Xtreme Fashion Magazine's Launch Issue

Xtreme The Launch Issue

Jenn Strom

Las Vegas Fashion Week Director tells all Hottest New Fashion Trends

Spring 2013

Photography: Roger Talley Hair: DeAnna Padilla Makeup: Kathryn Sanchez Dresses: Elizabeth Calderon Models: Asia Jade & Surena Virginia Valkyrie

Fashion • Wedding • Engagement • High School Senior Photography With a Fashion Flair Twist

702-339-7222

www.JulieRayPhotography.com

Wedding Photography Package Giveaway 4-hour wedding photo session, valued at $1,500!

• For Competition Rules and Entry form, visit www.JulieRayPhotography.com

Photography • JJ Gray Hair • Dean Sproule Makeup • Blaze Linn

Style

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Patty’s Column, Feralene’s Beauty Tips, Fashion Trends, Local Designers

Profiles 26-45

Andie Veronica, Angel Alcalá, Jenn Strom, Sophia Casanova, Thai Williams

Culture 48-53

Raw Vegas by Roger Talley

Designer : Reyna Herrera Photographer : Raen Badua Headgear : Anarchala HMUA : Zay Valentin Model : Ben Green

Contributors & Staff Editor-in-Chief Michael Touchard Editorial Assistant Kiki Scruggs Layout/Design Editor JJ Gray

Contributors

Photography JJ Gray Brandon Lundby Raen Badua Lucky Wenzel Roger Talley Tolga Katas Editorial Roger Talley Patty Barba

Sponsors 10

Art & Illustration Jetzain Gutierrez-Villa Fashion Ammy Miller Angel Alcalá Derek Smoot Patra Allen Reyna Herrera Staysi Lee

UMOK Patty’s Closet Las Vegas Fashion Week Anarchala

Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

From The Editor Dear reader, I want to take a moment and thank you. This magazine is the first of many to come. For this first issue I went in search of stories of perseverance and hope. I didn’t know and, couldn’t possibly imagine the amount of perseverance I myself would have to have to see this through. I truly hope you enjoy the culmination of many hours of blood, sweat and tears.

Las Vegas artists needed a beautiful magazine to showcase their work. This is my goal and I will work everyday until we have the best Fashion Magazine in the world!

In 2011, I decided to dive into the world of Fashion Design.

It seemed so beautiful and easy. Little did I know I was about to start writing the most difficult chapter of my life.

What was one day a beautiful dream turned into a year of sleepless nights, a $0 balance in my bank account, and a lot of mistakes.

Things were just bad. It put stress on my relationship, my job, and my life. My newfound passion seemed to be tearing me apart.

I was not going to let that happen, I chose to stay strong.

My struggle is much like yours. I have bad days and good days. Sometimes I am in the light and sometimes I am in the darkness, but one thing is certain: I will never give up or stop working until I reach and surpass my goals and neither should you! May you find hope and inspiration in these pages.

- Michael Touchard Jr. 11

On The Cover Photographer JJ Gray

This is a multiple exposure of my very good friend Amanda Maultsby. Our friendship started about four years ago when, on a whim, Amanda decided we should do a photo-shoot. It was just the two of us in a park and it was so much fun. That day solidified our friendship, and sparked the passion I have for photography today.

This first issue is all about perseverance and hope.

The stories in this issue are proof that when you feel there’s nothing left and you’re sure the world is against you, there is always a light in the darkness. I think it’s so perfectly fitting that my friend, who showed me what I’m capable of, is now shining brightly on the cover.

- JJ Gray

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Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

Light in the Darkness 13

Photography: JJ Gray Hair: Dean Sproule Makeup: Left, Blaze Linn Right, Feralene Orpilla Fashions: Reyna Herrara

First Season’s Xtreme Catwalk Winner

Sam Cox

Raquel Williams

Second Season’s Xtreme Catwalk Winner

Photography: Roger Talley Hair: DeAnna Padilla Makeup: Mary Lopez Designs: Brieanna Brock of All Knight Studioz Models: Asia Jade & Surena Virginia Valkyrie

ashion Colum

I often wonder what I would ask the ambitious mademoiselle “Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel” Aka “Coco Chanel” if I were to have one moment with her in front of me.

To most of us a person of that caliber, is simply a mythical fashion god that brought us many gifts such as the 2.55 bag, unmistakable costume jewelry and the feminine trouser to name a few, but the reality is that she was a woman just like myself, like most of us that dream to be better than our humble beginnings. In most of our cases, fashion is a form of expression, it’s a feeling not an action. In Coco Chanel’s case…the same.

Although her legacy started in a different century, the thought process that the designer encountered in her time resembles the method most successful women in this century utilize. For the most part “Coco Chanel” created all of these classic iconic staples with a tremendous amount of thought, purpose and meaning behind them.

The original 2.55 bag was created for women to simplify the hassle we all face of carrying around half of the bathroom vanity, like most of us do today. The lining inside the bag was in a burgundy color, reminiscent of the uniform color that girls wore in the convent Coco grew up in. As well as a chain strap that emulates the key waist chains the caretakers at the convent carried. When it came to accessorizing, she preferred Costume jewels to real, and was disgusted at the thought of wearing millions around the neck only if you were rich.

On the contrary of what most people thought in the early 1900’s, The French designer brought us the comfort of a trouser, back in a day where corsets and bustles were an absolute must for every woman’s wardrobe. Coco Chanel was one of the first women to wear the trouser in public; ridding most women of the obligation they felt in wearing the uncomfortable period attire. For the most part Coco Chanel was similar to most of us, today, most woman unconsciously make every decision with 3 main components feeling, purpose, and meaning behind it, and although the name of Coco Chanel has left an unmatchable mark in the fashion world for eternity; It’s important to think about how it became to be so relevant.

Digging up all the dirt on mademoiselle Chanel was interesting, and it made me realize that my question to her wouldn’t be an obvious one. Becoming familiar with all of her hardships, ambitions and simply knowing that she was a woman, just like us answered any of my doubts or curiosities towards her success. Don’t get me wrong, there would be no hesitation on my part if I were given the chance to sit in front of this fashion legend. In the end, I’d only want to know what her thoughts were on wearing Spanx.

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Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

Written by Patty Barba, Owner of Patty’s Closet

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Feralene’s

TOP 10 BEAUTY TIPS 1. Apply a flesh toned ivory eyeliner to the inner rim to make the eyes appear wider and fresher. Apply a pale eyeliner in the waterline. This creates a more eye-opening effect, while a dark liner on the top and bottom waterline creates a more elongated focus to the width of the eye.

2. Highlighter is one of my most ultimate favorites. It’s great for creating illusions when applied in the areas of the face you want to accentuate. Dusting a shimmery champagne eyeshadow on the arch of the brow will lift the brow, making the eyes appear wider. Use a dab of white eyeshadow to highlight the inner corner of the eyes, making them sparkle and pop. Add a touch above the cupids bow to make the lips appear fuller.

3. Keep brows neat and tidy. Define brows using a brow pencil or a darker matte eyeshadow with an angled brush. Work from the inner corner closest to your nose all the way to the arch. Remember, well groomed brows frame the face and set the whole makeup look.

4. Using a yellow based concealer will help camouflage red and purple tones. Yellow concealer helps cover blemished and other skin discolorations. This also compliments any skin tones.

5. It’s okay to invest on the right serums, face masks, moisturizers, and eye creams, which keeps skin look hydrated, vibrant and healthy.

6. To avoid breakouts, start with clean hands and face. Make sure to wash sponges, brushes, and applicators frequently. Throw away expired cosmetics. Keeping your products clean is good hygiene and prevents future skin irritation.

7. Avoid going out in the midday with unprotected skin. Use a moisturizer on your face with a minimum SPF of 15, this is essential. Use a moisturizer and or a foundation with a built-in SPF. It will help protect skin and avoid premature aging.

8. Sharing mascara with someone is a NO NO. Don’t share mascara, it can harbor bacteria that causes eye infections. Discard mascara every 2-3 months. To keep mascara from drying out before it expires, don’t pump the wand as it traps air and makes it dry out faster.

9. Foundation that is too light or too dark will show. If you can’t find the perfect match for your skin tone, blend two shades together until you get the right color.

10. Base primer for the face is also a must have. It help make-up last longer. It evens out skin tone, providing a perfect base for foundation. Apply base primer under moisturizer, or you can use it alone as it keeps the face less shinny and matte.

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Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

Photo: Tolga Katas Model: Stephanie Blanchard HUMA: Feralene Orpilla

Get The Look

Eyes: Outline the eyes in black pencil eyeliner. Work the tip between the roots of the lashes to create volume.

Use a smudger to soften the line below the lower lashes. Use a black gel liner along the upper lash-line.

To elongate the eyes, apply a shimmery champagne eyeshadow over the lid from lash line to the socket crease.

Take a dark gray or black eyeshadow, blend it high enough on the outer crease so that it can be seen when your eyes are open. Blend a touch of ivory highlighter on the brow bone. Lastly apply a lengthening black mascara or for more drama, add false lashes.

Face: Apply a light liquid foundation to even out skin tone. Blend concealer where needed to hide any blemished areas. A touch of peachy blush to the apples of the cheeks. To finish the look off lightly sweep the face with translucent powder using a Kabuki/face brush.

Lips: To make the look even more dramatic, apply a deep burgundy lip color all over the lips.

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Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

2013 Fashion Trends Illustrated by Jetzain Gutierrez-Villa Written by Michael Touchard Jr. 1. Tuxedos A timeless trend seen in mostly black and white. Androgyny and classic looks come from some of the most prominent designers such as a Christian Dior.

2. Gold Sequins Talk about a trend made for Vegas, sequins will be littering the runway in the Summer. From short dresses to suits, sequins are a must have for your summer wardrobe.

3. Sixties Bold, bright and beautiful! Louis Vuitton is bringing back the sixties girl.

It is time to dig into your closet and pull out your favorite colorful A-line dresses and mini skirts.

4. Fringing Sleek and slim fringe is where it is at this Spring/Summer. Get ready to dance the night away Vegas in your sequin and fringed dresses. Versace is ready to bring you back to the 20’s.

5. Ruffles Soft over-sized ruffles will be hugging models necks and wrists as they flaunt their stuff on the Spring/Summer runways. Long, sleek, bubbly ruffles adds just the right touch to any girls figure.

6. Oriental Prints Asian-inspired flower prints will be seen all over the world next Spring/ Summer. If you want to be “in” this season scurry to your local boutique and get your hands on an Asian inspired sleek outfit.

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Local Las Vegas

Staysi Lee Bridal Boutique

Burses by Ammy

Featuring the Wrap/Twist Infinity Dress. One dress that can be worn many ways: strapless, halter, one shoulder... and many more ways! Perfect for bridesmaids, travel, date night, parties, and wherever else you can think of.

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Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

www.aburse.com

All pages have been rebound and are included in price. No pages were harmed in the making of the Burse!

Designer Fashions

Dapper Industries

The Raff Shop

Dapper Industries represents a unique new swagger. Inspired by the Las Vegas Industry lifestyle. No one else does what we do.

Offering a wide range of unique and fun jewelry designs. Inspired by the designer’s last 15 years of traveling the world.

www.dapperind.com

www.theraffshop.etsy.com

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Photography : JJ Gray Written by: Michael Touchard Jr. Styling : Angel Alcalรก Hair : Dean Sproule Makeup : Feralene Orpilla Denim Top : Ashani Couture Black & White Top : Electric Lemonade Cellophane Dress : FlockFlock Designs

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Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

Andie Veronica Whether riding her bike at motorcross, dyeing fabric for her own clothing line, or modeling for a picture on set of a high fashion photo-shoot there is one thing Andie is not doing: wasting time doing nothing.

“I was always a tom boy growing up, played sports

She was different from most kids. She struggled as

and even dressed like a boy all through grade school

a child. She jumped from soccer to wrestling, unlike

and Jr. High. I played soccer for 12 years and I was

all of the other girls at her school. She was teased

asked to guest play at a tournament in 2007. Just as

and bullied because of her interests in such things.

I was getting ready to make a goal another girl came and kicked me in the leg. I went down and was out

Her parents were forced to move here from

cold. Sure enough I broke my leg and was in a full leg

school to school throughout California and

cast for a about 2 months and finally in a half cast

Nevada. Nothing helped so she eventually turned

for 3 months after that. I had a really hard time.”

to homeschooling. This just wasn’t Andie either.

After a short while at home she was ready to face

“I was in 8th grade and had to go to school in a

the world again no matter what it threw her way.

wheel chair. Kids would throw things at me as I’m

She enrolled her junior year into Desert Oasis, a

going down the hall or, they would come up from

public school in Las Vegas. She finally loved it. She

behind me and kick my chair. The bad part was

made many friends and was doing great. Upon

that was my second school. I actually had to switch

the end of her junior year it was brought to her

schools because I bullied so much. It was rough.”

attention that something really bad had happened.

Growing up as a tom boy wasn’t the easiest for High Fashion Model Andie Veronica Duggal.

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While Andie was homeschooling

and that it would never happen.

After high school Andie took up

all of the accumulated credits

Andie’s reply was simple: There

modeling. Although it was never

didn’t count towards her public

is a first time for everything!

her dream, she has always wanted

education. She was told she would

to be a freestyle racer and to win

not be walking with her class. After

Day and night Andie worked

a gold metal in the X games, she

all she had been through in her

endlessly attending extra classes

was become quite the success. She

life and now she wasn’t graduating

before and after school everyday;

has currently launched her own

on time. She was told she had to

she had no social life and no time

clothing line, Ashani Couture,

make up 3 years of high school

for extra curricular activities. She

which is currently sold in stores.

in 5 months. The counselor told

was determined and wouldn’t take

She is competing in the Miss.

Andie she would never complete

no for an answer. When March

Nevada Teen 2013 Pageant.

everything in time to graduate and

rolled around, Andie had enough

From a badly bullied child to a

suggested that she think about

credits to graduate. Even though

non graduating senior, Andie

staying an extra year. For Andie,

all the professionals looked at

has worked her whole life

this just wouldn’t work. She asked

her and told her no she knew she

harder than anyone her age.

if they had ever seen anyone

could make it happen; and she did.

She has set goals and reached

with her situation before and the counselor told her she was a first,

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Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

them without question.

She currently works around the clock creating all of her custom pieces for her line, attending Miss. Nevada gatherings, and modeling in high fashion shoots.

How does she get through each day and accomplish so much at such a young age?

The answer is simple. She is one of the most determined young women of all times and she surrounds herself with positive influences such as her mother. She does not stop until she gets exactly what she wants.

The Fashion Industry better make room for this young entrepreneur or she will make the room herself!

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Angel Alcalá

Horns, Trash Bags, Staples and Duct Tape This self described multidisciplinary artist creates avant-garde fashions using materials that you likely have under your kitchen sink.

He wraps models in trash bags and, adorns He is a truly out-of-the-box multidisciplinary them with horns on the runway. At home, he artist that pushes the boundaries of fashion, slaves away with scissors, paint, and cardboard art, and design to places that many would creating his next geometrical masterpiece. never dream of. Looking at modern fashion he Wherever he may be, Angel Alcalá is destined asks “Why?” Refusing to follow modern trends, to be doing something very outside of the box, he creates his own trends that battle with the perhaps with one.

ideas of todays society. The Antifashion has been born!

His work typically leaves viewers with ”WHAT THE HELL?” rattling around in their heads.

Take a closer look and you’ll began to see the story behind his work. You’ll be amazed at how unique it actually is.

Take a moment and go Online and delve into the life of Angel Alcalá. Try to decipher and understand the elaborate stories behind his magnificent work.

“There are people who are generic.

They make generic responses and they expect generic answers. They live inside a box and they think people who don’t fit into their box are weird. But I’ll tell you what, generic people are the weird people. They are like geneticallymanipulated plants growing inside a laboratory, like indistinguishable faces, like droids. Like ignorance.”

- C. JoyBell C. Photography • JJ Gray

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Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

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Jenn Strom

One woman’s dream of Las Vegas Fashion Week

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Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

Story: Michael Touchard Jr. Photography: Lucky Wenzel HMUA: Rachel Van Roy

Jenn Strom, Director and Founder of Las Vegas Fashion Week, grew up with a dream: to be an unforgettable figure in the fashion industry and today she has seen her dreams come true. It all started growing up. “My love of fashion really came at a young age. I would play for hours with my Barbie’s. I used to dress my golden retrievers up in sheets; it’s one of my favorite memories.

Apparently they were getting married quite often.”

Her father was an Air Force Master Sergeant. Jenn grew up in Germany she had to transition to northern California, and ultimately Las Vegas. She’s lived in the city of lights for more than 15 years now. Jenn has been involved in fashion for more than 7 years. She is attending UNLV for Business Law and has completed two internships in fashion: the first with Christian Audigier, the other with Tory Burch.

Growing up, Jenn always dreamed of being in the fashion industry, much like every other young girl. Jenn had something they lacked: persistence.

Las Vegas Fashion Week, LVFW, came about when she was completing an internship with Christian Audigier.

“We were setting up the first runway show at Magic, a fashion convention held annual in Las Vegas. As I was running errands I kept wondering why there wasn’t a Fashion Week in Vegas. Why isn’t there just one straight runway showcasing the brands in a classy, proper way for the consumer. What’s with all the booths?” That’s when she began to think. She wondered if there could be something here. Jenn started to do research. There was one, it seemed it failed the first step it took. She looked around some more, and nothing. Going back to work, she started just asking around: Do you think Vegas has a chance of producing a Fashion Week? The response was awful… “Are you serious? This is a city of sin! Why fashion? I wouldn’t waste money to see that.”

“I deeply remember hearing that, and it fueled my fire.

The next day I contacted a really good friend of mine, Sharon Nixon, who owns and runs Baltimore Fashion Week. She was screaming through the phone! “Yes girl!!! GO for it!!! No one has done it and I have your back just go for it! If you need anything call me!!!!”

It was the best 2 hours of my life. She pushed me to become a new person, someone I only dreamed of. So on March 7, 2011, LVFW was then created!”

Drawing inspiration from Milan, Paris, New York and London, Jenn was extremely excited about her new venture. 2011 was destined to be a great year. As Jenn started planning the most elaborate Fashion Week that Las Vegas would ever see a day came that would change her life forever! On September 14, 2011, the unspeakable happened.

“I had not been feeling myself for the past year so I went for a checkup. I told my doctor that I had been having reoccurring migraines and blackouts. He found out I had low blood pressure, and a blood disorder. At 26, I shouldn’t be going through so much. So September 12, 2011 early in the morning, my doctor scheduled a CT scan. I just wanted this to calm my nerves and check it off the list and be okay. As they strapped my head to the brace covering my face, panic started to set in. I’m 26, I’m 26, I’m 26! I am a mom: What if there is something wrong; What if I can’t do anything about this; What if what if…after the scan, I got dressed, walked out to see my mom and went home. I told her “Never again! I hated it.”

The next day Jenn got the phone call. “The following day as I was waiting in the doctor’s room my heart was pounding, I knew it was a routine, and I was fine.” The doctor told her “Jenifer, there is a mass growing on the outside of your pituitary gland that is applying pressure to your brain. The mass is believed to be causing your headaches and other problems that you’re having.We’re not going to do any surgery, but we do need to monitor you closely.”

After a year of watching, nothing got better. It seemed to get worse. She went to see another doctor, another CT scan and an EEG. “For the past year I learned I had 5-7 seizures, no one caught them until I went to the amazing Neurologist, Dr. Dixit in Las Vegas.

All of those obstacles really slowed me down, but they did not stop me.” Jenn was determined to stay positive and bring a fabulous Fashion Week to Las Vegas. During the times leading up to the launch of Las Vegas Fashion Week, Jenn said the one thing that kept her going strong was her daughter.

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“She is the fire that pushes me, sometimes in the wrong ways; moms reading this will understand that one. When you find out you are about to have a child you are about to become a mother, it’s a scary moment. As I held her I knew everything I do in my life would be for her. This first year of bringing a Fashion Week to Las Vegas had its ups and downs, it was the first year; Just like a child’s first year, it was the scariest year of my life!”

After making it through such a dark time, Jenn came to a conclusion: She can’t live in fear and she mustn’t give up hope. She would get back on track with the plans of bringing Fashion Week to Las Vegas and live a beautiful life with her daughter, no matter the circumstances.

She refused to let an unfortunate event shape her future, or keep her from being the bubbly, joyous person and inspiration she is to many.

After months of planning and positive influence, Jenn found out her tumor was getting better. Relived, she set a date for the premiere of Las Vegas’ very first Fashion Week. May 18-24 2012. In less than two years and against all odds Jenn Strom and her team had managed to pull together a Fashion Week that had taken New York and Los Angeles decades..

Las Vegas launched it’s first Official Fashion Week. It was a huge success. Jenn said, “Oh man, it was all over the place let’s not even sugar coat that. I looked like a chicken with its head cut off. Trust me, I felt it.

It was so new, so exciting, and I let all the excitement get to my head. I was able to quickly regroup by incorporating the students from IADT, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Jada Toys Cuti Pops (Sponsor of Disney Chanel) Dress for Success, Palms Place, Mundo and more to make Fashion Week an experience to remember! It was definitely an eye opener for me and a learning experience. I meet amazing people throughout it and built great relationships. I learned my own personal strengths and what I can truly handle.”

“It’s that indescribable feeling, unique culture and one of a kind fashion it brings. The type of buzz, diversity, and grunge that comes with the people associated within the fashion industry. It is truly a atmosphere like no other; once you are in the fashion scene you can experience endless networking possibilities. I believe we can incorporate those within our city, schools and local businesses while encouraging our local designers. This is not only for our designers, our industry, our students, our future generation, but for our city and our economy. We together need to come as one to help make this cities economy better, stronger and more sustainable. Fashion is a great way to start.”

–Jenn Strom 34

Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

Fashion is a very tough industry, how did you get your big break into the industry?

Do you feel there is a void of fashion in Las Vegas?

“Fashion is a very rough industry. You are either a cold hearted ruthless broad or so sweet that you get mauled over: There’s no medium. There is a balance and you can play both if you know how. The best know how and when to play their cards just right at the right moment and to the right people. I am a sweet one, but when someone wants to play the game there is no one worse than a woman that knows how it’s played. I don’t know when my “big break” was. I just dove in head first with no fear and no worries. I think when you hype up success into this billionaire and celebrity status you set yourself up for false hopes. I do what I do because I love it not because of the fame or recognition I get. Trust me, there are many people out there that would love to write up hateful things about me and tear me down for their own pleasure and that’s okay. At the end of the day this is for the city I grew up in and I am here to help make a difference. I’m not running for President or anything!

Thought I would put that one out there. It is when you least expect success it happens. You don’t rush it, you don’t over exaggerate it, you just make it. I still wear sweats on weekends, have my girl nights, and take those me time moments. Behind closed doors I am the person you see everyday.”

“I don’t think there is a void in Vegas for fashion; I believe that there is little growth with the fashion that is here. There is no creative energies flowing here like there is in New York, Paris, or London. You see inspiration all over those cities, but not here. There are the best shops in the world here, but the designers stay in NYC or Paris or London. So where is the networking? Our local designers get stuck. I only see the same type of design here and nothing new, nothing fresh. This is a big nono. Vegas needs the designers to have their offices here and to encourage and push our local talent. They need something to look forward to.”

What are your short and long term goals?

“Between now and 2014 I will be building a solid platform for LVFW with good relationships for the long term goals. I will be establishing designer workshops within the valley to help designers and students. I also will be bringing in designers from all across the nation to network with our local designers. I also want our Fashion Week to have a headquarters and as a city every-time it was “go time,” we would all gear up, support and go for it. Banners all over Vegas, flyers ready to go, the hotels gearing up, and the whole 9 yards. This should be a city wide event and we should come together to bring a new fashion industry to Vegas. I want to put LVFW on the map as one of Fashion Weeks top 5 in the world. We will be creating partnerships with world renowned brands that will incorporate LVFW as their only premier fashion week to launch their line as well as major retailers to host their lines for seasonal lines and exclusives.”

What would you like to see from our already existing local designers and fashionistas?

What is the favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of my job isn’t just one thing. It is the emails or texts from designers that have either showcased or personally helped that have stated, “Jenn guess what?!?! My clothing line is selling in a LA clothing boutique after LVFW!!!” or a student calling me in tears stating “she was accepted to an exclusive fashion internship in NYC after a letter of recommendation and is giving up everything to pursue her dream!” I love what I do.”

What is the most challenging part of your job?

“Where do I begin? The blonde hair and big top half?

My mom may get a little upset over this. No, really the toughest part of my job is the not knowing. The designers are very much up in the air on scheduling. It’s hard to really get them to buckle down and commit. So I have to reach out to as many as I can and organize as much as possible to limit my stress. The biggest lesson I have learned is to delegate. It’s a hard one. It takes a certain person to handle “Fashion Stress” like nothing else. I can’t even explain it. If you let it get to you it will eat you up and spit you out! When I hire new interns or new employees I put them through the ringer first hand.

I give them 24 hours. Most can’t last 6!

What is your personal mission statement?

“You never know what is out there unless you try. Why worry about what others say, they talk. That is why God gave us a mouth. Let their words roll off of your back as you walk in your own path.”

“I would like to see more designers bring their offices here; I would also like to see them become more involved in Las Vegas Fashion Week, with students here in Las Vegas and with workshops around the city. Fashion is such a community involvement and we all need to come together to make this a reality. I can only set the stage.”

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“Thrills” Now available Download free on sizzyrocket.com

Music

Model in the Spotlight

Sophia Casanova Straight from New York City, Sophia has achieved more than most in her life so far. She started as a photographer right out of school. She wasn’t happy with her models. Being the perfectionist she is she decided she would be behind and in front of the camera at the same time and it worked. She first worked with designer Mandate of Heaven and walked in New York Fashion Week. Quickly, she treated this as a career based on her immediate success in New York and moved to Los Angeles to pursue modeling. From NYC, to LA, and now to Las Vegas, Sophia has worked with some of the most prestigious fashion icons from around the world. She is continuing to pursue her dream and hopes to see her face on a billboard in Las Vegas.

MUA • Myriah Quintela Photo • Brandon Lundby

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Photography • JJ Gray Hair • Dean Sproule Makeup • Blaze Linn

Thai Williams Rags to Riches

Many of us have had a hard childhood. Let’s admit it; our parents aren’t perfect, just like us. Thai was one of these children; you know, the ones that don’t live the perfect life. Growing up she always thought she was the ugly duckling.

She didn’t feel like she fit in. Thai struggled with her self image for most of her child and teen life. This is a feeling most young people can relate to.

When her family first moved to Vegas she didn’t have a steady home, she moved from place to place. Her dad was on drugs; her mom didn’t have a job. At over 200lbs, Thai just couldn’t deal with the curveballs life was throwing her way. She acted out at school and home. At 14, Thai decided to take her own life, fortunately she was unsuccessful. She had given up on life. She had dreams of becoming a model one day, but she felt she couldn’t deal with all the stress life handed her.

In high school, Thai was involved with the homeless program. They aided her throughout her high school career. During that time, her life started coming back together. She decided she wouldn’t be a victim anymore. Thai got a job and decided to pursue modeling no matter how hard things were. She had a dream and she was determined to make it come true. Overcoming these problems would not be an easy task for Thai. Reaching deep within herself she started loving herself. Learning to accept the things she couldn’t change, and to having the courage to change the things she could, she accepted herself for who she was.

Today, Thai is an established model in Las Vegas. She has dreams of becoming an international supermodel and to earning her doctorate in psychology. She wants girls everywhere going through a tough time one thing: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something!”

- Michael Touchard Jr. 39

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A story of hope. How one woman has done so much for so many.

Struggling with her own depression and self injury, Brittny Habibti created a group to connect with other teens struggling with the same issues. The group was titled How to Save a Life.

It was based on the ideals behind The Fray’s song of the same title. In its first week, the group grew to over 100 members who would share their personal stories, song lyrics, poetry, artwork, encouraging words, etc.

She wanted to extend the group beyond the Internet. In May 2008, she gathered three local bands together in Mobile, AL for a night of music and honest conversation. This is where the journey began‌ 4 out of 5 teens who attempt suicide give clear warning signs.

After reading this startling statistic, Brittny became painfully aware of just how important awareness was. It was then that the name of the community was changed to Open Our Eyes.

She organized awareness shows throughout the Southeast for the remainder of that year.

Each show had the same format: 3 local bands, a representative from Open Our Eyes to share their story, and an open forum for anyone that was willing to share their story that night.

Today Open Our Eyes hosts shows once a month throughout the country. They start tough conversations at schools, churches and other youth groups particularly within minority communities. Their goal is to educate others on the severity of brokenness especially among teens, the warning signs indicate a person is at risk, and the resources available to reduce that risk.They do not aim to take the place of a medical professional.They aim to serve as a bridge to connect people with the help they need. They also raise financial support to help those dealing with suicide, depression and addiction.

openoureyes.org brittny@openoureyes.org facebook.com/KnowHowToSaveALife 44

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If you feel like your life is meaningless, IT’S NOT!!

Photographer: JJ Gray HMUA: Vanessa de Leon Model: Yanet Garcia

“We are a community of struggle. Some of us are rich people trying to escape our loneliness. Some of us are poor folks trying to escape the cold. Some of use are addicted to drugs, and others are addicted to money.We are a broken people who need each other; for we have come to recognize the mess that we have created of our world and how deeply we suffer from that mess.

Now we are working to give birth to a new society within the shell of the old.

Another world is possible. Another world is necessary. Another world is here.”

- Shane Claiborne

Open Our Eyes wants to help you !

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Raw Vegas

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Dig the underground

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Late in the summer of 2011 the doyenne of a Las Meantime, in 2009 an artist and entrepreneur in Los Vegas amateur crafts group was asked if she was

Angeles began planning to build an organization

going to see the raw artists. “No”, she replied, “I

to hold monthly arts events. What became RAW

prefer mine parboiled.” At that early stage in the

Artists in Los Angeles quickly expanded to other

history of RAW Las Vegas her lack of knowledge, cities, and by the middle of 2011, Amber Cajiao, if not her culinary preferences, might be forgiven. a Las Vegas commercial artist, was ready to open But a year and a half later it’s unlikely she would

a branch of RAW Las Vegas. Herself an artist,

make that mistake. Members of the Las Vegas Amber brought another dimension that so many arts and fashion communities have become artists lack: corporate marketing experience. increasingly aware of RAW Artists. However, She vowed to use her experience, she says, “to RAW is still expanding, and many Gentle Readers provide independent artists with the marketing may not know their story. So perhaps a bit of

tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire

history is in order.

and cultivate creativity. I want to encourage the success of the many visionaries and storytellers

In October 2002, Cindy Funkhouser and two of our generation. I also want to better Las friends took a leap of faith, producing First Friday Vegas and help locate creative jobs for our local events as a celebration of the arts in downtown Las artists.” Amber has a message for local designers Vegas. From an initial crowd of only 300 people, and artists: “Our season is from February to First Friday grew to be an important locus of the October. We are ALWAYS looking for artists for Las Vegas indie arts scene, attracting thousands

future showcases so submit your work today for

of people every month. It proved that Las Vegas

consideration at www.RAWartists.org”

was more than a slick, commercial entertainment city, and that there was a market for the work of its RAW events include many of the same elements many local artists. But by July 2011, the combined as First Friday: “We showcase local, underground, weight of the economic downturn had caused the

independent artists in film, music, art, performing

organizers to put it on hiatus. It wasn’t until three art, fine arts, photography and more.” But with two months later that the event came back under new important additions. The first, vital to networking management.

and creating a sense of community, was hosting all of the artists of various kinds in one venue, where

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Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

they interacted together. The other major difference was to include fashion shows by local designers.

That created a platform for designers, their models, makeup artists and hairstylists to be seen by a new audience and by other artists who otherwise never would have known of their existence. For many of them it caused a major improvement in their careers.

A good example would be Kristy Rose. “Raw was really the reason I was able to get back into fashion!

I applied for multimedia paintings. After being a part of the event with my paintings, Amber saw my clothing designs and asked why I didn’t apply to do fashion for RAW. It definitely was a very important part of me meeting other artists and friends! It opened my eyes to a whole new layer of Vegas!”

Kristy was chosen as Las Vegas RAW Artists Fashion Designer of the Year for 2011. “The best part was the connections to other people who shared my passion and made it possible to do all kinds of other shows and photo shoots. I love RAW and the whole influence it has on the arts community.”

Brieanna Brock voices similar sentiments, and then goes on to add, “Amber has been an inspiration/ mentor for me to become a leader and entertainer of a well-organized and professional group. I’ve got big plans and need to stay on a positive, creative and professional path. RAW will show you just

Amber Cajiao Las Vegas RAW Director how to do that.” Brieanna was chosen as one of the semi-finalists for Fashion Designer of the Year for 2012, and she credits RAW for much of her commercial success: “I’ve had many commissions and paid opportunities since RAW, more than before, because you are also featured on a website, you appear more legit and professional to others that may not know you.

Most artists merely have Facebook to advertise on. I think RAW has had a major impact on the community and it’s a pleasure to have had my hand in a raw event.”

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The RAW has been a boon to more than just the

supports Las Vegas creative minds was refreshing,

designers. RAW fashion shows are an opportunity and it reminded me that the Las Vegas Strip isn’t for models to get experience and exposure in a the only part of town that can shine.” world that is difficult to break into.

You might expect models and designers to gain Asia Jade looks like what fashion models look attention from fashion shows, but the makeup like, but needed a break. She reports: I had been

artists and hair stylists who create that “fashion”

modeling for 2 years with little work coming my look often toil in obscurity. RAW works hard to way. For the past 9 months, RAW Artists Vegas

fix that, bringing artists out for interviews before

has helped me branch out and grow as a model shows, and featuring them on the show floor as with networking landing me spots in local Las they work their magic. It gives the audience a Vegas fashion shows. I have also been invited to glimpse into a creative proves that they normally Hollywood on one occasion to be a body paint

never see.

model for RAW Hollywood, where I met even more talented artist from all areas of California!

Tai Shane is a makeup artist who has done two

Because of RAW Artists, I have landed photo shoots shows with RAW so far. She is enthusiastic: “I with some of the most prestigious photographers met a few clients from the show and they still use I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

my services to this day.

RAW helps the Vegas

community join together: a lot different types of Another who “looks like a model” is Asmeret

art in one place. And that is cool idea. I think Las

Somura: “I am a 22 year old who modeled

Vegas needs that. We have a lot of things, but we

for Phake Gold during the RAW event. After

are missing community.”

participating in the fashion show my vision for my modeling career has become more clear and Raven Rex Franco puts it more strongly: “I am a has kept me focused on what the essence of a poster child for what RAW can do for an artist.

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real model entails. The quick changes in a small

My first RAW event was literally a jump start to

back room with at least 15 other models and the

my career, which had been put on hold for a year. I

roaring crowd took the show’s energy to a whole

made two contacts that night (who were also RAW

another level! Being a part of a positive cause that

artists). Within 6 months I met over 150 people

Spring Xtreme Fashion Magazine

involved in the fashion and beauty world and I quickly became booked with events. I was a nominee for RAW’s first Vegas RAW awards, and became Head artist for four different fashion/ entertainment groups. I have done music videos, two movies, a comic book project, I’ve been in four different magazines, have been on the news, and am now the Resident makeup artist for an online magazine. I have also done countless photo shoots and fashion shows. Raw has given me a name in Las Vegas. In a roundabout way it helped me land my current job at MAC cosmetics, where I can live a comfortable life and support my family.”

RAW Artists in Las Vegas is about leadership and community.

The role Amber Cajiao and her staff have played was described over a century and a half ago by John Stuart Mill: “It is hardly possible to overrate the value . . . of placing human beings in contact with persons dissimilar to themselves, and with modes of thought and action unlike those with which they are familiar. . . . Such communication has always been and is, peculiarly in the present age, one of the primary sources of progress.”

Article by Roger Talley Photography JJ Gray Hair : Dean Sproule Makeup : Feralene Orpilla

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