FEBRUARY 2012 | ISSUE 4 | COMMITTED
VEUX Magazine - Issue 4 - Committed STAFF Ada Adams Editor-In-Chief/Content Director/Public Relations ada@veuxmag.com
Vivien Hoang Editor/Advisor/Layout Design vivien@veuxmag.com
Wales Wong Editor/Photographer/Literary Editor wales@veuxmag.com
Natasha Smith Junior Editor Yawen Chan Web Producer
CONTRIBUTORS: Suzanne Clancy, Sandra Di Leo, Scott Easson, Ayobola Ejiwunmi, Vi Vien Hoang, Consuelo McAlister, Andrew Oplinger, Julie Phelps, Anne Pringle, Randy Resh, Alissa Santiago, Nadia Scrieva, Perry David Tennyson, Ivan Valencia, Evita Weed, Wales Wong PUBLISHER AVW Publishing Inc. CONTACT www.veuxmag.com General Information: info@veuxmag.com Editor-In-Chief: editor@veuxmag.com Editorial Submissions: editorial@veuxmag.com Writing Submissions: write@veuxmag.com Advertising Inquiries: advertise@veuxmag.com Subscribe: subscribe@veuxmag.com FOLLOW www.facebook.com/veuxmag www.twitter.com/VeuxMag COVER PHOTO Photography: Mathew Wilson Make-Up & Hair: Cait Mizzi (TRESemmĂŠ Hair Care/Judy Inc) Wardrobe Styling: Tova McCall (Judy Inc.) Model: Dayana (PUSH Models) BACK COVER Photography: Glaza Kinski Make-Up & Hair: Veronica (GKS) Wardrobe Styling: Anne (GKS) Model: Georgia
IN THIS ISSUE
ISSUE FOUR | COMMITTED
Photography: Nicolas Torres (www.nictorres.com) Make-Up & Hair; Annika Bowen (ANNIKA’S) Wardrobe Styling: Annika Bowen & Kate Bollard Models: Rhiannon (Scene Models) & Sam Davis
FEATURES
EDITORIAL
5 Beauty: The Sheen Addiction 8 Beauty: An Intimate Embrace 12 Beauty: Une Fille 22 Feature: Sustainable Fashion 58 Lifestyle: Crazy for Love 82 Beauty: Juuli 84 Beauty: Warrior Queen
16 Winter in Sea and Sand 30 The Red String 36 Country Love 42 Ce Soir 52 Wonderful Thought 60 Fall in Love 68 Eternal Commitment 90 Le paysage, le reve et le desir
ARTS 6 Visual & Fiction: Mesulina 10 Visual: Scott Easson 11 Poetry: Fruit of the Tree 34 Poetry: Rearranging the Cosmos 35 Visual: Committed 48 Visual: Perry David Tennyson 76 Visual: How Strange, Innocence 83 Poetry: Romantic
IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Letter from the Editors 66 Lifestyle: A Date with Toronto 74 Travel: Seoul Searching
Letter from the Editors “Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the “right stuff” to turn our dreams into reality.” – James Womak “When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.” – Nancy Coey
The theme of this issue draws inspiration from the word “Committed”. We are pleased to feature creative works influenced by a broad interpretation of the word because, truly, one can be committed to so much. During the month of February, many are reminded of their commitment to loved ones – partners, family members, good friends. Others reaffirm their commitment to beliefs and causes by speaking out on important issues, getting involved in movements they are passionate about, or simply by giving a hand to someone in need. Commitment to one’s self and personal growth is also important. All individuals featured in this issue – the designers of sustainable fashion who pour their hearts into the garments they create, the writers who evoke feelings with their words and prose, the artists, photographers and models intent on creating art which manifests from a desire to be understood – are extremely committed to their work. More importantly, they are passionate about what they do. After all, commitment and passion often exist in relation to one another. As editors of VEUX Magazine we are committed to our readers and contributors, while also being dedicated to promoting both new and established artists and organizations. We take pride in the innovative individuals and companies featured within our pages who share the common goal of making the world a more interesting and better place. VEUX has come a long way since its beginning and knowing that we have the support of a worldwide audience has helped us to keep growing and developing further on this journey. Thank you for your devotion and support! AA on behalf of the editors at VEUX Magazine.
Photography: Giorgio Pesce (Paris Agency) Make-Up & Hair: Sara Priori Wardrobe Styling: Viktor Aleksandrovic Model: Petra Hanusz (Boom Models Agency Milano) Dress by Ebéne ny P. Assuline Eyeglasses by Foto Ottica Veneta Wood Bag by Rocto
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Top Left: MAC chromagraphic pencil Process Magenta, MAC Lustering Lipstick with clear MAC Lipglass
Top Right: MAC Stylistics Soft Pout Lipstick and MAC Crush Metal Pigments STACKED 2 with clear MAC Lipglass
Bottom Left: MAC Lipsticks, Strength, Dare You and Capricious with clear MAC
Lipglass
The Sheen Addiction UNITED STATES Photography: Merry Widjaya (www.merrywidjaya.com) Make-Up: Jason Melgar (www.jasonmelgar.com) Model: Sara Cremer
Bottom Right: MAC Vino Lipliner with MAC Lipstick Media with clear MAC Lipglass
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Mesulina Text by Vi Vien Hoang
CANADA Photography: Vincent Lions (www.vincentlions.com) Make-Up: Beatrice Jean (www.beatricejean.com) Hair: Hair Enforcer (www.modelmayhem.com/38450) Fashion Design: Sodaliscious Designs (sodaliscious.com) Jewelry Designer: Jessgo Jewels (www.jessgojewels.com) Body Paint: Pashur (www.canvasalive.com) & Sean Avram (www.bravobodyart.com) Model: Josie Lee (www.josielee.com)
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ART with the crashing waves and the raucous cries of the black-throated gulls. They would walk and follow the meandering path of the river through the woods, stopping to sup only when they reach the small secluded waterfalls. Raymond was in love. Mesulina had a quick wit, a gentle heart, and a voice that could quell the raging ocean in his heart. His father approved of the match, and his father’s court could find no fault with the enchanting young woman. So he proposed. “Yes - but only on one condition.” “Anything, my love.” “Saturdays are mine and mine alone, to share with my mothers and my sisters. You must never question me, or follow me. And in return, I pledge my love, loyalty and devotion - now until my dying breath.” So they were wed, a joyous feast that lasted a fortnight. And as promised, Mesulina was a good wife, helping her husband rule the fiefdom with a firm fairness. She bore him many children, strong and healthy. She was loved by the people, and she was loved by her husband.
He spotted her bathing in the cool river waters, humming an old mariner’s sea chantey as her long brown hair fanned out behind her. Raymond had been travelling now for many a day, hunting the great boars and stags for the summer’s festival - and after nothing but the company of stout and swarthy men, he was captivated by this young woman. A rare beauty, Raymond found he could not look away. He must have made an involuntary movement or noise - a sigh at her loveliness - for she glanced up, alarmed. Raymond should have ducked his head, and made profuse apology for spying on her but his foolish heart spurred him on. “My lady! You are a vision for these tired eyes. Please, will you not grace me with your name?” She lowered herself deeper into the waters, until naught but her face was showing. Her eyes were keen and bright, but shrewd. “Mesulina, my lord.” “And you hail from these lands?” Her lips quirked into a small smile. “Aye, I suppose one might say that. I was born not far from the fishing village of Bergeron.” What luck! A village on his father’s land - and a village of good and hardy folk, whose sons and daughters took to the seas like fish and supplied the fiefdom with its sailors and cod. Emboldened, he ask, “And may I call on you there, my lady?” “You may. But only on the Sundays, for the Saturdays are mine and mine alone, to share with my mother and my sisters.” And so every Sunday he would ride out to Bergeron and meet with Mesulina. They would sit along the piers and listen to the fishmongers’ calls intermingle
And yet every Saturday, no matter the season, she would leave before the first rays of dawn only to return at nightfall. The first few years, he obliged her happily - too in love to care. But as time marched inexorably forward, he began to feel a nagging tug in the pit of his belly. He was no longer young - there were more grey hairs now than blond, and he was more portly than taut - meanwhile, his wife ever retained her ethereal beauty. The doubts gnawed at him, giving him sleepless nights. Mesulina was still ever the doting wife, six days a week - but what of the seventh day? What plot or treachery was there? Raymond broke his promise one dark, wintery Saturday. He trailed her silently as she left the castle, as she threaded with soft footfalls through the woods to a cavern. Lit only by torches, he watched from behind a rock as his wife embraced her sisters and her mother. They stripped of their clothes - her silken finery and their homespun wool - and then dove into the cave’s crystal clear pool. What happened next stunned him, and he would have disbelieved his own eyes if he could. Where there were once legs, now was a shiny fish tail, glistening in the salt water. The women slid through the water with ease, twisting and turning as they frolicked. Their songs echoed off the cavernous roof, resonant and haunting. He must have made an involuntary movement or noise - a gasp at the shocking sight - for she glanced up, alarmed. Their eyes met and he saw the hurt, betrayal and sadness. Where, as a young man, his heart would have been brave and he would have called out to her, to beg for her forgiveness - he was now rooted to the spot ashamed of his own mistrust. Without a further word, the mermaids all dove beneath the waves, never to be seen again. It is said after Mesulina disappeared, the ocean’s bounty of fish in Bergeron became scarce and the waves tolerated no sailors from Raymond’s ports. But legends also say that Mesulina never stopped loving Raymond and if you go to the cave on one dark, wintery Saturday, you can hear the whispers of a woman singing an old mariner’s sea chantey while weeping for a lost love. COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 7
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An Intimate Embrace
CANADA Photography: Nabil Shash Make-Up & Hair: Jem Lopez Models: Diana and Mieliekki
Left
Necklace by Aldo Accessories Bracelets by H & M Brooch: Make-Up Artist’s own Make up: Camera Ready Cosmetics
Above
Earrings by Aldo Accessories Necklace by Aldo Accessories Make up: Camera Ready Cosmetics
Right
Necklace by H & M Ring by H & M Make up: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
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ABOUT THE ARTIST: Scott Easson graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario with a double major in painting and sculpture. After five years of working and learning in Tokyo, Japan, he has settled in Toronto, Ontario where he is a member of Walnut Studios (www.walnutstudios.com). www.scotteassonart.com 10 | VEUX | ISSUE 4 | COMMITTED
FRUIT OF THE TREE By Randy Resh
And there is this moment of thousand petaled moments brilliantly veiled obsidian sights ageless of ether impermeable aethers breaching space splayed petals’ rude sand grain swayed let us bite the pomegranate’s pollinate savour lush fruit blushing ripe pregnant night let it lend us to stealing gleefully squealing lavishly laughing ultraviolet’s limelight let us bite the pomegranate’s pollinate savour lush fruit blushing ripe pregnant night devour with daring of Eden mine darling favour such flavour rend splendour twilight But there is this moment of precious petaled moments delicious and viscous audacious auspicious so let’s sift unforgiving bending the barring sowing resplendence breathe musk sweet dusk bright let us bite the pomegranate’s pollinate savour lush fruit blushing ripe pregnant night let us bathe in abandon sublimest defiance to fashion our fortunes with dawning delights
ABOUT THE POET: Randy Resh works in film and television. His pieces have been published in France, Korea, Japan, South Africa, New York, and throughout continental North America. His next collection, “Tesseract Island” is drawn from his experiences - both on and off set. COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 11
BEAUTY
Une Fille CANADA Photography: Farzam Hosseindoust (www.farzamhd.com) Make-Up & Hair: Mitchell Young (MAC Cosmetics) Model: Skylar D (Elite Toronto) 12 | VEUX | ISSUE 4 | COMMITTED
BEAUTY
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BEAUTY
Face: MAC Face and Body Foundation in C2, MAC Prep and Prime Finishing Powder Eyes: MAC Paint Pot in Indianwood, MAC Shadow in Brun, MAC Eye Pencil in Coffee, MAC Zoomlash in Lofty Brown Lips: MAC Lipstick in Hue Cheeks: MAC Powder Blush in Buff Hair: Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray
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BEAUTY
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Winter in Sea and Sand
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EDITORIAL
ITALY Photography: Antonio Guzzardo Make-Up & Hair: Valentina Pintus Fashion Design: Giulia Attioli & Sonia Cerasaro Wardrobe Styling: Giulia Attioli & Sonia Cerasaro Assistant: Giovanni Merone Model: Marianna (Zoe)
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EDITORIAL
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EDITORIAL
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EDITORIAL
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FEATURE
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FEATURE
Sustainable Fashion
Photography: Wales Wong (www.waleswong.com) Photographer’s Assistant: Yawen Chan Make-Up: Jem Lopez (using Camera Ready Cosmetics) Hair: Cora Poon (www.teethandblades.blogspot.com) Fashion Design: Local Buttons, Jool Clothing & MITZ Jewellery: Whimsy WonderWorks - Suzanne Clancy Wardrobe Styling: Crystal Roy (www.blacklacefactory.blogspot.com) Model: Vivien H (Sherrida Personal MGMT Inc.) Striped Blouse by Jool Clothing Cropped Skirt by Jool Clothing “Pepe” Vest by Local Buttons Necklace by Whimsy Wonder Works Yellow Chain Purse by MITZ COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 23
MITZ Canada Weaving a Future
Ivan Valencia www.mitzcanada.org I would like to invite you to imagine a world in which every single product that we use or consume in turn will help someone or something in need: the environment, the less fortunate, or perhaps the education of our future generations. In this hypothetical environmentally conscious world, if you buy a book, a tree will be planted. If you pump gas for your car, dollars will be spent on alternative energy research. Imagine every single product consumed will be contributing to a better world. Today I would like to introduce you to MITZ! It means “for you” in Nahuatl, the Native Mexican language, and it is such a beautiful and complete social project that you are going to wonder why you have not heard about it before, and why you are not carrying one of their fashionable products. From Waste to Fashion to Love MITZ begins by using recycled candy wrappers that would otherwise go to a landfill. Mother Artisans from communities outside of Mexico City use this paper, and with some creativity, start weaving it to create these gorgeous products that over the past years have become a statement in the Eco-Fashion industry. But the work with the Artisans does not stop there. MITZ creates weekly and monthly workshops to teach the Artisans how to be a better person and stand up for themselves. The workshops range from communication skills, to household finances; from how to talk to their husbands and discuss family issues, to healthier eating practices and better living. What’s more important, and in fact the main reason for MITZ being founded 8 years ago, is the support for the education of our future generations. The Children’s House of Palo Solo is a Montessori school for children with low economic resources in the community of Palo Solo, Mexico. Judy Achar, Montessori Guide and Founder of MITZ, realized that they needed to find a way to make the school self-sustainable. Along with four mothers from the community of Palo Solo, they established the organization. It did not take long before other mothers joined the project and suddenly the whole community was recycling the candy wrappers for the Artisans to be able to weave the products. This great movement attracted the attention of a few corporations like M&M’S WORLD® which displays good corporate responsibility and shared similar values as MITZ. They decided not only to start donating their paper, but to also offer continuous support to the organization. This support from bigger corporations opened a new door of opportunities for MITZ. With their help, the products started to sell in the M&M’S WORLD® stores in New York, Las Vegas, and London.
ness itself. There were no marketing or business strategies in place. This gave a considerable advantage to competitors to further develop their own strategies and business plans. Sales started to decline and since MITZ was not able to guarantee stable and constant production, the group of Artisans started to gradually lose motivation. Eventually many Artisans left the group; the administrative team and the atmosphere at the humble MITZ’s office were filled with doubt. MITZ started to wonder if such project was truly accomplishable. 2011 was a tough year for MITZ. The original group of Artisans dropped down to 14, and was replaced by a small, but more trustable few. MITZ was only able to provide 300 scholarships in 2010 and 180 in 2011. Key members of the team were lost and Judy Achar had to decrease her focus on sales by taking upon administrative tasks. Without realizing it, MITZ was in financial trouble and the thought of shutting down was now an alternative in the founder’s mind. You must be wondering how it is possible that such a remarkable project--with an amazing portfolio of fashionable products--that recycles, promotes fair trade, and gives profits to Children’s Education is about to close down? I asked myself the same question. A Brand New MITZ I have always had a big passion for education and I do believe that it is the solution to many of the issues in our world. When I was first introduced to the MITZ project and its support to the Children’s House of Palo Solo, I knew I had to help them out. As a result, I got an amazing opportunity through my work to be sponsored while I went to Mexico and lent a hand. Problems are opportunities, obstacles have to be faced, and we all have to learn from our mistakes. With this in mind the MITZ strategy was redefined for the future. MITZ gathered the most trustable group of Artisans. It re-organized a new engaged and motivated team and it is now ready for success. We noticed that our for-profit competitors were able to copy and develop very similar products with recycled candy wrappers. However, they did not have a social project behind it. MITZ now understands that quality work, fair trade, and care for education are its advantages.
The years previous to 2010 were very successful for MITZ. The group of Artisans grew very quickly and at one point it had reached 150 members from various communities in the outskirts of Mexico City. MITZ was able to provide over 2500 scholarships for the school of Palo Solo and the world was in love with their high quality and unique looking handbags and accessories.
The eco-fashion industry has now opened its doors to MITZ. Their fashionable products will now have a strong influence on the market as all of us jump on the train of sustainability for a better world. Hand-made artistic work is valuable. Sustainable-oriented products and services are essential. Support for schools and our future generations is vital. Therefore, a social project that bears the three aspects is priceless. At the end the day, the choice is ours. We, as consumers, have the final say. Our choice to purchase certain products or others embodies our values and what we stand for.
An Unfortunate Turnaround Even though it is very interesting to read about MITZ’s success in the past; it is important to note that the past two years have not been very flourishing for this not-for-profit organization. MITZ’s ultimate objective was to give the profits to support the children’s education. Precisely 100% of the profits were given away to the school. However, this hurt the organization as there was no re-investment in the busi-
MITZ Canada I knew what was needed to be done and upon my return to Canada I found out that many of us also believe that the hypothetical world described earlier is indeed possible. We are starting a new era in which we, as human beings, are now feeling a deep responsibility for our world. Hence, with the support of an excellent team, MITZ Canada was created to be the official distributor of MITZ products.
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Polka Dot Blouse by Jool Clothing “Sael” Vest by Local Buttons Cropped Skirt by Jool Clothing Purple Clutch by MITZ
By joining sustainable local art and fashion shows, MITZ is getting its name out there. Most importantly, it is starting to be identified as a brand that stands strongly for a better world. But don’t be fooled by other for-profit candy wrapper products; you should Identify MITZ by its logo attached to all of its merchandise. Most importantly, you can be ensured of who the Artisan is who weaved your product with much love by finding his/her signature inside the product. To find out more information about Mitz, our values and objectives, the Artisans’ lives, the Palo Solo school, the children, and where you can purchase the products visit www.mitzcanada.org or contact us at info@mitzcanada.org With your help we are all Weaving a Future!
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Plaid Scarf by Jool Clothing Flannel Skirt by Jool Clothing “Gaelle” Vest by Local Buttons Bracelet by Whimsy WonderWorks Top by Old Navy Shoulder Bag by MITZ
Whimsy WonderWorks Suzanne Clancy www.whimsywonderworks.com About Suzanne Clancy Suzanne is an honours undergraduate from York University in Visual Arts and Women’s Studies. Since 1996, she has run Thumbnail Sketches Ink, a visual display business, which draws on skills developed in a wide range of media from papier maché to woodworking and found object fabrication. As an Energy Therapist, she has completed her Master-Instructor level training in Reiki and Integrated Energy Therapy. Whimsy WonderWorks unites artistic and healing modalities into a single vision incorporating the ancient symbolism common to both. About Whimsy WonderWorks Whimsy WonderWorks represents the evolution of my visual arts and energy therapy work. As we go through life we become wearier and lose touch with the wonder we experience as children. Whimsy WonderWorks offers a little piece of fun – a reminder of what is deep inside each of us – from these raw materials we fashion our lives. The key is awareness. Becoming aware of the perpetual internal processes that are at work within us at any given time, allows us to consciously contribute to the shape we are in. Whimsy and the Symbolism of Shapes When we grow up we are taught to be serious, that there is a time and a place for great fun. However, we often lose sight of when that time is. We become so focused on what we ‘should’, that our connection to the pure perfection of childlike innocence, the source of our personal power, becomes severed. Without this connection we lose the ability to create, and look to conformity and convention as the rule; and rule us they do. When we become reconnected to our childlike innocence and once again we begin to imagine new vistas, are open to new worlds of possibility, we become the expansive beings we are meant to be. It is a homecoming. This is the inspiration for Whimsy WonderWorks – wearable artistic creations that maintain a connection to the child within. The Five Basic Shapes found in Whimsy designs are central in the art of all world cultures: the circle, square, triangle, cross and spiral. These shapes are approximated everywhere in nature as they are the building blocks of our world and culture – we mimic them, echo them, we embody them. This is the spirit of Whimsy. It is time to be a child again and gaze with wonder upon the world.
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Jool Clothing Julie Phelps www.walkwithjool.com JOOL is a spin-off of my name Julie. I’m an eco-fashionista and my clothing line is me. It’s all me. I was born and raised in Brantford Ontario and I always had an intense passion and talent for style and creative fashion. A spark lit my newfound creativity after I purchased my first sewing machine. Shortly after, I moved to Toronto to study fashion design at George Brown College. In 2008, my inspirational clothing line, JOOL, was born. JOOL is a collection of upcycled vintage pieces carefully reclaimed and redesigned into modern and unique works of art. All clothing has been sourced locally and made by me with the intention of bringing new life and vision to each piece. Every piece is different just like every one of us. By researching current fashion trends and street fashion, I am able to redesign pieces that are on trend yet one-of-a-kind. My love of vintage fashion, recycling, and my relentless creative streak has led me down this path to reinvent fashions intended to inspire a unique personal style. With environmental issues becoming more prevalent in our daily lives, we are constantly looking ahead to the future for answers about what we should be doing right now to make a difference. The fashion industry is no exception. Reducing, reusing, and recycling has become a part of our lives. With the popularity of vintage clothing and thrift shopping, fashion is trying to do its part to help our planet too. By reusing existing clothing and buying very little new fabric, I feel JOOL is making a difference one article of clothing at a time. Through my eyes, the JOOL customer is an eco-vintage-fashionista with a modern flare. Each JOOL piece is reborn from its past life, ready for a new history, with an eagerness to experience life again.
Houndstooth Blouse by Jool Clothing High Waisted Pants by Jool Clothing “Sael” Vest by Local Buttons Earrings by Whimsy WonderWorks Shoulder Bag by MITZ
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Local Buttons Redefining Refurbished Haiti
in
Port-au-Prince,
Consuelo McAlister and Anne Pringle www.swayanne.wordpress.com Dressing is most often an international experience. Clothing travels great lengths before finding a home in our closets and draping our backs. From production to consumption, your clothingtravels the globe, and our style is frequently influenced by a diversity of cultures. Fashion functions as a form of personal and artistic expression, a way to show elements of ourselves to the world. So just as clothing demonstrates the intricacies of our artistic personas, does it not also reveal our social views as well? Can it show which among us commit to ethical fashion? Creating garments that are both stylish and responsibly manufactured lies at the heart of Local Buttons: Catalyst for Sustainable Enterprise. Through our studies in international development we were inspired by the diversity of amazing local fashion available in Toronto and set out to promote ‘ethical’ fashion to consumers at large. We fused our commitment to ethical wages, working conditions and conscious consumption with creating change in an artistic way.
Neckpiece by Jool Clothing “Basel” Vest by Local Buttons Earrings by Whimsy WonderWorks Top by Old Navy Capri by Old Navy Messenger Bag by MITZ
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In April of 2010, we launched Local Buttons, and like many entrepreneurs, unsure of how it would take shape in the months ahead. We organized an eco-friendly fashion show to showcase local designers. In addition to creating market opportunities for socially conscious clothing, we raised money for Brandaid, an organization working with artisans in Haiti. You can find out more on our collaboration with Brandaid at http://www.indiegogo.com/ Design-Junction?i=pite Following the success of the fashion show, we began to develop a refurbished fashion line. As a Canadian-Haitian collaboration, we set out to tell the story of our clothing by showcasing the personal connection consumers share with the people who produce our clothing. Our designs, five styles of vests, are inspired by Toronto street fashion and are brought to life by skilled garment-makers in Portau-Prince, Haiti. We are committed to promoting the beauty of fashion in a new and innovative way. We believe each second-hand garment our team creates has a rich history. All sourced locally in Haitian second-hand markets called “pepe”, suit jackets, dress shirts, and pants are constructed into a new articles of clothing with their own unique stories. Choosing to work with Haitians was no accident. The Haitian tailoring industry was once a prominent national economic structure, with a healthy labour market in the industry. When second-hand clothing began to be imported from Western countries in the 1960s, the skilled and talented tailors in Haiti saw their workforce slowly unravel, as locals chose instead to buy their threads cheaply from the streets. “It’s all pepe all the time,” they say. Local Buttons’ vests are produced in a factory downtown Port-au-Prince, by INDEPCO, an NGO that represents tailors. The materials are carefully chosen from gently worn second-hand garments. Then, through the winding streets of Port-au-Prince they are transported by motorcycle to INDEPCO. The clothing is washed and laid out with care. Then begins the hardest and most time consuming step of a vest’s creation which is the dismantling of each garment. Each suit jacket, dress shirt, pair of jeans, and dress pants must be carefully taken apart. Zippers and buttons are removed and set aside as the finishing touches for the vests are pieced together. From our bundled treasures of cloth we and the tailors determine which materials will be best suited to each vest. We hold the skilled artisans in high regard: when we are not in Haiti, we leave the creative process to them. For example, our latest purchase order was completed while we were back in Toronto. We marveled at the colourful and attractive choices the tailors made for the assembly of the vests. Each style celebrates a unique composition of materials to produce a one-of-a-kind piece, and our clients know they have a unique piece when they choose a vest that speaks to their specific tastes. In a world of franchised fashion, many of our customers express pride knowing there is truly none other like it anywhere. Our goal is to create an experience for buyers that demonstrate the beauty of ethical fashion while breaking down the barriers that have prevented it from being a popular alternative. But thankfully, that may be changing. Since our launch, we have witnessed an exciting growth in the market. The network of designers and supporting organizations has developed significantly and we have formed a number of
key partnerships in Toronto. A commitment to sustainably produced and repurposed materials and the design of unisex pieces is no longer a novel idea. Local Buttons boasts a variety of vests; some of which can be worn by both men and women, and more of these designs are in the process. The supportive communities in both Toronto and Port-au-Prince have facilitated a truly imaginative workplace, as new ideas are always encouraged. Without question, the extreme loss the earthquake in 2010 brought about remains a delicate reality, but an uplifting and open-minded social culture and talented, creative tailors create a work environment conducive to creativity and joy, fair compensation, and a sense of ownership. We consider ourselves immensely fortunate to work with incredible people in Port-au-Prince. Our trips to Port-au-Prince further informed us of the great challenges facing the garment sector. We spoke to a number of the professionals who suggested Haiti has become the new China. The country is a favoured destination for cheap labour. Wages in Haiti’s garment sector remain even lower than the national minimum wage. Reviving the garment industry in Haiti has been named as one of the reconstruction projects following the earthquake. Inexplicably, however, ethical wages have not been prioritized in the development plan. Wages remain insufficient to meet a family’s daily expenses for necessities. Even with pooled earnings, some barely scrape by and many still come up short of what they need. Mindful of these troubling shortfalls, Local Butttons’ vests are produced at nearly three times the standard minimum wage. Our prices were determined with input from the workers at INDEPCO and informed professionals in Haiti. Radical as it may seem, we discussed the cost of material and labour together and determined appropriate wages together. It was an important and eye-opening process; had we not engaged others we would have known neither our costs nor our pricing structure. We entered with open minds, ensuring that uncompromised ethics were the core of our decisions. We are now planning our third trip to Haiti this spring. Our success so far gives us the belief in change to spark shifts in fashion and design, and to create sustainable jobs in Haiti and beyond. We are so excited to push forward with more designs for 2012. We remain committed to creating unique and stylish garments that demonstrate ethics in action and remain deeply committed to triple bottom-line projects. The Local Buttons clothing line is produced completely without the harvest of virgin materials. We are continuing to raise the profile of ethically produced fashion, contribute to the rebuilding of Port-au-Prince’s economy and engaging the Toronto community. Art functions as a venue for social discourse and social change. Fashion continues to evolve as we engage with it daily and globally. Consciously or not, we adorn ourselves in art, either lavishly expressing ourselves or conforming to the norm. At Local Buttons, we are empowering our clients to make conscious purchasing decisions. We continue to advocate for clothing that is both strong in values and beautiful in composition.
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The Red String
Dress by Angelice Tie by Angelice Hat by Le Chateau Shoes by Le Chateau
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EDITORIAL Blouse by Angelice Dress by Angelice Shoes by Le Chateau
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EDITORIAL
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Left
Headpiece by Angelice Bib Necklace by Angelice Bracelet by Le Chateau
Above
Dress, Bangle, Ring & Shoes all by Le Chateau
CANADA Photography: Cyril Ma (www.ma-fotographie.com) Make-Up & Hair: Jade Truscott (www.pinkpoutmakeupartistry.com) Fashion Design: Angel Fung (Angelice) Wardrobe Styling: Annie Bao Model: Shelby Furber (Elmer Olsen)
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Rearranging the Cosmos By Nadia Scrieva
I have been waiting here cross-legged in the atrium for a dozen decades since you left. I have been drifting from denial to delirium and seventeen other kinds of hell. If only it took a simple thing such as rearranging the cosmos to have you I would—oh, how I would! countless times until your volatile heart was calm. I would grasp the fabric of heaven within my fists and twist it all into any shape you wished. You act like suburbia is distant Oort; you place lightyears and lifetimes between us. Yet you return to me periodically confined to elliptical schedules of steel-reinforced orbit. You ebb, you oscillate. from ember to inferno, from perihelion to aphelion, from lover to enemy, periodically. I have already tried rearranging the cosmos for your every pleasure and whim— you ruinous sprite! Just tell me what you’d like. Ask, and I will fold the planets in half and put them in your pockets. Ask and I will crush Mizar and Alcor down into cufflinks for your wrists! Nothing is beyond me. I could lower myself so that you can relax, lessen myself so that you can laugh, belittle myself to make you feel larger, I could imbue you with all of my power! Yet you will love me still in unsatisfying cycles— for I cannot change your fleeing, fugitive core.
ABOUT THE POET: Nadia Scrieva is the author of the fantasy novel “Drowning Mermaids” and a book of poetry called “Vertically Integrated Passion.” She studied English and Anthropology at the University of Toronto. Writing has always been the most meaningful part of her life. 34 | VEUX | ISSUE 4 | COMMITTED
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ABOUT THE ARTIST: Sandra Di Leo is an abstract expressionist painter, who experiments with colour and rich textures to create bold, graphic paintings. Inspired by nature, fashion, music and various forms of design, she connects with her audience by creating modern and aesthetically engaging art that evokes an emotional response. sandradileo.com COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 35
Country Love
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AUSTRALIA Photography: Nicolas Torres (www.nictorres.com) Make-Up & Hair: Annika Bowen (ANNIKA’S) Wardrobe Styling: Annika Bowen & Kate Bollard Models: Rhiannon (Scene Models) & Sam Davis
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ce soir
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CANADA Photography: Ema Suvajac (www.emasuvajac.com) Make-Up & Hair: Carrie Tibbs (www.beautymarked.ca) Fashion Design: Toxic Vision (toxicvisionclothing.tumblr.com) Model: Hayley Campbell (Spot6 Models)
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ART
PERRY DAVID TENNYSON
Interview by Andrew Oplinger Text by Vi Vien Hoang
“Great Barrier Reefer” | Acrylic on Canvas, 2011 | 5’ x 6’ | $1800
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Perry David Tennyson is an artist based in San Francisco, whose goals and inspirations are two-fold: to bring joy and engage with his audience through the use of colour and texture, and to reclaim and breathe new life into what was once discarded. It is a study not just in contradictions, but perhaps also reflects an eternal optimism: what was lost can be found again, what was ugly can be beautified, and what was broken can be mended. Tennyson is most widely known for his clothing sculptures - taking lost items of clothing and re-imagining them as bright, works of art. The shirts, shorts - and yes, even underpants - all undergo a process where the fabric is sealed in polyurethane, the colours are applied in multiple layers, and then it is all resealed and shaped while wet. The sculpting process may be technical, but the rest of the steps grow organically. Tennyson reminds us, “Make plans, but don’t plan results.” The colouring process can take weeks to create the depth necessary, but the end results are whimsical pieces recalling memories of a favourite shirt and the body that might have inhabited it. Tennyson is currently showing some of his pieces at Under One Roof, a gallery and store in the Castro neighbourhood of San Francisco, where 100% of the proceeds go to support HIV/AIDS organizations.
“First Sport Coat”| Acrylic on Textile, 1991 | 21” x 32” | Private Collection
On Next Page, Top to Bottom: “Ward’s Peace” | Acrylic on Textile with Austrian Cristals, 2011 | 36” x 53” | $1200
“CK1”| Acrylic on Textile, 2011 | 8” x 10” | Private Collection
“David’s Shorts”| Acrylic on Textile, 2011 | 22” x 26” | Private Collection
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“Frost” | Acrylic on Canvas, 2011 | 30” x 40” | Private Collection
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Black Turtleneck by Biki Black Turban by Borsalino Brooch by Flora Boutique
Black Velvet Dress with Pearls by Patrizia Suzzi
ITALY Photography: Giorgio Pesce (Paris Agency) Make-Up & Hair: Sara Priori Wardrobe Styling: Viktor Aleksandrovic Model: Petra Hanusz (Boom Models Agency Milano)
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Jumper by Sagaje White Shirt by Luciano Pavarotti EDITORIAL Eyeglasses by Rejected Project
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Dress with Lace Sleeves by Patrizia Suzzi Eyeglasses by Manuela Stevan
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LIFESTYLE
Crazy for Love By Alissa Santiago
It’s been said that the only thing worth fighting for is love. It’s the kind of love that fills you with so much joy and happiness that you find yourself smiling more than usual. For some, you catch yourself twirling your hair or giggling for no real reason just from thinking about your significant other. You want to tell everyone who will listen about The One who’s entered your life. The One who is just right. What we all eventually learn is that love will also drive us into the depths of craziness that we didn’t know existed until we experience the lost of such a love. We will do crazy things when we love. Some may have more self control than others and for that I applaud you because I certainly have had my share of crazy. When I think about it now, I can laugh. The pain of unrequited love eventually fades away. I like to think that these were all growing pains in understanding what love is and in getting to know my true self. Ladies, between you and I, admit it. No one is judging you. Whether it’s calling 8 times until he picks up or leaving messages on his voicemail that start off as, “Hey hun, it’s me. Gimme a call when you have a chance.” Or the all too familiar angry-faced, “I don’t know why you’re ignoring me? Who do you think you are? I can’t believe you’re treating me this way? I thought you loved me?!” And when that doesn’t get him to reply back, we leave the pleading message, “Can you just call me please? I miss you.” For those of you that aren’t into leaving the voicemail and choose the less aggressive text message or email, it’s all the same except your crazy isn’t revealed by the tone of your voice. Trust me, though. The message has been received YOU’RE CRAZY! As much as we think we can scare, threaten, intimidate, or even manipulate our object of affection into loving us, we can’t. It only showcases our insecurities, our fear of rejection, and our need to be accepted.
I once had a neighbour that serialdated. He was very charming and the ladies loved it. It was only after a few months that I noticed he had different ladies coming over on a weekly basis. This guy played the game and from where I was sitting, he was playing it very well. I nicknamed him the Banshee. You can figure that one out. One night, one of his many girls came over uninvited and she stood at his door knocking. She called him repeatedly to see if he was at home. Well, he was home because I could hear his phone vibrating from my apartment. Yup, I could hear his phone vibrating from my apartment (understand why he’s called the Banshee yet?) He didn’t pick up. She kept on knocking... for four hours. The poor girl stood at his door knocking and calling his cell for four hours in the middle of the night. I could hear her sobbing. He never came to the door. She finally left in the morning when the trains started running again. My neighbour was an obvious jerk for not opening the door and my heart went out to this girl. She clearly could not see the craziness that she was engulfed in. I’ve seen other forms of ladies hitting crazy on completely different levels like barking at women lurking around their man. Or playing detective and pulling a report on their mate, stalking their Facebook accounts, hacking into emails, opening mail, skimming credit card bills… and the list goes on. You may say that these are all things silly little girls do but I’ve seen grown women who are strong and independent and more importantly should know better who still do this. She may not pick up the phone or march over to his place and profess her love to anyone within hearing distance. However, she’ll do it with her trusted girlfriends or in the privacy of her own home with a bottle of Riesling. The part we must all learn is that showing you’re crazy will not make him love you more. We cannot make someone
love us more or as much as we love them. It just has to happen. We may feel like sometimes love has driven us to the point of being committed straight jacket and all - but I still can’t help believing in love. I have to. What else is worth the journey? What helps? How can we banish crazy to the fictional world of romantic comedies? The answer is love. Believe in love. Believe you are worthy of love. Love who you are. Find perfection in your quirks and be strong. If all else fails, practice stillness. Instead of reacting, be still. Let the moment of crazy pass and listen to what your heart is telling you even if it is saying you need to let go. In the end, I will always choose love even if it makes me crazy or pushes me to the brink of it. The trick is to surrender. Surrender to the universe and to love but be strong enough to know when to walk away. Our happiness doesn’t lie in whether or not he loves us back. Our happiness lies in finding joy in our connections and experiences. Love will find you and you will find love.
Alissa Santiago is the author of the novel “On Stand By”. She is a graduate of York University’s Glendon College and has travelled to many countries including China, France, and Japan. She lives and works in Toronto. www.alissasantiago.com Photography by Wales Wong
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UNITED STATES Photography: Yasmine Kateb (www.yasminekateb.com) Make-Up: Stephanie T. Emmanuel (www.temirainc.com) Hair: Ashley Sparks (www.ashleyhairgoddesssparks.com Fashion Design: Ayo Shittu (www.urbanchicbyayo.com) Wardrobe Styling: Pamela I. Emmanuel (www.temirainc.com) Assistant: Neil Jou (www.neiljou.com) Models: Emily Rose Carrum, Bradley Lukas Nethercutt, & Sarah Bindhammer Prudhomme (Neal Hamil Agency) COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 65
LIFESTYLE
A Date with Toronto:
Capturing Toronto’s Hearts By Ayobola Ejiwunmi
The occasion of Valentine’s is upon us. It’s that time of year when we have gotten over the hump of winter; when we all are gradually emerging out of the dark, cold and gloomy days of winter. Though Spring has not yet sprung, there is hope and expectation in the air. February has long been a month of romance. And midFebruary, specifically the 14th of February, St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, brings with it vestiges of both Christian and ancient pagan (Roman) tradition. Around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. The expression of LOVE is cemented in commitment and promises. So how should one celebrate the day that has been set aside for Love? For the romantics among us, Toronto and the region around have much to offer. Given that the date falls mid-week this year, it can easily be assumed that the celebrations will creep into the preceding weekend. Here are some suggestions that encompass the essentials of some Valentine’s Day activities. First and foremost, don’t forget the card. Find yourself a simple, but not overly embellished blank card and pen your own message with your own hand. Your sweetheart will find more meaning in this act than in any pre-printed corny message from the card giants, no matter how expensive the card is. There are quite a few good card shops which have survived and thrived over the years. They tend to be the ones that have married an artistic flair with the sale of all sorts of paper and stationery-related gadgetry. Here are the names of a few of these in no particular order of preference: The Paper Place and Valhalla on Queen Street West; Paper Things and the Papery in Yorkville, another Papery on Yonge south of St. Clair; and Essence du Papier on Yonge north of Eglinton. Nothing speaks more poetically to a lover’s heart than a fine bouquet of flowers – the explosion of stimuli: colours, fragrance, shapes and textures touch both heart and soul. The guys at Teatro Verde on Yorkville are simply world class. Their master touch would not
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do just for Valentine’s Day. They would also make your wedding day an unforgettable experience when the relationship progresses to that next level. They have the best selections of blooms and construct the most pleasing arrangements. Simply genius stuff! Blackeyed Susan’s in the First Canadian Place, Foglie and Fiori on St. Clair West, Quince Flowers at Queen Street East, Coriander Girl on Queen Street West each do an excellent job. For good value, the Avenue & Davenport flower shops like Kay and Young and Grower’s Market have a huge selection of flowers in any season. If you have an artistic eye, you can pick and choose to compose from the various flowers, a wonderful and unique arrangement of your own to impress your sweetheart with at a reasonable price. Having exchanged the de rigueur card and flowers, it might be useful to take in a movie or a show. Most certainly, Hollywood will comply with a timely release of something appropriately romantic. I will leave it to your judgement to check out the listings to decide what best suits the temperament of your partner. An aspect of the season’s commitment is getting to know each other on a deeper level. Going to the theatre often involves a slower pace, finding meaning in the spectacle that’s presented on stage, discussions, interpretations, concession and conviction. If an evening of escapism is called for, make no qualms about taking in a blockbuster movie of the day. If moving pictures are your passion and you are looking for something a bit more off the beaten path or for documentaries to pique the intellect, The Royal, TIFF Bell Lightbox, Bloor Street Theatre, and Cumberland will be well worth a visit. At the Varsity VIP, you can even dine and drink while watching your movie. This is also the time of year when the sexually adventurous take in a deep breath, bury their embarrassment and attempt to spice up their partner’s wardrobes with their wish lists of undergarments, while simultaneously enhancing their pleasure. At this time, many men can be caught taking sneaky sideways glances and sliding into the nearest Victoria’s Secret store to pick up a collection of the latest sheer pink lingerie set or something black and fishnetty - to be
worn for his eyes only. For the more gutsy and erotically steamy types, walk boldly down Queen Street West into the store Come as You Are. There you will find the deliciously kinky playthings, books, toys and gadgets to realize all your wildest fantasies, as well as get unabashed, straightforward advice for the uninitiated. Round out the evening with a fine late dinner at an appropriate restaurant that caters to intimate tête-à-tête for lovers. This would be the apt occasion to talk about recent experiences, future directions, expectations and commitments. Such private discussions require the undistracted attention of your partner. Sitting in a restaurant that has banquette booths would be ideal. Diffuse lighting and a low background noise level are also added bonuses for a suitable choice. Toronto has an abundance of such fine restaurants. Recommendations would include: George on Queen Street East, Scaramouche off Avenue Road, Jamie Kennedy at the Gardiner Museum, Canoe at the TD Tower, Lee on King Street West, Chiado on College and many more. If you wish to go over the top and not just celebrate the day and you don’t mind a wintery drive out of the city, think Muskoka – make it an extended weekend at the Deerhurst Resort. Stay in the off-main-building lodges. Take walks in the winter wonderland landscape. For those who are looking for some outdoor’s activities, you can ski or snowboard. Afterwards, open up your hearts to each other while sprawled in front of a roaring open log fire-place and become one. Later, she can pamper herself at the spa, while he can be treated to a massage. For a shorter drive out of town consider Langdon Hall off of Hwy. 401 and 28. This offers some of the same amenities as the Deerhurst Resort and is one of the most unique and special get-away locations in the area. Always good for the fastidious guest, it boasts one of the few 5-star restaurants in Ontario, ideal for a nice quiet evening with good food and wonderful ambiance - winter or summer. For as many of those who are looking forward to these days of wine and roses with expectations of fulfillment and re-creating their relationships, there are equally as many - if not more - for whom these are the worst days of emptiness, despair and loneliness. As we get older we’ll find out that the thing everybody needs the most is belonging. So fret not. The name of the game is not necessarily partnering, as that in itself does not always deliver bliss. Find your commitment in something worth doing. That could be owning a pet and discovering that giving and receiving from a devoted animal is just as fulfilling. If you are ready for such a commitment, pay a visit to the Toronto Humane Society to adopt a pet. Even animals are in search of love and protection from others. There is also another category of people who may be unattached but aren’t necessarily lonely at Valentine’s. It’s not an either/or condition. The confident ones among these, use this time as a good reason to get out and celebrate their single-hood. Their commitment is to their other single friends and together they can and do just as easily plan similar fun activities. After all, Valentine’s Day is the one night out, where every couple is out doing something to celebrate. So any singles one finds out at a bar or doing something “singley” are definitely free and available to date. It’s all a question of
finding one’s passion and it applies as much to people who are coupled off as it does to those who are single. If you have a penchant for board games, Snakes and Lattes at Bloor and Bathurst is the place to go. With over 2000 games to choose from, you and your friends will never run out of opportunities to out win each other. For those who are looking for a more physical activity, put on those dancing shoes and head to one of the many swanky clubs in the King Street West such as Brassaii, Cheval, and Century Room. Get out there and find your passion. Join something and above all, do. In this quest, Toronto can be your willing accomplice. There is so much to offer. Simply enjoy yourselves - coupled or single.
For more info: Black-eyed Susan’s: www.blackeyedsusans.ca Come as You Are: www.comeasyouare.com Coriander Girl: www.coriandergirl.com Deerhurst Resort: www.deerhurstresort.com Essence du Papier: www.essencedupapier.com Fiori: www.fiorifloral.com Foglie: www.foglie.ca Paper Things: www.paperthings.ca Papery: www.thepaperytoronto.com Quince Flowers: www.quinceflowers.com Teatro Verde: www.teatroverde.com The Paper Place: www.thepaperplace.ca Snakes and Lattes: www.snakesandlattes.com Toronto Humane Society: www.torontohumanesociety. com Valhalla: www.valhallacards.com Bola is a world citizen whose world view has been stamped by the fact that he was born in Africa, was educated in Europe, has lived and worked in many countries on different continents and immigrated to Canada some 33 years ago. He’s now retired, but has a keen interest in giving back to society. Writing and books in general have always been an area of consummate passion. Compassion, an eye for the not-so-overtly observed and adventure in general on the road less travelled could be considered his strong points.
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CANADA Photography: Andriy Zolotoiy (X-Processed Photo: x-processed.ca) Make-Up & Hair: Linda Radan (www.lindaradan.com) Model: Ada Adams (www.adaadams.com)
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Seoul Searching
Korean culture has found its place throughout Toronto. I can go downtown, get off at the Christie station and find myself a nice mom-and-pop shop for my gamjatang (pork bone soup) cravings. Or I can travel uptown to Finch and easily purchase ricecakes and hodo kwaja (walnut cakes) for a midnight snack. So when I booked my ticket for Hong Kong a few months ago and realized that I would be in Seoul for transit, I decided to stop-off for a few days to have the authentic Korean experience.
A city known for its tourism, convenience is top priority. The Incheon Airport is situated about 45 minutes from Seoul. Buses and taxis are always lined up outside, ready for passengers. Alternatively, the national train service, Korail, can take you to all the different regions in Korea. I opted for the airport bus which dropped me off directly in front of my hotel, Ibis Seoul Hotel, located in the district of Myeong-Dong. You can’t go wrong if you decide to stay at a hotel in this area because of the shopping, eating, and nightlife that’s readily available. Before leaving the airport, I rented a cell phone from SK Telecom so that I’d have a local number to use. Rates are low and they offer flexible plans for the traveller who needs to call or message while on the go. Should you ever feel lost, there are also a number of tourist information centers situated in the busier parts of the city. The long flight and jet lag took its toll on me so I decided to meet my friend for dinner. Not wanting to have a heavy meal before going to bed, we opted for cold memil makguksu (buckwheat noodles) which hit the spot. I thought I’d return to the 74 | VEUX | ISSUE 4 | COMMITTED
Gyeongbokgung Palace Entrance
By Wales Wong
hotel for a good night’s rest, but plans didn’t work out the way I envisioned because I got side-tracked by the rows of stores that offer clothing from local designers, stationary sets with whimsical characters, and stalls with souvenir trinkets in Myeong-Dong. Should you endeavour to find a good deal, some stall owners are willing to bargain if you make a large purchase. Even at 11 pm, I could still satisfy my shopping urges. The next few days I ventured out to the landmarks located in and around the city. Korea is well-known for its palaces. The Seoul Metropolitan Subway took me to the Gyeongbokgung Palace (exit at Gyeongbokgung), the first of the Five Grand Palaces, in less than fifteen minutes. User-friendly ticketing machines offer English so that you can easily navigate through the system and purchase a ticket. As soon as I arrived, photo-ops ensued. The changing of the guards was taking place with dozens of tour groups looking for an optimal view to photograph the ceremony. Tours in a number of different languages are also available should you want to learn more about its history. Created in 1395 during the Joseon period, the palace still maintains its original glory thanks to the Cultural Heritage Administration’s efforts to continue to restore the premises which have had to endure wars and invasions. You can also consider heading east to the Changdeokgung and ChangYeonggung Palaces which are also a part of the Five Grand Palaces. The Jongmyo Shrine is also a very popular destination for those who have a fascination with Korean royalty. Koreans very much respect the traditions and rites of its culture so shrines were created
to carry out ritual services that are a part of memorial services for deceased royalty. Again, there are guided tours available throughout the day for the seasoned traveller. Just make sure to check the schedule and buy your ticket early for these tours because they do get booked up fast. A country known for its high population density, there are many skyscrapers that line the skyline. One major point of interest is the N Seoul Tower - with the “N” representing “new” - that stands on top of Mount Namsan. I ventured to the top via the Namsan Cable Cars. While on the peak, I got a splendid view of Seoul and the Namsan Park. An added addition to this landmark has been the “Locks of Love” that started a few years ago. Romantic couples fasten the locks to the man-made trees or fences located at the bottom of the tower. With these locks, messages of love are written and attached to represent the promises made to the significant other. Many cities in Asia are known as “shopping paradises” and Seoul is no stranger to this phenomenon. Night markets such as Dongdaemun (East Great Gate) and Namdaemun (South Great Gate) are catered for wholesale purchases. Dongdaemun opened in 1905, while Namdaemun goes back as far as 1414 in its creation. Originally fortress gates to palaces, these locations developed into areas for selling and buying local goods. However, due to the Korean War, these market places were destroyed. It was only in the late 1950s that they were slowly rebuilt and today businesses thrive with the help of both local and foreign shoppers. You can now find virtually anything such as fashion apparel, fresh produce, electronics, and more!
Locks of Love at N Seoul Tower
Fashion styles change rapidly in Korea. Many designs that I found at malls and on the streets are inspired by American, European, and Asian fashion. Many great deals are waiting for you in the city. If you’re looking for a comfortable stroll indoors with a selection of international brand names, consider going to Coex or the Lotte Department Store. Coex (exit at Samseong) is both a mall and entertainment center. Its main feature is the indoor aquarium which is home to over 40,000 sea creatures. There is also plenty of outdoors shopping with areas such as Itaewan, Insa-dong, Sinchon, Gangnam, and the streets around Hongik University. Korean Art
For the food connoisseur, you’ll find a wide range of eateries around the city. To get a taste of true authentic cuisine, one must try samgyetang especially during the hot days. The full-flavoured soup of chicken and ginseng is believed to restore nutrients to the body thus it is a popular choice for the summers when people are out in the heat or are exerting more physical activities. In the winter, it also works to warm the tummy on those cold days. Another well-known side dish that comes with every Korean meal is kimchi (fermented vegetables). Spicy in taste but cool to the touch, it complements stews, ramen noodles, rice, and much more. Should you find yourself famished while navigating through the streets, pojangmachas (food stalls) are stocked with tasty treats like hotteok (pancakes with filling), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), eomuk (fish cake), fruits, ice cream, and meat on skewers. If you’re planning for late night out with friends, make sure you have a drink or two of soju which has a similar taste to vodka. This liquor was traditionally distilled from rice, but nowadays, potatoes, wheat, or barley have been used. Soju can be mixed with beer or juice, but if you want to fit in with the locals, your best bet is the drink it straight from a shot glass. I was also pleasantly surprised when I got to try makgeolli (rice wine) for the first time. Milky white in color, it has a sweetness to it that appeals to those who may not like strong alcohol. Similar to the popular dessert wines in Canada, the drink was a great way to end a meal. My four day visit felt all too short. While Toronto has its own two Korean Towns, I missed being surrounded by a culture that is so closely tied to its history while progressively changing with the times. The convenience and abundance of activities is well-worth the long flight.
Traditional Korean Meal
For more info: Coex: www.coex.co.kr/eng/ Dongdaemun: www.dongdaemun.com Gyeongbokgung: www.royalpalace.go.kr/html/eng/ Ibis Seoul Hotel: www.ibishotel.com Korail: www.info.korail.com/2007/eng/eng_index.jsp Korea Tourism Organization: www.english.visitkorea.or.kr Lotte: www.lotteshopping.com N Seoul Tower: www.nseoultower.net/english/ Namdaemun: www.tour.junggu.seoul.kr/tour/eng/ Seoul Metro: www.seoulmetro.co.kr/eng/ SK Telecom: www.skroaming.com/en/rent/rental.asp COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 75
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How Strange, Innocence SPAIN Photography by Evita Weed (www.flickr.com/photos/evitaweed) Assistant: Joe Molina
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ROMANTIC By Randy Resh
Isn’t it romantic how the chrysalids land on the ice cubes in our drink to wink with sunlight and time for the dawning double blind Isn’t it romantic how wings unborn are worn to be torn from our aesthetic interpretation Isn’t it romantic that we should be so kind as to blind as to bind each other belying bespeak betraying Isn’t it romantic that we should drink such potion to spite foreknowledge of death innate insecurity feigning Isn’t it romantic how the oils shift smudge to smear coupling seething suppling searing precious delicate contours How I miss your words tender as tobacco upon mine morning, mourning throat how I miss your voice stillborn butterflies in the ears of compassion unsettling clouds dim-lit dawning drawing painting... But how the butterflies defy and fly how the butterflies in the face of formal whims and wanton whys cry Isn’t it romantic that we could be so superficial, civil in lovingly lavish clasp ‘lusive grasp Isn’t it romantic that we were so resolute in absolute pressing persuasion and parched for passion
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Warrior Queen CANADA Photography: Mathew Wilson Make-Up & Hair: Cait Mizzi (TRESemmé Hair Care/ Judy Inc) Wardrobe Styling: Tova McCall (Judy Inc.) Model: Dayana (PUSH Models)
Shoulder Piece by Gardé Del Avante Bracelet by Rachel Roy
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Bracelet by Dandi Maestre Wooden Ring by Dandi Maestre
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Gold Necklace by Van Der Straeten Croc Ring by Dandi Maestre Antler Necklace by Dandi Maestre
COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 87
Shoulder Piece by Gardé Del Avante
88 | VEUX | ISSUE 4 | COMMITTED
Necklace by Oscar de la Renta Bracelet by GardĂŠ del Avante
COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 89
90 | VEUX | ISSUE 4 | COMMITTED
Above Geometric Grey Dress by Amaya Arzuaga Shoes by United Nude Metal Headdress by Monic Facing Page Corset by Maya Hansen Shorts by Amaya Arzuaga Shoes by Amaya Arzuaga Chain Mail by Anillarte Left Purple Top by Amaya Arzuaga Yellow Trousers by Juanjo Oliva Shoes by Amaya Arzuaga Headdress by Mamita Linda
ITALY Photography: Erica Fava Make-Up & Hair: Joanna Berdzinska Wardrobe Styling: Noelia Ortega Artwork: Sara Spano Model: Amanda Moreno Garcia (Uno Madrid)
COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 91
92 | VEUX | ISSUE 4 | COMMITTED
Geometric Square Grey Look Top and Culotte by Amaya Arzuaga Geometric Brown Shoes by United Nude Headdress by Maria EscotĂŠ
COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 93
Dress with Plexiglass Shoulder Strap by Juanjo Oliva 94 | VEUX | ISSUE 4 | COMMITTED
COMMITTED |ISSUE 4 | VEUX | 95
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