String Magazine | SS12 | The First Issue | volume 1 issue 1 by String Magazine

String –1–

volume

ss12

S|S 12 / the first issue

issue

photography: zenaida kwong, fleur bult, beau partlow, kim akrigg, kenneth kwok, jakub david,

salvador pozo, libby edwards, peter jensen, matthew burditt, leigh righton youngblood, suncoat, belmondo, beauty pro collective

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beauty:

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“Quiero hacer contigo lo que la primavera hace con los cerezos.”

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“I want to do with you what spring does with cherry trees.”

Pablo Neruda, excerpt from Poema xiv, Veinte Poemas de Amor y una Canción Desesperada

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toc shops much&little, p.06 ABC Denim, p.08

fashion part

‘Circean Smoke’ photographed by Libby Edwards, p.09 ‘Remaining’ Souls photographed by Fleur Bult, p.14

music Jackie Treehorn, p.20

beauty Youngblood Cosmetics, p.22 ‘Beauty Revealed’ photographed by Jakub David, p.26 beauty shoot: ‘Apple of my Eye’ photographed by Kim Akrigg, p.29 Belmondo Skin Care + Suncoat Cosmetics, p.32 beauty shoot & profile: ‘The Art of Bridal’ photographed by Matthew Burditt, p.33 beauty shoot:

fashion part

‘AAAHH!’ photographed by Leigh Righton, p.36 ‘After the Parade’ photographed by Salvador Pozo, p.41 ‘Incandescent’ photographed by Zenaida Kwong, p.44

profile M'c Kenneth Licon, p.49 Paul Melo, p.50 Laure-Elaine Anselmi, p.53

fashion part

‘Time vs Change’ photographed by Beau Partlow, p.54 ‘In the Name of the Rose’ photographed by Kim Akrigg, p.59 ‘In the Garden’ photographed by Peter Jensen, p.64

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string volume

1 . issue 1 .

spring . summer

. 2012

MARIA JOSE HERNANDEZ COS Editor-in-Chief editor@stringmagazine.ca KATHY NGUYEN Assistant Editor kathy@stringmagazine.ca ALEXIA ANASTASIOU Fashion Editor alexia@stringmagazine.ca SERENA MASON Fashion Editor serena@stringmagazine.ca JOYCE QUACH Music Editor joyce@stringmagazine.ca JEANETTE SCHWARZ Beauty Editor jeanette@stringmagazine.ca DENIZ OLCAY Sales deniz@stringmagazine.ca Cover art by Celine Angue, photographed by Zenaida Kwong. All content © Copyright String Magazine 2012 issn 1918-3291 string magazine is published bi-annually. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written consent of the editor is prohibited. We accept submissions. Send yours in to editor@stringmagazine.ca and kathy@stringmagazine.ca. Photography, fiction, articles, illustrations, visual art, and music are all welcome. www.StringMagazine.ca

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shops

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much + little words by serena mason

| photos by evan mason

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Welcome home to much&little. This place invites touch. Run your fingers over the smooth reclaimed wood chopping board with visions of the coarse handful of fresh coriander you would chop on its surface on a summer afternoon. Hold a small round glass in your hands, cupping its perfect curve, feeling its heft and weight. Brush fingers down the row of perfect striped shirts— clearly the owner is a woman after your own heart. Indeed, Sarah Savoy has curated such a lovely mix of home and lifestyle items—each with a rich history and pleasant simplicity. The perfect red and white kitchen twine sits atop a rough-hewn wood shelf next to a nostalgic display of rubber duckies. Kilim rugs underfoot bring warm colour—rust, ivory, saffron—to a small space chock-full of items of integrity. Each item has a story, a history, a deep-feeling simplicity; each item shows care and craftsmanship. Step inside and have a look. much&little is located at 2541 Main Street, Vancouver BC.

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shops

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[ A BETTERMENT COLLECTIVE ]

abc denim words by alexia anastasiou | photo by jeremy jude lee abc denim might just be the perfect name for this company. and, as time goes by, i like it more and more. kind of like my favourite pair of jeans. and, it just so happens that the two young business students and entrepreneurs, robin huynh and jordan caron, behind the abc denim label, want to be the ones to find you your next favou-

rite pair of denim. but they won’t just sell it to you like in any old shop. they are there to coach you through the process, offering all sorts of denim tidbits for both pre and post purchase that you would otherwise have to spend hours searching for on the internet. with their online retail store, they’re capitalizing on the

awesomeness of the internet while maintaining a personal relationship with their individual clients. it kind of makes you proud to know they come right from our very own backyard in vancouver.

When and why did you create abc denim? Robin: abc denim was developed throughout the summer of 2010 and we launched in November 2010. We created abc denim out of personal interest and to help people who were shopping online for raw denim. Jeans can be a hard thing to purchase without trying them on or feeling them. Jordan: Our answer to that was video. With video we could showcase many different elements of the product such as its fit and true colour, and the detailed elements could still be shown through the product pictures. What differentiates you from other stores that sell premium denim lines? R: We are very selective with our denim. We only sell pairs made of the best fabrics and construction and are made by people who care about their product. J: We try to give a different perspective on the product. Through videos we showcase different aspects and variations of style in each jean. We are also super active with our audience, helping out whenever we can on our blog, on twitter, on Facebook, and from time to time, on the forums. We love conversation and connecting with people who share the same passions we have. What do you tell people who are convinced it's impossible to purchase clothes online as it's all about the feel and fit? J: I'd say get with the times! Online shop-

ping is the future! Don't get me wrong, there is still a long way to go with it; I wish that everyone could see and feel the quality of the products we sell, but right now we have to think of creative solutions for this. There are tons of men out there who hate going to malls and trying on clothes for hours, but they can achieve that whole process with a few clicks while online shopping. What should people always look for in a great pair of jeans? J: Weight, where it's made, the small details, and what the brand takes pride in. If you check out a website and the first thing you see is a huge banner that reads, “cheap jeans”, you know you're probably getting a low quality pair of jeans. Look up a brand you know takes pride in quality and craftsmanship. How many pairs of jeans do you think men need in their closet? R: Two or three at a time should be enough. Most people want to have a pair that they will wear most of the time and then have a backup for the inevitable crotch blowout. J: I'd say three is the magic number. One that is worn in and comfortable, one that's new, fresh and crisp, and one for the days you just feel like switching it up. Today, is buying, washing, and owning denim more complicated than it needs to be?

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R: I think it is actually as simple as it has ever been. Generally with raw denim, you want to find the right size so that they shape to your body perfectly. That is the hardest part. As for washing, it only happens a few times a year—or a few times over the course of a couple of years. With raw denim [jeans] you don’t need to care too much about them because they are quality and will last you. Plus, they’re getting more and more versatile. Name 5 basics (other than denim) that every man needs. R: Oxford button-down shirts, a classic timepiece, a navy coat, leather shoes, wool socks. J: Nice shoes, a versatile belt, a leather wallet, a sturdy and stylish bag, a notebook—nothing like a good ol’ pen and pad. What are your personal favourite jeans? R: I’ve got to say big john jeans. They aren’t the most popular brand and are just setting foot in North America and Europe. We first encountered them at Capsule in Las Vegas this past summer and we were really impressed with their products, their knowledge, and their brand legacy, as well as their influential role in developing the denim craze that exists in Japan today. J: That's a tough one, but right now I love rogue territory. Hand-made jeans by an awesome guy and denim expert, and that feather logo gets me every time. ◊

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a story by all of the above creative australia photographed by libby edwards styled by emma bergmeier beauty by rebecca joanne

CIRCEAN S M O K E

model is bec jones for scene model management

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fashion

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dress by paper skye, earrings by poppy lissiman

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dress by limedrop, earrings by poppy lissiman

top by paper skye, earrings by poppy lissiman

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fashion

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dress by paper skye, earrings by poppy lissiman

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dress by state of georgia at pigeonhole.com, earrings by poppy lissiman

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fashion

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photographed by fleur bult

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fashion

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Styled by Elise Verhoeven Beauty by Florine Koenen for Colourfool Agency Models are Roseanne for Touché Models & Sanne for Max Models Layout & illustrations by Celine Angue

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fashion

on roseanne: jumpsuit by dorhout mees, cape by elise kim on sanne: blouse by virginie castaway, bathing suit by frou frou, earrings are stylist’s own — string magazine —

fashion

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blouse by h&m, faux fur coat by le temps des cerises, shorts by supertrash denim, leggings by h&m

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on sanne: top by dorhout mees, pants by mango, scarf by h&m, earrings by isabel marant, shoes are stylist’s own on roseanne: top by topshop unique, skirt by frou frou, knee-high socks by antipast shoes by mexx

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fashion

music

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meet jackie treehorn the magnificent six 03

Whether it’s a basement venue tucked underneath the w2 Café or a miniature stage at the back of Falconetti’s Restaurant, the same sight is to be had: men and women, young and old, alternating between bobbing up and down and snaking their bodies from left to right. The rhythm too infectious, the melodies too intoxicating, and the music too irresistible, no bodies can stand to be still. Yeah, it’s a Jackie Treehorn kind of show.

Based out of Vancouver bc, this magnificent six-piece continues to light up the local music scene with their funky covers of Amy Winehouse, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Aretha Franklin—and original tracks like the sax heavy, broken-hearted anthem, Cruel. Jackie Treehorn, to put it simply, will shake your soul…dude.

interview by joyce quach photos by maria hernandez

Can you tell me about the album, We Are Jackie Treehorn? Ashley: We started recording a year ago and basically it’s a collection of all the original songs that band threw at the wall and what’s stuck. It’s a whole bunch of different genres. It was a “moving forward/here’s what we’ve got/let’s get it out there”. We did it with a producer named Kevin Hamilton who’s actually

the uncle of the last lead singe. It’s our first foray into exploring our sound and finding out what it is. What drew you guys to that funky R&B soul sound? Kevin: I think just over time, it suits our personalities. With funk and R&B, you’re able to express yourself through that type of

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sound. We’re kind of zany characters. This music lets up express ourselves more naturally than say, if we were playing in an indie rock band or a metal band. What inspired the song Cruel? A: It’s a good thing I’m here to answer that. Cruel is about being a reformed heartbreaker. I had a relationship with somebody and it was out of the blue. I’m a freewheeler and this person came in, opened my heart up, and then was very quickly gone. And so, it kind of made me wonder if you go back once that’s happened to you. Can you go back and be more aloof or cruel to people? No matter what you do, you’re going to be making mistakes and fumbling around and being a human being. That was the inspiration for the song. What’s the story behind the song Sexcellent? A: Chelsea wrote that one. That song is about having feelings for

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

retro thing or a more contemporary thing. With a horn player, it automatically brings back a kind of nostalgia sound like jazz and R&B…That’s one way of changing the sound; otherwise we’d just be a rock guitar band. What’s a rehearsal day in the life of Jackie Treehorn? A: Let’s see. We’re never all on time [laughs]. We rehearse twice a week for two to three hours and we are really blessed to have a jam space that is available to us. We all gather there and generally rehearsals are full of creating things and making dumb jokes and having a good time. We’re all really good friends. K: We try to focus on whether it’s going to be a creative rehearsal or straight up, we’ve got a gig, let’s practice these songs so that they’re tight. When we’re not gigging, it gives us time to be more creative, which I tend to like. Is being signed a goal for the band?

chelsea burden, vocals adam kerby, keys

derek van deursen, drums nick nixon, bass guitar ashley robyn, vocals

kevin sanders, guitar keepsakes: (clockwise from top left) chelsea’s scrabble set & pin, kevin’s sparkle skull, ashley’s skeleton key, nick’s x ring, derek’s knife “of shadows”, adam’s kazoo & sunglasses

somebody you just can’t express and feeling really trapped and trying really hard to put into words how you feel, but not being able to express it at all. We actually just reinvented that song. We’re calling it Funkcellent now. Do you remember your first covers individually and as a band? K: Pride and Joy [by] Stevie Ray Vaughan is the first guitar song I learned to play and I’m finally in a band where I can utilize that, so I’m taking full advantage because I get to rip all these awesome solos. A: When I first started seeing this band in the form of Jackie Treehorn, before I was in it, there was a lot of Aretha Franklin, Carole King, and Talking Heads. You guys play with an impressive array of instruments. How do you think a particular combination of instruments change or influence the feel of a song? K: Well, depending on the instrumentation, it can give it a more

A: We take everything one step at a time. We look at short term and try to build, expand our fan base, expand our sound, and take opportunities as they come. Because the music industry is changing so much you kind of have to change with it. We try to take as much information in as possible on how to do things and how to market ourselves. I’m pretty sure nobody wants to keep their day job so whatever moves us towards being musicians and being creative for our livelihood—that’s the ultimate goal. You guys have nailed the art of busking. What are some rules a musician should know before hitting the streets? A: Have a license. That’s very important. Respect your neighbours because if you want to come back, they’ll be there, too. K: Watch your stuff. Watch out for the rowdy drunk dudes in Abercrombie & Fitch shirts. Watch out for that guy because he wants to play the drums really badly. ◊

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music

beauty

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youngblood: let us show you how we took one makeup line, youngblood mineral cosmetics, and used

the day look

- base for the ‘fashion look’

steps: one:

Lay a shadow base in a neutral colour (Alabaster) all over the lid, from lashline to brows. In a medium shade (Coco), place colour in the crease of your lid only, and using a windshield wiper motion, going back and forth, blend colour into the crease. You can also add a slight sweep to the lower lash line if you wish. three: Apply pencil eyeliner (Slate) to the top lash line, slightly smudging into lower outer corner of lash line for more eye shape definition. four: Apply mascara, starting at the base of the lashes; ‘wiggle’ your wand all the way to the ends, combing through once more to help separate each lash. five: Apply a nude lipstick (Bliss); a natural complement to this soft look. two:

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step by step

it to create four buildable looks that are designed to take you from day to night seamlessly

the fashion look

- building on the ‘day look’ base

steps: one: Using duo (lash adhesive) and a cotton swab, apply lash glue from lash line to crease, spreading thinly, and wait 30 seconds until it becomes ‘tacky’. two: Using a dry cotton swab, dip into glitter (the colour should complement your eyeshadow colour), and apply to eyelid. Don’t worry if some glitter falls on to the face! three: Sweep fallen glitter away with a dry makeup brush or sponge. four: Add a generous application of eyeliner (Passion) in the same colour family as your glitter, from inner to outer corner. If you wish, smudge away for a smokey-eye effect. five: Apply as much mascara as you're comfortable with; the sky is the limit!

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beauty

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the classic cat-eye

base for the ‘glamour look’ one:

Lay a shadow base in a neutral colour (Alabaster) on the entire lid from lash line to brows.

two:

Choose a soft petal colour (Flush) and apply on entire lid from lashline to crease, blending softly into the crease (not onto the brow bone).

three: Using a gel-liner (Black Orchid) and a fine-tipped brush (Luxurious Angle Brush), apply gel liner to the upper lashline, extending upwards at the ends, towards the temple. You can start from the inner or outer corner, whichever is easiest for you. four: Apply mascara. Two coats work well with this look, concentrating mascara on the outside corner of the lashes to accentuate the cat-eye shape.

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beauty

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the glamour look

building on the ‘classic cat-eye’ base one:

Choose a dark colour with shimmer (Bordeaux), and apply it from the lashline and up towards the crease, blending it softly into the petal colour. Sweep Bordeaux shadow along lower lashline as well.

two:

Add extra black eyeliner to the bottom lid, and smudge with a cotton swab for a smokey eye effect.

three: Finish the look by adding more mascara. four: A deeper neutral shade of lipstick (Rosewood), and a topping of gloss (Deja Vu), adds a bit more drama to this glamorous look.

youngblood cosmetics is sold at select spas and dermatologist offices. For inquiries, or for a personalized Youngblood Mineral Makeup trial, call Absolute Spa (contact details below) at the Century Plaza Hotel to book your complimentary makeup consultation with Jeanette Schwarz, professional makeup artist & String Magazine beauty editor.

photographed by kenneth kwok. beauty and instructions by jeanette schwarz, string mag beauty ed. model is sari for lexington models. all products used are youngblood cosmetics. special thank you to absolute spa at the century hotel plaza for providing the products used in this shoot. absolute spa is one of canada’s most luxurious spa chains, home to greater vancouver. for bookings

11 locations throughout & information: 604.684.2772, info@absolutespa.com & www.absolutespa.com

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beauty

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beauty r photographed by jakub

styled by milena zhuravlova | makeup by filip sam dolce | hair by martin neruda | model is andrea — string magazine —

Photo, left: SHIRTS bY DOLCE&GABBANA, HEADBAND BY TOPSHOP, EARRINGS AND BRACELET BY ARTEL PHOTO, RIGHT: VEST BY DRIES VAN NOTEN, NECKLACES BY ARTEL

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beauty

revealed david

komurkova — string magazine —

COAT BY DOLCE&GABBANA, BUSTIER BY MAX MARA, CHOKER BY H&M, NECKLACE BY TOPSHOP

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beauty

apple of my eye | photographed by kim akrigg | beauty by shawnna downing |

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— string magazine — model is priya with spot 6 management

products: [face] armani foundation, [eyes] ben nye in rl-2 ice, mac strobe cream, [cheeks] mac in diva, ben nye in marilyn red, [lips] mac in diva, ben nye in sangria and marilyn red.

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beauty

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belmondo & suncoat case in point: when two completely organic beauty products come together, brilliant things happen words and beauty by jeanette schwarz | photos by jamie mann model is katie for richard's models

Putting all-natural beauty products to the test is our specialty, and it looks like our latest test subjects have done quite well; judging by the photos from the shoot (above) we completed using only suncoat cosmetics and Vancouver’s own belmondo skin care. belmondo organic skin care First step to great skin? Great skin care! One of our very own Vancouver-grown entrepreneurs and local estheticians, Daniela Belmondo, has created an exceptional all-natural skin care line based on the skin-nourishing benefits of organic olive oil. We’re proud to report, it’s taking off fast. The Belmondo Organic Skin Care line is assembled in small batches right here in our fair city with organic ingredients, and sourced fair trade whenever possible. Also included in some of the blends are evening primrose oil, rose hip oil, and vitamin E; 3 powerful ingredients proven to strengthen skin cells from the inside out. Scented with the aromatherapeutic and skin nourishing benefits of essential oils, and preserved with 0.05% of Optiphen Plus (a broad spectrum antimicrobial preservative—paraben and formaldehyde-free), Belmondo boasts internationally accepted ingredients. Something that is of the highest honour, given the European fda has banned more than 450 ingredients from cosmetics, and North America has only banned less than 20. We’re proud of this home-grown line, for not only living up to its eco-promise, but for being such a great contender in truly great skin care. The testimonials speak for themselves, and as for String Magazine’s? Two thumbs up, no question.

above: products from the belmondo skin care line

suncoat cosmetics Originally from China, Yingchun Liu began her career in Beijing as an industrial research chemist, specializing in the areas of environmentally friendly coatings and water-based resins. Sound like a cosmetics background? Not really, but it completely makes sense when you consider the medium! Known best for their innovative water-based nail polish, Suncoat nail polish boasts long-lasting and quick-drying qualities, all things we look for in a good polish. This time, however, we tried out the cosmetic side for our shoot: organic eye shadows, mascara, blush, and lip shimmers. Combined with the Belmondo Skin Care line, we created all-natural beauty looks that are easily achievable. Understandably, by the end of the shoot, our model was both looking and feeling good.

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beauty

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the art of bridal

vancouver's talented artists unite

photographed by matthew burditt | makeup by jeanette schwarz | hair by prussia veritas | nails by lily huang models are devon & charlotte for lexington models | all gowns provided by bisou bridal vancouver

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beauty

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Wedding season is upon us, so what better way to celebrate it than with bridal shoot created by some of the most talented artists in this city? For this shoot, featuring boutique agency, Lexington Models, the hair, makeup, and nail experts of the bridal beauty team, Beauty Pro Collective (778-858-5364), join forces with the wedding gown connosieurs at Bisou Bridal and talented photographer Matthew Burditt to create dazzling imagery for all brides-to-be to swoon over this season. Move over, fashion capitals, our beloved city of Vancouver is defining bridal-fabulous on our own terms, and we've got the talent to back it up.

01 gown by monique lhuillier, headband by jennifer behr, jewellery by homa 02 gown by oscar de la renta, headband by jennifer behr 03 on devon (left): gown by alvina valenta, jewellery by bisou on charlotte: gown by monique lhullier, jewellery by bisou 04 gown by lazaro, headband by jennifer behr, jewellery by bisou 05 same as photo 03 06 gown by oscar de la renta, headpiece by jennifer behr, jewellery by bisou

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beauty

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IGHTON

Y LEIGH R RAPHED B

PHOTOG

STYLED BY ALEXIA ANASTASIOU MAKEUP BY DANA ALLAN HAIR BY CARLY SCHNEIDER MODEL IS RACHEL ASHMORE BACKDROP ART BY JOHN YOUNG ALL CLOTHES BY H&M, ALL ACCESSORIES ARE STYLIST'S OWN — string magazine —

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fashion

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fashion

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photographed by salvador pozo styled by ashley veraart

model is bo for xistanz model mgmt.

beauty by florine koenen for colourfool agency

{

top by summum, jacket by sepehr maghsoudi, skirt by deux d’amsterdam, leggings by dorhout mees, jewellery by otazu, shoes by jan monnikendam

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}

fashion

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{

dress by dennis diem, ring by otazu, shoes by dennis diem

}

dress by django, blouse by nick roosenboom, feather headpiece by alternatief, mask by pleasurements, necklace by otazu, heels by steve madden

}

{

top by deux d'amsterdam, shorts by sepehr maghsoudi, ring by otazu

{

jumpsuit by maison portier, jacket by django, earrings by otazu, ring by wings byou, shoes by steve madden

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}

fashion

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{

dress by desigual by mr. christian lacroix, bracelet by otazu, boots by invito, skirt is stylis's own

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}

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INCANDESCENT FEATURING SARAH LIAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY ZENAIDA KWONG, ASSISTED BY MICHELLE BRUNET

STYLED BY NATALIE TUSZNIO, ASSISTED BY NICOLE TUSZNIO

BEAUTY BY EMILY CHENG SHOT AT THE ROSEWOOD HOTEL GEORGIA

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bra by la perla, skirt by american apparel, slip by calvin klein, belt by j.crew, necklace & bracelet by rocaille design, chain necklace worn as bracelet by aldo, earrings & ring are model’s own

fashion

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top is stylist’s own, bra by la perla, necklace worn as bracelet by rocaille design, ring, & earrings are model’s own

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bra by urban outfitters, bra underneath by la perla, skirt by h&m, necklace by rocaille design, belt is stylist’s own

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fashion

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corset by h&m, belt by j.crew, necklaces & earrings by rocaille design, ring by bulgari

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little fashionisto m'c kenneth licon: candidate for the most effortlessly stylish of fashionistos—in our books, anyway words by alexia anastasiou | photos by m'c kenneth licon

The verdict's still out on whether opposites attract, but I'm about to find out as I head over to meet the man behind the not so little fashion blog, Little Fashionisto. Self-proclaimed “tiny” in size, M’c Kenneth Licon makes up for it in personality. Warm, chatty, and honest, our conversation lasts well beyond the appropriate thirty minutes and covers everything from high school wounds and tracksuits, to dream jobs and being tiny.

Originally from the Philippines, M’c Kenneth moved to Vancouver with his family when he was in grade 9 (when teenagers show the greatest signs of a deadly combination: righteous attitude and severe lack of confidence). In addition to mean teens, he faced another challenge: learning the language. So M’c Kenneth was buying his time until he graduated; and once he did, both his true sense of self and style were able to break free and express themselves. Gone were the days of track suits and trucker hats and in came a manicured, well-tailored, individual sense of style. With a variety of retail jobs and a degree in communications, he is swiftly taking the blogging world by a storm with unpredictable outfit posts, events coverage, style musings, and much more. Over tea, I gathered some of the gems that came sauntering out of his mouth and titled the compilation “A Fashionable Life According to M’c Kenneth”: on blogging “I hesitate to tell people I'm a blogger. There's a connotation to the word ‘blogger’. Everyone blogs now. I want to differentiate myself from them and my perspective is different because it just so happens I'm tiny. If I were normal-sized, I would have to customize a lot less!” “My blogging advice is to find yourself as a person and use that in your blog. When I started blogging, I didn't want it to be about myself, but more of a character. And since I'm so tiny... Just stay true to who you are and what you would actually wear and support.” “Two years ago, I was shopping a lot in the kids section of Zara and H&M. Through my blog, I have had stores and brands reach out to me —a custom-made shirt from Milan and biodegradable belts that can be washed! My dream collaboration would be a custom-made suit by Hedi Slimane for Dior Hommes or Lanvin.”

and short-sleeved shirts over long-sleeved ones. Fashion is associated with being gay so in high school I put it on the sidelines.”

on putting together an outfit “Start with something neutral and then break it up by adding layers in varying size, colour, and texture. I'm inspired by Etro for their combinations.” “You shouldn't judge a garment on its hanger. Anyway, it won't look good as-is. Although with the right attitude, anything can work.”

where to shop “oak+fort for their androgynous pieces and clean lines.”

favourite pieces in his closet

on reinventing himself “I was bullied in high school. After, I broke free. I could finally do what I wanted and my aesthetic changed. I wore trucker hats, track suits, jeans

“Shoes from Paul Smith's line, ‘Men's Only’, designed for women and inspired by men's shoe styles. They're the perfect fit for me. And the bullet necklace designed by [Vancouver designer] Amaly.” ◊

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profile

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the style quotient elevating a city’s style photo by photo words by alexia anastasiou all photos by paul melo (a selection of his favourites)

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profile

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like. StyleQuotient originated from a love of photography, not fashion. Fashion proved to be the best (read: least creepy) way of approaching strangers for their picture. Melo adds, “Every photographer thinks about shooting fashion. They are inexplicably married.” Personally, he shares a love-hate relationship with it, citing its synthetic characteristics as a turnoff.

treet style blogs have become something like recent sensitivities to gluten: rampant, relentless, and time-consuming. However, Paul Melo’s street style blog, StyleQuotient, remains a little different and a lot more authentic. With a fashion sensibility, a merciless opinion, and a strong grip on Vancouver fashion, Melo scours Vancouver streets to find real people in real style. Nonetheless, it is no easy feat getting yourself there. He is picky. Don’t be shocked if after he’s stopped you on the street, you can’t find your seriously stylish outfit staring back at you from the computer screen. It just might not make the cut.

Here we have a commonality, eschewing the so-called “street style blogs” that only showcase off-duty models, fashion editors, and socialites in an array of designer brands and high-end vintage. Paul remains a “purist about trying to find people in a moment where they are themselves.” That being said, he never shoots at events. Especially fashion events. Melo knows from experience how much work a blog actually involves. With a graphic design business, wellhoned photography skills, and a personal relationship with fashion, the creation and success of StyleQuotient seemed inevitable. However, he has reservations about the blogging world: “I wish it wasn’t so accessible and easy. It’s become so saturated. Young people see the potential to be an overnight success.” Nonetheless, he takes his job very seriously. He adds, “As a photographer and designer, it is my job to

Choice quotes::

“in high school, no one questioned why i was wearing a suit. as a man, people wonder where you’re going.” “taste level is the missing ingredient in blogs that don’t work.”

“with me, it’s never about envy. i’d rather have my own problems.” Melo is unconcerned about other people and what they might have, earn, or get. He insists his mean or judgmental comments are expressed through objectivity, not envy.

“i don’t have a chip on my shoulder – i’m in vancouver.” If you’re willing to withstand the struggling fashion scene in Vancouver, apparently you’re a martyr?

Over the course of our interview— which he so deftly steered—I realized he is a bit of a contradiction. Even in what he says, which requires no special deciphering, as he is quick to offer me his opinion on just about anything. I don’t even have to try to get a good quote out of him—it sort of just keeps hitting me in the face from across the table as I smile, nod, and hope that I can write quickly enough to get it all on paper.

“i like expressing my opinion. and i like documentaries–movies about movies.” As Melo prepares to take a leave from his graphic design business, he is planning the next phase of his blog. He’d like to turn his blog into a magazine and feature series of online interviews with influential fashionistas.

Although most may assume that he is one of those ‘fashion is my life’ kinds of guys, you would be wrong. There is a lot about fashion he doesn’t even

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“if you would do anything for free, you’re entrepreneurial enough to be successful.”

Some of Paul Melo’s best advice came in the form of this snippet of conversation. Baffled by the notion that the fashion industry can demand young, creative people to work for free, he encourages them all not to do it.

“i think i’m the best street style photographer in canada. tommy ton doesn’t count because he doesn’t live in canada.”

elevate [people’s] style”. Which he clearly thinks is necessary here in Vancouver: “Vancouver people are afraid to stand out.” He blames this on our puritanical history. And perhaps laziness, or an over-abundance of Lululemon and Aritzia. The interview was anything but boring. At the end, I’ve learned he wants to make short videos featuring the homes and closets of the fashion-savvy in Vancouver, he prefers Garance Doré to her partner Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist, and that he thinks he deserves more credit than other street style photographers because he shoots in Vancouver. So, with a confidence bordering on ego, I still find Paul likeable, and at the end of the interview, I can’t help but think I’ve had a good time. That I might even do it again, this time determined to find my way onto his blog. After all, he did take my picture the day we met. It just never made it online. ◊

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We’ve heard them all before—sweeping sentences that slander the

Vancouver art scene and creative community, thoughtlessly labeling it small, unsophisticated, even nonexistent. Maybe it’s because they haven’t met some of its power players. And by power players, I mean young, determined, versatile, multi-talented artists through and through. People uninterested in any kind of personal social glory or fame, but more interested in what they do, how they do it, who they do it with and what they’ll do tomorrow. the girl

With interesting people, it usually goes one of two ways. They’ve either had a regular, mundane (dare I say normal) upbringing or grew up on a boat/ with pirates/as part of a traveling circus. Laure-Elaine Anselmi, definitely one of the interesting ones, is part of the latter group, albeit a little less Hollywood blockbuster and more everyday cool. Her mom is a musician, her father is a woodworker. She cut everyone’s hair from the time she could hold scissors. She was a professional clown, she thought about joining the circus, and after high school she went to beauty school. She learned to play the piano by ear, then she opened Barbarella. She moved to LA and recorded an album. She runs a business, has a husband and a baby, loves fashion, gives the best haircuts in the city, and drinks both coffee and coconut water. She took this photo. ☞ I like her. I like her because she’s direct, honest and funny. And because she says things like this: “Having a baby has hijacked my life. But it’s been good to iron out character defects.” Things you might secretly hope other people are thinking, but you’ll never hear them say.

Case Study no. 1: Laure-Elaine Anselmi. her favourites words by alexia anastasiou. photo collage by laure-elaine anselmi

the multifaceted laureelaine anselmi

As much as Laure-Elaine considers her current wardrobe choices as little other than practical, she does hold on to a few favourite things. Besides her engagement ring, two jewellery pieces that make regular appearances in the everyday are her Hermes leather choker and Gucci charm bracelet. And then there’s her perfume, as much an accessory as her jewellery: “I only like the old school natural lines, like Frederic Malle or Dominique Ropion.” on beauty

No one ever said a routine had to be right, so when I ask LaureElaine for hers, she says unapologetically, “I put on makeup, wear it for three days, then wash it off.” And what does she do for her hair? “It’s all about a professional shampoo and condition and a haircut that suits your hair, not your face shape.” the style

When choosing clothes, puts fit at the forefront, noting that the cut of vintage designer clothes is inimitable. In the same breath, she adds with a laugh, “but you never want more than $2,500 on your body at any one time.”

her inspiration

When Laure-Elaine first opened Barbarella in June ‘99, it was much like a family diy project. Her father built it, and she did all of the décor. She admits, “I’m like a closeted interior decorator—sometimes I think I just open these spaces so I can decorate them.” In her mid-twenties, she took sole ownership of the salon, focused more on music and worked on a multi-media music and art project entitled “Mirror” with her husband and others. Now, she again wants to turn her attention back to her business: “I would love to get a few salons humming here [in Vancouver] and then open one in LA.” Laure-Elaine takes much the same approach to fashion and beauty as to her life. “I like things to move forward, which doesn’t have to mean originality”. She offers this explanation as a way to describe her fashion sense and style, which she describes as a new variation of classic. “My lifestyle is not mainstream so that’s probably why my style is Burberry-preppy.” I have always loved contradictions, contrasts and incompatibilities. Which make it not all that surprising when I really start really enjoying Laure-Elaine and her abundance of stories and experiences that all seem to far outweigh the number of years she’s spent doing them. ◊

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BLAZER BY LUX, SKIRT BY ZARA

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ME \ \VS/ / CHANGE PHOTOGRAPHED BY BEAU PARTLOW

STYLING//TALIA BROWN BEAUTY//JULIA STONE MODEL//LAURA FOR COVERMODELS

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ROMPER BY DESPERATELY DIFFERENT, VINTAGE HAT

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DRESS BY MARC JACOBS, SWEATER BY FREE PEOPLE, BOOTS BY ZIGI NEW YORK

DRESS BY MARNI, UMBRELLA BY FULTON

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY KIM AKRIGG STYED BY NATALIE BRADSHAW | BEAUTY BY SHAWNNA DOWNING | MODEL IS LAURA FOR SPOT 6 MODEL MANAGEMENT — string magazine —

fashion

dres black this page:

jew elle ry i s stylist ’s own

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p to

n ba

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dress & blouse are vintage,

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wellery is stylist’s own

heels by costa blanca, je

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gown & vest by h&m,necklace by forever 21, headpiece by tahnee reyes, collar & shoes are stylist’s own — string magazine —

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lace tights by urban outfitters, blouse by american apparel, accessories are stylist’s own

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in the

top by talula babaton, jacket by hudson's bay co. (vintage), briefs by american apparel, shoes by deena & ozzy

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garden

photographed by peter jensen styled by sarah danniels beauty by oz zandiyeh using mac cosmetics model is eva for key model mgmt.

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dress by h&m, vest by inc, scarf by fcuk, socks by urban outfitters, shoes by aldo

dress by le fou by wilfred, vest by a moveable feast, sweater by – 67 – jacket line, shoes by deena & ozzy, headband is stylist's own

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sweater by autumn cashmere, hat by mendocino, socks by urban outfitters, boots by dr. martens

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summer, summer, little thunder: Where have you gone tonight? Inside, beneath, behind the folds of the moon's iridescent light.â&#x20AC;? Anonymous

String

Magazine Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fashion Culture Publication