SMJ Magazine Special Edition February 2014

Sp Fe ecia br l E ua d r y itio 20 n 14

JOHN ABLAZA: 25 YEARS IN 1 DAY!

Inside: Reports, interviews and on the spot moments Also: Photogalleries, Portraits and Lookbooks

Couture & Culture 2014

Shamcey Supsup: Acquiring Titles

Major

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A VOTE OF THANKS To our Volunteers, Sponsors and Supporters, The curtain falls, the lights go to black, the music stops, but our sincere thank you will remain.

Without your full support, your dedication and your passion, COUTURE & CULTURE 2014 would have never been the success that it was.

You have been part of this endeavor from the beginning until the end.

Our sincerest thank you to everyone.

Claris M. Manglicmot Executive Director/Over-all Production Supervisor and the entire production team of COUTURE & CULTURE 2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Claris Manglicmot Executive Director and Over all Production Supervisor John Ablaza

Director-Philippine Delegation Ron Batas Director-Finance & Communications Boots, Beth, Carel and Gabby Del Rosario Directors - Wardrobe MEDIA Andrew Terry Pasieka Chairperson, Media Ramon Istaris Senior Media Manager Maria Rosario de Leon –Bautista Senior Media Manager (Filipino Media)

HAIR AND MAKE-UP Natasha D Alessandro Co-Chairperson - Make–up Barbara Onwumere Co Chairperson -Hair Mirim Magno and Sunny Tse Senior ManagersHair and make up

WARDROBE AND BACKSTAGE MANAGEMENT Regine Claire Manglicmot Co-Chairperson, Backstage Management (Wardrobe) Kim Mahistrado Co-Chairperson, Backstage Management (Stage Manager)

Peter Payoyo Co-Chairperson, Marketing Maria Olivia Lanado Senior Marketing Manager Marleth Sagun Manager, Ticket Sales

PUBLIC RELATIONS / COMMUNICATIONS Lisandro Palabrica Co-Chairperson, Public Relations Georgina Bencsik Co-Chairperson, Public Relations Pam De Perio Senior Manager VVIP

VIDEOGRAPHY and PHOTOGRAPHY Willy Santiago Co-Chairperson, Videography and Photography Lubin Tasevski Co-Chairperson, Videography and Photography SPONSORSHIP Shelley Jarrett Co-Chairperson, Sponsorship PRODUCTION Elvie Toung Co-Chairperson, Sponsorship Ron Gibson Kim Mahistrado

CHARITIES Portia Lerios Ouano Co- Chairperson, Charities LOGISTICS Sharon Floyd Co- Chairperson, Charities Robert Montenegro Imelda Concepcion VOLUNTEERS John Jamadron Karen Ferguson Co-Chairperson, Volunteers Portia Lerious Ouano Co-Chairperson, Volunteers 6

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Co-Chairperson, Production Co-Chairperson, Production Chairperson, Logistics Co-chairperson, Logistics Senior Logistic Manager

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ImagelLifestylelBusiness SMJ Magazine is a division of Seventh House Publishing Arts. Š 2013

Special Edition 2014 Issue No. 4 Founder & Publisher Shelley Jarrett Editor-in-Chief Andrew Terry Pasieka Art Director Sharean Edwards Fairman Contributing Writers Shelley Jarrett Andrew Terry Pasieka Caroline Dinnall On The Front Cover: Model: Dress/Head Dress: Make-up: Hair: Photo:

Shamcey Supsup John Ablaza Motives Smart Choice Hairstyling Centre Lubin Tasevski

Disclaimer All rights reserved, no part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written permission from the publisher.

We make conscious efforts to ensure complete and accuracy in all editorial content. However, we accept no liability for any inaccurate information. We do not necessary support any products or services advertised herein.

Photographer Lubin Tasevski Contributing Photographers

David Spencer, Sheila Fernandez, Tony Ortega, Jaime Padiernos, Ian Tolentino and Hernan Ayalin Villanueva

Publicity

LIM Media Group Inc.ÂŽ www.sjimagecreations.com

SMJ Magazine is published digitally with limited print editions three times a year.

To advertise in our publication, be featured, or for more information, please contact us at shelley@sjimagecreations.com or visit www.sjimagecreations.com.

For editorial content, contact atp11th@gmail.com. www.sjimagecreations.com

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Contents

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Message from the Toronto Consulate General of the Philippines

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Greetings from the Minister of Multiculturalism

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Personal Message from the Premier of Ontario

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Greeting from the Ontario Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport

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Message from the Mayor of Markham

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Thank You from the Executive Director

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From the Desk of Shelley by Shelley Jarrett

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Shamcey Supsup: Acquiring Titles by Andrew Terry Pasieka

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Highlights from the RUNWAY by Andrew Terry Pasieka

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John Ablaza’s Look Book

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JOHN ABLAZA: 25 YEARS IN 1 DAY!! By Andrew Terry Pasieka

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Back Stage Photo Gallery

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Through the Lens of Lubin Tasevski by Andrew Terry Pasieka

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Red Carpet Photo Gallery

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Co-hosts on The Runway by Andrew Terry Pasieka

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Post Runway Photo Gallery

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Another Perspective by Caroline Dinnall

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Guest Designers Photo Gallery

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Guest Designers: Fanny Ngantcheu and Nana Bediako by Andrew Terry Pasieka

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Celebrity Photo Shoot Gallery

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Jan. 4th Press Conference & Jan. 16th Celebrity Photo Shoot by Andrew Terry Pasieka

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From the Desk of

Shelley

Lights, Camera, Action!!

T

he inspiration for this issue was clearly about the excitement leading to the big day, January 18th, when high fashion would come alive. Couture & Culture 2014 was the culmination of six months of extensive planning and marketing, and it was all worth it in the end.

The SMJ Magazine team has worked tirelessly to put together this special edition and is proud to bring you what took place that evening at Le Parc Banquet Hall in Thornhill, Ontario.

I had the privilege of being introduced to the designs of John Ablaza at Canada Philippine Fashion Week in Toronto last June. I first met John at a private function at the home of the Executive Director Claris Manglicmot, who is a personal friend.

It was then that I learned John would be returning to Toronto to showcase 25 years of all his work. I was flattered that SMJ Magazine was asked to report on this fashion show, to be known as Couture & Culture.

To me this was the perfect collaboration. It gave me an opportunity to learn about another kind of major production. An array of couture fashion, models, make-up and cameras everywhere! It was also about working together with a great group of people building great relationships and watching everyone work towards the same common goal.

Shelley Jarrett and Shamcey Supsup Hair and Make-up: Motives Photography: Tony Ortega

We hope you enjoy the feature stories, revealing interviews, and, of course, pictorial highlights of the evening and preliminary events in January as much as we enjoyed creating and laying it out for you.

Thank you for supporting SMJ Magazine and I look forward to your feedback.

Shelley Jarrett

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Shamcey Supsup: LES

By Andrew Terry Pasieka

T

here’s an old saying, “beauty is skin deep.”

And there is another one: “if you got it, you

got it.” However, in the competitive, complex, and cosmopolitan world of the 21st century, they have been redefined. Today it is “beauty is multidimensional,” and “if you got it, you better do something with it.”

So it has been for Shamcey Supsup. She grew up in the Philippines, trained as an architect, and working on construction sites. Not the place one would expect to find a beauty contestant. Déjà vu “Flashdance.”

Shamcey knew she would be putting her reputation “Making it to the top five was never an ego thing with on the line, and she would have to prove she was me. I didn’t think at the time that I was that much more than just what people saw. So when she won

closer to the crown. I was more concerned about the

the title of Miss Philippine 2011, it was more than an spontaneous question and answer period which was honor. It was an opening to the world stage, one of coming up as part of the finals, and what I would eighty-nine contestants for Miss Universe 2011.

say. I was afraid that people would laugh at me.

As she looks back on it now, just making it into the

Fortunately I got through it and held my own. I was

contest and making new worldwide friends was so relieved that I didn’t care what final position I got.” enough for her. However, Shamcey was in for what

She wound up beating one girl and finished as the 3rd

she called “a bit of a shock” when she was announced runner-up to Miss Universe. Or, looking at it another as one of the final five. Shamcey is smiling but shakes

way, for one year she was considered the fourth most

her head just thinking about it.

beautiful woman in the world! Shamcey said she

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honestly has never thought of herself on those terms.

Doors were open because of her high finish. Tonight she will acquire the title of Celebrity Model in an international fashion show halfway around the world.

Thinking of her educational background, Shamcey said she never thought of herself as a high fashion model. However, with Couture & Culture now part of her resume, she is destined to a bright future in the industry. From hard hat to top hat.

Shamcey Supsup has recently acquired yet another title, that of Mrs. Lee. She was married in December, just two weeks before flying to Canada. How does she feel about spending part of her honeymoon working in Canada?!?

“We are very happy to be here. We have been waiting for some time for this moment, so to spend part of this exciting time in our lives in Canada is very special. I

How is this title different from all the others?

love the cold and snow, although it is colder than we “In all the beauty pageants I was in, although I had the prepared for. Back home in the Philippines we just

support of family and friends it was my fight alone.

have the hot season and the rainy season. We don’t

To gain the title of Mrs. Lee, I had someone else to get

have the four seasons.”

over all the hurdles with.”

Does she and her husband like Canada enough to return?

“We traveled 26 hours to get here, so it would be a major trip to plan. My husband has made inquiries about what kind of work we could do and what are the price of condominiums. I asked him, ‘so you want us to live here?’ Yes, we could return to stay.”

It could very well be that Shamcey Supsup Lee will have another door open and acquire another title that will help them make that decision.

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Runway

Highlights From The

By Andrew Terry Pasieka

which was an accessory to many of his pieces. John made use of headdresses, which really became fun and flamboyant when modelled topless by some of the male models.

Fabric detail was the highlight of Couture & Culture’s main runway event, held on January 18th at Le Parc Banquet Hall in Thornhill, Ontario, just north of Toronto. All three designers featured stunning detail in their presentations, using organic materials or fine man made items.

He then had a brief grey section, to illustrate how a plain color can be brightened up with patterns, especially on some open jackets. By contrast, the next section on assorted color demonstrated the richness that one could bring to a solid color, and how it could stand out even more when offset by a white fur collar or cape.

Fanny Ngantcheu opened the show.

Her “Kweisya” line showcased her African bazin and wax variation of cottons, finished off with bead work and signature headdresses. Horizontal patterns were predominant, as well as flares to the floor.

His most risqué section had to be the men’s bowtie collection, which introduced the audience to the first fashion “look” that is almost entirely couture. Topless male models again

Nana Bediako was the next designer in the spotlight. He traced his African heritage as well, showing a lot of tribal-like bead and shell work on his vest and his jackets. The latter had the broad shoulder and broad lapels Bediako has become known for.

He too, as with Fanny Ngantcheu, brought his version of headdresses to the runway. All his pants were worn to the lower calf with no socks, a throwback to caprice slacks.

Over half of the event was taken up by Headline Designer John Ablaza. His presentation had seven distinct “looks,” starting and ending with white.

The first section could be labelled the “white essence gowns.” He gave a classic touch to the shoulder cape

walking the runway, many barefoot. John’s brown collection for women was the other heavily coutured section, featuring some of the pieces that were showcased leading to this night and at Canada Philippine Fashion Week last year.

The men came back, not entirely topless this time, for the suit and bow tie collection, which was an extension of the earlier section.

An exquisite red collection came next, showcasing more varied cape accessories, and everything emptied into white. The last section was presented like a final burst in a fireworks show, with Shamcey Supsup’s “take-yourbreath-away” headdress and gown the last explosion.

John Ablaza’s ‘piece de resistence.’ Bravo John!

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John Ablaza’s Look Book

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JOHN ABLAZA:

25 YEARS In 1 DAY!!!

By Andrew Terry Pasieka

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t is the morning of Couture & Culture 2014. Inside Le Parc Banquet Hall in Thornhill, just north of Toronto, in the Grand Ballroom, the buzz is starting to build. The make-up team is conducting a meeting. The hair styling team is just getting into position. Photographers and videographers are checking their equipment, checking their lighting, checking their angles. Models are everywhere.

Inside the main dressing room of Headline Designer John Ablaza, we are standing with the man himself. All around us are many of the approximately 100 pieces he will be presenting on the runway tonight. Surrounded by this cavalcade of color, in the relative solitude of the moment, before the pomp and pageantry take control of the day, a thought occurs.

If these gowns could talk, what would they say? About their journey to this point in time? About this showcase culminating twenty-five years in one day? About their creator?

John Ablaza is a man of emotions. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and is not afraid to show it. His answer is not surprising to this writer.

“They would say that I am an artist, and not a business man.

They would say that they carry a little of my love, care, and passion in their material. They would say that none of my imagination was sacrificed in their design. They would say that tonight will be the ‘piece de resistance’ of my career to date.”

Couture & Culture 2014 re-introduces John Ablaza to the GTA. He first ‘blazed’ his way into Canada a scant seven months ago as one of the featured designers in the first Canada Philippine Fashion Week at the Roy Thompson Hall. His career, which had been building steadily up to 2011, went into supercharged mode over the two years preceding these two GTA major events.

In 2011, John was commissioned by the Philippine government to re-create a replica of the life work of Dr. Jose 18

Rizal, affectionately known to his fellow countrymen as ‘the first hero.’ John picks it up from here.

“I was so honored that they picked me over all the other skilled designers from my country. I told the officials that if I was to do justice to this project, I would have to see Dr. Rizal’s collection up close, even to be able to feel the material. I had never copied anyone before. When I am in the middle of designing, I do not look at any fashion magazines so my imagination is not compromised. In this case, I had to know as much about the Rizal collection as I could, so I could challenge myself to replicate it, just as I challenge myself when I am creating an original piece.”

The collection was brought to him in sealed bags, then ripped open for the first time in decades. John describes the surreal experience of seeing first-hand and actually feeling the material designed by ‘the first hero.’

“I spent over twenty hours studying every inch of fabric, every detail. In spite of the fact that I was in an airconditioned room, I was sweating. I am getting goose bumps right now just remembering that time. Here I was, touching the material our national hero had touched.”

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The replica collection was a great success. It was made into a documentary film entitled, appropriately enough, “The First Hero.” John recalled an amusing anecdote from the presentation of the replica collection. Apparently the Philippine Vice-President was granted the request of seeing Rizal’s collection before seeing John’s replicas. John was aghast, thinking any flaws in his final work would surely be discovered. Instead, the V-P paid him the ultimate compliment. Upon inspecting John’s work, he commented that the replica was so good, he thought he was viewing the originals all over again.

Overlapping this honor was an exhausting work that John took on. He spent two years interviewing 64 Filipina-raised international runway models over the past four decades.

Ramp Diva Filipina was the result, an acclaimed book that many of his designer colleagues said needed to be done by one of their own but never thought it would be attempted.

The process took its toll on John. During the interviewing and writing, John became sick on twelve different occasions.

“In the end,” said John, “it was worth it . This is my legacy in print.”

In the midst of these two triumphs were two tragedies, which made those illnesses seem minor.

Fire claimed most of his inventory early in 2012. Included among the losses were shipments of items just purchased by clients. Then late last year came the utter devastation that was Typhoon Yolanda.

Frantic calls were made to and from Canada. Should Couture & Culture be canceled? Should it be postponed?

Despite the complete destruction over several islands in the Philippines and the need to suspend promotion of the event for about four weeks to do a couple of disaster relief efforts

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in Toronto, John was firm. In his own quiet, un assuming way, he insisted that “the show must go on.” He had invested too much time and finances to do otherwise.

That is John Ablaza. Through it all, the creative genius, steeled discipline, and passion has remained undiminished.

He simply says, “I am blessed.”

Before we close off the interview, there are two topics left to discuss. At the press conference on January 4th, John hinted that he would be spending more time in Canada in the future. Any particular plans?

John was pleased to announce that, as a result of his visit to Ottawa earlier in the week to see the Consulate General of the Philippines, he has been commissioned to do a gala fashion show in Ottawa in June for the foreign ambassadors and their wives.

We will end where we started. If these gowns could talk, what would they reveal about the next one? John smiles.

“They would say that the next gown will be my best one yet. And the one after that will be even better!” Almost as if they were in some fashion marathon relay race, passing the torch of greatness, one to another. And when the race is over?

“My dream is that my collection will find their way into museums. I have already been told the my Mangyan couture collection will be mounted in the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. My career has not been about the glamour. I want to leave a legacy of the wonderful work I have been able to accomplish with my people.”

That is the essence of John Ablaza. A gifted and gentle soul.

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Minor

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Pre-Show Back Stage Photo Gallery

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THROUGH THE LENS OF

LUBIN TASEVSKI

By Andrew Terry Pasieka

distraction factor for the performers.

M

eeting Lubin Tasevski is like being taken back to the late 1950s, Greenwich Village, New York or the late 1970s, Left Banke, Paris. You have no doubt you are meeting an artist. Lubin’s flamboyant appearance is offset, however, by the way he approaches his craft. Calm, unassuming, soft spoken, thorough. A mirror image of his personality.

Six months ago he became the official photographer of SMJ Magazine. More precisely, his lens introduced Publisher Shelley Jarrett to the art and fashion world. And now we are talking to him as the official photographer of Couture & Culture 2014. Lubin says the key elements that differentiate a studio portrait of Shelley for an SMJ cover and a major fashion show are action, space, and lighting.

Because of the wall-to-wall presence of models, there is obviously a lot more action than at a solo one must be aware of the action which is not part of the particular shot.

In terms of space, a photographer has to be strategic with how he sets up his equipment and subsequent shots based on the traffic flow of the participants in the event/at the location. This is particularly crucial backstage.

Regarding lighting, the way a photographer sets it up can either broaden or limit the best angles for shots. Whether it be the runway ramp, concert platform, or the theatre stage, natural lighting is the only option because of the

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What are some of the things Lubin looks forward to at an event like Couture & Culture? “No doubt capturing candid moments behind-the-scenes and the excitement backstage. I will be setting up a mini studio backstage so that we can capture each designer’s ‘look’ in one ensemble shot. In addition, I will be doing a lot of individual shots which will be a valuable addition to a model’s portfolio.”

Lubin was in frigid Ottawa a few days before the main event for an on location shoot. What special considerations did he have to take into effect?

“Of course the weather was our main concern. We had to maximize the models comfort by keeping them warm and covered until the last minute. When a model signs on for a major event such as this, you have to expect less-than-ideal shooting conditions at some point.”

Finally, what will Couture & Culture do for Lubin Tasevski’s own portfolio?

“Well, in the past I have had to manage small crews of photographers at weddings and anniversaries. I have co-directed fashion shows before, but this is the first one I have managed on my own. I must ensure that each photographer gets the shots they want in a timely manner with a minimum of stress for all concerned.”

There is no doubt that Couture & Culture will be a visual success with Lubin Tasevski behind the lens.

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Red Carpet Photo Gallery

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Co-Hosts on The

By Andrew Terry Pasieka

A

s co-hosts, Samantha East and Gaspar Magistar could not be any more different.

She is a graduate of the Ryerson Radio & Television Arts program, worked for CBC as a producer, and is now freelancing as a journalist and hostess.

He is an architect by trade, a mystical talent director by passion, and a host of corporate and special events.

Samantha is an only child, and says she has always been a bit of a ham, pushed on stage by her parents, developing an appreciation for the art of storytelling along the way.

Gaspar has had a fascination with nature’s language and the wonder of the human form, the ultimate masterpiece of computer and architecture.

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the Philippines which caught the eye of a member of the Couture & Culture executive team. Gaspar was recommended by another member of the team. He has been heavily involved in environment preservation for the past twenty-five years and thought it provident that he is co-hosting a fashion show whose chief designer uses organic materials to create couture fashion.

How do they feel being a part of Couture & Culture 2014?

Samantha says she is honored to be part of something that is so well organized and professionally run. Gaspar has been impressed with the spirit of community among the participants and their excellent representation of Canada’s multicultural mosaic.

Finally, what does this event do for their resumes?

Samantha jokes, “it looks good on me. I get to eat and be on the runway anyways!” Gaspar effuses, “I literally live for evenings such as these. I am counting down the minutes and believe we are in for an enchanted evening.”

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Post Runway

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Photo Gallery

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Couture & Culture

Another Perspective

By Caroline Dinnall

C

reativity, talent and unity. The three key words that describe what transpired on January 18th at the Couture & Culture Gala Fashion Show, an event that would bind diverse nations together as one and spread hope to the less fortunate.

Featured designer John Ablaza says he counts it a blessing to be back in Toronto, his “second home” to showcase his work and create livelihood for others. Ablaza has become known for his heavily detailed original designs.

You may wonder how one man could be so creative and effective with his clothing line in a world where fashion is repetitive and duplicated. Ablaza says that his connection and appreciation for the visual arts is the result to his line’s uniqueness.

“Every year I go to a different country for more inspiration.

But I don’t go to stores and shops; I go to museums. I find that those inspire me the most,” he said.

As an additional strategy to set himself apart from other designers in the fashion industry, Ablaza uses raw materials from his home country in the Philippines. His high demand for raw materials creates jobs for the people who harvest them.

Extravagant bridal and evening gowns created excitement, but none compared to Ablaza’s closing piece worn by Shamcey Supsup, 3rd Runner Up of Miss Universe 2011.

She modeled a white goddess gown with a large train following, along with a royal bedazzled crown.

Immediately after the finale, guests, family and friends flooded Ablaza back stage to congratulate him on a job well done. The crowd became thick around him in just moments. But there was one special person, no matter how small she was, who managed to push through and land safely into the arms of her hero. It was John Ablaza’s neice, Carol, who burst into tears while greeting her uncle after the show. She says the fashion show was one she will never forget.

“I look up to my uncle so much, he inspires me. I want to be a fashion designer, so it’s a privilege to be here and see him honored in this way. I’m so happy for him, this is such an emotional experience,” she says.

Ablaza’s message to all of his supporters: “Put your heart and mind into what you love.”

And this is exactly what he did— extending love and making a difference all at the same time, all to improve the living conditions of his people in the Philippines— one event at a time.

“I’m so happy to have created so many jobs for those in the Philippines,” said Ablaza.

One of his concerns regarding the state of the fashion industry is that although designers in regions such as Asia and Africa have outstanding talent, they are not as appreciated or recognized at the same level as those in North America. He hopes that Couture & Culture 2014 will begin to change that perception.

On the night in question, Executive Director Claris Manglicmot welcomed the hundreds of guests and sponsors who attended. After a mass prayer and singing of the national anthem, the fashion show officially began.

A plethora of lights flash simultaneously on models as they strut their way to the top of the runway. As John Ablaza’s designs come out, the audience cheers and claps in amazement of the intricate details of each garment that goes past them.

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Guest Designer Photo Gallery

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GUEST DESIGNER

GUEST DESIGNER

FANNY NGANTCHEU

NANA BEDIAKO

By Andrew Terry Pasieka

By Andrew Terry Pasieka

F

B

anny Ngantcheu was born in Cameroon and raised in Paris before coming to Canada. Her influences therefore are a unique blend of her African heritage and Parisian flair. Her goal is to bring African fabrics and designs to the mainstream North American market to wear for all occasions.

She uses two variations of 100% cotton that are simply woven together differently. Called bazin textiles and wax, she began to create her own style with these fabrics, mixing with them trends she had observed from Paris’ designers.

Friends and associates were impressed, and suggested she should design her own line to market. Fanny celebrated ten years of designing by launching her “Kweisya” line last year. The word means “mixture” in Cameroon.

Even though her style was conceptualized in Paris, Fanny feels her styles will resonate more in the multicultural mosaic that is Canada.

“People have been so open about embracing Kweisya that I know this is the right country to be marketing the line.

Different cultures are modeling my pieces, so it makes it easier to sell it to different cultures.”

Her presence in Couture & Culture is opportune as well.

“I can see my work expand into yet another significant cultural community (Filipino). Also, my presentation on the runway will be worn by the most culturally diverse group of models I have ever used.”

Fanny Ngantcheu, as vibrant a designer as the colors from her homeland of Cameroon that appear on the runway.

orn in Ghana, Nana Bediako came by his interest in fashion naturally. His mother was a seamstress and his grandmother sold fabric.

However, the clothing industry was dominated by women with no real demand for high end fashion, so Nana first decided to develop his passion for design by studying architecture. The true nature of his passion would not be satisfied until he entered Accra Academy in Ghana where took art training.

By the age of 16, Nana had his own clothing line of jeans called Loggiz Wear. He had his parents’ support, but they preferred he be trained in a more traditional profession.

Whether or not his response was to move to Canada in 2005, the result was that he was freer to follow his own pursuits. In the short eight plus years he has been here, Nana graduated from the University of Waterloo’s Fine Arts program, and is currently melding tailoring with painting as part of the Fashion Design program at the Academy of Design, RCC Institute of Technology.

He had a first showing in fall 2012 and called it Shaka Zulu.

The aim was to mix the African tribal man/bold colors and patterns, with the Canadian business man/European tailoring. He has continued on the theme of African power dressing at Couture & Culture, using embroidery, beads, and shell embellishment typical of African tribes.

“They are symbols for kings and warriors,” says Nana, “but what makes my outfits fit so well in this event is the use of organic and decorative material in a similar way to what John does with his outfits.” (Headline Designer John Ablaza) Nana Bediako: a good fit at Couture & Culture!

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Celebrity Photo Shoot Gallery

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January 4th

By Andrew Terry Pasieka

T

he hype leading up to Couture & Culture’s main event on January 18th began two weeks earlier on January 4th. A press conference was held at the 1812 Club, a cozy downstairs hideaway at Thomson Hotel in downtown Toronto.

Caribbean Headline News was present, taping onthe-spot interviews with Chief Designer John Ablaza, Executive Director Claris Manglicmot, and executive team member Shelley Jarrett, Publisher of SMJ Magazine.

Keynote speakers at the press conference included Ablaza, Manglicmot, and Interim Place’s Manager of Development Farheen Khan. Interim Place has been finding a safe haven for abused women and children for over thirty years, and is one of Couture & Culture’s charitable partners.

January 18th

By Andrew Terry Pasieka

T

he Vogue Supper Club, in the heart of Toronto’s trendy Liberty Village, was the setting for Couture & Culture’s second January event on the 16th.

Chief Designer John Ablaza and Celebrity Model Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up were present, as were most of the models who will be hitting the runway on January 18th. The females strutted their gams in stillettos and the males bared their pecks and ‘six-packs’ for photo journalist and photo enthusiast cameras alike.

All proceeds raised during the evening, from the entrance cover charge to the fee for taking a photo with one of the ‘stars’ of Couture & Culture, went towards the two official charitable partners for the event, Mississauga-based Interim Place, and the Mangyan Tribe from the Philippines. www.sjimagecreations.com

SMJ Magazine | Special Edition 2014

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Press Conference Photo Gallery

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SMJ Magazine | Special Edition 2014

www.sjimagecreations.com

www.sjimagecreations.com

SMJ Magazine | Special Edition 2014

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SMJ Magazine | Special Edition 2014

www.sjimagecreations.com