COAL | edition 02 by The Collection MoDA

@kohlerbytilecityja

[AKA TILE CITY]

KOHLER: SUPPORTING CREATIVE TALENT

Jamaica’s creativity is legendary - from its world-renowned musicians to its incredible dancers and actors. But there’s another form of Jamaican talent that’s lighting up the scene - visual art! In recent years, our local artists have been painting the town, literally, with vibrant murals that have popped up across the island. And guess what? One of these stunning works of art has found a home at the KOHLER Signature Store (KSS) at Tile City & Home Centre!

Meet Deon Simone, the talented artist behind the colourful mural that now greets everyone at the entrance of the store. Deon, known for her abstract and expressive style, was tasked by Tile City & Home Centre with creating the first focal point for the KSS. Spoiler alert: she nailed it! Her mural is a vibrant, bold masterpiece that draws you in and sets the tone for the beautiful space inside. At the grand opening in May 2024, the crowd around her mural made it clear - Deon’s art hit all the right notes.

The mural is a celebration of Jamaica, blending eye-catching colours and intricate patterns that reflect the island’s beauty and landscape. It doesn’t just sit there looking pretty; it brings the showroom to life, turning it into a gallery-like space that’s inspiring and exciting. By featuring Deon’s mural front and centre, Tile City & Home Centre shows it’s all about giving local talent a platform to shine.

And the artful vibes don’t stop there! Four incredible Jamaican interior designers - Karina Matalon, Joelle Smith, Rochelle Thwaites, and Vanessa Paisley Clare - created their own stylish rooms in the KSS, each using Kohler’s high-end products. These designers each brought their own flair to their rooms, making them both functional and fabulous.

Whether it’s through murals or beautifully designed interiors, art transforms how we feel about a space. It has the power to inspire, uplift and make every day just a little more vibrant. With creations by local artists like Deon Simone and top interior designers, the KSS is not just about great products - it’s a curated space that is truly special, contributing to Jamaica’s thriving creative scene.

Tile City & Home Centre’s commitment to local art is just the beginning. With more partnerships on the horizon, they are helping to nurture the island’s artistic soul one masterpiece at a time!

LOCALE LIVING:

WORKING WITH ARTISANS

In the heart of Kingston, Jamaica, a vibrant oasis of creativity and craftsmanship thrives.

Locale, a haven for design and art, is more than just a store; it’s a movement dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Jamaican artisans. With a mission to elevate local talent and foster a thriving creative community, Locale has become a beacon of inspiration for both locals and visitors alike.

At the core of Locale’s philosophy is a deep-rooted commitment to supporting local artisans. Every Locale product that graces their shelves is a testament to the skill, passion, and dedication of talented individuals. From the initial concept to the final product, Locale’s approach is a harmonious blend of modern design and traditional craftsmanship.

The creative process at Locale begins with a spark of inspiration. The team meticulously researches to create designs that resonate with their audience and reflect the unique spirit of Jamaica. Once the concept is solidified, they embark on a journey to find the perfect artisan partner. “We’re always on the lookout for artisans who share our passion for quality and creativity,” explains Locale’s Brand Developer Chelseigh Buchanan. “When selecting partners, we consider their skill level, experience, and alignment with our brand values.”

@localejamaica

The collaboration between Locale and the artisans is a symbiotic relationship. Locale provides the platform, guidance, and support, while the artisans contribute their unique expertise and craftsmanship. Together, they create pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also imbued with a sense of authenticity and heritage.

For artisans who work with Locale, the benefits are manifold. Beyond the economic advantages of creating products for a well-established brand, they also gain invaluable exposure and opportunities for professional growth. By partnering with Locale, these artisans can reach a wider audience and contribute to the preservation of traditional crafts.

Chelseigh Buchanan, Locale’s Brand Developer, offers a glimpse into the creative process behind their products. “Our collaborations with artisans are always a delightful dance between their unique styles and our design vision,” she explains.

“Sometimes, we start with a clear concept and work with the artisans to bring it to life. Other times, we collaborate to create something entirely new.”

A visit to Locale is like stepping into a world of creativity and wonder. The store’s carefully curated collection

showcases a diverse range of products. Each piece tells a story, reflecting Locale’s creativity and the talent of the artisan who created it—telling a story of passion, skill and tradition.

As you explore the vibrant world of Locale, you’ll discover a treasure trove of unique and beautifully crafted products. Each piece is a reflection of the artisans’ creativity and passion for their craft. By supporting Locale, you’re not just buying a product; you’re investing in the future of Jamaican artisans and helping to keep traditions alive.

CHEZ OMAR

‘CHEZ’ IS WHERE THE HEART IS

In their little piece of Rock in the West Village, NYC — on the banks of the Hudson River — Jamerican siblings Omar and Chelsea Walters have staked their claim as forces in the culinary industry with the French-Caribbean Bistro Chez Omar.

He is an acclaimed restaurateur, devout world traveller, and chef/patron of two of New York City’s hottest haunts that anchor the East and West villages, respectively.

She is a lawyer turned interior decorator and curator of Chez Omar, and as her brother describes her ‘the brains behind all the art and décor’.

They’re deeply rooted in the culture, although born in the US, they are born to Jamaican parents Maxine Greaves and Paul Walters, and connect themselves to the culture by researching from the past to the present. Chelsea and Omar have created a space that is quintessentially Jamaican with scrumptious fare and intentional thought-provoking design elements.

There’s an old Jamaican proverb that says ‘A nuh ebryting good fi eat good fi tawk’, that also heads the ‘proverb wall’ yet goes against everything the restaurant stands for. How could one miss these details? Every element of the fare and décor are, in fact, ‘good to eat and talk’ about.

As soon as diners are seated, they’re visually transported to Kingston, Jamaica, via Chelsea and Anthony Scott’s mural-scale art installations.

If diners opt for the unassuming Escargot de Bourgogne — the mostrequested hors d’oeuvre – they will be transported to a wildly imaginative Caribbean kitchen, where parsley, blended with fresh thyme, chive and pimento create a tropical green, silky sauce accompaniment. ‘It’s the love we put into it’ Omar mentions, but I reckon it’s also a testament to his infatuation and experimental approach to herbs.

Chez Omar, like its sister restaurant anchoring the East Village – Omar’s Kitchen & Rum Bar – is a reference point for many Jamaican-isms, especially in a space where many black-owned immigrant establishments are overlooked.

But it’s hard to ignore Chez Omar; the Walters aim to demystify ideals of Caribbean cooking – it’s no frou-frou, just fine dining.

‘We’ve become a LES staple,’ Omar gushed proudly. This is no idle boast, Chez Omar is new. The doors opened in May.

Because they have similar fashion sensibilities and are keen on their appearance, — ‘not in a vain way’, Chelsea quipped — there’s an expectation that Omar and Chelsea may have the Midas touch. Ergo, everything they touch, turns to gold. However, like many siblings, they have disagreements, too. The thing they often disagree on, is deadlines. Omar prefers a meticulous production that’s prompt and precise, while Chelsea, the consummate artist, prefers to go with the flow. ‘When it comes to art, she has the eye for it, I just want to get it done,’ he said before they both started laughing.

For Chelsea, — and by extension Anthony Scott — it has to be right. ‘The preservation of culture and nostalgia…the vintage vibe of Jamaica is in and of itself, art’. So much so, she dreams of opening a solo exhibit where she can implement her ‘level of collage and vintage memorabilia by incorporating family photographs and archived items’. She hoards several images as well that decorate her scrapbooker/collage style of art. She’s lowkey obsessed with installation art, and very hands on, the type of artist who feels. So when she sought to find her thing, she connected with her father’s old records: ’60s soul and ’90s dancehall. Vintage magazine clippings, a random restroom in the former House of Leo nightclub, research clippings on Jamaica and the Caribbean, ’90s dancehall culture, and even Air Jamaica serve as visual inspo.

Going forward...

While there are no immediate plans to open another restaurant, they both agree that a ‘restaurant in Jamaica’, may be their next tag team project.

‘I’d love to see [a new restaurant] in other areas of the world.’ Walters is also eager to consult with startup restaurateurs and create branded merch in 2025.

Chelsea’s plans include installing a neon sign with Jamaican-ism –in a similar style to her ‘slang wall’ in the ‘Chelsea’ dining room.

Immediate plans for both restaurants include a speakeasy conversion at Chez – offering high profile clientele a private experience, plus a reimagined winter menu, and updating the menu at Omar’s Kitchen & Rum Bar. Given Jamaican cuisine’s multicultural influences, it’s not surprising that Omar would be interested in expanding the offerings at Chez. He’s steadily working on perfecting a new lobster pasta menu item that’s soon to be released and plans to introduce Italian and Asian influences.

BY KADEEM RODGERS @thekadsmeow

Portait Photography by VITAL @VITALphotoNYC

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ART AS THERAPY

Name: Patasha Alekeia Monsanto

Legal Artist/Model name: All Alek

February 22

Age: “Nobody’s business”

Born in May Pen, Jamaica, my journey began under the care of my grandaunt, whose love for nature and quiet wisdom shaped my early impressions of the world. It was with her that I first fell in love with Art, captivated by a book of Bible stories filled with vivid illustrations. This marked the beginning of my lifelong affair with creativity.

I began my education at Basic School and transitioned to formal schooling in Portmore, where a butterfly painting exercise remains etched in my memory. Art has been a constant companion in my life. In Kingston, I discovered the performing arts through the Little Theatre Kathy Levy and Ashé, opening new avenues for creative expression. Dance classes at the Little Theatre were followed by trips to the library, enriching both my body and mind.

However, my experience with sports was bittersweet; while I was fast and eager, a coach’s insistence on events I didn’t enjoy led me to rebel, teaching me the importance of honoring my boundaries. After being held back from high school due to age (too young they said), I faced my first taste of self-sabotage and disengagement. Despite these setbacks,

BY PATASHA ALEKEIA MONSANTO @all.alek

I eventually attended a prestigious all-girls high school, balancing academic success with personal trauma. A major robbery in Ewarton shattered my sense of safety, and I suffered in silence while performing arts became my saving grace. I received no therapy. I graduated with thirteen subjects and accolades in art & sports, but my growing disillusionment with the treatment of female athletes led me to step away from softball and soccer, where support was lacking.

After graduating from high school in Jamaica, I moved to New Jersey to sit SATs. My Art teacher, Mr. Spinella, recognized my artistic talent and encouraged me to explore it fully. A trip to portfolio day cemented my desire to become an artist. While exploring my artistic potential, I was often asked if I modelled.

Initially hesitant, I was approached by a New York fashion photographer on a beach in Portland, Jamaica. This serendipitous encounter led to multiple modeling contracts in New York, a decision that changed my life.

New York City was a whirlwind of creativity and the first time I lived away from everyone and everything I knew. I walked Fashion Week, mingled with celebrities, and thrived in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Fashion opened many doors, yet the world of art continued to call me back. I later returned to Jamaica to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, where

I truly reconnected with my creative core. After graduating, I pursued a higher education in the US and Europe, specializing in Art Psychotherapy.

Despite facing bullying, colorism, and personal abuse throughout my life, I refused to be defined by others’ narratives. I explored the power of community work and art therapy, traveling globally to collaborate on murals, teach various artistic disciplines, and work with cities, governments, and businesses. My research has taken me across the world, collaborating with university professors on projects promoting healing and educating through art. Notable collaborations include major art brands such as Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, and Canson, amongst others.

Currently residing in Europe, I continued modeling, designing, and engaging in art therapy, designing experiences for events, stages, interiors; aiding designers, I’ve worked with esteemed global brands like BMW, Dior, Chloé and Nike, LVMH, contributing to a fusion of fashion, branding, and artistic expression.

My heart remains connected to Jamaica, where I aim to contribute to mental health initiatives. My journey has been one of resilience and self-expression, and I hope to inspire others to forge their own paths and create beautiful worlds.

A field guide to Contemporary Art of Jamaica

MAPPING THE TERRITORY

USA Los Angeles - Cosmo Whyte @cosmowhyte opened a solo exhibition, ’The Sea Urchin Can’t Swim: Tales from the Edge of a World’, with a new body of work at Johnson Lowe Gallery in Los Angeles.

USA,ChicagoLeasho Johnson @leasho_johnson, opened his first solo exhibition ‘Escaping the Tyranny of Meaning’ with trail blazing US gallerist, Marianne Ibrahim. Listed in Hyperallergic as one of the top shows to see in Chicago.

PART 2

THE INTERNATIONAL

Canada, Toronto - Charles Campbell @charlescampbellart, multidisciplinary artist, writer and ex National Gallery of Jamaica Chief Curator, presents his expansive sculptural installation ‘How many colours has the sea’ at the Toronto Biennial 2024.

USA New Orleans - Kelly Ann Lindo has just finished a residency at Spaces in Ohio and will be exhibiting new work at Prospect.6 ‘The Future is Present, the Harbinger is Home’, a renowned international triennial, for which Ebony G Patterson is co-curator for the 2024 staging.

in monumental and interventionary sculptural practice. The Jamaican Olympic champions, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and most emotive perhaps the National Windrush Monument installed at Waterloo station, London, UK.

USA, New York City - Paul Anthony Smith @paulanthonysmithstudio opened a solo exhibition of a new series of works, ‘Antillean’, with his gallery Jack Shainman.

Photographer Albert Chong @albert_v_ chong is in the America’s Society group exhibition, ‘The Appearance: Art of Asian Diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean’

NEW ART DEALERS ALLIANCE [aka NADA] 2024

Multidisciplinary artist Simon Benjamin @ brooklynbeachouse is showing a new body of work of sculpture, paintings and photography, ‘Bolt from the Blue’ at NADA House with Swivel Gallery and has been featured in the latest issue of Art in America Young Talent issue.

NYC ART FAIRS

Volta Art Fair Painter

Zoya Taylor @ zoyasart staged a solo exhibition of new works

THE ARMOURY Ebony G Patterson works from her vocabulary of Monique Meloche Nari Ward landmark work at ‘Collective Platform section heels of his retrospective solo exhibition Seoul, South Korea

COAL | ART

In recent years, as the Caribbean has become a more cohesive region to ‘discover’ for the international art world, Jamaican artists have developed their reach into new art ecosystems and economies abroad. As you may have noticed in last month’s Part 1, there are very few active commercial galleries on island today, a somewhat sad cry from a not-so-distant thriving past. The weakening of the local art market, and the significant gap this creates for artists to be able to exhibit and sell work is a fundamental issue in the local art economy and one that needs addressing. A familiar pathway however remains for artists’ career development is to undertake an MFA abroad, although they used to return home to live and produce work. Today they usually have to migrate to further their careers by way of the opportunity of access to spaces with the infrastructure in place to be able to achieve success. In this issue we will focus on the artists themselves, the Jamaica-born, and their recent achievements in foreign in the past couple of months. I encourage you to research each of them further!

And before we begin, huge congratulations from so many of us goes to artist Ebony G. Patterson, on her recent MacArthur ‘genius’ grant fellowship award, perhaps the most prestigious awards in the arena of art prizes, coming fast on the heels of being the awardee of the High Museum’s David C Driskell prize last year!

WRITTEN BY,

United Kingdom, Stoke on Trent - Multidisciplinary artist Jaqueline Bishop @bishopjacqueline opened her show ‘The Keeper of All Secrets’ with a new series of ceramic works centred on ‘the Market Woman’ at the V & A Wedgewood Collection in partnership with Culture&

ARMOURY : October 2024 Patterson showed 24 new her series ‘Studies for a of loss’ with her gallery Meloche @nariward showed his work ‘Dixie Dreamland’ ‘Collective Memory’, the curated section of Armory, close on the retrospective in Milan and a with Lehmann Maupin in Korea earlier this year.

United Kingdom, Wakefield A major Retrospective ‘Sculpting Life’, is centred on the life and work of Jamaican sculptor Ronald Moody and his contribution and impact on British and international art history at the Hepworth Museum, comprised of over 50 sculptures, his poetry, his writing and audio broadcasts.

United Kingdom, London

‘Slippage - the Caribbean in Flux’ is opening this month at 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning, London, featuring 4 Caribbean artists, 3 of which are Jamaican: Greg Bailey @gregbaileyart, Camille Chedda @camillechedda, Marisa Willoughby Holland @marisawilloughbyhollandart and Rodell Warner @ rodellwarner Curated by art consultant Susanne Fredricks @suziewongpresents. Painter Greg Bailey will be in residency with Bahamian artist Blue Curry’s artist run space, Ruby Cruel, London during this time.

Switzerland, ZurichCabaret Voltaire are hosting the first institutional exhibition of the life and works of genius Jamaican music producer and shaper of reggae, ska and dub, ‘Lee Scratch Perry’. The exhibition focuses on Scratch’ extensive body of visual art which he pursued from the 1970’s and his 30 year creative phase in Switzerland since the 1990s.

They have a dynamic and rich programme running throughout the exhibition.

Mention must be made of the Jamaican diaspora [those born abroad but raised in the family and community culture] which has also seen new heights of visibility and establishment acknowledgement in their countries of birth. In the post George Floyd era, art institutions and markets have seemingly had revelations about the truth of historical imperialism/colonialism, due of course, to the complete absence of it in their education systems!

We can say ‘better late than never’ to right these wrongs, but the truth is, it’s long overdue, and it’s heartening to see the institutional and commercial acknowledgement and success they deserve happening in their own lifetimes. Next month, the Diaspora will be mapped!

South Africa, JohannesburgWatercolourist and sculptor Richard Natoo @djsinista1 opened a solo exhibition ‘Whispers of the Night’ with Eclectica Gallery in Johannesburg South Africa and also participated in FNB Art Fair in Johannesburg Camille Chedda @camillechedda, as a commissioned artist with Kingston Creative, presented her work and experience on an intersectional panel for international art project ‘A Feral Commons’ at Victoria Yards, Johannesburg with plans afoot for a December project panel in Kingston with the international team.

CRAFTED KINSHIP

Excerpted from Crafted Kinship by Malene Barnett (Artisan Books).

AN INTERDISCIPLINARY VISUAL ARTIST WHO REFLECTS ON MIGRATION, MOVEMENT, CHANGE, AND ADAPTATION

A conversation between Author Malene and Artist Lavar:

I strategically gather materials from various places, including materials from my home—The Bahamas—along with those I’ve collected from my travels. I find making paintings somewhat similar to making music. There are many tones, melodies, and rhythms that make a painting work. These can range from expressionistic to organic to controlled gestures.

What region or culture most influences you? Can you talk about your experience of finding kinship with the land, people, or cultures in Africa?

In 2022, I made my initial journey to Zimbabwe with the objective of undertaking a series of new works inspired by that country. Shortly after my visit, I was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which funded my second trip there. My goal was to focus on the death and spiritual practices of the Shona people and how they were similar to and different from such practices in The Bahamas.

During my most recent visit, I was invited to an all-night ritual ceremony in a remote village, where members of an extended family sought to communicate with the spirit of a woman who had died a year prior to the event. Through traditional music, dance, singing, and the consumption of snuff (tobacco) and a locally brewed beer known as Seven Days—and the help of a mediator assigned by that community—they successfully reconnected with the spirit of the deceased woman.

The ceremony is known as kurova guva (which when translated to English means “hitting the grave”) and is an age-old practice of the Shona people.

Much of my practice borrows from the field of anthropology, where my thesis takes the form of paintings rather than text. My intentions are to continue visiting Zimbabwe to further build on my research. I will continue to examine and explore various facets of the culture with the goal of developing a robust anthropologic diary of large-scale paintings that compare spiritual practices in Zimbabwe and The Bahamas.

What materials are you most connected to? Has your approach to or use of materials changed over time in your practice?

I’m most connected to materials that I inherit. When my grand- mother died, I inherited all her stuff: jewelry, letters, furniture. From my father, I have materials from his work as a parasailing instructor. I have a series of parachute works, which includes some of the harnesses I cut out in collage and embedded in some of the paintings. Through my putting their things in my work, they will live forever.

Do you see the act of making as a spiritual or sacred practice?

The studio is a very sacred space. The practice is extremely spiritual. My focus is heightened, somewhat like when one is in a church, synagogue, or mosque. I enter the space with the intention of engaging in critical dialogues. It is my belief that when I am making art, I’m being guided by a higher entity or being. There is an unexplainable connection that happens, which allows me to connect and communicate through the paintings and objects being made in the studio.

LAVAR MUNROE

THE BAHAMAS + BALTIMORE, MD

Malene’s Book, Crafted Kinshop, will be available for purchase at Locale on Holborn Road, New Kingston towards the end of this year!

SKIN VALUE

Everyday self-care for many means focussing on skin care and including aromatherapy. We talked to a woman who combines both elements into one to create an immersive product.

— Maekaeda Gibbons...

@brwnsugarbabe

Hailing from Trinidad, Brown Sugar Babe founder Maekaeda Gibbons’ journey into the world of personal care products began with her own need for authentic, natural items that left her skin feeling luxurious and fragrant. After experiencing a skin breakout from popular commercial products, she started crafting her own blends of natural oils. These homemade concoctions earned her countless compliments, and soon, her signature fragrances became her hallmark.

As she delved deeper into self-care routines, Maekaeda discovered the benefits of sugar scrubs and began making them herself. Combining her passion for fragrance and skincare, she quickly became known for her unique scents. Co-workers even recognized her presence by the lingering fragrance she left behind.

Encouraged by friends and supporters, Maekaeda decided to share her creations more widely. In 2018 the overwhelming response— nearly selling out—boosted her confidence and signaled that her products had the potential to become something truly special. Her community’s enthusiasm and support have fueled her journey, leading to continued growth and success.

Q. What sets your products apart from other natural skincare lines on the market?

I love this question. If skincare and fragrance were to have a baby, it would undoubtedly be the luxurious and nourishing body oils crafted by Brown Sugar Babe. Our exquisite Nourishing Body Oils seamlessly combine the delightful essence of your favourite fragrances with an intense moisture routine, all in just one simple step. This innovative approach not only simplifies your daily beauty regimen but also allows our community to indulge in a truly delightful sensory experience that they absolutely adore. The nourishing properties of these oils leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and beautifully scented, making them a beloved choice among our loyal customers.

Q. How did you go about researching and selecting the ingredients for your products and are there any ingredients that you avoid?

In the beginning stages of our journey, we encountered a lot of trial and error as we navigated the complexities of product development. This process involved experimenting with various ingredients and formulations to find what worked best for our brand and our customers. However, as our audience began to grow and we received more feedback, it became clear that we needed to take our formulations to the next level. To ensure the highest quality and effectiveness of our products, I decided to hire a professional chemist with expertise in cosmetic formulations. This strategic move allowed us to refine our base oil formulation, leading to improved product performance

and customer satisfaction. With the chemist’s assistance, we were able to create a product line that truly resonated with our audience and met their skincare needs.

Q. Could you walk us through the process of creating a product from start to finish?

At a high level, the first decision I make when creating a product is its purpose. Every decision after that is easy when we stay in alignment with the purpose. I then research and source the best possible ingredients to accomplish the purpose. Our nourishing body oil for example: I chose several variations of the five carrier oils that is the base of the formula, followed with testing the efficacy of the completed formulas and the winner aka the formulation that worked the best at accomplishing the softest smoothest skin becomes our star.

Q. What philosophy or principles guide your choice of ingredients and formulations?

In all aspects of our business, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to excellence, and this principle is especially evident when it comes to the meticulous formulation of our products. We firmly believe that quality should never be compromised, and as such, we never cut corners or take shortcuts in any part of our process. Every ingredient is carefully selected, every method is thoroughly researched, and every detail is given the utmost attention to ensure that we deliver only the best to our valued customers. Our dedication to maintaining high standards reflects our passion for creating exceptional products that meet the needs and expectations of our community. We understand that our reputation is built on the trust of our customers, and we work tirelessly to uphold that trust by ensuring that every product we offer is crafted with integrity and care.

Q. How do you educate your customers about the benefits of natural skincare and how to transition into using them?

We actively share the numerous benefits of our exceptional products and natural skincare solutions through a variety of channels to reach and engage our audience effectively. One of our key platforms is the Brown Sugar Babe mobile app, which provides users with easy access to our offerings, exclusive content, and special promotions. Additionally, we utilize email marketing to keep our subscribers informed about the latest news, product launches, and helpful skincare tips. Our presence on social media platforms also plays a significant role, allowing us to connect with our community, share valuable insights, and showcase the transformative power of our skincare products. By leveraging these diverse channels, we ensure that our message reaches a wide audience and highlights the advantages of choosing our brand for their skincare needs.

Q. What has been your most rewarding experience since starting your skincare line?

Hearing the heartfelt testimonies from the wonderful individuals in our community is truly inspiring, especially when they share how fragrance plays a significant role in uplifting their spirits and boosting their confidence. Many have expressed how a beautifully crafted fragrance can transform their day, bringing them joy and positivity, while also garnering compliments from friends, family, and even strangers. The power of fragrance goes beyond just a pleasant aroma; it has the ability to evoke memories, enhance moods, and create lasting impressions, making it a vital part of their daily lives. Each story highlights the profound impact that fragrance can have, illustrating its ability to connect people and elevate their overall well-being.

MASTER DRAPER

Cesar Galindo continues to take the fashion industry by storm with his architectural, and powerful designs. His career as a visionary and highly sought-after A-list designer, stylist, and entrepreneur is a tale of impassioned creativity, gritty persistence, and an uncanny flair for beautifully breaking new ground while staying true to the roots of his highly respected creative wisdom.

His eponymous brand and reputation as a brilliant go-to contract designer, draper, and pattern maker are known worldwide. His rare talent for creating paradigm-shifting designs has shaped iconic brands, including Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein.

He is no stranger to MoDA, and keeps dazzling us with his humble and charming personality, his beautiful work and craftsmanship, and his tales of dressing the rich and the famous. Here’s what he has to say about working with Diane Von Furstenberg and a snippet into his creative mind...

‘‘I am known as a master Draper in my industry, TEXTILES are my paints...and the human form the canvas, every season starts with the curation of the textiles, and this is how my story unfolds. Travel is an important part of my life experience, seeing and submersing into global cultures always inspires me as a creative.

Working with Diane Von Furstenberg, getting to know her and gaining her trust has been a gift. She has always been an inspiration to me as a designer and a global icon in our industries culture with her quick and sharp eye. We have a very special simpatico. Her birthday is December 31st born right before the New Year and my birthday is Jan 1st right after. Three MET GALAS and countless commissions for her and her customers is on going. I love the moments with her because I know they are special. DVF is a legendary icon of greatness.

@galindousa

To reach where I am now, balance has been a practiced skill, knowing how and where to push the envelope to create designs that are unique but still have commercial appeal. MODERN COLLECTABLES are my end goals, if my client tells me she still has the pieces and won’t ever get rid of them then I am achieving my goal. I am not a brand of excessive manufacturing. I feel that is out of style, we as creators have to do better for earth; lower our carbon footprint and have a conciseness of what we create and what we leave behind.

If I had one thing to say to young designers it would be to study and practice your craft.

Love your passion. Stay grounded. Focus on your customers.

...and repeat all the above.

Who is my focus? She is a mover and a shaker, Alpha Style maker; the one who naturally commands attention when entering a room.

Oprah Winfrey and Graca Machel

By Cecile Levee @cecilelevee

“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are. There’s no howto road map to style. It’s about self expression and, above all, attitude.”

- Iris Apfel

THE ART OF STYLE:

Rule #1:

To Thine Own Self Be True.

I once saw a sign in Amsterdam which read, “Welcome to Amsterdam, as the weather gets warm, dress for the body you have not the one you wish you hadn’t.” In other words know your body type, accentuate your assets and pull attention away from areas of insecurities. And remember not because it is trending means it is for you. Glamour is about fit; clothes that skim and fall, not cling.

Rule #2:

Quality Above Cost.

Always choose the highest quality fabrics you can afford. Invest in luxurious fabrics, impeccable tailoring, with classic lines.

Rule #3:

Add Some Individuality.

Mix and match textures and patterns to add visual interest and depth. Think silk with lace. Wool with cashmere. Cotton with linen. Stripes with florals. Prints with prints with a tups of prints.

Rule #4:

Think Neutral Palette.

A neutral palette for your capsule pieces gives you a lot of room to play, think navy, beige, black, white, taupe and one of my favorites chocolate brown. Adding to these your jewel tones, greens, your blues, and my absolute favorite color in the universe, fiery red.

Hear the word glamour and immediately it conjures images of flamboyance, the high life, razzle-dazzle, style. Think Audrey Hepburn, Amal Cooney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Victoria Beckham and for those of us not born yesterday, think Diahann Carroll as Dominique Deveraux and Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington Colby.

Rule #5:

Balance and Proportion.

Glamour does not have to be that four letter word… RICH. But glamour does exude allure, sophistication, and refinement, after all it is an art form.

Here are some of my guide lines and rules to dressing for the glamorous life, but not without my Gabby Glam red lipstick, fierce it is.

Think short skirt with long top. Voluminous pieces with a more streamlined silhouette. Layering long pieces over short pieces or shorter pieces over longer pieces, focusing on textures and cohesive color combinations.

Rule #6: Accessorise.

Accessories can be the ultimate finishing touch or a total distraction. Make a statement with your jewelry, your shoes or your handbag. This is where too much or a good thing can be too much. One of my signatures is my armful of David Yurman bracelets which I wear basically everyday. They are perfect with most if not all my daytime wear but for some evening wear they are too much, so I have to edit them down or remove completely. Accessorize accordingly.

Rule #7: Spit and Polish.

There is no glamour without impeccable grooming, flawless skin, styled hair, manicured nails, polished and appropriate styled shoes.

Rule #8:

Honing Your Confidence.

The most important element of glamour is confidence, self-assurance. ‘Be the beautiful woman in the dress, not the beautiful dress on the woman.’

Remember true glamour is about self-awareness, choosing classic designs over trending pieces, quality over quantity, impeccable tailoring, and overall attention to details.

Look to women you admire and be inspired by them, experiment, break rules, make mistakes.

And as Yves Saint Laurent says …