MORE + A U S T R AL I A, KOH YAO NOI, M AN H AT TAN, C R OAT I A, I N D ON E S I A
NO.2 | W A N D E R F U L L Y E V E R A F T E R Snapping sensational pictures of weddings in breathtaking locations across the globe, Caleb and Chloe Meridian are living what every couple dreams to have: a lifelong honeymoon.
ISSUE 005
J U LY 2 0 1 6
P H O T O G R AP H Y SPOTLIGHT Laura Helle Capturing Special Moments P.8
ISSUE 005
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 2
WORLD S TORIE S
D E S T I N AT I O N HIGHLIGHT
Wanderfully Ever After P.14
Sailing the Adriatic, Croatia P.36
L U X U RY
FA S H I O N
Winch Design Making Dreams a Reality P.22
From Africa to Australia How Two Sisters Are Changing the Face of Global Fashion P.50
E AT & D R I N K Adriana Kroeller Fashioning Food For Fellowship P.30 Jordan Salcito. Momofuku’s Master Sommelier Tells Us of Dreams Actualized P.56 Koh Yao Noi - Finding a Slice of Paradise P.64
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 3
MUSES & M E R C H AN T S Wafaren Live. Travel. Savor. P.44 Paper, Glue & Scissors Interview with Fajar P. Domingo P.60
FO U N D E R SUMMER JOHNSON
SENIOR EDITOR DAKOTA ARKIN
O P E R AT I O N S D I R E C T O R SANDY ANDERSON
C OV E R D E S I G N JESSICA BAILEY
DESIGN JESSICA BAILEY & IKER FERNANDEZ
E D I T O R I AL SUMMER JOHNSON, ANNE FOONG, NICOLE STANTON BRITTANY TEMPLETON, DAKOTA ARKIN ASHLEY PUCKETT, EMMA CUNNINGHAM YULIA DENISYUK
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT KAWSAR SIDDIK, ROCKY ATHWANI
M AR K E T I N G ILKA PANDILOVSKA
CONTACT
UPWARDMAGAZINE.COM
UPWARDMAGAZINE
HELLO@UPWARDMAGAZINE.COM
UPWARDMAGAZINE
UPWARDMAGAZINE
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 4
U P WAR D S TAF F
FOUNDER’S LETTER
- SU M M ER J OHN SON
ear Readers It is my great pleasure and privilege to share so many wonderful, talented people with you from all over the world in our July issue. I enjoy choosing who goes into our magazine along with the Upward team, but when I saw who was finalized and signed up for this month’s issue, I was truly excited. The collagist and artist behind Gucci, Fajar P. Domingo, has dazzled the fashion world with his cut and paste pieces. His work has gracefully danced around the Gucci monogram for the past two seasons, and he sits down with us to share his inspiration.
Master Sommelier Jordan Salcito of Momofuku welcomes us into her world of wine. We learn how curiosity, hard work and passion for her craft made her one of the best in the business. Winch Design shows us inside of their custom yachts. Angolaborn and Australian-raised sisters Fatuma and Laurinda Ndenzako take us on a tour of their fashion line Collective Closets, as they unite continents with colors and texture. As you read I hope that you are encouraged to always go after your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 5
NO.1 Photography Spotlight
Laura Helle: Capturing Special Moments
TEXT: NICOLE STANTON / PHOTOS: LAURA HELLE AND OOMPH & FLOSS
Meet Laura Helle, founder of Siida Photography (pronounced see-da), a documentary and lifestyle photography company specializing in children, teenagers and motherhood. Originally from Finland, Laura now lives in Brisbane, Australia with her husband and two children.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 8
LAURA HELLE
SIIDAPHOTO.COM.AU
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
SIIDA_PICS
PHOTO OOMPH & FLOSS
FEATURED PLACES
“...seeking little models with big personalities... and it’s not hard to find such lovely little people!”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 9
PHOTO LAURA HELLE
LAURA HELLE
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 10
LAURA HELLE
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 11
LAURA HELLE
PHOTO LAURA HELLE
PHOTO LAURA HELLE
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 12
LAURA HELLE
"The hardest challenge working with children, she laughed, is “expecting them to do anything you want them to do. My ‘child photography philosophy’ in general is they lead and I follow."
Spend two minutes browsing her portfolio and it will reveal it has been shot with an artist’s eye, maternal care, and playfully captures unique stories. Laura’s photography obsession has been going on for close to six years, but has made it her focus for the past three years. When I asked her if she saw herself gaining as much success as she has, she humbly answered, “Success? Well I would say that I’ve had a ‘succession of small successes’ along the way, for sure. I mean I never ever thought anyone would pay me to take photos for them, so that felt validating. Am I where I ultimately want to be with my photography though? No. Am I taking the types of photos that I take in my dreams? Not yet. That’s where creative success would lie for me. I’m hoping that this trail of small successes will lead me there.” The hardest challenge working with children, she laughed, is “expecting them to do anything you want them to do. My ‘child photography philosophy’ in general is they lead and I follow. I guide their experience, but after that, I only get involved in their experience if I feel confident that I can make it a crazier, funnier, more interesting or deeper one in some way. The number of adventures they’ve taken me on and the way their curiosity will so often hone in on something in our environment that I could easily have missed as a scatter-brained adult. I am a far more observant, positive and grateful person having worked with children.”
It is apparent that Laura takes the extra step in creating a fun atmosphere for her models. One post on her feed, “seeking little models with big personalities... and it’s not hard to find such lovely little people!” Laura says, “I come from a big family and my kids are in kindergarten, so at this point in our lives, by default, we are interacting with young families a lot of the time. My children are featured in my work. I’m their biggest fan and I absolutely love preserving memories for them to look back on in years to come.” For parents looking for tips on capturing the moment, she advises “My subjects have taught me to laugh more, to enjoy the time we have together on this earth, to appreciate that view, oh and patience. You don’t need to request smiles all the time. Life is not always smiley.” Allow your images be honest and you’ll have more images that tell a story. Get outside in the early morning and late afternoon and let the kids run around with your camera nearby. Have fun!” Like so many in this day and age, Laura connects with her followers using Instagram. “I find myself inspired by a community of creative folk and adventurers making beautiful work and doing wild and crazy things,” she says. “It’s a wonderfully supportive forum, and a great way to receive feedback on your work as well.”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 13
NO.2 World Stories
Wanderfully Ever After
TEXT:
EMMA CUNNINGHAM
Snapping sensational pictures of weddings in breathtaking locations across the globe, Caleb and Chloe Meridian are living what every couple dreams to have: a lifelong honeymoon. As international destination wedding photographers, these two seem to have it figured out when it comes to mixing business with pleasure. “We make our wedding photoshoots into our own romantic vacations,” says Chloe.
FEATURED PLACES
THEWELLTRAVELEDW EDDEDS.COM
VENICE - ITALY, HIGHLANDS SCOTLAND & GRENADA
THEWELLTRAVELEDW EDDEDS
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 14
PHOTO TAKEN BY CHLOE, MERIDIAN PHOTOGRAPHY
WA N D E R F U L LY E V E R A F T E R
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 15
WA N D E R F U L LY E V E R A F T E R
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 16
WA N D E R F U L LY E V E R A F T E R
PHOTO: MERIDIAN PHOTOGRAPHY
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 17
WA N D E R F U L LY E V E R A F T E R
PHOTO MERIDIAN PHOTOGRAPHY
“We’ve been bitten by the travel bug, saw what it can do for our relationship and the honeymoon hasn’t ended since.’”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 18
WA N D E R F U L LY E V E R A F T E R
“‘Traveling makes us feel like we’re the only two people in the world,’ Chloe explains.”
Traveling to locations like the South of France, Jamaica and Italy this fall for their co-operated business Meridian Photography, these two are capturing romance for others as well as creating some of their own.
Caleb says traveling pushed the two of them to grow and bond together in ways they may have otherwise never done. “When you’re walking on cobblestones that are older than the United States, life becomes very real to you and you get an idea of where you came from. It’s an Chloe and Caleb met in the third grade enriching experience to have with the but it wasn’t until they went on their one you love.” honeymoon in St. Lucia years later where the love affair with travel began. Chloe blushes when Caleb speaks about The power couple told us how their their travels and says he makes for a very tropical newlywed escape allowed them poetic companion. to really focus on one another. The passion and lust the two have not “Traveling makes us feel like we’re the only for each other but for exploring the only two people in the world,” Chloe world throughout is palpable in their explains. “The idea of being a stranger candid, fairy-tale photographs. What somewhere, in a place you haven’t met dreamy backdrops will their biggest anybody and where nobody is expecting bucket list location have in store for anything of you — it’s romantic to feel them as they head to Florence in a few isolated in that way. There could be months for their fifth anniversary. crowds of people around you but you’re only focusing on each other.” Chloe says,“We’ve been bitten by the travel bug, saw what it can do for our Both Caleb and Chloe stress that relationship and the honeymoon hasn’t invaluable experiences are what they ended since.” like to fully invest in, shedding light on their favorite trip to Scotland where they discovered and experienced part of their shared heritage.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 19
NO.3 Luxury
Winch Design: Making Dreams a Reality TEXT:
NICOLE STANTON
For many, the yachting world is one of glitz and glamour that few people get to experience. For Andrew Stratton, designing yachts was the next step after growing up sailing on the south coast of England in dinghies and cruising yachts. A year of sailing as a crew-member across the Atlantic and in the Caribbean confirmed Andrew’s love of the sea before joining Jon Bannenberg Ltd as an apprentice designer. After collaborating on four major sailing yachts, Andrew started Winch Design with his wife Jane thirty years ago.
FEATURED PLACES:
WWW.WINCHDESIGN.COM
ENGLAND
WINCHDESIGN_WD
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 22
WINCH DESIGN
PHOTO: WINCH DESIGN
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 23
WINCH DESIGN
“The design process is about building a relationship with the client,” says Andrew.
“I believe our job is to guide our clients but ultimately we make their dreams come true. I always listen to my own instinct in terms of what makes good design, but I prefer an open dialogue that brings our visions together in the most harmonious way. We need to be on the same page, to understand their lifestyle in minute detail and then let creativity drive the process. We don’t have a Winch house-style so every project is started on a blank piece of paper,” he explains. The Winch team is currently working on a contemporary cliffside home in Cape Town, a penthouse in Knightsbridge London, a classical chateau, a futuristic yacht club building in Montenegro, the interior of a Dreamliner plane and several yacht projects — all completely different in style. One major trend Andrew sees is his clients want to travel with their families in style, and essentially to create a home away from home, whether on land, in the air or at sea. Andrew says, “Expectations are high, but we aim to surpass their [client] expectations both in terms of design and technical specifications. We have seen a greater demand for technology on yachts enabling clients and their guests to conduct business on board. Finally, there is a trend for adventure. Many of our clients now want to travel to far-flung places and enjoy sport and adventure whilst there.”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 24
WINCH DESIGN
PHOTO: KLAUS JORDAN
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 25
WINCH DESIGN
WINCH DESIGN
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 26
WINCH DESIGN
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 27
WINCH DESIGN
PHOTO: WINCH DESIGN
HALO, a fully customized airship, is a concept craft that would have enough living space to accommodate 20 suites and bedrooms...
The manner in which people travel has changed: almost everyone can afford to travel—meaning the richest of the population are changing how they actualize their dreams. “People now ‘think big’ whether it is in creating their homes, their businesses or traveling the world,” says Andrew. “We are lucky enough to design the most beautiful yachts, planes,
helicopters and have also created designs for a private train, car and even a private airship.” HALO, a fully customized airship, is a concept craft that would have enough living space to accommodate 20 suites and bedrooms, multiple grand saloons and dining rooms, work and conference spaces, a spa, a cinema, a ballroom and much more. The cargo bay itself has
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 28
WINCH DESIGN
PHOTO: WINCH DESIGN
Multiple grand saloons and dining rooms, work and conference spaces, a spa, a cinema, a ballroom and much more.
been designed to accommodate a mega yacht as large as 180 feet and a helicopter, which can all be lowered onto water or land. The size of four soccer fields it has all the accouterments of a busy life to remote locations around the globe. With Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval, HALO may become a reality in the not-too-distant future.
Andrew says, “For me every single project and client is different. The developments in technology mean we are always looking to the future and things that seem far-fetched slowly become a reality. We really are creating dreams at the very highest level and when we first put pencil to paper to start the creative process, the possibilities are limitless.�
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 29
NO.4 Eat & Drink
Adriana Krรถller: Fashioning Food For Fellowship
TEXT: ANNE FOONG / PHOTOS: ADRIANA KROLLER
FEATURED PLACES
CHANGINGPLATE.COM
GERMANY & COSTA RICA
ADRIANAKROLLE
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 30
RECIPES COSTA RICAN RICE AND BEANS, WHITE ASPARAGUS IN THYME & BUTTER
ADRIANA KRÖLLER
“Happy heart: What is it about food that brings families and friends together?”
For 23 years, Adriana Kroeller had a successful career as a stylist. After living stateside for four years with her husband, whom she met while traveling alone in Europe, the couple decided to start fresh in Germany. She left her career, family and friends for an unfamiliar environment, culture and language. Very quickly she discovered that learning her way around a European kitchen, preparing meals for new friends is a great way to establish new relationships. Cooking was always part of Adriana’s life but it wasn’t until she returned to her native country of Costa Rica for three months where she found her true calling. A magazine caught her attention while waiting at a local bus stop: “Happy heart: What is it about food that brings families and friends together?” It was talking about different cultures coming from different parts of the world and people were eating together. She says, “I could do this! Open the line of human communication and connecting personal experiences with my camera and writing through food. ”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 31
ADRIANA KRÖLLER
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 32
ADRIANA KRÖLLER
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 33
ADRIANA KRÖLLER
“‘Food and life is an equalizer. Food is what brings us together. Food changes people’, Adriana says. ”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 34
ADRIANA KRÖLLER
Her lifestyle & food blog Changing Plate is her voice. She documents everything between her traveling experiences in both lessons taught and learned, sharing inspiration through food recipes and channelling journeys of self-discovery alongside her daughter, who is 3. Her blog is witty, personal, honest and real. She says, “It was a chance to rebuild my entire life so food is how I’ve learned to communicate and express myself. Having given up everything and being reborn at [age] 38, it’s a challenging journey but an amazing opportunity. Life is creative.” To Adriana, food is not just part of sustenance; it is a way of life. “Food and life is an equalizer. Food is what brings us together. Food changes people”, Adriana says. Adriana is passing on what she has learned to her own daughter; “She is always a part of everything. She is learning together with me. When you visit other cultures, you bring back those ideas so when you are creating different menus; you want to bring that authenticity back to the table because every dish has a life story. What we eat, she eats. She doesn’t know what she is eating, she just eats it. I think that comes from the practice at home. Make it a part of everything that you do on the table. It brings our families together.” At the moment, her little one is going through a picky phrase, so Adriana’s solution: “Puree the vegetables or hide them. Kids love pureed soup and fresh bread.” Adriana is currently involved in a children’s gardening and cooking project teaching them the process of how food goes from seed to table and healthy living styles. “When you are given the space to redesign your life, to answer a call which you didn’t even know is there, you see the creativity in life. You can create and change the way people feel about themselves. I want one of those big giant tables where I can sit with my family and friends having a beautiful time, creating memories and influencing the way they feel. That is a gift. It’s a powerful position to be in.”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 35
NO.5 Destination Highlight
With the Wind in Your Sails: Croatia by Boat
TEXT AND PHOTOS: ASHLEY PUCKETT
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 36
C R OAT I A BY B OAT
Croatia has become Europe’s fastest growing destination.
Croatia has become Europe’s fastest growing destination. Its untouched nature and more than 1,000 islands, medieval cities donned with white marble streets, rolling coastlines speckled with pristine pebbled beaches, and transparent emerald waters lure travelers from around the world. Adding to its popularity, Croatia is extremely safe and it’s inexpensive compared to most of Europe. It hasn’t (yet) been overrun by the tourist industry so the charm and raw history is accessible and intact. You can picnic in an ancient Roman coliseum and feel like you’re alone. Whether you’re a foodie, party animal, sporty, family, single, or a history buff, there is something for everyone. I’ve been exploring Croatia for years by car, plane, bus, ferry and bike. However, nothing is more surreal than discovering this enchanting country than with the wind in your sails.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 37
WITH THE WIND IN YOUR SAILS
Have you ever seen stars so big and close you’ve tried to catch them on your tongue like snowflakes?
Croatia has now become infamous for Yacht and Sail Week. Seven days of sailing to hidden splendors with people of all ages from around the world, all with the same goal: to have a good time. Book a spot on a boat or rent your own to explore a different island on the daily. With a few friends and summer upon us, I embarked on my first sailing trip in Croatia. Magic and beauty renders me speechless as I attempt to describe it. Have you ever seen stars so big and close you’ve tried to catch them on your tongue like snowflakes? Wandered a city transformed from an ancient palace with sounds of violins in the distance? Walked on marble streets so smooth you can practically skate? Grilled on a deserted beach? Watched an open-air cinema with the Adriatic Sea as your backdrop? Paddled through glowing blue caves? Enjoyed a sunset celebration?
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 38
C R OAT I A BY B OAT
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 39
WITH THE WIND IN YOUR SAILS
Our trip was booked through a company called Sail Week Croatia. I was a bit nervous to live on a boat for a week, I’m not exactly a spring chicken and had set high expectations. Our route would lead us to seven different destinations; we didn’t need to plan our itineraries, but rather would arrive to an island to explore for the day, and an extravagant event was organized every evening. Quickly, everyone lost the idea of time or even knowing what day it was. In the mornings, the Skipper would navigate as we slept so we’d awake to a view of dotted islands over crystal clear open seas with breakfast set on deck. The journey continued with brief stops to wade in the Adriatic and grilling out on deserted beaches. The rest of the days were filled with hikes, massages, wine-tastings and shopping for the best rosemary infused honey. Evenings began with an apéro shared between boats and new friends before heading to a local restaurant to dine on fresh catch grilled and seasoned with only lemon and salt while sipping on the local Lipa Novič wine. Some evenings out on the water, the stars seemed so close, it felt like we could hold them in our hands.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 40
C R OAT I A BY B OAT
The Skipper would navigate as we slept so we’d awake to a view of dotted islands over crystal clear open seas with breakfast set on deck.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 41
WITH THE WIND IN YOUR SAILS
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 42
C R OAT I A BY B OAT
Croatia has now become infamous for Yacht and Sail Week
Without giving away all the magic, sailing Croatia is absolutely a must have experience in your lifetime as the secret of this beautiful country can’t be kept safe much longer. My advice is to not drag your feet as the landscape will certainly be built up in the coming years.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 43
NO.6 Muses & Merchants
Live. Travel. Savor. TEXT: EMMA CUNNINGHAM P H O T O S : WAY FA R E N , B E T H A N Y E R I N P H O T O G R A P H Y AND KATHRYN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
After capturing stunning, inspirational images from their European travels, Luke and Abby Hatteberg decided that they could not simply just let their pictures and memories sit on a computer screen.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 44
L I V E. T R AV E L. SAVOR.
The husband and wife team decided to take their passion for travel to the next level
FEATURED PLACES:
WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP/WAYFAREN
DALLAS, TEXAS
@WAFARENCO
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 45
L I V E. T R AV E L. SAVOR.
The husband and wife team decided to take their passion for travel to the next level and launched Wayfaren, a company dedicated to handcrafted travel goods, in the summer of 2012. It turned out to be just the creative outlet they needed to encourage people to reminisce on past travels, while dreaming up new adventures as well. From beautiful, engraved wooden keepsake boxes and prints, to push pin maps and travel notebooks, Wayfaren has stumbled upon a way to add more disposition to nostalgia. “Travel related products can sometimes be cheesy and we feel like we’re now just coming into a period where things are changing into really beautiful, timeless, classy, well-designed products, so we hope to fit into that niche,” says Abby. Like most self-employed, full time entrepreneurs will tell you, it is a challenging task but also equally as rewarding. “It’s stressful when everything falls on you,” explains Abby. “From packaging, customer service, editing, designing, it can be difficult. And now we also have a one-year-old daughter. On the
other side of the coin, since we are smaller company, we can really connect with our customers and hear their stories, where they’re going, where they’ve traveled to and what occasion they’re buying the product for, which is amazing.” Using Etsy as a home base for selling their product, Abby and Luke feel very fortunate to use this platform to grow their business, however they are striving to take things to the next level for Wayfaren selling their prints and notebooks in stores and boutiques. The Hatteberg’s hold importance on keeping their goods handcrafted and made in the U.S.A. Community is such an important element for Luke and Abby that Wayfaren became a partner of The Her Initiative — an organization bringing clean water and hygiene curriculum to underdeveloped communities around the globe. 10 percent of every Wayfaren purchase goes to support this mission. The couple plans to travel down the California coastline this summer with their daughter. A classic, American road trip if we do say so ourselves. We await what timeless inspiration the coastline can give to them and Wayfaren.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 46
L I V E. T R AV E L. SAVOR.
From packaging, customer service, editing, designing, it can be difficult.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 47
L I V E. T R AV E L. SAVOR.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 48
L I V E. T R AV E L. SAVOR.
The Hatteberg’s hold importance on keeping their goods handcrafted and made in the U.S.A. Community is such an important element for Luke and Abby that Wayfaren became a partner of The Her Initiative
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 49
NO.7 Fashion
From Africa to Australia: How Two Sisters Are Changing the Face of Global Fashion
TEXT: BRITTANY TEMPLETON / PHOTOS: JENNA ERIKSEN
FEATURED PLACES
COLLECTIVECLOSETS.COM.AU
AFRICA & AUSTRALIA
COLLECTIVECLOSETS
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 50
FROM AFRICA TO AUSTRALIA
“Angola-born and Melbourne-raised, these stylish siblings have brought a whole new meaning to global fashion.” UPWARD MAGAZINE - 51
FROM AFRICA TO AUSTRALIA
What happens when two creative and worldly sisters collaborate? Angola-born and Melbourne-raised, these stylish siblings have brought a whole new meaning to global fashion. We asked what inspired this dynamic duo to channel their creative flare and create Collective Closets. Their response was simple… travel. “Our travels to Nairobi, Kenya ignited the dream that has always been there — to start our own label. It really gave us the creative push and was the motivating force we needed to begin fulfilling our dreams.” From that moment on, Fatuma and Laurinda Ndenzako began to brainstorm what soon would become Collective Closets. They noticed a huge gap in the Australian market when it came to African textiles, and saw an opportunity to marry African and Australian cultures. Other than Australia, Angola and Kenya, these sisters were influenced by their travels to New York City. “New York fashion is bold, unapologetic, fearless and effortless. We remember being swept away and captivated by just about everything it had to offer. The common thread being that the women exuded confidence and attitude, with no lack of creativity when it came to inspiring fashion.” Collective Closets not only shows the beautiful combination of African textiles, Australian trends and American attitude, but it fits every woman. With their mother being from Luanda, Angola, this city is most certainly the largest influence for their latest collection. As the backdrop to their mothers early twenties, here she experimented with style that was fearless, bold and unapologetic. “We wanted to promote self-expression while evoking that strength and confidence that our mother exuded. This collection has been our salute and our interpretation of the
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 52
FROM AFRICA TO AUSTRALIA
“...shows the beautiful combination of African textiles, Australian trends and American attitude, but it fits every woman. ”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 53
FROM AFRICA TO AUSTRALIA
“The key is to find something you’re so passionate about and keep pushing through, just as the women behind Collective Closets have done. ”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 54
FROM AFRICA TO AUSTRALIA
women that lived through this time. We wanted to transport our customers to a recently liberated Angola, a moment in history re-imagined through our pieces, guided by our mother’s lens and her experiences.” Collective Closets is a family affair and these two confident and creative sisters spend most of their day side by side. For them, it’s a walk in the park… literally. “Typically, our day begins by meeting at our local park for a half hour walk where we discuss the week’s agenda and any emails that may have trickled in the night before. We sit down for a quick bite —coffee for Fatuma and a fresh juice of some sort for Laurinda. With our heads clear we arrive back to the studio, fight over who has control of what music will play in the background then get straight into our work.” While they do have to make a conscious effort to not allow the stress of their label get in the way of their relationship, they make clear, “We have always had a strong bond, so working together in this capacity has actually been an amazing experience.” “Stay true to yourself and take risks, but know that not all risks pay off. Dust yourself off and keep it moving!” a few words of wisdom from the globe-trotting sisters. After spending the past year completely engulfed in their work and on the verge of exploding, they also highlight the importance of balance. “This year we’ve made a conscious effort to create a healthy balance, it is vital for the longevity of our business and the quality of work we produce.” Finding that balance between personal life, professional life, and of course, travel can be difficult. The key is to find something you’re so passionate about and keep pushing through, just as the women behind Collective Closets have done. “This might seem a bit soppy, but seeing our clothes on our customers always puts the biggest smile on our face, it’s truly the best feeling,” they say. Their incredible pieces are sure to put a smile on your face and after all, your city may just be the inspiration to their next collection!
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 55
NO.8 Eat & Drink
Jordan Salcito Momofuku’s Master Sommelier Tells Us of Dreams Actualized
TEXT: SUMMER JOHNSON
FEATURED PLACES NEW YORK
LINKS BELLUSWINES.COM
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 56
JORDAN SALCITO
Jordan Salcito sits on her Mercer Street balcony with her husband and new baby and reminisces about first coming to the city. She talks about being dropped off by her father at her first apartment some 11 years ago. He became teary eyed at the thought of dropping his little girl off into a small, bug-infested apartment in Manhattan, but despite her humble beginnings, it has all paid off. Now wine director of Momofuku’s flagship tasting room, Jordan is one of the world’s most renowned Master Sommeliers. She has served at a long list of establishments including Veritas, Eleven Madison Park, Crown, and Daniel. She received her B.A. in English Literature, also making her an amazing conversationalist. This interview forced me to look up more French words than I care to admit, but I loved every minute of listening to Jordan talk about wine.
New Beginnings After receiving a degree from Johnson & Wales culinary school in Denver, CO in 2006, Jordan began an internship at Daniel in New York City. Here, she was first introduced to work as a sommelier. It all started with an unexpected conversation with restaurant owner and chef, Daniel Boulud, after work. “I would get out of work pretty late, so I would swing by to get a last minute pastry and walk home. One night Daniel was teaching and entertaining guests in the lounge. I had a book that caught his eye and we conversed about how he started Daniel. He brought out the remainder of a bottle from his guests — a Syrah called Jaboulet La Chapelle from a 1978 Vintage collection — it had notes of bacon fat, lavender, dried raspberries... a beautiful wine.” Jordan tried a glass per his invitation and her curiosity was sparked. Daniel had opened Jordan’s eyes to a world of wine that she wanted to become involved in.
“...sometimes the life that you think you want is not what you end up liking. Keep your eyes open to the twists and turns of life.” UPWARD MAGAZINE - 57
PHOTO ERIN TOLAND
JORDAN SALCITO
Taking a Leap of Faith A few months later, Daniel would be cooking at La Paulee des Neiges in Aspen, an event for the world’s top wine producers. Jordan would support him as a cook. She remembers feeling intimidated by the idea of cooking with Daniel, plus the event features five of the biggest wine makers in New York and Burgundy. Previously, she had read about these greats in Cote d’Or by Clive Coates, the best book out on Burgundy’s famous domaines at the time. Daniel saw that she loved the experience and recommended she go to Burgundy and work the wine harvest. That night at dinner she spoke to Jean Pierre de Smet of Domaine de l’Arlot. He said it would be wonderful to have her on board. This was a major life shift from Jordan’s initial goals to write about food for The New York Times, but she says, “sometimes the life that you think you want is not what you end up liking. Keep your eyes open to the twists and turns of life.”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 58
JORDAN SALCITO
Taking Notes: Terroir The notion of terroir refers to wines tasting like the place it is from. Regions, vineyards, soil, water, climate, how grapes are pruned and the number of grapes that will appear on that bunch, is also a part of terroir. Every decision ends up affecting what the grape tastes like. “Certain regions are more predisposed to being able to produce an interesting wine. For me, that tends to be linked with places that have a dynamic soil. These are places that inhabit very stony, rocky soil as opposed to clay,” says Jordan. One of her favorite notes — limestone — imparts a lot of minerals into water causing more of an effect on the taste. It results in a wine that is brighter and more fresh. Jordan says, “When I taste a wine from Mosel it taste like there’s a limestone in my glass.” Jordan began her own wine company, Bellus, and acquired an appreciation for the process and makes allowances for compromise. When making her wines has ecological emphasis on minimal intervention that learned in Burgundy.
has no she she
“I realized that there are sort of two philosophical schools of making wine that I could choose from: There are the small producers that focus more on minimal intervention; then, there are larger producers who don’t build as an agricultural product but rather as a commercial commodity. For me great wine tastes delicious, and tastes like the place that it is from. So, it’s always organically cultured and always with a sense of terroir.” Jordan wanted to make wine for people who love it and didn’t know that much about it. “That was why we decided to make each bottle marked with a signature PALA-TABLE® that breaks down the wine’s profile on the back label. It can be kind of a parlor trick to impress your friends but more importantly, it’s a real teaching tool. Once you have that wine language, like any other language, you practice it, and a whole world opens up for you. That is priceless.”
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 59
NO.9 Muse
Paper, Glue & Scissors. Interview with Fajar P. Domingo
TEXT: ASHLEY PUCKETT PHOTOS: INGGA SWANDANA
FEATURED PLACES:
SOCIETY6.COM
INDONESIA
OHFAJAR
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 60
PAPER, GLUE & SCISSORS
“I can remember my big sister being really not cool with me cutting up all her magazines, but I was creating my own world,” laughed Fajar, who started crafting his collages when he was a mere six years old. Fajar P. Domingo now runs a design firm in Jakarta and bored with constantly working on corporate designs, he decided to revisit his childhood passion as an outlet for his bursting need for creativity. “In my art, I found total freedom to create without being afraid of being rejected by clients or worried if it looks bad. I’ve found freedom in my art,” Fajar says. “Life being the biggest inspiration itself, there’s always so much more left to be discovered.” Fajar’s collages are pop candy for the eyes — simple, yet powerful in their interpretation. He mixes digital images, vintage photos and shapes giving his designs a retro-surreal look. He posted his first collage online five years ago, never imagining he would now be creating campaigns for fashion houses like Gucci. Fajar stated in a recent interview that his first inspiration was his grandfather, a carpenter, and the amazement at seeing him create chairs from a log of wood. It was also the moment Fajar realized that life was temporary but art stays forever. A recent newlywed, Fajar and his wife enjoy traveling around their home country of Indonesia. 17,000 islands, mountains, sea, forest and more than 1,000 different cultures co-habitate in their nation. He imagines it would take 40 years to see it all. Travel inspires his collages, and the most recent place that made his jaw-drop was Tokyo. At Upward, we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 61
PAPER, GLUE & SCISSORS
In my art, I found total freedom to create without being afraid of being rejected by clients or worried if it looks bad. I’ve found freedom in my art
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 62
PAPER, GLUE & SCISSORS
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 63
NO.10 Eat & Drink
Koh Yao Noi: Finding a Slice of Paradise on the Andaman Coast
TEXT AND PHOTOS: YULIA DENISYUK PHOTOS: YULIA DENISYUK
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 64
FINDING A SLICE OF PARADISE ON THE ANDAMAN COAST
All-night backpacker parties that celebrate the rise of the full moon and the overcrowded beaches of splashy Phuket catering to the ever increasing influx of tourists are certainly realities of a vacation to Thailand
A mild climate, ample sunshine and miles of stunning beaches have long made Southern Thailand a popular travel destination. All-night backpacker parties that celebrate the rise of the full moon and the overcrowded beaches of splashy Phuket catering to the ever increasing influx of tourists are certainly realities of a vacation to Thailand — but they don’t have to be. A little gem of an island called Koh Yao Noi is just a 30 minute boat ride east of Phuket. Shrewd travelers looking to spend quality time with loved ones have been coming here for years, but the quiet island continues to fly under the radar of its nearby partying neighbors... and we’d like to keep it that way. It is one of the few remaining pristine and peaceful outposts on the Andaman coast.
easy trek from Krabi and Phuket with daily ferries connecting the island to both tourist hubs. Once here, you will have a chance to calm your senses, connect with nature and relax.
A secluded road shaded by tall coconut palms connects Manoh pier with beach bungalows. Unlike elsewhere in Thailand, the only traffic jams on Koh Yao Noi involve roosters and goats crossing the road in front of a lone motorist. Less experienced motorbike riders will find it the perfect place to practice their skill, given the quiet traffic. The main road loops around the island, passing through thick mangrove forests, wide buffalo pastures and stilted homes of the local fishermen brightly painted in shades of orange and blue. Most visitors stay at the southeastern part of the island. Its stunning coastline, notably Koh Yao Noi is the smaller of the two including Pasai Beach, offers front-row views Koh Yao islands in the middle of Phang Nga of the nearby Karst islands which jut out of Bay. The island’s central location makes for an the placid blue waters.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 65
KOH YAO NOI
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 66
FINDING A SLICE OF PARADISE ON THE ANDAMAN COAST
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 67
KOH YAO NOI
Koh Yao Noi is the smaller of the two Koh Yao islands in the middle of Phang Nga Bay
Slow down. Exhale. Decompress. The unhurried pace on Koh Yao Noi is island living at its best. Daily routines revolve around the tide. In the early morning, the calm bay waters slowly fill up the shallow island basins. In the afternoon, the tide is at its fullest, transforming the typically wide beaches into a narrow strip. Not to worry, plenty of hammocks sway lightly on mangrove
trees directly above the gentle emerald waters. Enjoy a refreshing selection of raw green smoothies and freshly squeezed juices at the vegan Chaba Cafe and Gallery. The island’s favorite, coconut ice cream, is best enjoyed while waving to smiling islanders and fellow visitors taking a stroll in search of the nearest hammock. At the neighboring island of Ko
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 68
FINDING A SLICE OF PARADISE ON THE ANDAMAN COAST
Listen to the occasional chirp of a wild bird or a carefree chatter of monkeys, as the lagoon bids farewell
Hong accessible by longtail boat, one can snorkel in a remote lagoon that looks like an emerald pool by day and transforms into a mangrove forest at low tide. Listen to the occasional chirp of a wild bird or a carefree chatter of monkeys, as the lagoon bids farewell to your rested spirit and your boat gently glides back to Koh Yao Noi.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the airy Kaya restaurant run by welcoming staff. The slowcooked beef Massaman curry, rich with cardamom, cloves, star anise, and fragrant coconut milk is one of their specialties. The scene turns surreal in its beauty at sunset as fishermen secure their boats and the tide recedes. Welcome to paradise.
UPWARD MAGAZINE - 69