a bunch of brushes and the music begins playing and I just go at it. I don’t even plan what to do. You know it’s like dancing on the floor, you don’t know what steps to take and what you will be doing five minutes from now. You just go at it and let it happen. RAINE: What are some of your other interests? MAX: I am very much into creativity, color, composition and yoga—meditation. I love all of that stuff!
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W E S T E N I U S
Leading British Bridal Designer Ritva Westenius has been in the forefront of bridal couture for nearly 40 years in which time she has grown to iconic status. Ritva has become the symbol of British style by opening the way to innovative and artistic interpretation of Wedding Fashion. Born and educated in Finland, then in Sweden, France and the UK where she graduated with BA hons degree in London University. Paris then beckoned when an opportunity arose for her to enter behind the scenes of famous Couture Houses and experience high fashion in the making, which truly fired a smouldering interest in luxury couture. On returning to UK Ritva Westenius launched her own luxury couture wedding gown collection in the West End of Central London in 1977, Ritva Westenius focuses on timeless, elegant styles, which is about high quality couture Wedding Dresses in exquisite fabrics and beautiful cut. Ritva is using her own creative ideas, favouring, tasteful designs with clean lines that are understated, yet glamorous while keeping an eye on modern trends. She is known for meticulous construction, skilled craftsmanship, beautiful Italian and French fabrics and lace, and exquisite beading. Chenca Williams, her daughter joined Ritva Westenius 86
W O W S !
12 years ago and during that time has absorbed all the invaluable knowledge and skills required to become a professional Co-Designer/ Director, after a brilliant previous career as Principal Ballet Dancer in the Royal Ballet for 25 years! Chenca has brought her own creative vision and directional style to the Ritva Westenius collections and as you would expect Chenca is passionate and flamboyant and this can be seen in her designs, inspired by movement and dance. Brides looking for a red carpet moment will find purely indulgent styles with high fashion powerful dresses that whisper sophistication and glamour. RAINE: Who is the Ritva Westenius woman? C. WESTENIUS: Women with their own sense of worth & confidence in their ability to dress to enhance their own unique beauty. RAINE: Chenca after a successful career as a Principal Ballet Dancer, what moved you to work with your mother at Ritva Westenius? C. WESTENIUS: To be truthful I was at a loss what to do after having danced from the age of 2 & one forgets there is a real world out there that one has not been a part of ! I couldn’t imagine myself not being in a creative environment, therefore how could I not work with such a talented Designer with the bonus of being my Mother?! I really am very
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Images courtesy of Ritva Westenius
RI T VA
lucky to have been given the opportunity & to have been trained by her with all her invaluable techniques & workmanship over the decades! Experience is the key to longevity! RAINE: How would you say your sense of design differs from that of your mother? C. WESTENIUS: I work more with the feel & movement of fabrics & how designs can change your personality & how they make you feel when wearing them- very much like when you play a character on stage your costume helps you! RAINE: As a creative entrepreneur where do you draw your inspiration from? C. WESTENIUS: Virtually everything surrounding one in life…it may be a picture, the sky, a tree, a flower, an idea during an appointment, history, ballet, music, art & my constant never sleeping brain which has zillions of creations ready to be created all the time! RAINE: What are the foreseeable challenges facing your brand, and what steps are you taking now to successfully navigate those potential obstacles? C. WESTENIUS: Counterfeits- fake websites selling your designs with your photographs using their water marks- 2nd hand websites- in fact anything that seems “to be to good to be true on line, IS!!!!!” R. WESTENIUS: We have not released photographs online for the last
2 collections. R. WESTENIUS: We are part of the UK Bridal Industry which is actively closing down “Fake” websites everyday R. WESTENIUS: We also suggest reading “Brides Beware” set up on Face Book by the Industry C. WESTENIUS: On the positive we are using other media platforms which we can control & engage with potential Brides to show our designs! RAINE: To what do you credit your longevity and your ability to navigate the cycle of ups and downs that the industry is known for? C. WESTENIUS: Ritva’s Finnish roots of purity of design with an eye for good clean well cut lines which never date! “Timeless” RAINE: As an entrepreneur, what has been your biggest challenge and what steps did you take to successfully reach your goals? C. WESTENIUS: I am still taking steps every day as the goal post moves forward all the time! I have many more goals yet to reach in my lifetime!!!! RAINE: What one piece of business advice would you offer budding entrepreneurs that has helped you more than any other advice? C. WESTENIUS: Believe in your own uniqueness. Believe in your own creativity. Believe in your Designs. Believe in truth. But most importantly be honest & treat mankind with respect.
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Images courtesy of Pico Jewelry
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RISING TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH PICO JEWELRY
Pico Jewelry, a family owned and operated fine jewelry brand
With their humble origins as Armenians born in Istanbul,
headquartered in New York City, has been dazzling its clientele with
Anthony and Victor travel all over the world to find and bring the finest
elegant and sophisticated jewelry collections since 1976. The owners,
diamonds and exotic colored gems to their clients. Alongside their
Anthony Platyan and Victor Bukucuyan, discovered their passions
professional staff of jewelers, these gentlemen pride themselves on
for the jewelry world shortly after entering into the business as young
running an establishment that prioritizes honest, expedient and friendly
apprentices. Their dreams of founding and operating a unique jewelry
customer service as well as the superb craftsmanship of jewelry.
store were realized when they opened the doors of Pico!
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For inquiries please contact: picojewelry@gmail.com
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Ny Fa s hi o n W e e k
Zang Toi | www.houseoftoi.com
Images credit to Jason Jaskot
An icon. That’s all that needs to be said about Zang Toi. At the close of the September show, one of the photographers on the media riser shouted out “ladies and gentlemen, it doesn’t get any better” and that pretty much sums how many feel about the Zang Toi. This season the House Of Toi presented a Venice-inspired show in two acts; a fashion night at the opera if you will. Instead of his usual use of bold colors, the palette this time featured bronze and black.
Venexiana | www.venexianaltd.com
Kati Stern’s Venexiana never really changes, but it doesn’t have to: she always goes big, beautiful and blown out. This is evening wear with bombast. As always the show was no holds barred; punk rock remixes blared as gown after gown was sent down the runway. Stern always takes a nice victory lap at the end of her shows walking right up to the media riser, fitting for a collection with rock star grandeur. 90
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Mister Triple X | www.shop.mistertriplex.com
Leading off the Art Hearts Fashion show, the program for Mister Triple X invited the audience to “follow the brand down the rabbit hole” with a funky, fanciful collection featuring plenty of the brand’s trademark edge: chest straps, oversize gold chains and blonde wigs paired up with otherwise wearable jackets and patterned pants. Everything was accented with shoes from Sperry Top-Sider, and the grand finale let those rabbits out of the hole as the models did their final walk with black bunny ears.
Naomi Campell’s Fashion For Relief: This year Naomi Campell’s Fashion For Relief raised awareness about the still-ongoing threat of Ebola in
Africa. The show started with a brief speech from actor Jeffrey Wright, and what followed was thrilling, even for the most jaded: a star-studded runway presentation that featured Kelly Osbourne, NeNe Leaks, Rosario Dawson and of course Campell herself. Last but not least came Mary J. Blige, and that was game over. Also representing here was Chantelle Brown-Young, the former Next Top Model contestant with pigment disorder Vitiligo who proudly beamed positive energy down the runway.
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VAN C O U V E R FA S HI O N W E E K
Images courtesy of Vancouver Fashion Week
DESIGNER – HAVENEY For her F/W ’15 collection, Designer Marie-Laetitia Rossazza accentuated the femininity that flows throughout her hand-made creations, which are both chic and elegant. Influenced by minimalist art, there was a modernity that was ever present in Rossazza’s pieces that was subtly sexy with global appeal.
DESIGNER – ILOVECHOC China’s street style fashion brand with a focus on love and youthfulness. This season’s designs are a combination of standard-defying, abstract new perspectives, while highlighting a trendy attitude. 92
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DESIGNER: Paola Gamero Paola Gamero designs epitomize the look and feel of femininity. The handmade embroidery, jewels, lace and silk are elements are designed to exalt the delicacy of women. For her collection Gamero harmoniously marries a strong sense for detailing with romantic appeal that never comes across as too much. Gamero manages to perfectly focus on what it really means to be a woman.
DESIGNER – Noe Bernacelli Peruvian designer, Noe Bernacelli is always a crowd favorited on the runway as well as the international scene. His designs are that of a creative savant and strategist that appeal to the most over-the-top taste. While his attention to details are second to none. For his F/W ’15 collection Bernacelli continued to raise the bar, filling the runway with the most luxurious fabrics and delicate lace in romantic colors that were alluring to the eyes of on-lookersBest,
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The Smell of Sweet Success When Paris Hilton calls, the industry listens! In March the savvy business maven held an intimate press breakfast to a room of industry insiders at the ultra-lux, newly opened Baccarat Hotel in New York City.
What
was
on
this
serial
entrepreneur’s mind? For starters, the Style Icon marked the 10th year anniversary of her fragrance line by unveiling Paris Hilton Limited Anniversary Edition for Women. If being in business for 10 years wasn’t enough hype, the seriously sexy heiress styled in a studded Philip Lim blazer, touted the fact that she has done over $2 billion in sales over her 10 years with international distributor of prestige products, Parlux. With that kind of revenue driving her brand, you get a true sense for the strategic tenacity that Ms. Hilton employs to maintain her growing empire. #NaysayersBeGone!
Paris Hilton Limited Anniversary
Edition Photo“I’m thrilled to celebrate 10 years,” Hilton says, “I keep getting requests all over the world for more fragrances and so I’m happy to keep creating them. Paris Hilton for Women was an obvious choice for the Limited Anniversary Edition as it was my first fragrance when I was 23 and will always be very special to me.”
“Paris’
commitment
to
her
she brings to each and every facet of the creative process is a direct reflection of its global appeal and success,” stated Angela Budd, VP of Marketing and Brand Development for Parlux Fragrances LLC. “Her energy and clear strategic vision, coupled with her tireless work ethic and enthusiasm, make her an incredible partner for Parlux.” 94
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Images courtesy of Miller PR
fragrance portfolio and the authenticity
A LOVE FOR THE GRIND
Photographer: Maurizio Melozzi Hair and makeup :Lara Ognibene, Nicoletta Conteduca Models: Madara Statkus, Charlye Austin, Ivana Mrazova, Vanda Veckoca
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In My Own Words By JennyLyn Gleave
Growing up in Mabaruma, a very tiny place on the border of what used to be British Guyana, now Republic of Guyana and Venezuela, I felt out of place. It is what one would call a sleepy town where most young women got married early and settled into family life. However for me, that was not enough. My parents were not Guyanese, my mother is a native of Grenada and my father was from Lebanon. I am a descendant of multi-ethnic parents so I figured that has a lot to do with the way I am wired, always reaching beyond the horizon. I naturally believed if you can dream it it can be done. I have a absolute faith in God, and because I know he strengthens me, I have been able to accomplish things that even I am in awe of. I moved to the California 30 years ago with my husband and when I first arrived here, I was completely overwhelmed. That was a long time ago. I now have two daughters who are successful college graduates who live and work in San Francisco. After my divorce my life was challenging, I was not prepared to deal with the real world on my own. Again my belief in “it can be done” and “God is always with me” got me to where I am today. I went back to work and gained experience doing high tech, marketing in the medical field, working for a magazine and doing some event planning. I also worked in the cosmetic industry setting up clinics and managing them. In addition I started my own successful TV show where I interview inspiring leaders to encourage people regardless of their socio-economic situations to make the best choices for their lives. I enjoyed most of my jobs but loved the medical cosmetic industry and producing television shows the most which is where the idea to marry the two originated. So a friend and I did decided to open a medical cosmetic clinic in Cupertino California which we named: Eternal Beauty Skin and Laser.
I feel it will be a huge success for many reasons: 1. We live in the Silicon Valley, where most high tech companies are located. Since the recession has greatly affected the working class here, some older people who were/are seeking employment turned to non-surgical procedures to enhance their appearance.
3. Medical Spas are capable of performing medical treatments like injecting botox and tightening of the skin. We often have affiliated doctors and dermatologists for taking care of those requirements of our clients. We offer complete skin problem solutions and different spa therapies along with advanced skin rejuvenating therapies, all of which make us popular. “In a nut shell” we have built an exceptional Medical Spa where we plan to provide all of the above and more. It will also house a room dedicated to television production, which we are calling “Our TV studio.” We plan to make our own cosmetic snippets which we will use for education related to the field, as well as videos for marketing. I am someone for whom the “box” does not exist. I am always looking for unique cutting edge ways to be different and to set new trends. 98
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Image courtesy of JennyLyn Gleave
2. Social Media is accessible to most people today and shows like the Kardashians create a trend for a lot of people who want to look like them as well as other celebrities that may influence them. As a result, people will spend money in cosmetic medical spas because we offer similar outcomes to “face lifts” that are non surgical, no down time, and easy maintenance that result in a more youthful appearance
IMAGE COURTESY OF PETER MAX A PARKWEST GALLERY FEATURED ARTIST. WWW.PARKWESTGALLERY.COM