settles the score j uly 2014
8 STATUS MESSAGE 10 MASTHEAD
STATUSPHERE 13 THREADS 18 SETTING 19 BRICK & MORTAR 20 SCREEN 21 INK 22 BEATS
GADGETS
23 TECH PACK: wrist taker The future is right at your wrist.
BEAUTY
25 FACE PAINT: AU NATURALE Feel free and bare it all.
27 ABOUT FACE: BREWED GAL
13
Espresso yourself.
27 BEAUTY BITE: NAIL&CO.
FASHION
STREET STYLE
28 GO SEE: DRESS TO IMPRESS Always be prepared.
31 STYLE ID: DENIM JEOPARDY The ultimate fashion blues.
VISION BOARD
32
PHYSICAL ATTRACTION
Let your body talk. By Nicolas Le Forestier
39 IMMACULATE INFATUATION A divine allure. By Vincent Alvarez
46 street empire Claim territory. By Ciara Crocker
SHOPPING GUIDE
53 SWAG: AcceSSory SpeciAl The exclamation point of an outfit.
54 SWiNG AND SHoUT Skirts
55 FAbric FANATic Scarves
56
32
head over heels Pointy Heels
57 OH MY
Jumpsuits
58 TAKE SHADE Shades
59 PREPPY GOOD Khaki Pants
60 WHY SO SERIOUS Longsleeves
61 BLACK REIGN Snapbacks
FEATURES MUSE
63 SIMPLE BEAUTY
Past a little hesitation and self-doubt, Ine Neefs shows that she is right where fashion needs to be as she goes from country to country via the catwalk. By Victoria Herrera
MAESTRO
65 ROYAL PAINS
Taking on the world as princes, The Royal Concept shows that fun is the same in any language as they spread their synthpop love in every corner of the globe. By Janroe Cabiles
66 sAfe sPAce fOR cOnfLIct
Caught in an array of emotions that drove singer Owen Pallett to an escalade of musical and personal breakthroughs, In Conflict promises to be an album that allows for a safe space. By Janroe Cabiles
66 DREAMING FOR A LIVING
In the wake of a dream that inspired his debut album, Pell deciphers his visions and everyday phenomenon above the “oversaturated mediocrity” he walks in. By Kitkat Ramos
67 DANCERS IN THE DARK
Basking in the comfort of sadness, The Drums found themselves alone together again. With a third album slated for release anytime soon, the beat of this pair has never been this in tune. By Pola Beronilla
68 LOST IN SEDUCTION
From cinematic live performances, debut albums, to working on breaking out into screens, Sinyma entices their audiences to a larger scale of sensical productions. By Ken Rafiñan
settles the score j uly 2014
MASTERMIND
69 cARnIvALe Of stYLe
Fashion illustrator Natalia Jhete brings life to characters inspired by the industry’s most important labels to create a fantasy that mixes imagination, perception, and beauty. By Janroe Cabiles
70 thOROugh tRAcK
As the head designer of California shoe label, Thorocraft, Gian Altomari proves that you don’t really need to worry about what path you are on as long as you’ve hit your stride. By Olivia Estrada
71 On the OtheR sIDe
After enjoying being the subject of the camera’s flash, music and fashion photographer Daniella Rech’s vision comes full circle as she explores the images beyond what we see on film. By Jonnah Dayuta
72 SAME CIRCUS DIFFERENT CLOWNS
Life’s a circus and Austin Peters knows this as he creates music videos for artists like HAIM, Bastille, and Tuls, putting them over layers of nostalgia, hazy moments of excitement, and most importantly, of reality. By Kitkat Ramos
82
73 OPTICAL CONCLUSIONS
For illustrator Avery Nejam, art is not just about rendering images faithful to reality, it’s about examining what makes these celebrity personalities largerthan-life. By Olivia Estrada
about the cover
HEAVY HITTER
74 DEAR KARMA
Photographer Isaac Sterling captures Nick Wechsler in the City of Angels as the actor, who takes off his funny pants for the serious role of Jack Porter from the hit series Revenge, bides his time on his thinking chair, carefully plotting his next move, because revenge is a dish best served cold.
Revenge star Nick Wechsler is that honest, loyal, and boynext-door type of guy in a drama series full of twists, schemes, hatred, and liars. Though he originally planned to be a comedian, Nick still has the last laugh as his acting career makes a payback in our television screens. By Pola Beronilla
82 THE COMEBACK KID
Introspective rapper Asher Roth leaves his college boy persona for a hazy return. Rehashing the hippie persona in his second LP, the Pennsylvania native produces RetroHash inspired by LA’s three Ws: women, weed, and weather. By Ken Rafiñan
84 FROM YOUR SCREEN TO YOUR STEREO
From viral videos of awkward backyard dancing and perfectly choreographed treadmill hopping, Alt rockers Ok Go have killed the radio star and have won the Internet. Back with a bigger appetite with the release of their fourth studio album Hungry Ghosts, these kids are alright. By Pola Beronilla
BLOCK PARTY: YOUTH IN REVOLT
They drink to youth and hold fast to the truth of portraying the characters that we love.
86 RILEY SMITH 87 HALEY RAMM 88 WESAM KEESH
EVENTS
NIGHTVISION
91 BEST WEEKEND EVER 92 PROJECT H @ hyve 92 jeremy scott slumber party
93 NIGHT SWIM - BACK AGAIN 93 tue live crew @ Aracama 94 prime time malibu prom 94 saturday night hyve 95 social saturdays @ Aracama 95 friday night hyve
MORE
96 DIRECTORY STATUS INVADES
98 YOUR EVIL TWIN
Twinsies An and En Estrada doubles the fun as they explore the world, two flashes at a time.
99 THE BACK ISSUE
Once you go back, you never go
statusmagonline.com
Blogsphere
the pulse of hip at your fingertips
go see
we’re all models off duty. smize!
FEATURES
there’s more to what’s in print
NightVision
who’s spotted partying where
Photo Diary confessional for lensmen
Digital Magazine DOWNLOADS STATUS in pixels, not paper
free mixtapes and wallpapers
STATUS MESSAGE
Nick Wechsler (74)
settles the score T
he beauty of a comeback is that it’s always better than the first time around. Whether it’s on our screen or in our playlists, we love seeing people return stronger than ever before. (Rocky film series anyone?) So what is it that keeps us cheering for the heroes and heroines to hit success once again? You’ll see it inside the pages of our Comeback Issue. California-based actor Nick Wechsler made a major impact when he entered our TV screens in ABC’s Revenge. But he’s no stranger to the small screen as he’s been seen in other hits like Rosewell, Tru Calling, and Lie To Me. Now on a hit series, he shares with us what constantly motivates his acting and what he does to increase his chances of success in Hollywood. At one point in 2009, rapper Asher Roth was in major rotation on MTV and radio stations around the world thanks to his unofficial college fraternity anthem, “I Love College.” With the release of his second album RetroHash, he recounts his creative process as well as why he chooses not to get caught up in the fast life. We also got to interview OK Go, a band who reached viral YouTube heights with their quirky, clever, and highly choreographed music videos. When at first this style seemed to be a career killer, it has now changed the way music videos are made. Back with a new album Hungry Ghosts, we are excited to check out their new look, sound, and dance moves. We’ve also gathered our favorite actors on primetime–Riley Smith (True Blood), Haley Ramm (X-men: The Last Stand), and Wesam Keesh (Awkward)–in Block Party’s Youth in Revolt to see how they stay in the game. It seems that if you live your life with drive, passion, and resilience, what goes around the first time will comeback better the second time.
Editor-in-chief
Asher Roth (84)
OK Go (84)
contributors statusmagonline.com Rosario Herrera
@RosarioHerrera
art director Paolo Geronimo graphic designers Nyael David
@PaoloStroodles @nyaels @bryanarcebal
fashion editor Loris Peña editorial assistants Pola Beronilla
@_dizzyrizzy @HiMyNameIsPola @janroetheboat @angeladedios @MsOliviaSylvia @KitKatRamos
editor-in-chief
Bryan Arcebal
ISAAC STERLING
LA-based photographer Isaac is a real heavy hitter shooting all three of this month’s major features Nick Wechsler (73), Asher Roth (82), and OK Go (86). Though he has developed a “relaxed, cool, and youthful” style in photography, when he’s not busy snapping celebrities at their finest, he can be found “destroying fools on the tennis court.”
Janroe Cabiles Angela de Dios Olivia Estrada Kitkat Ramos
account manager junior account managers
Dan Buenaventura Gabrielle Bailon Chynna Lemi
@danbuenaventura @gabybailon @chynnalemi tweet us!
contributing writers
Jonnah Dayuta, Victoria Herrera, Ken Rafiñan contributing artists
Vincent Alvarez, Sean Armenta, Audrey Brianne, The Cobrasnake, Ciara Crocker, Ronan Espadero, Chloe St. Etienne, Nicolas Le Forestier, Jan Gangat, Sarah Glenn, Stephanie Gutierez, Tara Hunt, Stephen Lavoie, Jun Lopez, Shaira Luna, Magalie Markan, Steven Meiers, Miguel Miranda, Art Oca, Marie Revelut, RJ Roque, Steffi Santiago, Nicco Santos, JP Singson, Isaac Sterling, AJ Takla, Malvina VB interns
Tin Advincula, Mia Catedrilla, Mixi Ignacio, Therese Luna, Gia Palamos, Cole Tan
KEN RAFIÑAN
Our former intern Kenny boy makes a comeback as he hangs out with rapper Asher Roth (82) and explores the visual music of the electro-funk bunch Sinyma (68). Though this self-proclaimed frustrated gymnast is a major UFC fan, he’d rather let go of grudges than keep them in, “Life’s too short for pent-up feelings.”
What’s your STATUS? tell us. editorial editorial@statusmagonline.com advertising advertise@statusmagonline.com marketing marketing@statusmagonline.com general inquiries info@statusmagonline.com read our digital version statusmagonline.com/digital-magazine
OLIVIA ESTRADA
From traveling through the fancy world Gian Altomari (70) and Avery Nejam (73) to catching up with Nick Wechlser (74), our very own editorial assistant hustled a lot for this issue. Her best idea for revenge is to look good and to make her life awesome, but she knows that karma is a chameleon, “Life has plans for the haters, I just know it.”
like us facebook.com/statusmagazine follow us twitter.com/statusmagazine instagram: statusmagazine STATUS is published by STATUS Media Group. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
THREADS / setting / BRICK AND MORTAR / BEATS / SCREEN / INK
July 2014
BILLOWING HEIGHTS A
im for the skies with ELECTRIC FEATHERS. Their Fall 2014 collection focuses on flowing skirts, pantsuits, capes, and jackets that are perfect for a windy day. The New York-based brand’s palette may be in basic colors and practical blue checkered prints, but they are definitely meant to take you higher. electricfeathers.com
SEA AND SHORE U
nder the sea is where designer Marketa Dlouha Marova imagines her ANTIPEARLE creations. Her Jaws collection of handmade precious metals with river pearls is sharp on the edges but soft in between. These deadly necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings don’t bite, but they sure can add a sting to any basic outfit. antipearle.cz
TIME OUT T
o celebrate the world’s favorite sport, BEN SHERMAN releases it World Cup Tees collection. With five designs featuring illustrations of a foosball table, soccer ball, vintage soccer cleats to the world cup tournament, you can cheer from the sidelines or at home while still pledging your love for the game. bensherman.com
CULTURE FUTURE M
enswear label LAURENCE AIRLINE fuses African roots in her contemporary timeless pieces. Valuing bold aesthetic and sustainable development, they create their own fabrics in Ivory coast, this explains why their latest collection of button-downs, crewnecks, and trousers are highlighted with tribal prints, pops of orange, and color blocking. laurenceairline.com
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THREADS
BRANDS TO KNOW
ORGANIC CHIC T
he ladies of TINA + JO exudes the perfect Southern California lifestyle. Their eco-friendly and hand-dyed pieces feature artisanal washes of marbleized, ombre, splatter, and woodgrain in dresses, slim pants, henleys, and wraps. Making woven rayon their signature fabric, drapes, movements, and textures can be found all throughout the collection. tina-jo.com
SHARP POINTS P
RAGED YOUTH
ut on a few pieces from ELAINE HO’s Brutaliste collection such as the triplex ring or the singlet studs and let them know who’s really keeping score. The Montreal-based brand is definitely not for good girls as necklaces, earrings, rings, and cuffs made of aged silver nail-like details pinpoint just the right attitude for women who want a little danger to their accessories. elaine-ho.com
Y
ou can DROPDEAD if you don’t like it. Inspired by the Internet culture, life on the road, music, and art, the brand’s collection of tongue-in-cheek sweaters, statement T-shirts, plaid tops, and printed leggings are made for the in-your-face and unapologetic youth. Sorry they’re not sorry. dropdead.co
SILKEN SILHOUETTES R
eality takes its toll on fashion as REALISTIC SITUATION draws inspiration from daily sights. Straight from the streets of Bangkok, the latest collection brings silhouettes to life on print, offering coats, shirts, jackets, and slacks with shadows of architecture, cages, human eyes, flowers, and palm trees to roam the streets as realized dreams. realisticsituation.com
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PREP A PORTER D
esigner Nikki KULE’s latest collection of preppy luxe never fails to bring back scholastic memories. Her pin stripes suits, joggers, and peplum tops mixed with fur coats, nylon jackets, and plaid totes are for book lovers and fashion fanatics alike. kule.com
THREADS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
LOVE STORY
T
he game just got exciting with independent label GCDS playing in the field. Meeting sports and fashion halfway, their collection of oversized tees, logo sweaters, and socks with the mantra of #ingoalwetrust scores high on the style board and on the streets. gcdswear.com
ITS YOURS T
Words by Janroe Cabiles, Olivia Estrada, and Loris Peña
here’s something sentimental about MEREWIF’s ASTROPHEL: Star Lover collection. Pieces like the “Hook” hoops, “Santiago” starfish pendant necklaces, or the “Verta” vertebrae ring reminisce nighttime by the beach or a special vacation. Make promises and keep them with these gold and silver baubles that are precious keepsakes for lovers and friends. merewif.com
I
f Shakespeare’s Juliet was a modern young woman, she would be dressing in CAPULET’s latest collection. She would pack her leather jumpsuit, military jacket, plaid skirt, floral dress, and shearling jacket to rendezvous with her Romeo. Minus the poison, the starcrossed lovers would ride through the wind and have a happy ending. revolveclothing.com
ME AND MYSELF Y
ou can be NEVER FULLY DRESSED and still feel like yourself. Their latest collection of soft and loose linen jumpsuits, knitted jackets and skirts, lace cover-ups, and silk tops are comfortable pieces that you can wear anywhere. For a brand that values easy dressing and each girl’s individuality, this is the type of second skin worth having. neverfullydressed.co.uk
NOIR DREAMS M
onotones are always a good idea says ALPHA 60’s collection of charcoal, navy, and black knit dresses, capes, trousers, geometric print tops, and wool skirts. Brother-sister designers Alex and Georgie Cleary revamp classic silhouettes with different cuts and styles for pieces worth adding to your closet. alpha60.com.au
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THREADS
BRANDS TO KNOW
OH DITA C
alling all modern pin-up girls, WHEELS AND DOLL BABY’s In Residence At The Del Rio collection of leopard dresses, black onesies, and fur coats are just for you. Oozing with sexiness and sophistication, this brand also knows how to have fun. Just ask Katy Perry, Dita Von Teese, and Nicole Richie who were spotted in these “clothes to snare a millionaire.” wheelsanddollbaby.com
WASTELAND AND BEYOND T
hey don’t really give a phuck and that’s what UK-based independent brand THFKDLF is trying to say. You can wear their tartan sweatshirts, hockey jerseys, baseball tees, beanies, and caps with anything without hesitation. No validation needed from the man or any rules to follow. Life is easier on this side. thfkdlf.com
IN THE METRO S
ALVATORE HOMME creates classic looks for the metropolitan man in his Fall/Winter 2014 collection. Hong Kong style takes a stand as plush, everyday wear comes in quality-textured pants, button-downs, jackets, turtle-neck and zip-up sweaters, and shirts with mesh sleeves, with a play on houdstooth, paisley, and marbled designs. salvatorehomme.com
CAT NIP FIELDS OF DEPTH C
ontemporary brand HAERFEST is pronounced as harvest, producing only the best quality backpacks, duffel bags, book sleeves, card sleeves, and leather key chains with great craftsmanship and intricate details. These cream of the crop products are high on demand and have supplies worldwide. haerfest.us
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Y
ou’ll have more than nine lives with O PADRAO. The Portugal-born swimwear brand treats fashion with practicality as their cat eye bikini tops use neoprene, a material usually used for wetsuits and customizes them to fit the sexy beach kitten in you. opadrao.com
THREADS
LOUD AND CLEAR M
ALAMUTE is Tokyo designer Mari Odaka’s take on knitwear. Their offering for the Fall/Winter 2014 is a bold take of deep colors, floral prints, and appliques that make the sweaters and knit dresses a formidable first full collection from the young label. notjustalabel.com/malamute
MONOCHROME STREETS
EYE SWEAR
T
E
he love child of artisans from Berlin and Morocco comes in the form of LENTRIAN. Inspired by Moroccan landscape and culture, the collection consists of rustic balaclavas and scarves, and texturized, two-toned coats with oversized turtle-neck collars, delivering the perfect blend of soft and sleek, but maintaining its monochrome edge suited for a cool day. lentrian.com
yewear should never be boring. CAST EYEWEAR proves that and more. The brand’s handmade metal and acetate sunnies with bold and loud designs like the hexagon and square-shaped frames are stand out pieces that can be spotted in a sea of aviators and wayfarers. Now you see them, now, you still do. casteyewear.com
cubette wool sheath
TRIMMED STEMS C
tri cape jacket leather wool skant
ommon grounds for style and comfort come in an architectural package with EVLEO’s latest collection. “What we would want to wear” is materialized in sophisticatedly designed leggings made out of luxe fabrics that are equipped to keep up with a jet-setter’s day, coming in prints of reptile skin, geometric, black and white stripes, and punched texturized grays, in harem and flawless-fitting cuts. evleo.com
CUT CONVENTION
cape button shirt dual wool skirt
W
elcome a new point of view with BRIT WACHER’s Fall/Winter 2014 collection. Perspectivus features conservative staples such as pilgrim collar shirts, capon sleeve tops, and britch trousers with severe lapels, oversized collars, and woodland prints that give the classic pieces a futuristic note and make them more than ready for the modern world. britwacher.com
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SETTING
PLACES TO GO
COR K A G E
TIPSY PIG, Ortigas
P L ATE
FRESH FUSION
At TIPSY PIG, enjoy endless fountains of bar favorites like their signature Salted Caramel Beer, a playful sweet-salty take on the bitter brew, or select from their specialty cocktail menu, which include Bobbing for Beer and RJ Mint Spritzer. Don’t forget to sample the signature dishes of Chef Rainier Barbers like the Vineyard Pizza, Belly Good Sisig Tacos, and Shrimp Popcorn that are innovations on classic dishes and ingredients. Enjoy all of these under the relaxed, modern rustic atmosphere of this outstanding gastropub.
Only the freshest and premium ingredients swim in the plates of YOUR LOCAL.
Hebi Hiam Pasta Shrimps, chilli, quail eggs, and fish cake, served with ali olio on fettucini
Suite
SENSE HOTEL, Sofia Choose from any of SENSE HOTEL’s seventy-one rooms and suites furnished with a subdued and minimalist vision and discover the new destination in historic Sofia. The first upscale designer hotel in Bulgaria’s capital boasts a modern glass facade with a system of pivoting panels that allow it to change appearance throughout the day. The innovation continues inside as you enjoy their Mediterranean fusion restaurant or take a dip in the serene indoor swimming pool. 16 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. Sofia 1000 Bulgaria sensehotel.com
Torched Salmon Donburi Torched Norwegian salmon, mentaiko, ebiko, and crisp salmon on shitake black rice
Prawn Sandwich Prawns, century egg, laksa leaves, and kewpie on squid ink buns with a side of parmesan fries
G RUB
YOUR LOCAL, Makati Tucked away in the busy corners of Makati is the simple, no-nonsense kitchen of Chef Nicco Santos. Southeast Asian flavors and techniques come together in YOUR LOCAL with dishes that aren’t afraid to experiment with laksa, vegamite, and kewpie to showcase only the best that the region can offer the world. Don’t forget to refresh your palate with the Dark Chocolate Earl Grey Cheesecake Ice Cream with Milk Crumbs that is an exquisite homemade specialty of the restaurant. 106 Esteban St. cor. V.A. Rufino St. Legaspi Village, Makati City yourlocal.ph
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Vegemite Soldier Vegemite, white and yellow cheddar cheese, and sous vide egg on ciabatta
Chilli Crab Buns Bacolod crab meat, rempa spice base, lemon grass, tomato ketchup, and cilantro on mantu buns
Words by Olivia Estrada and Kitkat Ramos Sense Hotel images courtesy of Design Hotels™, Tipsy Pig photos by Ronan Espadero, Your Local photos by Nicco Santos, PLATE photos by Rosario Herrera
Capitol Commons, 1600 Kapitolyo Pasig City facebook.com/tipsypigph
BRICK AND MORTAR
STORES TO SHOP
a kind of guise, munich Adalbertstrasse 41b 80799 Munich akindofguise.com Price Range: P1,500-P12,647 (EUR25-EUR800) Don’t leave the store without: AKOG bomber jacket.
N
othing is more inviting than a smiley neon sign outside the white storefront that says “No Worries,” you’ve come to the right place. Though A KIND OF GUISE is famous on the internet for their lookbooks and great aesthetic, their physical store is their way to connect with clients and present their quality goods IRL. Concrete floors, wooden shelves, potted plants, and steel racks hang menswear, womenswear, and accessories brands like A Kind of Guise, Grenson, Kiki Dieterle, Nanamica, New Tendency, Porter By Yoshida Kaban, retaW, Stattmann Neue Möbel, Yumiko Iioshi Porcelain, and Derek Wilson Ceramic. With a grid-like type of display, a wall for potted greens, and a cozy leather couch around the corner, you’ll find that these are the kind of guys that you want to be friends with. And if not, buy clothes from.
actually, singapore Orchardgateway #03-18 277 Orchard road actually.com.sg Dime to drop: P1,710-P10,460 (SGD49-SGD300) Don’t leave without: Gumtoo Tattoo
A
CTUALLY it’s kinda like a superstore. Located in the heart of Singapore’s bustling town district, this 2000 square feet concept fashion store features metal shelving units, lockers, support angles, fluorescent lights, and exposed pipes that give the store a vintage utilitarian feel. The store’s monochromatic theme also shows off their wide array of menswear staples and ladieswear must-haves such as signature tees, polos, cardigans, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and sweaters. Selection of shoes, caps, and bags are displayed around the store alongside washed-out wood accents, worn-out suitcases, old type writers, and Persian carpets. Housing brands like Dr Denim Jeansmaker, Lazy Oaf, Boy London, FREITAG, Fjallraven, Underground England, HUF, Penfield, and Crosley Turntables, this is your one stop shop for all things street and more.
Words by Cole Tan and Loris Peña
tavin
J
ust like a poem, TAVIN dresses, outerwear, one-pieces, and accessories speak to the soul and to your wallets. The store’s latest collection of boho dresses, pastel jumpsuits, denim bell bottom jeans, and leather boots will connect you with your inner gypsy with a California twist.
tavinboutique.com
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SCREEN
SCENES TO SEE
T I C K ET
RE M OTE CO N TRO L SEX TAPE Bad Teacher castmates Jason Segel and Cameron Diaz reunite to play Annie and Jay, a couple who goes on a wild goose chase to recover their leaked sex tape.
BEGIN AGAIN After her newly famous boyfriend dumps her, singer/ songwriter Gretta (Keira Knightley) meets disgraced record label executive Dan (Mark Ruffalo) and sees a second chance in him. A LONG WAY DOWN Based on Nick Hornby’s novel, this British comedy brings together four strangers (Pierce Brosnan, Aaron Paul, Imogen Poots, and Toni Collete) on a roof top, contemplating suicide.
BOYHOOD Presented in the 64th Berlin International Film Festival, the movie chronicles twelve years’ worth in the life of a boy (Ellar Coltrane) raised by divorced parents (Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke). MOOD INDIGO Michel Gondry leads Romain Duris and Audrey Tautou on the silver screen. A couple’s whirlwind love affair takes a backseat when a flower begins to grow in Chloe’s lungs.
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VICIOUS (PBS) Ian McKellan and Derek Jacobi play partners who have lived together for almost fifty years. Set in their Covent Garden, they spend their days entertaining old friends and dwelling in their supposed successful careers in the past, while hurling insults at each other–all wrapped up in good British humor.
EXTANT (CBS) Steven Spielberg produces a new science fiction thriller with Halle Berry at the foreground, playing an astronaut who returns home to her family after a year in outer space. In this extreme setting, the story zeroes in on her as she inexplicably finds herself pregnant.
THE HONOURABLE WOMAN (BBC) Directed and written by Hugo Blick, Maggie Gyllenhaal makes her comeback to the small screen. The upcoming spy thriller follows Nessa Stein, the daughter of a Zionist arms procurer who, will take over her father’s company to change its purpose.
P L A Y BAC K THE GOONIES (1985) What I learned from this movie was to think big and to never become afraid of adventure.
Darren Romanelli (Artist) drromanelli.com 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (2001) The message that stayed with me after watching this movie was that technology is a powerful thing.
BULLITT (1968) Steve McQueen in Bullitt will forever be a true fashion icon and an inspiration to me.
SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994) This is a beautiful movie. The plot teaches that we must always, always believe.
LOST BOYS (1987) Two things that had an impression on me from this movie was the dark style it had due to its plot and the amazing costume design.
Words by Janroe Cabiles
MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT Set in the 1920s, Stanley (Colin Firth) ventures out to France to unmask a spirit medium in the form of Sophie (Emma Stone), who endeavors to show him magic and mystery.
ink HOT O F F THE P RE S S
BOOKS TO READ
BOO K M AR K FRAGMENT: Hiroshi fujiwara By Rizzoli Paving his own way through Japan’s rigid culture with the help of various mediums, mainly with his own fashion brands like Goodenough, Nowhere, and now Fragment, Hiroshi Fujiwara’s initial cult status has turned into the nation’s trends. His reputation hit the international scale when he started collaborating with people like Malcolm McLaren, Vivienne Westwood, and Eric Clapton, and brands like Nike, Levi’s, and Starbucks. The first monograph of his works, the humble artist finally gives way and reveals his oeuvre in print. ME AND MICKIE JAMES By Drew Gummerson Narrated from the perspective of one half of a pop duo called Down by Law, Gummerson’s second novel offers a peek at the ambitious goals of two struggling musicians as they crossover from bad bathrooms, nutty bar managers, and gunning after record labels to leveling in with the big leagues of the music industry. But at the heart of the novel, a more delicate tension lies between the two, showing a story tied with fate, chance, and above all, music.
LET’S EXPLORE DIABETES WITH OWLS By David Sedaris
Words by Janroe Cabiles and Kitkat Ramos
By now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that anything with David Sedaris’ name would yield pages of smirks, dropped jaws, and never-ending laughter–all entwined with wisdom that evokes emotions he cleverly reveals. Though every essay is a story on its own, he turns each mundane event into a story of love–so sweet, almost certainly incurring diabetes– of family, of lovers, and love for oneself.
UNLABEL: SELLING YOU WITHOUT SELLING YOU OUT by Marc Eckō
C
ombining the myriad routes of flighty artistry into the structure of the business world, Marc Eckō is one of the most recognized perpetrators of personal branding and effectively selling them. Both a record and a guide to such matters, Eckō draws out the line to correctly unlabel yourself:
“I am a brand, but I am all Don Draper; creator is not a label. My brand is all Michelangelo. Creators Marc Eckō. You too are a do work that is noble brand. Whether you know and proud – spiritual, it or not. Whether you ethereal, and impossibly like it or not. A brand is pure. There’s an inherent not skin-deep. Labels are tension between these two skin-deep, but a brand–a concepts. Unlabel is about true, authentic brand, is resolving that tension.” made of blood and bones, skin and organs. A brand “When you unlabel, you can is a heartbeat.” be an artist without being a starving artist. You can “I’m a brand, but I’m also sell without selling out.” a creator. Are these ideas even compatible? Brand is
F OOT N OTE S One of the many famous collaborations Hiroshi has had was the Hi & Lo exhibition featuring Levi’s, Visvim, and Kanghol with insurgent contemporary artist, Takashi Murakami. No, not that Murakami.
Have you ever wondered how those best-selling compilations were unearthed? Radio host Ira Glass discovered David Sedaris reading a diary he kept since 1977 at a Chicago club he was working at.
Speaking of arresting fiction, when he’s not writing from the eyes of a struggling popstar, Drew Gumerson also works for the Leicestershire Police–a police force based in Rutland, England.
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MUSIC TO HEAR
PL AYLIS T
OK GO Damian Kulash (Vocals, Guitar) okgo.net
THE ROYAL CONCEPT Frans Povel (Drums) theroyalconcept.com
LOWLEAF lowleaf.bandcamp.com
“Blackbird” Crosby, Stills, and Nash It seems impossible to improve on a Beatles song, or even to do one justice, but they manage to.
“Twice” Little Dragon It has one of those melodies that seems like it came from another world, and it gets under my skin so thoroughly.
“If You Want Me To Stay” Sly & The Family Stone Maybe the best bass line ever, paired with an utterly perfect vocal performance.
“This Will Be Our Year” The Zombies It’s 60s British invasion pop, but somehow with both more soul and more sophistication at the same time.
“Retrograde” James Blake I think it’s the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. When the synths enter the production, it gives me an eargasm.
“Nightcall” London Grammar Because I’m totally in love with Hannah Reid’s voice.
“Nothing Ordinary” Lucius The vocal performance in this song is outstanding and the music is timeless.
“Swingin’ Party” Kindness This track never fails to get me in a good mood.
“Divine Eye” Alice Coltrane This is music to transcend to. This song is divine.
“Never A Day In Vain” Georgia Anne Muldrow This song always reminds me of the daily purpose of life.
“Bed” Mndsgn The frequencies of the beat make me nostalgic on experiences I’ve yet to have.
“Angelfootwork” Zeroh This track makes all of my atoms light up brightly.
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Despite the split of her longtime collaborator, Elly Jackson assures that LA ROUX isn’t left with any Trouble in Paradise. Five years after her debut, the androgynous artist is back with new synthpop gems she snagged from an “Uptight Downtown.”
Aussie chick SIA has 1000 Forms of Fear, but little ballerinas and short blonde wigs aren’t one of them. Following the viral success of her video “Chandelier,” the press-shy pop star releases her sixth studio album to the world.
Ex-Rilo Kiley front lady JENNY LEWIS embarks on another solo journey as The Voyager. In her latest record, she captures the cosmic feeling through a 90s filter with songs like “Head Underwater,” “Slippery Slopes,” and “Late Bloomer.”
MUSIC NEWS
Your essential guide to independent music and beyond returns with another round of the Pitchfork Music Festival on July 18–20 at Chicago’s Union Park. Roll in to the Windy City and have a breeze with a stellar lineup that includes Beck, Kendrick Lamar, Grimes, and St. Vincent to name a few.
Releases
Clap your hands, say hey! Stomp your feet, say ho! Get ready to sing the folk out of songs like “Hey Ho,” “Stubborn Love,” and “Submarine” as The Lumineers heads to Manila. The folky bunch brings their toe-tapping jams and handclapping anthems to the halls of the World Trade Center this July 28.
You may have already heard about the latest A.P.C. × Kanye West collaboration. Mr. Kardashian himself debuted his second capsule collection of menswear for the French brand last January in Paris. It’s scheduled to drop this month, better go catch them before another Kardashian fiasco overshadows this dope collab.
Indie tycoon MORRISSEY returns with a new advocacy to promote that World Peace is None of Your Business. Though only heaven knows if this man is miserable now, he does urge the sentiment that “Earth Is The Loneliest Planet.”
Words by Pola Beronilla
BEATS
TEC H PACK
SAMSUNG GEAR FIT LG LIFE BAND TOUCH • Works on an OLED touch-scroll screen • Compatible with wireless syncing for LG Fitness app • Comes with an altimeter and 3-axis accelerometer • Jam with style as it works with music control SRP: P6,576
• Get instant notifications of e-mails, SMS, incoming calls, and even 3rd party apps • Equipped with dust and water resistant protection • Comes with a Heart Rate Sensor that’s also a personalized fitness motivator • Compatible with Galaxy smartphones and tablets • Has interchangeable bands with advanced curved Super AMOLED touchscreen display SRP: P4,384
WRIST TAKER
Taking that arm candy addiction to a whole new level.
SAMSUNG GEAR 2 NEO
PEBBLE STEEL SMART WATCH
• Equipped with voice command capability • Comes with a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display • Lets you take your playlists everywhere with a stand-alone music player • Available with interchangeable bands of various colors
• Has a long-lasting battery life of 5-7 days • Equipped with 5ATM water resistance (with metal band) • Compatible with daylight readable display and tricolor status LED • Available with various apps to play with • Receives instant notifications
SRP: P8,768
SRP: P10,917
D O W N L OA D S THE WALK By Six to Start and Naomi Alderman
VYCLONE – FILM TOGETHER By Vyclone Inc.
Fitness game for smartphones where an intense thriller story meets an adrenaline-filled gameplay, resulting to an unending adventure.
Video app that records one minute clips and compiles them with others taken in the same location for a multiangle video.
NIKE + RUNNING By Nike Inc. Music and fitness app that keeps track of personal running records and comes with an option to create a playlist.
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FACE PAI N T VALENTINO Valentina Eau De Parfum 1.7oz P3,856
ESTﾃ右 LAUDER Bronze Goddess Eight Color Eyeshadow Palette P2,500
GEORGIO ARMANI Fluid Sheer P2,917
AU NATURALE Barely-there but always ready.
TOM FORD Eyeshadow Quad in Cocoa Mirage P3,670.17
BOBBI BROWN Natural Brow Shaper P1,350
Runway photo from Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S 2014 Words by Loris Peﾃｱa
LA MER The Lip Balm P3,100
LAURA MERCIER Secret Camouflage Foundation P1,506
MAC Luxe Natural Mineralized Lipstick P1,460
NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil P1,176.34
CLINIQUE All About Shadow Natural Territory 2 Eight Shade Palette P4,200
CLINIQUE Enamel Nail Polish P820
SMASHBOX Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF P1,976
MAC Face and Body Foundation P1,800
THEBALM Bahama Mama Bronzing Powder P941
BOBBI BROWN Illuminating Face Base P1,350
AB O U T FACE
QUICK FIX
Get the softer, smoother, and healthier glowing skin that you’ve always wanted with 100% PURE COCOA KONA COFFEE BODY SCRUB. This glutenfree, 100% natural, and 100% vegan product is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that will do you good. P1,223
Expert Advice
Brew a cup of coffee and freeze it as ice cubes. Rub pieces of coffee ice cubes into your face for a refreshed skin after a long day.
SECRET FORMULA
Treat your skin with a natural antioxidant extract known as CoffeeBerry. This natural potent antioxidant can cleanse, smoothe, and refresh skin. Apply REVALE SKIN FACIAL CLEANSER daily for an increased luminosity and healthy skin. P1,748
BREWED GAL
A daily dose of goodness for your skin.
SLEEP TIGHT GOOD GOOD
MALIE ORGANICS ANTIAGING ORGANIC CREAM CLEANSER contains Hawaiian coffee fruit extract that helps generates your skin while reviving its glow from makeup to toxins. P1,881
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Leave your skin feeling silky and fresh with BARISTA BATH AND BODY IN COFFEE & MINT. A combination of cream and lotion, your skin will be nourished and soothed with this never greasy product. P655
No need to worry about puffy eyes with ARCONA PEPTIDE EYE SERUM. Its acetyl tetrapeptide-5 and coffee extract formula can strengthen the delicate tissue around the eyes. P2,445
b e a u t y bi t e NAIL&CO.
Words by Loris Peña and Cole Tan Nail&Co. photos by Mixi Ignacio
I
ndulge your cuticles with NAIL&CO. This quaint nail salon gives first class services from your tips to the rest of your body. Get a taste of Parisian luxury with vibrant greens and pastel pinks popping in contrast with the white walls and black decors. Offering skin improving products and a variety of services including nail art, treatment, and massages, you’ll find your own little world of relaxation and luxury in a price that you can afford.
NAIL&CO. 2/F Kensington Place, 1st Avenue corner 29th St, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City 5516508 | 09151036233 nailandcoph.com
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GO S E E
dress to impress First impressions last. Make it count by donning intricate jackets, eye-catching head gear, and some statement footwear.
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Photographed by RJ Roque and Steffi Santiago
S T Y LE I D
Photos by lelook.eu and jponfashionspeed.com
Model-turned-blogger Hanneli Mustaparta in a beat-up oversized denim jacket paired with dark indigo skinnys.
DENIM JEOPARDY Get your blues on without restraint just like DKNY’s Spring/Summer 2014.
Kookie Buhain of Death by Platforms goes in full throttle denim workwear.
Denim overload with Gold Dot designer Karl Leuterio.
Lightweight denim rompers are also for boys.
Like wine, denim gets better with age.
By JP Singson Linda Tol of I Believe In Pink toys around with denim-inspired fabrics.
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Photographed by Nicolas Le Forestier Styled by Malvina VB
beanie by Supreme New York jersey by Chicago Bulls skirt by Zara
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dress by SCHULKE ring by SCHULKE socks, stylist’s own skater shoes, stylist’s own
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dress by Zara coat by Soleyenne Brand shoes by Soleyenne Brand sunvisor by Soleyenne Brand socks by Adidas
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top by Zara skirt by Zara belt, stylist’s own socks, stylist’s own sneakers by Jordans
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sun visor by H&M glasses by Prada sports bra by Nike skirt by Zara shoes by Nike sneakers by Nike
Hair and Makeup Chloe St. Etienne Model Bibi of ReQuest Models NYC
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top by Gilette Philippe
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IMMACULATE INFATUATION Photographed by Vincent Alvarez Styled by Marie Revelut
sunglasses by Givenchy top by Jean Paul Gaultier bikini bottoms by Eres bracelet by Patrizia Pepe
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sunglasses by Chopard jacket by Courreges shorts by American Retro boots by Vic MatiĂŠ glove by Love Story
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coat by Dsquared2
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suit by Bottega Veneta
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dress by Araisara bracelet by Dsquared2
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dress by Dirk Bikkembergs bikini bottoms by Eres
Hair and Makeup Magalie Markan of B4 Agency Paris Model Izzy Good of WM Paris
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Photographed by Ciara Crocker
Styled by Sarah Glenn
visor by I Still Love You NYC sweatshirt by Maria ke Fisherman skirt by Rebellious Daisy platform booties by Jeffrey Campbell
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cropped top by Jeffrey Thomas necklace and earrings by I Still Love You NYC shorts by Rebellious Daisy platform sneakers by YRU
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necklace and earrings by I Still Love You NYC mesh sweater by Rebellious Daisy shorts and sports bra by Whatever 21
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necklace by I Still Love You NYC dress by Ruffeo Hearts Lil’ Snotty platform sneakers by YRU
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necklace by I Still Love You NYC dress by Ruffeo Hearts Lil’ Snotty platform sneakers by YRU
Hair and Makeup Chloe St. Etienne Model Bibi of ReQuest Models NYC
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SWAG j u ly
2 0 1 4
Accessory Special Product Photography by Miguel Miranda
S K IR T s
SWING AND SHOUT
Forever 21 [P915]
Dance till you drop.
Topshop [P1,895]
Warehouse [P1,945]
Bershka [P1,295]
River Island [P1,990]
h to r y b u r c 0 1 4 er 2 s p r ing /s u mm
River Island [P1,690]
Cotton On [P799]
Bershka [P1,295]
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scarves
FABRIC FANATIC Obsessing over neck wraps.
From top to bottom Dorothy Perkins [P795] Miss Selfridge [P1,195] Suiteblanco [P699] Marc by Marc Jacobs [P7,250]
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P o i nt y H e e l s
HEAD OVER HEELS True love points the way.
From top to bottom Suiteblanco [P1,750] Steve Madden [P5,250] Pedro [P3,595] Call It Spring [P2,695]
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J u m p s u i ts
OH MY
We have a jumpsuit situation.
Dorothy Perkins [P2,795]
River Island [P3,590]
r c jac o b s ma r c by mamm e r 2 0 1 4 s p r ing /s u Miss Selfridge [P2,795]
Miss Selfridge [P2,795]
Topshop [P3,645]
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shad e s
TAKE SHADE
Can’t see the haters.
From top Cutler + Gross Matsuda Moscot Native & Sons
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to bottom [P25,000] [P19,900] [P14,000] [P15,500]
K hak i Pants
PREPPY GOOD
Khaki means business.
Penshoppe [P1,099]
Cotton On [P1,999]
Bershka [P1,495]
Oxygen [P1,149]
f e r r agam o sa lvat o r e er 2014 mm u /s ing r sp
Marc by Marc Jacobs [P13,000]
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L o ngs l e e v e s
WHY SO SERIOUS Know how to have fun.
Springfield [P2,450]
21 Men [P1,175]
Oxygen [P1,099]
Penshoppe [P1,199]
21 Men [P1,175]
jac o b s c r ma y b c ma r er 2014 s p r ing /s u mm Bershka [P1,995]
S/S Supply Goods [P2,950]
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sna p b a c ks
BLACK REIGN Watch the crown.
From top to bottom Obey [P2,250] FYeah [TBA] Obey [P2,250]
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THE GRAND LAUNCH featuring
L
ast May 9, 2014 FRIDAY, 71 Gramercy ďŹ nally opened its doors to the public ofďŹ cially, since it began in late January. Situated 71 storeys into the heaven everyone danced and partied the night away with Djs Wreck-One & 420 together with international DJ Duo, THUGLI, who made everyone dance and drink until daybreak. The 71 Gramercy Grand Launch, an utter success, set itself up to become an unforgettable night.
M U S E
Fresh face INE NEEFS didn’t intend on dominating catwalks under fashion’s biggest labels. However, being the small town girl that she is, she knows that it’s best to take advantage of what the world has to offer. By Victoria Herrera Photos courtesy of Dominique Models
Valentino Fall 2014
While her success is still at its infancy, Ine is blissfully taking her career one day at a time. Her small-town roots never put any overwhelming pressure on her to work in the world of glamour; with no demanding goals to be the next top model. Perhaps that is the key to why she smoothly navigates the scene so easily and naturally—she is just happy with the journey and taking things as they come.
Valentino Fall 2014
I
“
never planned to be a model,” says Ine Neefs, a shocking statement coming from the 18 year old who is one of the most closely-watched, model of the moment. Discovered in Antwerp by Dominique Models, the green-eyed beauty opted to take time off before coming back to the fashion scene. When she returned in 2013, she ruled runway shows that sound like a rookie’s high-fashion dream list: Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Céline, Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Fendi, Giambattista Valli, Chanel, Dior, and walked as an exclusive for Jill Sander. She also nabbed S/S 2014 campaigns for Valentino and McQ, the pre-fall 2014 lookbook for Balmain and Chloé, and the cover of The New York Times Style Magazine’s holiday issue last year. She also found representation by Elite Models in Paris, Premier in London, and DNA in New York.
GO WITH THE FLOW
I was discovered two years ago. I decided to stop for a while because I thought I was not ready yet. However, my agency was very persistent and insisted that I give modelling another shot. I eventually gave in even.
CASTING CALLS
Castings are always an adventure because you have to run and I’m always in a hurry. And then in front of the client, I have to be cool and calm.
HOME COMFORTS
Coming from a small town in Antwerp entitled me to a great childhood. Everyone knew each other and spent the holidays together which made it really fun.
FASHION FAVORITES
My best experience at fashion week was when I walked for Chanel. It was amazing. But my favorite designer to work with is Valentino. The outfits make you feel special and amazing.
ALTER EGOS
If I wasn’t modeling, I would be studying to be a kindergarten teacher. And a secret talent of mine is trampoline jumping. I even did some competitions.
facebook.com/hetineke
M A E S T R O
RO YA L P A I NS From paupers to princes, THE ROYAL CONCEPT takes the stage with grandeur. Slaves to live performances, they are spreading their songs and experiences all around the world. By Janroe Cabiles Photographed by Stephen Lavoie
shot. We always want to learn and there are things to learn about music and people in every corner of the earth.”
“If you have fun, you will have the strength to go through even the tough times.”
N
o one knows how to have a good time like The Royal Concept. Comprised of vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist David Larson, guitarist Filip Bekic, drummer Frans Povel, and bassist Robert Magnus, the synthpop rock group has been gracing the stages across the universe. After gaining popularity in the Swedish Peace & Love Festival in 2011, they got a taste for performing, and haven’t stopped since. “When we get to play live, it gives room for variation, energy, and passion,” Filip says. “We like that it
happens just then and there and that anything can happen.” Even after spending time in the studio to create their album Goldrushed, they never lost sight of the joys of touring. Aside from The Strokes (“If we ever come closer to ten percent of the swag Albert Hammond Jr. has, we’re going to feel like true men.”), the band draws their inspiration from traveling, which wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for their insatiable appetite for new concepts. “We weren’t born from rich families and none of us really knew anything else except music, so this was our only
What is your favorite song from your album? “Goldrushed” is one of the first songs we wrote and it was a struggle to get it right. But when we came up with the guitar riffs, everything fell in place; it sounded good to us for the first time. It was a big thing for us back then to listen to one of our own songs and like it. How did you manage to combine two very different songs like “In the End” and “Gimme Twice” into one EP without them sounding foreign to one another? We just tried out a lot of stuff in the studio and had no producer to tell us to keep a red thread. We didn’t think anything through, it was more about being spontaneous and experimental. The reason why all the songs still sound like us is probably because of David’s thin, whiny voice and that every song has a lot of front mixed mid guitars in it.
Why did you decide to change your original name, and why did you inject “Royal” specifically? We just had to add something to the name because there was another band called “The Concept” out there. We snuck into a venue in Stockholm and tried out a couple of names on the band sign just to see how they looked. When we saw “The Royal Concept,” we all liked it, so we picked it without really thinking anything through. Now, we’re stuck with it for the rest of our lives, even if it would’ve been so much cooler to name the band “Kumusta Mayon Volcano.” What’s the key to constant touring? People will be able to tell if you’re having fun and feeling secure on stage. That’s the key to constant touring. Keep it fun and challenging. If you have fun, you will have the strength to go through even the tough times. There are so many ups and downs that you need to have passion for music and performing in your heart to be able to do this.
theroyalconcept.com @theroyalconcept
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MAESTRO
Safe Space for Conflict Final fantasies aren’t OWEN PALLETT’s only weapons of choice. The composer, violinist, and vocalist sheds some skin and unveils a peculiar intimacy in his album In Conflict. By Janroe Cabiles
O
wen Pallett is no stranger to surrendering himself to music. Studying classical violin from the early age of three, he has grown up to be a man of many pursuits and triumphs. Even after renouncing his stage name Final Fantasy in 2010 for becoming too big a project, Owen still went on to being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on Spike Jonze’s Her alongside Arcade Fire. A first musical feat for Owen was surrendering himself again, but this time it was all of him.
The birth of Owen’s fourth album wasn’t initially a creation meant to see the light of day. Influenced by John Darnielle from the Mountain Goats, In Conflict started out as a shot at something new. After taking a swing at writing about his life, the material he came up with had a common denominator. “I noticed that there was a running theme through all these songs of dysphoria. The uncomfortable feeling in body, in place, and with my sexuality. Just general discomfort, which doesn’t
suggest that I’m not a happy person.” With the suggested tone of the album, one would think that the insanity it hinted at was problematic. But it isn’t about conflict with loved ones or enemies, it’s about the beauty of conflict with ourselves that makes us human. “Everyone has that fight,” says Owen. “It’s a constant struggle for everyone.” Singing about the unprofaned human experience serves as something meaningful to Owen, which is why he resents In Conflict being called a selfhelp album. “I feel that when making this record, there are
songs that I wish other people would sing to me when I’m feeling sad or depressed–like statements of support, or even just admissions of feeling the same way.” After everything is said and sung, Owen Pallett stands tall with his hands outstretched. “Some people would say that life gets better, but I say it doesn’t. Life will always be difficult, but it’s about changing your mind about what it is that you need and then going and getting it.”
owenpalletteternal.com @owenpallett
DREAMING FOR A LIVING R
ising from dreamland, the “artist who creates to relate” Jared Pellerin, aka Pell, joins the cue in the standard frequencies of historyin-the-making record holders like Kanye West, Chance the Rapper, and Drake. Unfazed by comparisons to today’s greats, Pell shows he’s not just another dreamer saying, “I want [the audience] to hear my music for what it is without looking for something that could potentially distract [them] from the experience [they] get while listening to my music.” While his first album, Floating While Dreaming, has
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its similarities to a lot of mainstay rappers’ sound, there is no doubt in his tracks’ singularity upon hearing Pell’s lyrical genius. Rippling in words and beats, he transmits strong personal endeavors as heard in “Kreation,” “Got a couple of dreams so I gotta keep reachin’ […] I ain’t tryin’ to fight it / I’m just showing who’s next.” The narration of his struggle as a breakout artist plays out and blends in with heavy, head-bobbing beats–all nods in harmony with the truth of what he’s declaring. But as it turns out, the whole album is only the tip of the iceberg for
New Orleans-based rapper PELL deciphers dreams and everyday phenomenon into stories above what he calls “oversaturated mediocrity.” The hiphop artist shares, “I find my drive in life each and everyday. I have an imagination that entices me to take everyday situations and experiences and mold them into little masterpieces. I just want to create.” By Kitkat Ramos the budding artist. “It isn’t even my best work; rather, a glimpse into what I can do as a songwriter. I’m trying to come in and make an impact in the game because it’s oversaturated with mediocrity.” Pell proudly says the reception for his first fulllength album has been amazing. When asked about what he wanted to impart with this album born
out of his subconsciousness, he says, “I told a story of one who actively pursued a dream and love at the same time. I was able to watch these interests manifest and in some cases crumble, but came out with more passion than I began with.”
pellyeah.com @Pellyeah
MAESTRO
DANCERS IN THE DARK Brooklyn-based indie rockers THE DRUMS drown their minted blend of surf rock and indie pop sound in words of melancholy. Glorifying the sorrow they bask in, front man Jonathan Pierce shares, “Sadness is life’s King and Queen—we must all worship them from time to time.” By Pola Beronilla
I
t was at Bible camp where vocalist Jonathan Pierce first met guitarist Jacob Graham and formed the short-lived electropop group, Goat Explosion. When the two stopped kidding around, they moved to Brooklyn and added new members to achieve a fuller sound. As The Drums, the quartet managed to release 2 full LPs—a self-titled debut in 2010 and a follow-up with Portamento in 2011. However, their bandmates eventually chose to travel to the beat of a different drum and the two were left in each other’s comforts again. But really, they didn’t mind it. Jonathan recalls, “That was the magic about The Drums when we started off: two crazy people who can’t play any instruments, desperately trying to record beautiful songs. It worked then and it works today, and tomorrow.” With a third album slated for release anytime soon, Jonathan and Jacob have never felt this much joy in desertion. “I think working alongside Jacob and really taking our time to make this new album was
essential. We had the freedom to let things happen on a purely natural level,” the singer shares, “There are songs that only have synthesizers, and songs that only use guitars and drums. It’s our greatest album by far, because Jacob and I were—for the first time since the Summertime! EP—alone together.” This regained sense of freedom has given them the liberty to release any suppressed anger they’ve been carrying. “The new album sounds tough while being gentler all at the same time. I said fuck you and fuck off to most, if not all, of the corrosive people in my life during the making of this album,” Jonathan relays. “To the people who are still living and breathing and ‘festivaling’ off the graces of my shallow pockets and the vulnerability of my emotional state.” The Drums have perfectly mastered stitching patches of despair to their bouncy guitar riffs and saccharine percussions– it’s only when you’re halfway listening to their songs that you truly hear
the tone of misery in Jonathan’s voice. “These things happen so naturally. I think the upbeat tempo on some of our songs spawn from a dull flame of hope we have somewhere deep inside,” Jonathan explains, “By writing a faster song, we try to dance our way away from the stark reality of life—to escape. But, sadness and despair always win in the end. Always, always, always.” With lyrics like “Those days when I would sit around with you / Oh, there’s nothing like it / And even when my heart was black and blue / Oh, there’s nothing like it / And everything before and after you / Oh, it doesn’t cut it,” gloom innately runs through their veins. “For me, this involuntary, and sometimes voluntary, slavery makes its way into each song. I’ve always understood and
enjoyed sadness much more than happiness,” Jonathan shares. “Sadness cradles me and makes me feel warm—much more than happiness ever has. Happiness is some stranger—a thief in the night that comes and goes before you can get a name and a face.” Though they wallow in the beauty of lament, it’s a delight to hear that their hearts still beat. “It always warms us to hear our words being sung back to us. Our words mean a lot to us. We are, whether we like it or not, a band with a message. To know that an outcast boy or girl is holding these words dear to their hearts—well, that is what we are here for. At the end of the day, it’s the only reason.”
thedrums.com @thedrumsforever
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MAESTRO
L O ST I N SE D UCT I O N SINYMA sneaks out of the Manila underground scene with their sultry downtempo sound that experiments with glitch, funk, soul, and disco. By Ken Rafiñan Photographed by Shaira Luna
B
oy, I gotta warn you, it can be tricky to make my day,” teases Jessica Connelly behind a dark pair of sunnies as she sways easily on stage bathed in the Manila sunset. Behind her, Madz Abubakar aka Abdel Aziz and Cyril Sorongon aka silverfilter set down a layer of seductive breakbeats as SINYMA (pronounced “cinema”) plays “Stay Awhile” in front of a captive audience. There’s something sublime about listening to one of the city’s most promising underground bands while atop the country’s tallest building. The eclectic trio have established a signature sound that floats around electro, pop, and everything in between with a provocative flavor. When the original vocalist, Nicole Severino, went to New York to pursue a solo career, the remaining members found their salvation in Jessica Connelly. “Jess was the perfect piece of the puzzle,” says Madz. “Because we were puzzled,” quips Cyril to laughter from everyone present.
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“When we met her, the vision of the band and her vision just connected. I think that’s one really important thing: chemistry. It’s not like I’m here for the money or fame. We’re here to build [and make music].” Jessica may be more known to some as a TV personality. She describes the transition from the local screens to the microphone, “I figured out what I enjoyed doing. If I can do more, I do more and don’t just give in to [that TV-girl] stereotype. I felt that I can utilize myself more than that.” Madz is the local Ableton Live whiz who began using the software more than a decade ago. He recalls, “I started jamming with other artists using Ableton and it was my bridge to working with other talents. My artistry as a musician progressed along with it. This is my instrument.” Cyril is an institution of Manila’s electronica scene and has six LPs already to his name. It was his friendship
with fellow DJ Madz that got him involved in the band. “Madz and I go back 12 to 13 years. It was perfect timing that we just finally decided to [start a band] after all these years,” he shares. With the diverse backgrounds of each band member, together they are a group that explores several genres yet still ends up sounding fluent and balanced. “We’re different types of music linked together,” affirms Jessica. Cyril further explains, “It’s not actually a goal to be unclassifiable, we just don’t want to be pigeonholed.” Differences can be a crew’s undoing but SINYMA turns it into an asset. “We can’t pinpoint a unifying sound for us yet, but it’s good because it’s a muscle-stretching kind of thing. Moving forward, we’re expecting a heavier, more dance-y kind of vibe,” Madz explains. There are big plans for the future, as Cyril puts it. They’re all just giving it time and looking for
the right people to work with them on their music videos to go with their already fantastic audio. “As we move along, per song or sometimes per project, we tend to end up collaborating with other artists and that’s our way of reaching our goal.” Madz says. While these plans are underway to break into screens, the band’s current persona consists of dark and moody vibe of their live gigs that can be described as cinematic. They take pride in their live performances as it has largely pulled many listeners to their growing fan base. Seeing them live is a show that beguiles, as the sound arrests all ears present and with all eyes on them. Jessica captures the essence of their moniker in a simple statement: “It’s a visual experience, the whole thought of going to a cinema. We’re just spelled different.”
@sinymasound facebook.com/sinymasound
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CAR NIVALE OF STYLE Creating something based on the impeccable world of fashion is difficult; creating a new world wholly other than the realm of our reality is close to impossible. Fashion illustrator NATALIA JHETE manages both, adding her own fin de siècle style that is soulful, whimsical, sometimes dark, but always elegant. By Janroe Cabiles
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nking fashion on to paper and watching it come to life is something only a few can truly own up to–Natalia Jhete can. With a background in fine arts, computer graphics, and fashion design, she makes it her mission to leave her mark on this earth by altering and going beyond the state of our reality through her art. “For me, ideas that start off with a blank sheet of paper and end up with an image that has life to it is a beautiful thought.” Believing this, she chooses watercolor, ink, and pencils as her weapons against a world without fantasy. Natalia’s body of work includes a collaboration with Idol Magazine, with whom she illustrated key looks of the Fall/Winter 2014 Menswear collection, and a project with Accessorize Me, which brought photos of iconic Spring/Summer 2014 accessories to life with edgy, femme fatale figures of her own. Her popular illustration is an extension of this–the A-Z of Fashion features an alphabet containing carefully selected brands by the hand of Natalia such as Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Versace. Each letter is accompanied by a woman posing beside it, with a delicately cool attitude while carrying the brand’s aesthetic. Looking at your illustrations, it’s as though you believe art should not imitate real life but rather go beyond it. How does this characterize your process? I’ve always felt that being an artist was about sharing an image from your own mind, something that no one would ever see unless you decided to share it with them. Some of my favorite artists create imagery that I couldn’t make up in my wildest dreams and it is for that reason that I remember them at all. For collaborations, what aspect of the brand do you focus on and try to bring? My interests in illustration and fashion design have always gone hand in hand. When it comes to my art, I always hear that it has a somewhat comical feeling to it. In
translating this to collaborations, I tend to focus most on their muse. Every designer’s muse is so distinct to the brand’s identity. If I can capture her essence within the illustration, you will understand the brand itself. Who are your prime influences in your illustrated art that have defined your aesthetics? I constantly find myself influenced by the same three people: Tim Walker, Daniel Merriam, and Alexander McQueen. I gravitate towards them because they all create a sense of fantasy that I am always so drawn to. Be it fashion, photography, or art, they truly create imagery that visually stimulates the senses. You’ve mentioned that your biggest obstacle has been finding your own voice as an artist. What have you done in order to find that voice? As an artist, I am constantly struggling to find my voice. I’m not 100% sure that there is anything you can do to figure it out other than continue to produce and be creative. Eventually, after you have a big enough body of work, you can reflect on it. Maybe at that point, you’ll start to see a little voice coming through.
nataliajhete.com @NataliaJhete
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TH O R O UGH T R A C K Master craftsman GIAN ALTOMARI strides past convention to create shoes that dare to be a step ahead of the rest. As the creative director of Thorocraft, he constantly treads between innovation and sensibility. by Olivia Estrada
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eautiful shoes that are painful to wear are unacceptable, something Gian Altomari knows well. “I had a pair of woven Huarache oxfords purchased from a flea market in Los Angeles. It had a classic handcrafted design, but they were so uncomfortable, they were unwearable after a few hours,” he shares. Instead of just throwing them out, Gian replaced the bottom soles to make them as comfortable as a pair of sneakers. Thus the birth of Thorocraft, a California-based footwear brand with an imprint of both style and handmade perfection. Though Gian’s designs make use of pebbled goat skin leather, premium suede, and
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woven cotton textile among many other fine textures, Gian understands that fashion isn’t just about the materials you work with. It’s about the artistry. “Footwear is the most multi-disciplinary practice of all fashion industries and also the most difficult,” Gian shares, “It’s a blend of architecture, pattern making, textile and product design, and hand craftsmanship that is blended into wearable art. If it looks good but doesn’t function, we have failed as shoe designers. Managing this balance is key.” Every Thorocraft shoe testifies to that balance as it is patterned out of creativity and streamlined to the designer’s experiences. Gian’s designs have then taken him to both the heart of his homeland and to borders beyond. On one hand, there is always the element of the California lifestyle in the tribal patterns and vibrant colors. Gian shares, “Californians are a bit laidback compared to the rest of the USA, but value being comfortable
yet stylish.” Meanwhile, Gian’s desire to expand his tradecraft involves exploring new territories,“ I travel the globe in search of cultural craft inspiration and unique processes we can blend into our footwear. The last few seasons have been a case study on traditional weaving, which you can see is an inspiration from South America, Europe, and Asia.” Aside from drawing creative impetus from his travels, Gian never neglects the need to be constantly exposed to new concepts as he describes his team’s adventures. “When we’re not busy making shoes, we’re building bicycles and vehicles, building furniture for our homes and office, creating food experiences (I once had a taco truck), and our newest addition to the team has been known to hunt wild boars with a drywall hammer in the remote mountains of Hawaii. We are all-around craftsmen and designers who love
to explore creatively in our lives and work.” Gian’s curious lifestyle is not just for fun, however. He explains, “We start each season with an inspirational story board of places, people, and multi-disciplinary design cues that speak to us. There is no typical way of arriving at a design. It does involve a lot of sketching, paper mockups, hot tea, and heated arguments.” In the end, Gian’s mastery over his craft is not just about details, it also is about constantly exploring different perspectives. “Our design process is perpetually evolving. However, our current success comes from our core design aesthetic of taking classics and making it more versatile in both design and function. We pride ourselves in being different and breaking the mold in a tasteful way.”
thorocraft.com
MASTERMIND
ON THE OTHER SIDE DANIELLA RECH knows exactly what it’s like to be on either end of the lens. As a model-turned-photographer, her years of experience being the camera’s subject has her pointing her lenses into a more personal insight of the world. By Jonnah Dayuta
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he started modeling when she was fifteen years old. But Daniella had to retire from that part of her life when she found out she was pregnant with her now six-year-old son, Rio, at the age of 21. Before this, she was travelling all around the world when she discovered her passion for photography. She will be the first to admit, however, that she had taken no such previous technical training for the medium. Daniella developed her intuition and learned while on the job. As soon as she held a camera, it was as easy as pressing a button as her photos are organic, unplanned, and effortless. Yet she knows the ends to her natural talent, being open to new knowledge about the craft. “For me it was always about capturing emotion. I think that is something that cannot be taught,” Daniella declares. “I always had an intuition for composition and I’m always learning and not ashamed of that. Even the greatest must keep learning otherwise you don’t grow and you stay stuck doing the same thing. I learn by doing. I’m too impatient for studying.” With a portfolio that boasts photographs of highprofile celebrities and models such as Kanye West, Karlie Kloss, Shania Shaik, and Behati Prinsloo, she makes it clear that she is no one-shot wonder. What did you learn from the transition from being a model to being a photographer? I really wish I paid more attention back [when I was
modeling]. However, the one thing I took away from modeling was how to communicate with the model and make them feel comfortable. What do you look for when you are composing your photographs? I shoot differently for each photoshoot I do. I love shooting portraits and reportage. When I’m shooting these things, I don’t set anything up. I just go where the camera takes me. Fashion photography is different. You do need to set it up a bit more and really have every one of your senses aware so you don’t miss anything. It’s much more challenging. But I do try to get the spontaneous in all of my shoots, for me that is important. Your backstage portfolio blusters with candid shots of the fashion industry’s luminaries. What stories do you often look for in these situations? I just love capturing organic moments that aren’t set up. People are more beautiful when they don’t know they are being photographed. Among the shoots you’ve done, which one has stood out the most and what did you learn that you try to apply to your other projects? I learned a lot from shooting backstage. It’s stressful back there and you don’t have much time to think. For me, I’m thankful I started back there ‘cause now at jobs I always feel so relaxed and it takes a fair
bit to stress me out. Shooting portraits of girls like Joan Smalls, Daria Strokous, and Karlie Kloss; they just make it look so damn easy, so it’s always amazing to shoot girls who are at the top of their game. Are there any photographers you are inspired by? I find inspiration from fashion photographers like Patrick
Demarchelier, Bruce Weber, and Peter Lindbergh. Also, I love war photographers Peter Magubane, Horst Faas and Dorothea Lange. I know it’s kind of depressing but when an image is so powerful that it can make you cry, feel emotion, or move you enough to become aware of a certain subject.
daniella-rech.com daniella-rech.tumblr.com
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Internet killed the video star? Not under the watch of New York-based music director extraordinaire, AUSTIN PETERS. Working with top-of-thebill artists like HAIM, Alex Winston, Truls, and Bastille, he produce videos that is a spectacle of melancholy and reality, stirring up emotions that coincide with its fantastic tracks. By Kitkat Ramos
“Flaws“ featuring Bastille
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“Laura Palmer” featuring Bastille
“Forever” featuring HAIM
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AIM, Alex, and Bastille are all absolutely wonderful to work with because they are all creative and they give me the freedom to make something I can be excited about,” says Austin, on the topic of videos he created for bands that dominate his visual portfolio. Filled with phantasm and reality, which are both seamless in its artistic editing, visual textures, and how the featured artists play their respective roles, Austin’s aesthetics is a circus of fleeting imagery and music over a many-layered story– evoking the senses and leaving a definite imprint. Austin says that this is collaborative, and in making a video (or anything, really) that involves several creative minds, compromise is a must. HAIM’s “Forever,” is the best representation for this, as it visually pulls from both his and the band’s personal history. Parts of the video are set in the sisters’ house in Studio City and the scenes in the salon are shot in Culver City, where Austin went to high school. The end result is a sinuous patchwork of scenes displaying nostalgia and summer fun, while a head-bobbing anthem plays it all out. Besides the two-way aspect of his process in producing an optical bonanza, Austin’s visual interpretation of the songs generates a simultaneous image of the real and the absurd and appeals to both artists and fans. In Bastille’s “Flaws,” lead singer Dan Smith wanders around a carnival with four girls displaying their flaws–and though it all seems typical, at the same time, it’s unreal. This combination of the two abstract
concepts creates an emphasis to the irony of the song’s message and is twofold over the powerful visuals by Austin. “Working with Bastille is great, especially because Dan and the guys are super into videos and movies. They really want to push the envelope and make something unique,” he says. “They are not concerned with how audiences will receive the videos. They just want to make something that they are proud of and I love that,” shares Austin who has clearly found kindred spirits in the British band. His process is straightforward and progressive as he explains, “It starts with an idea, something small usually–just an idea, a feeling, or an image that slowly grows into something more. It continues to grow the whole time, continuing to grow through shooting until we finish color correcting and deliver the final video and it can no longer be changed.” This organic and dedicated approach adds to the overall experience of watching his music videos. Austin doesn’t rest on his laurels as he is always working on and conceptualizing projects. He says, “[There] is something to be said for creating something from zero. Some things don’t exist in the real world and that’s when you get to make something new and that can be just as exciting and rewarding.” In this world of circus and clowns, there will always be something new for him to shoot and create videos for.
vimeo.com/austinpeters @austinptellem
MASTERMIND
OPTICAL C O NC L US I O NS At just 22 years old, AVERY NEJAM picked up the attention of Harper’s Bazaar for her illustrations of Rihanna, Cara DeLevigne,and Pharell Williams and has already worked for David LaChapelle. The candid observer doesn’t just casually create the images of today’s biggest celebrities; she studies the anatomy of an icon. by Olivia Estrada Karl Lagerfeld
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verflowing with color, sprinkled with humor, and, at times, irreverent; it would be easy to identify how Avery’s illustrations embody her youth and free spirit. This energy stems from a bred-inthe-bone love for skateboarding that has influenced her art. “I used to be a gymnast and once I stopped competing, I started skateboarding.” She recalls, “Skateboarding to me is about a lifestyle. It’s more than a sport, it’s a community, and its influence is engrained in my work and will always be a part of who I am and what I do.” In the same way skateboard aficionados captivate us with loops and jumps, Avery’s artworks are adventures into colours and strokes. Her illustrations are not mere images but are also commentaries of popular personalities around us. “When I create a work around an icon, I take what embodies them overall and how they influence or have influenced a generation. I take that thought process and combine it with the characteristics that sets them apart visually.” Her insight on public opinion and personal context is what makes her creations visually rich and stimulating. “King of Hearts,” a rendition of Karl Lagerfeld as the reigning ruler while stabbing his given suit is Avery’s comment on the designer’s reputation. “Chanel is one of the last original haute couture houses left. With
Karl being the designer of Chanel, I’m always reading about his ‘a little too honest’ personality. One day, I saw a picture of him and thought: now here’s a guy who’s a perfect example of someone who rules one of the most beloved fashion empires, not to mention his own–what a perfect fit to depict him as the King of Hearts.” One click on any search engine would give us thousands of images but the depth with which Avery approaches her subjects commands a second look. A fan of Andy Warhol, Avery knows the need for art to always be in tune with the current ebb and flow of society. “Social media in the modern art world is an important platform for all artists who want to be seen nowadays.” She recalls, “For me, it started with screen printing while in college at The School of the Museum of Fine Art, Boston. The same medium Andy Warhol worked in. Then, I began to evolve with the technology, hence my role in the digital world. I think that is the very type of aesthetics that defines a modern graphic artist--someone who integrates the classic techniques of illustration into modern technology.” Apart from merging the old with the new and reality with digital space, Avery also bridges visual elements with sound. “Color and music are two things I always refer back to when making art,” she says when asked
Pharrell what two elements she always refers back to in her creative process. “I use music as chromesthesia which evokes an experience of color through sound. I’m attracted to this process because it brings out a sense of vibrancy in my work.” As Avery further delves into her ideology which she calls “Iconify Me,” she not only splashes her works with life and curiosity, she also manages to impart to others what truly makes a lasting impression. “When it’s all taken away, you start to realize that we aren’t here for very long. Whatever it is you want to say or do, say or do it now. This mentality is what has inspired me to keep on keepin’ on.”
averynejam.com thecandidobserver.com
Over Easy Lionel Richie
Lupita
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Payback’s a bitch—but not for Revenge star NICK WECHSLER. In a show full of twists, schemes, hatred, and liars stands out a too-decent-for-hisown-good bar owner known as Jack Porter. You know what they say, nice guys finish last. By Pola Beronilla Interview by Olivia Estrada Photographed by Isaac Sterling Styled by Audrey Brianne Assistant Stylists Tara Hunt and Stephanie Gutierrez
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“For any other show, any other job that I’ve gotten, I just did things to entertain myself… It wasn’t necessarily what a character can or cannot do but what I can or cannot do.”
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ou may know Nick Wechsler as Revenge’s honest and loyal boy-next-door, Jack Porter. Though the drama series revolves around a girl who was deeply wronged by some rich pricks as a child and eventually decides to live amongst her enemies at The Hamptons in order to systematically destroy their lives, Nick’s character stands as the show’s moral compass, providing a stark contrast because of his kind heart–not just because of his good looks. But it helps. Nick was just a feisty wrestler in high school when he decided to channel his energy to a different direction. After having a taste of satisfaction as an amateur thespian in his school’s stage, he pursued his acting career and moved to LA. He landed his first starring gig in a reboot of a classic 1980s TV show, Team Knight Rider. Soon after, he had the chance to further explore a whole new universe of acting as Kyle Valenti on the alien teen drama, Roswell. Now playing a good guy on an anger-filled show, he’s never felt this badass. We hung out with the Albuquerque native to talk about Revenge and how his career bloomed from collecting a few chuckles to
gathering gasps. Though admittedly a failed comedian, Nick proves to us that he still has the last laugh. Hi Nick! How are you? What’s your go-to Chinese takeout? I’m doing well. And I don’t even know. I try to stay from anything fried. But I really love Orange Chicken. So you started out as a theater actor. Were there any advantages that served you when you entered the world of television? I’ll be honest, those were high school plays. There is a certain amount of resume padding you have to do to get your foot in the door and those were that. If I did hand in my resume, I had just regular jobs. [I got into theater because] I liked having an active audience. During those times, when a funny thought would occur to me, I wanted to be able to exercise that thought. I wanted to make people laugh and act openly. How different is it to act on stage as opposed to TV? Television acting is kind of private with their approach. TV actors treat their process as kind of a precious thing than
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“I tend to borrow more from life than from characters because I want it to be more authentic–to look like how it would be in real life rather than in a movie.�
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jacket by G-Star Raw shirt by Zanerobe pants by Zanerobe shoes by Moods of Norway
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“It’s really hard to make it work out in this business… But you can increase your chances of being lucky by working really hard.” suit by Moods Of Norway shirt by H&M shoes by Moods of Norway
a theatre actor. Finding a character, learning the right lines, all of these are exposed in theater production. In theater, you can’t hide much of your process. As I got away from theater, which I only did a little bit, I got increasingly more fearful of letting people see my process. I’m getting more fearful about what people will say about my acting. Transitioning to the small screen, how has the reception of Revenge affected your acting method? Well, I owe something to the viewers. [The show] made me feel more pressured to maintain viewership—I have to maintain a certain level of acting. Before this job, I didn’t have any ideas to pitch to the writers to make a scene or moment better, but now I do I find that I am putting myself more in the shoes of my character.
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For any other show, any other job that I’ve gotten, I just did things to entertain myself. I would do things that weren’t thought as appropriate for the character. It wasn’t necessarily what a character can or cannot do but what I can or cannot do. If I can sing and they like it, then that’s the character. But now I am more reserved with Jack, to play Jack. I think that’s because of the pressures of the job and the viewership. And probably the pressures of being a good guy, because I have never played a good guy before. Are there any actors that have influenced you on how you portray Jack Porter? None of the actors whom I’m inspired by directly contribute to how I play Jack. But I really admire Robert De Niro (who doesn’t?), Daniel Day Lewis, Gary Oldman,
and Ewan McGregor. To be honest, I don’t know if I take a whole lot of what they do into what I do because I really wanted to be a comedian. Growing up, [people like] Steve Martin and Robin Williams, those theatrical acts influenced me. I also wanted to be like Seth Rogen, I intended to be like someone from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. I [got into acting] because I wanted to make people laugh, but then I got more serious roles. Where do you draw inspiration from then? I tend to borrow more from life than from characters because I want it to be more authentic, to look like how it would be in real life rather than in a movie. I want the reactions to be more genuine than in a movie. Is there anyone that reminds you of your character? Mostly, my family. They have this optimistic quality that’s beautiful but dangerous. No matter how many times they’re
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down, they are still optimistic–they keep trusting people. For you, what is the most important lesson in acting? Work hard and be patient. No one wants to works with someone who doesn’t give a shit. You have to have the patience to see it through. It’s really hard to make it work out in this business–it doesn’t usually work out. If it does for you, then you are lucky. But you can increase your chances of being lucky by working really hard.
suit by Reiss shirt by Zanerdoe tie by Moods of Norway shoes by Tsubo
And what is possibly the most underrated lesson? Being modest and nice to everyone is what I see as being undervalued the most. Mostly, I’ve gotten more work by being a nice person than being a dick–everyone on set liked me.
often tries to make a series that hasn’t proven itself. Most of the things on TV should be like that.
Revenge has a plotline full of twists and the show’s been getting good reviews because of it. But what kind of themes do you think the current film and television scene are lacking? We need darker, more irreverent ideas. Basically, fewer restrictions on creativity because there will be great ideas that no one would want to touch because we need to make tons of money out of it or because it doesn’t have that mainstream appeal. I want to see it move away from that model. Cable
What do you think should be done in order to move away from that mainstream model? I do think a lot of creators can come up with these great stories, but they get cut off at the knees by someone–probably by the producers or the people behind it, someone they work for. In the culture of television and film, they put the creator down. I think everything falls into place when we take away the money element, people would back off and let someone make something artful. Audiences only watch what’s there
because someone is putting something on the menu. Audiences will eat it and if they don’t like it, they will soon develop a taste for it. Even if it’s not that good, there’s still an audience for it. What we need is more variety, to put things on the menu like Community. It didn’t sell a lot but people were still watching it because it was new and fresh. It wasn’t rating well yet it was really well respected. But instead, they had to let it go. It takes out the variety in what we can see and create.
@Nick_Wechsler
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ASHER ROTH sheds the college boy rapper persona of his past successes with the release of his hazy second LP, RetroHash, inspired by LA’s three Ws: women, weed, and weather.
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o matter how many come after them, you never forget your first. For many listeners, Asher Roth was their introduction to introspective rap. While the underground is a platform for sociopolitical commentary by names like Tech N9Ne and El-P, lyrical introspection is mainstream’s playing field. The Pennsylvania native made a worthy first impression on the rap canon with his boombastic debut, The Greenhouse Effect. It featured streamof-consciousness toasts over carefully curated beats produced by the likes of Pharrell and Andre 3000. “I was really just being playful and honing my craft with beats that I like,” says Roth of his first mixtape.
“The Kanyes and Timbalands of the world obviously provide wonderful canvases to sketch and have fun.” Since then, navelgazers like Mac Miller, Macklemore, and Drake have expanded the niche genre and blurred its lines between pop music and drug culture. Any fan knows that rap came from the streets– and it’s a hard knock life out there. In the aftermath of sensitivity, purists have criticized the culture’s new face as being “soft.” Roth takes it all in stride. “Obviously, we tend to compare and contrast to make sense of things. We don’t like it when we don’t understand something. I try my best to avoid expectations and prejudices and just do what feels right.” With all eyes on him, Asher dropped his first LP, Asleep in the Bread Aisle, on April 20,
2009–in time for the stoner’s holiday. While it lacked the head-nodding rawness of his first offering, it spawned arguably his most well-known hit, “I Love College.” The approachable musings on the best four years of every twenty-something made sure the song was played in every frat house at least once stateside. His club banger “She Don’t Wanna Man” with Keri Hilson also had plenty of mileage. One track that didn’t get as much attention was “His Dream” with crooner Miguel laying down an addictive hook. While most rappers find inspiration in absentee fathers, Roth pens odes to fatherly love in this track. “It was something I always wanted to tell my father–how lucky I am to have a positive father figure in my life who sacrificed so much to make sure his children could
chase their dreams,” he gushes. “A lot of times we hear about abandonment, and fortunately, that isn’t a theme in my home life. [I’m] fortunate to have an amazing father and I wanted to communicate that to him.” The proud son is productive too. The great Nas once said, “Sleep is the cousin of death.” In hiphop, you’re only as good as your last hit, so a rapper’s work is never over. Asher proved he was more than just that guy who rapped about college with the smoky mixtape Pabst & Jazz and features with Dom Kennedy, The Cool Kids, and Devin the Dude. His prolific discography leading up to his latest LP built up a reputation that he was an artist who churned out one catchy hit after another. While some may see him as a onetrick pony, what those songs did was stretch his creativity
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and expand his comfort zone. Sometimes, you’ve got to get lost to find your way. “It comes down to ‘What do you want to do?’ It’s setting an intention and following through. With RetroHash, I wanted to create a cohesive body of work. That was my intention more than anything else, to create something that felt fluent.” He further explains, “When that’s the process, you just hope some of the moments end up being catchy songs. I rarely approach the process with [the mindset] ‘Let’s create a catchy song,’ because you never really know what’ll stick.” The album tour began on June 16th in DC, but earlier private listening sessions in Philadelphia, Boston, NY, London, and Manchester had bloggers buzzing a critical comeback by one of the game’s criminally underrated. “I’m
happy with how people are responding to the new tunes,” beams Roth with a bit of welldeserved inner pride. The journey to this point of positivity was a long and winding one. The album was supposed to be called Is This Too Orange? but he changed it, out of respect for Def Jam labelmate Frank Ocean, who would go on to win a Grammy for channel ORANGE. Like the adage, “Life is a journey, not a destination,” the adversity Roth faced prior to the release of RetroHash yielded a sublime beauty. “The feelings of frustration, set back, defeat, and overcoming them—that’s priceless. The fact that people are responding positively is definitely reinforcement and motivation to keep going.” He muses, “It’s definitely a reward. Everything that went into the record, the lessons I’ve learned about myself, and the world around me make it all worth it.” The work has the rapper at his most experimental yet consistent too. “Tangerine Girl” is a spacey number with accompanying soulful production, encapsulating the hippy vibe of the album’s cover
perfectly. That the video is set at a skating rink with Asher playing disco jockey is all too appropriate. “[The song] was so different from previous work. I wanted people to hear it.” He humors our curiosity, “The laidback vibes of the record are a testament to my sensibility to be chilling.” “Don’t get caught up in the fast life, someone’s always caught up in the fast life,” sighs Roth on “Fast Life” with fast-rising Chicago star Vic Mensa. Fame is an oft-discussed subject by many rappers, what makes this one different is the humble setting of the song that borders on the mundane. In an arena where the Kendricks, Jays, and A$APs rule, talking about what’s real and ordinary isn’t necessarily what gets you heard. As such, Asher has always been that understated outsider looking in, biding his time, and hustling to earn his place among the game’s biggest names. Whenever he gets there, he knows the only way to go is on the bona fide path of being true to one’s values and instincts. “I definitely don’t want to be ‘almost there’ forever. I’ve got a lot of work to do, and over
“We tend to compare and contrast to make sense of things… I try my best to avoid expectations and prejudices and just do what feels right.” time, I hope to get to wherever my ‘there’ is. Everybody’s ‘there’ is different. Some think I’m overrated, and others wouldn’t rate me at all.” He concludes with a humble confidence, “As long as I continue to do the things I feel strongly about, I’ll definitely get there.”
@asherroth asherrothmusic.com
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FROM YOUR SCREEN TO YOUR T STEREO Last time we featured OK GO in 2010, the Chicago-based quartet was in the midst of promoting their third record, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky . Back with a bigger appetite, the alt-rock dancers are set to release their latest studio album, Hungry Ghosts . Oh, here it goes again. By Pola Beronilla Interview by Janroe Cabiles Photographed by Isaac Sterling
here are a million ways on how you could’ve found out about OK Go. It could be through a leaked recording of four geeks dancing in a backyard, a viral video of four dweebs flawlessly sliding through treadmills, or a four-minute, one shot sequence of four dudes playing with a giant Rube Goldberg machine built in a two-story warehouse from over 700 household objects. With all the visual bonanza, Damian Kulash (lead vocals, guitar), Tim Nordwind (bass), Andy Ross (guitar, keyboards), and Dan Konopka (drums, percussion) have surely stopped by your computer screens. OK Go’s visual gimmicks were what fueled their popularity; however, the group also puts the same, if not more, amount of artistic energy in their songwriting– feeding us with chunks of fuzzy power
heavy hitter
“ T h e u n l i k e ly success of our homemade videos and our more unorthodox ideas in g e n e r a l g av e us a lot more confidence to chase w h at e v e r f e lt most exciting to us.”
pop anthems like “This Too Shall Pass,” “White Knuckles,” and “Needing/Getting.” Though they try to claw their way out of the shadows left by their viral videos, the band knows that the internet has successfully killed the radio star. Now ready for another round of virtual insanity, the foursome have never been this hungry. We caught up with OK Go front man Damian Kulash as he was in between online meetings with future collaborators to talk to us about the band’s cyber quirks and their much-anticipated return to the radio waves–as well as our YouTube tabs. How did you make the jump from your first album OK Go to Oh No? There’s the old adage that you’ve got 20 years to write your first album and six months to create your second. Accordingly, I remember the writing of Oh No being really stressful. We’d been on tour for nearly two years, promoting our debut album, and it felt like we’d totally forgotten how to write, and had to get something out right away. But it focused us on that moment—who we were right then and what we wanted to sound like. What differences in your writing process were made during this transition? Our first record had been basically “a greatest hits” of songs we’d written over the many years before. Our production mindset back then was “more is more.” We wanted the glistening overproduction of The Cars or Queen. By the second record, the pendulum had swung a lot. We recorded all the tracks live without click tracks. We wanted everything to sound broken, raw, and more human. Your album Of the Blue Colour of the Sky is your first album re-released through Paracadute Records. What does this album mean to you, as your first independent album? Of the Blue Colour of the Sky was a big departure for us in a lot of ways. The
unlikely success of our homemade videos and our more unorthodox ideas in general gave us a lot more confidence to chase whatever felt most exciting to us. It’s not that our earlier albums were chasing a specific sound, but I remember feeling in those early years like there were invisible walls: we were a guitar rock band, and it felt like we’d be coloring outside the lines if we chased songs that didn’t fit that box. By OBCOTS, I think we’d managed to shake those inhibitions, and I love those songs a lot more because of it. When we managed to get our album back from Capitol just as it was being released, the whole project of the band underwent a tectonic shift. We suddenly had total control of the business, as well as the music. That meant a lot more work, of course, but we could do things the way we wanted. We don’t have the resources that a major label has, but we also don’t fit into anyone else’s notions of what will and won’t work. The projects we spend our time and money on wouldn’t be smart decisions for most bands, but they are for us, and they are what we love doing.
music video. What were your thoughts behind the leaking? Initially, we didn’t really think of it as a music video. It was just this weird, amusing home video, and we emailed it to our friends—proud of how ludicrous it was. Someone posted it to iFilm, a precursor to YouTube, and within a few weeks, we noticed it had been downloaded like 300,000 times. We hadn’t even sold that many records yet. The light bulb flashed on: holy shit, we accidentally made a pretty great music video. We tried to get Capitol to capitalize on the buzz from the video, but their response was: “if this gets out, you’re sunk.” That’s a direct quote. They said it made us look nerdy and gay and uncool. We were like, “Exactly! “ In any case, it was too late for them to stop it.
Aside from your paisley uniform, one of the things you are famous for are your videos. The first to make waves was “A Million Ways.” What is it about you guys and choreographed dancing? For years, touring on our first two albums, we closed our shows with a totally absurd choreographed dance. We loved the shock of it. We were generally playing in tiny indie clubs where everyone would slink around being cool, and when we’d drop our instruments and break into dance, it kind of forced people to break character and just have fun. So we were in my backyard rehearsing a new dance to go on tour for our second album, and we wanted to see how it looked. We set up a video recorder and the result was the video for “A Million Ways.”
You’ve promised us an album this 2014. Can we have an idea about the direction you’re going? We released a 4-song EP last June, and the rest of the album will be out in October. It’s a lot more electronic than our other albums, but not in an EDM kind of way. Like our other records, it’s pretty stylistically diverse. Parts of it are very modern—some songs are made almost entirely of glitchy electronic sounds—but you can also really hear the 80s influences: Prince, INXS, and New Order. We don’t have a regular writing routine. It’s more of a whatever-it-takes hunt for those songs that are just beyond our conscious grasp—the ones with all the feeling in them. It’s like trying to scratch an itch in your brain, trying to reach those songs—like trying to grab something in your peripheral vision. So we go at them from a million angles and we wind up with a lot of disparate influences colliding. But as a whole, I think the new record is the closest we’ve come to realizing those songs playing in our own minds.
We read that Capitol Records was against the “accidental” release of that unofficial
okgo.net @okgo
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BLOCK PARTY
YOUTH IN REVOLT
A t t h e p r i m e of t h e i r lives, these f resh yet seaso ned acto rs co uld flood t h e sc r e e n s with lo ve o r light o r heat, w hatever. By Ja nr o e Ca bi l e s
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BLOCK PARTY
RILEY SMITH
(True Blood, New York Minute)
Photographed by Sean Armenta
What are the most important lessons you’ve learned from other actors you’ve worked with regarding fame? Fame is fleeting. Don’t put emphasis on it. Stay humble, do your job because you love it. And always give back. Tell us of your dream project: who are your co-stars, what will the script be like, who will be directing it and what do you hope to achieve with such a film? A great coming of age, character-driven drama written and directed by Alexander Payne. His films just resonate with me on so many levels. He is a midwest guy who honestly
portrays that area of the country and the people from there. His characters are so rich with so many layers. And his style of filmmaking effortlessly brings the audience into the world he is painting. What is your favorite moment during a shoot? How does it reflect the type of person you are? For me, there is no better feeling than working so hard
“Fame is fleeting. Don’t put emphasis on it.” on a character and then finally getting the opportunity to play those scenes out on camera. When those days come and go so well, the drive home from set that night is the best feeling in the world. It’s why I do this.
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BLOCK PARTY
HALEY RAMM
(X-Men: The Last Stand, Chasing Life)
Photographed by Isaac Sterling
Makeup by Nicole Chew @ Celestine Agency using Giorgio Armani Hair Juanita Lyon @ Celestine Agency using Oribe Stylist Wilford Lenov
What other factors do you look for in a film before accepting a role, aside from the script? I watch movies and know what type of roles I want to play, but you have to pay your dues and work sometimes because you simply need the money. If given the chance, what would you avoid doing when playing a role? I love movies that feel real and natural. My biggest pet peeve is worrying about hair getting in your face or covering a zit perfectly, because that’s not reality. Real people get hair in their face or have an annoying blemish.
What are your top three favorite films and why do you like them? I like That Thing You Do, simply because it was such a big part of my childhood. A Place in the Sun is also a favorite of mine. Anything with Elizabeth Taylor is gold to me. It’s a beautiful and heartbreaking love story. And lastly, Girl Interrupted because Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder. Enough said.
“I love movies that feel real and natural.” dress Kate Moss Collection Topshop
dress by Topshop jean jacket by GAP ring by Nicole Meng bracelets by Topshop
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top by American Apparel shorts by Ramy Brooks necklace by Tori Burch
BLOCK PARTY
“The more truthful you are [when acting], the more relatable your experience is.”
WESAM KEESH
(Awkward, Hyperion)
Photographed by Sean Armenta
One segment from your podcast Actors Anonymous that we enjoyed was the one about Shakespeare theatre and living in the moment. Can you tell us what about this thought ties in with your acting philosophy? In my personal opinion, acting is about truth. An actor’s job is to reflect the human experience. The more truthful you are [when acting], the more relatable your experience is. When you live in the moment, lots of organic stuff can happen. Reactions or feelings can come up that you didn’t expect but are truthful. You are mostly known for playing Kyle from the hit TV series Awkward. What is one trait that you and your character share? Black nail polish…just kidding. But on the topic of black, most
of my wardrobe is black. Though I have adopted some color into my style over the last couple of years. Any blooper you’d care to share? I can’t think of anything in particular, however, I can get too into my character during a take and the director will be like, “Yeah, that was…really creepy, glad we have that take. Can we do one less creepy?” Tell us one awkward moment that you remember to this day. I told a bunch of women once, that no one looked a day over 40. They were all in their 30s.
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NIGHTVISION best weekend ever ever by The Cobrasnake
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NIGHTVISION
project h @ hyve by Art Oca
jeremy scott slumber party by The Cobrasnake
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NIGHTVISION
NIGHT SWIM BACK AGAIN by Steven Meiers
tue live crew @ Aracama
by Jan Gangat x AJ Takla
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NIGHTVISION
prime time malibu prom by The Cobrasnake
saturday night hyve by Jun Lopez
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NIGHTVISION
social saturdays @ Aracama by AJ Takla
friday night hyve by Art Oca
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DIRECTORY BRANDS 100% PURE 100percentpure.com 21 MEN SM Megamall, Pasig City ADIDAS adidas.com AISARA aisara.jp AMERICAN RETRO americanretro.fr BERSHKA Greenbelt 5, Makati City BOBBI BROWN bobbibrowncosmetics.com BOTTEGA VENETA bottegaveneta.com CALL IT SPRING Greenbelt 3, Makati City CHOPARD chopard.com CLINIQUE clinique.com COTTON ON SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City COURRÈGES courreges.com CUTLER + GROSS cutlerandgross.com DIRK BIKKEMBERGS bikkembergs.com DOROTHY PERKINS SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City DSQUARED2 dsquared2.com ERES eres.fr ESTÉE LAUDER esteelauder.com FOREVER 21 SM Megamall, Ortigas City, SM Makati, Makati City G-STAR RAW g-star.com
GEORGIO ARMANI giorgioarmanibeauty.com GIVENCHY givenchy.com H&M hm.com I STILL LOVE YOU NYC istillloveyounyc.com JEAN PAUL GAULTIER jeanpaulgaultier.com JEFFREY CAMPBELL jeffreycampbellshoes.com JEFFREY THOMAS jeffreythomasco.com LA MER cremedelamer.com LAURA MERCIER lauramercier.com LOVE STORY lovestoryshop.com MAC maccosmetics.com MARC BY MARC JACOBS Greenbelt 5, Makati City MARIA KE FISHERMAN mariakefisherman.com MATSUDA matsudaeyewear.com MISS SELFRIDGE SM Aura, Taguig City MOODS OF NORWAY moodsofnorway.com MOSCOT moscot.com NARS narscosmetics.com NATIVE & SONS nativesons-eyewear.com NIKE nike.com PATRIZIA PEPE patriziapepe.com PEDRO Greenbelt 5, Makati City PRADA prada.com
OBEY obeyclothing.com OXYGEN SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City PAUL SMITH paulsmith.com PENSHOPPE SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City REISS reiss.com RIVER ISLAND SM Aura, Taguig City RUFFEO HEARTS LIL’ SNOTTY rhls.com S/S SUPPLY GOODS ssgoods.com SMASHBOX smashbox.com SPRINGFIED Greenbelt 3, Makati City STEVE MADDEN Greenbelt 5, Makati City SUITEBLANCO SM Aura, Taguig City SUPREME NEW YORK supremenewyork.com TOM FORD tomford.com TOPSHOP SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City TSUBO tsubo.com VALENTINO valentino.com VIC MATIÉ vicmatie.it WAREHOUSE SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City WHATEVER 21 whatever21.bigcartel.com YRU y-r-u.com ZANEROBE zanerobe.com ZARA Greenbelt 5, Makati City
ARTISTS Vincent Alvarez (Photographer) alvarezvincent.com Sean Armenta (Photographer) seanarmenta.com Audrey Brianne (Stylist) audreybrianne.com The Cobrasnake (Photographer) thecobrasnake.com Ciara Crocker (Photographer) ciaracrocker.com Nicolas Le Forestier (Photographer) nicolasleforestier.net Jan Gangat (Photograper) jaggygangat.wix.com Stephen Lavoie (Photographer) irocktography.com Shaira Luna (Photographer) shairaluna.tumblr.com Magalie Markan (Hair and Makeup) magalie-markan.com Steven Meiers (Photographer) toastycakes.com Miguel Miranda (Photographer) miguelmirandaphotography.com Art Oca (Photographer) artoca.ph Marie Revelut (Stylist) marierevelut.tumblr.com RJ Roque (Photographer) inaninstax.com Steffi Santiago (Photographer) keiandink.tumblr.com Nicco Santos (Photographer) ynigosantos.com JP Singson (Photographer) jponfashionspeed.com Isaac Sterling (Photographer) isaacsterling.com
S TAT U S IN VA D E S
IT BY ALEXA CHUNG
It’s a signed copy with a portrait drawn by Alexa Chung. It also came with a 5-minute chat and selfie.
POLAROID CAMERAS
We love shooting with old school Polaroid cameras, especially when we travel. There’s just something about the color, fade, and feel that makes it look interesting.
LEATHER JACKET
Must-have in any wardrobe because of its versatility.
CHLOÉ BAG
This Chloé bag is perfect for travel. It looks amazing with summer dresses too.
YOUR EVIL TWIN
With a common love for all things vintage and unconventionally beautiful, twin sisters AN and EN ESTRADA prove that juggling work and play is twice the fun when you have someone to share it with. youreviltwindiary.tumblr.com
BEACH RIOT x STONE COLD FOX SWIMSUIT
I love anything with the Martinique print because it reminds me of summer.
ISABEL MARANT DRESS
I love how this dress looks modern and vintage at the same time.
VINTAGE TEES
KATE MOSS x TOPSHOP DRESS
Had this dress since high school. This is the perfect summer dress. It’s a classic.
Tube socks are perfect for skateboarding and crossfit.
SAINT LAURENT HEELS
Keep it simple.
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We’re obsessed with vintage tees! They get better with age. The amazing thing about them is you can wear them anytime you want, even to sleep.
SEEA RASHGUARD
It took us years to find a chic rashguard for surfing.
RODIN FACE OIL
We just found the perfect potion for hydrated skin. It’s highly moisturizing without feeling heavy.
LEVI’S VINTAGE CUTOFFS
These denim shorts are our favorite summer staple. It can be worn with anything.
Portrait by Nicco Santos
TUBE SOCKS