Winter 2014 by So Ultimate

Winter 2014

Regina Pearl | Lavar Hair Designs Specializing in Healthy Hair! Natural Hair, Protective Styles, Flat Iron Press, Relaxed Hair, Precision Cuts, Versatile Color and MORE… 134 West 72nd Street 2nd Floor New York, NY 10023  212-724-4492  www.lavar.com @hairgirlreginapearl (#hairgirlreginapearl)  @lavarhair (#lavarhairdesigns)  Receive 25% off when you mention UTS!

V To All the makers, entrepreneurs, educated shoppers, trendsetters, tastemakers, stylists, writers, content creators, and professionals of every walk of life: This season we celebrate our five year anniversary, a journey we couldn’t have done without YOU! You helped define our style, strengthen our network, and most importantly created a platform for all of this to manifest in to the Ultimate experience.

In our five year existence, we've quadrupled the number of vendors and attendees, affiliated with an impressive cast of sponsors, given a platform to hundreds of ideas, concepts, brands, artists, products, projects and passions. We’ve garnered a valuable following and a wealth of knowledge and resources through your support. So, here’s to looking forward to the next five years and beyond! Thank you!

Team UTS

facebook.com/clb.uts | @clb_uts | @clb_uts theultimatetrunkshow.com | #theultimatetrunkshow | #soultimate

SPEAKS 198 LANGUAGES. WITH A SLIGHT DUTCH ACCENT.

HIGHLIGHTS

PAGE LISTINGS

PHOTO CREDITS

1. ABOUT UTS

COVER SHOOT: CREATIVE DIRECTORS: RAMOTA MUSTAPHA, KATIRIA POWELL, KATHERINE MATEO // MODEL: AALIYYAH HARRIS // STYLIST: KATHERINE MATEO // HAIR STYLIST: VALERY MATEO // FASHION ASSISTANT: SHELLY GEORGE // MAKEUP ARTIST: KATHERINE MATEO // WARDROBE: TASTE OF MODISH INK

4. SO ULTIMATE SPOTLIGHT: NICOLE GIORDANO 6. SHOW LISTINGS 8. VERSES & VERSUS 10. LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE 12. DAPPER CAPITAL: MAN MADE

SO ULTIMATE SPOTLIGHT FABRIC IMAGE: TEXWORLD USA

So Ultimate Spotlight:

Nicole Giordano Founder of StartUp FASHION

he business of fashion is competitive to say the least. Ever changing and evolving, its one of the most visible industries in media and entertainment making a variety of careers in and surrounding fashion some of the most sought after professions in the world. In a fast paced environment of rapid retail and varying tastes, it helps to have the support of a community that can, A-understand your plight and, B-provide you with guidance and direction when in need. Nicole Giordano of StartUp FASHION was able to recognize and fill a void in the market addressing these concerns and providing a much needed network for emerging talent in the fashion industry. She was so kind as to share with us some of her journey in making this all happen. Why did you want to create StartUp FASHION? I have learned over the years that the only way to be truly successful in business is to build a business around the life you want. I started out as a designer, worked in

SO ULTIMATE WINTER 2014

social media, content creation, textile sourcing, and other aspects of the industry. Ultimately, I realized that I had built a business (Startup FASHION) in a way that really complements my lifestyle, which was an awesome realization to come to. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that the traditional TH EU LT I MAT ET R U NKS H OW.CO M

path (especially in the fashion industry which if so full of rules and “musts”) is the only way to success. I wanted to help designers figure out what success looks like to them and then help them make it happen.

ven fabrics, and figured out how to make it happen.

What is the best advice that you have for emerging brands and designers? Make sure that you have spent time developing your customer profile in detail. Knowing what your customer cares about, believes in, values, and struggles with will be the most important information you can collect. You cannot effectively sell to someone if you don’t really know who they are. Also, always remember that you’re building a brand, not a company. What are the benefits of joining the StartUp FASHION Community? StartUp FASHION is a place where designers are helping one another, forming friendships, collaborating, letting off steam, sharing victories, and feeling like they belong to a community of people who get it; who are doing it too. It’s a welcoming group, and a place to discover the limitless ways you can build your fashion business. We help you create a path and we give you the guidance to follow that path. How did you get your start in the fashion industry? I created it. My background is in textile design, and my love of the fashion industry has always been rooted in the craft of the industry. I decided I wanted to launch an accessories collection using my hand wo-

How did you transition into providing market consultant services? It was pretty natural, actually. I had DIYed my way through marketing my own designs (over 10 years ago) by leveraging the “new” technology of social media and content creation. Other emerging brands asked for my help and I realized how much I loved helping them. Do you have any future expansion plans for StartUp Fashion? Yes! We’re rolling out our Community Connector program in cities around the US; our most active and excited members holding networking and educational events in their own city, all sponsored by StartUp FASHION. It’s been so exciting to learn about the needs of designers in a variety of geographical locations. We really believe in the need for offline community as much as we believe in the need for online community.

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SHOW LISTINGS SHOP FLOOR (MAIN LEVEL) All Inclusive Girl

LIBRE BRAND –

B Jewel, Inc

FREEDOM OF FLYNESS

Bella Amore

LOVEFATU

Chic By Choice

More Life Apparel

Clothes Minded Clothing

My Angel City Boutique

Dirty Razkal

Patron XO Café Bar and

D. Leak Leather Bowties

Photo Booth

Eins Wear Cloth. Co.

Pierre Leather

Enyo Clothing

PURPLE & CHROME

Fanny J

Clothing Co.

Fashionable Fits

Reddera, Inc.

Franklin Shoe Supply

Saintly Bags

G Fox & Co.

Studio 15

Garner’s Garden

Taper Me Bad

Haute Crave Boutique

TEKKIES

Heirport Apparel

The Sweet Love Company

Just Be Dope

TNEMNRODA

Konfidential Clothing, LLC

Warren Peace

Lily and Eve GALLERY (GROUND LEVEL) Artful Muse

Lashem

Colour Gossip (Nail Bar)

Unlimited Soles

Ecosoleution

Patron XO Café Bar

Finger Lakes School of Massage

Yelp

Gentlemen’s Quarters

*Guest Services

(Sponsored by Heineken)

*Restrooms

Groomsmen

SO ULTIMATE WINTER 2014

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COMING TO THE ULTIMATE TRUNK SHOW SPRING 2015! curluxenaturals.com

@lovecurluxe

curluxenaturals

VERSES & VERSUS

WITH KACEY FROM BLACK ALLEY Photography by Sebastian Martin

or more than five years now, the band Black Alley has been pushing the art of music to its rhythmic limits. Black Alley is considered a hood-rock collective from the nation’s capital that includes seven members-lead singer (Kacey), keyboardists (Glenn and Mack), bassist (Josh), drummer (Animal), rock guitarist (Ant), and percussionist (Bo Beedy). Black Alley has been honored to share the stage with such artist as Common, Wale, Drake, Busta Rhymes, and Scarface. “We all come from different backgrounds in music like rock, soul, jazz, and hip-hop, which makes our sound and chemistry so original,” said Kacey. We recently sat down with Black Alley's leading lady, Kacey who took a break from singing verses to playing a game with us called “versus” aka which would you prefer? We wanted to get to know Kacey a little better outside of her on stage alter ego that easily provokes the audience to dance with her all night while enjoying Black Alley's sound, which is like no other. Instagram & Twitter: @weareblackalley | Web: blackalleyband.com

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1. Heels vs. Flats vs. Sneakers 2. Paris vs. New York

3. Neptunes vs. Black Eyed Peas 4. The View vs. The Real vs. The Talk

5. Michael Jackson vs. Prince 6. Aretha vs. Pattie vs. Tina

7. Vogue vs. Harperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bazaar

8. Urban Outfitters vs. H&M

9. MTV Video Music Award vs. Billboard Music Award (which

award would you rather take home)

1. SNEAKERS 2. PARIS

3. NEPTUNES

4. THE REAL

5. NOT FAIR (LOL) 6. TINA

7. VOGUE

8. URBAN OUTFITTERS 9. Billboard Music Award

Last Night a DJ Saved My Life

Top 5 Ways To Get the Party Started With DJ Tiff McFierce

s a maestro of celebrations, rising DJ Tiff McFierce always has to be on top of her game, making sure the vibe is right for each event she spins. Every scene is different, and a DJ never knows what to expect when it comes to the crowd and their musical preference. But, Tiff McFierce has had plenty of experience, spinning for a variety of clients such as NBC, Atlantic Records and Essence; as well as NYC hot spots, The DL, The Gilded Lily and Cielo to name a few. She’s able to fuse her early musical influences – “from hip-hop to reggae to dance music and pop” – with today’s Top 40 hits to create the perfect atmosphere for her crowds. “I'm blessed to have such a love for music and an appreciation for all genres,” says Tiff McFierce. “A good DJ is a music connoisseur, knows their catalogue, and reads their crowd, but can also set the tone with great mixing, transitions, and confidence.” Given her expertise, we at So Ultimate asked Tiff McFierce to share some of her top five tips for really getting the party started. Instagram & Twitter: @TiffMcFierce Soundcloud: Soundcloud.com/TiffMcFierce

First, take a look around and see what's happening. If it's an event where people are supposed to be moving and grooving, I start playing things that will get that reaction. If it's early, then I have to warm them up. I like to get people bopping their heads and singing along to songs. People start to relax when they hear things they like. It's not just about DJing for me. As a creative, as well as a personality and curator of music and a mood, I am the master of ceremonies. And as such, I definitely need everyone to be in a great mood. I get on the mic, introducing myself and coaxing the crowd in with some McFierce-ness. Too much talking takes away from the music, but at an event that calls for it with the right type of setting, I'll say something. You can never go wrong with some old school. People who have heard me play always fall in love with my old school selections. I live for old school! My favorites range from the 70s—the early 2000s, but I can never go wrong with some great 90s tunes. If possible, take requests. I don’t usually do requests but if I’m at a private or corporate event and someone makes requests, I'll do my best to accommodate them. Depending on the setting you can throw on a group dance song – something like the Wobble, Cupid Shuffle or Electric Slide. Those kinds of songs get everyone up and dancing together. SO ULTIMATE WINTER 2014

MARQUI

Stylish & Quality Apparel For Men & Women marquicollection.com

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BUSINESS themathiasgroup.com | contact@themathiasgroup.com

Certified Public Accountants Individual + Small Business NEW YORK CITY — The Mathias Group is an Accounting & Financial Consulting firm. Whether you are an individual looking to keep your income taxes in order, or a small business looking to get to the next level – our services can assist you in getting there. Isn’t it time you had a CPA you could rely on?

CFO / FINANCIAL SERVICES

Accounting Budgets & Forecasting Financial Reporting Consulting

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Business Plans Registration for Partnerships, LLCs, INCs & Not-for-Profits Employer Identification Number SBA Loans

 TAXES  Personal Income Tax Small Business Sales & Use Tax Expatriate

Dapper Capital | Man Made What Made/Makes You A Man?

e didn’t just arrive at our current age or place. Something and or someone shaped us into who and what we are. At some point in the maturation of a boy he must must cross a divide and make the transition into being a man, but what exactly does that mean? What does it mean to be a “man”? What does it take to arrive at manhood and who’s initiating and confirming the younger male population into this frequently referenced state of being and are they doing it right? Who defines the set of values? Who’s giving the cues? Who decides what’s acceptable in terms of behavior, trends to set, follow, denounce or ignore? Who should young men look up to and/or seek validation from? To get a better understanding, we asked a group of men who we feel have a good handle on these things, what made/makes you a man? I can attribute much of my success with my transition from boy to a man to my mother. She is the strongest, caring, confident and dependable person that I know. I believe all of these traits are essential to being a man or great person in general. Her teaching me by example made it easy for me to follow suit and mature at an earlier stage than most of my contemporaries. ~ Laurel Djoukeng Founder & Executive Director – Catalyst Network Foundation Inc.

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I became a man when I realized the power of persistence, owning my situation and always getting back up. You can "mess up" at work, love, friends, family, goals, but you only "fail" if you give up and stop trying to do better. I'm sure once I have a wife and children that will be a heightened level of manhood. ~Rondel Holder Founder, SoulSociety101.com & Creative Genius Branding

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What made me a man was being raised by a single mother. As a child, I was faced with the responsibility of taking care of my little sister as well as learning and helping my uncles with repairing things around the house. I also witnessed how difficult it was for my mother raising two kids on her own. Experiencing life without a father made me realize what I would never do when I have children of my own and to also appreciate women. As I look back on my past, I wouldn't change a thing because I wouldn't be the man that I am today.

What makes you a man is living by design and constantly making improvements to that design. Keeping an open mind and having the courage to think for yourself. Treating babies right, treating ladies lady like, being mentally tough and welcoming challenges. Finding comfort in discomfort, realizing nothing worth having is easy to get or keep. Being an honest representation of all of your experiences good or bad. Being responsible for your actions and reactions, knowing that your environment is your choice and/or a sum of all your previous choices.

~Jamel Runcie Elan Regime – CEO / Owner

~Dean K. Moore Heirport Apparel - Chief Creative

Honesty. Integrity. Stepping up to the plate… no matter how hard or scary the task at hand. Giving back. Paying it forward. Speaking up for those without a voice. Living life with passion. Living life with purpose.

What makes me a man is FAMILY. I received the building blocks from my mother which sparked my high level of drive and determination. With those traits, I strive to provide the best life for my FAMILY.

~Brandon Littlejohn Team Epiphany – Account Manager

~Jamal Momon Dirty Razkal – CEO

Within society, religion, history and even nature; a man’s responsibilities have become well-defined. These can include being the protector of the women in your life, provider for your family, and role model for youth. Not only knowing these responsibilities, but accepting them without reservation is what defines a man.

My family is what makes me a man. Without family a man is working for nothing. Humility keeps me grounded and runs synonymous with being humble. Humility keeps us on our feet. For everything we succeed in we have failed twice that. Without failure you haven't succeeded at anything.

~Jerry McPherson The Mathias Group - Consulting CFO

~Kells Barnett Harlem Haberdashery - Co-Owner

SO ULTIMATE WINTER 2014