belladonna spring 2015 by belladonna magazine

belladonna spring 2015

Boss is the New Black belladonna magazine, spring 2015 Founder/Editor-in-Chief Maacah Davis Art Art Director Amber Gomez Fashion Principal Stylist Saige Pilgrim Principal Hair Stylist Khadijah Page Principal Makeup Artist Marliceia Jamese Photography Principal Photographer Tyler Sanford Will Hamilton Writers Kerrilyn Gibson Gabi Niv Roma Panganiban Special Thanks Lee Kauper Dee, Floyd, and the Turnes family Jeana Lee Thompson Brooks Brothers Burgess Interiors Contact To hire our freelancers, work with us, write for us, or just say hi, email: hello@belladonnamag.org Advertise advertise@belladonnamag.org Subscribe subscribe@belladonnamag.org www.belladonnamag.org

spring 2015 The entrepreneur issue. Dress Code: Business-Royal. pg. 34

FIND INSIDE >> Table of Contents

Visit Prague 24 Watch Small Screen Leading Ladies

Listen Songs for a Springtime Queen

editor’s letter

he script for my sitcom life demands that running this publication be an exercise in familiarity with the question “no, but really--what could possibly go wrong this time?”

We were aware of the unspoken rule of the thirds, which seems to state that every third installment in a trilogy, or any given series, is never quite as satisfying as the first two, and the production team’s exhaustion is almost palpable--so, we looked at every hitch that could possibly trip us up, and we actively took measures to prevent each one. We geared up for anything and everything: I booked two similarly-sized models, just in case--which turned out to be a very smart decision; Saige brought the wardrobe to Birmingham weeks before the actual shoot; I chose a location at which we could shoot indoors in case of bad weather, etc. When the cover photo shoot went off without a hitch, I turned to Saige and said, “Something needs to go wrong. I feel like I’m being lulled into a false sense of security, because this all went way too well.” I don’t think I will ever let go of that worry--because, the thing about diving into something new the way I did when I decided that I was going to keep publishing the magazine for the foreseeable future is that there will always be something new that goes wrong that I absolutely could not have anticipated. That is what life is all about and, I’m learning, that is what entrepreneurship is all about: testing an individual’s ability to lead, direct, produce, and create under duress. When everything starts to fall apart, do you fall apart as well or get to work picking up the pieces and rebuilding? People will delay your shoot schedule for months and it might seem like the universe is actively trying to sabotage you. Computers and software will crash. Memory cards will freeze, for no reason, after a long photo shoot. Personal crises will attempt to interfere with your professional progress. I could go on and on, but all of these things come with the territory. There is no time to cry over spilt milk--I just make sure to have a lot of paper towels on hand. I hold my breath before every release, because I don’t think I will ever be completely casual about the fact that I have now released multiple issues of a publication that people actually anticipate and want to read and engage with. Without any formal training in doing such a thing, last summer, I decided, “Sure, I’m totally capable of directing photo shoots, curating writers, and publishing a magazine. That’s a thing I can do, seeing as I’ve never done this before, and I’m designing the pages in fourteen days of a free thirty-day trial of Adobe Creative Cloud, relying solely on vague familiarity with Indesign left over from when I was on the paper in high school. Yup. I’ve got this.” Somewhere along the line, that stopped being sarcasm and, as it turns out, it is something that I am “totally” capable of. Some people are born entrepreneurs, some have entrepreneurship thrust upon them--and the rest, like me, fall into it as if it were a poorly disguised carton trap and tumble through it, flailing the whole way through until we get a grip. This issue is a celebration of all of us. Maacah Davis Founder, Editor-in-Chief, belladonna magazine photo courtesy of Kevin Walker kwalkerphotography.com

SHOP OUR THEME

6 Commando Classic Girl Shorts $8.75

by Roma Panganiban

The Suede Weekender in Garnet $135

2. Neutral underwear? Yes, please. Neutral outerwear? Nah. Break out of a style rut with a bag that’s flashy enough to do all the talking for you, but will still match nearly every outfit you can throw together. Handmade to order at goldenponies.net.

Holographic Vegan Leather Crossbody Bag $55

3. Bigger is better with this season’s latest statement jewelry silhouette. There’s no need to layer up when all the work is done for you with BaubleBar’s take on the bib necklace, available in a stack of matte, black, hematite, gold, rose gold, or silver chains. Available online at baublebar.com.

3 Carnelian Cocktail Compartment Ring, $42.99

The Courtney Bib Necklace, $46

4. Beyoncé would probably wear this on her day off. (For those who dare to bare more, there’s also a crop top version.) Available online at etsy.com/shop/badlydone 5. For ladies looking to get into the classic black leather jacket look but afraid to stray too far from their feminine style, here’s the solution to your problem. The combination of black jacket and waist-enhancing silhouette is tough but sweet, and let’s be honest: would you look way cooler in (faux) leather? Probably. Available online at us.asos.com

6. Delicate lace forged from sturdy metal – what a perfect metal for all the belladonna beauties out there. Available online at modcloth.com Iona Journal $250 Girl Almighty Sweatshirt $35

9 Business Cards and Stationary from The Southern Letterpress, custom pricing

10 ASOS Biker Jacket w/ Peplum, $108

1. If there were ever such a thing as “investment underwear,” these would be the pair. In three seamless sizes coverning the range from US size 0 to 18, the boy short/bikini hybrid promises to eliminate the dreaded visible panty line once and for all. With three shades of nude and one shade of “mocha” available, it might even make white pants wearable for some, if not all, women out there. Worth a shot, right? Available online at wearcommando. com and in store at Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.

belladonna magazine

Skeleton Cufflinks, $31.10

7. Compartment rings used to be a popular way to either discreetly poison enemies, or carry keepsakes like locks of hair and/or tiny portraits of loved ones—two types of people in this world, right? Channel your inner royal with this ornate, yet vaguely functional ring, and let us know what you decide to fill it with (we advise against poison.) Available online at www.novica. com 8. If you weren’t one to document your plans for world domination, you might be once you’re holding one of these. These handcrafted journals are affixed with unique padlocks from 50-100 years ago, and they each come with a working key. Jot your goals down in one of these, and be inspired to build an empire. Available online at ionahandcraftedbooks.com 9. You’re bound to make an ‘impression’ with custom business cards, invitations, and stationary from the Southern Letterpress, a one-woman master of the oldest form of printing. The result is a beautiful work of art that will appeal to any business person’s tactile sensibilities. Request a quote from thesouthernletterpress.com 10. Made from watch gears and cogs, these luminescent cufflinks won’t keep time, but they will keep you dapper. Available online from georgesebastian.co.uk

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for outfit inspiration, opinions, and little words of wisdom like the one above, visit kerrilynnoelle.wordpress.com

contributors PHOTOGRAPHERS/designers

Tyler Sanford

is a 23-year-old born and raised in Birmingham. He is a creative and passionate photographer, videographer and artist who has been shooting clients since he was 14 years old. He loves to create and make magic, no matter what the medium or the challenge. To see more of his work visit TYLERSANFORD.COM.

Amber Gomez

is a Senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is majoring in Graphic Design and Photography. One day, she hopes to start her own non-profit organization providing art education to students in the Birmingham area. To see some of her work, visit her website www.ambergomez.com

Will Hamilton is a Birmingham native currently residing in Tuscaloosa, where he is taking time away from his schooling to focus on his work. He is very excited to have worked with Maacah again for such an incredible project.

Fashion

Khadijah Page moved from Missouri

to Birmingham when she was 16, graduated from Minor High, and enrolled in the Paul Mitchell School in Birmingham to pursue her passion, styling hair. She currently also runs her own non-profit organization, Just Us Angels, an outreach program for disadvantaged youth.

belladonna magazine

Saige Pilgrim’s

interests include

sovietology, BBC America, and medieval heavy combat reenactment. As an editorial stylist, Saige seeks to evoke the antique through

use

the

modern--to

mine

out the glamour within mythology and folklore; while her personal style flirts often with subversive androgyny and bow ties. Personal quote: “Dragons are chic. Always.

Marliceia Jamese is a fresh face on

the makeup scene here in Birmingham, AL, but she is definitely no stranger to flawless makeup application. She began as a selftaught makeup artist. Now, she is the founder of Fancy is Flawless, a makeup artistry brand committed to the fact that “when your makeup is flawless, you’re always fancy.”

writers

This Afro/Indigenous Latina was born in Ecuador. Gabi Nivela can’t seem to

stand still; having lived in Spain and Canada, she followed her passion for languages to Berlin, where she currently resides. In addition to her deep-rooted love of travel, educating herself and others about social issues has become one of her priorities. You’ll often find her in bed curled up with her cat, eating French fries, and reading non-fiction. She’s also a very proud contributor to reclaimingthelatinatag.tumblr.com. You can follow her brown girl adventures on Instagram at gabi_niv

Kerrilyn Gibson is a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, pursuing a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management. She enjoys baking, planning trips she cannot afford, and filling online shopping carts with dresses that cost more than her rent. Kerrilyn one day plans to move to London and become the editor of British Vogue. However, in the meantime, she settles for running a blog of her inner musings, and occasional fashion-related content, at kerrilynnoelle.wordpress.com.

Roma Panganiban

is a Masters student in Modern and Contemporary Literature at the University of York, where she lives in perpetual denial of her bleak job prospects. She loves living abroad, but misses chocolate chip cookies. She dreams of having glossy, frizz-free waves, but would settle for bangs that don’t look weird when she runs. Her other freelance work, including articles on Harry Potter, hamburgers, and Albert Einstein, appears on mentalfloss.com. An archive of her existential questioning and frivolous complaints can be found on Twitter at @romapancake.

you can sit with us! belladonna magazine is a Birmingham-based creative collaborative effort spearheaded by Maacah Davis and made possible with the efforts of local, national, and international talent. Launched July 2014, we are a traditional print publication, hands-on from concept to print so, in the interest of cohesion, we do not accept photography submissions that we have not explicitly commissioned. However, photographers are more than welcome to work with our editorial team to execute shoots for the magazine. We are always looking to work with new faces, stylists, writers, and artists, so get in touch to see how we can work together: collab@belladonnamag.org We welcome your feedback and constructive criticism, so let us know how you think we’re doing, and what you would like to see more of hello@belladonnamag.org Email subscribe@belladonnamag.org to order a subscription (you’ll be in good company--the Birmingham Public Library is subscriber!)

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facebook.com/thebelladonnamag

belladonnamag.org spring 2015 belladonnamag.org

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VEL LEWIS ALL SKILL, NO SCANDAL Photographer: Will Hamilton Wardrobe and Styling: Saige Pilgrim Story and Creative Direction: Maacah Davis Set: Burgess Interiors

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Just like the clinic she helped create, Vel Lewis is young but ambitious. The law school hopeful, who will spend her summer at Harvard after having been accepted to a law school application program hosted jointly by Harvard and NYU Law Schools, is one of the student directors for the West End Health Project, a free proactive health screening initiative in the West End community of Tuscaloosa. Currently staffed by premedical students from the University of Alabama as well as an on site physician, the clinic provides free blood pressure and blood glucose checks, amongst other things, and tries to identify potential health issues. The program is purely preventative, so it does not provide diagnoses or prescribe medication. If an issue is detected, the on site physician then refers the patients to accessible and affordable healthcare providers. The program was only launched September 2014 but, of its positive community reception, Vel says, “It has been truly amazing to see the clinic come to fruition, and to hear the success stories of the patients who have already become regulars.” Her vision for the clinic involves location expansion and staffing that includes medical doctors as well as University of Alabama pre-med students. Accessibility and affordability are among the clinic's priorities. Vel says, “Right now, we are considering making the clinic mobile. We feel we need to go to the community instead of having the community come to us.” When she is not working with the WEHP team to plan the clinic's daily operation, she has a full day of class, meetings, and studying. “What is fun? Right now, I'm not doing a very good job of having fun!” With all of which she hopes to accomplish, we'll allow it—but, only because she does occasionally make time for herself by enjoying the University of Alabama's football games, as well as some

of her favorite tv shows: Scandal, Reign, and Parks and Recreation. Her viewing choices are unsurprising; we are sure she can see a lot of herself in the powerhouse women who lead those shows—especially Olivia Pope. Although Vel has none of the character's scandals on her slate, it is amusing that Vel is double majoring in Public Relations and Political Science, with a minor in Women Studies, and was an instrumental part of getting Elliot Spillers elected as president of the University of Alabama's Student Government Association—something she says still surprises her: “I still find myself not believing we were able to get Elliot elected. I think students were ready for change, and Elliot was the right person at the right time to make that change.” Spillers' win is significant because he is the second Black student to be elected, and the first non-Machine candidate to win the election since 1986. The Machine is a secret society at the University of Alabama that has been said to wield influence both on campus and state politics. As the Volunteer and Outreach Director of Spillers' campaign, Vel was tasked with the responsibility of getting a disillusioned student body to engage with the campaign and the election at large. She says, “We needed to make sure that students felt that they could have a say, and a hand, in the campaign.” Engaging with her community, and getting its members to engage with her, to tangible result is what she seems to be doing best lately, so we'll just let her have the last word: of what she is proudest, Vel says, “I am proud of who I am and the strength I've developed over the past three years in college. I am more accepting of who I am as a person and the way I look, and I am slower to criticize myself—which is something we, as women, often have problems with, given all of the media pressure we face. I have realized that I only want to be me, and I will never change because someone else wants me to.”

spring winter2015 2015 belladonnamag.org

food

Larisse Espinueva: Larisse Gastronomique

story by Maacah Davis photos courtesy of Larisse Espinueva, Midnight Snacks

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met Larisse Espinueva when we were both seventeen-year-old food bloggers on popular blogging platform, Tumblr. I am in Birmingham, Alabama, and she is from Paranaque, Phillipines, but geographical differences are irrelevant in the face of our shared love of creating food. Her blog is Larisse Gastronomique, a clever play on the title of world-renowned culinary encyclopedia, Larousse Gastronomique. Four years later, she is the owner and head chef of Midnight Snacks, her own bakery and catering service, which specializes in decorative event cakes--as well as the perfect midnight snacks, of course. She has turned something that we all love to do (snack well into the darkest hours of the night) into a brand—which means that she knows, better than anyone else, that running a business isn’t all sugar and spice. I am excited to have the chance to talk with her about what it means to be a twenty-one year old cake boss. belladonna: How did Larisse Gastronomique become Midnight Snacks? Larisse: Larisse Gastronomique started out as a personal hobby. It could have been a quirky brand name to start my baking business with; however, I realized it was unlikely that my clientele would catch the reference at first glance. It was a wiser decision to go for something people could not only understand, but also relate to. When I was a little kid, I had a habit of eating in the middle of the night, before bed. From milk and cookies to leftover cake, or even spaghetti, or another round of breakfast for my ‘midnight snack,’ I’ve always awaited that time of day to get that extraspecial food fix. That’s what hit me when I was thinking of a better brand name: I want

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my food to not just be a sweet indulgence, but the ultimate late night guilty pleasure after a long and tiring day. belladonna: How has turning your hobby into a business affected your personal cooking habits? Larisse: Baking for myself and my family has, unfortunately, become a rare occurrence, because I often find myself having very little time outside of my [work] kitchen, so now I only get to “cook” on special occassions. We are greatly fortunate enough to have been receiving orders constantly, but it’s always a great pleasure to have the time to experiment and create something new in the kitchen, and prepare meals for my loved ones. belladonna: Are there days when you absolutely do not want to touch another cupcake? Larisse: Getting tired of tasting my products on a regular basis was to be expected, but it’s still the best way to ensure product consistency and quality control. It’s often a learning experience, since I’m always finding ways to improve. Snack tasting—it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it! belladonna: Speaking of which, one of the cool things about you is that you’re always putting cute twists on old favorites—like the time you made tiny lattice-crust apple pies! What inspires you? Larisse: Curiosity. I’m always

experimenting and trying to reinvent the different types of food I encounter. Friends, family, and, of course, clients, keep me going in this business, and I value their feedback, suggestions, and ideas. I do my best to find out what they want, what works, and what doesn’t, and from there I do my best to achieve a strong balance between client satisfaction and my own. belladonna: Just as running belladonna magazine means doing a lot more than just taking pretty pictures of pretty clothes, running Midnight Snacks means wearing all of the hats necessary for you to run a successful bakery. You transitioned from food blogger to professional baker so seamlessly. What were some of the challenges you faced starting a business? Larisse: Managing the business has to be the most difficult. To start off, I had no idea how to run one since I did not have any formal schooling in business. For starters, the paperwork required to get your business running legitimately is tedious and timeconsuming. Aside from that major hurdle, I was in charge of several tasks— I had to budget, plan, take orders, design cakes, bake, buy ingredients and supplies, pay taxes, deliver products, and market my business, all at the same time! Eventually, I got three of my friends, Mary Grace, Ina, and Jasper, to invest and work with me. We have now divided the work load and adjusted to the hectic schedule I had to keep up with before. I am also more than grateful to have my boyfriend who is a marketing graduate, Justin, support me by marketing my business online, and promoting it as well to his colleagues and other connections.

belladonna: Midnight Snacks has a physical location, which is pretty cool. What did it take to get there? Larisse: As of now, we have our own ‘kitchen-office workspace’ for our production work. I would never have gotten here had I not realized that being home-based is what was keeping the business from growing. I now understand that “pressure” is actually a good thing in a business. It’s the push that made me get out of my bed earlier and therefore, be more productive, get things done, and aim for better, higher results. With the business’ monthly overhead to keep up with, I was challenged to get more orders online, put more effort into marketing my business, and joined bazaars and school fairs to further expand my market. belladonna: What are your plans for expansion? Larisse: While it’s really convenient that we are currently located in the south of Manila, where I live and was raised, we are planning to be able move into a bigger work space by next year. Hopefully, by 2018, we’ll be able to put up our own cafe/restaurant/cake studio combo. I’ve always dreamt of having an allin-one studio where all kinds of people can enjoy my food and desserts. Nothing beats good company and good food! belladonna: What does it take to be your own boss? What makes it all worth it? Larisse: Being one’s own boss is, I think, amongt the most wonderful privileges in life. You have freedom to choose your working hours, who you would like to work with, and

ultimately, you get the final say in things. Although, it has it own consequences, such as the huge responsibility of always being on top of everything, and sometimes taking on the majority, if not all the tasks, especially when you’re still starting out. Despite that, it’s client feedback that makes it all worthwhile. The ability to make someone smile and appreciate the cake and pastries you personalized for them is truly priceless. The working hours won’t really matter any more as long as we get the job done but of course, as much as possible we try to limit ourselves with an eight hour shift so that we’ll have enough time to rest, spend time with our loved ones, and take care of ourselves. belladonna: How do you stay calm when things feel like they’re going out of control? Larisse: The most important thing to remember is that in any circumstance, stay professional. It is almost impossible to stay calm when things are going out of hand. Last year, we received our biggest cake order—it was so huge that we had to transport to the venue in separate layers. Setting it up was quite a nerve-wracking challenge because the design did not sit well with the cakes layer per layer. I tried rolling out pieces of fondant to make adjustments but it still did not work. Good thing I had some royal icing on hand and just piped some impromptu decorations on the cake. As I was piping, I saw the groom (who happens to be an executive chef based in another country as well) walking towards me to check on the cake he ordered. I was slightly shaking and was almost stuttering when I greeted him and presented his cake. Thankfully, he wasn’t able o notice my uneasiness due to the adjustments I was still

working on and just complimented me on how good the cake looked. As much as I am already panicking on the inside, I try to stay composed and focused, especially when we are setting up huge cakes in another venue. I avoid looking like a running headless chicken at all costs just so we can finish on time and still have the guts to give my business card to the event planners. belladonna: What does the future look like for you? Larisse: In addition to the cafe, another goal of mine is to have a soup kitchen for the homeless and povertystricken people in our community. I believe that our talents and resources are meant to be shared with others, in whatever way we are able to do so. I have an inner desire to give back to my community, and in doing so I will be able to inspire others to do the same. While international shipping from Midnight Snacks is not yet an option, she has promised to personally hand deliver some of her best baked goods the next time she is in the States—a promise to which we are definitely going to hold her.

spring 2015 belladonnamag.org

ENTERTAINMENT

SMALL-SCREEN LEADING LADIES: Kickass Heroines Taking Television by Storm Roma Panganiban

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o, you’re not imagining it: there really is an abundance of diverse women making more-than-token appearances on TV lately. Though there’s no shortage of typical brooding white male heroes/antiheroes (looking at you, Don Draper) still on the airwaves, they’re now joined by a thrilling range of complex heroines with their own stories to tell. Lest our readers be overwhelmed by the profusion of shows to catch up on, we’ve chosen a range of options to suit all tastes, each starring at least one awesome leading lady who lights up the screen. P.S. Do most of these shows consistently pass the Bechdel Test? You bet they do.

JANE THE VIRGIN Relative newcomer Gina Rodriguez carries the show’s admittedly absurd premise with grace: at age 23, pious good girl Jane goes in for a routine doctor’s appointment and is accidentally artificially inseminated, leading to the first pregnant virgin since, well, you know. The sitcom comes with all the melodramatic trappings of the Venezuelan telenovela that inspired the American remake: affairs, betrayal, broken engagements, a police investigation, false identities, attempted murder, obvious medical malpractice; in fact, Jane’s unpleasant surprise is hardly the most exaggerated element of the plot. Through the madness, Jane has to remain calm – for the sake of the baby, remember – while fighting growing feelings for her bad-boy baby daddy, who is already a married man. Phew. It’s hard enough to keep all of that straight; kudos to Rodriguez for helping it all make sense.

MODERN FAMILY

Elementary This modern-day Sherlock Holmes adaptation set in New York City with a female, Asian-American Dr. Watson boasted all the trappings of a potential disaster when it was first announced, like a fanfiction gone too far. Midway through its third season, the offbeat crime procedural has long ago shaken off any doubts about whether there’s room in the world for yet another take on the deducting detective, but it’s his partner that nearly steals the show. Lucy Liu’s turn as Joan Watson is reason enough to keep tuning in every week, as the former surgeon turned private investigator proves herself every bit a match for Jonny Lee Miller’s typically arrogant Holmes: she picks up his crime-solving methods quickly, stands for none of his nonsense, and cracks quite a few cases all on her own, wearing a killer pair of heels the whole time. Smart, strong, or sexy? Joan Watson proves it’s possible to check off all of the above.

SLEEPY HOLLOW

Lieutenant Abbie Mills was all set to transfer from her hometown police department to train with the FBI for what would have been a very different kind of show, had mysterious supernatural forces not awoken the murderous Headless Horseman over two centuries after his original death. Not only does she have to scrap her planned career change to investigate the occult goings-on in her hometown, but she also learns that she’s destined to be one of the two witnesses to the apocalypse, and must concentrate her efforts on saving the world from literally going to Hell. Nicole Beharie stars in the haunted historical fantasy, and though she teams up with Colonial-era soldier-spy Ichabod Crane in attempting to prevent the end of the world, the present-day policewoman is definitely the one calling the shots. Take that, gender roles.

Looking at Sofia Vergara, the first word that comes to mind is probably not “hilarious” – but maybe it should be. As wife and mother Gloria Pritchett, Vergara plays a typical sitcom character with atypical delivery. She leans into the “sexy Latina” stereotype, dressed proudly and impractically in tight tops and skyscraper heels every episode, but Gloria’s unconventional wardrobe is only one facet of her loud, loving personality. With her strong Spanish accent and seeming role as trophy wife to a much older man, Gloria works hard to continue caring for the son she raised alone for years while facing down cultural assumptions and trying to find her own place in a suburban American family with its own unique blend of dysfunctions. She has confidence to burn, and even in the face of the most adverse (or, being a sitcom, absurd) circumstances, Gloria’s faith in herself and her family never wavers. Plus, she claims she could shoot the buttons off a man’s shirt without leaving a scratch on him, and what’s more badass than that? spring 2015 belladonnamag.org

HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER

Kerry Washington has received plenty of accolades for her starring role as Olivia Pope on the political thriller Scandal, but it’s another Shonda Rhimes show we’re advocating for here: new kid on the block How to Get Away with Murder, featuring Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, a brilliant criminal law professor and defense attorney who’s equally tough in the classroom as she is in the courtroom – the kind of teacher whose class you’d be genuinely terrified not to study for. The titular murder isn’t just a metaphor here: Keating’s handpicked cadre of first-year law student assistants have to learn not only the definition of mens rea, but also how to dispose of a corpse without getting caught. As the story behind the dead body unfolds in flashbacks, viewers struggle to figure out whose side Annalise is on, or whether she even has anyone’s back but her own. At this point in the series, calling her a heroine might still be a stretch.

THE MINDY PROJECT Show creator, writer, and star Mindy Kaling has joked that her fictional character Mindy Lahiri, a successful Manhattan OB/GYN, is the Indian doctor her parents wish she had grown up to be. It’s true that fake-Mindy’s story is aspirational that way: she’s a partner in a private medical practice in the heart of New York City, making enough money for a sweet apartment and a bearclaw for breakfast every morning; then again, it’s likely that Kaling’s parents are glad their daughter’s life isn’t really as much of a hot mess as Dr. Mindy Lahiri’s is. Lahiri is actually not a very good role model at all: she’s selfish, vain, boycrazy, hasn’t paid taxes in six years, and admires Sarah Palin. Then again, where’s the fun in watching a self-adjusted woman succeed in her professional and personal life? Yawn. The real joy is in watching Mindy ruin her ex-boyfriend’s wedding, try and fail to train for a triathlon, accidentally go on a date with a male prostitute – you get the picture. So thanks, Mindy, for letting the rest of us feel like we have our lives together after all.

THE DAILY SHOW

Daily Show correspondent Jessica Williams isn’t technically a TV “character;” as a recurring reporter on Jon Stewart’s long-running satirical news show, she presents real-life issues in only slightly exaggerated fashion, adopting a comedic persona not too unlike her own. She represents a dramatic departure from the pantheon of mostly middle-aged white guys mocking the system, injecting some serious attitude into her coverage of the controversy over natural black hairstyles in the military, sexual assault on college campuses, street harassment, stop-and-frisk, food stamp cuts, and so many other stories that otherwise aren’t funny at all. It takes a certain kind of woman to find the humor in a world that so often seems like it’s falling apart at the seams; luckily, Jessica Williams is the perfect girl for the job.

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BROOKLYN NINE-NINE

It’s a testament to the ladies of Brooklyn NineNine that they manage to live up to Andy Samberg’s antics week after week. While NYPD Detective Jake Peralta spends his time between catching criminals goofing off in the precinct, Amy Santiago is the bythe-book, pantsuit-wearing good girl trying to work her way up to Captain someday without getting tied up in Jake’s shenanigans; you can guess how well that works out for her. Rosa Diaz similarly has no time for fun, being too preoccupied with interrogating perps and scowling darkly in a series of cool-girl leather jackets. They’re two of the most competent officers around, surrounded by some of the weirdest; hijinks ensue.

PARKS AND RECREATION This list wouldn’t be complete without a nod to one of the best ensemble comedies on TV today as it enters its seventh and final season. Though it’s impossible not to love Amy Poehler’s hardworking, endlessly optimistic Leslie Knope, Parks has benefited from more than one strong female character over its multi-season arcs. After all, what’s better than one funny lady featuring in our weekly viewing schedule? A whole bunch of them. Sensible, practical Ann Perkins (played by Rashida Jones) left Pawnee, Indiana midway through season six to start a family in Michigan, but we’ve still got sassy office manager Donna Meagle and darkhumored former intern April Ludgate to see us through to the series finale. Life as a low-level government employee probably isn’t a bucket of laughs, but with so many funny ladies on board, it’s no wonder Parks and Rec has made it seem that way.

MUSIC

Songs for a Springtime Queen R OMA P A NGA NI B A N

“FlAWLESS Remix,” Beyonce feat. Nicki Minaj

Just because the seasons change every year doesn’t mean the dawning of spring isn’t a good enough reason to celebrate. As the sun rises earlier every morning, shake

off the winter shivers and step out like the springtime queen you are with a playlist designed for sassing, strutting, and singing along like nobody’s listening. spring 2015 belladonnamag.org

“JOANIE IN THE CITY,” GIRL IN A COMA Girl in a Coma’s ode to Joanie baby, the girl whose eyeliner is thick and who doesn’t care what you think of it, perfectly encompasses what the Texas-based trio of Latina ladies is all about: unapologetic indie rock with roots in the early ‘90s post-punk scene, but “always looking forward/always looking forward.”

“THAT’S ALRIGHT,” LAURA MVULA

“Q.U.E.E.N.,” JANELLE MONAE

This typically funky track from the impossibly cool Janelle Monáe features guest vocals from Erykah Badu: two neo-soul queens for the price of one. Outspoken and always authentic in their music, fashion, and personal politics, these are artists who can sing the lines, “Even if it makes others uncomfortable/I will love who I am” and really mean it.

Doubling down on the message of selflove in the face of negativity, here’s Laura Mvula -- backed by the entire 52-piece Metropole Orkest, a hybrid jazz-pop orchestra from the Netherlands -- singing out into the world that she “will never be what you want and that’s alright.”

“BRAVEST EVERYTHING,” YUNA Remember: even at your lowest, you are always someone’s bravest everything.

“HANG

LOOSE,” ALABAMA SHAKES

Whether you have all of spring break or just a quick lunch break to look forward to, find a few spare minutes to bask in Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard’s reminder to “put your worries on your shelf and learn to love yourself.” A few choruses later, you’ll smile a little brighter, and the air might even feel a little bit warmer.

“FORGET,” LIANNE LA HAVAS “So please don’t try to serenade me/I am a one man band.” Mmmhm. Say it again, Lianne.

“TIME TO THINK,” KIMYA DAWSON Fans of the movie Juno might recognize the uniquely sweet sound of Kimya Dawson’s voice on this track from one of her solo albums. “When they ask me what I need,” Dawson sings, “I’ll say a capo, a lemonade, a dollar fifty,” before going on to list the luxuries, big and small, that would make life just a little bit better. Shooting stars, dungarees, a big old house high in the trees – if that’s not happiness, what is?

“CHANGE,” MAPEI The pulsing beats of Mapei’s “Change” are ripe for a dancefloor remix, so much so that it takes a few head-bopping listens for the song’s surprisingly uplifting message to sink in.

“BREAK THE WALLS,” FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS There’s not much lyrical depth to this track off ‘80s throwback-sounding band Fitz and the Tantrums’ sophomore album, but who needs it when the song is this much fun?

“I’M NOT GONNA TEACH YOUR BOYFRIEND HOW TO DANCE WITH YOU,” BLACK KIDS Hit play on this one, and just try

to sit still; go on, dare you. With its catchy sing-shout chorus, this is the perfect anthem for the girl who knows she’s got the moves and isn’t in the mood to share.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS GABI NIV? MEET A

PRAGUE

fter what might have seemed like an eternal winter, spring has finally arrived. While many might flock to Paris to stroll along the Seine, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not looking to spend your hard earned cash on a $6 latte, then you might want to exchange those dollars for some korunas and check out the beautiful cobbled streets of Prague. Often named one of the most romantic cities in the world, the historic capital of the Czech Republic will charm you with its fairytale architecture, colourful facades, and fascinating past. From being the capital of the Holy Roman Empire; to becoming the capital of the now dissolved Czechoslovakia; to playing huge roles in the Protestant Reformation, the Thirty Years War, and both World Wars, Prague is a vital part of European history. While there are many attractions, the beauty of this city is really in walking it. Pick up a coffee and a Trdelnik (rolled dough topped with sugar and walnut mix--trust me, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth the sugar rush) and wander the streets of the Old Town or Jewish Quarter to revel in all of its medieval charm. Just be careful when standing near windows, or you might find yourself in the midst of another war!

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ATTRACTIONS THAT WONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T COST YOU A KORUNA (Tip: These sights are equally impressive at night as they are during the day)

1 OLD TOWN SQUARE

While the Gothic Tyn Church and Baroque St. Nicholas Church are impressive, the Astronomical Clock is the real star of this square. Dating back to the 15th century, it is the oldest working astrological clock in the world. Admire the playful and intricate procession of the Walk of the Apostles every hour, on the hour.

2 CHARLES BRIDGE

Crossing the Vltava river, the 1,700ft bridge is protected by three towers and decorated with 30 baroque statues.

3 PRAGUE CASTLE

As the largest ancient castle in the world, this sizeable structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also the official residence of the President of Czech Republic. Occupying 753,470 square feet, it is a composition of palaces and religious buildings. Check out the gardens for panoramic views of the city. spring 2015 belladonnamag.org

4 WENCESLAS SQUARE

Another World Heritage site, the square has been the setting for many public demonstrations--most famously, the Velvet Revolution.

5 DANCING HOUSE Also known as the Fred and Ginger house for its resemblance to a pair of dancers. This unusual building is supported by 99 concrete panels and is topped by a twisted metal structure nicknamed Medusa.

! bonus

About an hour from Prague, the Sedlec Ossuary is well worth the trip if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into peculiar and macabre architecture. Estimated to contain the bones of 40,000 people, the chapel is decorated with several bone arrangements. The most interesting of them is the chandelier at the centre of the nave, which contains all the bones of the human body. Location: Kutna Hora, Czech Republic (50 czk/ 2.20$)

NIGHTLIFE If you find yourself with some spare korunas, Hemingway Bar is an excellent place to treat yourself to some luxury cocktails. Each drink is meticulously prepared and, while the extensive list of spirits is impressive, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling particularly adventurous, try one of their famous absinthe mixes. Location: Karoliny Svetle 26

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new horizons model: Ehi Ogiamien, self-styled in J. Crew photographed by Tyler Sanford directed by Maacah Davis

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belladonna magazine a new classic Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Fashion, Lifestyle, and Art Quarterly

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FASHION

Who is Victor+ Alexander

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an interview with Joshua Mcleod by Kerrilyn Gibson

“

Please don’t ask me boring things,” Joshua pleads with me when we first sit down for this interview. I am sitting on the couch in his and my living room/studio, speaking to him from across the room. He is setting up his online store, in preparation for the launch of The Artist Collection. When I say, “Tell me something interesting about yourself,” he gives a sarcastic response not suitable for the ears of babes. My eyes grow wide and I let out a hearty laugh, but tell him to “try that answer again, please.” He offers, “I will only go to a frozen yogurt place if they have cheesecake bites.” “Better,” I nod, and jot down that answer. Joshua Mcleod is my best friend, non-sexual life partner, roommate, and the person I’m currently doing life with. He also happens to be a student, a DIY guru, a filmmaker, a graphic designer, and last, but not least, the owner of Victor + Alexander, a vegan leather handbag company. The man wears a lot of hats and, luckily, he wears them well. I’ve grown incredibly close to Joshua over the past two and a half years. We met freshman year of college at the Savannah College of Art and Design through our mutual friend, and my then roommate, Bree. At this point, three years later, I know him like the back of my hand. Hailing from Chesapeake, VA, Joshua is African-American and Filipino. He comes from a military family, and was born on-base in Hawaii. He has lived on the east cost for most of his life and, as a result, prefers sugar in his grits, as opposed to salt. He has always been very much into

do it yourself projects, which is really the reason he started V+A in the first place. He found a bag that he absolutely loved in a store, only to realize he couldn’t afford it…so like any self respecting DIY guru, he decided to make it. Thus, Victor + Alexander was born. Joshua has been making handbags for a year now under the moniker Victor + Alexander, which combines the first names of both his maternal and paternal grandfathers. Most recently, Joshua launched the Artist Collection, which takes the work of three fellow SCAD artists and combines it with Victor + Alexander products, all of which are made in-house by Joshua. Rising artist Tommy Lee hand painted a line of V+A bags.; textiles designer Olivia Miller designed prints for a set of five throw pillows, which have become the first pieces in the Victor + Alexander Home Collection; and, fashion designer and illustrator Emily Oot was commissioned to produce special edition drawings for the Artist Collection, which are featured on journals and note cards. When I asked him what made him want to take on such a collaborationheavy project he said, “It gives me the chance to work with other artists, to develop new skill sets.”

I can tell you from first hand experience that Joshua is constantly busy. He has one of those buzzing spirits; there is a constant flow of energy whenever you’re in his presence. He’s not the type to sit still for more than a few minutes-which makes sense, given that he’s running an online store and a blog, while taking a full load of classes at a rigorous art school. His never idle hands, coupled with an intense drive to succeed, have brought him where he is today. Recently, ShopSCAD, a galleryretail space for curated SCAD student and alumni work, bought a large selection of Joshua’s bags. While he appreciates the milestone, he is wary of being labeled ‘successful.’ He says, “I’ve only scratched the surface of success, and I feel like there is so much more for me to accomplish.” While the Artist collection has done great so far, and people are responding positively to the presentation, I have a feeling that there will be many more collaborative efforts in the near future for Victor + Alexander, which means that he is absolutely right; there is so much more work to be done.

“It gives me the chance to work with other artists, to develop new skill sets.”

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BOSS IS THE NEW BLACK Photographer: Tyler Sanford Wardrobe and Styling: Saige Pilgrim Creative Direction: Maacah Davis Makeup: Marliceia Jamese Hair: Khadijah Page Model: Nayeli Gutierrez

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narrative by Saige Pilgrim

Royalty as a metaphor for the corporate. A study of a monarch in the concrete jungle. Clad in leopard and leather and Marsala and lace, she is the declaration of dominance as feminine. Ready for battle or the boardroom, she commands all in bold black and white, blood red velvet, and wine-red lips. In monochrome marsala, a sheath dress under a plush capelet creates a silhouette joan holloway would envy. the skulls on her soles are a reminder of obstacles crushed on the way to her current glory, and Mixed metal chains evoke the weight of authority. the textural plays with lace, pearls, and a velvet-trimmed fedora lend luxury and dimension to a shirt-collared all-Black ensemble. the [elbow-length] gloves have been drawn. she is glamour and strength. no further fanfare required. She has arrived. You will bow.

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stay dapper, my friends Photographer: Tyler Sanford Stylist: Saige Pilgrim Creative Director: Maacah Davis Models: Christian Soberanes Thad Mickler

wardrobe provided by

Brooks Brothers

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Marliceia Jamese

Beauty, Bridal, and Editorial Makeup Artist (205) 876-3208

info@fancyisflawless.com