IS A MAJOR RAGER N OVE M BER 2012
71 YEKKY BALINGIT
69 DJ SO SUPER SAM 12 STATUS MESSAGE 14 MASTHEAD
40 MIDNIGHT HEAT
STATUSPHERE
46 SO FAR GONE
17 22 23 24 25 26
THREADS SETTING BRICK & MORTAR SCREEN INK BEATS
gadgets 27
TECH PACK: SWEET ESCAPE
Nowadays, who needs glow sticks?
BEAUTY 28 29 29
FACE PAINT: CHANNEL ORANGE
Pander in mandarin.
ABOUT FACE:BED HEAD QUEEN
The dream cream team
BEAUTY BITE: BATH JUNKIE
FASHION
STREET STYLE
Join the bal masque, costume de rigueur. By Francesca Secolonovo Everyone’s got room for improvement. By Adrian Gonzales
SHOPPING GUIDE SWAG
55 Up and Away Parkas
56 Sneaker Pimps Sneakers
57 Sergeant Pepper Red Pants
57 After Math
Analog Watches
58 Heads Up Hoodies
59 Pass The Message Messenger Bags
60 Skin Sensation Leather Jackets
61 Pep Talk
Peplum Tops
62 Actor’s Guild A-line Skirts
30 GO SEE
62 Alice In Chains
32 JUMPING JACK FLASH
63 West Side
An army of charmers Don’t fear the police, just pullover.
VISION BOARD
34 CITY IS AWAKE
Rise and shine as you hobble on the cobblestone. By Gabor Szantai
Chain Bags
Ankle Boots
67 FEATURES mUSE
64 SHADES OF GRAY
Enter Catriona Gray’s lair of song and style. By Giano D. Dionisio
mAESTRO
65 MUSIC AND ITS ANIMALS
Time zones away from the local flood of musical debate, New York indie rockers Freelance Whales unleash their own Diluvia. By Evan Tan
66 ALL THAT YOUNG JAZZ
It sure ain’t your daddy’s jazz but with the right groove and the right mood, that’s just how seven-man group Extrapolation like it. By Ralph Mendoza
67 GLOW IN THE DARK
As the sun goes down, Walk the Moon rise up from their tour bus or dressing room to rouse the lunatic crowds with their lunar sounds. By Reena Mesias
68 HEAT WAVES
DJ Ferry Corsten takes off from the electronica rave he began with in the 90s to propel this new generation into cybersonic rhapsody. By Zoe Laurente
68 DREAM BELIEVER
With spirited lyrics over industrial London tracks, Dream Mclean is taking UK’s grime game out of the shadows and into the waking life. By Jospeh ‘JP’ Patterson
69 HEY MS. DJ
You may know her as Childish Gambino’s main squeeze but there’s more to DJ So Super Sam
WALK THE MOON than the hearts she draws—it’s all about the beats she drops. By Reena Mesias
mASTERMIND
70 IDYLL’S HANDS
With a fusion of fashion, design, literature, and humor, Olympia Le-Tan’s bags are made for and from the books. By Kristine Dabbay
71 KINGDOM COME
Not to be overdone by glass slippers, Yekky Balingit’s regal accessories are fit for any fair maiden ready to captivate a whole court. By Zoe Laurente
72 STRINGS ATTACHED
At Any Price’s Maika Monroe is more than a pretty face; the young leading lady to Zac Efron doesn’t just ride waves, she soars over them. By Daniella Rodriguez
73 SITTING IN SHOTGUN
You don’t have to be in the spotlight to steal the show, and this month, Red Dawn’s Edwin Hodge is ready to show the world what scene stealer actually means. Watch out Chris Hemsworth! By Boo Umaly
73 REALITY BITES
To the kids of the noughties, Todd Lowe will always be the sensitive, musician-type boynext-door in Gilmore Girls, but as his audience grew up so did his roles. Now, Todd bares more than his soul as Terry Bellefleur in HBO’s True Blood. By Rita Faire
74 THE FLUX CAPACITOR
Socialites and scene queens pale in the presence of Ilirjana Alushaj—magazine editor, band
IS A MAJOR RAGER NOVEMBER 2012
68 FERRY CORSTEN
75 BOBBY KIM
74 leader, DJ, and producer are just some of this reigning party princess’s other titles. By Rita Faire
75 LONG LIT FUSE
If you’re waiting for that boom, then we suggest you don’t hold your breath. Bobby Kim of LA-based streetwear brand The Hundreds isn’t interested in making his “Adam Bomb” go off. He just wants you to watch out for it. By Victor Loong
HEAVY HITTER
76 SOME KIND OF AURA
At any bar, club, or rager, it’s easy to spot that one gorgeous chick from across the room. She’s zippy on the dance floor and she’ll knock back a beer with you, too. Her style is up in the Air Max, but she stays down to Purple Earth. Here’s your chance to strike up a conversation and get to know her better. For starters, her name is Rita Ora. By Miguel Escobar
82 FÊTE FATALE
Gay Paris becomes très fiery through Keffer’s lens. The City of Light is burning at night if you know where to look. Fortunately, the boisterous photographer does, and he
ILIRJANA ALUSHAJ
welcomes us into a bewitching culture of noir and peace, alcohol and caprice. Snapshots of this unglossy underbelly offer a dim look into secret scenes awash in more than just fifty shades of black and white. By Giano D. Dionisio
86 HIT AND RUN
Looking for a G.O.O.D. time? Well, there’s a new wizard in town: Hit-Boy. Time to get familiar. He doesn’t hide behind curtains, but he’s the magic behind certain musical wonders—producing tracks that star Kanye, Lupe, Lil Wayne, and even Justin Bieber. Currently, he’s working on Jay and Bey’s upcoming albums while dropping beats for everyone else in the game. At Hit-Boy’s level, it’s go ham or go home. By Loris Peña
EVENTS
NIGHTVISION
91 EVERYONE’S PASSED OUT 92 DELIRIOUS MOUVEMENT: THE COMEBACK
92 DARIS GETTING TRAPT 93 UP ECOSOC: LIV 93 CRITICAL ACCLAIM 94 ANDY VALMORBIDA
FUTURA AFTERPARTY
94 PERCEPTION X 95 FERRY CORSTEN × KRISTINA SKY
95 FREE LOVE WOODSTOCK
BLOCK PARTY: CIRQUE DU NUIT
MORE
88 KIKI KABOOM
STATUS INVADES
Variety entertainers
Burlesque
89 MAT RICARDO
96 DIRECTORY 98 DAVID KAPLAN
The bartender/owner of Death & Co. keeps the company of oak and wine.
Juggler
89 MOE CLARK Spoken Word
When you meet Rita Ora, “After five minutes, you think you’ve already known each other for ten years,” says cover photog Pascal Kerouche. With a feisty fangful of Rita’s oro, “It’s like she’s saying, ‘I am here. Get used to it!’” That’s exactly how we do. More than party and bullshit, the 21-year-old (who’s celebrating her birthday this month) also urges us to fearlessly mouth off, show teeth, and bite back. Cheers to the nights worth remembering!
99 BAR EXAM
Lindsay Lohan’s list of intoxication destinations for the house arrested.
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 free mixtapes paper and wallpapers
STATUS MESSAGE
HIT-BOY (86)
RITA ORA (76)
MAJOR RAGER T
here is nothing like going out with friends, leaving your worries at the door, and having the time of your life. Growing up as a club kid myself, I know that there is another world that emerges between daylight and darkness. So let’s discover what’s lurking around the city after dark in our Night Life Issue. Rita Ora has been getting a lot of buzz worldwide. It may be because she has been rumored to be dating Rob Kardashian, has been spotted jet-setting around the world, and has now claimed the throne for the party anthem “How We Do (Party).” It also helps that she’s got great style with her trademark red lips and platinum blonde hair. With her newfound success, she shares with us how she handles her fears and what she wants her music to represent. We also got to go behind the lens of Parisian party/club photographer Keffer as he documents what happens in Paris when darkness takes over the city. From drag queens to rap stars, Keffer isn’t afraid to cross the velvet rope to get his shot. Capturing the good, the bad, and the trashy, he tells us how going out to the clubs has morphed into a 4-year photo project called Jour De Nuit. Producer turned rapper Hit-Boy is making the beats we all like to dance to. His hit “Ni**as in Paris” is what got everyone’s attention, and “Clique” is recently cementing his status as hiphop’s heavy weight producer. I’m sure working with rap royalty like Jay-Z, Kanye, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and A$AP Rocky don’t hurt either. In his interview, he talks about his path to becoming a legend. We also wanted to feature the other night crawlers in this issue. Our Block Party features burlesque Kiki Kaboom, juggler Matt Ricardo, and spoken work perfomer Moe Clark. And if that isn’t your cup of tea, we also have a bit of modern jazz, indie pop, and hip-hop with Extrapolation, Freelance Whales, and DJ So Super Sam. I know that most of our night life is filled with lost moments and fuzzy memories, but those don’t stop us from living the time of our life.
Editor-in-chief
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contributors statusmagonline.com Rosario Herrera
@rosarioherrera
Patrick L. Jamora
@padraick @patrickdiokno @nyaels @jerdeeee @paolostroodles
editor-in-chief creative director
art director Patrick Diokno graphic designers Nyael David
Jer Dee Paolo Geronimo
associate editor Kristine Dabbay features editor Reena Mesias fashion editor Loris Peña assistant editor Giano D. Dionisio
PASCAL KEROUCHE
“RIP to the mess that I used to see,” says Pascal, who just finished tidying accumulated clutter from three straight weeks of shooting. It’s all in a day’s work for the laid-back LA lensman who often captures the different personalities of musicians, whether loungey and luxurious like Snoop Dogg or brash and ballsy like Rita Ora (76). For our cover, Pascal caught the Roc Nation star being herself—a feat made easy due to their friendship shared over a fondness for jokes and Jordans.
fashion assistant
Zoe Laurente Rita Faire
editorial assistant sales & marketing consultant
ADAM SETH TEH Though Adam is usually the designated drunk people caretaker, our contributing hair stylist also knows how to loosen his mane and wig out with some nu-rave moves, “Laser plank antlers” being his signature. Otherwise, he’s content with his own default party poses: the jaded socialite staredown and the cheesy goofball grin. If you don’t get to catch his fancy fingerwork on the dance floor, just appreciate his handiwork in this month’s fashion story, “So Far Gone” (46).
Tina Herrera
account manager Dan Buenaventura junior account manager Kevin Jude Pueblo
@tindabs @yohitgirl @_dizzyrizzy @giodion @zoelaurente @ritadoesnttweet @tinaherrera_ @danbuenaventura @kevinpueblo tweet us!
contributing writers
Miguel Escobar, Ralph Mendoza, Joseph “JP” Patterson, Daniella Rodriguez, Evan Tan, Boo Umaly contributing artists
Rachelle Ang, Chanel Boateng, The Cobrasnake, Fernando Colon, Danica Condez, David x Prutting, Ben Cope, Joyce De Dios-Ignacio, Amanda Elkins, Judd Figuerres, Malte Frank, Angela Gates, Adrian Gonzales, Neil Kendall, Pascal Kerouche, Margarita Lievano, Erica Matthews, Maui Manalo, Monica Mao, Miguel Miranda, Norah Nathoo, Aliya Naumoff, Tom Oxley, Jeruel Pingol, Mara Reyes, Mat Ricardo, Tigz Rice, Nikki Ruiz, Paolo Ruiz, Derrick Santini, Brandon Showers, JP Singson, Nick St. James, Gabor Szantai, Ja Tecson, Francesca Secolonovo, Adam Seth Teh, Viktoria Toth, Aleksey Volchek, Karla Yuzon, Olivier Zahm interns
Marianne Cruz, Rolly Ibañez, Victor Loong, Arden Santos, Frances Zehr
editorial editorial@statusmagonline.com
MAUI MANALO
Trust our friendly makeup maven, Maui, when it comes to staying glam at an after hours jam: “Make sure everything’s waterproof; you never know what can happen.” She adds that a smoky eye is fast, easy, and doesn’t go out of style as long as it stays smoky, not runny. For a loungier look achievable the morning after, get “So Far Gone” (46) in our fashion pages. Just remember to wipe off the previous night’s evidence; and if you have a headache, Maui believes all it takes is a little taste of grease, bacon preferably.
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advertising advertise@statusmagonline.com
JOSEPH “JP” PATTERSON
Although he doesn’t costume up for Halloween, contributing writer JP is a self-confessed vampire whose sleeping habits are comparable to “a mythical creature in itself.” It’s no surprise that JP enjoys looking at the night sky, “Golden” as a Dream Mclean (68) song, as he walks through London city always with an ear out for the smoothest new musical acts. If he’s not at a grubby pub for a smashing gig or an underground club getting smashed, JP is probably just untagging last night’s shameless photos on Facebook.
marketing marketing@statusmagonline.com general inquiries info@statusmagonline.com Party and bullshit
What’s your STATUS? tell us.
read our digital version statusmagonline.com/ digital-magazine 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
NOVEMBER 2012
VLADIMIR’S LINEN M
ARIUS PETRUS will make you consent on a clothing coup d’état. Outfitted by standout patterns and bold colors applied on military jackets and slouchy outerwear, each piece can warm up a cold war. Simply, this is an offer you can’t refuse. mariusopteynde.com
SNOW KNIGHT Y
ou are winter-ready with CASH CA’s latest collection of parkas, knitted pullovers, and wool trousers. Don a knitted shirt, a flight jacket, and gardening pants to beat the cold. Everything’s hotter if you keep it cool this season. cashca.jp
DRESS TO THE NINES N
INE WEST turns the heat up for the holidays with booties, ankle straps, and slingbacks embellished with metallics, leopard spots, and snakeskin platform heels. Even flats get a sexy treatment with pointy toes capped in polished metal and loafers with hardware detailing. High or low, this is the way to go. ninewest.com
AGE-OLD ADVICE M
ILLA SNORRASON takes some tips from your hip granny on how to work twinsets and long trenches. With the help of offbeat prints and pastel color blocks, she makes it cool to wear boxy tops and above-the-ankle pants. Cropped jackets and matching trousers can be for the young, too, with the right punch of color. millasnorrason.com
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THREADS
BRANDS TO KNOW
COOL WATERS K
eep calm in COTTWEILER’s freshest lineup of pieces made of airy fabrics including waterproof nylon, lycra, and the ever trusty jersey. Mix and match vests, sweatshirts, and joggers with your favorite black combat boots. Throw on some accessories like black studded cuffs. Remember to come in peace. cottweiler.com
cottweiler cottweilerlookbook lookbookv6.indd v6.indd 614
05/09/2012 11:04 05/09/2012 11:05
OH ROMEO D
on a pair from HOUSE OF MONTAGUE and nab yourself a fair Capulet. The brand’s sneakers are embossed with ostrich leather, sheep skin, calf hide, suede, and rubber. Other designs come with tassels and a leather cord lace; with all that style, people will nod and smile when they give you a look from head to foot. houseofmontague.dk
CLOSET GEISHA K
RAKORA’s latest collection, The Suns Origin, will have you sipping sake dressed in structured shoulders, silky drapes, waist-cinching obi belts, and wrap dresses. Drift through the streets with your lover in a high-slit skirt and even higher heels. You might just find yourself turning Japanese at the end of the ride. krakoradesign.cz
FORGIVE ME NOT P
ARDON LE DOPENESS’s threads will tempt you with its understated white prints. It would be wise to stock up on its tees and tanks that are easy to throw on your back without having second thoughts. Just grab a piece that fits your mood and head for the door. It’s a sin to ignore this. pardonledopeness.com
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YOUR HIGHNESS L
et JANNA KATIPUNAN make you look like a gothic snow queen dripping in rhinestones, pearls, chains, and dark crystal flowers. Summon the ladies of the court at once. All you’ll need is a furry stole and a throne. You don’t need a consort, but if someone woos you with one of these pieces, maybe add them to the candidates. twitter.com/janna_katipunan
THREADS
AWESOME SAUCE T
hese high-performance kicks from SAUCONY’s Kinvara series look like they just stepped out of a pop art painting. With bright colors and lightweight FlexFilm technology, you’ll be inspired to get out there, get in shape, and turn yourself into a cartoon-contoured blur. saucony.com
FALL/WINTER 2012
FALL/WINTER 2012
P(ART)Y PAGES D
AVID LONGSHAW doesn’t seek muses; he makes them. The collection’s dress prints are actually off David’s own paintings, illustrations, and Vogue Italia comic strips. That playfully odd headpiece? It’s Maude, the cashmere mouse. These offbeat dresses, skirts, and shirts will have you feeling like you’re draped in art. davidlongshaw.co.uk
TR èS SICK S
urf-inspired street label TWOTHIRDS is committed to conserve the ocean and provide every chap a good selection of casual clothing. With knitted shawl cardigans, striped pullovers, M16-inspired parkas, clean button-downs, and khaki pants, every item in your closet will be ready to be part of a whole look. twothirds.com
GOOD LIFE E
veryday feels like Sunday morning with COPSON ST.’s Tropical Bodega. Bleached pastel pullovers and pineapple tees are best worn with a snapback. Chill like it’s the weekend, add a bowl of cereal over morning cartoons, and have a trip ‘round the suburbs or the beach. It’s all good. copsonstreet.com
ROUGH IT S
tomp and sashay your way down the streets in DENIMOCRACY’s handcrafted jeans in washes and waxes, ombré coats, and tie-dye treatments. It’s your pick among “Anarchy,” “Bad Trip,” “Sage Decay,” and “Jade Acid.” A femme fatale deserves a tough set of fitting armor. denimocracyusa.com
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THREADS
BRANDS TO KNOW
HOLA CHICA C
OSTA BLANCA’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection swathes you in tweed and lamé sweaters, floral print and lace dresses, animal print skirts, tribal print kaftans, and gold-accented blouses. Inspired by the sultry European lifestyle, Costa Blanca preps you to jet, set, and go. costablanca.ca
MURDER SHE WROTE S
pearhead your movement with body ornaments from K/LLER COLLECTION. Go in full gear with geometric rings, carved pendant necklaces, and rustic bangles. These trinkets are all crafted from brass metal, leather, or a fusion of the two to give you a look that others will kill for. kllercollection.com
SOMETHING FISHY S
culptor and costume designer MIRANDA KEYES must’ve had mermaid couture in mind when she conceived her Engraulis collection. With an alchemical approach to design, she transformed anchovies into avant-garde headpieces and salmon scales into lacquered, iridescent necklaces. mirandakeyes.com
COAST TO COAST
PEEPING PANDA
E
P
veryone turns to good old tees when the need for something casual arises. Take it from QUALITY PEOPLES’ prints of waves, sea, and sand on shirts. Pair the “Leave It All Behind” tee with paint-splattered board shorts. There are no seasonal restrictions when your life is all about action. qualitypeoples.com
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ANDA’s wooden frames are made with love and bamboo. In partnership with The TOMA Foundation, proceeds fund eye exams and prescribe glasses to someone in need. With environmentally friendly style that celebrates the gift of vision, Panda lets you see the world with a clearer point of view. wearpanda.com
THREADS
FREE SPIRIT M
ONKI’s Fall/Winter collection is inviting you to a hippie party. Printed tops, knitted sweaters, and fringed gloves will have you running in circles while ruling your circle. Pair “Stevie” jeans with a “Corinne” knit and the chunky “Ramona” scarf with beaten boots. Your print on print outfit will scream “I’m ready to dance.” And dance you must with clothes you trust. monki.com
TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY T
his season, STEVE MADDEN will make you fall for sporty wedges, sparkly rhinestone slip-ons, glitter pumps, studded purses, black patent boots, metallics, and steel heels. Whether it’s holiday din, the red carpet, a rock concert or the club, you’re in for a mad romance. stevemadden.com
COLD SWEAT G
et your share of soft and structured treats from GENEVIEVE SAVARD. Heavy fall overcoats take the backseat as sweet and silky shorts, tops, and dresses make their way out of the bedroom and onto the sidewalk. Show some skin in a dare-to-bare bra top. Layer it up with slouchy high-waist shorts over tights to shake away the feeling of cold feet. genevievesavard.com
THE PRESTIGE N
o hocus pocus was involved in making MOCIUN’s latest collection of pretty things. Gold, amethyst, and black diamonds are embedded in its handmade geometric rings, drop necklaces, studded earrings, and cube bracelets. Magic may just be an illusion, but Mociun will still get you spellbound. mociun.com
BYE BOREDOM S
tay cool and collected with iMind’s jackets and tees. Keeping the look clean, its latest collection works around your basic leather jackets, trousers, denims, and shirts, and refines them in clear-cut shapes and classic tones. No need to make a scene. Just keep it casual. imind.vc
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SETTING
PLACES TO GO
CORKAGE
DUCK & WAFFLE, LONDON
N
aming its cocktail menu as “The Opening Act,” DUCK & WAFFLE knows that the perfect introduction to a good meal is a pre-dinner drinks session. Not only does Duck & Waffle feature international whiskies, sugarcane spirits, vodkas, branded liquors, and Mexican agave spirits, but this gastronomic prologue also highlights updated versions of signature drinks including a Gin & Tonic mixed with yuzu; a bottled and bagged ginger beer, rum, and lime Dark & Stormy; and a Sazerac with Pierre Ferrand cognac, rye, amaro, and Jack Daniel’s smoky bitters.
duckandwaffle.com
SUITE
HOTEL PULITZER, BUENOS AIRES
GRUB
SEIJI, MANILA
S
erving authentic and modern Japanese dishes in wood-accented dining rooms and painted private rooms, Chef Seiji Kamura’s SEIJI gives an intimate dining experience overflowing with riches of the sea and farm-fresh vegetable harvests. Following the traditional Japanese seasonal calendar, the restaurant’s menu changes with the fall of cherry blossoms, which means you’ll have to wait until the
H next Japanese summer to taste Seiji’s creamy Foie Gras and Unagi Salad. Thank god for staples like Wagyu Saikoro Steak, Dragon Maki with Prawn and Unagi, as well as the Crispy Kani Pomelo Salad. Dishes like these make the wait bearable.
facebook.com/pages/Seiji-JapaneseRestaurant
OTEL PULITZER in Buenos Aires fuses retro Americana, Spanish Catalan elegance, and South American vitality with its rooms and suites decorated in genuine leather, darkwood furnishings, natural fabrics, colorful accents, and mounted avant-garde artwork. Representing worldly taste of a modern traveler, the 13-floor establishment sports amenities suited for the frequent and selective tourist, including a breakfast room and a seasonal sky bar that opens during spring and summer.
hotelpulitzer.com.ar
PLATE
Treat yourself to the famed Nippon hospitality by sitting among walls painted with snow-capped mountains and cherry blossoms of SEIJI’s private function rooms. If those don’t get you in the right MIXED SEAFOOD mood, the cuisine will. CHAWANMUSHI An appetizer of egg custard, 1006 F. Arnaiz Ave (formerly ginkgo seeds, and seasonal Pasay Road), 1224 Makati seafood steamed in a tea bowl City, Philippines
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WAGYU SAIKORO STEAK Cubes of untrimmed Wagyu beef served with mixed vegetables on a cast iron plate
POMODORO SOMEN Cold soup with white flour noodles served in a fresh tomato base
MANGO SOUFFLÉ A creamy French pastry given a tropical twist with mangoes to flavor
Words by Rita Faire Seiji photos by Patrick Diokno
DOMO ARIGATO
BRICK AND MORTAR
STORES TO SHOP
ASKOV FINLAYSON, MINNEAPOLIS 200 North 1st Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401 askovfinlayson.com Dime to drop: $5-$850 (P200-P35,400) Don’t leave without: Kånken backpack by Fjällräven and Askov Finlayson x Smathers & Branson collaboration Minnesota belts
F
ollow the old brick building in the North Loop and the vibrant striped window display of ASKOV FINLAYSON will easily lure you in. The vast space is furnished with brick walls, leather couches, and antique carpets. Topped with a high ceiling, you’ll instantly feel relaxed. Find Japanese selvedge denim by Momotaro Jeans, artisanal paddles by Sanborn Canoe Co., limited edition art magazines, and the brands Happy Socks, Stanley & Sons Apron and Bag Co., The Good Flock, Timberland, Vilebrequin, Warriors of Radness, Woolrich John Rich & Bros., and Norse Projects. Roam around and find canvas bags, button-downs, and Otter Wax displayed on a wooden plank. Priding itself with the design philosophy, “Keep it Fun,” the boutique infuses quirky details like a random ladder in the store’s corner and handwritten price tags for its merch. From the same makers of The Bachelor Farmer restaurant and Marvel Bar, the Dayton Brothers offer Askov Finlayson to serve food for the style-hungry.
3939 SHOP, LONDON 8 Kingsland Road London E2 8DA 3939shop.com Dime to drop: £20-£700 (P1300-P47,000) Don’t Leave Without: 3939 Underground X creepers
I
Words by Loris Peña and Victor Loong
rrashaimase! A doe-eyed tanuki statue happily greets you at the counter of 3939. The store, like a breeze of Japanese playfulness, storms through its London setting. Lit by fluorescent tubes and neon signages, 3939’s clean white interiors complement the boldness of the shop’s art prints, accessories, rack after rack of bold graphic shirts, fun separates, and sneakers. Unique items and brands from around the world are in the mix, like tights by Proef from Japan; Fashionary books and Grass Clutches from GLUSH in Hong Kong; J*Keydge slack jackets from France, and patterned Sock Mate pairs from the US. Besides collaborating with Underground for wedge creepers, this retail space also doubles as a showroom and art gallery. Look out for prints from artists like Yuko Kondo, Beatrice Boyle, and Cassandra Yap. From fitting Simone Rocha dresses to eyeing Rankin photo books, the store has managed to mix fashion and art without alienating one from the other.
ERIIN
Y
our closet can do better with ERIIN as your shopping partner. Get classy with the store’s selection of blazers, dresses, booties, and jackets from Asia Pacific. With Mandy Wu,
Kahlo, and One Teaspoon, among other designers on Eriin’s list, you can upgrade your look with just one click.
eriin.com
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SCREEN
SCENES TO SEE
TICKET
REMOTE CONTROL THE ABCs OF DEATH This Toronto Film Festival entry challenged 26 of the world’s best underground horror film directors to tell stories of death with each letter of the alphabet.
SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK I Heart Huckabees’ David O. Russell adapts a Matthew Quick novel of the same name. It follows a recently released mental patient (Bradley Cooper) who meets a mysterious girl (Jennifer Lawrence). LIFE OF PI Ang Lee helms this journey of a young zookeeper’s son who drifts across the Pacific Ocean with a tiger, a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Bengal tiger.
AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY Alison Klayman directs this 2012 Sundance Film Festival documentary about controversial visual artist Ai Weiwei in his attempt to thwart China’s strict censorship laws and give a middle finger to conservative ideals. RUST AND BONE Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts headline Jacques Audiard’s (Un prophète) adaptation of Craig Davidson’s short story collection about a 25 year-old man who falls in love with a whale killer trainer.
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HUNTED (CINEMAX) X-Files and Strike Back: Project Dawn producer Frank Spotnitz dips his toes into espionage thrillers with this new series starring Alias alum Melissa George who plays Sam Hunter, a spy recovering from attempted murder. Back on active duty for private espionage agency Byzantium, Sam needs to do her job while trying to uncover who among her team tried to kill her.
666 PARK AVENUE (ABC) Fringe’s David Wilcox helms this series about a young couple (Rachael Taylor and Dave Annable) who discover that the building complex they moved into isn’t just inhabited by New York’s upper crust; it’s also a host to a demonic force. The familiar faces of Vanessa Williams (Desperate Housewives), Terry O’Quinn (LOST), and Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill) round off the cast.
THE WEDDING BAND (TBS) There’s no better way to pick up girls than to hang around the relationshipstarved at weekend weddings. Along with his fame-whoring brother Barry (Derek Miller), the new guy Stevie (Harold Perrineau), and the family man Eddie (Peter Cambor), bachelor-on-theprowl Tommy (Brian Austin Green) maximizes his chances of getting laid and forms Seattle’s premier wedding band.
PL AYBACK TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (1983) Great storytelling and performances.
TODD LOWE (Actor) WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (1966) Requisite viewing on a fourth or fifth date.
LONE STAR (1996) Director John Sayles, Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Peña, Matthew McConaughey, and Kris Kristofferson at their most charismatic.
LONESOME DOVE (1989) Tommy Lee Jones versus Robert Duvall!
JACKIE BROWN (1997) My favorite Quentin Tarantino film.
Words by Rita Faire
JACK AND DIANE Jack (Riley Keough) and Diane (Juno Temple) try to stay together when their whirlwind New York romance is disrupted by the threat of separation and Diane’s furry little problem.
ink
BOOKS TO READ
BOOKMARK HOT OFF THE PRESS BOTH FLESH AND NOT By David Foster Wallace Following the posthumous publication of The Pale King, Both Flesh And Not features 15 of David Foster Wallace’s greatest non-fiction works including “Federer Both Flesh And Not,” “The (As It Were) Seminal Importance of Terminator 2,” and “Fictional Futures and the Conspicuously Young.” A sampler by nature, the book shows David’s observational wit and obsessive commentaries at their best, be it on pop culture, pure math, fiction writing, or his favorite tennis player Roger Federer. GRACE: A MEMOIR By Grace Coddington Picking up where The September Issue left off, Grace: A Memoir follows the famed fashion editor through more than 40 years of creative influence. Out of the Condé Nast offices and into Grace’s real life, she unveils a privileged look at her private relationships with family, friends, and fellow fashion luminaries. The true personal touch, however, is in the penand-ink illustrations she adds to accompany each anecdote.
DREAM STORY By Arthur Schnitzler
M
others always say, “Do not stray too far after dark.” Arthur Schnitzler deviates from motherly advice with Dream Story as he swims into the deepest ends of nocturnal fantasies including secret parties, orgies, and mistaken identities. Adapted into film by Stanley Kubrick in Eyes Wide Shut, find out the variations between protagonist Fridolin and his movie reincarnation, Dr. Bill Hartford, portrayed by Tom Cruise.
• Bill is shocked when his wife tells him of her sexual fantasies. Fridolin is not as prudish; he has his own tall tales, including one about a girl in her late teens. • Bill got attracted to an early 20th century mansion and trapped himself in an erotic soirée filled with Venetian masks. Fridolin, on the other hand, is seduced by the prostitute Mizzi into the intoxicating air of the Viennese Carnival season. • While Fridolin followed his hooker daydream to a saucy tarts and vicars
party where the men wore priests’ robes and women went in nuns’ habits, Bill’s experience leaned toward lavish, swooping robes and ornate, golddetailed masks. • Eyes Wide Shut implies that the mask from the party found its way to Alice Hartford’s bed because she discovered it in Bill’s suitcase. She put it there as a way of telling him she knew. In Dream Story, there’s more to think about as Fridolin gasps in wonder how the memento found its way out of the shadows.
SWEET TOOTH By Ian McEwan Featuring his first female protagonist since Briony in Atonement, Ian McEwan twists the thriller genre as he tells the tale of a young MI5 recruit, Serena Frome, caught in the middle of a 1970s espionage. As a voracious reader of novels, Serena is the perfect operative for the government’s “Sweet Tooth” operation that aims to influence cultural conversation by funding writers who align themselves with government opinion.
Wprds by Rita Faire
FOOTNOTES A Federer fan, David Foster Wallace famously said this of the tennis player: “Genius is not replicable. Inspiration, though, is contagious and multiform.” Oh, young love.
Grace Coddington was a convent-raised, awkward girl who grew up in an island off the Welsh coast. She educated herself in “the whole chic thing” by reading outdated copies of Vogue.
In 2002, Ian McEwan discovered that he had a long lost brother from an extra-marital affair their parents had when their mother was still married to a different man.
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BEATS
MUSIC TO HEAR
PL AYLIS T
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB Sam Halliday (lead guitar/vocals) twodoorcinemaclub.com
ZULU WINTER Henry Walton (guitar) zuluwinter.com
“Cashin’ Out” Cash Out Definitely one of my favorites.
“I Don’t Like (Remix)” Kanye West ft. Pusha T… One of the hardest songs I’ve heard.
“Don’t Be Cruel” Elvis Presley It’s a classic that I’ve been into lately.
“K is for Kelson” Bibio Interesting sounds and lovely melodies. Pretty upbeat and fun, too.
“Yoshua Alikuti” The Very Best It is a party starter. The chorus melody is amazing.
“HYFR” Drake It makes me laugh when we get asked, “Do you ever get nervous?”
“Weekend in the Dust” David Byrne and St. Vincent Wonderful rhythms and collaboration.
“You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” Nancy & Lee Such a sexy song.
“Hippie Hippie Hourrah” Jacques Dutronc Amazing guitar riff.
“Louie Louie” The Sandpipers Influenced Jason Pierce.
“The Mental Traveler” David Axelrod A huge record for the band at the moment.
ON THE RISE
MISSION STATEMENT
O
ne-man indie band CHILD/REN OF THE PILGRIMAGE is going to make noise as loud as howls in the wilderness. Helmed by Jep Cruz of Plane Divides the Sky (drums) and,
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formerly, Narda (keyboard), the band is definitely not going to tune out to any musical activities—be it in playing electric, acoustic, or bass guitars, keyboards,
drums, percussion, vocals, harmonica, or bandurria. The band’s carrier single, “Apostolic Dominique Fire,” from the upcoming album, Archaic (due December this year), resonates tunes that hark everyone back to memorable summer recollections and the best dog days. Channeling themes about “coming-of-age and other inescapable existential changes,” the songs are intentionally slow and would possibly transport you on a road trip via an old school Cadillac. Considering Jep’s predilection for real live instruments rather than pre-programmed electronic elements, he has glued himself to the concept of being organic, whether in sounds, roots, or nature. Following the path of those who have succeeded in the one-man band territory, Jep is busy rising from the ground to start a movement.
MUSIC NEWS
Building off the success of its first edition in 2011, the Parisian edition of Pitchfork Music Festival returns this year with a good roster of performers and extended dates. Taking place at the stunning 19th century glass-and-metal Grande Halle de la Villette from November 1 to 3, M83, Animal Collective, Chromatics, and Simian Mobile Disco are expected to grace the stage.
RZA has been hustling in epic proportions as of late with his major directorial debut, The Man With the Iron Fists, produced by Quentin Tarantino. While the film stars Hollywood heavy hitters Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu, and Jamie Chung, the soundtrack’s also at par with the cast with new tracks and collaborations from Ye, Ghostface Killah, Pusha T, Raekwon, Wu-Tang Clan, and the Black Keys.
Touted as the world’s greatest rock & roll band, the Rolling Stones are releasing a coffeetable book, Rolling Stones 50. Some artistic efforts—including a reinterpreted band logo by Shepard Fairey and exclusive photography by Rankin— have spawned to pay tribute to this occurrence. Hell, the band’s also considering a new tour and album. Yes, please!
Words by Rolly Ibañez Child/ren of the Pilgrimage photo by Paolo Ruiz, Henry Walton photo by Tom Oxley
G-EAZY g-eazy.com
“High For This” Ellie Goulding Her take on the song is fresh, and the production is clean.
TEC H PACK LOGITECH UE MOBILE BOOMBOX • A Bluetooth-enabled wireless speaker that doubles as a speakerphone for connected devices • Can pair up with up to eight devices, two at a time • Mobile range reaches up to 50 ft. from device • Features two full-range 1-inch drivers • Comes with micro USB charging cable and AC power adapter SRP: P4,160
SHARP PANTONE 5 107SH • An Android phone and radiation detector developed by Sharp Electronics for Softbank • Features a 3.7-inch screen with 854 × 480 resolution • Equipped with a 4-megapixel rear camera and a 0.3-megapixel front camera • Available in black, white, yellow, lime, teal, purple, fuchsia, and pink SRP: P16,450
SWEET ESCAPE If you could be sweet and recreate a place of your own world, start with seemingly sugarcoated gadgets.
COOKOO ANALOG SMARTWATCH • A Bluetooth-enabled analog watch that connects with mobile devices via the Connected App™ to sync phone alerts with the device • Notifies users via animated icons, beeps, and vibrations • Keeps users updated on mobile phone status including battery life • Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
NOKIA PURITY PRO STEREO HEADSET • Manufactured in collaboration with Monster as the main accessory for the Nokia Lumia 920 and Nokia Lumia 820 handsets • Pairs with the Nokia Lumia by tapping the two devices against each other • Has active noise-canceling technology
SRP: P5,420
SRP: TBA
DOWNLOADS CINEMAGRAM By Factyle Allows users to create small photo/video hybrids that can be shared through a social media platform.
MYPANTONE By Pantone An app that allows users to capture signature Pantone colors by selecting them off pixelated tones in a digital image.
LOST PHOTOS By Space Inch, LLC Recovers all sent and received photos stored in user-designated email accounts for review and social media sharing.
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FAC E PA IN T
Channel Orange
NCLA Nail Lacquer in Poolside Party, All Eyes On Me! P675 Shiseido Perfect Rouge in Day Lily P1,054
Live the sweet life of peaches and tangy tangerine kisses. No sugar added. RIMMEL LONDON Volume Flash Scandaleyes Mascara P307
CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lipgloss in Caramel Apple Splash P337 BOBBI BROWN Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Cabo Coral P1,054
CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Oversized Orange P675
REVLON® Moon Drops™ Lipstick in Orange Flip P379 Hugo Boss Orange Sunset Eau de Toilette P2,397
CoverGirl Blast Flipstick Lipcolor in Stunner P274
BENEFIT Georgia Limited Edition Peach Powder That Radiates Sunshine P1,180
Benefit Your Personal Guide To Fabulous Brows P715
MAC Pigment Colour Powder in Neo-Orange P1,180
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Revlon® ColorBurst™ Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti P315
Model photo by Fernando Colon
MODEL’S OWN™ 5 piece brush set P666
AB O U T FACE MIDNIGHT DREAMS
Add CLARINS VITAL LIGHT NIGHT REVITALIZING ANTI-AGEING COMFORT CREAM to your evening beauty regimen. It beams light up to the skin’s surface, leaving you looking younger overnight. P3,796
Expert Advice
Sleeping on silk sheets keeps wrinkles at bay. It reduces friction that creases skin.
STARRY SKIES
Trade in the heavy night creams for a bottle of SHISEIDO BENEFIANCE WRINKLERESIST24 NIGHT EMULSION, a silky cream that boosts collagen and elastin. P2,303
POWER PUNCH
KINERASE ULTIMATE NIGHT MOISTURIZER creates a moisture reservoir for overnight skin rejuvenation that hydrates in eight hours. P5,235
BED HEAD QUEEN
FRUITY BOOTY
De-stress after a long day by slapping on some ELIZABETH ARDEN INTERVENE STRESS RECOVERY NIGHT CREAM. This lightweight cream repairs and moisturizes damaged skin and leaves a fruity smell. P2,052
Sleep tight when you let the beauty bugs bite.
ERASE PASTE
Erase those unwanted wrinkles with a few drops of DDF RESTORING NIGHT SERUM. Its glycolic acid cleans pores deep down and minimizes fine lines while you snooze away. P3,978
WIDE AWAKE
Let JURLIQUE HERBAL RECOVERY NIGHT CREAM work its bedtime magic packed with nourishing antioxidants and botanical extracts. The result: firm, silky, and hydrated skin after a good night’s sleep. P2,010
b ea u t y b i t e BATH JUNKIE
Model photo by Fernando Colon Words by Zoe Laurente
S
tep out of the tub and reload your beauty cabinet with treats from BATH JUNKIE. Colorful bath crystals, shower gels, and other beauty products neatly stacked on shelves and countertops fill the store’s pastel interiors, giving it a look reminiscent of a candy shop. With delectable treats that smell good enough to eat, it’s almost impossible to leave the store without getting a sugar rush.
If choosing a product seems harder than choosing candy, ask for a bespoke blend that satisfies your needs. With over 200 fragrances to choose from, you can even pick out the color to match your unique taste. Ain’t that sweet? SanTan Village Mall 2206 East Williams Field Road, #610 Gilbert, Arizona, 85295 Tel. 480.963.1134 bathjunkie.com
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GO S E E This season, our soldiers refresh their style armories with mixes to march through with rising winds. by JP Singson Pleated Skirt
Graphic Top Scarf Turban
Bucket Cap Leather Tote Oversized Coat
Cutout Boots
Plaid Shorts
Sequined Clutch Pastel Polo
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Arm Bands
Tailored Shorts Chunky Cardigan
Tailored Vest
Talon Necklace Ruched Top
Band Jacket
Harem Trousers Tie-Dye Cardigan
Wide Brim Hat Pinstripe Blazer
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S T YLE I D
Jumping Jack flash
Stay cozy this winter with pullovers that can get you an A+ for style effort and comfort. By JP Singson
Kemara Pol of Andy Art magazine surely loves his Bonnie Strange’s The Shit Shop’s statement jumper.
Banker-turnedfashion blogger Hedvig Opshaug of The Northern Light rocks the gargoyle knitted intarsia pullover.
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Street style darling Mboko Motobu looks sharp in his beige pullover.
Korean fashion director Lee Hyun-Beom goes Givenchy all the way!
Only Parisians can pull off overalls over a lovely knitted sweater.
French med student and fashion enthusiast Ely Serra goes avant-garde with his zippergalore jumper.
jponfashionspeed.blogspot.com
Danish PR consultant Mads Bøje looks fly in his plain blue pullover over his blue oxford button-down.
CITY IS AWAKE
Daylight burns in your window. Open your eyes, put on those boots, that shifty sheer dress, them denim shorts, and chunky cardigans. Take your breakfast on the go because you, my dear, are ready to show. Photographed by Gabor Szantai Styled by Erica Matthews 34 - statusmagonline.com
On Addison shirt, stylist’s own cardigan by American Apparel bra by American Apparel denim shorts by Beyond Retro cuff by H&M vintage ring, stylist’s own On Genevieve top by American Apparel jeans by 2nd Day cardigan, stylist’s own necklace by Maria Nilsdotter bracelet by Freedom
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dress by 2nd Day earring by Maria Nilsdotter boots by Mark Charles
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top by American Apparel leather skirt by Beyond Retro hat by Beyond Retro bracelet by Freedom
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On Addison top by American Apparel trousers by American Apparel bra by American Apparel On Genevieve dress by Stylein 2nd square dress by 2nd Day belt by Beyond Retro studded bracelet by Freedom earrings by Lilla Balรกzs boots by Mark Charles
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Assistant Photographer Margarita Lievano Makeup Chanel Boateng Hair Viktoria Toth Models Genevieve and Addison of D1 models dress by Stylein 2nd square dress by 2nd Day belt by Beyond Retro studded bracelet by Freedom earrings by Lilla Balรกzs boots by Mark Charles
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Burn the house down in embellished dresses and embroidered opulence. Be the belle of any ball on the dance floor and rock bejeweled fringe frocks to the rhythm of the night. Photographed by Francesca Secolonovo Styled by Angela Gates
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silk dress by He Loved An Angel earrings by H&M mask by He Loved An Angel
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sequin and feather dress by He Loved An Angel shoes, stylist’s own
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sequin and chiffon dress by April Banbury bracelet and necklace by Debenhams earrings and ring by Primark mask, stylist’s own
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embellished lace dress by He Loved An Angel tights by New Look earrings by H&M
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Makeup Monica Mao Hair Annabelle’s Wigs and Wonderland Wigs Model Amy Manson from Leni’s Model Management embellished navy top by He Loved An Angel leggings by Star by Julien MacDonald at Debenhams
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so far gone The sheets may know your name but everything else is an acquaintance. Dress to impress with stockings, printed leggings, cropped tops, gold necklaces, and metallic shorts. Flip your hair and face the sun. C’est la vie. Photographed by Adrian Gonzales Styled by Loris Peùa
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cardigan by Terranova silver shorts by Forever 21 necklace, stylist’s own
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brim hat by Du Manille shirt with leather sleeves by Du Manille vest by Roberto Cavalli shoes by Converse necklace, stylist’s own
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beaded jacket by Zara gold shorts by Forever 21 sneakers by Converse necklace, stylist’s own
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cropped top by Proudrace gold necklaces, stylist’s own gray stockings, stylist’s own
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brim hat by Du Manille necklace, stylist’s own cropped pullover by Proudrace reptile print leggings by Du Manille
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Makeup Maui Manalo Hair Adam Seth Teh Assistant Stylist Zoe Laurente Model Jane of Elite Agency Location More Than A Chair Showroom lace top by Olivia and Fifth lace bandeau by Forever 21 necklaces, stylist’s own
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sneakers
SNEAKER PIMPS Ain’t nobody messing with my kicks.
Sperry Top-Sider [P4,995]
Diesel [P6,650]
Aldo [P3,995]
Tretorn [P5,290]
Creative Recreation [P4,295]
Keds [P3,995]
Skechers [P3,195]
Vans [P4,498]
Sperry Top-Sider [P3,295]
Pony [2,995]
Pony [P2,795]
Vans [P3,298]
L AC O ST E 2012 FA L L / W IN T ER
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RE D P AN T S / ANA L O G W A T C H ES
SERGEANT PEPPER Bloody hell, these pants are swell.
Topman [P2,945]
Terranova [P1,745]
Zara [P3,990]
H.E. by Mango [P3,250]
C JAC O B S AR M Y B C M AR 2012 FA L L / W IN T ER
Oxygen [P1,149]
Penshoppe [P1,199]
AFTER MATH Time will reveal.
Nixon [P25,500]
Kr3w [P10,290]
Nixon [P29,000]
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H O O D I ES
HEADS UP Where’s your head at?
Springfield [P2,950]
Celio [P3,295]
Folded & Hung [P1,299]
Springfield [1,837]
ea g e n e r a l id 0 1 2 2 FA L L / W IN T ER
Celio [P3,295]
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Springfield [P2,950]
M ESSEN G ER B A G S
PASS THE MESSAGE Send an S.O.S. to the world.
Penshoppe [P649]
Call It Spring [P2,395]
Kenneth Cole [P10,250]
Celio [P2,795]
Penshoppe [P699]
Topman [P1,295]
ea g e n e r a l id 0 1 2 2 FA L L / W IN T ER
Kenneth Cole [P15,950]
Oxygen [P1,195]
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L EA T H ER J A C KE T S
SKIN SENSATION Leather, rinse, repeat.
Zara [P9,590] Mango [P6,450]
Topshop [P4,195]
L AC O ST E 2 0 12 Fa ll /wi n t e r
Warehouse [P4,295]
Zara [P9,590]
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PEPLUM TOPS
PEP TALK
Peplum tops scream pretty.
Topshop [P1,895]
Zara [P3,590]
Olivia & Fifth [P1,100]
Zara [P995]
LO R RE B E C CA TAY 2 0 12 Fa ll /W IN T ER
Zara [P2,990]
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A - L I NE SK I R T S / C H A I N B A G S
ACTOR’S GUILD Cross the A-line to get to the A-list.
J ill Stua r t 2 0 12 Fa ll /wi n t e r
Raoul [P7,250]
Forever 21 [P505]
Forever 21 [P1,025]
Diesel [P8,950]
Raoul [P7,250]
Forever 21 [P915]
ALICE IN CHAINS
These bonds will never break.
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Aldo [P2,395]
Dorothy Perkins [P1,745]
Forever 21 [P1,695]
Dorothy Perkins [P2,395]
ANK L E B O O T S
WEST SIDE Kick it like a cowboy.
Call It Spring [P2,195]
Forever 21 [P1,990]
Call It Spring [P2,695]
Call It Spring [P3,795]
T IB I 2 0 12 Fa ll /wi n t e r
Topshop [P5,695]
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M U S E
SHADES OF GRAY
The new breed of It models lands on Philippine shores, led by CATRIONA GRAY. The native Australian breathes life into the high fashion designs of Michael Cinco, Veejay Floresca, and Eric delos Santos while simultaneously booking the biggest commercial campaigns. Did we also mention she croons as cool as a lounge diva? By Giano D. Dionisio Photos courtesy of IM Agency
W
hen we first met her, for a photo shoot by the beach, tender-hearted model Catriona belted out Rihanna in between layouts. Now, the nubile teen is quickly becoming a fixture in Manila’s night life, singing at awards show afterparties and brushing cheeks with society. Never one to misbehave, Ms. Gray keeps her swank lifestyle in line.
WHIPPED INTO SHAPE
My musical taste doesn’t greatly reflect in my fashion. In fact, the music I love the most is real moody, soulful music while my dressing is mostly colorful and youthful. They sort of contradict each other and I don’t mind that.
HAND-IN-HAND
Fashion and music are both mediums of expressing yourself. Also, music adds to the façade of the fashion experience. It brings dimension to fashion in runway shows and video editorials. It adds to the feeling of shoots, the ambience of boutiques and stores, and inspires creative minds.
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BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Eventually, when I own my own place, I’d love to come home, put music on throughout the whole apartment, have a long hot shower, then cook something filling and delicious like bacon carbonara or steak— followed by sweets: peppermint tea and dark chocolate. Then catch up on some sleep! I’m a simple girl, it doesn’t take much to make me happy.
CYCLE OF A MUSE
I hope to continue modeling in all mediums (i.e. fashion, commercial, etc.). The most progress I’d love to achieve would be in my performing—to be able to decrease those nerves, to develop my vocal skills, begin songwriting, and to be well on my way to being able to play the piano. I hope to see myself learning and always growing… so that I may, one day, inspire others the way that other artists inspire me.
imagency.ph
MUSIC AND ITS ANIMALS While Manila is lamenting the so-called demise of the local music scene, on the other side of the world, FREELANCE WHALES’ Chuck Criss muses over the oversaturated New York music scene and how his ragtag indie band made it big, with a bit of geographical luck and a lot of support from big-name brands. By Evan Tan
A
s I write this, Manila’s music scene has metamorphosed into a hornet’s nest whacked by a stick. Pop culture observer Don Jaucian (a regular STATUS contributor) even wrote a piece about the death of the Philippine music industry. Twelve hours away from the tropical country’s capital and far away from the Philippine music scene, in the concrete jungle that never sleeps, New York indie rock band Freelance Whales’ Filipino-American member and elder brother of Glee actor
Darren Criss, Chuck Criss, is polishing off a bowl of Lucky Charms before heading off to the rehearsal studio, oblivious to what is happening on the other side of the world. “New York’s music scene is really oversaturated,” Chuck observes matter-of-factly, as if he just mentioned that water is wet or sugar is sweet. “It kind of forces you to push yourself a little bit further to rise above the noise. In our case, it forced us early on to perform on the streets as a way
“ New York’s music scene is really oversaturated... it kind of forces you to push yourself a little bit further to rise above the noise.”
of spreading the word about our band, which eventually led us to a record deal. That wouldn’t have worked in most cities.” From street and subway platform performances, Chuck, Judah Dadone, Doris Cellar, Jacob Hyman, and Kevin Read have managed to weasel themselves out of the maddened crowd. Chuck remembers the band’s beginnings fondly: “When we used to perform in the streets, we would encounter everyone—I mean everyone. All walks of life. There was one night when we had crack addicts dancing along and sitting in garbage cans to our left, and to our right, there was Matt Dillon with his entourage. It was surreal.” You could say that getting the attention of big-name brands like Twitter and Starbucks was what truly sealed the deal for them, but Chuck dismisses the whole affair as something incidental: “It’s nice to get placements like Chevrolet or Starbucks in that it does feel validating, but it’s by no means a goal of the band. The reputation we seek out is to be a continual part of the sonic conversation. We want to keep trying new things. We want to be the kind of band that when
you hear a song, you think ‘Huh, I’ve never heard that done in a song before.’ It’s hard to pull that off in the scope of pop music, but that’s our ultimate goal.” With the upcoming release of their album Diluvia, a culmination of spending two years on the road touring, Chuck promises something larger-thanlife (or, at the very least, more than what fans used to hear): “We play with a lot of themes like the prehistoric vs futuristic and ancient alien theory. It’s still very Freelance Whales-y, but now it just sounds a lot bigger.” At the end of the interview, he muses at how their new album’s title is related to floods (a calamity Manila is all too familiar with), and offers a practical tip: “Wear a life vest at all times. Everyone will laugh at you, but you will have the last laugh.” Unwittingly, if one reads his words in a metaphorical sense, Chuck may have also given cryptic advice to Filipino musicians dreaming to make a change in the local scene—dead or alive.
freelancewhales.com @freelancewhales
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M A E S T R O
maestro
ALL THAT YOUNG JAZZ
“I didn’t choose the sax,” says Rafael Mirafuente, EXTRAPOLATION’s saxophonist. “I was just always listening to jazz music so my parents gave me one for my graduation.” Who says your dad’s jazz can’t be yours if you want it to? By Ralph Mendoza Photographed by Patrick Diokno
MAJOR LAZER assembled Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig, Dirty Projectors’ Amber Coffman, Tyga, Flux Pavillion, and other super troopers to help Free The Universe. The Diplo-helmed album will feature the project’s signature mix of dancehall daze and reggae vibe that will take you past the final frontier.
“Walk On By” and let EL PERRO DEL MAR stoke your Pale Fire with her synth-heavy melancholia and smooth 90s rhythm sections. If these don’t get you slow dancing “To the Beat of a Dying World,” then we don’t know what will.
A
seven-strong unsigned band based in Manila, these 20-something woodwind wizards translate to a more modern sound, funneling classic jazz through their cone of electronica and funk. Says bassist E.K. Santamaria, “We just want to prove them wrong. There’s more to jazz than just being your daddy’s music.” “Or belong in a coffee shop and bookstore,” adds drummer Julio del Prado. And it’s interesting to note that lounge-cooled tracks like “The Transhumanist” recall the likes of local act Sound and to a certain degree, D’Sound and early Jamiroquai. The feel is easily a jazzed up fusion of sorts, yes, and their gigs attest to this evolution, where gigs aren’t just held in bars anymore. In fact, they had gigs right outside Topshop and a club in the city’s business/ commercial complex, Bonifacio High Street. “When we recently played at 7th High, it was actually interesting ‘coz that club wasn’t the kind of place we would normally play in,” remembers Julio, who also
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credits UK-based dance music and drum ‘n’ bass as his influences. Mentions of Ludacris and Britney Spears as influences on their ancient MySpace page, however, beg for an explanation. “That joke hasn’t been updated since we were in high school so we kinda forgot it,” explains E.K. with a laugh. “I think anything could fit with jazz if you move it the right way, though.” Ever since E.K. formed the band with guitarist Carlos Jesena and percussionist Serge Gabriel, things got more multi-sided in college, as the trio absorbed Rafael, Julio, keyboardist Ryan Madrid, and flutist Angelo Ampil, a colorblind artist who often takes centerstage because of his 30s-style suit and hat getup. Despite his colorblindness, Angelo still looks for a way to reeducate his sense of color. “I’m colorblind to brown, green, and red. But I paint a lot.” A sharply suited color-blind bro who paints and flutes it out onstage? Classic Extrapolation. In terms of mixing it up even further, the band’s
past collabs have included one with souled out songstress Zia Quizon. “She used to sing for us before she got famous because she’s a childhood friend of Julio’s,” points out E.K. Before settling down with singer Isabella Velasquez, the band mostly operated in instrumental land with sporadic tie-ups with mainstay singers Michael Shimamoto and June Marieezy. But whoever pitches in and whatever they attempt at fusing with their already fused blend of jazz, they say money really isn’t the reason things are flowing as they’ve been. “The band’s not really our bread and butter,” says E.K. “We’re not doing it for the money ‘coz we love making music together.” These days, you can spot the band performing anywhere there’s an ear for young jazz. Self-produced material is underway as well, and E.K. says people should be in for a pleasant surprise. “Some of the tracks will have hip-hop in it, others house. But in essence, we can still say that it’s jazz.”
facebook.com/ExtrapolationTrio
Liverpool post-punk revival crusaders, CLINIC, bask in the Free Reign of pulsating beats and neo-psychedelia. But you better watch out for some “Cosmic Radiation” because word has it that they’ll be releasing the album in a limited glow-in-the-dark disc.
GHOSTFACE KILLAH gives you Twelve Reasons to Die for his latest hook up with Mr. Hollywood and Black Dynamite composer Adrian Younge. For a bit of extra swag, he’s also dropping an accompanying comic book around mid-December.
MAESTRO
GLOW IN THE DARK The wolves are silent. The trees sway with the gust of the wind. All you wanna do is get up and rave the blues away with peace, love, rock & roll, firecrackers, face paint, feathered headdresses, and colored jeans. When WALK THE MOON rise, it’s gonna be one hell of a good night. By Reena Mesias
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alk the Moon have been making contagious music since 2008. But it was only last year that Nicholas Petricca (lead vocals/ keys/synthesizer), Kevin Ray (bass/ backing vocals), Sean Waugaman (drums/ backing vocals), and Eli Maiman (guitar/ backing vocals) hooked up with a major label. “The greatest thing about being with RCA is that they haven’t put their fingers in our art whatsoever,” says Eli. “They just want to help us be Walk the Moon, which is brilliant. We can be more Walk the Moon than we’ve ever been before because we now have a real budget to work with. The biggest challenge, though, is the bureaucracy. Sometimes you have to go through several layers of clearance to get something done, but it’s always worth it.” Produced by Ben Allen, their selftitled debut studio album has been rattling the scene with heavy percussions, thoughtful lyrics, and fun beats. It’s one small step for the Cincinnati foursome, and one giant leap for mankind—at least the part that digs art-rock and dance-pop. What’s the best advice you got from Ben Allen? “It’s about what you’re getting, not what you’re missing.” I love the choreography in the “Anna Sun” music video. Epic dance moves. Actually, most of the choreography was learned in the afternoon of the shoot, so it all came together relatively quickly. Nick comes from a theatre/acting background, so I think he’s pretty used to performing for the camera. Tell us about your idea of fun that doesn’t involve music. We’re big in games. After shows, we like to get to know a group of new friends through drinking games. We also play a lot of word games in the van to pass the time.
Since 2008, what have you taken/learned in the music industry? Nothing is happening until it’s happening. This goes for both gigs and time off. Also, always take all the beer from the dressing room. You never know when you’ll be at a party that needs it. What makes Walk the Moon out of this world? We have pleasant smiles and winning personalities. Things you’ll bring to the moon: I think, at this point, our main goal is to relax. I mean, how many people can say, “Oh, you know, I slipped away to the moon for a few days, just to unwind.” I’d bring Pretzel M&M’s, because I never travel without them. A good book, maybe something by Bret Easton Ellis, but who knows what you’re supposed to read in space? Suntan lotion, just to be safe (Sean and Nick have a tendency to burn). Some Bon Iver and James Blake records (Have you ever listened to “Limit to Your Love” in space, man?). A box of condoms; who knows what kind of intergalactic hotties you’re gonna meet out there? What will you be doing before the world ends? With the rest of our year scheduled the way it is, the only thing we’ll be doing before we all perish is tour, tour, tour. Chances are, we’ll be onstage as the world ends, which is kind of how we like it. I hope we’re doing a David Bowie cover when the fireball hits.
walkthemoonband.com @walkthemoonband
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maestro
HEAT WAVES You’d think superstar producer DJ FERRY CORSTEN has had enough of the booze and the beats having been in the club scene for over two decades. But nothing’s ever over for this boy who never ages. He keeps crowds from all generations pumped up in every single party. By Zoe Laurente
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y only vice really is drinking,” says Ferry Corsten. “I don’t touch other stuff; I’ve never been interested, funny enough.” Champagne, shots of Jäger, late nights, and globetrotting are some of the perks that come with Ferry’s line of work as a DJ. Coming from the most humble beginnings of performing self-composed music in his hometown in Holland, he soon found his fanbase getting bigger as he gave them hit
after hit, beginning with his embryonic rave track, “Spirit of Adventure” back in 1991. Fast forward 20 years, he’s still ranked as one of the top ten DJs in the world, and has just released a fourth album, entitled WKND. When Ferry isn’t circling the globe, he likes to do his share of philanthropy. In 2011, he became an ambassador for the Dutch World Wildlife Fund, raising awareness through the exposure of his events. “I feel
A companion to this year’s Break it Yourself, ANDREW BIRD’s Hands of Glory features stripped-down versions of classic country covers and original baroque folk tunes that will have you either crooning for your special someone or tapping your toes to a barnyard square dance-off. that I’ve come to a position with what I do that people will listen to me or at least hear me,” says Ferry. “For me, it’s really part of the younger scene and to create awareness.” Helping make the world a better place while dancing and fist pumping ‘til you pass out doesn’t sound so shabby. Hopefully, Ferry will stick around the turntables to give the next generations a taste of what he’s been giving us: kickass parties, pure unapologetic trance, and a serious morning headache you won’t regret having.
Canadian producer TEEN DAZE takes us on a chillwave trip to The Inner Mansions of his mind through what he describes as a spiritual musical journey that brings “New Life.”
ferrycorsten.com @ferrycorsten
dream believer
“My sound is warped reality rap music. It’s futuristic, hard-hitting, and 44% alcohol,” says DREAM MCLEAN on his musical status. Move over Tinie, Chip, and Dizzee, the UK is ready to give birth to a new dream. By Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson
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n 2010, UK was introduced to a new wave of grime MCs; Essexborn Dream Mclean was one of them. Along with the likes of Merky Ace, Kozzie, Scrufizzer, et al, the young bar-slinger showed the underground music world that he, too, had what it lyrically took to stand tall next to the rest of the best. Heavily influenced by American rap music—from MF DOOM, Canibus, and Aesop Rock to Eminem and Nas—Dream Mclean’s delivery differs from many of the other grime-loving rhymers, but he still pays homage to the scene’s stars of yesteryear. “My sound and technique owes a lot to the UK movement,” he says. “I was a massive So Solid fan growing up and as I got older, I learned a lot from listening to
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the likes of Kano and Ghetts.” Showing that there is more to Essex than the fakery shown on UK TV show The Only Way Is Essex, DM’s thought-provoking lyrics and unmistakable flow have seen him gain fans from Rizzle Kicks to Professor Green. After laying some vocals over Chase & Status’s heavyweight “Saxon” beat, the future star soon caught the attention of the said production duo, who later added him to the roster of MTA Records. “I want to make music that people can’t describe,” explains DM. “I want to make an album that I love. I also want to get my mum a new car and take over the world.”
twitter.com/dreammclean @dreammclean
Not all that glitters is gold. Sometimes, it’s Diamonds. Teaming up with producer No I.D. and artists like David Guetta, Sean Garrett, and Swedish House Mafia, RIHANNA turns up the glitz for her seventh album.
Hazy synths and thumping drums make VITALIC’s nostalgia for the Rave Age a test for your musical “Stamina.” Mixed by studio engineer Stéphane “Alf” Briat (Phoenix, Air), fans are sure to get “No More Sleep” until they get their daily dose of face-firstintensity electro.
MAESTRO
HEY MISS DJ
If, by some diabolical scheme, Samantha Duenas aka DJ SO SUPER SAM has to POW! WHAM! KA-BOOM! BANG! her decks to rid the world of colorlessness, we’ll take it. By Reena Mesias Photographed by Ja Tecson
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ask LA native DJ So Super Sam if she remembers her first mix. “I made a mashup of Lana Del Rey and Nas,” she recounts. “The first time I heard her song ‘Diet Mtn Dew,’ I remember being in my kitchen in Brooklyn, feeling so compelled to make some sort of edit. All I could think about was Nas’s ‘If I Ruled the World.’” Samantha’s not having Diet Mountain Dew during the interview (“I’m stepping out in a bit to grab a smoothie”), but if she wanted to, she could rule the world, too. It helps that she’s dating rapper Childish Gambino (aka actor Donald Glover) and has opened for Boyz II Men and Dam Funk, but more credit should be given to her dangerous super sonic waves. Say hello to your next new kryptonite. What’s the story behind your DJ name? “So Super Sam” was the name of my lifestyle blog that I started back in 2007. It was born out of my nerdy love for alliteration. When I started DJing, it just sort of stuck. You studied economics, you were in a hip-hop dance group, and you sang for a band. When did you decide to get serious about DJing? I grew up around DJs and from an early age, I knew it was something I wanted to do. But I didn’t start to get serious about DJing until about four years ago. I bought equipment, started practicing in my room,
and sought help from my DJ friends. My first gig was at Grand Star Café in Chinatown, LA. I was so nervous that I was hiding in a booth curled up in fetal position right before I went on. I was a freaking wreck, but I pulled it together and did okay! I remember playing some Portishead, Amy Winehouse, Sade, Al Green, Teena Marie. Oh man, I still rock that set whenever I can. Let’s cut to the chase: why should we listen to your mixes? I like to tell a story and create a mood when I make mixtapes, and I think there’s something for everyone, for any occasion. Do you have an anthem that never gets old? “Slow Motion” by Juvenile. I will always find a way to play it. And I always play a Stevie Wonder song. He’s my ultimate. What’s a party with DJ So Super Sam spinning like? It’s a surprise everytime. I like reading the crowd and getting them to react. Sometimes, it’s underground hip-hop; sometimes, it’s trap; sometimes, it’s indie dance; and hell, sometimes I’ll play slow jams for an hour straight if we’re all vibing with it. You’re currently in New York, but originally hail from Los Angeles. Why the move? New York City is a magical place. With every visit, I found myself staying longer and
longer until I just mustered up the courage to pack up and go. Adjusting was a bit difficult; I think I’m still adjusting almost a year later. Anything you miss about LA? I miss the fruit carts, the tacos, and listening to music through car speakers. Sometimes I even miss the LA traffic. Sometimes. So you and Donald Glover are exclusively dating? How did you guys meet? We met when I was DJing at his house party a few years back, even before his rap career took off. We’ve stayed close ever since. What’s another side to Samantha other than being a DJ? When I’m not out rocking a party, I am a total homebody. I love being in pajamas, having good food and wine, and listening to old soul or watching a movie. Dream collaborations? I would love to work with Yukimi Nagano on something—I’m obsessed with her. Or something with one of my favorite fashion labels like Proenza Schouler, Phillip Lim, Rag & Bone, or Madewell.
sosupersam.com @sosupersam
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IDYLL’S HANDS The devil finds work for idle hands. In OLYMPIA LE-TAN’s case, her nimble fingers have been crafting handbags and minaudières that replicate first edition covers of beloved classics such as Madame Bovary, Valley of the Dolls, Death in Venice, and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. With embroidered items that harken to the romantic and intellectual stimulation that literature offers, Olympia has become the tease that triumphs over today’s muses from the innocent bookworm to the devil wearing Prada. By Kristine Dabbay Photographed by Olivier Zahm
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magine the unbearable lightness of being that comes when you’re carrying an Olympia Le-Tan clutch. So when her business partner, Gregory Bernard, was in town, I had to hear what he had to say. He showed me a stop motion animation collaboration of Olympia with Spike Jonze titled, Mourir Auprès de Toi (To Die By Your Side). Awed by the project where 3,000 pieces of felt were cut to dance to a tune of heartbreak, it became clear to me that Olympia is a woman who can wield complete power over technology and quaintness. I ask her, “You seem to love the classics and handmade craftsmanship, how do you feel about books traded for gadgets?” She answers, “I actually love the digital world. Not for reading, I would never trade my books or magazines for a Kindle. But I am slightly addicted to Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram. The first thing I do when I wake up is look at my computer.” Social media aside, her bags—that started with Purple editor Olivier Zahm’s idea—have now become a byword for quality and old-world elegance. Olympia’s own bag usually contains her phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, lip balm, camera, and a pen, but her own line is loaded with heavier baggage such as history, wool and cool hybrid, and a hint of Bettie Page sensibilities. If books are unconditional friends, Olympia’s bags are BFF material, too. They’re your bags for life.
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What’s your concept of beauty? I don’t really have a concept of beauty. I see beautiful things and I appreciate them. It’s quite simple. You grew up with a bilingual background, dreamed about being a housewife, studied literature, worked under Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, and had stints for Balmain and Gilles Dufour; how did everything fall into place? Gilles Dufour was a family friend. He saw me grow up drawing and sewing. He was working at Chanel as Karl’s right hand man and he asked me if I wanted to do an internship there. Of course, I accepted. He then left to go to Balmain and took me with him. A few years later, I started making things on my own, then met Gregory Bernard and we decided to team up and create Olympia Le-Tan, the brand. With two languages (English and French) and two vocations (literature and design) in tow, how do you balance your aesthetic sensibilities? People often ask me if I dream in English or in French but it really depends where I am, who I spoke to before going to bed, and what language I spoke that day. I mean for me, they are both the same. As for literature, it’s not really a vocation, it’s more just a passion I’ve had since I was young.
Tell us more about your creative process. I love traveling and often come back from a trip with lots of ideas. This sounds a bit cliché, but it’s true! I generally try and have a theme, and after that, I start searching for books and images that I like, then start working on the embroideries with my team and with our little workshops on the bags. If Where the Wild Things Are was your favorite book while growing up, what book mostly resonates in your adulthood? I love My Uncle Oswald by Roald Dahl, it’s so funny, you just never want to stop reading it. I also am obsessed by Phil Spector’s biography, Wall of Pain. Music like New Order’s Power, Corruption & Lies has a great impact on you. Who are your music heroes and how did they affect your craft? I love listening to Kate Bush, the Inks, the Smiths, also all the 60s girls bands. I don’t know if they affect my craft but it definitely makes me happy to listen to them.
olympialetan.com @olympialetan
mastermind
KINGDOM COME If you can dream it, YEKKY BALINGIT can make it. His crystal-clear creations in acrylics and gemstones can breathe happy endings to any ball. So if you want to doll up without looking like a damsel in distress, Yekky gives a hand and waves his wand to prep you faster than bibbidi-bobbidi-boo. By Zoe Laurente Photographed by Danica Condez
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agic seems to follow designer and self-confessed “street fairy,” Yekky Balingit, who makes audacious jewelry for his brainchild, Miadore. The trick to his magic is simple. “My designs are created spontaneously,” he says. From old beggars dressed as if they were off to Fashion Week to the greens that grow in his little jungle, Yekky finds inspiration anywhere and everywhere; more often than not, it finds him. While busy chatting about his blog Greenrainbowdelight— which contains his love for interior design, routines, and infamous “FauX Lanvin” DIY draping posts—he shows us a life rendered in “Jologs Chic: half-slumdog, half-socialite” shadings and how combining “the high and the low in everything“ can make a difference.
Miadore, Spring/Summer 2012
What’s the most enchanting thing you’ve encountered in the streets? A stylish beggar on the sidewalk of Ermita fully garbed with deconstructed checks, stripes, and polka dots with plastic bags in stripes as well. Her hair had filthy curls pulled into a chignon with straw used as a band. What gets you in the mood when designing? My garden. I have my room on the third floor, and I created a little jungle. Whenever I hit a blocked road, I visit it, take a deep breath, and relax for at least an hour to clear my mind. How do you translate the things you see into your designs? I try not to complicate the process as things can get really frustrating in the end. I usually start with materials, then structure, and design the next. I sort out my feelings
toward them to create a theme. Mood boards sometimes don’t work for me. It’s frustrating when they don’t turn out the way it should be. Describe the first piece you ever made. It was made from a nude mesh fabric with crystal beads. It had a peculiar shape for a necklace, braided on the side and overflowing with ruffles on the other. I don’t like balance. Sometimes, it makes everything boring. I like a little asymmetry to keep it unique. Given the chance to open a Miadore flagship anywhere in the world, where would you have it? I imagine my store with champagne walls, warm white lighting with clear type fixtures, and raw wooden furniture, making it look glacial but with a warm ambiance. SoHo, New York is where it’ll be. It’s Friday night, and we’re searching for Yekky in a crowded bar. How will we find him? I always wear black on a night out. You’d probably catch me wearing oversized Tom Fordinspired specs. I look like a genius with them. If you could zip away to any place, where would you go? I’m a hopeless romantic. I also have a big appetite for anything with tomato, so I’d say Italy. Any upcoming projects later this year? I’m gearing up for a capsule collection for an online store by a friend in the US and more pieces coming up for House of Laurel.
@yekkybalingit
Miadore, Spring/Summer 2012
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mastermind
STRINGS ATTACHED Newcomer MAIKA MONROE rides the waves with Hollywood’s biggest names—from Venice Beach to the Venice Film Festival—while still keeping it real in the beaches of the Dominican Republic. By Daniella Rodriguez Photographed by Amanda Elkins
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“[SOMETIMES I AM] MORE STARSTRUCK AROUND PRO KITEBOARDERS [THAN ACTORS].”
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efore stunning everyone in that swan-like Marchesa gown at the Venice Film Festival last August, Maika Monroe just did some kiteboarding in the waters of Cabarete, Dominican Republic, where she lived and trained as a professional kiteboarder before landing the role of Cadence in Ramin Bahrani’s At Any Price. Being Zac Efron’s newest leading lady initiates Maika to Young Hollywood’s circle and parties. Unlike some peers, she’s not really into the whole Paris Hilton transatlantic partying scene. A typical day for her is to meet up with some friends at the beach, see a movie, and share a home-cooked meal with them. The only hotspots that concern the fresh-faced actress are those where she can kitesurf in between filming. “South Africa, Brazil, Boracay, and past the skyline in New York” are some of her next kiting destinations. “Acting takes up more of my time so it is hard to get the training I need to be at the competitive level,” Maika says. It would be unfair to paint Maika as a tomboy at the beach. “Hollywood brings out the girl in me,” she quips. “Red carpets, gorgeous dresses!” are definitely a world away from the conditions of the Dominican Republic. To be playing with kids in the beaches of a third world country one day then being in LA the next
gives her a clear perspective on what’s important. “It’s what keeps me grounded,” she says. On kiting and acting—she compares “one is an extreme sport, and the other is an extreme lifestyle”—Maika can only say, “I just want to go for it both and give them all I have.” After locking lips with Zac Efron, she’s going to be starring alongside Emma Watson and Kirsten Dunst in Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring. For a newbie, it doesn’t faze her to be in the same room as Kate Winslet, whom she stars with in the recently completed film, Labor Day, directed by Jason Reitman. Although it was a dream come true to work with the Titanic star, Maika admits she’s sometimes “more starstruck around pro kiteboarders.” Having her own swimsuit line, MdillonM, Maika is also involved in an organization called Kiteboarding 4 Kids, which raises money for disadvantaged children in the north coast of the Dominican Republic. We guess she won’t be hopping aboard Lindsay Lohan’s crew anytime soon.
@maikamonroe
mastermind
Sitting in Shotgun Those uneducated with American football assume that like a band’s vocalist, the quarterback is the star of the show. But the man in the spotlight will falter without a strong supporting cast. Actor EDWIN HODGE shares a word on his career and his role in Red Dawn, in which he stars alongside our favorite hunky superhero, Chris Hemsworth. By Boo Umaly Photographed by Brandon Showers
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o you know any actors who can say they’ve been in two independent films, a college comedy, a children’s book adaptation, a rom-com, and a war movie, while filming for Boston Public, Jack & Bobby, and Cold Case within the span of five years? We do. Proud sufferer of AADD (Actor’s Attention Deficit Disorder), Edwin Hodge has been
in the business for “upwards of 24 years” alongside his “prodigious” brother Aldis Hodge of Leverage. “I would hope that most actors have AADD. I want to make you laugh, cry, and smile,” Edwin says. But it’s occurred to us that he has a special love affair with action flicks. When he told us why, it reinforced our belief that this man is one of the most versatile actors
today. “You get a little bit of everything in [action movies] whether it’s romance, comedy, or pure violence.” This makes right his decision to star as Danny Bates, best friend of Matt Eckert (Josh Peck), in Red Dawn, an iconic 80s action flick getting its second breath of life on the big screen. “Danny was the original role I auditioned for,” says Edwin, but he remains tightlipped when prodded for more
info. “Danny is of course one of the infamous Wolverines. You’ll just have to watch the film for more info on Danny.” And watch we will. But not just for the hunky Chris Hemsworth, the adorable Josh Hutcherson, or even the dreamy Isabel Lucas, but to see our beloved wide receiver Edwin Hodge score another touchdown.
@edwinhodge
REALITYBITES When STATUS caught up with True Blood’s TODD LOWE, he was eating breakfast in New York’s Bowery Hotel. Todd says, “This is literally the first time I’ve had breakfast on a hotel terrace. Things are looking up!” Oh, without a doubt. By Rita Faire Photographed by Ben Cope
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ids who grew up in the noughties may think they’re crazy when they look at True Blood’s fry cook Terry Bellefleur and think it’s a face that they just can’t place. But shave off the beard and put a guitar pick in his hand and the answer is clear, Gilmore Girls’ Zack Van Gerbig still lives. Todd Lowe, the actor who played them both, says, “Yeah, there’s a few people who come up to me and surprise me by saying they know me from Gilmore Girls. It still plays on ABC Family
channel. It’s nice to hear. It’s more refreshing than young kids saying they know me from True Blood, which is decidedly more adult.” Kids today, right? But then again, who can blame them, what with the vampire renaissance? Of course, Terry isn’t a member of the undead, but his frequent run-ins with fangbangers, wolf packs, and maenads seem to make him an honorary member of the strange and supernatural tenants of Bon Temps. If Todd had his
way, Terry would be “an expert freshwater fisherman who happens to be a chess savant”, but the powers that be in HBO have other plans. Normalcy and chess will have to wait as True Blood’s fifth season has Terry battling PSTD and a vengeful Ifrit. It doesn’t seem like the vampire craze will die down soon, which ensures True Blood a sixth season—not to mention an afterlife in syndication. Still, Todd’s own plans don’t exactly imitate the show’s penchant for the absurd. Rather, he says the near future hopefully includes, “a couple of films, guitar, maybe a stage play, and some whiskey.”
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mastermind
THE capacitor
Forget about the manic pixie dream girl. Editor, musician, artist, and party popper ILIRJANA ALUSHAJ is just as “mystical, magical, kawaii, open-minded, crazy, and busy” as her vision of the city that never sleeps. Now, if only she could get herself illustrated by Hayao Miyazaki, then her transformation into New York’s after-hours personification would be complete. By Rita Faire Photographed by Aliya Naumoff
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lirjana Alushaj—seems like a name too exotic to pronounce by someone who’s never even seen the Balkans, let alone speak the native tongue. Interview wasn’t kidding when they dubbed it “the most exotic name in indie music.” “E-LIR-YA-NA AH-LOU-SHAY,” she educates me. The name that means both ‘free’ and ‘joy’ (“depending on what book you read,” Ilirjana notes) doesn’t seem as alien as it once did. Being followed up by an open invitation to call up her dad and talk more linguistics and phonetics made the name roll off the tongue even better. If only the person was as easy to dissect as her name. We tend to put scene queens and socialites in a little stereotypical bubble where they’re just rich bitches with nothing better to do than spend daddy’s money. That, or they’re walking ad campaigns paid to show up at an event to gain interest. The Australianborn, Yugoslavian heritage, Asian-inspired, Montenegrohailing, adoptive daughter of Brooklyn, Ilirjana Alushaj is a certified citizen of the world with a taste for all tomorrow’s parties, whether it be in a Bushwick warehouse or in the rooftop of the Tribeca Grand. Ilirjana admits, “It is funny because I don’t think I
am out that much, but I guess I am more than most? I DJ and play shows a lot so I feel like that perpetuates this vision.” Crowned by Interview, Elle, and Paper as part of this generation’s New York It girls, Ilirjana tries to wrap her head around the term. “I take the definition of ‘It girl’ as someone whom people have some level of interest because of what they do or being beautiful,” she says. “I know loads of girls doing cool things… so it is flattering that people want to know what I am up to.” And what is that, you may ask? She once told Epilogue, “‘What do you do?’ is a really American question. I never asked people that before I moved here.” She explains, “I am a person who has a lot of ideas and plans at any given time. I like to be always thinking and working on things because I have a real vision of what I must achieve.” Her visions leap into actualization without pausing for thought. The law school dropout turned New Media graduate is not only the founder of online magazine The Pop Manifesto but she’s also the frontwoman for punk-wave band Apache Beat. On top of that, she also produces, DJs, and is on the cusp of releasing a solo project called Ille as well as
“I like to be always thinking and working on things because I have a real vision of what I must achieve.”
expanding The Pop Manifesto from digital magazine to music label. “Maybe I have some weird syndrome where I cannot ever be still. Personally, flux makes me the happiest.” It’s a complex helix that Ilirjana enjoys. Tongue-twisters and mindbenders come as easily
to her as brainwaves meant for the airwaves. But at the end of the day, she strips her life down into what she calls the “you only live once context.” It’s that simple.
thepopmanifesto.com @ilirjana
LET’S HAVE A KIKI Ilirjana picks her top NYC ladies who “did their own thing in their own way.”
Throbbing Gristle’s Cosey Fanni Tutti
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Winona Ryder
Siouxsie Sioux
Jane Birkin
Patti Smith
mastermind
LONG LIT FUSE
If you haven’t heard of LA-based streetwear brand The Hundreds, that’s fine. “We never quite hit the mainstream, we aim to be just shy of that,” says co-owner/creative director “Adam Bomb” BOBBY KIM. The brand’s logo is a few inches of fuse away from a blast and it will “never truly explode.” The owners’ point is: they sell, not sell out. By Victor Loong
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obby Kim and Ben Shenassafar were bored law students looking for a way to escape. “I think we were both a bit disenchanted with our studies and looking for an alternative path to a livelihood, one that involved our passions, creativity, and a cool factor,” says Bobby Kim. “Streetwear was that for us.” Thus, The Hundreds was born—the streetwear’s underground answer to luxury brand exclusivity, only more independent and personable. “I wanted to forge a dynamic with a clothing brand where you knew everything about the people who created the brand and product you supported,” says Bobby. “I was fed up with touting companies and artists whom I knew nothing about, I didn’t know what they stood for, or what they even looked like.” We feel him, so we did our own research. What’s the brand’s social merchandising philosophy? The Hundreds is the world’s first social merchandising brand in that we aren’t selling a product as much as we are the people behind the product. Every piece is imbued with a story, with the background of the person who designed, produced, and sold it. That personal narrative is as important to our tangible creations as the grain of the denim or thread of a yarndye.
How did you decide on the concept for your Fall lookbook? Our Fall 2012 collection was rooted in the idea of a pre-apocalyptic world. As the world decays, man and beast are forced to coexist, and that’s what you see with the models surrounded by animals in classically industrial environments. Everything feels a bit surreal and off-center and that was the intent. I really wanted to displace that preconception of what The Hundreds is, and dispel myths by jarringly existential photography. Have you and Ben ever gotten into any serious arguments? We’ve never gotten into any serious arguments. I think we have an insane amount of respect and love for each other. As egomaniacal and selfish as we both can be, we value each other’s contributions to The Hundreds much more than our own work. He complements me in all my strengths and weaknesses, and vice versa. It’s rare, almost impossible, to find a partner who you can work so effectively with, so I cherish what we have here. How do you go about your creative process? I create and design out of necessity, out of an urgency. I have something to get off my chest, and unless I make something, it
ends up consuming my every thought. I just have to get it out there. Those catharses are through drawing or designing or writing or shooting photography. It’s the only way I know how to cope with my reality since I don’t do drugs or drink heavily. What do you think about Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest? I love Instagram because everyone is jumping into the world of photography whether they realize it or not. I don’t hate anything about it, per se, but I am getting bored with it. Instagram is just a variant of hyper-blogging, and the secret to blogging is storytelling. Most people aren’t wellversed in the art of storytelling, so their IG narrative is usually the same five or six avenues on repeat. If they could diversify content and shape stories a bit better, I feel like Instagram could stay interesting… On Tumblr and Pinterest, they’re all just different ways of telling a story. What other things should we look forward to from you before the year ends? The rest of the year holds some interesting surprises… aside from our regular line, which devolves more into apocalyptic attitudes, we have a much-anticipated collaboration with Cool World fast approaching, and the old-school skate brand Hook-Ups.
thehundreds.com @bobbyhundreds
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H E A V Y H I T T E R
Some Kind of Aura At 21 and still only at the precipice of a great career to come, Roc Nation’s latest pop-hop prodigy, RITA ORA, has done more than land accolades and top scores in all sorts of charts—she’s been setting herself up for worlds of fame and success. By Miguel Escobar Photographed by Pascal Kerouche anD Derrick Santini
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“Ora in Albanian (Kosovan) means time. It took me a while to record ORA… I feel like this album will give fans a sense of who I am.” When
a guy–a guy with proper taste–walks into a club, he’s not looking for the baby cocktail dress with a loud, YOLO-yelling airhead squeezed into it. It seems like that’s what he’s bound to get, though. But really, a gentleman would probably be more inclined towards a sexy balance of uptown taste and downtown sensibilities–no pretense, no rambling self-importance. He’s looking for the young woman who can stunt in Chanel and a pair of Black Cement IIIs effortlessly; the girl with both Whitney and Biggie in her playlist; a woman of her own way, whose individuality can’t be purchased and isn’t going to be impeded by seasonal trends. Throw in a British accent and he’s bound to melt on the spot. Exhibit A: Rita Ora. You’ve probably heard of her. She’s just one of Roc Nation’s signed artists, after all. Born in Pristina, Yugoslavia with Kosovar Albanian roots, and raised in West London, Rita started taking on some lesserknown gigs in the international pop and hip-hop scene three years back. At 18, she was eventually penned into Roc
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Nation by Jay-Z himself. “I walked in and was very nervous… Roc Nation had flown me to NYC on my own. Jay-Z made me feel very comfortable! And we just talked about what I did in London and told him a bit about me. He was really humble and down-to-earth,” she says. Fast-forward to August 2012 and her debut album, unassumingly entitled ORA, moves 40,000 copies in its first week, earning and holding top spots in the British and Scottish charts. She is a living, breathing, singing, dancing proof that when Jay places his bets, it’s a sure win. But Rita remains composed with the hype, “Ora in Albanian (Kosovan) means time. It took me a while to record ORA, and I’m really happy I wasn’t rushed as it allowed me to work with a lot of amazing people. I feel like this album will give fans a sense of who I am,” she says. Disputably her most popular track so far, “How We Do (Party)” is an infectious pop anthem minus the haughtiness of today’s chart-toppers. Her mezzo soprano renders simple but endearing lyrics over a sample from B.I.G.’s debut single, “Party And Bullshit.” It’s not superfluously flashy or in any way pretentious–just a pop song done well over trimmings of
a legendary track. It says a lot, on behalf of the rest of the album, about Rita herself, and perhaps why she has been met with success. Inspired by great talents before her, she’s at neither end of the spectrum between the senseless, unrefined pop music and the pompous, try-hard pop music. No, Rita Ora gracefully embodies the half-mark of that spectrum: effortlessly cool, down-to-earth, easy to like, and respectable. But it would be a grave mistake to say that “How We Do (Party)” is all she is. ORA draws pop out of a lot of different genres. You’ll hear some drum ‘n’ bass as in “Hot Right Now,” a track that Rita shares with producer and co-Brit, DJ Fresh. There’s also a hefty serving of dubstep; perhaps most palpable in the album’s lead single, “R.I.P.,” featuring Tinie Tempah. Add a few pinches of hip-hop here and there, just a tinge of electro, glaze it all with dance, and you get her breakout debut. ORA is a decidedly pop playlist that includes an assortment of other genres that take it to the streets and into the clubs. And still, Rita insists that she’s just having fun. “I’m a free spirit and I love life and enjoying myself, and I think that shows,” she tells us.
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“If you have no fear, your attitude carries off even when in tracksuit bottoms with heels!”
And enjoy she does, basking in the luxuries of her newfound fame in a manner not detached from her lyrics: “party and bullshit.” Rita mentions that she’s having a good time at this point of her life, spending many sleepless nights performing, seeing the world, and partying on the tour bus. She doesn’t need much to have a good time: “Just lots of great music and great company! [It] doesn’t matter where I am!” Rita often compares her world to the Truman Show, one of her favorite movies of all time. She reflects, “I sometimes imagine if that was my life. It’s great what people and their minds can do.” That said, Rita is not the kind of artist who submits herself to limits, Rita likes to take it further than the world of music. It’s fair to say that she’s equally famous for the fashion statements she makes, both onstage or on the red carpet. She likes to go back and forth between couture and street, keen to rock a pair of Air Jordans (sneakerheads go
batshit when she comes up to the spot in early releases of 12 Playoffs) with a suit or under a form-fitting dress, layered with a leather jacket; or blinged-out Givenchy paired with tattered jeans. It’s a balancing act that only the likes of Rita can pull off. “If you have no fear, your attitude carries off even when in tracksuit bottoms with heels!” she advises, adding that “[There’s] no better feeling than a well-made piece of clothing.” It begs the question, then: is she setting herself up for a spot in the fashion industry? In the past, Rita has expressed aspirations of creating her own label. When asked how it would look, she exuberantly describes her sartorial choices for a night out. “It would [have] glamour, masculine suits, bling jewelry, and diamonds, lots of Jordans and amazing shoes, shorts, and cropped tops.” Yeah, that definitely sounds like Rita Ora swag. She mentions Bianca Jagger, Kate Moss, Daphne Guinness, and Gwen Stefani as some of the people she’d like
to rep her hypothetical label— again, a mix of upscale opulence and daring urban street. Perhaps not much can be predicted about her future this early in her career. But does it still matter what path this young starlet —full of potential and still impressionable to her own fame—chooses to trudge? Whether she’s going to end up in music, fashion, or both, it’s an unmistakable je ne sais quoi that spells out Rita Ora’s success. It’s an aura that surrounds her—a cool humility in spite of effortless talent and taste, that we can hear in her music and see in everything she does. It’s the aura of that one girl in the club who catches your eye, just laughing and dancing with her friends, not caring too much or too little. So what are you waiting for? Walk over there and try to get to know her.
ritaora.com @ritaora
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Fete Fatale You are invited to a night of frolic, festivities, and other F words; it’s French, after all, so it could get frisky. The dress code is selfimposed, so do expect some skin exposed. Répondez s’il vous plaît, but leave modesty at the door. Here, debauchery is de rigueur and detachment is déclassé, so don’t shy away from the night’s documentarian, KEFFER. Just say, “Enchanté.” By Giano D. Dionisio
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HEAVY HITTER
“Jour De Nuit is a visual result of a good or a bad night for me, but it’s rarely boring.”
H
e races up the stony steps in his black tuxedo, then peels back the dark velvet curtains to enter a den dripping with champagne, frothing with lace, and radiating body heat. Snap! He photographs the glitter-gilded golden girl with her legs akimbo. Flash! The drag queens twirl under the diamond chandelier. That’s Keffer, the French photographer behind the sneaky lens, with the infectious laughter and dry charm. For his ongoing photo project, Jour De Nuit (The Night Day), Keffer captures frames of his after hours shenanigans. See last week’s beer pong champ doused in his sticky spoils; there’s A$AP Rocky hiding in the hallway; and here lies Lady Dior swathed in a single silk sheet, teasing us with a peek. It all seems very lavish, but the pictures are far from it. Despite the deep noir wash, Keffer’s photos are unfiltered. These moments are memories that might’ve gotten lost in the boozy, woozy haze of last Friday night, except they were caught candid and uncompromised. He chooses 11PM to answer our interview. According to Keffer, it’s probably the most peaceful time of his week, perfect for getting chatty about living life off the parties.
Could you explain the concept behind Jour De Nuit? Jour De Nuit is not really a concept, it’s more an unplanned project coming from nowhere. It started with, “Let’s take my camera to those parties tonight and see what will happen.” It’s always a pleasure to shoot for this series—for four years now—since I’ve just been going to clubs to have fun with my friends and to listen to some good music. Jour De Nuit is a visual result of a good or a bad night for me, but it’s rarely boring.
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HEAVY HITTER
What made you decide to process your images as high contrast black and white photos? Details. Black and white can reveal some underestimated things in pictures; everything is surrounded by black, so a small piece of light can bring you the full story of the picture. When I was a firsttime art director, my creative director drove me to believe, “simpler is better” and “everything needs a purpose.” I may have taken this as the basis for my work a decade ago. Now, I only use colors when they are useful. It’s not easier for me to work without bright colors; it’s a pure personal choice. In your portraits, there always appears to be a relationship between the subjects and their surroundings. I love people, but I also love the environnment around them. There are two parts to someone: the inside and the outside. There is this thing we say, “Let me see your food or your clothes, and I will tell you who you are.” Even a fool in an all-white room is inside something; it’s a representation of him at one precise moment.
about that, too. I used to say that I’m not a “beautiful world” photographer, so even when I capture a funny situation, the black gives it a different statement. Most scandalous party moments? Some gays and transexuals were dressed like bitches for a Halloween party, sucking dicks in the middle of the dance floor inside one of the most prestigous and private clubs in Paris. Yes, I got those sort of stories. What’s your signature dance move? It’s not a move, but when I feel good, I’m definitely closing my eyes.
“I love people, but I also love the environnment around them.”
Lastly, when do you feel sexiest? When I’m funny in front of a topless girl.
kround.com @keffer
What is it you are trying to say with a series like Jour De Nuit? It’s not particularly a message or a concept. Like I said, it’s a vision of my nights through my eyes: the darkness, the deep vibe, and probably the trashy feeling
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HEAVY HITTER
“I feel like I could actually be a legend one day so I just gotta keep working hard.�
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HIT AND RUN
HEAVY HITTER
You’ve probably heard his songs, but you’re probably not aware of how this producer/ rapper has affected the leader of the leaders and the heavy hitters among hit-makers. Kanye West called him “the future,” but for now you can call him HIT-BOY. From here on, you better recognize the name of this 25-year-old who may have 99 problems and more, but topping the charts ain’t one of them for sure. By Loris Peña
I
t’s mid-September and G.O.O.D. music just dropped Cruel Summer, which is on the loop of everyone’s playlist. A favorite single, “Clique,” stands out ‘coz of JayZ’s, Kanye West’s, and Big Sean’s verses. But the killer beat that murders your speakers (in a good way) is brought to you by Hit-Boy aka Chauncey Hollis. This is the person responsible for Watch the Throne’s “Ni**as in Paris,” Kanye West’s “Way Too Cold,” DJ Khaled’s “I Wish You Would,” Lil Wayne’s “Drop the World,” A$AP Rocky’s “Goldie,” Nicki Minaj’s “I Am Your Leader,” Justin Bieber ft. Drake’s “Right Here,” and basically, most of your favorite songs today. While it is easy for Hit-Boy to enjoy praises and be content with a Grammy nomination as a producer, he isn’t doing that; instead, he keeps on making beats. Hit-Boy says, “I still know I have a long way to go. I feel like I could actually be a legend one day so I just gotta keep working hard.” He continues, “I still have the same mentality as before because I haven’t changed up the mindset that hard work will always bring progress. Of course, it’s a bit more stressful because people know who I am and are always asking ‘When’s the next hit coming?’ But as long as I stay on my path, everything will have to keep working itself out.” And work it does. With his jet-setting lifestyle, Hit-Boy is currently busy writing rhymes and trying to figure out where to take his sound next. Signed to G.O.O.D. music and coming off from the success of his free album, HITstory, which he describes as a progression, Hit-Boy shows off his flow and lyricism in the well-received debut. In a track called “Jay-Z Interview,” he raps how he is grindin’ (Now all these ni**as is hating, waiting, judging, debating/Tryin’ to charge me with a flagrant, but I will not stop/They tryin’ to Derek Fisher the boy, but I will not flop/Instead I take it
bassline, like Kobe/And I play my own drums and basslines, you know me, homie) and holds his own in rapping alongside Kid Cudi in “Old School Caddy.” He shares, “Because of this project, a lot of eyes were opened to my story, and it gives me the platform for the genuine fans to watch me grow and continue to challenge myself.” That’s why his sound is different every time. When you look him up, there’s no description on what a Hit-Boy-produced track sounds like. He says, “I get bored really easily… I always want to challenge myself to sound different and better with each song or beat.” He adds, “A lot of people told me I had to develop a sound, and my reply is always ‘My sound is just quality music.’” Being around Kanye, there should be added pressure to do really great. How does he deal with it? Having met Kanye in 2007, he shares, “Pharrell introduced me to him but we didn’t reconnect in person until about 2010. I went over to his crib and he was pulling photos from a magazine for reference, we talked for a minute and he told me he wanted me to be down with his team. I always learn things from him and one of the most important is to always challenge yourself and always want to get better.” This relationship would prove a lot of hits for both. In a studio session, Kanye, who was also a producer for Jay-Z before he got signed, was seen telling Hit-Boy, “You the King and sh*t. You the golden child, we need you.” HitBoy responds, “It’s such a blessing to be in this position and it’ll only happen if I continue to work hard. I can’t say I am the next him or whatever. People have been calling it but I know something special is on the horizon as long as I stay on this path.” Consequently, being in the same team with rappers like Kid Cudi, Pusha T, Big Sean, and Common—who don’t only sound good
but also look good—Hit-Boy would have to be dressed to the nines with Balmain pants, Balenciaga jackets, and definitely no uglies. After all, he was inducted to the best dressed team in rap history. Hit-Boy admits, “I actually never knew I would be in G.O.O.D. necessarily, but when you have the chance to be around and learn from a guy like Kanye West, you have to take that chance as it is given.” While reportedly working with the upcoming albums of 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z, Hit-Boy is more focused than ever. It doesn’t matter whether he’s producing for a rap or R&B artist, his sound is always catchy and of the highest quality. That’s why so many big names want to work with this golden boy, but only one person’s validation matters to him. He says, “It’s always dope when I come home and my mom has a song like A$AP Rocky’s “Goldie” as her ringtone and she knows all the words. My family saw me struggle to make it happen for years so as long as they like what I do, I’m good.” To refrain at this pace, he reminds himself with these four words he often tweets: health, wealth, positivity, prosperity. He says, “This came from me being at a very dark place at a time in my life and wanting to give up on music. Nothing was going right for me, every opportunity was falling through. I had to make a choice whether to change my mindset or be lost in negativity forever. I started thinking about what I want everyday of my life and those words stuck.” Hit-Boy is always geared for another round of ridin’ around. He puts it clearly in his song, “HITstory,” where he raps: “Read the index, skip a chapter/Either way you’re gonna see me gettin’ glory/I want to welcome y’all to HITstory.” houseofhit.com @hit_boy
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B L O C K P A R T Y Ladies, gentlemen, guests, and friends—step this way for a carnival of whimsy, danger, and menacing talent. Enter a twilight zone where clowns with unpainted faces clink beer mugs with comedians. Dancers in their feather boas trade secrets with artists and musicians. Hear the crowds hoot, howl, and holler for an encore. Whether it’s at a festival in Quéebec, the London cabaret circuit, or an intercontinental cruise ship, the show must go on!
KIKI kaBOOM
BURLESQUE What’s your favorite Halloween costume yet? My mum dressed me up as Ursula the Sea Witch when I was about eight. I had a wig made of green, blue, and grey wool; a dirty green face; and a massive cloak with silver stars. I looked really, really ugly; it was brilliant.
What is the most fulfilling kind of audience reaction? I love to make people laugh and make them reconsider what burlesque can be. I love to show them that funny, intelligent, provocative, and sexy don’t have to be mutually exclusive; they often go hand in hand. It takes
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more than just a great costume or look to be a great burlesque performer. The most successful performances happen when the personality, charisma, and ideas of the performer shine through. How do you stay original? By trying to do all of the above! By never trying to repeat myself, and by doing what I want to do. By all means, be influenced and inspired by those around you and those that have come before you, but never imitate; it’s boring.
kikikaboom.com @kiki_kaboom_
BLOCK PARTY
MAT RICARDO
JUGGLER
Words by Giano D. Dionisio, Kiki Kaboom photo by Mat Ricardo and Neil Kendall, Moe Clark photo by Nora Nathoo
Where is variety entertainment heading? Variety is going from strength to strength—there are more and more venues ranging from street performing pitches, to small rooms, to big theatres—who are starting to realise that variety offers something for everyone. That’s an amazing selling point these days. It’s where the most exciting and innovative performers are working… If you want to see something you’ve never seen before—something
you’ll be telling your friends about—variety is the place! What’s your favorite cocktail? My regular drinks are quite boring—Jack and Coke or a gin and tonic on a sunny day. For special occasions, I recommend the “Death in the Afternoon” cocktail—two parts iced champagne and one part absinthe. It was invented by Ernest Hemingway, who recommended you drink between three and five.
Name five things in your hotel room right now that you could juggle. On the table is a bottle and cocktail cup that I brought from home to practice with; they’re made for juggling, so that’s an easy first two. Hmm. What else? Well, there’s a telephone, a lamp, and maybe some beer from the minibar?
matricardo.net @matricardo
MOE CLARK
SPOKEN WORD Why should people watch more cabaret shows or attend more fringe festivals? The edges are always more interesting. That is where the most tension exists and where cultural thresholds get confronted. I love cabaret shows because they offer you more than just one genre of performance. They push our limitations of what it means to participate in the storytelling. We tell not only with our mouths, but with our bodies, our ears, in silence, in color, and in the act of being in a full room with energetic exchanges happening everywhere. What are your no-fail tips for enjoying a night out? Go out with people you know like to have fun, like to dance all night, like to ride bicycles home in the rain… Basically,
surround yourself with people you love, and you will have fun. How do you interact with your audience during your performances? As an artist, I feel it is my responsibility to engage community and to bring people together through the act of song, poetry, and group participation. We can be so isolated in our lives; when taking in a performance, there is so much value added when you—as an audience member—get to share your voice also. To hear yourself resonate in a room full of other people, all alike but different, is a moment of joy. Like trees in a forest, I want to hear your leaves rustle, too!
moeclark.com @moeclark
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NIGHTVISION EVERYONE’S PASSED OUT by The Cobrasnake
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NIGHTVISION
delIrious mouvement: The comeback @ Il Ponticello
daris getting trapt by The Cobrasnake
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NIGHTVISION
UP ECOSOC: Liv
@ Bonifacio Global City by Danica Condez
CRITICAL ACCLAIM by The Cobrasnake
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NIGHTVISION
andy valmorbida futura after party
by David x Prutting / Billy Farrel Agency
perception x by VolchekShot.Me
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NIGHTVISION
ferry COrsten x kristina sky by VolchekShot.Me
Free Love Woodstock by The Cobrasnake
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DIRECTORY BRANDS ALDO Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City AMERICAN APPAREL americanapparel.net BENEFIT Greenbelt 5, Makati City BEYOND RETRO beyondretro.com BOXFRESH Bratpack, Greenbelt 5, Makati City BOBBI BROWN Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City CALL IT SPRING Greenbelt 3, Makati City CELIO Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City CLARINS Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City CONVERSE converse.com.ph COVERGIRL covergirl.com CREATIVE RECREATION cr8rec.com DC Bratpack, Greenbelt 5, Makati City DEBENHAMS debenhams.com DOROTHY PERKINS SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City DU MANILLE facebook.com/dumanille ELIZABETH ARDEN Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City FOLDED & HUNG Glorietta 5, Makati City FOREVER 21 SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City FREEDOM freedomclothingcollective.com H&M hm.com HE LOVED AN ANGEL helovedanangel.com HUGO BOSS hugoboss.com KEDS keds.com
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KIEHL’S Greenbelt 5, Makati City KINERASE Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City LACOSTE Greenbelt 5, Makati City MAC Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City MAKE UP FOR EVER makeupforever.com MANGO Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City MARIA NILSDOTTER marianilsdotter.com MARIO BADESCU Rustan’s Department Store, Makati CitY MASSIMO DUTTI Greenbelt 5, Makati City MAYBELLINE Available in leading department stores MODELS OWN modelsownit.com MURAD Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City NCLA shopncla.com NEW LOOK newlook.com NIXON nixon.com OLIVIA AND FIFTH oliviaandfifthph.com OXYGEN SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City PENSHOPPE SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City PONY pony.com PRIMARK primark.co.uk PROUDRACE proudrace.com SHISEIDO Greenbelt 5, Makati City REVLON Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City RIMMEL Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City
ROBERTO CAVALLI robertocavalli.com SKECHERS skechers.com SPERRY TOP-SIDER sperrytopsider.com SPRINGFIELD Greenbelt 3, Makati City STYLEIN stylein.com TERRANOVA SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City TOM FORD Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City TOPMAN SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City TOPSHOP SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City URBAN DECAY Beauty Bar, Greenbelt 5, Makati City VANS Vans Concept Stores, SM Department Stores, Robinsons Department Stores, Landmark Department Stores, Urban Athletics, Toby’s Sports, Olympic Village, Shoe Salon, American Rag, Sole Academy, Greyone Social VERA WANG Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City WAREHOUSE SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City YSL Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City ZARA Greenbelt 5, Makati City ARTISTS Chanel Boateng (Makeup) chanelboateng.com Ben Cope (Photographer) bencope.net The Cobrasnake (Photographer) thecobrasnake.com Fernando Colon (Photographer) fernandocolon.com Danica Condez (Photographer) daniboy.tumblr.com David X Prutting (Photographer) davidxprutinggallery.tumblr.com
Joyce de Dios Ignacio (Makeup and Hair) joyceignacio.com Amanda Elkins (Photographer) amandaelkinsphotography.com Malte Frank (Photo Editor) behance.net/MalteFrank Judd Figuerres (Videographer) vimeo.com/juddfiguerres Angela Gates (Stylist) agatesstylist.com Adrian Gonzales (Photographer) adriangonzales.tumblr.com Maui Manalo (Makeup) twitter.com/MauiManalo Monica Mao (Makeup) monicamao.wordpress.com Erica Matthews (Stylist) ericamatthews.wordpress.com Miguel Miranda (Photographer) migulelmirandaphotography.com Nora Nathoo (Photographer) norasphotos.com Aliya Naumoff (Photographer) aliyanaumoff.com Tom Oxley (Photographer) tomoxley.com Jeruel Pingol (Videographer) twitter.com/yojeruel Mara Reyes (Stylist) Tel. +639272896887 Derrick Santini (Photographer) derricksantini.com Brandon Showers (Photographer) brandonshowers.com JP Singson (Photographer) jponfashionspeed.com Nick St. James (Photographer) nickstjames.com Gabor Szantai (Photographer) gaborszantai.co.uk Ja Tecson (Photographer) jatecson.com Adam Seth Teh (Hair) twitter.com/dumders Viktoria Toth (Hair) facebook.com/vikooci Aleksey Volchek (Photographer) volchekshot.me
S TAT U S IN VA D E S GIN & LUCK RUCKSACK
My business partner and I have been working on this bag (and this brand) for a long time now… we wanted a bag that was supremely functional, multi-purpose, and fit within our lifestyle. I can throw all of my daily gear in here, hop on my moto and go.
RECORD PLAYER
I put a record on first thing in the morning when I wake up.
DESIGN BOOKS & MAGAZINES I may work on opening bars everyday but design is my true love. It certainly makes moving heavy.
DAVID KAPLAN
DAVID KAPLAN, master of Death & Company, mixologist, bar builder, and hospitality guru knows how to bring overworked New Yorkers back to life.
twitter.com/dkproprietors
TRAVEL SET-UP
Too boring to show as individual items, but this would be [my travel essentials]: passport, global entry card, noise-canceling headphones, in-air travel kit, United card, and Club Access card.
DESIGN WITHIN REACH DESK
I rarely use it but love it as sculpture—it is perfect in every way
MINI BITTERS BOTTLES
I make great cocktails anywhere—the plane included.
ANTLERS 1968 HONDA CB SUPERHAWK
A little vintage moto—perfect for riding around the art district.
SUPRAs
I get them for gifts as toys, embroidered on dinner napkins, as mock mounts (cardboard or small figures). I have them tattooed on my collarbones.
Every man needs sneakers.
98 - statusmagonline.com
BOOZE
I rarely drink at home, but I love being surrounded by it. I have several bottles as a reminder of the places they come from, the people who make them, and the industry I live and love everyday.
DEATH & COMPANY ANNIVERSARY ITEMS These are custom pieces we make every year to celebrate New Year’s.