LETTER FROM THE EDITOR OUR TEAM FASHION EATS- FOOD AND FASHION DESIGNER OF THE MONTH: Christian Dior STYLE ICON OF THE MONTH: JACKIE O. FALL BEAUTY TRENDS EDITORIAL: MR. AND MRS. JONES DOG & PONY: An Interview with Star Lee
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR Trees shed their green leaves, as vibrant reds and yellows fill their branches. The wind picks up, and there is a frigid nip in the air (if you’re not in Texas anyway). The aroma of apple cider and pumpkins on aisle two signal the advent of the fall season. People stream into the stores and begin cramming their carts with hams, turkeys, and a bunch of items in glistening wrapping paper that will wind up re-gifted. There’s nothing quite like the holidays. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful time to see old friends, or family, but it seems that the holidays have become more commercialized over the past few years. After musing over the November issue, the Spark team and I found ourselves longing for a time when there was time to see, feel, and experience everything despite the stresses and obligations of the day. Instead of taking a cold shower, grabbing a hot pocket in the morning, and rushing off to school, work, or an appointment, you sit down at the breakfast table, pick up a newspaper, and just take a moment to breathe. In this issue, we spent A Day in the Life of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, and revisited an austere age. We interviewed Star Lee, owner of Dog and Pony, who realized there was more to life than the “perfect career”. We indulged ourselves with food and fashion in Fashion Eats, and we took a personal day with Fall Beauty Trends. In a world whirling on its axis, the November issue is about finding the time to take a moment and appreciate the little things in life.
Managing Executive Editor
OUR TEAM
IAN MILAN
Co-Founder, Editor-in-Chief
AUTUMN ASHLEY Co-Founder, Managing Executive Editor
CHRIS NGYUEN
Head of Production, Head Photographer
Writing Staff Andie Salazar Arianna Gazis Ayanna Estelle
PR Staff Jocelyn Lo Emily Gossen
Production Staff Batli Joselevits Roberta Ezquierdo Shirley Luong
Jarie Maldano Lisa Siva Rachel Core
Contacts Bobby Jenkins Jenny Choi
Edited By Autumn Ashley
Food and fashion are the two pillars of French culture, so there is no better place to turn than Paris. If you find yourself admiring the elegant je ne sais quoi of Clémence Poésy and Charlotte Gainsbourg or salivating over creations by Céline and Isabel Marant, try your hand at the legendary chocolate macaroon. A favorite of Marie Antoinette, this dessert is composed of two meringues sandwiching a rich chocolate ganache – guaranteed to make you feel like royalty!
Meringue Shells
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
Chocolate ganache
½ cup almond meal
½ cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
8 oz dark chocolate
2 large egg whites aged*, room temperature
1) Preheat oven to 350° F
2)
Have four baking sheets ready and line two of them with parchment paper.
3)
Using a food processor, blend powdered sugar, almond meal, and cocoa.
The sixties may be over, but its sartorial influence is not. Those who stray toward a boho aesthetic, floral prints, and an overall relaxed vibe can count themselves in good company, namely Anna Sui and Vivienne Tam. Flowing fabrics, eyecatching prints, and earthy colors lend themselves to a carefree, anything-goes attitude that can extend into the kitchen. Enjoy the fruits and vegetables of the season with this hearty soup that pairs creamy butternut squash and crisp apple.
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups butternut squash, diced
1 large shallot
1 apple, diced
1/2 tsp dried sage (optional)
3 cups chicken stock
1) In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it begins to brown, add the shallots and let caramelize.
in the sage, if using. Toss 2) Stir squash and apple to coat, about 1 minute, and add the chicken stock.
to a boil and then reduce the Purée and add salt and pepper to 4) 3) Bring heat. Let the soup simmer for about taste. Garnish with parsley, crème 20 minutes, until the squash is soft.
fraîche, or scallions.
Sometimes, going back to basics is the best. Those whose hearts stop at the sight of the perfect little black dress or crisp, white blouse may gravitate toward the looks at Ralph Lauren and Carolina Herrera for investment pieces that will never go out of style. At the same time, these fashionistas are sure to add their own flair, just like this silky panna cotta, to which a lush hint of lavender adds a twist to an old favorite.
1 tablespoon powdered gelatin Âź cup warm water 2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried lavender buds (1 tablespoon fresh) 2 cups buttermilk
Âź cup honey
1) Place the water in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it.
2) In a large saucepan, bring heavy cream, honey, and
lavender to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the gelatin mixture and buttermilk.
between 4-6 ramekins and let cool for half an hour 3) Divide at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least four hours before serving and top with fresh or poached fruit.
Those fashionistas who appreciate the darker side of the fashion spectrum, experimenting with edgy fabrics and surprising silhouettes, will find kindred spirits in designers Comme des Garรงons and Alexander McQueen. Daphne Guinness leads the pack with her dark panache, and we think she would like this unique seared scallop appetizer. The shellfish is paired with a balsamic reduction, rounded out by a sinfully dark 88% chocolate.
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
salt
1/4 -1/2 oz chocolate (the darker the better)
pepper olive oil
4 sea scallops
1)
In a medium frying pan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil. Reduce the heat and add a chocolate
2) Let simmer until the liquid has reduced by a twothirds. To plate, take a teaspoon of the reduction and lightly trace an arc on the plate.
3) Store any remaining chocolate balsamic reduction, if desired,
and wipe the pan. Heat the olive oil on high. You will want to make sure the pan is extremely hot, so that you sear the exterior of the scallops without thoroughly cooking the inside.
4)
Salt and pepper both sides of the scallops and place in the plan. Let brown on each side, about 1 minute
5)
Transfer two scallops to each plate and serve with a salad.
Men and women with an eye for all that is eclectic and eccentric will no doubt enjoy pieces by Proenza Schouler and Etro, The houses create refreshing looks that challenge the scope of fashion with their vibrant hues, mixed patterns, and unusual shapes. Dutch model Iekeliene Stange is known as much for her eclectic style as her immaculate walk, and her pairing of daring silhouettes and colors translate into bold flavors in the kitchen. This fig and prosciutto crostata, complemented with savory goat cheese and nutty arugula is perfect for mixed print and color aficionados.
All Photos Courtesy of: Style.com, Tooklookbook.com,Polyvore.com, Celine.com, Apocketfulofchocolate.com
1)
2 cups all-purpose flour
balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
5 figs
salt
honey
9 tablespoons cold butter
black pepper
1 egg
2 slices prosciutto
2 tablespoons water
arugula
2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
basil
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar and salt. Cut the butter into the flour and combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add the egg, whisking until combined. Add the water and knead by hand until the dough forms and detaches easily from the bowl.
the dough in half and roll each on a floured surface into a 2) Divide circle about 10 inches in diameter. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375째F. for about 20-30 minutes, or until golden. Arrange the 3) Bake prosciutto around the figs and garnish with fresh arugula and basil.
~Written By
Lisa Siva
BIRTH & LEGACY Christian Dior was born on January 21, 1905 in Granville France. He created one of the world’s most famous couture houses, Christian Dior, and has been named “the perpetual boy of couture.”
Awards Remise de la legion d’honneur a Christian Dior, 1950 Parson’s School of Design Distinguished Achievement Award, 1956 Fashion Industry Foundation Award to House of Dior 1990
EDUCATION Dior studied political science at École des Science Politique, Paris from 1920-1925.
MUSE Christian Dior’s original muse was Dovima, born Dorothy Virginia Margent Jube. Dovima was described as embodying Dior’s “New Look” woman. She became famous from her photograph “Dovima with the Elephants”. This photograph was shot by Richard Avedon, and featured Dovima in a black floor length gown by Christian Dior, surrounded by elephants from a French circus.
MEMORABLE COLLECTIONS His first line debuted in 1947 and became famous, known as post World War II’s “New Look”. The New Look redefined women’s silhouettes and clothing of the time period. He made shoulders smaller and softer, waists tinier, and skirts more voluminous in a time when shoulder pads were all the rage and skirts were typically one layer. During the war clothing and many other necessities were being rationed; however, Dior was designing and producing dresses with voluminous skirts containing lots of fabric. This new, more feminine silhouette pushed Dior to the top of the fashion world.
SPARKINESS To earn extra money during college Dior sold his fashion sketches on the streets for 10 cents each.
LEGACY His first line debuted in 1947 and became famous, known as post World War II’s “New Look”. The New Look redefined women’s silhouettes and clothing of the time period. He made shoulders smaller, waists tinier, and skirts more voluminous in a time when shoulder pads were all the rage and skirts were typically one layer. During the war clothing and many other necessities were being rationed; however, Dior was designing and producing dresses with voluminous skirts containing lots of fabric. This new, more feminine silhouette pushed Dior to the top of the fashion world.
~ By Rachel Core, Edited by Autumn Ashley
It is the way she carried herself in a large crowd, and her effortless style that made our hearts flutter. She was the reason why we stole our mothers’ pearls, and wore our Sunday's best on a Friday. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had a sense of style incomparable to her predecessors and started a revolution that never truly left the fashion industry. Following her marriage to John F. Kennedy, Jackie shook up the fashion industry. As the White house was being restored, Jackie was restoring the integrity of dress for women.
In the fall of 1960, Jackie commissioned Frenchborn American fashion designer and family friend, Oleg Cassini, to create a “new look” for her years as First Lady. Cassini’s first task was her “inaugural look” which consisted of a daring, Day fawn coat and Inaugural gala gown. For every day wear, Cassini designed Aline dresses, clean suits, and pillbox hats. The wardrobe was an overnight success and became known as the “Jackie O” look. Jackie also wore other designs from French powerhouses such as Chanel, Givenchy, and Dior. After her years in the White House, Jackie revamped her style. The inspiration that she picked up from different cultures around the world in places such as India, Europe and Pakistan collided with her wardrobe. Jackie was often seen in bright colors, silk Hermes head scarves and large, dark sunglasses. She also experimented with wideleg pantsuits, large lapel jackets, lots of jewelry and hoop earrings with her hair pulled back. Today Jackie O is more than just a memory. Depictions and traces of her are found in cartoons, books and movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Since the 1960’s Jackie’s large glasses have pervaded our sense of style and Chanel still carries her classic clean suits.
Written by Jarie Malado, Edited by Autumn Ashley
BEAUTY BEAUTY TRENDS BEAUTY BEAUTY Edited By Autumn Ashley
Dark Lips Fall 2010 Luca Luca, makeup artist: James Kaliardos
-
Red Lips Red lips. The classiest of classic makeup looks to date and definitely the most “ladylike”. Dolce & Gabbana used the powerful lip statement and coupled it with a basic, fresh look for the rest of the face.
Fall 2010 RTW, Dolce & Gabbana, makeup artist: Pat McGrath With the rise of the lip stain, they tend to be a little more reliable in not “bleeding” over the outer corners of the lips like lip sticks are notorious for doing.
Luca Luca exudes a goddess-like look with the deep berry lips and an overall bronzed look for the rest of the face.. This rich, dark color makes a statement and is encouraging for us to step outside our comfort zone from the normal nude or red lips usually seen dominating the fall trends..
NATURAL Tip: smudge some of the color you used for your highlighter and outline the inner corners of your eyes for some subtle, but extra pop.
Makeup artist Pat McGrath reinforces her idea of a flawless foundation and a look that brings out the natural beauty, not create it.
Nina Ricci Fall RTW2010 Makeup artist: Pat McGrath -
Marc Jacobs F2010, makeup artist François Nars
This look is an easy one to imitate. The mascara helps outline and define the eye without being too time consuming, while the peachy lip is subtle, but healthy looking.
For Marc Jacobs’ show, the focus was on thick lashes and the new peachy Nars lip color debuting this fall.
Two-Toned
This season Tahari mirrored their models’ makeup after the earthy colors in the line. -
Makeup artist: Bobbi Brown; Tahari during New York fashion week). -
-Color coordinating this way is a chic way to tie your look all together. -
Michael Angel FRTW 2010, makeup artist: Charlotte Willer
The unique reversal of dark and light shades create a very capturing look this fall.
Smoking out the top lid in a navy or plum and lining the bottom with a shimmery gold is sure to be a very entrancing evening look.
Smokey Fall 2010, makeup artist for Chloe, Charlotte Tilbury
This season Chloe’s makeup artist, Charlotte Tillbury, captured the essence of one of the classic fall looks: the smoky eye paired with nude, glossy lips.
This look is so versatile with virtually limitless combinations to match any wardrobe.
Eye Chanel has not failed us this season for making a statement. Aside from Icelandic runways and furry pants, this intense look may be borderline to couture as opposed to for everyday, but it’s still risky and beautiful.
If trying to create this look for yourself, make sure to make these dramatic eyes the main focus-no need for color on lips or cheeks for fear of looking positively abominable.
Chanel, Fall 2010
Cat Eye Chado Ralph Rucci FRTW 2010
Double cat eyes: in addition to the previous eye liner extension to the outer corner of the eye, try mirroring the same line with the dark shadow used in the crease for a more dramatic dimension.
MaxMara F2010, makeup by Tom Pecheux for M.A.C.
-MaxMara’s cat eye is remnant of the ancient Egyptians. While not at dramatized as Elizabeth Taylor’s character in Cleopatra, the thick liner still exudes a look of mystery thousands of years later.
Brow Emphasis
Narciso Rodriguez F2010, makeup artist: Dick Page
Emphasis on your brows is a fresh, simple way to create a defined and clean look.
Here, Narciso Rodriguez used the prominent brows to draw attention to the eyes, even if they are a darker shade than hair.
FRTW 2010, Prada
The trend of the “feathered brow” has been spotted on runways, but none more so than Prada. These ultragroomed, precision eye brows provide a great frame for the whole face.
Brow utensils come in waxes, powders, and pencils so there’s something for everyone to achieve this powerful, yet simplified look.
~ Written by Arianna Gazis
An interview with star lee Edited by Autumn Ashley
or most, vacation might entail kicking back on a white-sanded beach, marveling at the
DOG
iron lattice structure of the Eiffel Tower, or curling up beside a crackling lodge fire while snowflakes swirl outside the window. No matter which flight you catch, the idea of vacation rarely comes with work attached. Surprisingly, Star Lee considers her time spent in Austin, opening and running of her own clothing store in the past few months, an extended vacation. Compared to the hustle of New York, the capital of Texas must seem like a cool sip of water after a marathon. Lee’s shop, Dog and Pony, first opened its doors Sept. 1, 2010 after four months of building, stocking and prepping. In the short seven weeks since it’s opening, people have taken notice and students have embraced the newest addition to the much-loved “drag”. Most business owners struggle to achieve a following in their first months, and so Lee, a veteran of the fashion industry, can’t express her gratitude enough.
Dog and Pony has an indie- urban atmosphere, yet there is something very whimsical about it. From the neon sunglasses strung on a net, draped over twisted limbs of sun-bleached wood to the brilliant colors in a pair of tribal-printed leggings, the store combines whimsy with sophistication and vintage maturity. The floors are a rich wood; the counter is constructed from scuffed red brick. A board propped on top of the counter displays necklaces with rabbit and calf head pendants dangling from chains. “People walk in here and I think what’s interesting is that they can kind of get a sense of me just from being in the store, because it definitely is like my aesthetic,” Star says, dressed in a top whose brothers can be seen hanging on a rack five feet from where she sits. “I feel like people connect to me already before they even talk to me.”
PONY
Though she wanted a career in fashion, design was not her cup of tea.
Growing up as the daughter of a diplomat for the Korean government, Lee’s family was, in a sense, nomadic. From Seoul, South Korea to Washington D.C., her numerous childhood homes make it hard for Lee to give a simple answer to where she is from. Once old enough to live on her own, Lee made her way to Milan to study fashion design for two years at the Italian equivalent of the U.S.’s Fashion Institute of Technology, Istituto Marangoni. It was there she realized that though she wanted a career in fashion, design was not her cup of tea. After a six month interval spent in Austin, where her parents reside, Lee took a leap of faith and relocated to New York City. “I moved up to New York because,
obviously, if you want to work in fashion in the States in any serious capacity, there’s really no other place to do it,” she explained. And for someone with no set plan, the risk paid off. After interning and working at a fashion casting agency for four years, casting shows during New York’s fashion weeks, Lee moved to Alexander Wang for a year. There she climbed her way from intern, to intern manager, and eventually to working in corporate sales communicating with buyers from both small boutiques and larger chains like Barney’s New York. Some might dream of such a career in a successful design company, but for Star this was also not the career she wanted. After five intensive years in the fastpaced city, the twenty-seven-year-old decided the time was right for a break
And for someone with no set plan, the risk paid off.
“I have stuff from L.A., I have stuff from Brooklyn, New York, Sydney, Australia, London.”
and some soul-searching. She caught a flight back to Austin to spend quality time with the family she hadn’t seen in a while. During her time spent sitting back, letting the experiences of the past five years sink in and figuring out her next move, Lee has taken on a side project. With financial and building support from her mother, the concept of Dog and Pony came to life. Lee’s original plan was to stock the racks of the boutique with local Brooklyn brands, bringing a taste of New York and Williamsburg’s indie, DIY movement to Texas. “But then I started looking around and I saw all this other stuff that I like. So it became a mix of whatever I liked from these great little cities,” said Lee. “I have stuff from L.A., I have stuff from Brooklyn, New York, Sydney, Australia, London. I do feel like interesting cities have interesting creators living there.”
This mix is reflected in the name, which is derived from the phrase, “Dog and pony show”. It signifies the store’s freedom from being bound by any specific category of merchandise, but rather is an outlet to carry anything and everything that she likes. Despite straying from her original concept, she still does keep a bit of that Brooklyn home close in the exposed antique brick counter. Lee explains that it was one of the first things she decided the store needed. Though the project only took a few days, it was quite a task bringing the salvaged bricks, each weighing about five pounds, from the Bastrop prison they are recycled from. The counter adds a rustic grunge look to the space and brings her back to her New York influence. Much of the merchandise sold comes from cities she has visited or would like to visit. Some are pieces from brands she knew about previously, but most are new contacts she has
The name is derived from the phrase, “Dog and pony show”, and signifies the store’s freedom from being bound by any specific category of merchandise.
1
Lee explains that she tries to buy from smaller
So what exactly does Dog and Pony carry?
designers to lend them support and because she enjoys being able to communicate personally with them, though it is rarely in person. “People ask me all the time, ‘Did you have to go meet with your vendors in person?’ And these vendors have these markets like in Dallas, like L.A. has a huge one, New York has several, but I’ve never even had to visit any of those. I only met with my Brooklyn vendors in person and for the rest it’s just been a lot of internet contact. It’s really amazing these days what you can do with internet,” Lee says with a laugh. She does admit that her fashion background helps when buying from designers online. From her studies in design, she can judge fairly accurately what a garment in a picture will look like in real life. So what exactly does Dog and Pony carry? Everything from floral printed sunglasses imported from
Australia to triangular pillows screen-printed with Egyptian hieroglyphs. Beyond selling new pieces, she also stocks several racks of vintage clothing at the back of the store. She purposefully combines the new and the old as a representation of the way that she feels people really dress. Her vintage comes from all over the world, from Holland to London, and from her time spent travelling while in school. The vintage sold in the shop is not bought online, as Lee prefers to try it on herself before purchasing. And for those new to vintage buying, she advises both paying careful attention to the quality of the fabric and trying everything on, because something unexpected might jump out at you. Star Lee describes the style of her merchandise as indie and sophisticated, without sacrificing the fun. She references her high-end fashion background as an important part of her current aesthetic that she tries to keep intact, while
Star Lee describes the style of her merchandise as indie and sophisticated, without sacrificing the fun.
Her price point is fewer than two hundred dollars for nearly everything in the store.
not breaking customer’s banks. She claims that her price point is fewer than two hundred dollars for nearly everything in the store. “I really do like that fact that people can come in and find something that they can afford if they really like it,” Star explains. “I wanted to keep it accessible that way.” Perhaps in part due to the accessible price range, the store is also accessible to a wide range of customers. The target market she determined for Dog and Pony is 18-to-35year-olds, but Lee says that many women even older will come through the door and walk out with a purchase. She again cites her attention to details such as fabric quality as an appealing trait to more mature women. But the pendulum swings both ways, and high schools and younger also browse the store. “It’s been great that kind of like anyone
can walk in and find something. Like I have moms coming in here, and they’re about 35, and they’ll bring their daughters in, and they’re like 11, and like they’ll both be able to find something.” Star truly does appreciate her customers. She says without hesitation that her favorite part of this job is getting the opportunity to meet people and get to know them. “I like asking them what they’re looking for and why and being able to find something for them that they feel good in,” she smiles. “It really kind of takes me back to the beginning of why I got into this business in the first place. That’s what I really liked about it you know, like putting something on and feeling different and feeling better and feeling confident and positive. Being
I like putting something on and feeling different, better, confident, and positive.
able to share that with other people is really a gift.” Written By: Andie Salazar, Photos by Chris Nguyen & Balti Joselevitz
CREDITS Special Thanks to:
Wilhelmina Brown: Models www.wilhelminabrown.com
Premiere Realty: Location www.praustin.com Kick Pleat: Clothing
918 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78703-4118
Underwear: Clothing 916B West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78703
Dog and Pony Dog & Pony: 2712 Guadalupe St Austin TX 78705.
Jeffery English: Make-up Justin Plant: Hair
Š2010 Student Fashion Cooperative