“THE OVERTURE”
NADINE SIERRA Fresh face, Immense Talent
JUNE / JULY
FASHION
Meets The
PERFORMING ARTS
Overture…
Tune The Orchestra. It’s Time For Something…UPTEMPO The UPTEMPO Magazine focuses on the artistic collaboration of fashion and the performing arts. We execute the latest trends in fashion and the arts through artistic representation, journalism, event production, and creative collaboration. Stay tuned for more from UPTEMPO, the first creative outlet merging fashion with the performing and creative arts.
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6 Dolce & Gabbana feature an opera-inspired collection during Milan Fashion Week!
Photo: Autumn de Wilde
11 Rodarte pieces
showcased at MOCA.
Photo: AP
34 Meet Nadine Sierra, a
6 Fashion Files:
young opera star whose career continues to emerge. Learn more about her background and what she hopes to achieve in the
Artistic Fashion
15 ‘Til The Fat Lady Sings: How To Give Breath To New Opera
future.
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Beauty “About Face & Artful Fashion” and “The Other Side”
18 The White Queen 25 Fashion Files:
52 Dark Summer 60 Culture:
Latest Trends “The New Age Man”, “Stop To Shop,” “Trend Report,” & “Once Upon A Time You Dressed So Fine”
“Luxuriously Lincoln”
Photo: Kenneth Edwards
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EDITOR’S LETTER
AN UPTEMPO REVOLUTION “Fashion Meets the Performing Arts” is featured boldly on the very first UPTEMPO cover. We emphasize this phrase in an effort to better serve the arts community, the fashion industry, and the dedicated followers who keep up with recent trends, styles, and news. Recent changes in the economic status of the United States Government forced officials to cut funding to the artistic and creative community first and foremost. Companies and organizations struggle to sell merchandise, fill seats, and even survive. It is the sole purpose and mission of UPTEMPO to better serve not only those who follow the fashion and art communities, but to serve the emerging talent who struggle to grow, develop, and blossom into true artists that express their creative talents.
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UPTEMPO not only serves as entertainment for the creative forces, but also assists in publicizing the fine work implemented by so many working industry professionals to the general public and those who might not regularly follow emerging artists. In this issue, The Overture, we introduce the unity of fashion & the arts through photography, event coverage, journalism, and more! Allow yourself to experience artistic harmony and allow UPTEMPO to open your eyes to various imaginative and inspiring art forms.
Joseph Gualtiere Founder | Editor-In-Chief
FOUNDER | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joseph Gualtiere
FASHION STYLING & PRODUCTION Kathy Benharris
CONTRIBUTIONG PHOTOGRAPHERS Daniel Buckley Bill Downey Kenneth Edwards Deirdre Poole ANDREA ROWE Negin Sadeghi Katie Walton
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Raffaella Cimino Jimmy Curtis Stephen Dietrich Kate Johnson Julianne McShane BESS MORIN
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Music
Fashion Files:
Charlotte Olympia presents a pump for a pianist. Shoes by: Charlotte Olympia Photo By: FJAL & Charlotte Olympia
Photo: AP
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During Milan Fashion Week 2009, Dolce & Gabbana paid a special tribute to opera with a collection featuring the face of Maria Callas and programs of past opera productions. The dynamic show took place at Venice’s Gran Teatro La Fenice. This is not the only time the duo featured opera. In June of 2010 they celebrated the 20th anniversary of their men’s line with an art exhibit in Milan’s piazza della Scala, and inside Milan’s City Hall, Palazzo Marino. The exhibit was of course accompanied by the music of Giuseppe Verdi.
Fashionably Philly The Opera Company of Philadelphia took a bold step the season. Not only have they staged Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet as a battle between two 21st Century major fashion houses, but they also tasked fashion design students from local colleges to create high fashion, color-rich, avant-garde designs that would then be featured in a runway show within the opera! The production was full of glitz, glamour, paparazzi, and of course‌ operatic drama. Bravi tutti to a creative company!
Every year, Boston Symphony Orchestra coordinates an event merging fashion design with classical music. Previous years included Project Mozart and Project Tchaikovsky, which led up to the biggest yet: Project Beethoven. Designers emulated his music, forms, instruments, and even his personal style through their work. Competition Winner Maria Canada poses with her design, while Patron Favorite Ashley Boiardi poses with hers.
Other designers included Candice wu, Nicole Wzorek, Lauren Trump, Michele Pheanis, Kathryn McCuster, Yuki Kanai, Jessica Hutchings, and MJ Batson (not pictured). Above Photos: Boston Symphony Orchestra.
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The Opera Goes PRADA
Miuccia Prada teamed up with architects Herzog & de Meuron to design a wide array of unique styles for Pierre Audi’s Metropolitan Opera premiere of Verdi’s Attila, conducted by Riccardo Muti. Photo: Ken Howard / The Metropolitan Opera
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Photo: Katie Walton
Fashion Files:
Dance
Above: Fashion and Dance come together for North Carolina Dance Theatre's fourth annual Runway For The Ballet event featuring the latest spring looks from Neiman Marcus with vignettes from the popular Innovative Works. Photos: Lindsey Lee Below: San Francisco Ballet teams up with Giambattista Valli and Saks Fifth Avenue for a Fall 2011 Fashion Show at The Fairmont San Francisco. Check our next issue for photos of the event! Photo: Giambattista Valli
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Rodarte @ MOCA
Above: In a show designed by Alexandre de Betak, fashion design sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavey of Rodarte showcase a selection of pieces designed for Oscar-nominated Black Swan along with more than 20 pieces from their recent shows at the MOCA Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. “Rodarte: States of Matter” will “explore traditional states of garments and examine them as vessels without bodies,” according to Laura. The exhibition will run through June 11 th. Photo(s): AP Chris Pizzello & Autumn de Wilde Below: Ballet West hosts “Couture In Motion,” a runway showing featuring the works of international emerging designers modeled by artists of Ballet West. Photos: Ryan Galbraith
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Fashion Files:
Theater Nominations Outstanding Costume Design Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner, Priscilla Queen of the Desert Desmond Heeley, The Importance of Being Earnest Ann Hould-Ward, A Free Man of Color Martin Pakledinaz, Anything Goes Ann Roth, The Book of Mormon Paloma Young, Peter and the Starcatcher Photo: Priscilla Queen of the Desert by Joan Marcus
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Photos 1-4: Joan Marcus Photo 5: T. Charles Erickson
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1. The Importance of Being Earnest 2. Peter and the Starcatcher 3. Anything Goes 4. The Book of Mormon 5. A Free Man of Color
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Nominations Best Costume Design of a Play
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1. Desmond Heeley- The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo by: Joan Marcus
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2. Mark Thompson- La Bete. Photo by: Joan Marcus 3. Jess GoldsteinThe Merchant of Venice. Photo by: Joan Marcus 4. Catherine Zuber- Born Yesterday. Photo by: Carol Rosegg
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Nominations Costume Design For Best Musical
1. Martin Pakledinaz- Anything Goes 2. Tim Chappel & Lizzy Gardiner- Priscilla Queen of the Desert 3. Ann Roth- The Book of Mormon 4. Catherine Zuber- How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying Photos 1-3: Joan Marcus. Photo 4: Ari Mintz
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‘Til the Fat Lady Sings How to Give New Breath to the Opera By: Steve Dietrich If you’re a regular opera-goer, you may have heard about a few of the new shows that are making their way to the curtain. You may also be disgusted at a few of them. In fact, if you’re anything like the average opera audience, then I applaud your resilience in the face of modern technology, and your ability to find and read this online publication. After all, the Metropolitan Opera reports that the average age of the rumps in those opera seats is somewhere around sixty. This poses the clear issue of who, if anyone, will be in those seats twenty years from now, and how to get some fresh cheeks on those cushions. But will recent strategies to attract younger crowds destroy the art of the opera, or is it just the continuation of age-old techniques? By now, most everyone has heard about, Spiderman: Turn off the Dark. Written by half of rock band U2, it is a musical performance that the creators demand be called an opera. It doesn’t sound much like an opera, especially when you consider the leading role doesn’t have a singing part (perhaps a joke on the Spidey costume?) Sure, the frequent interruption of rehearsals by high wire malfunctions brings the promise of a flashy show, but one must admit, the story is a little tired by now. After countless comic books, television shows, toys and three very recent movies, will people still flock to see yet another iteration of the classic hero, or will familiarity be the primary reason the opera will finally see a rise in younger audience members? For more opera based on movies, check out The Fly, with music from Howard Shore and libretto by David Henry Hwang. And yes, although the story originally appeared in a 1957 Playboy by writer George Langelaan, the opera is most certainly based on the Cronenberg film. Expect visual effects. Continued...
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London’s Royal Opera is sure they have the solution to fill the seats with younger backsides. That’s why they commissioned and produced a new performance based on the life of Anna Nicole Smith. While I won’t make any jokes at the expense of the dead, I trust the reader will take some time to think of a few.
If all it takes is stories about pop stars to lure the kids, then Jacob Cooper’s audience will look like that of a Beatles concert. His new opera is called Timberbrit, and that’s right, its main characters are Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. Cooper used timestretching on Britney and Justin’s classic songs to make them slower and more haunting. Then, Librettist Yuka Igarashi wrote new lyrics using the common vernacular of pop lyrics: love, tears, dreams and innocence. The action of the opera is slowed down, as well, taking place over a much shorter time frame than the two-hour performance. Cooper says this is a play on the old operatic device in which a feeble, dying character takes ten minutes to sing a quick aria before releasing into the great beyond. Perhaps Cooper’s overly melodramatic storyline is a play on the classic opera, as well. If you want the future of opera, look no further than Tod Machover’s Death and the Powers. The story takes place as a play within a play, in which computers and robots are ordered to act out a drama in order to better understand human emotions. Who does the ordering? A man named Simon Powers, who, during the prologue, downloaded himself into “the System”. Former US poet laureate Robert Pinsky wrote the libretto. Expect an ostentatious show from production designer Alex McDowell, the man who designed the movies “Minority Report” and “Watchmen”. The show features tons of effects, including nine semi-autonomous robots, a high-tech chandelier, and walls that flash in response to the protagonist’s off-stage breathing. Continued...
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By now, most traditionalists have either closed this article in disgust, or fainted in disbelief. But is what we’re seeing in opera today really that much different from the techniques used in the past? After all, no matter how artistic, performances are always about filling seats. Wagner’s operas had more flash and pizzazz than any before their time, yet they are among the classics. Operas based on movies aren’t much different from those based on books and plays. Look at Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, based on the Pushkin play, Strauss’s Salome, taken from Wilde’s play, or Boito’s Mefistofele, from a staple in classic literature by Goethe. Reusing a character like Spiderman can be comparable to the historical recurrences of characters like Mignon or Orpheus. Speaking of tired plots, what about Romeo and Juliet? Even putting a real person in the role of the protagonist has become a common technique; aside from the obvious examples from John Adams or Philip Glass, consider Modest Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov. And if you’re worried that opera is getting too weird, take the time to explore Debussy’s opera, Pelléas et Mélisande, and then consider whether these modern day operas are truly “out there”. So before you let the new Spiderman “opera” put you in the same state as its inauspicious high-rise cast, just remember that history repeats itself. -Steve Dietrich
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The White Queen Designs/Styling: Yvette Byrne Makeup&Hair: Shauna Hand Model: Lisa McGuinness (1st Option, Dublin) Photographer: Deirdre Poole
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FASHION FILES... TheUptempoMagazine.com 25
Photos: Yannis Vlamos for Alexander McQueen
The New-Age Man By: Jimmy Curtis
I
f you live in any city in this revolutionary and intriguing day and age, and you really embrace the
diverse cultures that are offered, its obvious; progression has been seized in almost every aspect, specifically technology. As I watch men and women walk around with Bluetooth in ear, reading the "Wall Street Journal" on their iPad, as they Skype conference calls, I can't help but be distracted by the technological growth taking place. While sitting in Starbucks, the lounge of any full-time employed American, surrounded by a sea of MacBooks, I notice how swift and relatively "new" technology has been embraced by practically everyone in some fashion. It becomes hard to ignore the business meeting nearby and just how much the men sitting near me have a shockingly good eye for putting a casual daytime-appropriate outfit together, which leads me to an under-appreciated conclusion; men’s fashion has become as advanced as current technology and just as widely welcomed. The foundation of the fashion industry has previously been highly focused on women, but it seems as though men are starting to actually have more fun with fashion in and out of the workplace, causing an intriguing fashion tug-of-war between the sexes.
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Men today are dressed and groomed to an extent that rivals previous years. Dressing well "just" for a job interview or special occasion is almost as obsolete as the VCR or A-Trak player. Men of all backgrounds seem to finally be on the same page about one thing; showing an interest in fashion, which is not only aesthetically preferred, but it has become as regular as setting the DVR to your prime time lineup. You will start to see some AW11 menswear trends filtering from the runway to the streets featuring neutral color pallets for suiting paired with bold reds or electric blues in a heavy oversized silhouette for trenches and outerwear, as seen with Alexander McQueen’s latest work. Burberry Porsum followed the oversized outerwear look in a checkered lumberjack print and the majority of the collection. Double-breasted blazers were also shown across the board. Last AW featured a heavy military influence in a tattered, rugged medium. The military trend is gratefully still going strong, and can be seen in different degrees for most outerwear in a more tailored execution. A more innovative trend being shown for the upcoming season is a more relaxed pant, versus a personal favorite and a more consistent trend in previous seasons of a fitted and skinny pant. Who's to know what is going to stick for the upcoming seasons, but being able to see men of various backgrounds embrace fashion in a real way, and not just to look “cleaned up”, but as a way to wear their personality as outerwear is something I think will only begin to increase in the future seasons. -Jimmy Curtis
Photo: Gianni Pucci for Burberry Porsum
Photo: Yannis Vlamos for Dior Homme
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Stop to Shop & Trend Report With our new fashion contributor comes two new columns: our weekly “Stop to Shop” and “Trend Report” columns. Each week, we will bring the Uptempo readers the latest and greatest trends and fashions for the summer season. From crazy colors to lacy knits, we’ll translate the language of the runway (spoken by so few) and their trends to street styles and show readers accessible versions of our favorite collections, as outthere as they may seem. We must warn readers of the dangerous temptation they are likely to feel, known as trend overload. The overload of summer trends and options for every price point may cause readers to think they can mix any and all trends in any which way they please, resulting in a lacy, rainbow, platform-clad mess. One word of advice? Please dress responsibly.
Stop to Shop Uptempo’s New Guide to the Chicest Shops in Your City By: Julianne McShane
We all have one—that little boutique on the corner that is your one stop shop for absolutely everything.
Or, perhaps, it is that one local shop that has those party frocks, jeweled clutches, and irresistible heels at amazing prices that you simply can’t find anywhere else. Whichever shop it is for you, everyone has that one favorite store in their city that seems to be an undiscovered gem, unknown to everyone else except for the one lucky shopper who seems to have discovered it and stops in every week. Beginning next issue, Uptempo will profile some of the chicest shops in cities around the country! From the little shops off the beaten path to the heart-stopping boutique on the main street of your local shopping mecca, we will bring you profiles and articles on the shops (and the forces behind them) that carry the pieces and prices that you need to know about in cities around the country. Interviews with the owners, history of the boutiques, local bestsellers and reader discounts will make you fall even deeper in love with your favorite shop (and Uptempo’s new column!). From New York to Boston and from L.A. to Chicago, we’ll find that special shop for everyone, no matter what your zip code is. Next week, we’ll kick off our column by profiling Crush Boutique in Boston, MA. If you would like to share your local shopping treasure trove with Uptempo, please e-mail the details, including the name, address, phone number, and website of the store to juliannem@theuptempomagazine.com, and we will consider it for a Stop to Shop profile. Check back soon for our first column. Happy shopping! -J.M.
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Photo: Negin Sadeghi
Trend Report:
Lite Brite By: Julianne McShane 30 TheUptempoMagazine.com
Feeling a little blue? Pair that with a green, or better yet, a yellow. The Spring and Summer collections declare that a closet of dreary neutrals is out, and a wardrobe of punchy, bright hues are in. Color blocking (as 80’s prom as it may seem) is here to stay until the temperatures get colder and the days get shorter. This trend is accessible for both the young and the old, proven by the incorporation of color on the runway by both the old, established houses and the younger, fresh labels. While Burberry and Nina Ricci kept it classic with feminine details, such as bows and ruching, Rachel Roy and Frida Giannini for Gucci kept it contemporary with touches of metallic. Issa, the British label best known for becoming that girl-next-door-turned-royal-across-the-pond’s go-to for gowns for black-tie galas and engagement photos viewed by millions, incorporated the trend with draping and ornate accessories. The best bit of advice for mastering the tricky trend? Balance out your Crayola-worthy colors with neutral accessories, such as a patent nude heel or white tote. Contrasting textures and similar colors, such as orange and pink or red, green and yellow, or blue and yellow work best. All of the tools needed to master the trade are shown below. With the right pieces and a little bit of sartorial savvy, you’ll be a rainbow of colors on the dreariest of rainy days. –J.M. Photos: Courtesy of style.com
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Issac Mizrahi Photo:Monica Feudi/ Go Runway.com
Marni Photo: Monica Feudi/ Gorunway.com
"Once upon a time you dressed so fine"
Chloe Photo: Marcus Tondo
Alexander McQueen Photo: Monica Feudi/ Gorunway.com
The opening line to Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" was undoubtedly referring directly to the styles of 1965, though it seems to be a fitting phrase for this season's 60's and 70's inspired looks. This season, the runways were filled with relaxed pants sinking to the bottom of the model's ankles. Designers like Chloe, ADAM, Derek Lam, and more have displayed this throwback style in a fresh avantgarde fashion. The skinny jean has been a staple for quite some time now, but a loose- fitting relaxed look in pants and trousers has made its way to the runway. This time the cut is not tight to the knee with an overpowering flare, nor is it baggy and unfitted from hip to ankle. This contemporary spin gradually eases into a wide hem; creating an ultra chic and comfortable look. Designers like Marc Jacobs, who combined the flowing wide-leg pants with wide brimmed floppy sun hats, have embraced many other resurrections of seventies styles. Now the sixties and seventies are blending together and prints have shown up as a hallucinogenic trip with a wild and bright focus. Prada pumped up the volume with wild animal and floral, while Stella McCartney used exotic fruits. Marni also showcased wild bright prints. Welcome to the 60's! -Bess Morin
Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Photo:Monica Feudi/ Gorunway.com
Derek Lam Spring 2011 Photo: Style.com Yannis Vlamos gorunway.com
Getting To Know
N adine S ierra
Photo: Daniel Buckley
Opera star Nadine Sierra poses for Uptempo’s first cover and sits down with us to discuss her past, present, and future experiences in the opera field. In addition to winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions at an extremely young age, Nadine also received the Marilyn Horne Foundation Award, and has sung all over the world with companies such as Palm Beach Opera and Boston Lyric Opera. She will soon make premieres with San Francisco Opera, Florida Grand Opera, and La Scala in Milan.
UPTEMPO: You're so incredibly young, yet still accomplished. What was the greatest opportunity you had been granted that really gave you a fresh start into the world of opera & the performing arts? NADINE SIERRA: I've been lucky enough to have many great opportunities in my young life; however, the greatest had to be when I was accepted into the Palm Beach Opera's young artist program around 14 years old. I started out as a chorus member there and with the help of my longtime coach and friend, Kamal Khan, I was later asked to be a young artist. This title gave me many opportunities, which included having my lessons and coaching paid for, as well as performing small roles in two Palm Beach Opera productions. Throughout my teenage years, I trained amongst many professionals and also made my debut with Maestro Julius Rudel. Being a Palm Beach Opera young artist was the stepping stone in my life as a professional opera singer. I learned volumes there and if it had not been for that experience, I truly believe my path would have been quite different. Continued...
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A Night At The Opera Photos By: Kenneth Edwards. Styling Provided By: Saks Fifth Avenue, Prudential Boston. Hair By: Justin Robey of Jean-Pierre Salon. Makeup By: Grace Mahoney of Blushing Brides. Sponsored By: Boston Lyric Opera. Location: Shubert Theatre, Citi Performing Arts Center
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Gown by Alexander McQueen, Shoes by Manolo Blahnik
Gown by Tadashi Shoji, Shoes by Manolo Blahnik
Gown by Marc Jacobs, Shoes by Christian Louboutin
Gown by Tadashi Shoji, Shoes by Christian Louboutin
Coat and Dress by Emporio Armani, Sunglasses by Gucci, Bag by Prada, Shoes by Christian Louboutin
U: What has been your experience working with major companies and competitions at such a young age? NS: At this point in my life, my experience with major opera companies and competitions has been very rewarding. When I say rewarding, I don't mean in money or praise, but in how I'm able to do what I love with great houses and other working professionals. Being able to perform at this age is the greatest thing for me and having a supportive group of people behind me is invaluable. U: When did you know singing opera was what you wanted to do for the rest of your life? NS: When I was 10 years old, my mother introduced me to the 1992 VHS recording of the Metropolitan Opera's production of La Boheme. I was obsessed with this videotape and constantly watched it. I think I even cried every time I saw it, although I always knew what would happen in the end. It's hard to explain what affected me in words, but what I can say is I wanted to create that kind of magic on stage, as well. I wanted my singing to affect people the way Teresa Stratas affected me. I was hungry for this and still am. There is so much beauty and pain that goes into performing, because although you touch people's hearts with this glorious music, you also leave a part of you behind...especially when you give all of yourself to play a character. But that's the magic of it. One night you're dying in a bed with your lover trying to warm your hands beside you and the next morning, you're you again!
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U: Since winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, how drastically has life changed? NS: My life has changed quite a lot since the Met Competition. I've been given more performance opportunities and have had many young singers contact me via FaceBook with various questions about colleges, teachers, competitions, etc. That competition opened many doors for me and I hope other opportunities present themselves in the near future. U: Where do you hope to be about 10 years from now? Is there anything you'd like to accomplish in addition to being a young, beautiful opera star? NS: In 10 years, I just hope to remain happy and singing! Traveling is something I love to do and if I could sing in some of the international houses that would be a dream come true. I always take one day at a time because we never know what may happen in our lives. I try to have no expectations, just goals and to be motivated every day. U: How did you like working with Uptempo for your first fashion shoot? NS: I adored every minute of it! I love fashion and being able to combine my two passions into one shoot really made my year. It's not every day you stand on a beautiful stage dressed in one of your favorite designers! U: How do you feel fashion plays an important role in the production of the performing arts? NS: Fashion IS performance! And it's an art! Fashion gives us the opportunity to express ourselves, no matter what our individual tastes may be. This includes being on stage AND off. Fashion adds to the drama on a stage and even adds a bit of drama in our average, every day lives. Long live fashion!
BEAUTY Makeup and Hair by Raffaella Cimino Photographer: Kaity Spratley Model: Jessica Benedict
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About Face . . & Artful Fashion By: Raffaella Cimino
Who is to define or determine one form of art to the next? Who is to differentiate their function, or
formally assign them to a place or time? There is an evident and undeviating relationship between art on canvas and makeup artistry, and the role they play in our colorful world of fashion and the arts. Inspiration must be born from something, and often times, a masterpiece is created through sheer inspiration. Canvas gives voice to a painter, as textile does to a designer, and ultimately, as skin does to a makeup artist. All three creators, though, stay consistent and true to their conviction, and to what they will communicate to their audience and viewers. So what formulas do they abide by, you might ask? When one adjoins the three forms of expression, (as they are to never be separated unless otherwise obligated), the revelation is clear; their approach on creating something worthy of a single moment’s musing is astoundingly similar‌ (continued on next page)
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As a makeup artist and painter, I remain mindful of my canvas, be it pre-stretched linen or a visage. The natural grain of vacant white is as crucial to the finished oeuvre, as are the organic contours of a bare face. There is always a mood to construe; and through texture, color, dimension, movement, and so many other components, a narrative is more easily created. This same concept exists in fashion design as well. Runways and catwalks simply overflow with the designer’s reflection. Designers, like painters and artists, manipulate their mediums to better enchant their spectators. There is a theory; a concept; a story to be expressed through each model that carries color and shape. From the texture of their skin to the tone and placement of their rouge, to the form of a garment, and to the style of their hair, each element of their embellishment aids in telling a tale. Hue, tint, brushstroke, and stitch; they are one in the same in a world where high fashion maneuvers us afar from our everyday, chaotic mediocrity. Today, an artist is not one who solely creates genius works on a one dimensional plane, but rather one who fabricates and gives life to their very own notions, despite the mediums, materials and mode of manifestation. Art is to operate as voice on our runways, as we witness every seam or seamless makeup application rapidly and ever so brilliantly varnish our universe; definitively‌our canvas. -Raffaella Cimino
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The Other Side By: Kate Johnson Working hard and living by the philosophy “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly”, Kate Johnson loves the fast paced nature of the model industry and reflecting on her years spent living and working abroad developing her career. The Australian-based model opens up about today’s big issues: confidence and self-esteem.
How often do you look at yourself in the mirror
and wish the reflection was different? When you go out you look at others and wish you were them? Depressed when you wake up because you weren’t any slimmer, bigger, taller, shorter, younger or older? And then how many of you look in the mirror and see someone you’re happy with and proud of? For some of us it takes a lot of hits and set backs before you truly appreciate what you have and what you see. The awkward times you were insecure, the times you took criticism to heart, the times you let the bullies push you around, the ones who broke your heart while you stood there and let them. I am one of those people. We all are at some point. A day will come when you wake up on ‘the other side’. You are more confident, more resilient, more daring to push your own limits. Nothing will stop you from achieving your goals and your drive and determination will motivate others to follow suit. People will always try and bring you down; they won’t succeed. People will always criticize you; you will think ‘the ones that matter don't mind and the ones that mind don't matter.’ We’re on ‘the other side’ now; these trivial things don’t phase us. There’s always going to be another mountain, another uphill battle, and another misfortune. It’s called ‘life’ for a reason - those who find it too easy never challenge themselves, and those who think it’s too hard need to change their perspective. It’s not how many times you fall down; it’s the number of times you pick yourself up and keep going. There is a winner and a leader in all of us. The only person stopping you... is you! This is me. I am happy with what I see because I don’t compare myself to others – I compare myself to me. It doesn’t matter what other people are doing – what are you doing? I hope to see you on ‘the other side’ one day. When you’re ready xox - Kate Johnson
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Dark Summer Designer: Lorian Lindsay, Lorian Lindsay Designs Photographer: Andrea Rowe Hair/Makeup: Shauna Hixenbaugh Model: Ashley DiPrisco
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Culture Luxuriously Lincoln
A hip new restaurant in the heart of the epicenter of fashion and the performing arts‌ Lincoln Center
By: Aimee Wilson
I had a chance to visit Lincoln Ristorante, a $20 million, 100+ seat restaurant operated by Patina Restaurant Group at Lincoln Center on my recent trip to NYC. The restaurant has only been opened a couple months and is headed by Jonathan Benno, the former chef de cuisine at Thomas Keller's Per Se for 5 years. The restaurant is housed inside a glass-enclosed pavilion, topped with a curved, sloping roof covered with grass and open to the public. Entering the building to meet the hostess on a rainy night, we were greeted with a coat check offering. Looking around, the interior of the restaurant has a sloping ceiling covered in dark wood. I got a sense that the place is modern and chic. The kitchen is open and occupies a central spot that we were able to see from our round booth we were seated in that also overlooked the steps of the Julliard School. The bread offered was red pepper flake bread sticks, which were crunchy with a slight heat and crisps dusted with parmigiano reggiano and pork fat. The crisps were addicting. There was a second bread service consisting of focaccia served with butter and Laudemio olive oil. I had to help myself to a second serving. We put together our own tasting menu selecting several items off the a la carte menu although there was a set tasting menu offered. We also relied on the sommelier to pair our food selections with wine and were not disappointed. All the wines on the wine list are Italian.
We ordered the foie gras, oxtail and beef tongue terrine (terrina di fegato grasso, coda di bue e lingua) which was phenomenal and full of complex flavors and textures. I'm still thinking about this dish. Next we had the veal sweetbread (animelle e abalone in paccata) which came with tiger abalone, oyster mushrooms, salsify and spinach. Never trying sweetbread before, I didn't know what to expect. After I had a bite, I was informed by my company that it is prepared with a calf's thymus gland. Call it what you will, I am now a fan of offal. We moved onto the lobster ravioli with chanterelle mushrooms and tarragon (raviolo d'astice). This dish was playful and seemed to be a deconstructed ravioli dish. The firm lobster meat was the star in the center of the bowl with the tarragon chanterelle sauce surrounding it and an open ravioli pasta sheet draped over it. It was absolutely delicious. With truffles in season, we also couldn't resist ordering the tagliatelle pasta with black truffle (tartufo nero) flavored with parmigiano reggiano cheese and the white truffle risotto (tartufo bianco d'alba) flavored with castelmagno cheese. Both were exceptional. The flavor is like nothing else on earth. If I had to describe it, I would say it's a combination of earthy mushroom flavors and strong garlic-like aromas, but I'm not convinced even that captures it appropriately. The truffles were shaved over the bowl of pasta in front of me and it was an otherworldly experience that goes beyond tasting and smelling. Every food lover should experience it at least once. We ended the meal with tiramisu, a traditional Italian dessert, which I don't particularly enjoy, but this version was different than the standard ones I've had in the past and I thoroughly enjoyed the taste and texture. The entire meal was truly an event to remember with excellent service and memorable food and wine. I'll be sure to visit this restaurant again during my next visit to NY. - Aimee Wilson
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Makeup artist Rosa Fortuna gets Dynasty Model Jennifer Kutt ready for her big walk!
Behind The Scenes Tons of fun makeup!
Grace Mahoney of Blushing Brides touches up Nadine Sierra for her photo shoot.
Aerialist Gina DeFreitas gets ready for her outstanding aerial performance.
Members of Boston Dance Company prepare for a special performance.
Designers of Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Project Beethoven fashion competition enjoy watching their designs on the catwalk!
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Samantha Serrentino, Lauren Hagen, Morgaan Watrous, and Sharon Higgins.
BLO Director of Artistic Operations Nicholas Russell and BLO PR Consultant Paysha Rhone.
(right) Siobhan Magnus, American Idol Alumni, Top 5, Season 9.
Omar Lorenzo and Maria Lorenzo.
Debbie Black of Shreve, Crump & Low Jewelers.
Ryan Pierce, Christina Pierce of Christina K. Pierce Sytling, Joseph Gualtiere, EIC of Uptempo.
Red Carpet
Rachel Zevita, American Idol Alumni, Top 24, Season 10 (current).
Joshua Shinkle and Joseph Gualtiere.
Yolanda Cellucci of Yolanda Enterprises, Inc.
Designer Candice Wu with Dynasty Model Nomi Ganbold.
NBC’s Gary Petrini (Uptempo logo designer & Joseph Gualtiere Sr.
(center) DJ Michael Savant and Jon Fabrizio.
Architect Paulius Daunoras and FIT student Saskia Naidu.
Fran de Paulo and Mariale Celimen Savino of Boston Dance Company.
Conductor Kelby Kahn with BSO & Tanglewood singer Hailey Fuqua.
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Fashion Production and Stylist Kathy Benharris with The Uptempo’s Magazine Founder & EditorIn-Chief Joseph Gualtiere.
Uptempo’s Joseph Gualtiere with Gina Gualtiere and Meagan Hubbard, both of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Renee Delio and Frank Baldini.
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Yolanda Cellucci with Susan Haifleigh.
Fashion Production & Styling team Erin Weathers, Kathy Benharris, & Sarah Turnage.
Christina Pierce, Rita Bean, & Ryan Pierce.
DJ Michael Savant.
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Joshua Shinkle, Joseph Gualtiere, Renee Delio, Frank Baldini.
Model & Writer Amy Nachbar with Joshua Shinkle.
Thomas Crewe and Lainya Anjoorian of Jimmy Choo, Gin Freeman of Dynasty Models, Marianna Toroyan of Fashion Doctors, and stylist Terri Mahn.
Party People Photos: The Liberty Hotel & Todd Lee
Stylist Terri Mahn, Joe & Gin Freeman of Dynasty Models, and jewelry designer Magdalena Stokalska.
Actor Juan Carlos Pinedo and Shaun McMahon.
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Runway Photos: Daniel Buckley, Jan Bloch, Kenneth Edwards, Todd Lee
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Kenneth Kenneth Edwards Edwards Photography Photography
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Performances
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