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home grown
vancouver
vancouver's new mix crew the style common the social life dj goddess
technology issue
may 2013
+ Interviews With
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| Editor’s Letter
that my team and I can bring you this publication every month and bring this project without the need of major offices and equipment is beyond. The only factor that could hold you back in this day and age is fear: of the unknown, of rejection and even of success itself. Being fearless and doing what you love is what the gentlemen of Homegrown Van stand by (pg.41.) and it’s what Anna, Josh and Viranlly live for. It’s also what DJ Goddess (pg. 41) fights against in being one of the top female DJs to come out of the city. Our features have all been inspiring in their own way, and we’re blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know these individuals and to call them our friends.
In April, we focused on recycling and looking to our past. For May, we look to tomorrow and how quickly we can get there in 140 characters or less. This month, our theme lays around technology; how it affects us, how it connects us and how it’s changed the face of our business and opened the doors wide open. Technology is bittersweet. It’s changed the way we communicate and interact; certain acts have become novelties and yet our lives can now be bigger than what we’ve been limited too. The fact that a company can start up from an online blog or that four girls can come together for the common factor of style (pg. 7) is quite the feat. A few of us are given these incredible opportunities to put ourselves out there and connect with each other on a level that is truly not comprehendible by many. The access of being able to reach each other in all corners of the world is magical. The fact
We also give face to our favorite social media platforms, is that how you saw it too? (pg.28) So – Tweet us, Instagram a picture, or send over a Facebook message. Connect with us and connect with someone who has been an inspiration to you. Let us know who to connect with – either way, let’s talk. #thankyouforyoursupport
Ghazal Elhaei Editor in Chief
“One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man."
—Elbert Hubbard
masthead editor-in-chief
| ghazal elhaei
executive assistant creative director photo director
| marchel eang | reema ismail
video director music director beauty director
| alex ross
| jarad beckett
| kaycee camaclang
fashion director fashion editor copy editor
| diba taghvai
| frances thomas | caity rowland
| ljudmila petrovic
photography contributors sydney smith, reema ismail, alex ross, carlieann terry
contributors monica pankiewicz, anisa chaki
one1one social
contents interview
the style common
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15
digital reads
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geek chic interview
the social life
fashion apps
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26
editorial
face time
beauty
28
38
interiew
dj goddess cover story
40
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Homegrown Vancouver music apps record shop
plugged in
57 58 59
style
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to the power of four
getting cosy with vancouver's co-fab-arative quartet text/ FRANCES THOMAS PHOTOgraphy/ ALEX ROSS
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| Fashion
A l e x a n d r a G r a n t, “S p o r t y S p i ce ” With a background in journalism, Grant does most of the PR and communications work. Her blog www.tovogueorbust.com combines her love of fashion with her affinity for athletics, proving that stylish girls can just as easily be found on the track as they can be spotted on Robson Street. “I focus on personal style with a dose of athleticism,” she explains.
J e n n i f e r P i s t o r , “E v e n t g i r l” They arrive one by one. Jen Tam is early, polished and down-to-business in a cobalt blue peplum top, cascading black curls and glam cat eye makeup. She is soft spoken: she rarely speaks, but what she does say is insightful and measured. Next comes Alicia Quan, cool yet approachable in a rock star animal print coat and heeled booties. She’s open and friendly—easily the Carrie of the group. Jennifer Pistor follows shortly after, reflecting classic femininity in an ensemble of skinny jeans and a blue tunic cinched at the waist. She’s quick to laugh and an easy talker, with clear ideas and a tangible sense of drive. Finally, Alexandra Grant shows up in a kimono blouse and pink statement lipstick and the group is complete. Grant brings edginess, honesty, and a candid sense of relaxation to the table. Together, they make up The Style Common, a collective of Vancouver-based fashion bloggers who team up with brands, retailers, and publications to do public relations, marketing, and event planning. The four come from vastly different backgrounds, each with a specific skill set. “Companies see us as a group but as four different individuals as well,” explains Pistor. “We have personas,” adds Grant. “We’re very rolebased.”
She travelled the world as a model in her teenage years and has had extensive retail experience, but Pistor’s roots are in Regina, Saskatchewan. This is a fact that she embraces on her blog www.prairiegirlinthecity.com, which features outfit posts and shopping how-tos. She makes an effort to promote self-confidence and body acceptance in her posts,showing how different body types can rock the trends du jour. “I’m very big on loving who you are and loving what you’ve got,” says Pistor.“I’ve gained more confidence in myself because people will say, ‘Look at you, rocking some skinny jeans in a size 12,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah I am, and you can too!’”
A l i c i a Q u a n , “S o c i a l M e d i a G i r l” Quan’s background in the retail industry and online marketing serves her well: she combines her savvy sense of style with her fashionmarketing prowess to make www.aliciafashionista.com and to run Capital Q Creative, her social media consulting business.
J e n T a m , “ T h e B u s i n ess G a l” “Jen does a lot of the operational, black and white facts,” says Grant. “Whereas we’re like, ‘whoa, let’s talk about ideas.’” “We’d still be sitting at our first meeting if it wasn’t for Jen,” adds Pistor. Tam also has her own blog, www.herwaisechoice.com, which shows the ordinary woman how to achieve elevated style. “I try to make it more constructive so that the reader will hopefully gain something from it,” she says, explaining that her blog is informative and user-friendly.
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Co-fab-arative “We’re inspired by each other,” Quan says. “It’s been really great having a support system. Not that it’s necessarily competitive with other people, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable asking them business-y questions that I can ask these girls.” In addition to collaborating on The Style Common, the four work together on their individual blogs by photographing each other's outfits and generating story ideas. Through working together on The Style Common, the women have become more focused in their individual senses of style. “As we were defining who The Style Common girl is and who we are, it was a lot of self-reflection and it really made me think about what I was doing on my own blog,” Quan recalls. “I don’t need to try and do what somebody else is doing,” adds Pistor, attributing a heightened sense of focus in her style to working on The Style Common.
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It is an ineffable thread of common interest—a certain drive to bolster each other up—that connects the group.
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C o mm o n g r o u n d It is an ineffable thread of common interest—a certain drive to bolster each other up—that connects the group. “It’s motivation, always lighting the fire underneath you,” explains Quan. “Like go get ‘em!’” Whoever said a group of ambitious young women working together meant grown-up Mean Girls need think again: the four are seamlessly connected, each with a genuine desire to collaborate and learn from each other.
“I love when women support other women instead of cutting them down and trying to trample over them to get to the top,” Pistor says. “There is a lot of camaraderie.” “It’s always good to have each other to work off of because blogging is such a community thing,” adds Tam.
C o me t o g e t h e r Grant describes how the four came together almost serendipitously. They met through local events and had been friends for a few years before deciding to venture into business together with The Style Common last November. The idea came to be over coffee. “I’ve heard from others that it can be tough to make friends here [in Vancouver] because a lot of people are really cliquey and they already have their groups,” says Quan. “For us, because of our blogs, we already knew that we had that common interest, and so we formed this network of people.”
Looking forward “Who knows where [The Style Common] will go,” says Tam. “Even in the last year or so, opportunities for Canadian bloggers have increased immensely. That’s really exciting for all of us individually and as a group.” “We were actually planning to have a lot of bad backlash,” Grant says, musing on The Style Common’s unexpected success. “It’s a really small city, and we were introducing something that’s really unprecedented.” The Style Common’s services consist of event planning, brand promotion, content creation, and public relations. Despite being well established in this, the group is open to forging new ground in different arenas such as lifestyle branding and international collaborations. “We can roll with whatever comes our way,” Pistor says.
Fashion |
your ad here (seriously though, your ad could be here)
one1one now offers ad space in our magazine and on our blog. Advertise with us! for rates and information contact sales@one1onemagazine.com
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“It’s like osmosis: we’re going where we’re needed,” adds Grant. “That is what osmosis is, right?” She turns to the others for confirmation. They finish each other’s sentences and complete each other’s thoughts, laugh together throughout the afternoon and compulsively compliment one another at any and every opportunity. They are business partners, but most of all, they are friends. The Style Common is at once concrete and abstract, grounded and in transition. Grant, Pistor, Quan, and Tam have laid down their roles and located their strengths, operating a tightly edited machine, yet they are open to the changes ahead. They understand the fast-paced nature of fashion and relish continually pushing themselves further, faster, higher. “It just keeps you wanting more when you see little successes along the way,” Pistor says.
“ I ’ v e m a d e i t ” m o me n t s As they finish their coffees, Quan leans over the table. “Do you guys have a measurable, ‘I’ve made it’ moment?” she asks. “I’ve had lots, but they’re always tiered,” answers Grant, as the others nod in agreement. “Once you’ve had one, you’re like, ‘Okay, what’s the next thing?’” They are asking the same question and in pursuit of the same answer. They are The Style Common: four different women coming together for one collective cause.
WWW.THESTYLECOMMON.COM WWW.Twitter.COM/Thestylecommon WWW.Instagram.COM/Thestylecommon WWW.Facebook.COM/Thestylecommon
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digital reads for him and for her we hand picked these 5 blogs to add to your daily go-to's. text/ ghazal elhaei
✏ Joe
Is The New Bl ack
Who: Joe Amio
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Who: Leandra Medine
Where: www.joeistheneblack.com
Where: www.manrepeller.com
What: A collective of obsessions from the worlds of fashion, photography, art, interior design, street style and gadgetry.
What: man·re·pell·er —noun outfitting oneself in a sartorially offensive mode that may result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls (see: human repelling), shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.
Tweet: @JTNB
✏ S ta r v i n g
Stylist
Where: www.thestarvingstylist.com Who: Peter Ty
Tweet: @manrepeller
What: A GUY with a personal style blog, where tacky & self-absorbed images are posted as he parades around like an idiot in outfits a red-neck would NOT understand. Tweet: @STARVINGstylist
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Man Repeller
It's All St yle To Me Who: Spiro Georges Mandylor Where: www.itsallstyletome.com
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W h at e v e r E u r o t r a s h Who: Justine Iaboni Where: www.whatevereurotrash.com What: eurotrash —adjective and a noun
What: An online magazine dedicated to providing readers with an insider's view of the latest in fashion and style.
an esoteric person or thing that embodies a hedonistic lifestyle of luxury and high fashion with an open contempt for the mainstream—while at the same time does not strive for either.
Tweet: @itsallstyletome
Tweet: @EurotrashGirls
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UNIEA Deluxe Dot iPad 3rd/4th Gen Skin - White & Gold Polka Dots $34.99
Native Union - Pop Liquid - Pop Phone $49.99
Kate Spade New York Diagonal Stripe Case for iPhone速 5 $40.00
geekchic Because geek is the new black
Marc by Marc Jacobs Dreamy Logo Neoprene 15" Commuter Bag $125.05
Rebecca Minkoff Collin Camera Bag $295.00
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the social life text/ ANISA CHAKI PHOTOgraphy/ REEMA ISMAIL
Walking into the beautiful open space of the Lost and Found Café on West Hastings, Anna Thorsen’s smile and her electric pull light up the room. From appearances at the Chanel show in Paris to hosting Liberace Thursdays at Vancouver’s own Celebrities Nightclub, the-sociallife.com’ s Editor-in-Chief has it made. Joshua Langston and Viranlly Liemena – co-contributors at the selfproclaimed “multi-city social lifestyle” website – are equally as sparkly. In fact, even Josh’s pants are covered in red graffiti ‘f*cks’. By complete coincidence, the trio has all showed up wearing red pants. “We’re like Destiny’s Child right now; slight variations on the same look,” Josh exclaims when the trio notices their coordinated outfits.
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Anna Thorsen [Editor-In-Chief] Joshua D Langston [Lead Contributor] Viranlly Liemena [Photographer]
getting back Anna:. I was down [in San Francisco] on a work visa; I worked for Aritzia for ten years and I was ready and finished with that part of my life so I left Aritzia at the end of last year to pursue The Social Life full time and to launch a clothing line. O1O: How do you like being back? A: It’s unreal. I’ve been back since the middle of February and I can’t believe how much Vancouver has changed with how welcoming everyone is; it’s been amazing. It’s overwhelming sometimes because the community is just so cool so it’s really exciting. There’s no such thing as “no fun city;” I call bullshit on that.
M ee t i n g o f m i n d s A: Josh and I have always been Twitter friends and one day I saw him tweeting about Coachella [music festival], right? Josh: Yeah, I was driving down to Coachella for the first time last year and on my way down I was posting all this stuff on Twitter and Anna messaged me saying “hey, I’m working on changing my blog [which was originally called] I Need a
Social Life to more of an online magazine publication and I’d love for you to cover Coachella” . There was so much content within the coverage that we actually broke it from the original one into three different posts and they did really well on the site so from there Anna asked me if I would be interested in guest contributing more. I was already in the scene at all the events and parties and it just steamrolled to the point that I just ended up becoming a contributor for The Social Life. Based on the whole technology side, everything that we’ve done at TSL has been via Skype, text message, WhatsApp; just having to use all of these social networks to communicate with each other and accomplish what we have considering that we’ve never been in the same city together but have still been able to create content like we are has been pretty amazing.
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is being social, being mobile and connecting with people. O1O: What do you think sets you apart from other Vancouver-based online blogs and magazines? A: I think our international breadth. As much as we are Canadian-focused, we also do LA, New York, San Francisco. Having that noborders approach differs us. And just approaching it in a different way – it’s not just a style blog, it’s not just a fashion blog; it’s literally about the social aspect of the fashion world – which is such a huge part of the industry, actually the most fun part of the fashion industry.
it’s not just a style blog, it’s not just a fashion blog...
A: Before I moved to Vancouver, the three of us probably spent no more than ten minutes in a room together in our lifetimes. It’s just crazy what it’s become literally through iPhones and Facebook and Twitter. We’re completely mobile, which is a huge objective of The Social Life – that we can do it anywhere. Eventually there will come a point where we’ll need to grow and have an office but even still, the whole point
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There’s not just a runway show, there’s so much more going on behind the scenes, beforehand, after-hand. J: I think our writing style is something that also really differs. For us, instead of reading text, it’s more like you feel like you’re actually there. It’s writing in a style where you feel like you’re right beside me. I’m literally describing all the nuances of what’s happening while we’re there. Not even just covering the event itself but what’s happening before, what it was like during the event, after the event, who we talked to and just making someone feel like they were really apart of The Social Life.
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P h o t o g r a p h i c e v i d e n ce Viranlly: I want to capture everything. It’s not just about whatever’s going on in the fashion show. I want to capture the people, the movement, everything that I can see that not a lot of other people can; all the natural gestures of people. I think that’s another thing that sets us apart from other publications. J: He captures those moments that aren’t pushed. They aren’t doing that whole “surprise face;” he’s actually getting that surprise face. It’s focusing on the spirit and on what’s happening in that moment. I think it’s incredible what he’s able to do with a camera.
V: Yeah, I never ask people to pose; I just hang around so you’ll never know what pictures I’m taking, I’m just there. O1O: Are you planning to expand it to the point of having a regular contributor in each city? A: That’s definitely the goal. Right now we have guests that will contribute every once in a while. It’s a bit of a work in progress, it’s not as structured as with Josh and Viranlly but it’s definitely the goal of [The Social Life] as well as having more of a community reach so we’re going to be changing it up a little and really involving our community in each of the cities. Stay tuned! We want [The Social Life] to be populated by our readers.
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O1O: As far as social media, do you feel like there’s one platform that gains you more readership than others or is it more of a collective whole? A: If you’re talking strictly analytics, it’s definitely our Facebook. But really, every social media channel that we’re involved in pulls in readers in a different way. We’re involved in Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook and just getting into Vine. But they’re all equally important because they give our readers a different view of The Social Life as opposed to strictly from the blog. It’s a great way to interact with people and figure out what they want. J: Being able to have all of these different channels and interact with brands as well has definitely been a huge part of our success.
A w o r d f r o m t h e w i se A: Just go for it. Go for it. I started The Social Life from my personal blog and I literally just wrote about everywhere I went and broke it into categories: people, places and things, which again, is the back door of what The Social Life is now. There were no boundaries, there was no right or wrong; you just gotta go for it and keep experimenting. The Social Life is nothing like it started and it’s not going to be anything like it is in a year from now and I know it and just being unafraid to let that evolution happen is so important.
O1O: Do you ever feel like you have to filter what you say on your personal Facebook accounts or other social media channels just because your personal lives are so much a part of your jobs? J: I don’t think it’s really our approach. Obviously we’re not going to post things that are illegal or stuff like that, but at the same time a big part of The Social Life is our social life. It’s what we do – from going out and sitting front row at fashion shows to a big tran night out. If we filtered, I think we would lose a lot of our readers. They want this unfiltered tongue-incheek approach that we have. V: Absolutely. It’s about everything that’s going on in our lives. A: I’m all about authenticity and there’s nothing I want to hide. If there is something I want to hide, then I won’t write about it. There’s no point in hiding or putting on a show ‘cause you just won’t gain authentic readers that way. It’s not like we’re crazy, I mean, we’re not really that inappropriate but, at the same time, it’s unbelievable what being authentic gets you. You get honest, totally loyal readers; it’s unreal. J: I think there are enough publications out there that are very showy and very targeted, whereas we’re just really trying to be us and we’re showing you what we do; if that’s what you respond to, great.
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That’s another place where social media really comes in. We really try to find a way to interact with our readers through all of our platforms so that they feel like they’re a part of it. We did a giveaway over Christmas where we had a local artist, who just happens to be Anna’s mom; she did portraits of all these iconic fashion figures and we gave away one a day for 24 days, like an advent calendar, and it was really exciting because people were sharing their prizes on their social media because they liked the art just as much as they liked getting the prize and what’s great is that this art has now become a new project for Anna and her mom.
Clothing line A: So, I’m launching a t-shirt line with my mother called By Post Street and we’re taking my mom’s artwork and putting it on t-shirts that I design. So, each month features two fashion people and one DJ. The DJ we feature makes a podcast that goes with the collection, so there’s literally a soundtrack with each release. The t-shirts are released monthly, the images change monthly and they’ll each be available for 30 days or until sold out. It’s really cool because as much as it’s a new project – going back to the technology subject – it’s so linked in under the umbrella of The Social Life, which is another reason why Facebook and stuff is so great.
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It may be a different category on the outside but on the back end everything just links up perfectly. O1O: Do you get a lot of followers and readers coming up to you when you’re out at events? A: Yeah, it’s so weird! It makes a little more sense in Vancouver because I was born and raised here but when people came up to me in San Francisco... I had this one queen come up to me [and say]: “Oh my god, you’re Anna from The Social Life.” And I was like, how do you know about my website!? It’s so cool. So please come and say hi if you see us out! It’s really just mind- blowing how many people pay attention. J: There are so many interconnections; it’s crazy: the people we meet who feel like they know us because we’re putting our social lives out there.
lot of other things: I have a full time job and I want to go out and see my friends and have a smart cocktail and put on my fancy shoes. V: I just have to stop at some point because I have school, I have work. I’ve been pretty good about it but, at the same time, I like to post things like, this is where I hang out, or this what I do on the weekend. I’ve had people tell me: “Your Instagram is basically my life I go to all the places you go."
S h o es, s h o es, s h o es J: WE Vancouver did a feature on me where they referred to me as “Joshua Langston: Vancouver’s Shoe Whisperer” and there’s a reason for it. I collect shoes, basically.
It’s really surreal to see how you’re able to affect people and how much people care. Having a lot of regular readers that just love what you’re doing, it’s great. By trying to get to know our readers, I think it just adds this layer of approachability that a lot of publications don’t have. The whole focus of our site is being social and being out there.
O1O: How many pairs of shoes do you own?
A: It’s the most motivating thing, by far.
J: My mom always told me: “Spend the most money on your shoes and your bags ‘cause honey, you’ll get f*cking fat, you’ll get f*cking skinny, but these things will always fit.”
F i n d i n g a b a l a n ce A: It’s really hard to sometimes because it is so addicting. I have a rule where I just turn my phone over and when it’s over I’m not looking at it. Literally, it’s that hard. It’s so easy to get so involved and it gets so overwhelming and it becomes watered down to the point where I’m doing it too much and I just don’t care anymore. It’s really about setting those boundaries; for me it’s like 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and nothing on Sundays. It’s all so much fun but it’s still a job so you need that time to completely disconnect. (to Josh) You. You never stop. You need to. J: I know. I’m all about the juggle. I definitely have been trying to pull back a little bit here and there because at the same time I do a
J: Umm, I think I’m around 120 right now. V: I thought I was pretty bad and then there’s this guy. We all have a problem with shoes. A: Haha, I am not that bad. I am not even close.
So I don’t have a problem spending a lot of money on them.
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Spend the most money on your shoes and your bags ‘cause honey, you’ll get f*cking fat, you’ll get f*cking skinny, but these things will always fit.
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G r e a t e x pec t a t i o n s V: I don’t want to put pressure because it’s not going to be as natural so I just kind of let it go and take pictures here, take pictures there.
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F a v o r i t e s o c i a l me d i a p l a t f o r m o f t h e m o me n t: A: Right now... Instagram J: I am a little obsessed with Snap Chat but I just got it last night so I don’t feel comfortable saying that. Umm... I’d say Twitter. V: Instagram. O1O: Is there a social media platform that you dislike more than others? I just have not been able to get into Pinterest.
the opportunity that we have to inspire other people who see what we’re doing. I personally look back to people around me and see how I’ve inspired them
Last words A: Stay tuned. We’ve got some serious shit planned and it’s really exciting and just, thank you for all the support. It’s been unbelievable.
J: Yeah, I just want to thank the people who have been there from humble A: I love Pinterest because – and it’s so beginnings to the point we’re at bizarre to say – but anytime I’m uninspired now and the people just constantly or need an answer to one of those supporting us in doing what we do. out-there questions, I go to Pinterest It’s been huge and I think that now and it just naturally gets answered. that we’re all in the same city together, really, anything could happen at this But Tumblr? I don’t get it. I’ve never point and we can’t wait to show you! used it, so maybe that’s why. I feel like Instagram is my Tumblr. V: It’s. Gonna. Be. Huge. Although I do need to backtrack It’s gonna be major. on Instagram being my favorite. I believe it. And I can’t wait. I want to change it to Twitter because it’s unreal the amount of connections you can make in 140 characters. www.twitter.com/The_Social_Life Take Josh and me for example. www.Instagram.com/The_Social_Life
J: This whole thing, our entire relationship formed over Twitter. A: It’s unbelievable, it really is.
Favorite thing about the job A: Making connections. And collaborating. J: Same. Meeting people. Getting the opportunity to go to some of these amazing events is great but, for me, it’s not the event; it’s the people that I meet when I’m there. It’s literally meeting people and meeting readers and interacting with them and just getting real. V: I’d have to say the same thing about making connections but aside from that,
www.Facebook.com/The Social Life
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fashion apPs
text/ ghazal elhaei
Whether it's priceless or the price of a latté—these are the 5 apps we find ourselves using daily.
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Stylebook Your inner Cher Horowitz just did a back flip. Photograph and import your closet into this app to customize your outfits. Track your wardrobe history with a calendar and create magazine like layouts with your own apparel. There's one for men too! (Stylebook Men). $3.99.
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This app is fabulous for Instagram users— it allows you to constrain your photos to the right proportions when posting, so they'll never get cropped or cut off. You're even given the option of customizing the colours of your frames to better suit your photo. Free, Pro version is $1.99.
s t y l e .c o m The popular website has created an app that focuses on runway coverage; users can view frequently-updated collection images and reviews. Easy scrolling makes the experience the next best thing to seeing a show live. Free.
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s q ua r e a dy
w w d : w o m e n ' s w e a r d a i ly THE app for fashion and retail industry news, WWD allows the latest in fashion news to be delivered directly to your mobile device. However, to gain access to all content users must subscribe. Free to download; subscription starts at $12.99/month.
chic feed "This app compiles in one place the most popular streetstyle snaps on the internet from sites such as The Satorialist, Face Hunter, Lookbook and Altamira NYC." Free, Plus version is $1.
your ad here (seriously though, your ad could be here)
or here (or here)
one1one now offers ad space in our magazine and on our blog. for rates and information contact sales@one1onemagazine.com
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bringing our favourite social media platforms to life; featuring linked in, myspace, youtube, twitter, tumblr, instagram, facebook, google plus, and pinterest. styling / Caity Rowland photography / Carlieann Terry
e me
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linked in
(previous page) h&m blouse h&m belt
walmart leggings aldo boots michael kors watch
myspace topman shirt h&m pants h&m shoes artex beanie
Fashion |
youtube ebay beanie mintage vintage levis cutoffs mintage fruit of the loom tee mintage rice sportswear jacket aldo sneakers
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twitter (this page) aldo sneakers levis shorts mintage screen stars tee woo vintage sir melville plaid shirt tumblr (opposite page) mintage tee mintage levis jacket topshop leggings topshop creepers
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instagram topshop bustier stylists own diy seven for all mankind jeans club monaco crochet pareo club monaco socks american eagle boots charles and grace ring stylists own gold chain brandy melville spike bracelet ebay sunglasses
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facebook aldo shoes mintage levi shorts h&m jacket dakine backpack dazed and confused glasses
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google plus h&m pants topman shirt h&m shoes models own watch
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pinterest topshop top woo vintage skirt club monaco belt aldo shoes aldo headband woo vintage glasses
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| Be a u t y
beauty
top 5 b eau t y g ad ge ts text/ kaycee camaclang
go go beauty gadgets! These are our top 5 glamorizing gizmos this month. Neutrogena A d va n c e d S o l u t i o n s at H o m e Microdermabrasion A great microdermabrasion system without the costly appointments at the dermatologist. See results in just 8 weeks! www.neutrogena.com
R o m i D i g i ta l F o u n d at i o n With Romi's Digital Foundation formula, you can ditch the primer and get a flawless application with little to no effort. www.hsn.com
GO SMiLE Teeth Whitening Light System Get the quality of whitening service from your dentist to your home. GO SMiLE takes 30 minutes using their whitening formula and a light. www.gosmile.com
TEMPTU Airbrush System Love the look of professional airbrushed foundation? Bring that technology to your own vanity using the TEMPTU Airbrush system. www.temptu.com
S a l ly H a n s e n Salon Gel Polish S ta r t e r K i t Skip the bi-weekly trips to the salon and do your own gel nails at home. This kit comes with all the tools needed to apply and remove your gel nails. www.sallyhansen.com
The Beauty Department Who: Lauren Conrad, Kristin Ess, Amy Nadine What: The Beauty Department covers everything from hair+makeup how-to’s, nail trends, skin issues, tools, current obsessions & inspirations, as well as countless quick tips. Get your daily dose of pretty. www.thebeautydepartment.com
Make Up Alley Who: You, your neighbor and thousands of other users connecting together. What: An information portal for all things beauty, health and lifestyle. Reviews are 100% user-generated and there's a chance to connect with an army of like-minded beauty lovers through the message boards. www.makeupalley.com
Beauty Lish
Ipsy
Who: Major Boutiques to the Girl Next Door and tutorials to die for.
Who: Michelle Phan What: Each month, subscribers will receive Glam Bags with samples and full-sized beauty products hand-picked by Michelle and her elite team of stylists. All for $10 a month. www.ipsy.com
www.beautylish.com
Bella Sugar Who: An extension of Pop Sugar. What: POPSUGAR Beauty calls themselves "the ultimate beauty junkie and goto expert;" featuring how-to guides to reviews of the newest products. www.bellasugar.com
text/ kaycee camaclang
What: A collective of boutiques, individuals and creatives coming together to shop, learn and grow the beauty community in the most, (pun intended) beautiful way.
Want to research before buying beauty products? Need a boost of inspiration? Here are a five of our favourite spots online that are full of product reviews, inspirational photos and tutorials.
online
our fav 5 be au t y s ites
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DJ God dess Spinning in Style
text/ JARAD BECKETT PHOTOgraphy/ SYDNEY SMITH
For Jessica Dhillon, time is of the essence. In the past year and a half alone, the international performer – who spins under the name DJ Goddess – has travelled to India, Dubai, and across the country. On top of all this, Dhillon also works as an actress and a dancer.
Yet, sitting down with Dhillon at a coffee shop in her hometown of Surrey, it is hard to believe that such a down-to-earth individual is the same DJ Goddess that is rapidly becoming an international force to be reckoned with.
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On Becoming a DJ
W h at ’ s i n a n a m e ?
I had just finished working on a film set in San Francisco, had some spare time and found that I really wanted to learn about DJing and music production. I have always had a passion for it. I was lucky enough to learn from Lisa De Lux, and the rest just came to me naturally.
My sister and I still argue about who can actually get the credit for coming up with [my stage name]. Basically, I wanted a name that was a strong empowering female voice. I looked at things like Empress and Sovereign but they were taken. One day, my sister and I were driving across the Alex Fraser bridge and there was a truck with an advertisement for Goddess Bakery.
First performance I had done some production work with [Canadian artist Rhagav Mathur]. He has a New Year’s Eve gig and asked, "How would you like to DJ for me?" I booked the gig and ended up playing a live telecast on City TV for an audience of 40,000+. It still is one of my favorite gigs for sure.
Work ethic I'm a firm believer that you need to plunge into things. I have been very blessed with the connections that I have had. I worked really hard in the film industry and that ethic is paying off now.
Right then and there I knew I had to have it. I grabbed my phone and searched DJGoddess.com and there was nothing. I bought [the domain] right there and then in the car: grabbed my Visa, charged it; and DJ Goddess was born.
On techniques and gear I learned how to spin on vinyl. When I first learned the craft, I felt it was important to learn the methodology and I firmly believe it's important to understand and know where the skill originated from. I currently use Pioneer CDJ's 800's with my Pioneer 1500 headphones.
Dance dance dance
I wanted a name that was a strong empowering female voice.
When I wasn't a DJ, I loved mainstream music. I was a mainstream girl. But as soon as I became a DJ, I found that my taste in music had drastically changed. I wasn't much of a hard house lover but now I absolutely love hard house music; it's become one of my favorite genres to spin. It ranges around where you go. I went to India for a three month tour and different clubs looked for different sounds. I never would have thought that the Indian market would be into hard house, but when I went to Kolkata for a gig, that's all they wanted to hear.
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I n t e r n at i o n a l scenes I think people appreciate house music a lot more overseas in Europe. The Indian scene is influenced a lot by Europe as well. I think for us here, we still prefer hip-hop and Top 40 – though I do think we are starting to catch on when it comes to house music.
Soul connection It's so important to read the crowd. You can go into a gig with a set and just spin. My first few gigs I had a set practiced to see if it mixed well, but over time, I started to wing it and you know what? Those turned out to be my best sets. It's so important to connect with your audience.
D J i n s p i r at i o n s Swedish House Mafia are unreal. I feel like the goal for most performers is to be at a level similar to the Tiestos of the world. I personally really admire DJ Risk One, who is incredibly talented and who is someone that really inspires me.
Focus pocus [DJing] is definitely something I'm passionate about and that I am going to continue to do. I am putting more effort than ever into it. I'm always told to just focus on one thing, but my goal is to find success and balance by pursuing all of my passions. I want to continue to do what I love.
DJ God dess
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Look on the bright side I had just gotten back from tour and was booked to play a show for Valentine's Day. It's always a risk to play gigs like that on holidays, but I tried to remain positive. There were only a couple dozen of people there, and half of them were promoters. You still go into any situation as if it's packed and hyped up. It becomes more intimate, I can take more requests and make the experience more personal.
Switch it up To be honest, I like switching it around and more so, I am working on becoming an international DJ. I know it's premature to be pegged as that in such a short amount of time, but I toured overseas for a few months and am now starting to book shows in the States. I love spinning in Vancouver though, and will always do so when I'm in town. Ginger 62, that's my playground.
Looking into the future I'm planning on going back out on tour in India and the rest, we’ll just have to wait and see.
www.Djgoddess.com www.FACEBOOK.com/iamdjgoddess www.TWITTER.com/iamdjgoddess www.INSTAGRAM.com/jessicadhillon
tune into something new
Raw — Uncensored — Unplugged
home
grown vancouver
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text/ Ghazal Elhaei Styling/ Caity Rowlands Photography/ Carlieann Terry
Nestled in a restaurant with Homegrown Van – a DJ group consisting of Greg Wyenberg, Rohan Sakhrani, Adam Hyjek, Dmitri Pantazis, Mike Tyson, Brett Fabian and Noel Callahan – is like entering a bubble of euphoric energy. Their ages range from twenty to thirty-nine and, much like their personalities, their genres of choice spread across the spectrum. Their collaboration acts as the perfect marriage of friendship, dedication, talent and work; together, they are helping shape the local electronic scene.
The Definition of a DJ
U n f o r g e t ta b l e M o m e n t s
ROHAN: Being able to feel the music, and understanding the vibe. You have to teach yourself that and for some it comes naturally.
ROHAN: Greg and I just played together at AuBar recently and it was my first time spinning downtown. We got to bring trap music to a crowd that wasn't really familiar with it.
MIKE: Anyone can take a knife to a piece of wood and make a pointed stick. If you take that versus a wood carver, well, there's a difference. ADAM: Anyone can be a DJ but not everyone can understand the music. NOEL: The biggest thing is to watch these guys play. You see the crowd connect with them completely. It's like a new-age orchestra and that's what I don't think a lot of people understand. ADAM: You need to be ready for anything. You have to be able to adapt and learn how to react to the crowd. DIMITRI: If your computer shuts down, people on the dance floor don't know there are technology issues. People just think that you're playing bad music. ROHAN: What separates a good DJ from an average DJ is one who understands how to think on their feet and be able to change the scenario no matter what happens.
GREG: The best part is that it isn't one person who is control of the music and the other isn't. It became collaboration where we supported each other in keeping the crowd pumped and the energy high. ROHAN: It also allowed for us to stay mentally and physically hydrated, which is essential when you're controlling the atmosphere. NOEL: Watching as an outsider when they switch back and forth and change their positions in the booth, people think: 'Oh, they're going to play something new and change the vibe.' It doesn't even matter if the music doesn't change at all but it gets the crowd excited because it's something different. MIKE: A lot of the time when I have gigs, it feels like a compromise. Even when I want to showcase one genre, I have to find a way to keep the crowd happy. Last year, though, I had a show at my buddy's studio and it was really small. It was a
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crowd of 60 but the entire crowd had the same taste in music as I did. Within the first couple of seconds, they would recognize the song and be like: “Awesome, you're playing old school Paul van Dyk. We're so happy.' I felt really appreciated for my musical selection. It wasn't about dancing and getting drunk; they were there to hear the music I was going to play. DIMITRI: I don't think I can pick my favorite moment but I think it's amazing that I've been able to travel and play in different cities. You go to a new place where you don't know anyone and you don't know what to expect but then you have everyone respond so positively. It's just amazing. ADAM: Some of my favorite shows have actually been at house parties. You can play at a club and you'll get the full production but when you're at
Covering All Spectrums GREG: The one thing that I've learned is that it's not about what you know; it's about who you know. All it takes is for one person to introduce you to the next and so on. All it takes is one event and there's an avalanche effect. NOEL: I don't DJ at all. I mean, I know my music and I understand the vibe, but this is why something like this is amazing. Finding talent like what these guys have and helping them go in the right direction makes me feel like I've done something worthwhile. MIKE: I think you're my perfect complement. I'm reclusive and I don't want to deal with that shit; I just want to make music and perform.
doesn't matter where or with whom, ❝Itbut we want to foster a community or habitat of like-minded individuals for this city to have. ❞ a house party you have the bare minimum. I love the intimacy and it can get rowdy, but I have so much fun. I can play what I want and everyone just has a good time. It's a different experience but the feeling is amazing. BRETT: I'm originally from Edmonton and there's an event that happens every couple of months called KLUB OMFG Edmonton and a couple of hundred people come out. It's the entire production: pyrotechnics, 50' LED screens, lasers, and smoke machines. I got to play at one of the events and it was completely mind-blowing. The event was based around each DJ and you got to highlight your genre of choice. People came to see you even if you weren't the biggest name out there. A person coming for the DJ’s was probably the number one feeling.
NOEL: You know, I figured that. Since I don't DJ, there's no reason for me to be in this company. I have to keep things together and help them stay on track and get out there. It's so rewarding. I love to dance and, without any of these guys, I'd be dancing on the street or Harlem-shaking it too much to the wrong YouTube videos. ROHAN: Similarly, along those lines: I'm not from Vancouver. I grew up in Hong Kong and India. I've DJ'd in India and in Hong Kong and what I've learned is that you really need to assert yourself and network. If you want something you need to have as much motivation to pursue it as what you want out of it. MIKE: Persistency is key. NOEL: I find we're all very like-minded. I personally think, for all of us, that everyone enjoying themselves and having a good time is the most important thing.
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MIKE: When you have a conglomerate of DJ's like us, we collectively know many more producers and DJ's and automatically our network and our range multiplies. NOEL: We want to create a Saturday night in Vancouver that is reputable but just really fun. I didn't really know AuBar until I met these guys, but I know that I'll go every Saturday night now because the music will be on point. MIKE: I think what gives us the advantage is that the Homegrown Vancouver mandate is that it doesn't matter where or with whom, but we want to foster a community or habitat of like-minded individuals for this city to have. We want to create this culture in Vancouver. I would like us to be leading the charge. ROHAN: What I find with Vancouver is that you'll have these big shows where big names will come and perform and you look forward to those shows. But there's no consistency every week. ADAM: It's a scramble but it's awesome.
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W h at ' s t h e M e s s a g e ? MIKE: We are representing Vancouver. We are local DJ's. We live here and work here. It's a broad range of age, culture and whatever, but it's the talent that is brewing from this city. That's what we represent. NOEL: We're nice and cool people. GREG: Atmosphere has a lot to do with it. We try to create a good vibe and a good place for people to go to. ROHAN: I see Homegrown as that opportunity where us as friends can promote a place and make it what we want. NOEL: We want people to be in line smiling and pumped to come inside. ROHAN: No Saturday is the same; every Saturday is a little different. MIKE: We never have a business-as-usual Saturday. NOEL: It's business as usual in the fact that it's never usual.
You can find the gentlemen of Homegrown Van hosting every Saturday night at AuBar nightclub.
www.homegrownvan.com www.twitter.com/HomegrownVan www.instagram.com/homegrownvan
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Greg Wyenberg
Alias: DJ Fargonics Age: 26
What Inspires You: I tend to draw off positive energy to inspire myself. Things like new music, new friends and new environments attribute to that. Favorite Song You’ve Remixed: No remixes to report as of yet, but I have a few projects in the works. Favorite Artist: Eric Prydz is one of my favorite artists; he’s very diverse and does things a little differently than most artists. If you go to one of his shows, it’s a guarantee you will hear something you’ve never heard before. The same can be said for his albums and his record label; he makes a point to keep unreleased tracks close to home and leaks very little to the public. In this digital age, I can appreciate how difficult that can be. Favorite Spot In Town: My favorite spot in town right now is probably the Kingston on Richards St. It’s got good food and is an excellent place to watch a game. Word’s to live by: A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure.
www.fargonics.com www.FACEBOOK.com/DJfargonics www.SOUNDCLOUD.com/DJfargonics
rohan sakgrani
Alias: Dirty fox Age: 20
What Inspires You: Ambition Favorite Song You’ve Remixed: Clarity by Zedd Favorite Artist: Eric Prydz, Flosstradamus Favorite Spot In Town: Burgers Etc. (Burnaby) Word’s to live by: The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
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brett fabian
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Alias: IMF (I'M Fabian) Age: 21 What Inspires You: That feeling right before the drop. Favorite Song You’ve Remixed: Toulouse by Nicky Romero Favorite Artist: Way too many to list. Nicky Romero, Laidback Luke, Zedd and Afrojack. Favorite Spot In Town: Anywhere where the vibe is good, the people feel the music and everyone is rowdy. Word’s to live by: You gotta risk it to get the biscuit!
www.FACEBOOK.com/IMFImFabian www.TWITTER.com/IMF_IMFabian www.INSTAGRAM.com/Brettfabian30 www.SOUNDCLOUD.com/dj-fabes
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Alias: adam DC Age: 24
What Inspires You: My friends and family who continue to support me in everything I do, and inspire me to keep on keeping on. Favorite Song You’ve Remixed: Working on a Queen – Under Pressure Remix Favorite Artist: Maor Levi, he produces in just about every genre of music, which I find really inspiring. Showing that kind of flexibility and talent in producing is something I’d like to achieve one day. Favorite Spot In Town: Every now and then, I like to escape to the nature of Stanley Park to get away from all of the craziness downtown. My favorite beach hangout is there as well. Word’s to live by: One original thought is worth a thousand mindless quoting’s. – Diogenes.
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Alias: King of All Trades Age: 25 What Inspires You: Good music, long showers and microbrew. Favorite Song You’ve Remixed: Bliss – Syntax. The original song has this dark electro-rock sort of sound, which married really well with all of the different noises and synth lines I was generating. It was fun to make, it came out with a unique style, and on a challenge of a friend, I put a Care Bear countdown sample on the drops. Favorite Artist: Come on now, you can’t just pick one! Amon Tobin and Boards of Canada for some of the most inventive down-tempo stuff ever made, Deadmau5 for doing it better than you and not giving a f-. Chemical Brothers for being pioneers and still making massively creative tracks, Zedd, Wolfgang Gartner, Pendulum, etc… Favorite Spot In Town: Au Petit Chauvingol near the Astoria. They make/import around 20 varieties of cheese, the food is crazy good and there’s a vast selection of local beers. Oh, did you mean a club? Word’s to live by: There’s plenty of time to sleep when you’re dead.
www.theKOAT.com www.FACEBOOK.com/thekingofalltrades www.TWITTER.com/theKOAT www.SOUNDCLOUD.com/thekingofalltrades
dimitri pantazis
Alias: DJ Dimitri Age: 39
What Inspires You: That feeling right before the drop. Favorite Song You’ve Remixed: Music is a common language shared by all nationalities. The beauty of music brings people together. Favorite Artist: George Michael, Depeche Mode, New Order, Duran Duran Favorite Spot In Town: Jericho Beach / Spanish Banks. Word’s to live by: “Without music, life would be a mistake.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
www.djdimitri.net www.FACEBOOK.com/djdimitrivancity www.FACEBOOK.com/deltapi www.TWITTER.com/djdimitri_gr www.INSTAGRAM.com/ deltapi2000
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music apPs Music makes the world go round - as do these apps. From visually organizing your music, to an open library and quick access to your favorite shows. These 5 apps are key for any music junkie.
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text/ ghazal elhaei
Songza Whether you're looking to hear the latest playlist from the runways of #NYFW or are browsing through the several categories based on your current time - getting ready or getting intimate has never been more fun. Free.
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A simple app that is an incredibly interactive and fun way for you to discover music in iTunes directly on your iPhone and iPad. Features like watching videos through YouTube, sharing it on your favorite social networks and reading artist biographies - step up the iTunes experience to another level. Free. Upgrade $1.99.
l i v e n at i o n We all love going to shows and now the world's leading live entertainment company let's us get tickets on the go. Waiting in line to get the best ticket can now be done in bed in your fuzzy slippers. Free.
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sonarflow itunes
songify Whether you've got the voice of an angel or that of a crying dog - this app is just pure fun. Sing a little diddy, or speak it if you must and hit songify. Didn't Andy Warhol say that everyone get's their 15 minutes of fame? Here's a 15 second head start. $2.99
shazam This app has been on the market for a long time and is absolutely key for any music lover to discover new music. They've now expanded into discovering even more in music, TV shows and the ADS we cannot get enough of. Free.
record record shop shop oo ottss: : nNo occttuurrnneess lLiittttllee bBo You may have not heard her name yet, but you’ve probably experienced her work. Victoria Christina Hesketh’s music has been used in Jennifer’s Body, Vampire Diaries, the U.K.’s Skins and a Victoria Secret’s commercial. In a March 2010 interview with music website Artistdirect, the English electropop singer and songwriter revealed that her second album would be rawer and more down-to-earth than her last. “It’ll still be magical, but quite dark and spooky at the same time,” she stated. Several tracks have already been released and the highly anticipated album is set to come out on the which is set to release this month. Also an avid humanitarian, Little Boots has recently joined the War on Want campaign to protest against sweatshops in India.
Daafftt PPuunnkk: : rraannd do om m aacccceessss m meem mo orriieess D Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo – the iconic duo behind Daft Punk – are constantly keeping us guessing. This upcoming album is no different. Until recently, they kept both their release date and their album title a secret, but it has since been revealed that Random Access Memories will be released on May 20 of this year. The upcoming album is their fourth in collaboration with singer-songwriter Paul Williams and Chic frontman Nile Rogers. The duo’s last album – Human After All – was released to high acclaim in 2005, but in the eight years since then, their fans have been left waiting in suspense for what else the pair could offer. They were appeased (or perhaps, teased) with the 2007 live album Alive 2007, but this was by no means matched the excitement of new songs – something that is finally changing this May. The duo provided a sneak peek at Hedi Slimane’s October 2012 Yves Saint Laurent Show with a 15 mix of compiled songs by blues musician Junior Kimbrough.This only fuelled the fire for the long-awaited new album. Fans have very little to go from in terms of what to expect. However with eight Grammy nominations (two of which resulted in wins), four BRIT Awards nominations, and a spot on DJ Magazine’s annual Top 100’s List, there is one thing that’s certain about Daft Punk’s newest album, Human After All: only the best, most mind-blowing beats. TEXT/MONICA PANKIEWICZ
Support independent record stores. Support vinyl. Support good music.
Here are a few artist and new releases we think you should know about.
Hardwell ( a . k . a . R o b e r t va n d e C o p p u r t ) This 25-year old Dutch progressive, electro house DJ and music producer is one of the most diverse DJ’s of today's electro house scene. Coppurt was inspired at the age of 13 after watching parties on MTV and in 2009, Hardwell broke into the scene with his bootleg of “Show Me Love vs. Be.” The next year, Hardwell formed his own label Revealed Recordings, and he’s since collaborated with many other electro house DJs including Nicky Romero, Showtek, Chuckie, and Tiesto – who he’s also toured with. Hardwell has been rated #6 in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJ List, and has headlined at huge festivals like Tomorrowland, Electric Zoo, and Ultra Music Festival.
K n i f e Pa r t y Composed of electro house duo Gareth McGrillen and Rob Swire, Knife Party sprouted from a drum and bass band called Pendulum. Their latest album Rage Valley was released in May 2012 and was one of the most anticipated albums on the electro house scene. The duo has worked with the likes of Skrillex, Kill the Noise, and Steve Aoki, and their third album is projected to drop this spring. As their fanbase begins to grow, it has been speculated that this duo will be giving Skrillex a run for his money very soon.
Show tek Sjoerd and Wouter Janssen have been around for quite a while now and their musical growth is clear. Having started out with techno, then moving onto hardstyle, the brothers are now producing a wide range of electro music – from progressive house all the way to hardstyle. Last year, the brothers started a project called “Crazy Collabs” along with other artists from many other genres of dance music, even co-producing Chris Brown’s upcoming single “Nobody’s Perfect.”
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