V MAGAZINE
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FALL 2013/14
THE GenDER ISSUE WHEN IT COMES TO FALL TRENDS GENDER IS NOT AN ISSUE 1
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR Taylor Justin
EDITOR
Catherine Graham
EDITORS-AT-LARGE
Jessica Fox Catalina Romero
SENIOR FASHION EDITOR
Elaina Betts
ART EDITOR
Paige Carpenter
CONTRIBUTORS Special Thanks – Pablo Serrano Ayden Grace Rebecca Wash Alexandra Arnold Kimberly Ware Carolina Amu John Summers Juwan Ali Jarvis Turner Shida Ciao Zain Bin Diego Cervantes Gustavo Larreazbal Chris Crane Annie Bertholf Andresa Eaddy Andrew Hutchinson Cassandra White Motion Club One Red Clover Extravant Fair J. Parkers Sophia Weston Kierra Corrigan and Cameron Oleske
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IN THIS ISSUE 18 LADIES AND GENTS OF INFLUENCE From PSY to Honey Boo Boo these men and women have left their mark on pop culture 20 MAN, SHE’S A WOMAN! A decade of actors who have put their best foot, or should we say heel, forward 22 NO BOUNDARIES Andjec Pejic has no boundaries as a high fashion model 24 LEADING LADY Street artists Lady Aiko stimulates the mind, body, and soul at the Museum of Sex 26 MONAE, MONAE, MONAE Spotlight on singer and Covergirl Janelle Monae 30 MR. & MRS. STEREOTYPE When society embraced apple pies, housewives, nine to fives. and gender roles 32 EXCHANGE Everyday accessories that work for both men and women 34 FALLING FOR MENSWEAR Fall fashion trends for 2013 take a dual role of feminine and masculine traits 42 THE POWER STRUGGLE When a power couple controls the uncontrollable 52 MOTION Dennis is not one to stand still, since 18 this queen has not dragged her feet, but has always stayed in motion 60 REDEFINED Seven male designers re-define the definition of masculinity in the modern age 76 VMAIL/ VBUY
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FROM The Editors Since birth, we have defined ourselves as girl or boy, man or woman, him and her, she and he. But society has grown and changed over the past years. Now that we have survived the end of the world, all limits are off! Definitions for people are no longer definite. Men are embracing touches of feminine influence while their female counterparts are zealously raiding men’s closets seeking tailored suits and fitted caps. Designers such as Donatella Versace and Jean Paul Gauilter are doing their part to push both sexes into new limits of unlimited unisex fashions. Vibrant and fearless, our cover models Jarvis and Cassandra are wrapped into each other as if they were one - no race, no color, no gender. Beauty and grace meld them, young professionals seeking to make a name in the fashion industry. Interactions between both male and female resound throughout this issue. As photographer Pablo Serrano portrays a once known society of “white bread” Americana featuring two dramatic black and whites of a power couple demonstrating a struggle to maintain control of each other and the sexual desires within. We continue to move and groove in this issue as we interview Motion, a lady that never stops moving. Open, honest, and transparent with V. Magazine, this is a one of a kind mistress of musical talents. For some, this issue will be a thought provoking crossover between society’s set roles and relationships. For others, it will be provocative and racy. Regardless of whether you play with G.I Joes or dress like G.I Jane, we at V invite you to sit back relax, and enjoy The Gender Issue. Ms. V
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PEOPLE OF
iNFLUENCE
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MAN, SHE IS A WOMAN!
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For decades, actores have put their best foot (or should we say heel) forward to portray female characters in film. We applaud some of these magnetic men!
Cary Grant: I was a Male War Bride 1949 In 1949, Cary Grant to return to America new wife after WW2. male military uniform
plays a French officer, Henri Rochard, who tries with the other female war brides to be with his The ultimate manly movie star, Grant dons a feand brunette bobbed wig in this quirky comedy.
Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon: Some Like it Hot 1959 Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon have to get out of town disguised as women in an all female band alongside Marilyn Monroe to avoid the mob in the 1959 romantic comedy Some Like it Hot.
Anthony Perkins: Psycho 1960
In the 1960 horror flick, Psycho, Anthony Perkins plays Norman Bates a man who runs a motel supposedly owned by his insane mother. After a turn of events, audiences find out Norman has a split personality and has been committing murders dressed has his mother.
Tim Curry: The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975 Tim Curry plays the bizarre Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Dr. Frank-N-Furter is a self proclaimed “Sweet Transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania” who enjoys wearing leather corsets, fishnets, heels, and pearls.
Dustin Hoffman: Tootsie 1982
In the 1982 comedy Tootsie, an out of work actor, Michael Dorsey played by Dustin Hoffman, creates a new identity as a woman giving himself the name Dorothy Michaels in order to land a role in a soap opera.
Robin Williams: Mrs. Doubtfire 1993
To spend more time with his kids after a bitter divorce, Daniel Hillard, played by Robin Williams, masquerades as a British nanny in the comedy Mrs. Doubtfire.
Shawn and Marlon Wayans: White Chicks 2004 In 2004, the Wayans brothers, Shawn and Marlon, take on one of the biggest transformations when disguising themselves as two blond hotel heiresses during an undercover FBI mission in White Chicks.
Tyler Perry: Madea Goes to Jail 2009
Tyler Perry revisits his infamous role as Madea, the angry grandma, who can’t seem to stay out of trouble with the law in the 2009 crime-drama, comedy, Madea Goes to Jail.
Adam Sandler: Jack and Jill 2011 Adam Sandler not only plays Jack, a family man getting ready for the Thanksgiving holidays, but also Jack’s twin sister, Jill, who is ready to over stay her visit with her brother in the 2011 comedy Jack and 23 Jill.
NO BOUNDARIES From the long blonde locks to the come hither eyes, Andrej Pejić has the fashion world in a twist. This androgynous model has strutted the runways of both men’s and women’s couture shows. In the Paris fashion shows of January 2011, Pejić walked both the men’s and women’s shows for Jean-Paul Gaultier and the men’s shows for Marc Jacobs. In his most recent accomplishments, the male model graced the cover of Elle Siberia, being the first male to be featured on the cover. Andrej’s career has not come without controversy however. A banned magazine cover at Barnes & Noble and a formal apology from FHM after it called him ‘a thing’ are just two instances demonstrating how his career has been fraught with controversy. How does Andrej remain so calm in the face of controversy? A lot of it stems from his childhood. Born with a Croatian father and Serbian mother, Andrej’s family was rapidly split by the two countries going to war. Pejić’s mother fled with him and his brother and eventually settled in Melbourne, Australia. He grew up playing with girls and was accepted for who he was in his community. All of these aspects of life have carried Andrej to where he is today, allowing him to take criticism with ease and walk the runway with confidence. He told New York magazine, ‘I know people want me to sort of defend myself, to sit here and be like, “I’m a boy, but I wear make-up sometimes.” But, you know, to me, it doesn’t really matter.’ Andrej refuses to confine himself to a box and is interested in being himself, not necessarily a man or a woman. 24
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LEADING
LADY
Everyone enjoys a little controversy and what better way to experience it than through a love and passion for art. Last March in New York, the Museum of Sex featured over 20 street artists in its curated exhibition, “F*ck Art”. The pieces ranged from bedazzled dildos to a sex bike. Amongst the visually and physically stimulating pieces were works produced by street artist, Lady AIKO. The Japanese born, Brooklyn-based artist innovatively uses various mediums to create collaged and unrestricted forms of art. Her Japanese heritage and influential art movements such as Abstractionism, POP Art, and Graffiti, influence AIKO’s work. Her paintings tell playful stories of humanity, sexuality, and women. Lady AIKO has continued to influence not only the contemporary art world but fashion as well. For the 2013 Louis Vuitton spring collection, AIKO collaborated with the design house to create a link of high-end scarves. There is certainly much more to come from Lady AIKO as she continues to lead the pack of new and innovative millennial artists. 26
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MONAE MONAE MONAE
JANELLE MONae Soulful R&B singer/songwriter Janelle Monae has not only been making a name for herself in the music industry but has captivated the fashion world with her trademark androgyny chic style that has prompted fashion lovers to run into their boyfriends’ closets. Janelle’s agenda is to “help redefine what it looks like to be a woman,” and it seems as though female audiences are following suit. This young artist’s signature uniform typically consists of a tailored black and white tuxedo jacket, a pair of polished oxfords, and a satin bow tie. Janelle Monae is bringing back the female power suit but on her terms, making this typically masculine trend extremely sexy and sultry. Needless to say, everyone is wanting more.
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MR. & Mrs.
STEREOTYPE Is it possible that in 2013 couples are no longer looking up to the clichĂŠ cookie cutter relationship where the husband brings home the bacon and the wife cooks it? Instead couples are making their own rules when it comes to roles in relationships.
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EXCHANGE
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Forever 21 Brass Knuckle Ring, Lion Necklace, and Fringe Necklace Urban Outfitters Brass Knuckle Ring Kierra Corigan Spiked Bracelet and Clutch, Wooden Ring, Beige and Metallic Purse Sophia Weston Duffle Bag Anne Klein Watch Extant Fair Navy Oxfords, Black Cork Oxfords, Black and Gold Print Knee High Socks Black Cowhide purse, and Black and Rose Silver Stethoscope Necklace Steve Madden Studded Boots Vintage Pearl Necklace Isotoner Gloves NYC Street Vendor Multi-color Necklace, Opi Nail Polish Sinful
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Falling for
MENSWEAR Today it has become routine for women to wake-up, down their morning cup of coffee or tea, and slip into their favorite pair of jeans before running out the door to start the day with an added ounce of confidence to their step. In today’s society, where women wear a variety of pant styles, to imagine that less than a century ago it was taboo and sometimes forbidden for woman to parade in public sporting pants. The designers and starlets who didn’t fear defying society or traditions, were able to make a mark on the fashion world evolution of trends and classic pieces in the 20th and 21st century. French designer Paul Poriet is the imaginative designer who is responsible for what women wear today, putting pants on the fashion market. Paul Poiret’s designs were a fusion between a skirt and a pair of baggy pants. Other designers who have been greatly influenced by menswear and contributed to revolutionizing women’s sportswear include designers from Coco Chanel, to Yves Saint Laurent and todays Stella McCartney. Designers are not the only ones who have shaken up the fashion world; actresses and celebrities throughout history have also laid the path of women wearing pants and influenced masculine trends that have been seen on today’s Fall 2013/2014 runways. Actresses from Katharine Hepburn to Dian Keeton made it stylish to wear khakis, collar shirts, and ties. While icons like Bianca Jagger and Grace Jones, brought a sense of glamour to typical men’s blazers and pantsuits. Key pieces to keep an eye out for this fall when following this dapper menswear invasion include: camouflage and cubic prints, oversize sweaters, denim button downs, tapered trousers, leather leggings and bomber jackets, and black and white tuxedo jackets.
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Pea Coat Forever 21
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Shirt Brandy Melville Tie Perry Ellis Jacket Bar III Pants Bar III Ring Versona
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Blazer Isaac Mizrahi Bag Sophia Weston Vest Charlotte Russe Shirt Madewell Pants Gap Shoes Extant Fair Necklace Vintage
Opposite Page: Shirt Xhilaration Boots Steve Madden Watch Guess Necklace Forever 21 Sunglass Ray Bans Shorts Pac Sun Socks Extant Fair
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Blazer Isaac Mizrahi Bag Sophia Weston Vest Charlotte Russe Shirt Madewell Pants Gap Shoes Extant Fair Necklace Vintage
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Opposite Page: Boots Steve Madden Bag & Bracelet Keirra Corigan T-Shirt Old Navy Leather Jacket Bebe Leather Pants Arden B.
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POWER
STRUGGLE
Tension and aggression fills the air, while a familiar longing for his rough touch over whelms you as the battle for dominance begins.
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LIGHTS CAMERA
MOTION 54
It was the night of Super Bowl Sunday as I approached Club One, Savannah’s prime spot for drag shows. I was welcomed on the outside by the friendly and magnetic Dennis Field, aka Motion. After walking into a dressing room down stairs and making small talk, Dennis and I got down to debating the very important matter of Beyoncé’s half time show performance and whether or not Madonna was more entertaining during the previous Super Bowl. Even though we had a difference of opinion - mine being that Beyoncé rocked it and Dennis backing up Madonna and her epic entrance, we finally got back on topic and started discussing Dennis and his alter ego, Motion.
Do you have another occupation besides performing? Motion: “Yes, I am a hairstylist at Ulta Salon, Cosmetics, & Fragrance, Inc. We cut, we style, we do everything - weaves even, so come on down everyone.” Have you always lived in Savannah? M: “I was born in Savannah, GA but moved to Atlanta for about fifteen years, and that is where I became Motion.” At what age did you start doing drag? M: “I started doing shows when I was 18 years old.” Is drag a lifestyle or more of an activity for you? M: “Its both a lifestyle and activity, just like hairstyling. I enjoy it, but I will always keep Motion on the side because I love to entertain, and maybe one day it will take me into acting and doing plays.” How did you come up with your stage name, and is their a story behind it? M: “When Soul Train was on, there was a show called Dance Fever that had two girls called Motion. These two girls would be doing the rock, the bump, and the fly; that is where I stole my name. How long does it take to get ready for a performance? M: “Around an hour and a half, but I can get ready as fast as an hour.” Do you ever get nervous before you go on stage or does your alter ego just take over? M: “I always get nervous right before I perform, but the bugs just go away.” What is one drag queen stereotype that you despise? M: “That all drag queens are good timers, because there is a lot of work that goes into drag especially professionally. When I say good timers, I mean the ones who just want to party.”
What is a typical reaction when you tell people you are a drag queen? M: “Once people find out I am a drag queen, they are like “Oh? Ohhhh!!!” and then they usually come to my performance, and I will either create a fan or a monster (stalker). ha! Ha!” Do you think media (TV and Movies) does an accurate portrayal of drag queens? M: “Today they are, but in the past media would show drag queens in mainly sex and drug situations, while today drag queens are shown in a more positive light with the focus on the performances and talent.” Do you think the concept of being a drag queen had changed over the decade? M: “Yes, because technology is right at our fingertips, people can understand better what it means and takes to be drag queen. Ten years ago it was not as simple or quick.” With the theme of the issue being gender, have you seen a shift in your own masculinity or femininity, and where do you see yourself today? M: “I have become I would say more masculine in my later years, because I have experienced more, have been required to do things for myself and get my hands dirty, but with age come wisdom.” If you had to perform one last show, what would you do? M: “I would sing everything live. I love singing, and for my last show I would really want to talk and sing to my audience.”
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RE DEFINED
Masculinity is a predefined concept instilled in us before we are even able to talk. As newborn babies, we arrive home for the first time to blue walls and toy trucks. Is masculinity still a symbol of strength and a shield for emotion, or are men allowed to cry and take care of children? In this piece we address the way contemporary men define masculinity and more importantly whether or not they let it define them.
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“Masculinity is unconventional and not safe.�
JARVIS Birmingham, Alabama Accessory Designer My design aesthetic is effortlessly sexy-complex simplicity meets -masculine femme
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“To me it is not about the physical, but the spiritual.�
SHIDA Winter Gardens, Florida Fashion Designer My design aesthetic is simple and sophisticated. I love innovation in simplicity. 66
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“Gentlemen-ship and Chivalry�
GUSTAVO Caracas Venezuela My aspirations after receiving my masters is to go to work in Los Angeles or New York. My design aesthetic is modern and detailed. 69
“Masculine means being willing to be wrong and strong enough to accept it.”
ZAIN
Islamabad, Pakistan After I finish school, I hope to find another learning platform where I can continue to grow. Be it a job, a move to a different setting or maybe more school! Basically I just hope that I don’t ever feel stagnant for too long. I’d never be able, nor would I want, to define my design aesthetic. If I did I’m afraid it would limit me. 70
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“The definition of masculinity has become blurred with masculine and feminine traits becoming intertwined.�
JOHN Dallas, Texas Tattoo Artist, Entrepreneur, Vagabond, Professional Rugby Player, Masseuse, Yoga Instructor, Farmer, any and all of the previously listed. My design aesthetic is simple, practical, and sexy. 73
“Knowing who you are and fighting for yourself is masculine. Everyone doesn’t fit into the same stereotype, but that doesn’t make you any less of a man.”
JUWAN Atlanta, Georgia Character designer at Marvel My design aesthetic is very mythical, supernatural and inspired by pop culture. 74
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“Masculinity is about living with honor. It is something one is born with that grows over time.�
FERNANDO Valencia, Venezuela No matter where I am, how much money I get, or whatever, I just want to do what I love and love what I do When it comes to my design aesthetic, I always try to get to the point and be simple. Simplicity and innovation are what I try to achieve most. 77
V-MAIL
V-BUY V80 Fall 2013/14 Aldo www.aldoshoes.com Anne Klein www.anneklein.com Arden B www.ardenb.com Bar III www.macys.com BDG http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/ Bebe www.bebe.com Bostonian www.bostonian.clarksusa.com Charlotte Russe www.charlotterusse.com Converse www.converse.com Express www.express.com
Joseph 24 San Francisco, CA joe49er@gmail.com
Kimberly 27 Brooklyn, NY kimpossible12@yahoo.com
Chris 30 South Beach, FL chriscross99@aol.com
Extant Fair http://www.extantfair.com/ Forever 21 www.forever21.com Goodwill www.goodwill.com Guess www.guess.com J.parker www.jparkerltd.com Kierra Corrigan http://kcorrigandesigns.tumblr.com/ Montefino www.ebay.com NYC Street Store Old Navy www.oldnavy.com Pacsun www.pacsun.com Perry Ellis www.perryellis.com Puritan www.puritan.com
Lillian 22 Memphis, TN lillylive1@comcast.com
Philippe 21 Austin, TX casanova101@yahoo.com
Della 25 New Orleans, LA dellidance25@aim.com
Red Clover www.shopredclover.com Soma www.soma.com Sophia Weston http://colorcommunity.tumblr.com/ Steve Madden www.stevemadden.com Target www.target.com The Limited www.thelimited.com Vince Camuto www.vincecamuto.com Willi Smith www.tjmaxx.com
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Matthew 24 Charlotte, NC matt12345@carolina.rr.com
Shelton 23 Bikini Bottom dolphicalls5@aol.com
Carissa 27 Denver, CO carissaclark34@gmail.com
Tyler 18 Savannah, GA tpowel@student.scad.edu
Nathan 19 Columbus, OH nateohohoh@gmail.com
Jamie 21 Boston, MA jambeantowm@gmail.com
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