vagrant
featuring celebrity eyewear designer stevie June 2011
boi
VAGRANT Editor in Chief: Tomik Dash
tdash@vagrantmag.com
Photographers: Amelia Alpaugh, Artem Nazarov, David Robin Munn *VAGRANT is looking for creative people for future projects. Writers, photographers, hairstylists, wardrobe stylists and MUA’s interested in being involved in creative endeavors. Please send writing samples or portfolios to info@vagrantmag.com.* photo on opposite page & cover photo by Amelia Alpaugh makeup by Scott Spencer Miller
Contents letter from the editor 3 bad girls have more fun
4
trash & glamour stylesighting derelict
14 22 24
boi wonder
32
designer spotlight
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ferosh
46
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photo by Shanita Sims
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Letter from the Editor
ummer is upon us, and with the changing of the seasons comes a changing of temperaments in our city. Between all of the neighborhood festivals, the outdoor movie series’, the “Tastes Of ’s”, and sold-out concerts, Atlantan’s are never afraid to come out and show how a little heat never stops a good time. I felt it only appropriate to usher in the new season with a new magazine for our city. VAGRANT is a monthly fashion magazine that is based in the unabridged and the avant-garde. It is grossly apparent how the networks of people connected to fashion & beauty in our city are beyond separate and with time have become homogenized. VAGRANT is here to unify and breathe new life to it. Our focus will be on the up and coming game-changers in fashion. The people with a passion so great for what they do that their presence will undoubtedly make a huge dent in the industry. The same goes for our photoshoots. There are enough local magazines out there that will inundate you with everything commercial. There are also enough local magazines that outsource the big cover editorials from cities like L.A., Miami, or NYC. What an insult?! We here at VAGRANT feel like there are too many uber-talented individuals in the city of Atlanta to overlook when it comes to creating editorial masterpieces. So all of our photoshoots are conceptualized and executed by locals. Trash & Glamour, the editorial on page 14 is a testament to the talent that we are surrounded with. It also sets the tone for the aesthetic of this magazine. It finds the beauty in the grunge and it amplifies it! A lot of heart and soul went into the creation of this magazine, and it is my hope that you get a sense of that as you flip through each page. I hope you believe me when I say, that things are just heating up!
-TOMIK DASH EDITOR IN CHIEF
BAD Girls HAVE MORE FUN!
The hottest girl dj’s in the A dish it up with VAGRANT about what catches their eye, perks up their ears, and makes them more badass than their male counterparts.
photo by Amelia Alpaugh
SPEAKERFOXXX If you were an accessory what would you be? Lindsey Lohan’s house arrest cuff that she requested to decorate with Chanel logos---hot. Favorite place to shop? Recollection Vintage at Highland Row, The Bodega, Saks, Value Village, Stefans, Wish, Bloomingdales, Adidas Originals at Lenox, Barney’s co-op, Army Navy Surplus, Intermix, yard sales. Favorite part of ATL nightlife? The ability to go between electro music to a down south club to a deep house event. Local music artist you’re most excited about? Muffy, Gripplayaz, Yelawolf. What’s new for Speakerfoxxx? I just got signed to Yelawolf ’s label. I’m the only DJ and the only female. I’m also the official Ballerseve DJ. A down south radio show on E. Village Radio in NYC. Spin regularly at El Bar, Graveyard, Halo, W Hotel, & Soundtable. Check my FB page for my schedule. Why do girls do it better? I know what makes ladies get down. I got a p***y and I know what it takes to make them pop. That’s all.
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DJ VICKI POWELL Favorite neighborhood? Edgewood Corridor. There are some really great nighttime spots in this neighborhood– from The Sound Table, to Sauced, to Noni’s and Vesuvius– these restaurant/bars are bringing a nice intimacy to the nightlife dancing scene. Fav part about ATL nightlife? The diversity that this city attracts. I love looking out at the crowd during one of my parties and seeing all shapes, colors, genders– everything! One thing you’d like to see change about ATL nightlife? I’d take Atlanta back 20 years to the days of Limelight, Backstreet, Velvet, Club Rio and Weekends- that’s when Atlanta’s nightlife was really off the chain. You’d walk into the bar at midnight and dance the night away until 8 am the next morning, and the music was hott! I also think we really need to push to have our Gay PRIDE moved back to June when the historical Stonewall date is. Pride belongs in June! Best track to make nipples hard (not necessarily yours)? An awesome remix of Pictures by Sneaky Sound System. Anybody who’s been to one of my parties knows that it’s my signature song for making people go nuts on the dance floor. Do u spin anywhere regularly (weekly/monthly)? Boombox is kicking off this summer! I’m always dj’ing around the city for other events. Check my schedule at facebook.com/djvickipowell. Why do girls do it better? I’ve finally accepted the truth. It’s that simple, girls just do it better. ;)
photo by Jon Arge
DJ MARTINA MCFLY
How would u describe your personal style? I try to avoid the current trends and take risks. I don’t like to wear things people would stereotypically think to see a female dj in, and I’m always looking ahead when it comes to fashion. Two rules I dress by: 1.) You can never have too many accessories. 2.) ALWAYS dress for your body type. If you were a shoe what would u be? Like people wear many hats, I wear many shoes (www.epitomeATL. com). What do u like most about ATL nightlife? I like DJing at venues where people really come to let loose & dance, have a good time, and maybe even have a regret or two the next day. Tough one, read carefully: Best non-Waka Flocka track, to make dudes with no dreads, do the Waka Flocka dread shake? Almost anything you will hear at Down&Durty + Heavy @ Graveyard. What’s one word that describes your dj style? Universal Funk. Local music artist you’re most excited about? Hollyweerd, because I’ve seen them make major moves in the past year, and definitely see something big in their music and their future. Do u spin anywhere regularly(weekly/monthly)? I dj at Friday nights the 1st Fridays of the month at Whiskey Park, 2nd Fridays at Aurum, 3rd Fridays at Sutra, last Fridays at W Downtown. Also the 1st Saturday of the month at El Bar, 3rd Sat @ Graveyard, and 4th Sat at MJQ. :: www.martinamcflyy.com Why do girls do it better? Do what better?
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DJ RACHAEL PRYOR
How long have you been on the ATL scene? 8 Years in the A, 13 playing records. What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in ATL nightlife? Less people come out and pay for quality talent & events in Atlanta. Club management & owners are then forced to take less of a risk on booking talent because of that lack in support. It tends to makes the music scene stagnant and mainstream and we all lose in the end. What would u like to see different? More dancing, less bitching. Best track to make a sedity bitch kick her heels off and shake somethin for the camera phone? Adulture,OCD Automatic, Bit Funk- Paper Cat (Free Magic Bug-AFunk Bootleg). Favorite place to shop? Cherry Bomb- Little 5 Points. Do u spin anywhere regularly (weekly/monthly)? I AM INDUSTRY Mondays @ Halo, 2nd Sundays @ Sauced and at various events around the city. Local music artist you’re most excited about? RRRUMP! is gonna blow up and so is Barry Brandon. Why do girls do it better? The heart and soul from a woman always translates in her DJ set.
Trash & Glamour
Photographer: Amelia Alpaugh Stylists: Shanita Sims & Rudy Reed Hair: Christen Nilan Makeup: Tedrick Lamar Models: Lauren Thomas (Click), Lance Reid, Alexa Johns (Factor), Tim Essary
Lauren wears jacket by Rick Owens Studded belt stylist’s own Skirt by ASOS Shoes models own
Lance wears coat by Betsey Johnson Necklace by 2 Renge Underwear are models own
Alexa wears scarf as a top by H&M Sequined bra by Forever 21 Leggings from NastyGal.com Bracelet stylist’s own Shoes models own
Tim wears shirt by French Connection Necklace by 2Renge Sweater by Freeloader Glove by Troy Smith Boots by DSQUARED2 Belt & Tights stylists own
Alexa wears dress by House of March Shoes models own
Lance wears coat by Betsey Johnson Necklace by 2 Renge Boots and underwear models own
O
ftentimes when it comes to designers, especially in Atlanta, everyone gets caught up with people who they see make it to a reality show, or somebody who made one piece that was worn by one celebrity. We often forget about the stylish people making their way up in a more conventional manner. School. Wesley Ryan is a student at SCAD Atlanta with an individual style and innate talent that commands attention.
What are your style inspirations? Alexander McQueen is a big one. I love that his clothes always tell a story and that is what I strive for in my everyday style. He designed & did exactly what he wanted, and that’s what set him apart. Riccardo Tisci’s designs for Givenchy also really inspire my style because he has a hint of dark imagery mixed with religion, which is amazing to me. I like romantic clothes and he does that so well.
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*stylesightings
How would you describe your personal style? I like to think that my style has a sense of romance about it too. Meaning that what I wear is not just clothes. It’s the ideas and concepts and stories behind them that create something bigger. What are your aspirations as a designer? I would love to have my own line eventually. But I always wanted my fashion to go further than just the clothes. I want them to tell a story and make people think about their own lives. I’m always thinking about how I can use fashion as a tool to get people thinking. If I could inspire one person with my clothes & my show, then my job is complete. As for my McQueen shoes, how I made them is a secret. I did hand paint the scales on the top though and then sealed them. I’m currently working on a better pair made from real leather and higher quality materials. wtitten by Tomik Dash photos by Mr. B3rtrand
Sleeveless shirt with leather cowl neck by MARCH Pants by Levis Shoes by Rick Owens
derelict
Photographer: Artem Nazarov Stylist: Tomik Dash Model: Antino Crowley
Shirt by MARCH Pants by Levi’s Shoes by Rick Owens
Sleeveless shirt with leather cowl neck by MARCH Pants by Levis Necklace worn as bracelet stylists own Shoes by Rick Owens
Sleeveless shirt with leather cowl neck by MARCH Necklace worn as bracelet stylists own
Shirt by MARCH Pants by Levi’s Shoes by Rick Owens
boi
wonder
written by Tomik Dash // photographed by Amelia Alpaugh makeup by Scott Spencer Miller
The year was 2004. Nick & Jessica were still newleyweds, Ugg boots were still remotely acceptable, and Myspace had not yet made it’s decent back to “a place for artists”. Funny enough, Myspace is actually the first place I became acquainted with Stevie Boi, a young guy living in Baltimore who had endless photo albums, all full of pictures of himself. Styled to the nines in some of the most colorful photoshoots known to man, I couldn’t help but think,
“Who is this wild child sending me a friend request?!”
At the time though, SteI was bored in my loft in Baltimore vie had not yet begun his foray into City, and I randomly just started the world of designing accessories. making eye-wear accessories, hats, He was full speed ahead with the etc, and I came up with SBshades.” promotion of a burgeoning music career, But how does which he calls his “I honestly didn’t care one really get first love. “Music was things off the such a strong passion about fashion at all. I ground when was bored in my loft trying to start an of mine. Coming from an southern fam- in Baltimore City, and accessory line? In ily that harmonized a world that gives I randomly just start all of it’s attention and sang to get past making their struggles, music to reality tv, gossip was my antidote for eye-wear accessories, mags, and blogs living.” Another face that give up-tohats, etc, and I came the-minute scoops on the friend list who up with SBshades.” on our favorite I never made contact with, Stevie Boi fell actors and musioff the radar for me. cians, the only Fast forward to 2011 and missing ingredient in StevieBoi’s this 21 year old mogul has made recipe for success, was a little help his presence global by turning from celebrities. Stevie credits something that he began doing as a his relationship with the top club hobby, into a mass-market, highly promoters in Baltimore for helping successful business. “The first day him get started in the business. The I started making shades, I literally promoters would give him VIP made them for myself. A close access to where the celebrities were friend said to me, “Hey you could partying, Stevie would show up make millions selling those.” It was with his shades in tow, get celebs then that I created a website for the to take pictures in them, and then shades. I honestly didn’t care about post them online. BOOM! Instant fashion at all. celebrity eyewear designer!
So simple yet so ingenious. Then came the editorials. “I got Eva Marcille Pigford in shades first for an NYC magazine. After her, I got contacted by so many people who were begging me to make them pieces. It took 2 weeks before I sold over 400 shades and accessories.” Now Stevie’s shades can be seen on celebrities and admirers all over the world. “Lady Gaga is always the most notable.” On her recent HBO special, Gaga donned several pairs of SB Shades during her many performances. As an avant-garde designer, one could argue that getting their designs on Gaga might be the pinnacle of their career. So what will Stevie Boi set his sights on next? His previous eyewear collections have garnered
huge success with presentations at NY Fashion Week and features in Japanese and Italian Vogue. But now Stevie has taken his current collection, “Coexist” and branched it out into a corresponding apparel line. “Coexist has religion, culture, conspiracy and life. I put my blood sweat and tears into this collection! Literally!” It seems that everything this boy touches turns to gold, so I have no doubt that his sartorial endeavors will yield similar results. If I could pick 2 things that I’ve learned from Stevie Boi, the first would be that passion and perseverance will open all doors. And lastly that maybe, just maybe, I should start trying to reach out to some of the people with crazy photo albums who I get friend requests from. www.StevieBoi.com twitter.com/sbShades
Sneak peak at Stevie Boi’s “Coexist” clothing collection...
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designer spotlight o’neil gurley house of march
So you’ve been a a fulltime hairstylist for 13 years. When did you start getting the itch for fashion design? I’ve always been into fashion. Fashion is what led me to hairdressing in the first place.
Is your line menswear/womenswear? It’s got a very strong yet soft feel to it, masculine yet feminine. I would like to not get tied down to a menswear/womenswear type of thing. I love the idea of fusing the two.
designer spotlight What kind of person do u see wearing your clothes? Do you design with someone in mind? I think ultimately I’m designing for myself. Some designers like to personally fly under the radar. For instance, Margiela has never had his picture taken and remains backstage after his shows. While other designers love to be the poster children for their line. Where do you think you would like to fall in this spectrum if things took off? I’m super introverted, I’ve never been one for the lights. Who is your favorite designer right now? I really like Damir Doma, and I always think Rick does it right! Pick one: Monochromatic/Polychromatic? Monochromatic. Symmetry/Assymetry? They both have their place. Nikki Sixx/Tommy Lee? Who? Just kidding, Nikki! Rick Owens/Rad Hourani? Rick, although I like Rad’s simplicity. Vintage/new shit? New shit, always!
March
designer: O’neil Gurley photographer: David Robin Munn makeup: Nikole Morrow Pettus
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Vagrant Fundraising Party @ Halo
photos by Caroline Petters
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