B Magazine

p a c e

R

THE BEST OF 2009

ISSUE 1

L.O.B BLOG MAG

FREE

Dec 2009

www.lifeofbrian08.blogspot.com

LisaLaurie Clothing

R.I.P Daul Kim 1989-2009

CONTENTS

January to December 2009 Just a preview with no Page numbers. ENJOY. Sick Kids Photo of The Day Q&A with Cecile Watch Out! Kickz Twins: Coco & Breezy Chanel “2.55�

M.A.L.E Define Yourself 10 Rules of Style With Tommy & Tom Models of the Moment Designer Interview with Jennivi Jordan & Anya Ayoung-Chee Designers to Know!

Cover Image & Contents Image Courtesy Pulse Caribbean-Designer Digi Beck.

Photography: Giovanni Powell.

Cover Model Unknown & Content Model Jaunel Mckenzie. *Special THANKS to the Designers and all the people that contributed through out the year.

Editor in Chief & Creative Director Brian Clarke Editorial BC + Designers Images THIS ISSUE CLAIMS NO CREDIT FOR ANY CONTENT FEATURED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. ALL VISUAL CONTENT IS COPYRIGHT TO IT’S RESPECTFUL OWNERS. Future Marketing & Advertising Email lifeofbrian08@gmail.com This issue assumes no responbility for the advertisements made herein or the quality and availability of the products advertised herin.

Editor’s Note

It has taken me a whole week to put this magazine together and an entire year of blogging to produce this magazine. I must say that I have better appreciation for the work that goes into a magazine because, I never expected to talk this long to complete. It has been a wonderful year of blogger from working designers to trying to keep on the top of ball so to speak as relates to my blog interest. But it has been a challenging year and my blog is/was the escape from the realities of the ups and down. We are at the end of the year and its time to reflect for 2010 as reach for whatever it is we want/need. Finally, there is high probability that L.O.B will be renamed in 2010 to incorporate the new approach as I aim for “brand� status.

God Is Love, B!

The Sick Kids brand is owned by Jackson Kid and Lele out of the UK. www.myspace.com/goodoldjackson www.myspace.com/leleisbanging www.thesickkids.co.uk

One for One

ONE FOR ONE TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we’re all about.

OUR STORY In 2006 an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created a company that would match every pair of shoes sold with a pair given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by caring TOMS customers. Since our beginning, TOMS has given over 140,000* pairs of shoes to children in need through the One for One model. Because of your support, TOMS plans to give over 300,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world in 2009. Our ongoing community events and Shoe Drop Tours allow TOMS supporters and enthusiasts to be part of our One for One movement. Join us.

WHY SHOES? Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally enables them to walk distances that aren’t possible barefoot. Wearing shoes prevents feet from getting cuts and sores on unsafe roads and from contaminated soil. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected. The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites which penetrate the skin through open sores. Wearing shoes can prevent this and the risk of amputation.

Many times children can’t attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don’t have shoes, they don’t go to school. If they don’t receive an education, they don’t have the opportunity to realize their potential. There is one simple solution...SHOES. Four of the planet’s six billion people live in conditions inconceivable to many. Lets take a step towards a better tomorrow.

TOMS

www.tomsshoes.com

Shoe Porn

McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2010 shoe collection.

DELFINA DELETTREZ SKELETON HAND BRACELET.

Samuel Canales x Michael Jackson G o l d Tee

www.samuelcanalessexyart.com

Photo Of The Day

Model: Odini.

Designer from Silky Ruff: Jeremy Payne. {He

also did the knotting and the

make-up}

Photographer: Janique-ka John via Saccharine Photography http://www.spgallery.tk

The Song: Shurwayne Winchester Rough Wine remix ft Cecile Q & A with Cecile about the collabo.

1. HOW DID THE COLLABO CAME ABOUT WITH YOU AND SHURWAYNE?

I was in Trinidad for a show last October, and linked up with Shurwayne who i had met previously at another show in Guyana and we clicked, we both said we would love to do something, and i left my hotel and went to the studio and he already had this song and i jumped on it, i really love soca so it was a real pleasure 2. HOW WAS THE CHEMICAL IN THE STUDIO PUTTING TOGETHER THE SONG.

The chemistry was great, the song is a remix i think, and once i heard the original i was like, yes, this is the song i should be on.

3. ANY SET RELEASE DATE???

My guess is about three weeks time.

“Special thanks to Cecile for taking the time to answer the Q&A.”

Juls aka J*WLS ( or Julie Bouiguerourene ) is a pretty sick French Illustrator. Living and working in Paris as a freelance illustrator, her work is full of freshness and energy, illustrating well the world of fashion and Street culture of today. During her world tour between Paris, Seattle, London and Tokyo she works with publications such as Wad or Elle Girl Japan.

Model: Serala

Photographer: Brendan Bhagan Email: b_bhagan@yahoo.ca

w A T C H

Vestal Digichord Watch

NOOKA ZENH HS WATCHES

O U T !

Alexandros Stasinopoulos’ Watch Concept

KICKZ

Custom Painted Spongebob Vans.

Nike Blazer Hi Premium ND “Selvage”

Mike Shinoda & DC Xander.

KICKZ Rockport & UNDRCRWN Shoe.

LANVIN high-top sneakers in leather, satin and pearls.

Lacoste Niseko M3.

Meet Coco & Breezy.

The 19 year-old couture eye wear designers twins (& models) are steadily making a name for themselves in the fashion game.

Recently moving to NYC to pursue their dream full time, the sisters hand make all their eye wear and hustle them to various people themselves.

With celebrities like: Ashanti, Kelly Osbourne, Amber Rose, and more rocking‘Gemela Amor by Coco & Breezy’, they are definitely going to be the ones to look out for in 2010.

The Twins: What are your names and where are on hold and start modeling at the age of 17. We have done pretty much all you from? of the big runway shows in MinneOur real names are Corianna and Bri- sota, and have done some cool photo anna. But we have been called Coco shoots. We are freelance models, and Breezy every since we were little. which means we are not signed with I actually have no idea how our mom an agency right now. But when we came up with those nicknames, but move to NYC or Cali we plan to get I have not herd her call us by our real with an agency. Another talent we names in a long time, everyone jus calls have is fashion!!! We are stylist as us by “ Coco and Breezy” And when well, we don’t just go with the trend, people say our name, they don’t jus say we are trendsetters, and also Another “coco”.. they don’t just say “breezy”, its talent that we are starting to use and always COCO & BREEZY..Together. work on is designing. We decided Our image is that we are always togeth- we know we have our own style, and er, never separated, we worked the same people always want to know where jobs, and when we were in high school we get our clothes from, so why not just design a unique line. we even had the same classes. We were born in Indiana, but we were raised in What inspired you to pursue a caMinneapolis, MN. reer in the fashion industry?

What do you do?

We have always been into fashion We have a lot of different talents, and ever since we were little girls. We we don’t let them go to waste. It all weren’t normal girls that played started when we were younger, we been “house” with there Barbie, we made dancing all of our life. We started do- clothes and played fashion show ing big shows, opening up for concerts, with our Barbie, and toys. Fashion dancing/choreographing for different isn’t just a career to us, it’s a passion artist when we were 14 yrs old. We have and lifestyle. Being models, stylist, opened up concert here in Minnesota and designers, we are triple threats such as, b5, jagged edge, hurricane chris, in the fashion industry, and doing what ever it takes. and etc. Dancing was the first thing that got our name out there and popular. We then decided to put our dancing career

Is this how you typically dress?

Breezy: Yeah. Even if I go to the grocery store, I don’t try to be dressed up, but we’re the image that people know—Coco and Breezy always being together and having unique style.

Coco: I can’t get caught slipping without my style.

What inspires your style?

We have a lot of different inspiration for our style, but the main one is art. We treat the way we get dressed like it’s a piece of art.

We show that it is ok to be different and unique. Dressing different and having a different style in Minnesota takes a lot of confidence.

We used to get a lot of stares and points, and we used to think they were bad stares and points. A couple months later, we see everyone dressing like us. We don’t mind when people “attempt” to dress like us, because we are trendsetters. Since we have each other we don’t care what people think. Another inspiration of our fashion is fashion from places like Europe, and Japan. They get fashion way before America, so we check out different look books online to get inspirations and ideas.

The Shades: Gemela Amor by Coco & Breezy www.cocoandbreezy.com

1. When was the company started? Why did you start it?

The line was started about 6 months ago when we were 18 years old. We actually showed our 1st line of clothing and we designed the glasses just to add a “POP!” to the garments. The Glasses ended up being the hit! We designed what we call “custom couture eye wear” and started the brand ourselves, with no PR, or any type of management.

2. You ladies recently moved to NYC to pursue this dream? Where are you originally from?

We are originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota which is in the Midwest (where there is really no fashion outlets) and people looked at us crazy or pointed and laughed at us because of our style. We have been traveling back and forth to NYC for a couple years now and we always just went to visit from 2-4 days at a time. But our last visit in NYC was a life changing experience for us. We met so many people, our brand got press, we had a couple red carpet appearances, we did photo shoots, and stylists pulled our eye wear for a few online mags.

Back in August, we went back home and told our parents “we’re moving to NYC in 2 weeks”. We were nervous about quitting our regular job but it was time to take the risk and just have 100 percent focus on our brand.

We’re young and moving to NYC (last minute) to pursue our dream was a big step. But we’d rather struggle and work hard on our brand in NYC, than live easy in non-fashion state.

3. Can you elaborate on the message behind Coco & Breezy?

We have a special bond that no one else has, which we believe gives us an advantage for being a great design team. Just being twins, we have never been separated from each other for more than 24hours. Also something that makes us different from other designers is that we are models for our line as well. We definitely known for our different, edgy and unique look and we are never seen in public without rocking shades.

4. You already have celebs like Ashanti, Vanessa Simmons, and Kelly Osbourne rocking your shades? How did that come about?

Well with Ashanti wearing our glasses, it was really last minute and we didn’t plan for her to wear them. It’s funny because, we were contacting different stylist that we met during our visit just to inform them that we were back to NYC for good. And that same day someone contacted us and asked if they could pull a couple styles for Ashanti for the red carpet VH1 hip hop honors. And we were like “sure.’ It was cool because we got a lot of press from it, and was our first major celeb press.

5. Who is the ideal ‘Coco & Breezy’ customer?

They are unisex for men & women. An ideal ‘Coco & Breezy’ customer is somebody that is not scared to step out the box and have the confidence to rock the glasses. If there is 100 people in the room, they are going to be the ones standing out, and will always be remembered.

6. Where do you ladies see yourself in the future?

In the future we see our line expanding and doing clothes as well.

I feel like right now how fashion is the younger generation is taking over, and our generation is going to be the next big names in fashion. Since we are starting at such a young age, we are going to remain dedicated and never get to comfortable at what people call “the top” there is no such thing as the top. We are going to grind and work hard so we can be young and successful. We also want to be an inspiration to younger kids showing you can do anything, it just takes hard work. This is only the beginning of our journey, there is a lot more to come.

http://cocoandbreezy.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/cocoandbreezy

T a k e I t E a s y T o b a g o

SECRET COVE BEACHES, SLEEPOVERS ON THE SAND AND HOTELS NO TALLER THAN A COCONUT TREE .

THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF TOBAGO TAKES IT NICE AND EASY.

Magazine: New York Times Style by Jeffries Blackerby.

Photographer: Camilla Akrans.

Model: Arlenis Sosa.

Location: Pirate Bay Beach Tobago.

Chanel “2.55”

Coco Chanel’s Childhood & Revolutionizing Ideas In An Authentic Bag The burgundy lining that Coco herself placed in all black bags is a playful nod towards her old uniform at Aubazine School in the South of France.

The quilt is inspired by several sources: the stained-glass windows of the abbey at Aubazine, where Coco Chanel grew up, by jockeys’ riding coats as well as by Coco’s own lightbrown suede cushions in her rue Cambon apartment in Paris.

The revolutionizing shoulder strap - previously found on soldiers’ bags and the heavy satchels female bicycle porters carried during the war - are made for woman in modern times.

Coco Chanel revolutionized fashion for women by using stretching materials in 1914/15 when she had the idea to use beige cotton knitwear of men’s underwear for the clothing of sportive ladies. This idea influenced fashion-designers of the following decades lastingly.

The Shoulder Strap Coco realised the shoulder strap in a world of aeroplanes, cars, and busy lives when traditional hand-held bags were simply no longer practical.

As a result, the shoulder strap – previously found only on soldiers’ bags and the heavy satchels female bicycle porters carried during the war – made its debut in the world of fashion. Coco’s straps proved an absolute sensation. Two versions of the bag were produced a lambskin model to be carried in the daytime, and an evening-wear design made of either silk or jersey, a material traditionally found in menswear, which Coco had introduced to ladies’ fashion in the 1910s.

The Quilt Alongside N°5, the camellia, pearl necklaces and the little black dress, this criss-cross design has become one of the timeless symbols of the house of Chanel.

Good Design Lasts Forever You can combine this bag with jeans as well as with a suit or evening gown. The Chanel 2.55 doesn’t depend on seasonal trends. If you take care of the bag even your grandchildren can use it!

Over 30 new models are produced each year, forming part of the House’s seven annual collections. 6 to 15 people are working for up to 18 hours (depending on the material) on one Chanel “2.55”. While in the past, up to 80% of all bags produced were black, they represent only 50% of the diverse range proposed today.

“We use a different shade of beige practically every time,” explains the responsible manager, “so things never get boring. Before any bag goes into production, the site’s development facility first finalises the details of the designs sent by Karl Lagerfeld’s studio.

Working from sketches, a range of hand-made mock-ups are produced before selecting a final prototype and deciding on its exact proportions and stitching details. This whole development stage is shrouded in mystery and usually takes around a week to complete. Then out of the 200 to 300 prototypes produced for each collection, the studio selects around 30.

The site’s archives hold nearly 3,000 different bags; together they map out CHANEL’s history. Lined up like trophies, these different models serve to inspire the design teams of today, as well as helping them to resolve any problems they might be having with the ideal shape of a handle or detail on a strap. Once the bag has been approved for production, a team of leather craftsmen, engineers and cutters will work on more than 10 different models every week to meet the demand from boutiques. However, before the bag can be assembled, the leather must first be prepared. It is cut from the skin either by hand, using a punch, or by computer, and is then machine-stitched, trimmed and finished. This is an extremely precise process, with all dimensions measured to within a fraction of a millimetre.

80% of the total production time is spent on the assembly table, where CHANEL’s master craftsmen use their expertise to produce an item of unmistakeable luxury.

After the material has been prepared, the bag is given its structure by inserting heat-sealed leather-finished supports. Each bag is then turned inside out and back again, in keeping with Mademoiselle Chanel’s firm belief in the importance of hidden luxury: the inside should be as good as the outside. As a result, the same amount of care still goes into the lining of each bag as goes into its exterior.“ The bags are then quilted using machines specially developed by Chanel’s engineers, and this stage, though technical, is often one of the most creative in the design process, as can be seen on the series of models inspired by the stained-glass windows of the abbey at Aubazine, where Coco Chanel grew up.

The Story Behind The Legendary Bag Chanel’s well known “2.55” takes its name from the month and year when Coco Chanel launched the luxurious item: February 1955.

M.A.L.E-Define Yourself!

Dior Homme Fall/Winter 2009/2010

Vincent Schoepfer Winter 2010

Paris has attracted recently so many great designers and one of them is Vincent Schoepfer. I love the simplicity with stile, and with his winter collection he has just achieved that. What i particularly love about it is a variety, just enough to let everyone express their personality. The importance of formal attire is played down with concealed buttons and a new take on the bow-tie. The way to go.

Vincent Schoepfer Winter 2010

Label: SOPOPULAR

James Ardinast and Daniel Blechman of the fashion label SOPOPULAR 1. How did you come up with the label SOPOPULAR? James: The idea for SOPOPULAR was conceived on my birthday about two years ago.

Daniel, my brother David and I have known each other for 20 years. We have always shared a common fashion style rooted in streetwear. As teenagers we were among the first to wear baggy pants and baseball caps, then the sneaker obsession started a little later. Labels like St端ssy, Hysteric Glamour and A Bathing Ape have strongly influenced our sense of fashion. In the last few years we have been trying, unsuccessfully, to find a label which applies the fashion codes of streetwear in an adult way. So we had no choice but to found SOPOPULAR. Daniel: I have always been interested in fashion and had a good feel for trends. While I was studying interior design in London I worked for the Gimme 5 label and developed the German sales network for A Bathing Ape and Hysteric Glamour. Later I co-owned the shop Public Image in Berlin, where we were the first in Germany to stock Raf Simons and Costume National. I was involved with the Berlin-based label 77 Berlin Industries and worked as a stylist. Having encountered many facets of the fashion industry and gained a great deal of experience, having my own label is a logical step for me. And now I have found the right partners in James and his brother David to go about it with. Incidentally, the name SOPOPULAR comes from an interview with Kurt Cobain I once read.

2. How would you describe your style?

James: SOPOPULAR stands for a reduced and pragmatic style in male fashion. Classic cuts and slim silhouettes are broken up with angular streetwear elements and futuristic design details. We greatly value high-quality production in Germany and high-grade fabrics (primarily cotton). This blend makes SOPOPULAR a solid basic collection for men with classic values and an individual style. With SOPOPULAR, we want to work against the transience of fashion, we want to create classics that convey a certain image and attitude to life.

Daniel: Our own demands form the basis of SOPOPULAR. When I look for clothes myself, every detail has to be 100% perfect: the fit, the material, the buttons and belt buckles, even the packaging. Our style is old school in terms of quality and production, coupled with extraordinary, modern design.

3. What is your target group?

James: Self-confident, genuine men between 25 and 55 who have principles that they actually stick to!

Daniel: Because we come from the streetwear scene, we have the same problem as many of our friends, namely, as we get older we would like clothes in which we don’t look like we are wearing a costume or trying to look forever young, but which still represent streetwear codes. We aim to fill this gap in fashion with SOPOPULAR. Our target group consists of men who are still children but who have successful adult lives. And who also wish to highlight their strong personality with an individual clothing style, without following a fashion dictum.

4. Do consumers really need another fashion label?

James: Yes, especially one for men! Women have 40 years of emancipation behind them, they have redefined their position in society.

Young labels like Lala Berlin, Kaviar Gauche and Penkov represent that for us in German female fashion. So it’s about time that men caught up in every regard – and we want to accompany them in terms of fashion with SOPOPULAR. Daniel: There will always be a demand for something new. The trendsetters want to be a step ahead of everyone else, that will never change. Personally I think that everything done with great passion and high demands on quality will always be able to hold its own against the rest.

Label: SOPOPULAR

Heath AUTUMN WINTER COLLECTION 2009

Japanese designer, Gentaro Noda, brings a certain British style to the young HEATH fashion house. He has reason to. The designer was raised in the UK and graduated from St. Martins’ School. He returned to Japan in 2003 and began his rise in the fashion world designing for Iliad. We expect great things from HEATH.

10 rules of style

by Tommy Hilfiger & Tom Ford Two different propectives on the “10 rules of style”: “The Preppiness Man” & “The Cuts Man”

RULES OF STYLE: TOMMY HILFIGER The all-American designer on why fit, quality, and the pursuit of preppiness never go out of style 1. Trends are very dangerous, because they’re usually temporary and can sometimes make you look ridiculous. If slim is the trend, wear slim pants with a traditional shirt and jacket, so you just have an ounce of the trend.

2. Less is better. Even if you have a lot of accessories and a large wardrobe, you don’t have to wear them all at once. Wear one stylish item at a time—the others should be fairly basic.

3. Have a light touch when it comes to color. Maybe start with just a tie or a shirt. You don’t want a colorful shirt, jacket, and pants. You always have to have a balance color, like black, navy, khaki, or white, to temper the brighter tones.

4. Too much pattern is a disaster. Tropical-print shirts are for the tropics.

And flip-flops are for the beach.

5. The best thing a man can do is be true to himself and be classic without being boring. The worst thing a man can do is overdo it—trying too hard is a big no-no.

6. I’m biased. I believe preppy is the way to go. It references old-world charm and conjures up every icon from Robert Redford to James Dean.

We should be proud of it. There’s a comfort to preppy. When done well, with great quality, it looks like a combination of Italian and English.

7. Quality always wins. If you’re wearing something of incredible quality it will outshine any trend, any fashion idea, and anything that’s funky or groovy.

8. On a suit, if the sleeves are down to the knuckles or substantially above the wrists, you know it isn’t fitting well. And then there are the shoulders.

You don’t want to look like Herman Munster and you don’t want to look like Pee-wee Herman. If you button the top button or center button of the jacket and it’s not pulling around the waist and the vents aren’t spreading but it’s still snug, you know you have a good fit.

9.Before you leave the house in the morning, use a lint brush and make sure you’re well-groomed. You can have the greatest clothes in the world, but if you have cereal in your teeth and a bad haircut, you won’t do the clothes justice.

10. I think that even with the economy where it is you can still treat yourself in different ways. You can go to a Häagen-Dazs and it doesn’t cost a lot of money. On the flip side, you can have a great meal with a great bottle of wine. Everything is relative, but even without a lot of money you can still enjoy yourself in life.

RULES OF STYLE: TOM TORD 1. I don’t believe in playing around much with suit cuts. I like a fairly classic shape that gives a man strong shoulders, a fitted waist, and long legs. Classic simplicity always works.

2. Someone who is secure enough to be very present when relating to another person is sexy. In other words, a good listener always lands who he wants.

3. When mixing patterns, don’t think about it too much—just throw it together.

4. I hate the trend of short suit jackets. When a man’s butt is showing below the bottom of his jacket, I think it makes him look like a female flight attendant from the back—not my idea of sexy.

5. With jewelry, I actually like bracelets more than anything else, but they have to be small and simple. Cary Grant always wore a simple gold bracelet with his watch, and I think that was very chic.

6. If you’re careful not to overuse Botox, then yes, why shouldn’t you use it? A little bit of it between the brows can make you look less stern and more approachable. Who needs to frown, anyway?

7. Just like girls need to learn to be comfortable in heels before they go out in them for the first time, a man should try wearing a suit throughout a normal day. I do most things in a suit—and sometimes even in a tuxedo—and so I’m really comfortable in one.

8. When it comes to grooming, keep earwax out of the ears and keep stray hairs and flakes of skin in check and you should be good to go. In the morning, I put ice cubes on my eyes and use lots of Visine.

9. Time and silence are the most luxurious things today.

10. There’s one indulgence every man should try in his lifetime: If you’re straight, sleep with a man at least once, and if you’re gay, don’t go through life without sleeping with a woman. Either way, you might be surprised at how natural it will feel if you can get past the mind-fuck of stereotypes.

In the end, it’s just another person that you are relating to in a physical way.

Models of the Moment

Full Name:Shena Moulton Hair:Dark Brown Eyes:Brown Height: 5’11 Bust: 33 Waist: 23 Hips: 33 Shoe: 10 Place of origin: Jamaica Date of birth:March 29 1994 Mother Agency: Saint International

Name: Jeneil Williams Nationality:Jamaican Birth Date: 1990 Height: 5’9 Measurements: (US) 32.5-2434 Dress Size: (US) 4 Shoe Size: (US) 9.5 Agencies: New York Model Management

SEDENE BLAKE Origin: Jamaica Agency: New York Model Management Height: 5’9’’ Chest: 32’’ Waist: 23’’ Hips: 34’’ Dress: 2 Shoe: 7.5 Hair: Black Eyes: Brown

Oreintha Russell

Artist: http://johnpaulthurlow.blogspot.com

Designer Interview With Jennivi Jordan & Anya Ayoung-Chee

Jennivi Jordan

1. So first off, tell me some about yourself as a designer?

Well I studied a BA degree in Fashion Design and graduated from University of Creative Arts in England. I majored in women’s wear but I’ve also done a little bit on menswear. I pretty much get inspired by anything that comes my way... my head has a lot of ideas but my hands can’t keep up with them all.

2. Where did the interest come about for designing?

I’ve always been interested in Art and Fashion is another form of art so taking this path was just a natural progression for me to go into. My father was an architect so I guess that’s where the creative genes come from.

3. Is there any specific thing that you remember that you told yourself, yes...i can see myself as a “designer”?

Yeah well thinking back to when I was 11/12yrs I use to have this Barbie PC game/ art set where you’d design clothes for your Barbie and print it out on this special fabric and then you sew or glue the garments together, decorate it etc. That was fun for me then I started doing a few by hand in fact I still have some of them! So i suppose since those days I’ve been making clothes and Barbie was my first client. I can see myself as a designer but to get to the level of designer status I want to be is still a big leap away.

4. So from what I gathered, as a young designer this is your first collection and first time presenting at a fashion show. Am I correct...?

Yeah your right it is and it was great fun, a very good experience and a learning curve. It went well, obviously there was a couple of little things I could’ve done better but as it was my first collection you live and learn.

5. Was this your first time in Jamaica and by extension the Caribbean?

It is my first time over the Caribbean, first time in South America even.

6. Describe your experience in Jamaica, was there any culture shock for you, did you taste the world famous jerk chicken?

No culture shock not at all, there were a few things that reminded me of where I grew up in Philippines. I can’t really comment much because really I didn’t even get the chance to explore like a true tourist as I was only there for a week and it

was mostly spent organising and doing stuff around the whole fashion show. I’d definitely love to come back and get to see the beauty of Caribbean and I did try jerk chicken and it was yummmmy, I love food.

7. How did you come about hearing about Caribbean Fashion Week and what sealed the deal in you deciding to present for the first time at CFW in Jamaica?

Well it was my set prize from the competition I did back in London so it wasn’t my final decision but knowing that this was the prize it sealed my decision in entering the competition.

8. You were the winner some fashion event in London, what was that all about?

Its the International Young Designers Award organised by Joanna Marcella, its aim is to help showcase the talent of 15-25 year old of all ethnic backgrounds and I was shocked and thrilled when I heard I won. I won the prize set by Christie Dinham under her Fashion Girls Production who organised my part for the Caribbean Fashion Show. I actually truly didn’t expect it so I didn’t have any thought or plan to what I was going to do.

9. What was the inspiration behind your collection and how would you describe it?

I wanted to show vibrancy in my collection because obviously I was going to the Caribbean Jamaica. I was inspired by the traditional Masai & Samburu African tribes with their choices of bright bold colours that clashes but seems to work, also the print and patterns. I also looked at modern and futuristic influences, that’s why I’ve produced a more contoured silhouette with the cut outs and symmetrical patterns.

10. Looking at the draft designs and the inspiration that guided you, how easy or hard was it for to sketch the designs because, on paper and in real, they are both lovely and on point.

Deriving ideas have never been hard for me I think its the construction process and my lack of experience of it is what I find challenging and I don’t always get what I’ve originally set out on paper.

11. How long did it take to develop them and to bring the collection to life?

From research to final product around 3/4 months, it was only a small edited collection of 10. It was in between my normal day to day life as well and I was the sole working force behind the collection with a couple of friends giving me a helping hand so no big entourage just yet.

12. Did the collection come about before or after you decide to attend CFW. After because I had no idea I’d be winning the competition so I didn’t plan ahead.

13. How much pieces did you show at CFW? 10 looks.

14. What type of young woman should your designs appeal to?

This collection is quite bold so someone spirited, experimental and daring. What I like about it is that you can wear a piece and can be style up or toned down, my friends have been wearing the shorts and leggings paired with just a baggy top and looks great.

15. How was it leading up to the day that you presented?

I wasn’t nervous, I was excited! It was quite organised so it wasn’t a huge panic.

Chilled out- jamaican style!

16. Did you encounter any problems getting the collection ready for the models?

You know I felt quite guilty as some of my clothes were rather petite and had to do a few fittings with different girls before I managed to get someone to fit them in.

17. Did you pre-select any of the models because; I saw two famous Jamaican supermodels that walked for you, Jaunel Mckenzie and Nell Robinson I’m happy they wore my stuff actually but I got a lot of help with choosing the girls from stylists and helpers at the fittings. We were all figuring out which outfits suits which girl best it terms of fit and look.

18. As a first time designer, how was that moment for as the first piece from your collection hit the catwalk?

I didn’t realise when my first model stepped out because I was busy re-adjusting the girls outfits but as it went on I was watching it on the monitor backstage and was chuffed, it looked really good on camera so personally I was happy.

19. As the last piece from your collection hit the catwalk and the model is making her way back. What was going through your mind, describe that feeling you had as you entered onto the catwalk to make that walk of thanks?

First thought was “Oh no I’ve to face the crowd!” then “Nooo my model has deserted me.” as she exited the other way. I was definitely excited having been watching it, trying to see peoples reaction thinking- did they love it?! I was pleased it went well but it was over soo quickly I was in complete daze when making that walk. After the whole thing it was a sense of accomplishment.

20. Did you learn anything about yourself as designer as you presented your first collection?

Hahaaa to give myself more time doing things and I suppose having done an actual show and enjoying the whole experience I’m more convinced that designing is a path I’d like to take.

21. What experiences did you take back with you?

The whole thing, the general procedure and running of a show as a designer. I’ve assisted backstage at various fashion shows and to experience it as a designer is something else.

22. There was a young Jamaican designer by the name of Didi Beck that also presented CFW; did you get to see her collection? Did you get to meet her? And/or did you hear about her while you were there at CFW? I did watch her collection, she’s talented for her age so I’m very impressed of what she’s achieved. I didn’t get to meet her tho hopefully next time. I heard announcements before her show of who she was because of how young she is.

23. If you were invited again to present a collection in the Caribbean would you do it any?

Of course in fact I’d love to be invited again. I’d like to do a much bigger collection, more styled too.

Jennivi Jordan

APPLAUSE Email Jennivi: jennivijordan@yahoo.com

1. So Anya, you are known as Trinidad and Tobago 2008 Miss Universe contestant and you had to define yourself back then. Now you are a “Designer Status”, tell me something about yourself as a designer?

I am so happy for this question because even though I have become known for being Miss TnT Universe (a title I hold with immense pride!) I am a designer and have been from before entering the pageant world. I attended Parsons School of Design in New York and Central St Martins in London, attaining a BFA in Communication Design in 2004 and have been practicing graphic design ever since. However, I have had a passion for clothes and fashion design since I was a girl and my recent experience of designing a clothing line is the realization of a lifelong dream. I am a designer through and through and feel blessed to have found my true calling!

2.Two strong forces inspired you, your brother Pilar Charles Ayoung-Chee and the Bobo Shanti community. But what was the defining spark from Bobo Shanti community that truly guided your designs and brought about the realization that yes, this is what Pilar will be?

I began the process of designing my first collection by checking out the fabrics available to me in Trinidad and came across the African prints seen throughout the line. I then drew on the Bobo Shanti as a point of reference for the silhouette and combination of solids and patterns, as well as for the palette of the line because I have for a LONG time admired the way the Bobo Shanti dress and “style” themselves. Beyond the aesthetic of the Bobo Shanti, I am drawn to their seemingly subconscious chic, meaning the way they dress does not appear to be over analysed or contrived. I hope to encourage people to dress with that apparent ease and individuality because I think that is how true style is expressed.

3. How many looks make up the Pilar line? There were a total of nineteen looks shown at FWTT for PIlar’s debut collection. And I will be adding to the Bobo Shanti collection for the Christmas and Carnival seasons 2009/2010.

4. Almost any confident woman will look beautiful as a contemporary Bobo Shanti Chic but you said, your line will not appeal to everyone but some risk taking woman will find it appealing. Describe for me that risk taking woman? (edit article in the express) The risk taking woman I refer to is the one who is confident enough to dress according to her preference and with a large dose of imagination. I love to see someone go beyond trends and find new ways of expressing themselves through their clothes. My line is meant to be mixed and matched with other brands or clothes from one’s closet.. I am excited to see how other people interpret Pilar and come up

with new ways to wear it!

5. You had the honor to have the great Meiling as a mentor. Describe for me in detail what was it like to be a Meiling student? This question makes me smile! You are absolutely right that the experience of working with Meiling has been a true honor. I also have the honor of considering her a friend and a mentor in life, not only in fashion. She is an incredible woman with a generous heart, and it is from her character I have drawn the most inspiration. In terms of her guidance with my line, she walked me through the logistical steps from start to finish including everything from quantities of fabrics to buy to pricing the garments to marketing Pilar. She has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and a shoulder to lean on when the task at times seemed overwhelming! I am extremely grateful for her continued guidance and support.

6. What was the most important lesson you learned from Meiling?

She taught me, perhaps without realizing she did, that nothing is impossible, and that all it takes to achieve a dream is standing on your own two feet and getting the work done!

7. As a first time designer, how was that moment for you, as the first piece from your collection hit the catwalk?

Hmm... Euphoric... Unbelievable... Nerve-wracking! But most of all that moment is one I shared with my brother, Pilar, who I know was with me in spirit – a moment I cannot accurately describe in words, and will remain with me forever.

8. As the last piece from your collection hit the catwalk and the model is making her way back. What was going through your mind, describe that feeling you had as you entered onto the catwalk to make that walk of thanks?

All I could think of at that moment was my family – my mom, dad and brothers... I was wondering what they thought of the collection, and if they were pleased. Then I was concentrating on not tripping on stage! *smile* But I must say I felt proud and relieved that I pulled off the production of the line and achieved a lifelong dream!

Email Anya: anya@fusetheagency.com

9. You were at Caribbean Fashion Week 2009 in Jamaica representing your line.

How was Pilar received at CFW 09.

Although I did not show the collection at CFW 09, I wore Pilar every night and the pieces were very well received! I was very pleased with the response and look forward to showing at CFW 2010.

10.

From Fashion Week Trinidad & Tobago to now, how has it been for you since the launch of Pilar and how has Pilar been doing?

Pilar has been a great success since FWTT. I continue to receive positive feedback and requests for the line on a daily basis. I feel honoured and blessed to have had such an effusive response, particularly from women my age, and from Caribbean women in particular!

I am proud to be able to design for the Caribbean woman and help develop a visual identity for my generation that for a long time has been difficult to define. Fashion for me is one of the most effective ways to establish an identity and I hope that our Caribbean aesthetic continues to evolve and become as desirable and distinct as any other international fashion identity.

Designers To Know

SammyB

Samantha Black, the Designer of SammyB Designs, graduated from the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY in 2005 with a BFA in fashion design.

While in school she interned for Jill Stuart and Michael Kors, after graduating Samantha moved to London for several months where she worked for Alexander McQueen in his design studio.

Now at age 26 Samantha designs for a company called JimmyZ, which is owned by Aeropostale. At JimmyZ Samantha designs the entire women’s denim line ranging from bottoms, dresses and outerwear. The designer takes bits and pieces of inspiration from everywhere and everything as well as the designers she’s been able to work for. She then combines that with her own personal style, personality and flavor, there by producing the line of SammyB Designs.

Her goal is to compliment those with style and to enhance the style of others. With a wide range of looks and separates she hopes to appeal to the masses, but mainly females like herself, Tomboys in Pumps!

For more information Email: SammyBdesigns@yahoo.com www.myspace.com/sammyblackdesigns Call: 917 678 3840 Visit:WWW.SAMMYBDESIGNS.COM

Jeannie‘Didi’Beck

TEEN fashion prodigy: Jeannie ‘Didi’ Beck A PERFECTLY dressed fashion bug bit Jeannie ‘Didi’ Beck early in life.

She retains that love for clothing at age 16. But unlike the average teenager, Beck’s addiction to fashion inspired her not just to purchase the latest trends, but take a turn at designing.

“Sometimes, I get inspiration from movies, magazines, clothes on people I like, the vibe of the country, old towns. If I see something on somebody that I like, I might redesign it,” said Beck.

Even the name ‘Didi’, she fashioned. Her parents tried to get her to say ‘JiJi’ as a shortening for Jeannie. “It didn’t turn out that way,” she said.When it comes to her own outfits, if she can’t buy it in a store, Beck designs it herself. All her creations are made by her dressmaker, Andrea. ...FastForward...

Already an accomplished runway designer at only 17 years old, pint-sized Jeannie ‘Didi’ Beck, has definitely made giant leaps in the Jamaican fashion industry. A featured regular at Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW), Didi’s foray into fashion was no accident but rather a matter of destiny.

Didi met Jackie ‘Amba’ Cohen in 2007 where Jackie overheard the budding fashionista talking about a shirt that could be worn as a dress. Realising that Didi was a creative soul as herself, Cohen offered to let Didi show with her at the upcoming CFW in Kingston in June of 2007, Fifteen years old at the time, Didi debuted with Jackie’s ‘Mutamba’ line as the youngest designer to ever present at the event.

The TEEN’s interest in fashion was encouraged heavily by her mother who is also an artist. The two began to craft and design together with Didi injecting her youthful and funky signature detailing.

However having shown with ‘Mutamba’ at the CFW for the last two years, this is a hallmark year for Didi. Now 17 years old, with one more year to complete high school, Didi makes her debut at CFW 09 as an independent designer showcasing a fresh collection accessorised by another budding family ‘gem’ her cousin Martine Ali.

Ghanaian-born, New York-bred fashion designer Nana Boateng

Visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nana-Boateng/73966530311

Visit: http://ralstyling.blogspot.com Contact: rhesalessey@gmail.com