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Photographer/Viktorija Pashuta Model/Oliva Fox Wardrobe Stylist/ Jordan Swain Makeup and Hair/ Tokik Inoue Photographer’s Assistant/ Mariusz Jeglinski
30 Give a Little Bit By Joy Donnell Joy Donnell
34 Hello, my name is Chanel and this is Goodwill Daisy Parra
37 Wicked Widows
Models/Alexanda Finley Models/Sophia Casanova Makeup/ Debra Macki Hair/ Sarah Diaz Wardrobe/ Vintage
48 DEAR LAURA Letters 50 Submerge into the New Age
Photographer/Ash Gupta Stylists/Stevi Singleton and Jordan Davis Make and Hair/Lashelle Ullie Models/ Natasha Lovaski and Claudia Ramón
60 Eco-Haute Fatim Bahh
67 Digitalism Photographer/ LJPhoto Models/ Marc Benjamin
78 Moon Light Beauty Photographer/ Thomas Skaringa Makeup and Hair/ Agne Skaringa Models/ Alexandra Mathews
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soul. Creative energy began to flow freely, and radiated out to all those who came into contact. The most invigorating aspect came as an obvious surprise. I found that collaborating with other creative artists with passions deeply rooted like my own, resulted in nothing less than pure art. Our desires to create fulfilled each others. Our energies were amplified and the end result was always magic. Once in the zone, all of life’s complexities, though they seemingly vanished, were merely pockets of inspiration; begging to be given vision and come to life. Freedom.
Jordan Anthony Swain
Freedo m , p e ace & lov e . Living a reality of all the above I won't stop until I have enough I won't stop because there's never enough. Freedom, love and peace. Thanking God for supplying all that I need. For this life I live so spiritually Independently, individually I believed and now I see.
Peace, love and freedom. Deleting those who think our existence needs them. Embracing those even when others don't see them. Surpassing those who could never be them. Love freedom and peace. Removing ourselves from negativity And from minds that live in scarcity Victims of their own realities With no ambition for their destinies. I thank God everyday that I live in Freedom, love and peace. Dear Readers, I hope all is well, and that this letter finds you in wonderful spirits. Jacamo Magazine was first conceptualized during a routine day on set shooting for a fashion magazine in France. Through work as a fashion stylist and creative director, I have always been intrigued by the media entities in which the teams work would be published. As I styled more and more magazine editorials, a sharp familiarity with the process was formed. Shooting became easier and easier. The pre-production and conceptualization process became a natural drug, which stirred my
Reading Og Mandino's, The Greatest Salesman in the World has been such an alluring pleasure. It has not only aided with personal development, but has also tremendously guided my efforts in creating Jacamo Magazine. Mandino philosophically writes, "Which two, among a thousand wise men, will define success in the same words; yet failure is always described but one way. Failure is man's inability to reach his goals in life, whatever they may be. In truth, the only difference between those who have failed and those who have succeeded lies in the difference of their habits. Good habits are the key to all success." Peace. It is the hope of each and every Jacamo team member that you find our publication as inspiring as it is thought-provoking. In a world that is too often inundated with the perplexities and pressures of our society, Jacamo hopes to be that much needed escape. As you explore the immense minds of diverse artist through the pages of our publication, allow yourself to artistically escape. Allow the passion of our contributors and the magic of our craft infiltrate your soul. Feel cajoled by the presence and power of creativity. Love. Jacamo is derived from Italian meaning James/ Jacob which in the Bible means he who supplants. To supplant is to take over through means of innovation, tactical approach and creativity. After the legends of our time come to pass, who will fill the void? What art will come forth from the mundane and routine? To whom will the torch be passed? Jacamo Magazine provides a platform for the next generation of artists throughout a diverse diaspora of mediums. Jacamo Magazine. Generation NOW Sincerely, Jordan Anthony Swain Editor-In-Chief
Editor-In-Chief Jordan Swain Managing Editor Serese Teate Creative Director Gus Castaneda Luxury Editor Joy Donnell Beauty Editor Lashelle Ullie Lifestyle Editor Nina Giovanatti Features Editor Dr. Cheryl Watson Fashion Editor Fatim Bahh Art & Culture Editor Ellin Benitez- Aldana Design Technologies Editor Julian Brummitt Assistant Editor-In-Chief Daisy Parra Graphic Design Director Roberta Hall Asst Graphic Designer Miguel Blake Retoucher Cosmin Neamtu Tanya Desatnik Project Coordinator Lifestyle Columnist Laura Coyle
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Give a Little Bit By Joy Donnell
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here are few secret worlds remaining in the information age as social media helps catalog every aspect of our human experience. Now, anyone can glimpse into celebrity, behind the scenes moments of high-profile awards shows via famous Twitter feeds, and even vicariously live a jet set life privy to Hollywood elite. One privilege of this world is the Gifting Suite: a modern-day meeting place where brands seeking more exposure and entertainment-industry ambassadors, if you will, can place their goods directly into the hands of celebrities and press, take pictures for their merchandising purposes, and hopefully use these things to grow their companies. In exchange, the attendees get gifts and make connections to companies they may have never met outside of the event.
I have, in my career, attended more gifting suites than I can count. The ones I’ve enjoyed the most were where I met great people with great personalities that made me fall in love with their products. Unfortunately, I have witnessed some sad suites and seen people treating each other horribly. The vendors were outwardly angry, the attendees were off-putting, and the resulting vibe was so funky you beelined for the exit. So, it was refreshing to experience Doris Bergman’s Fourth Annual Pre-Emmy Style Lounge & Party. Previously held at Cafe La Boheme in West Hollywood, this year Doris moved her ever-growing event to the light Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Fig & Olive. Upon entering, I am greeted by Doris’s infectious laugh and an elegant bar display of Honest Tea and vodka. The venue is surprisingly bigger than it appeared outside with white stucco walls, art of linen and pressed flowers and seagrass clad hanging lights. I pass through the swinging doors into the sunlit courtyard beaming with smiling, happy vendors, wait staff and celebrities alike. Everyone is vibrant and beautiful. Some attendees, like the legendary Golden Globe-nominee Robert Wagner and Tony/Emmy-nominated Obba Babatunde, are effortlessly suave. Ed Begley Jr. and Bill Sabo enlighten me about their sugar-free sodas. Kendra Briddle, who has showcased her Lusciouss Jewelry line at a few of Doris’s suites, shares she is expanding to HSN on September 16th. Single Dress is sizing up attendees to walk away with a new designer piece. Nibbles of bruschettas and goat cheese with mushroom
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loveliness float past on trays glistening in the late morning light. The excited chatter reaffirms that everyone is having a great time but it’s more than that. They seem to be getting what they need. “I really appreciate finding Doris,” explains Adam Pratt of Radar Watches who spent his day meeting and gifting celebrities from shows such as Mad Men and True Blood. “Doris doesn’t lie to you. She tells you straight up what will happen and delivers what she promises. And everyone has been so nice.” It is refreshingly surprising how genuine all the attendees are. There is zero attitude floating through a Bergman-produced suite. No one talks down to anyone else. No one walks through the door with their sense of entitlement displayed like peacock feathers. Instead, you find Christine Devine of Wednesday’s Child, a weekly television feature about adoption that helps find
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Jacamo Magazine permanent, loving, adoptive families for children in foster care, gathering gifts for the children from attendees. Every year, Doris invites two kids from the program to attend the suite as VIP Guests and get treated for the day. This year, Doris even connected one child to multiple Daytime Emmy-winner Victoria Rowell, herself a former foster care kid. Victoria offered some words of wisdom and encouragement from her own experience without a moment’s hesitation.
Everyone leaves their armor at the door,” booms Doris in a succinct statement. “[At my party] everyone is equal. No one, not a celebrity, vendor, server or volunteer is better than anyone else. To create a safe, fun atmosphere, Doris keeps the paparazzi out and doesn’t tolerate disrespect. The result are vendors that included Twisted Silver Jewelry by Debra Mitchell, Terox Footwear, Dulcenea Lingerie, bespoke clothing by Art Lewin, and many more. I watched Doris float through the crowd, checking on attendees and staff alike, taking time to make sure everyone had eaten the delicious Fig & Olive fare she arranged. Reflected on why her event sees continuous success, Doris asserts, “All I have is my word. If you can’t trust someone’s word, you’re finished. If I tell you it’s going to happen, it will happen. I care about everybody. I take care of people.”
FULL VENDOR LIST Wednesday’s Child http://wednesdayschild.adopt.org/ Radar Watches radarwatches.com Terox Footwear terox.com Dulcenea Lingerie DulceneaLingerie.com Art Lewin artlewinbespoke.com Twisted Silver by Debra Mitchell twisted-silver.com Perch Jewelry Lusciouss Jewelry by Kendra Briddle lusciouss.com Model in a Bottle modelinabottle.com Natures Flavors – Begley & Bill Natural Sodas KIND bars LUNA bars PK’s Chocolates pkschocolates.com Art By Dano artbydano.com Honest Tea Bon Bon Home & Garden bonbonhome.com La Curcio Skincare Collection lacurcio.com Roadkill Ranch Boutique roadkillranch.com My Saint My Hero Benedictine Blessing Bracelet mysaintmyhero.com Classy Sachet Lingerie classysachet.com Scytodes – runsafety.com
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Hooking up, hanging out, getting together in groups - at parties, restaurants, clubs, with possible casual romantic rendezvous’, often late night, are more and more the norm. Some are having what they call intimate relationships with people they’ve never met in person, only communicating by computer or phone. Texting, sexting, selfies are all apart of a growing trend to save time and get to the intense and super personal stuff in the most impersonal way. But where does that leave us with the question, “What are we calling this… this thing between us?” And its not just college students; people well into their twenties and thirties are also against, afraid, uninterested in labeling their relationships. But don’t titles offer validation, a kind of legitimacy, like in designer fashion. And although there’s nothing wrong with choosing to remain “untitled” in a relationship, I say it’s important to have a common ground, a clear reference point that defines and clarifies one’s place. Relationships are where things begin, a romance, a family, a friendship, a partnership.
Hello, my name is Chanel and this is Goodwill
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By Daisy Parra
n the fashion world, looks have titles: evening, daytime, sporty, casual and the designers have literally labeled us. Dior, Versace, Armani, Gucci, Prada, define our social stature and financial status. But, do we even know the creative depth of fashion design or the artistry of fabric and draping? Or do we care. We want what it tells the world about us – at a glance. And at the same time that our obsession with branding is at its all time high, when it comes to relationship titles, we are at a loss. Wait...relationship titles? What are those? A group of young women leave for college, knowing they’re going through a time of transition and change. They would all experience being away from each other for the first time ever. Out of the five in the group, none had yet experienced that special bond. You know - the one that makes you want to sing along to your favorite Disney soundtrack. So when it did happen to Kate, the shyest of the group, it was a bit of a shock. Kate met Max her first year at the University of Oregon. After a few months, the gang wanted the juicy details “So are you his girlfriend now?!” to what she responded, “Well....about that...” which instantly broadcasted a big NO. Kate did go on about how they’d met and the new feelings she’d never felt for anyone before and all the adventures they’d been through together. The group was thrilled for her. And for the next two years, Kate and Max seemed to be in a good place, but being two years ahead, Max graduated first - which meant they had to come to a decision. Stay together long distance? See other people? But there was a problem - in over two years, they were never really official, they never had the title “boyfriend and girlfriend.” And now, neither of them knew how to broach the subject.
Your relationship is the bond you share with someone; it deserves to be respected and in sync. That being said, it doesn’t mean you don’t love someone or can’t be with someone because there’s no title to define it. Some think all this boyfriend/girlfriend thing is old school and limiting. Many couples choose not to marry at all. People live together and have children together without more than, “we are happy” we, being the operative word. The question is, are both people are happy with this decision. Many women want a named commitment that’s makes it official, because the waiting and wondering if whether or not he will make the move and ask her to be his one and only, is excruciating. And for many men, the pressure they get from some women to make a relationship official - is too, too much. It’s confusing and possibly only answered by individual choice. I say it takes a lot of effort to make “a relationship title” work, but it’s worth it. And although being called girlfriend or boyfriend is wonderful, it is also true that companionship and authenticity are two different things. Who wants the title of a relationship if the relationship itself is a hot mess? But then again, who doesn’t want to express and show the world how happy and in love they are if they can’t come to an agreement to make it official? It all seems pretty confusing and frustrating to me. It’s great to share all the love and happiness, but both parties must be willing to really bring value to it. A label is only as good as the parts it’s made of. “Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.”
- Gianni Versace
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DEAR Laura Letters living two lives! The one I want is falling into place incredibly well. 3 weeks out in Los Angeles and so many things are falling into place down the path to the person I am meant to be. Will my family ever understand this? I know I will need— their moral support as a family throughout the entire process on my way to the top. How can I break it to them? I have a good part time job here in the meantime, so I am financially independent. Help. Laura Hollywood
Dear Laura HOLLYWOWD, I am so happy to hear you are listening to your intuition and honoring your dreams! And I imagine that it must be very difficult to hide this from your parents. Not just because you feel it will disappoint them that you are not in school this semester, but because I bet you would like them to know how well it is going!! You say you are “financially” independent” yet they pay your rent? I am a bit confused about this point. Having said that, I am a big fan of honesty and authenticity. If your dream for yourself is really to pursue the arts, your parents are as great as you say, then I’ll bet that really all they want is for you to be happy. There is nothing quite like enthusiasm combined with youth and determination my friend! It can be most convincing, if not contagious! If you really believe in yourself then they will too! You must claim your purpose here on this planet with no apology, and then everyone else will follow suit!
Dear Laura, Thank you so much for taking the time to read my message. I come from a very traditional family which I love and adore. It has made me into the woman that I am today, and I appreciate them for this. I recently decided to move to Los Angeles from San Francisco to pursue school and a career in the arts. However, I decided last minute to have faith in my dream, and not enroll in school this semester. My parents are funding my rent, and think I am going to class everyday. It breaks my heart to have to lie to them, but I feel I need this time to really do what it is I love, as opposed to being stuffed in a box in a career as a doctor, which is more their passion, not mine. What should I do? I feel like I am
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If they sense you doubt yourself or this path then that gives them permission to do the same. In the end it is we who telegraph to people how they should treat us. It sounds like it might be time for you to really “grow up”. I’ll bet it would be a huge relief to come clean! And to circle back to honesty and authenticity… I feel that if they are paying your rent you really do owe it to them to tell them the truth. If they pull out the support then you’ll just have to find a way to make it work… and you’ll really find out how dedicated and devoted to this path you truly are! It seems like it was easy for you to follow your heart when it came time to choose pursuing the arts over going back to school. Well sometimes it’s not easy to listen to the promptings of your heart
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but always worth it! So I’ll bet that means telling your parents the truth. Good luck to you Laura! Remember to follow your heart in all ways may the force be with you! Big love, Laura
Dear Laura, I’m 35, not married, am a nurse but really want to be a singer. I watch all the reality shows; the Voice, American Idol etc and I dream about quitting my job and trying out. I live in a fairly small town in the Midwest and I’ve never done anything that wasn’t safe. I dated my high school sweetheart until he asked me to marry him 4 years ago and I just couldn’t. I want to go to Europe or New York or anywhere where nobody knows me and I can wear something cool and sing in a bar or pub or something. I feel like I sound crazy and I know its fear but I can’t seem to make a change. What should I do? Should I quit everything and dye my hair lavender and run away? (heehee just kidding)
I’m also pretty sure it never occurred to you that if you actually can sing, which I’m assuming you can, there are a lot of people out there that would probably get a lot of hearing you. How are we being cheated by you not following through and listening to your heart and souls desire? And at the end of the day, your old life..your old job… Nursing etc. will always be there waiting for you in the wings if for some reason your dreams fail you. But I’m pretty sure that’s not what’s going to happen! But the bottom line is you’ll never know unless you go for it! I say you go to Sally’s Beauty Supply, get yourself a box of lavender hair dye, and book that ticket to the Big Apple baby!!! Good luck on American wienie and “May The Force Be With You!” Big love, Laura
All American Weenie
Dear All-American Weenie The funny thing is, that the last thing you said in your letter is the very thing that you really long to do right? Sounds like you’re even actually aching to break out and sing! I have many clients that have a way of neutralizing something profound and powerful they have just said, by putting a disclaimer before or after it! Like you did with the parentheses that say (“hee hee just kidding”!!) Life is short AAW, and like the old adage says, “this ain’t no dress rehearsal!” One of the first questions we ask clients on an interview we give them when we start coaching is this: What accomplishments do you think must occur during your lifetime so that you will consider your life to have been satisfying and well lived—a life of few or no regrets? Though we ask many more questions, this is probably the only one we really need. Another way of saying it is “who is that you must become in this world to feel like you have lived a life with fewer no regrets?” It does not sound like being a successful nurse is lighting your lights!? It does however sound like being a singer and moving to a more exciting place on the planet totally like your lights! Most things worth having are experiencing come along with some form of risk. What are you willing to risk in service of your dreams AAW?
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Photographer/Ash Gupta Stylists/Stevi Singleton and Jordan Davis Make and Hair/Lashelle Ullie Models/ Natasha Lovaski and Claudia Ram贸n
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Eco-Haute
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Fatim Bahh
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n thinking about a lifestyle theme for our fashion issue, it became clear to me that today’s fashion market has something unique to our times. We recycle plastic, paper and glass as habitually as we brush our teeth and discuss global warming from classrooms to dinner tables. We’re hyper aware of waste and today’s fashion is reflecting these issues. I call it Eco-haute, a term I use to salute today’s environmentally aware fashion designers.
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Eco Pet Handbags was created to blend design and fashion with environmental and social awareness. LA based designer and artist, Laura Ambrosio Shnitzer, implements eco minded concepts and materials to create artistically innovative, fashionably chic and one of a kind products. “I hope that my work will help bring about awareness while delivering a unique, artistic and aesthetically pleasing product to consumers”. Using environmentally friendly materials, this handbag line is made from pet food bags that come directly from the consumer and other repurposed and recycled materials which can at times include things such as vintage fabrics and accessories or even seat belts from automobiles. All of Laura’s designs are unique and one of a kind creations with a variety of styles to suit all occasions. Eco Pet Handbags is more than a fashion statement - it’s a movement, dedicated to helping the planet and saving the lives of animals around the globe through creative and innovative design, one bag at a time! A large percentage of the proceeds from each sale are donated to animal shelters and rescue organizations and all of the products are made locally here in Los Angeles. I asked Laura about her background, inspirations and her artistic process. Her enthusiasm for her work, as well as her wonderful story about how she came to design and create her inspired handbag collection, is a lesson in awareness. “I came to Los Angeles from New York where I was born and raised. I was born in Queens and lived there until my teenage years. My family moved upstate to the country where I later went to University having a focus in fashion design and merchandising. At that time I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to do so I moved across country and came out to Los Angeles.” I wanted to know why particularly animals - and
why combine that cause and her love of fashion? “Looking back now I realize that by living in the country in my early years I developed a deep appreciation and love of nature, laying the foundation of my environmental activism. Issues surrounding global warming and how we treat our planet are very important to me and usually come out in my creative work. I’ve always been passionate about animals as well, always bringing home stray cats and dogs to my mother’s surprise but not necessarily delight. I had an interest in fashion and design early on but also knew that there was something else I was still searching for so I didn’t finish my degree in New York but many years later in Los Angeles where Eco Pet Handbags was born while taking an environmental art class. When I moved to Los Angeles and throughout my time here, my creativity blossomed and evolved enabling me to incorporate more of who I am and allowed me to find a depth in my creative work that is a better expression of who I am. Always having a spirit of wanting to change the world, I was never someone that liked the standard or the norm. The unusual and unique inspire me and that, combined with social or environmental awareness, is how I create. It’s great that something is beautiful but it’s even better if it carries a deeper message. I think it’s always important to stretch the imagination and creating something that hasn’t been done before stretches my imagination and inspires me. This is definitely my aim; a lot of my work has that theme. I consider myself a sustainability artist as well as a designer because Eco Pet Handbags and other creative things I’ve done include that element.” Laura’s story stirs a creative and conscious pulse that makes me want to go Vegan and sust ainability artist is my new favorite term for this passionate work. Her bags are funky and stylish and quite intricate, so my next question was this… “Where do you get your design ideas 63
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and almost collage-like details used on each bag?” “Re-purposing and recycling probably go back to my childhood. When I was a child my grandmother would always take me to flea markets, antique shops and auctions, what she termed “junking” and I think that influenced me a great deal. I love all things 64
vintage and that excitement about not knowing what you’re going to find, finding something with amazing design, color or lines that is no longer done has always inspired me and carries through in my line because every bag is different, my bags are all one of a kind in some way. Sometimes I’ll line my bags with fabric that was once a fantastic vintage dress or silk kimono or sometimes I’ll adorn a clutch with vintage jewelry, I
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might use seat belts for a strap or recycled ribbons from a Swiss chocolate box. This adds to the uniqueness of the bag and not only inspires me but the consumer as well and that makes me happy. My handbags take a lot of time to create and are very well made, locally made here in Los Angeles. This is also important to me, as well as another dimension of the line, keeping jobs in America. Creating this line of handbags is a process that goes beyond just me. Through collecting the bags from the community, working with a team that helps turn my creativity into a finished end product to the final step of the consumer purchasing my creation is an entire process that includes giving back and the consumer is a big part of this process. I give a percentage of every sale to animal shelters, another important element to me, giving back. By donating part of the proceeds of every sale to animal shelters, the consumer is also giving back. Creating something different that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional while helping the environment and animals in need, makes me do what I do and I hope my work inspires not only me but you too. This isn’t just any bag, when you support Eco Pet Handbags, you are making a statement that goes beyond function and aesthetics. You’ll look great and feel great knowing you are helping to change the world, one bag at a time! I have two magnificent rescue dogs! One is a curious, determined red golden retriever mix named Lola who always seems to have a smile on her face and the other is a brown mixed beagle and pit bull lover pooch named Barney who is a senior now but refuses to believe it. I love them dearly!� www.ecotpethandbags.com
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