XO October 2011 The Muse Issue.
XO MAGAZINE Chief & Creative Director Le’keisha Sims
Fashion Editor Taj Raglandkta
Copy Editor Cheryl Acuna
XO Magazine Team Nancy Liu Geraldine Sanchez Natalie Smith Amrit Gill Mpho Machaka
contributing photographers Faye Sampson Harvey Meidreich Sari Mercer Michaelisaih
advertising/contributing infoxomag@gmail.com
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Editor’s Letter
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utumn is officially here, and that means the return to dressing fabulously. The
cutoffs and tanks of summer are now replaced with blazers, fur coats and trenches. Autumn is also the season of change. The weather gets cooler, people return to school, and life all of a sudden becomes more serious. For us at XO, autumn brings us many a change, first I’m proud to announce that XO has gone MONTHLY. So that means more fashion, more interviews and more beautiful photography! We’ve partnered with Youth Rebel, a UK fashion & music blog where there will be more interviews, sneak peaks and more creative content to inspire. We’ve also added many new people to the XO family! New interns, new contributors, and new photographers, who all can’t wait to share their work with you! This issue we were inspired by really cool, rad girls. Not to be mistaken with ‘It girls’ or the current girl of the moment, but girls who are just cool and effortless. The girls who put outfits together by what simply is on their floor and kind of matches as they rush out of the door. We were inspired by the ‘Great Supers’, who still serve as Muses, to a whole new generation. The new comers who are creating writing their own story in this crazy world of fashion our personal favourite being Charlotte Free.We were also inspired by our readers, you guys have been great at submitting ideas, stories and pictures to give us a better sense of what you guys want to see in the issues, which I want to point out and say is fan-freakin-tastic. The girls who lead us to create this issue are strong, free and confident, that’s exactly why we chose eyewear designers Coco & Breezy to be our cover subjects. I’ve been following their story for a while and they truly represent the strong girl we’re always inspired by. As always I want to thank all the contributors for their hard work and time they’ve put into the issue, the readers who keep us alive! And lastly our newest team members get ready, the fun’s about to start! Enjoy, Le’Keisha Sims Editor in Chief XO Magazine
EDITOR’S PICKS
1.1.Chunky knits in greys, blacks, and creme 2. Doc Martens 3. Alexander Wang Pre Fall 3. Sgc NYC A/W 4.Oversized Blazers in Black and Camel. IMAGES: Tumblr.com, DocMartens, Alexander Wang, SGC NYC, Pretty Sickly (Baitong
Acne.
Acne Fall 2011 Creative director of ACNE, Jonny Johansson said his inspiration for this season was the girls that work in his studio who make fashion out of nothing. Acne, known as a contemporary line still manages to give edge to its work that stays true to their roots. For fall slouchy sweaters, clean button downs, oversized tops and motorcycle jackets, loose fitting blazers, and wide pants were the sum of Acne. Beautifully constructed, all the pieces were wearable and timeless
Alexander Wang.
Alexander Wang Fall/Winter 2011 Alexander Wang, known for showing simplicity at its finest. Has rejuvenated audiences with new innovative perspectives on what he is already recognized as. Producing a line that is versatile, comfortable, and show stopping. The collection contained a thoughtful amount of drapery which was accentuated by many of the pieces; giving a wealthy touch to his line, which comes off as modest but is most definitely defining. Grungy but good to go. The collection consisted of mostly blacks, but occasional neon’s, yellows, grays, and a lovely touch of soft pink. Focal point would be the oversized jackets. Mystique played up, with a futuristic vibe twisted with a classic visionary. Alexander’s feminine highlights were appreciated with his sheer details on shoulders, glittering skinnies, comeback of the poncho, and pairing of a skirt. Respecting him for grasping new boundaries, we saw something bold and beautiful. This collection was a shot of coolness.
Balmain
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Balmain Fall 2011 I wouldn’t call Balmain reserved, nope not at all. Creative director, Christophe Decarnin deserves a lot of respect. Exemplify grunge as richly as possible. Balmain Fall 2011, was admirable, attractive and sexy. Gorgeous to look at and most importantly wearable. The subtle stiffness Balmain adds in its pieces will always be a memorable attribute. This time around shoulders were accentuated but with more of a wispy presentation. The dresses were a delight. Not too loose, not too tight, just fitted right. Relaxing to wear but ridiculously ravishing. Sequins galore and charmingly crystalized. Hitting high notes as well was the styling; a desirable bad girl, bad but perfectly good at it. Lustering metallic pants and love, Balmain was brilliant.
Rick Owens
Rick Owens Fall/Winter 2011 “I’m trying to do something inclusive and not exclusive. You’re all freaks and you’re welcome to be with me”- Rick Owens Rick Owens is a wonder. His collection was raw mystique. For fall this year round, his highest point was the architecture in his line. Each piece finely constructed was impeccable. The androgynous work in the pieces was creating strength; but the beauty added by feminine details was exuberayting fascination just from the cuts. Fashion is a fantasy and the focal point in Rick’s collection was the uplifting wings incorporated in to pieces. One of the most moving collections on the runway this fall.
Dream Team.
Skirt- Jewel By Lisa Sequin shirtEdite’ Shoes- Minx Black shorts- Edite’ Glasses- coco and breezy Turban- romans closet Top- HVS Black shortsHVS Shoes- Minx
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Coco & Breezy. DYNAMIC DUO.
COCO & BREEZY IS AN EDGY SUNGLASSES LINE founded and run by twins, Corianna and Brianna Dotson. Their infamous sunglasses are outrageous in the best way possible and have been seen on celebs such as Nicki Minaj and Serena Williams. These twins are just getting started in the world of fashion and I got to chat with the creators of Coco and Breezy to get to know the talent behind the ultra-glam brand. XO Magazine: When did you guys start designing sunglasses? Coco & Breezy: We started designing sunglasses about 3-4 years ago. We were always into fashion though so we were always making accessories and making clothes. We had a sewing machine when we were in middle school so
our parents would always buy us fabric to make dresses or something so sunglasses and accessories, we didn’t design for a while. XO: In your own words, how would you describe your design style? C&B: I mean its art. We’re very inspired by art. XO: So what’s the story behind the name “Coco and Breezy”? Are those your nicknames? C&B: Yes. It’s crazy because our parents have actually been calling us Coco and Breezy since we were born. They don’t even call us Corianna and Brianna, which are our real names. Coco and Breezy were always names our family could call us and our friends called us our real names. Finally when we were in high school, we knew
that we wanted to be different, so by Minaj and all that wear your designs? the time we were 16 or 17, that’s C&B: It was actually pretty crazy because… when we started letting our friends we quit everything, quit our jobs, sold call us Coco and Breezy. So once we our car, and just moved to New York. thought about our brand name, we So us moving out here we didn’t were like, “hm… we could go by really have a set place to stay and we another name or we could use Coco didn’t get a job and we had celebrities and Breezy”. wearing our glasses the third day of XO: Your sunglasses are really unique and living in New York. It actually gave edgy so what types of things inspires us some hope. Like “wow, if they you guys? really like our product then we can C&B: Well we’re very inspired by our really push this.” lifestyle that’s how we started making our glasses. When we design, we XO: So these are my two final questions… is listen to music. So music is a huge there a new line coming out soon? And inspiration to us and that’s how the would you guys ever want to do edge comes out. Part of it is our something outside designing sunglasses personalities as well. and accessories? C&B: Well we actually just released our new XO: Are your personalities alike or are they collection two week ago during totally different? Fashion Week and it’s called “Rainy C&B: Our personalities are actually totally Days” and we actually have accessories different. Breezy’s more the aggressive on our website from our last collection. one and me, I’m really more artistic As a brand, we’re really been doing and very like, nice. [laughs] With our more than just sunglasses but one thing business, I’d have to say Breezy can we’ve learned as designers is that any handle the business side and I can designer out now all started off with handle the design side. We do both. their own niche. Like Ralph Lauren Together. started off with bow ties and then he branched out and did clothing and everything and that’s what he branded XO: What’s like going into business with your himself with. Maybe we’re going to go sister? Do you guys ever clash? into shoes, and go into clothing and C&B: Going into business as sisters is things like that. actually great because we have a great friendship but when it comes to business we try not to mix our business and friendship together. So say we’re working and we disagree or something, For more Check out we don’t take it personal. Of course www.cocoandbreezy.com sisters argue if we want to but I think having my twin sister as my best friend, it really helps a lot. XO: How did it feel seeing celebs like Nicki
Jumpsuit- Francis Hendy Skirt- Francis
Hendy Glasses- Coco and Breezy Turbans- Roman Sipe’ Sequin shirtEdite’ Shoes- coco and breezy Breezy- Shirt- Francis Hendy BeltHermes Pants- Jewel By Lisa GlassesCoco and Breezy Coco- Dress- Sammy B Turbans- Roman Sipe’ Dresses- Sammy B Mens suits- Francis Hendy Glasses- Coco and Breezy
Belt- Hermes Mens Shoes- Versace
Coco Blue jacket- HVS Skirt- Jewel By Lisa Shoes- Coco and Breezy Breezy- TopHVS Black shortsHVS Shoes- Minx Glasses- Coco and Breezy
Dresses- Sammy B Mens suits- Francis Hendy Glasses- Coco and Breezy Belt- Hermes Mens Shoes- Versace
Coco Blue jacket- HVS Skirt- Jewel By Lisa Shoes- Coco and Breezy BreezyTop- HVS Black shorts- HVS Shoes- Minx Glasses- Coco and Breezy Turbans- Roman Sipe'
ASOS Fringe Sleeve Body
Scarlett.
Nishe Chiffon Frill Collar Shirt Dress ASOS Knuckle Detail Talon Ring ASOS Oversized Fedora Hat
Vero Moda Drape Back Tunic Dress ASOS Curved Horn Collar Designsix Cuff
ASOS Fringe Sleeve Body
ASOS Staple Waisted Jumpsuit ASOS Leather Cord Wrapped Chunky Bangle
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Aqua Pony Halter Neck Peplum Dress
Aqua Pony Halter Neck Peplum Dress ASOS Linked Leaves Collar ASOS Filigree Cross
FROM THE ASHES Photographer: Harvey Miedreich. Photographer Assistant: Yves St Bass Stylist: Zoe Kreider Stylists Assistant:Marie Zydek Model : Quincey Frick
Sweater!and!Shorts, by and from!Oak + Fort Dolce Vita!Shoes, from Gravity Pope
Nili Lotan!Shirt, from Coup Boutique Obakki!Skirt, from Coup Boutique
Blazer, by and from Oak + Fort Aiko!Skirtm Coup Boutique
Nili Lotan!Dress, Coup Boutique Steve Madden!Boots, from Gravity Pope
Factory!Dress, from Coup Boutique Vic!Shoes, from Gravity Pope
Photographer, Mike Chatwin Makeup: Vanessa Mills stylist: Paulo A. Vallejo Model : Sari Mercer Hair and Nails : Stephanie Park @VMMA Makeup Artistry Studio
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Warrior.
Mesh body suit – Gypsy by Kristin Black Leotard – Gypsy by Kristin Silver Cuff – H&M
Jumper – Debra Sparrow Bangles – H&M
Coat – Debra Sparrow Eyewear: Linda Farrow x Jeremy Scott Collaboration “Hands”
Halter Top – Alanna Colton Pant – Debra Sparrow Pilot Hat – Vintage Necklace – H&M Wrist Braces - Vintage
XO: So how did you guys meet?
OM: We met at college but we were in different years so how we actually became friends was by
driving down the motorway singing along to some classic tracks! The main song being Jason Derulo ‘Riding solo’
XO: Your sound is refreshing compared to the popular mainstream ‘dance/pop’ sound, we’ve been hearing, did you guys experiment a lot with your sound to see what works for you?
OM:
We did experiment a little, but it started by us just having fun and the sound just came together from there! The sound is very us, and very oh my!
XO: How eos?
did you guys come up with your concept for your first two vid-
OM:We want to show our fun side in all of our videos, all the songs are very attitudey we want that to also come across in the videos. They’re definitely show us as we are anyway, mucking about and fun and games!
XO: Instead of releasing ‘teaser’ singles you guys have been re-
leasing mini mixtapes, can you tell us how you pick what songs to include and which songs of yours you choose to sneak in there?
OM: We both
grew up having quite different tastes in music which is why they’re quite diverse, but hopefully that means lots of other people can dive in and enjoy them too! All tracks on there are ones we love. And we like putting our own tracks in there too!
XO: What can fans expect from your debut album? OM: Wow! Lots of attitude with playful lyrics and hopefully
something’s on there people can pick out and relate to.... That’s what we look for in other people’s songs that we love, so we wanna bring that to our music too !
XO: Can you tell us a little bit about your next single? OM: The new single will be released in Nov and it’s called
Dirty Dancer! Its lively and hopefully will get you to dancing. Especially those “boys that think their special cos they got a special watch” moving!
XO: What’s next for Oh My!? OM: We’re working hard on the album, were going back on schools
tour in October (which is exciting), we are doing under 18 gigs around the country and we have some top secret touring news which we will be able to reveal very soon! But not yet!
Living In America. XO Magazine Chats with Dom from the road.
Fuzzy hazed out vocals, lo-fi guitars and witty lyrics Dom has been a band we’ve been blasting all month. With they’re current Release ‘Family of Love’ - EP and tour Le’Keisha catches up with DOM front man Dom, and chats Mariah Carey, Touring and whats next.
noise and dark discord underneath it all ex: 'Telephone'. L: Are you guys working on any new material? D: Yes. EP 3 and 4 coming soon. L: So how has touring been?
Le’Keisha: You just released your second EP, can you tell us some of the Inspiration for the new set of songs. Dom: I was inspired by Marc Bolan's vocals, My Bloody Valentine's guitars, David Bowie's Hunky Dory and pop songs of the 90's. L: On your site the description for the family of love EP says that you were inspired by Mariah Carey! How so? D: I've always had respect for popular music, and Mariah Carey has always been one of my favorites. I love songs like, 'always be my baby' with simple lyrics that have a heavy message. I thought it would be a fun idea to bring teenie bop to space rock-have simple pop songs with melodic
D:Touring has been awesome. We got the best job ever. And it's easy. L: What are some your favourite songs to perform? D:Jesus, Damn, BMF, Flood, Diva Shiva, !"#$%&, and Bochicha. L: You guys have really been busy working,what's next for Dom? D:We are looking at some new deals and potential homes for our next few releases. There's a mixtape in the works with some exciting collaborations, a book of drunken haiku, and a lot of touring. www.facebook.com/domband
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XO No.8
XO No.9 Fame & Excess November 2011
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XOOctober MAGAZINE 2011.