Creativ jan feb 2018 issue #24

Designer Tracy

Dizon

LOOKING AT FASHION WITH AN EYE OF CURIOSITY

TRAVEL AND DISCOVER CASTLES AND CITIES THROUGH A LENS

HOT NEW

FASHION

RELATIONSHIP WOES AND WHAT TO DO TO GET OVER THEM STREET ARTIST PAINTING MAKES IT ON WILL AND GRACE MIKE

HABS

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Editor's Letter

The UNIQUE issue

However we are featuring some talented artists such as Mike Habs, a street artist currently residing in Los Angeles California, and Karenina Fabrizzi from Barcelona.

We consider ourselves privileged and fortunate to be able to feature so many talented individuals for the past 3 years. We are now embarking into a new year, with even higher expectations and we can’t wait to see what this year will bring.

We also are ever so grateful to continuously have our writers with us, always bringing us the best of their thoughts. We would like to wish all our readers a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Enjoy the 24th issue of CREATIV Magazine .

CORHINN BRUNOT Founder and Editor in Chief Follow us on IG @creativmag

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As the UNIQUE issue we have numerous Fashion designers showcasing their talent today, Richard Petit from Papillon Dezign , who is no stranger to our magazine and Kia T Vonvega, an emerging designer who is more on the risquĂŠ side of things.

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I have to say this was a pretty challenging issue to put together. Not in a bad way though just that 2018 is starting out with so many choices to choose from. I have to say that the main story is definitely a delight Fashion Designer Tracy Dizon, is from the Philippines and we had the privilege of featuring her work as she just recently won a fashion competition from Brooklyn New York. It is always wonderful featuring artists from all over the world and this one is certainly special. Get to know her story and the reason behind her dream.

Big Journeys start with Small Steps

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Georgia Bryce

CONTRIBUTORS

Ms. Bryce, an eloquent and influential speaker, teacher, motivator, mentor, and life coach, finds energy and passion in inspiring individuals to reconcile their lives with the Master Architect.

She helps people, through conformance to His specifications, come into the expected end that was pre-designed for them. Her messages are geared towards empowering individuals, through the process of self-discovery and the pursuit of their tailored purpose. Emphasis is on accurate relationship development; beginning with the individual (self) and then interdependently. Visit her at buildingaccordingtopattern.com

Yvonne Nobles is the founder of Climb42.

Along with her husband Louis Nobles, with whom she shared her first kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com.

Toni Douglas Known by most as "Toni". For eleven years, Toni served her community as a high school English teacher and an Instructional Reading Coach for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Currently, Toni is in pursuit of publishing her first book, Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend. In her spare time, Toni enjoys shopping, traveling and writing. In addition to writing for CREATIV magazine, she serves as the blogger for The Millionheiress Club and Keva J Swimwear. One day, Toni aspires to be an esteemed author and public speaker. For the mini bio on the article: Toni is in pursuit of publishing her first book, Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend.

Would you like to be a contributor?

Contact us at info@creativmag.com

Yvonne NOBLES

Victoria Mccoy

Victoria McCoy writer of the SistaMIA Blog and Host of the Social Sista Podcast is the multimedia journalist who strives to creative positive media platforms within her community. The ultimate goal is to connect black creatives to support, aid, and promote the advancement of the urban black community. www.sistamia305.com

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JAN -FEB 2018

46 COVER STORY: Putting to spotlight on Fashion Designer Tracy Dizon

COVER CREDITS

Subject : Tracy Dizon Photo Credits: Photo by Rap Yu Make-up: Coney Veto Hair: Calai Flores

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IN THIS ISSUE POP UP ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Up Fashion Photography 16 Pop Winter Wonderland

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by photographer Dennis Madigan Pop Up Art Abstract Art By Gabriel D'Elia

FEATURED STORIES Spotlight 24 Artist Getting to know Karenina Spotlight 34 Artist Getting to know Street Artist Mike Habs

COVER STORY FASHION 46 INTERNATIONAL Discovering the work of Fashion

34

Designer Tracy Dizon

special events York Emerging Fashion 66 New Showcase by designer Kia T. Vonvega.

In The Gardens Prelude 76 Jazz The Biography of Chaka Khan

WRITER S CORNER

84 Empowerment The Changing Force of Quietness 86 88 90 94

by Georgia Bryce Love and Relationships Who is the Best Person to Run to With Your Relationship Woes?

by Toni Douglas Hot Topic!

Black Panther: Long awaited victory by Victoria McCoy Story Telling True Love's Recipe

by Yvonne Nobles Traveling in style Visiting the Historical City of Carcassonne, France

by Eduardo Agudelo

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Editorial Director

Corhinn Brunot HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Sean Simpson

ARTICLES CONTRIBUTORS Emonde Prosper Showeshi Boston Toni Douglas Georgia Bryce Yvonne Nobles Victoria McCoy

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PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTION Sean Simpson Peter Simpson Herbert Tucker Dennis Madigan Rap Yu Eduardo Agudelo

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Pop-Up Photography | Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland A dream dress for princesses and queens, designed with passion, this unique one of a kind garment was made with mother nature in mind.

Designer Richard Petit MUA Stephanie DellAira Photographer DEANN ARCE Graphic designer Prostreamz Model Nikita Newton Location Oyster Bay Harbor and Cold Spring Harbor New York

Designer Richard Petit MUA Stephanie DellAira Photographer Dennis Madigan Graphic designer Prostreamz Model Nikita Newton Location Oyster Bay Harbor and Cold Spring Harbor New York

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Pop-Up ART | Abstract Art by Gabriel D'Elia

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His name is Gabriel D'Elia . In a simple statement we are able to decipher the artist behind the painting.

I was born in Washington D.C. , a self taught artist with Argentine and Italian roots. I am bilingual (Spanish and English). He used to be a General contractor and did art as a hobby. I was making a comfortable living but wasn't enjoying my job or what I did which can obviously affect one's happiness. I started exercising more self awareness and realized how conditioned we have become, myself included. How outside influences, opinions, and fears in society shape us and create false ideas about ourselves. To the point where we only do what is expected of us and follow certain standards such as the need to make a certain amount of money, driving a certain type of car, how big your house should be, ect. and let materialistic things define us and our happiness. On some level this all may seem a little obvious but for many it's not, because we are conditioned very early and it becomes embedded in our minds. Even to some of those that may find that obvious somehow stay stuck in living out their lives the way they've been conditioned to live through standards and fears. I didn't want to look back 10 years from now and ask myself what if I would've followed my passion and took a risk on myself. So I quit my job and got two part time jobs that allowed me to have a flexible schedule to exercise my creativity everyday.

My process is intuitive with no preliminary work. I create as I go so I never know what the finish piece will look like. I create with my subconscious but after I finish I try and connect the dots and in my opinion the work always expresses truths like coping mechanisms, love, pain, and surroundings that anyone can relate to no matter what age, gender, race, or background. Lately I've been expressing a lot on how much we as people drink alcohol and how most of us as we get older revolve around it. How much we rely on it in social settings, to have fun, and to relieve stress.

I love what I do and I encourage others to find their own passions and to do so the same.

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K KARENINA

Fabrizzi If Nature didn't invent art, Humans would have definitely found a way to invent it themselves. Throughout the years we have met wonderful artists from around the world and Karenina Fabrizzi, residing in Barcelona Spain, is definitely a gem among those who bring joy to our soul. Karenina states: "In my work I want to bring nature closer to the observer" Indeed her style of painting has the tendency of making one speculate about the impact that nature can have over us. The following is a conversation with karenina, getting to know her was definitely a delight.

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Featured Stories | Karenina Fabrizzi

We loved seeing you in your element, when did you start painting and when did you know that’s what you wanted to do?

I have been always fascinated by nature, the behavior of animals, the way that flowers and plants grow and how we are a big part of it, the subtle injection of ambiguity that blurs the gap between the ordinary and the fantastic.

As a kid I started drawing first because it was more accessible and I could do it everywhere and any time.

I remember spending hours siting in my mother´s living room drawing.

She had this little table where the phone was and next to it a small note book to write messages. I guess this where my first sketches.

I start painting at school when I was around thirteen years old.

My first memory was when I was a child in Florence when I was contemplating "Scudo con testa di Medusa" by Caravaggio, there it was that shield inside a little glass box, it seemed magical to me, surreal, scary but at the same time a gift. It was there where I recognized that I want to dedicate my life to painting.

You have exhibited in a multitude of shows, do you think this will ever fade or do you get excited every time?

Gets exited every time! I love what I do and happy to do it. My work is like a gift to me – pure joy.

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What would you call your style of abstract? Is there a certain technique or do you go with the flow?

I asked myself this question over and over. It is hard for me to say my stile is this or my stile is that. I think it mutates constantly. If I have to categorize it, I would say it is figurative expressionism with strong organic shapes.

Based on your experience, do you still find pleasure in creating or has it just become second nature for you?

It is a pleasure most of the times. The creative process is a mystery, often frustrating and at the same time thrilling. We have to dig deeper into ourselves to know first "what" we want to transmit and then "how" we will express it. We depend on our inspiration which is often capricious and obstinate, and sometimes it is the perfection and fluidity. This mystery once it reveals is without a doubt one of the most wonderful things that can happen to you.

The Mask

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Do you enjoy other styles of art besides painting?

I like all forms of expression and I think each has their own language, but I guess painting is my medium.

Do you have anyone that inspires you the most? If so who and why?

I like the idea of mysterious dreamy worlds, surrounded by beautiful yet enigmatic creatures.

Francis Bacon, his paintings are powerful. You can feel his emotions in every brush stroke; it is pure raw art, with so much personality. It fascinates me, what is possible to transmit with art.

I also love Louise Bourgeois. Her work is so poetical and at the same time strong and disturbing. She takes you to another time, to another world, to her life and childhood, even into her mind – it is impressive.

What is your biggest obstacle as an artist?

Getting through tough times, manage challenges of modern life and dealing constantly with our emotions it is a mental battle each of us has to endure.

Seems like you have toured the world, Is there anywhere that you have not exhibited that you would like to see your art showcased?

I have a strong fascination with Japan, even if I was never there I think it is a place where I could feel at home and I would love to show there.

How do you think that you art inspires others or perhaps when you paint what would you like your spectators to feel?

I like the idea of mysterious dreamy worlds, surrounded by beautiful yet enigmatic creatures. I have been always fascinated by nature, the behavior of animals, the way that flowers and plants grow and how we are a big part of it, the subtle injection of ambiguity that blurs the gap between the ordinary and the fantastic. In my work I want to bring nature closer to the observer, to connect people with their roots and memories. Organic elements are essential as they show us, like in a fairy tale, the link between the subconscious mind and the actual world.

Do you have a motto that you live by? Any last words of wisdom?

It is a bit of a clichĂŠ but I think the best piece of advice you can give to somebody is: follow your heart.

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Emilia with a yellow blossom tree

Heart

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Featured Stories | Mike Habs

Street Artist

MIKE HABS A Chicago Native, contemporary visual artist, these would be the words describing Mike Habs. We had the privilege of meeting Mike on a personal level at the Art Basel artists panel.

Humble, Calm and Driven would be the words that we would use to the describe him.

C

urrently living in Los Angeles, he had the opportunity to live in Montreal and North Carolina as well where he was able to exhibit his work. His style can be described as "conveying the instrinsic value of punk rock". Not only has he exhibited in numerous galleries but also, his art made an appearance on the popular show Will and Grace. We've had the privilege of conversing with him and got to discover his rise in the art Do you remember the first time you started painting? When did you know that’s what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?

I started painting outside of the classroom when I moved to Montreal shortly after

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college. It was freezing for months and I didn’t speak French so I wanted to keep myself busy somehow. I loved all the detailed graffiti murals on the streets and started sketching out my own in my apartment at night. I kept going for years in secret and didn’t end up showing anyone until about two and a half years ago. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster ever since.

I knew I wanted to do it professionally when it started taking up all my free time and I couldn’t really think about doing anything else. I’ve always been an active person, but nothing seemed to consume me the way making this has.

2017 TV Series WILL AND GRACE Episode 2

You call your style street art, have you ever dabbled in any other styles? For example can you paint portraits?

The term “street art” has and probably will continue to change significantly as time goes on, but the idea of having my work, whether on a big wall outside or in someone’s home, interact with and hopefully inspire people in their everyday lives is the primary motivation at this point in time.

When it comes to portraits, landscapes, etc. I can paint them no problem, but it’s just not my focus as an artist. Plenty of people are doing that already. To be honest they feel like homework and are just kind of boring to me. My newer work explores music with contrast, color, and in three dimensions…..abstract ideas like that have always been much more intriguing. If portraits become a part of an idea it could happen, but I don’t see anything like that becoming my main priority.

Congratulations on landing the Will and Grace feature, can you tell us how did this end up to happen, what’s the story?

They feature some really great artists here in Los Angeles, like Moncho 1929 and Joseph Lee, so it was a big honor to be able to be involved. A few weeks after my work was up in the gallery a production rep from the Will & Grace show came in and rented it for one of the episodes. It ended up being in Debra’s bathroom where she and Megan get stuck in the overflowing shower. After working so hard every day it was really cool to see the piece on TV, especially with such a great show.

Thank you. Wallspace LA is a gallery that I was very happy to sign with earlier this year.

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At this time do you dabble in the style of art? Or is painting street art your complete focus?

Unfortunately I’m not much of a dabbler.

Whether it’s painting, playing rugby, or even reading, I’m more of an all or nothing type guy, which can be good and not so good at times. Conceptually I think street art becomes more of an ethos and mentality than a particular style since it’s so expansive, but doing things myself and making art that people can easily interact with will remain my focus for now.

Do you have anyone that inspires you the most? If so who and why?

I’m finding that people I know in my personal life end up inspiring me the most, but there were definitely some established artists who significantly impacted my style and approach. The first critical interaction with the art form I had was with Banksy’s “Wall and Piece” book a friend showed me in college. I went through it for hours and hours and the way he used graffiti to ask such intense questions completely captivated me. I also got to meet Tony Fitzpatrick and visit his studio in college All of the pieces right now are which was really exciting to know that interpretations of a particular song. At first I someone from my neighborhood in Chicago used to listen to the songs on repeat while I had become such a successful artist. painted the pieces with the idea to keep the music as part of my environment. Then, for Also Moncho 1929 is an extremely talented my exhibition “Inept” last year I studied the street artist here in LA who’s became a great stories behind each of the artists when they friend over the past year as well. Working were making the music and used the with him and challenging myself to try and metaphors within the lyrics as the basis for do something different with every piece and the color schemes and imagery. series the way he does really pushes me to keep exploring. Aside from that my family For example I did a piece interpreting the and friends seem to enjoy it a lot which song “Woe.” by Say Anything. There’s a lyric inspires me more than anything else. in it that says “I can’t get laid in this town without these pointy fuckin’ shoes, my feet are so black and blue, and so are you.” I Can you explain a bit when you say approached this by using a black and blue that you do abstract representations color scheme, and used perspective of Punk Rock Songs? techniques to build the shape. This represented the self-awareness, or “attaining Absolutely, it’s been an evolving process but perspective” from the lyric, and then having overall I really wanted to communicate the read that the singer had suffered from bienthusiasm and intensity that comes with polar disorder, I used a black splatter to the idea of punk rock. I also wanted to get a represent the chaos that was being battled better understanding of why some people while he was trying to obtain clarity. are so devoutly committed to what can appear to be so absurd to some. Having I’m sure it will grow in many different ways grown up surrounding myself with this type to come, but for now I just want to keep of music, I always felt that as a genre it was challenging myself and having fun with it. extremely undervalued. www.creativmag.com | Jan - Feb 2018 | CREATIV | 39

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How was the experience at ART BASEL? Where did you go? who did you meet ? Did anything cool happen? LOL Art Basel was a blast but it absolutely flew by. It was great to be a part of but I was either setting up shows, painting, or prepping my show the entire time – I maybe slept 15 hours the entire week. I was able to stop by the Wynwood walls was a great place to see many of my favorites like RISK and Ron English’s pieces in the same place. To be showing my work down the street the same week was pretty crazy.

I was also able to paint a big 3D mural at the Mia Bea House which is a night club in South Beach. We were under a tight deadline, so I had to go 20 hours straight to get it done, but having something like that up for the fair was something I never dreamed could happen.

Do you find yourself inspiring other artists with your art ?

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I always hoped that would be the case, and this year a number of people I’ve never met have reached out to me on Instagram and shown me the artwork they’ve been working on and some have actually tried to imitate my pieces. Seeing it actually affect people has been one of the most rewarding parts.

What’s next for you?

I’ve got a new approach that I’ve been working on behind closed doors, and there should be a music video I did coming out early next year. Other than that I’m looking forward to seeing where the work grows and just making more cool stuff.

Any final words of wisdom?

I think I would just quote Kurt Vonnegut and say, “To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow… So do it.” ….Oh, and get off your goddamn phones, that’s important too.

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A FI

S AION W E L O V E F A S H I O N

The Fashion Footprint of Designer

TRACY DIZON

If only we took the time to get to know different cultures from around the world, we truly believe that this world of ours would be a better place. Free spirited, creative and fashion designer Tracy Dizon, is breaking barriers from all fronts. Originated from the Philippines, Tracy recently participated in New York Fashion Week in Brooklyn, NY. She is definitely a breath of fresh air in the western fashion industry and we feel privileged to have been able to get an exclusive from her. s a woman entrepreneur she is truly an inspiration. Admiring her work and her dedication to her success we would rather you experience what it’s like to be a woman with a dream through her words.

Based in Manila Philippines, She traveled as far as New York City to leave her footprint on the sands of the fashion industry.

A

You’ve recently participated in Brooklyn Fashion Week, how was the experience?

Winning the Rise Art & Design Fashion Designer Contest and participating Fashion Week Brooklyn was such a nervewrecking and most exhilarating milestone in my career as a Fashion Designer and Milliner. I had my taste of the New-YorkMinute-don’t-waste-my-time moments along the way! Looking back a few weeks now, I feel very proud that I stepped up my game and somehow delivered more than I expected myself to deliver. I flew to New York two weeks prior to my show to get myself familiarized with the works around the city, carried 17 Looks, 17 sets of garments and hats and shoes and the whole parade all by myself (the not so glamorous parts of fashion) and had my share of taking the wrong Metro going to the opposite side of the town kind of moments as inevitable to anyone trying to make it in the Big Apple. It was truly tough being a tiny girl that I am (I am just

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85 lbs and 5’1”) walking the blocks of New York is so gigantic for me! Kidding aside, it was an amazing learning experience in many aspects of my professional life and wanderlust life… as cliche as it may sound after taking Fashion Week Brooklyn, I felt the boost of spirit that I can sing Frank Sinatra’s lines: “If I can make it there… I’ll make it anywhere… It’s up to you…New York, New York!” and somehow feel it more real than ever. I learned how to work in the “New-York-minute” phase, I learned how to work with different kinds of people, from different cultural background, different aspects of backstage and fashion show in New York… and you know what? I can give you this tip: “A genuine smile and kind hearted soul can go a very long way.” I arrived in NYC not knowing anyone from the fashion biz but my sponsors Rise Art & Design and the FWBK Team… I didn’t know any pool of models who could walk for my collection, I was so worried until the last day I won’t be able to show all my creations… but I left NYC receiving so many emails with a lot of Fashion Week Invitations, models sending their interest to work with me all very promising and exciting.

Moreover, I learned that what makes New York so awesome is the diverse people working together —the value of teamwork and being a good leader to your team, my show was epic beyond my wildest dreams.

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Cover Story | Tracy Dizon But I could not take all the credits for it, I could have not done it without the “whole village” (village’s) support. (as the African Proverb goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.”) my contest sponsor, Rise Art & Design who believed in my collection and my story; my siblings and family — most especially my sister Stacy Dizon who is a timid financial analyst in Manhattan who helped me all the way with all the logistics of bringing and caring for my whole fashion collection at the backstage, despite this being totally out of her professional league… I could not imagine how would I’ve managed everything with their support & guidance . More so, as my amazing roster of runways models in both New York and New Jersey… Jackie Paras, Virginia Liang, Joyce Sheng, Sandra Zhang, Izzy Ting,

were line up changes happening all at once — (I opened the show, initially I was in the latter line-up). But I can’t complain because that’s makes the whole story even spicier! All I can remember in time for my curtain call is I’m in my 6” platform doll shoes and I was so dreadful I might fall down the grand stairs of the Brooklyn Borough Hall! I was sooo awkward like that but it was priceless to hear people clapping and feeling the happy energy after the audience saw my show! It is quite unforgettable. I was so shy and awkward holding my name banner! I remember, I did not sleep the whole night (despite that I need much beauty rest) because I want to make sure all the models, beauty

I learned that what makes New York so awesome is the diverse people working together —the value of teamwork and being a good leader to your team, my show was epic beyond my wildest dreams Vanessa Ramos, Serenity Ford, Stephanie Bongiorno, Shanice Brown, Shonda Evette Williams, Anastasia Nikitina, Wendy Ciu, Sarah Kim, Alexa Leimeister, Beauty Queen Mrs. New Jersey 2017— Jeannette Josue and Asia’s Next Top Model (A syndicated Reality TV Show based from Tyra Banks’s America’s Next Top Model) Cycle 1 Finalist Stephanie Retuya all brought my designs to life. I am so humbled and touched that they believed in my designs and walked for me even if I am just a newbie in New York. What amazed and surprised me is my quirky, wanderlust, bohemian vibe of my fashion and millinery collection fit so well with different cultural background! I feel very proud that I was able to pull-off a globally interesting collection as such. The great thing was these are all organic relationships I built all because of a my bubbly cheerful smile. Jackie, who opened my show, was my first recruited model and models started coming in because of word of mouth and referrals. A good work will speak for itself and it’s a relief to have been accepted in the tough world of NYC just bringing my zeal and smile and a whole baggage of colorful piece.

On the Fashion Week Brooklyn night itself, felt more like… “Did that just happen?!” I mean I have been just dreaming about this kind of moment since I had long aspired to be a Fashion Designer and in a New York Minute, it happened! The show was a super success, but there were drama that I only thought would happen on films… There were modelstealing moments (— one diva designer tried to pirate my models what a cliche!) and there 48 | CREATIV | Jan - Feb 2018 | www.creativmag.com

team and production are all in the same page.

I mean, I came all the way 13,000 km away, it would be such a waste if the whole shebang will be ruined by wrong shoe size, wardrobe problems, or anything like that. I always try to think, sometimes you only get one shot at things so don’t waste your chances and opportunities.

Sometimes I feel a little displaced coming from thousands of miles away from New York, doing my operations from Manila, Philippines.

Then my S/S 2018 Fashion Week Brooklyn Collection all began in Hanoi, Vietnam, picking up my heartbroken self and keeping my chin up high despite getting dumped… Then I get a show in New York! I am literally everywhere!

There were days that I was awake for 24-hours having to coordinate New York Time vs Manila Time which has an exact 12 hours difference.

But when I look at the bigger picture that my small fashion business delivered something something so bold, bright and beautiful in the stage of Brooklyn Borough Hall, in one of the most creative districts of New York, I can’t believe it myself. My dearest Miss Hanoi Collection is a gift that kept on giving up until today, I will be forever grateful for this beyond surreal experience and definitely raised my standards and goals to another level. I would like to think of this as my seeds I planted in New York hopefully it can grow more as this is the beginning of building my fashion brand in the global stage of New York!

Subject : Tracy Dizon Photo Credits: Photo by Rap Yu Make-up: Coney Veto Hair: Calai Flores

How long have you been designing and when did you know that you wanted to become a Famous Fashion Designer?

This question is very tricky (and novel-long) for me to answer but I will try to answer. I think I have wanted to become a fashion designer ever since I was 5 years old. I was the only child then (before my five siblings born then after) I took solace to playing Barbie Dolls and paper dolls. I even remember making my own make-shift “fashion magazine” and draw clothes on girls and I would put prices on them. I guess, I was my own fashion editor in my solitude years!

I entered Miriam College Highschool (a prestigious exclusive school girls run by Maryknoll Sisters in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines) and during my time it was more of a trend to choose business, management & administration or the finance & accounting type of course. Everyone were heading in that direction, so being in an exclusive prestigious school were keeping high pristine standards and well roundedness is the norm, rather specializing in one niche. I thought I should also go to that direction. Nobody took “Fashion Design” as a serious job per se, I guess it was a conservative environment. It was a different time 20 years ago. But even back then I would often sketch designs for my classmates imagining their “Debutante Gowns” and “Prom Dresses”.

Even early on, despite I wasn’t consciously aware that I wanted to pursue something creative, I would always have extra bunch set of glitters on my projects that really made me feel fulfilled. Even the most not-so-artistic school projects I would take time to decorate as if my creatives are trying to break-free in any means possible. But I must say, I learned a lot coming from that conservative and strict background, especially the pursuit to well roundedness became my plus points in managing my business now.

But I really believe that fate lead me in the fashion design path when I took up a totally different path. I realized that I did not want this direction doing a mediocre business/ number related course when I was already in my first year in college. It was around late 90’s that I was so enticed and inspired with Patricia Field and her wonders in Sex and the City, Betsey Johnson is my fashion goddess up until today, I loved how Gwen Stefani rocked her fashion being a lead vocalist for a band, I was so enticed with Heatherette with their burst of glitters and sparkles! Early on, when I was a teenager I already had this New York Dream and aspired to be one of the bold influencers of the time. I guess, I was a rebel in my own right already early on. So applying to the state university (University of the Philippines Diliman) despite being complacently enrolled in Miriam College. I applied for BS Clothing Technology and took the interview and talent tests all on my own efforts. My parents weren’t happy about it being UP is a very liberal unitersity but I know this is something meant for me to do. I had to be bold.

But I told myself, if I don’t pass this may be I am not meant to be a designer, it’s a make or break kind of moment but in that moment that I was decided with this, I found my name amongst the newly accepted transferee of BS Clothing Technology. The universe conspired!

For the Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise LOOKBOOK Fashion Editorial, the whole photoshoot took place in Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi, Vietnam Creative Director: Tracy Dizon Photography by: Kaalvoet Ranger (www. kaalvoet.ninja) Photo Assistant: Hoàng Mũm • Theo Shand Associate Stylist: My Duyên Đào Hair and Make-up by: Thành Nguy n Assisted by: My Nguyen All Clothing and Hat Designs by: Tracy Dizon for Tiara by Tracy Dizon S/S 2018 All locations shot at the Old Quarter, Hoàn Ki m, Hanoi, Vietnam

What would you call your recent collection? And who would you say would wear it?

Recent Collection: I named my Spring Summer 2018 Fashion and Millinery Collection for Fashion Week Brooklyn — “Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise” — as my personal swan song over the pain of loving someone you cannot have. (I warn must you, this really sounds like a film screenplay but it really did happen!) La Douleur Exquise is roughly translated as The heart-wrenching pain of wanting someone you can't have.“Unrequited love” state of mind. This collection had me started to painting the pain of an unrequited love but I refused to be defeated.

I thought to myself: An unexpressed pure love and displaced passion is an unmet greatness… I will never be a “greatness unmet”. I choose to redeem myself with my art and my heart through this collection.

So just a short funny back story, I fell in love with the sweetest most romantic French Guy who lives in Hanoi, Vietnam. We met in paradise that I couldn’t get over the fantasy. I was so head over heels in love that I booked myself a flight after missing him and when I arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam — a very new land that I have never been to (plus I do not know anyone either!) — The French Boy dumped me because he told me he has met this “Hanoi Girl” and we both should move on. Ouch. Burn. So there I was in a foreign land, that I don’t know of and I was technically, dumped. But NO, I will not be defeated by this! I’m a fashion designer! I may be singing my Swan Song but I am not going down defeated.

As I was “wanderlusting" around the streets of Hanoi, I started wondering who this “Miss Hanoi Girl” is, as I started sketching and imagining this “mystery woman” who “stole” my guy… I started imagining through my designs what type of girl she is… Getting so much inspiration from the beautiful traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai Dresses and the Hanoi culture I started painting this fantasy girl in my mind — from ceramic tea cups to stamps and lotus flowers my mind was so creatively charged waiting to give birth to this collection that (little did I know, would bring me to so many places beyond my dreams) Every LOOK in this collection is like reflections in my personal diary, everything has a story! But instead of wallowing my heart break, I materialized it into clothing and millinery design. Every lay-out tells a story of my journeys and trips in Hanoi. Walking at the Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake inspired me to design the lotus inspired look. Wallowing my sadness to sight seeing along the Old Quarter — the Ceramic Porcelain Wares Stores, Ceramic Piggy Bank Store, Wooden Stamps Stores inspired me to create interesting pieces with play of colors and prints that I’ve seen in Hanoi. The Propaganda Poster Art inspired me to create a modern ensemble with a military inspiration. Of course, the Ao Dai Dress has inspired me to create my own modern interpretation of their beautiful traditional clothing. Being alone in this beautiful untouched city, got me all inspired. The rich fabrics, the amazing street food, the untainted culture and the passionate fire of nationalism that runs through the spirit of the Vietnamese People…This is a nation that the world should get to know and appreciate even more so.

This collection painted beautiful postcards of Hanoi for me that I fell in love with instead.

For the Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise LOOKBOOK Fashion Editorial, the whole photoshoot took place in Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi, Vietnam Creative Director: Tracy Dizon Photography by: Kaalvoet Ranger (www. kaalvoet.ninja) Photo Assistant: Hoàng Mũm • Theo Shand Associate Stylist: My Duyên Đào Hair and Make-up by: Thành Nguy n Assisted by: My Nguyen All Clothing and Hat Designs by: Tracy Dizon for Tiara by Tracy Dizon S/S 2018 All locations shot at the Old Quarter, Hoàn Ki m, Hanoi, Vietnam

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For the Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise LOOKBOOK Fashion Editorial, the whole photoshoot took place in Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi, Vietnam Creative Director: Tracy Dizon Photography by: Kaalvoet Ranger (www. kaalvoet.ninja) Photo Assistant: Hoàng Mũm • Theo Shand Associate Stylist: My Duyên Đào Hair and Make-up by: Thành Nguy n Assisted by: My Nguyen All Clothing and Hat Designs by: Tracy Dizon for Tiara by Tracy Dizon S/S 2018 All locations shot at the Old Quarter, Hoàn Ki m, Hanoi, Vietnam

For the Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise LOOKBOOK Fashion Editorial, the whole photoshoot took place in Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi, Vietnam Creative Director: Tracy Dizon Photography by: Kaalvoet Ranger (www. kaalvoet.ninja) Photo Assistant: Hoàng Mũm • Theo Shand Associate Stylist: My Duyên Đào Hair and Make-up by: Thành Nguy n Assisted by: My Nguyen All Clothing and Hat Designs by: Tracy Dizon for Tiara by Tracy Dizon S/S 2018 All locations shot at the Old Quarter, Hoàn Ki m, Hanoi, Vietnam

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For the Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise LOOKBOOK Fashion Editorial, the whole photoshoot took place in Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi, Vietnam Creative Director: Tracy Dizon Photography by: Kaalvoet Ranger (www. kaalvoet.ninja) Photo Assistant: Hoàng Mũm • Theo Shand Associate Stylist: My Duyên Đào Hair and Make-up by: Thành Nguy n Assisted by: My Nguyen All Clothing and Hat Designs by: Tracy Dizon for Tiara by Tracy Dizon S/S 2018 All locations shot at the Old Quarter, Hoàn Ki m, Hanoi, Vietnam

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For the Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise LOOKBOOK Fashion Editorial, the whole photoshoot took place in Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi, Vietnam Creative Director: Tracy Dizon Photography by: Kaalvoet Ranger (www. kaalvoet.ninja) Photo Assistant: Hoàng Mũm • Theo Shand Associate Stylist: My Duyên Đào Hair and Make-up by: Thành Nguy n Assisted by: My Nguyen All Clothing and Hat Designs by: Tracy Dizon for Tiara by Tracy Dizon S/S 2018 All locations shot at the Old Quarter, Hoàn Ki m, Hanoi, Vietnam

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Besides New York and Japan where else has your craft has been showcased?

Aside from New York and Japan, I had the privilege to have several clientele all over the world, I have had few bridal clients in France, Australia , Canada and Singapore.

I’ve had business proposals in Dubai and Singapore. I get very excited with everything, but for sure all in the right time perhaps I can expand to more opportunities.

Not to mention I am from Manila! Of course it is with great pride and honor that my creations have been featured in international trade shows here as well. I am a member of a selected young designers pool mentored by the fashion mogul Ms. Josie Natori — Manila Wear of Manila Fame, an international trade show that caters to exporters of the Philippines, subsidized and supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). My Miss Hanoi collection was first featured here and I’ve had a lot of inquiries from literally all over the world from Africa, Spain, and Middle Eastern countries! I am still a small business, I have staff less than my two hands can count, so I am taking it one step at a time. But definitely it is part of our goals to expand worldwide!

What would you say is your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it to reach your dream?

Before and in-between- I even got to start my pursue of my dreams, I had a big challenge facing my future when I got pregnant at 20. Early on in life, I literally had to give up everything in life to keep my baby… I lost my friends, my family, my school, and everything I identified myself to be (or want to become). I will always include this in my “herstory” (history) because this motivated me and humbled me as a person early on in life. I lived in “A Home for Single Moms” for a couple of months until I gave birth.

I truly learned a lot from it, that despite of what you can lose – money, fame, friends, etc. one thing no one can take away from you is your brains and talent. I almost quit fashion when I had my baby thinking that the flamboyance of fashion doesn’t fit my “single-mom” lifestyle…. But in the end, “The Universe Conspires” telling me to just keep on going and this may be what I was meant to be doing.

I got myself back on track, I went back to continue college, with new set of people, friends and circle… But I always had in mind that, anything can just be taken away so easily. When you have another person depending on you, a child, your priorities gets simplified… I didn’t have time to mingle and socialize; I tried by best to keep myself focused.

Before my first official professional job, I made myself active with joining interschool fashion design contests during college. I was worried that being a single mom may compromise my career; I worked a little harder to beef up my resume with competition experiences. More so, even when I went back to college after giving birth, I really pursued double effort. My story is like the “most dramatic” having to tag-along my son in class, breast-feeding in class, carrying diaper bags and my sewing materials all at once…

I remember him crawling on to the sewing machines in class and I was so frustrated. Oh boy, it was truly a challenge. But deep-rooted enough, I was not dreaming only for myself but for my son as well. He is my number one fan, groupie and P.A. through out the years.

If there was one place in the world that you would like your designs to be seen where would it be and why?

My dream is to have small networks in every fashion city of the world… So I have an excuse to travel the world. I want to have a store in Montmartre, Paris — I love how worldly, eclectic and artsy the vibes there… It’s like an old world! I went to visit last year and I started imagining building my shop with a hot pink door somewhere in Montmartre. I always believed I am “Amelie Poulain” turned Asian!

I want to have satellites in Berlin because I heard the creatives is really emerging and flourishing there. Tokyo, Singapore, Australia, London and New York would be such a dream to put under my brand name. My family now lives in New York, so I’m very thankful that I am one step closer to building my wanderlust empire… and did I mention I had been dreaming of New York since I was in high school and watching Sex and the City? It is still surreal for me that it is now coming true!

Seems like you also launched a sunglasses line how is that working out?

This spring/summer my brand is launching a sunglasses collection through a collaboration with RiseAD. This collection is part of my prize for winning the first Rise Art&Design Designer Competition during Fashion Week Brooklyn’s Spring/Summer 2018 Showcase. The collection will feature sunglasses with curated versions of my designs infused into the frames. I’m very excited for this East meets West collaboration!

I’m really honored and excited to have my own designs be translated into sunnies as well! Just like my whole collection, the sunnies are also inspired by different places, sight and details I’ve experienced in Hanoi… Among my favorites are the sunnies inspired by the mosaic walls in Hanoi, with an interesting geometric colorful patterns. I have never seen much eyewear to sport an East meets West kind of vibe.

Perhaps a lot of peeps with the love of anything Asian would be fascinated to have something close to our Asian Heritage and be modern at the same time. It will soon be launched with RiseAD by Spring 2018. I am very excited for that!

For the Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise LOOKBOOK Fashion Editorial, the whole photoshoot took place in Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi, Vietnam Creative Director: Tracy Dizon Photography by: Kaalvoet Ranger (www. kaalvoet.ninja) Photo Assistant: Hoàng Mũm • Theo Shand Associate Stylist: My Duyên Đào Hair and Make-up by: Thành Nguy n Assisted by: My Nguyen All Clothing and Hat Designs by: Tracy Dizon for Tiara by Tracy Dizon S/S 2018 All locations shot at the Old Quarter, Hoàn Ki m, Hanoi, Vietnam

Who is your favorite celebrity that you have worked with?

My favorite celebrity would be Patricia Field!

Because I have adored her since I have realized I want to be a designer! I met her in her shop in Bowery, New York, just soon before she announce it was closing. It was such a surreal moment to meet her! I tell you since I’ve worked with celebrities in my first jobs, I rarely get start struck but I was screaming like a squeaky fan girl seeing her in real life. We had a little chat and showed her my works and she’s so real! She’s not pretentious at all, she’s so encouraging like a real icon should be! She sent me an email soon after sending me a photo wearing my Fast Food Fascinator and I have it framed here in my home studio ever since.

In Tokyo, Misha Janette, a very influential fashion editor also gave me such honor and esteem when she started wearing my works in posh red carpet events. I will always be beyond grateful for her trust and appreciation. Despite being a small business, she took a chance on me and gave my brand a whole new level of attention, I have not gotten elsewhere in the world.

Locally, I am working with some amazing celebrities but my most notable is Miss Tessa Prieto Valdes, a fashionista socialite who really have fun with her clothing! For me she’s like our very own Anna Dello Russo. I would bring in my collections to her home and I go home half of collection sold out! She loves colors and experimenting so I just truly love her passion for fashion!

Another local celebrity favorite is Maxene Magalona, a very influential actress coming from a lineage of actors and actress. Every time she wears my headpieces, my inbox would really go crazy!

She’s such an angel to my brand.

I am lucky to have both young millennial market and the more high end market can both appreciate my style.

What is next for you and your brand?

Right now, I am in the process of pitching in some target select stores and boutiques worldwide.

Hopefully my Miss Hanoi Collection could go global! I am very excited to share my stories always (isn’t that obvious?) I am also planning to expand to fashion stationeries noticing that I have several inquiries about my fashion illustrations alone. I would love to make crafty affordable and young fashion items like notepads and stickers so I can continue expanding my market to the young.

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Then perhaps, I should be writing my own novel because I have so much to say all the time I think I could fill in a whole book in just one collection idea! haha!

Soon right after my Fashion Week Brooklyn Show, I got so many invitations to many Fashion Week all over the world! Some of which are Vancouver Fashion Week, Dubai International Fashion Week, several fashion events in Toronto, and New York Fashion Week! I do hope I can join next September and create a Filipino inspired collection next time. Well, if all goes well and business will flourish, I hope it would be a great show again! I love having a show, the adrenalin rush and the runway gives me a different kind of natural bliss!

Would you like to share some last words of wisdom to those seeking your level of success?

I think I’ve said a mouthful of words in the whole interview (noticing that I am already in my 15th page! So sorry!) Fashion is a really tough job and it’s not always a glamorous one, to be honest there will be more times that you spend more than you earn. No fashion designer is crazy enough not to love what they are doing because no one would bother doing this job so competitive, so fleeting and so make-or-break kind of pressure. But I think in every profession that would be the case not only in Fashion. I guess, I can cap this whole interview with three words of wisdom one being: “PEOPLE WITH GREAT PASSION CAN MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE HAPPEN.” With my S/S 2018 Miss Hanoi: La Douleur Exquise Collection, despite being heart broken and dumped, I knew it was a genuine sincere love and passion that brought me to New York and hopefully in many more places around the world. I will always be thankful for Mr.B, (Frenchie who dumped me), because I would have not learned how to love so passionately without him and in the end only to realize that I can direct that love to my designs and also myself. (Secondly) Remember: “You can be you own dream girl, too! Great love and passion will never be a greatness unmet, you just have to find where it belongs.”

Lastly, always choose to be kind. The universe will give you back what you give in one way or another.

Integrity, responsibility and all the rest of adulting is part of life. It’s a whole journey and the universe can be your powerful friend or enemy, so better make friends and be kind instead.

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Clear Boutique A taste of sexy and chic

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Special Events | Kia T. Vonvega

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It’s my style and personality at the time, I can’t wait to debut this Pre-Fall collection Clear Boutique line because it shows parts of me in every form of fashion. Some people think that my collection is sexy but I’m showing every part of me in this collection, and that includes the raw feminine part and the intellectual part” - Kia T. Vonvega

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Clear boutique is a new sexy up beat line made for women with different styles. The pieces are based on a look from day to night with a fit that feels just right. From chic to sweet, conservative it meets. [source: clearboutique.com]

Founded in the summer of 2006 by Kia T. Vonvega. In December of 2017 Ms Vonvega presented her new collection through a media only showcase where Creativ was able to attend. Influenced by a lifetime of fashion growing up She is now emerging in the industry and we can only wish her nothing but success.

Photography by Dennis Madigan

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Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival Announces 2018 Line Up. Tickets On Sale Today Friday December 8 @ 10am CHAKA KHAN, ANITA BAKER, FANTASIA, SMOKEY ROBINSON, TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE, JOE, TASHA COBBS LEONARD, THE "I LOVE THE 90'S" TRIBUTE (FEATURING SALTN-PEPA, KID 'N PLAY, & TRICK DADDY & BIZ MARKIE), THE JAZZ IN THE GARDENS ALL-STARS (FEATURING PIECES OF A DREAM, AVERY SUNSHINE, AND WALTER BEASLEY) PLUS MORE ARTISTS BEING ANNOUNCED SOON! Saturday, March 17 & Sunday, 18, 2018 Hard Rock Stadium will host The City of Miami Gardens 13th year of stellar music, arts, food, and fun under the stars Tickets on sale today at 10 AM EST at ticketmaster.com and jazzinthegardens.com

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Special Events | Chaka Khan

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C

C Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan is one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated musicians, with a rich musical legacy, the 10-time GRAMMY® Award-winner is looking forward to a celebration of a lifetime. A songwriter, actor, author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and activist, Chaka Khan has influenced generations of recording artists. She has the rare ability to sing in seven music genres, including R&B, pop, rock, gospel, country, world music and classical. Affectionately known around the world as Chaka, she is revered by millions of fans as well as her peers for hertimeless, classic and unmatched signature music style and ability.

The late, great Miles Davis often said, “She [Chaka] sings like my horn.” And the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin says, “[Chaka] is a one- ofa -kind, premier vocalist.”

Throughout her legendary career, Chaka has released 22 albums and racked up ten #1 Billboard magazine charted songs, seven RIAA certified gold singles and ten RIAA certified gold and platinum albums. Chaka’s recorded music has produced over 2,000 catalogue song placements. “I am honored and blessed to celebrate 40 years in music and entertainment” says Chaka. “I am so humbled by the love, support and gracious spirit of my fans worldwide and the continuous support my peers have shown over the years. Throughout my 40-year career, I have been through the fire a few times over and I’m still here as a living testament to God’s love and grace. Next year, I will be celebrating 40 years in the business and 60 years on earth, which equals one hundred percent Chaka.”

Early on, she caught the attention of music icon Stevie Wonder, who penned her first smash hit with Rufus, “Tell Me Something Good.” The single from the group’s 1974 platinum-selling album, Rags to Rufus, earned Chaka her first

GRAMMY® Award. With Chaka as the group’s dynamic center, Rufus became one of the most popular acts around selling out shows throughout the country and dominating the airwaves with hit after hit with songs such as “You Got the Love,” which Chaka co-wrote, “Once You Get Started,” “Sweet Thing,” “Everlasting Love,” “Do You Love What You Feel?” and “Ain’t Nobody,” Chaka’s second GRAMMY Award-winning song with Rufus. Rufus and Chaka Khan racked up five RIAA certified gold and platinum albums during their time together.

It was inevitable that a singer with Chaka’s star power would eventually venture out on her own.

In 1978, Chaka blazed onto the music scene as a solo artist with the release of the smash hit “I’m Every Woman” written by Ashford & Simpson.

Paired with the late producer extraordinaire, Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler), her catalog grew even more impressive with hits such as “Clouds,” “Papillon,” and “What ‘Cha Gonna Do For Me?” It was during this time that Chaka began pursuing her love of jazz. She and Arif brilliantly re-worked the classic song “Night in Tunisia” with the song’s originator, Dizzy Gillespie, on trumpet. Chaka also recorded an album of jazz standards titled Echoes of an Era, which featured such luminaries as Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Her crowning achievement in jazz was the GRAMMY® Awardwinning tune, “Be Bop Medley.” The song’s album, titled Chaka Khan, also won a GRAMMY® for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

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However, the song that made Chaka Khan a household name and propelled her to superstardom the world over was “I Feel For You,” written and first performed by Prince.

This chart-topping, GRAMMY® Awardwinning song also made music history.

Released in 1984, it was the first R&B song to feature a rap, which was performed by Grandmaster Melle Mel. Chaka also topped the charts with “This Is My Night” and the instant classic, “Through The Fire.” Now in top demand, Chaka lent her voice and producer skills to two of the biggest hits of 1986, Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” and Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love.” Both were GRAMMY®winning songs.

In 1995, she made her musical theater debut on London’s West End, where she starred in Mama I Want to Sing. In 2002 she traveled to Las Vegas, where she starred in Signed, Sealed Delivered, a critically-acclaimed musical based on the music of Stevie Wonder. Her Broadway debut came in 2008, when she took over the role of Sofia in Oprah Winfrey’s musical The Color Purple.

Chaka’s emotive vocals can also be heard on a number of soundtracks, including Clockers, Set It Off, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, Miami Vice, White Knights, Moscow on the Hudson, Disappearing Acts, Waiting to Exhale and Standing In The Shadows Of Motown, as well as Tyler Perry hits Madea’s Family Reunion and Meet The Browns.

During her career, she has collaborated with a long list of artists in diverse genres.

Collaborators have included Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie,Stevie Wonder, Prince, Steve Winwood, Mary J. Blige, George Benson, Larry Graham, the London Symphony Orchestra and countless others. Chaka has received a steady stream of accolades for both her artistry and philanthropy. In June, 2012, she was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, joining previously inducted music greats such as Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Bonnie Raitt, George Harrison, B.B. King, Carlos Santana, Donna Summer and Kathleen Battle. In 2011, she was honored for her legendary career with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. During the same year, Chaka was honored with the United Negro College Fund’s An Evening of Stars Tribute. The program, which was televised on cable networks and broadcast stations in more than 40 cities nationwide, featured tribute performances by Stevie Wonder, Fantasia, Ledisi, El Debarge, Faith Evans, Angie Stone, Ginuwine, Chaka’s brother, Mark Stevens, and her daughter, 80 | CREATIV | Jan - Feb 2018 | www.creativmag.com

Indira Khan, among others. In recent years, Chaka also received the Soul Train Legend Award (2009), the BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2006), the GRAMMY® Honors Award from the NARAS Chicago Chapter (2006) and the World Music Award Lifetime Achievement Award (2003). In 2004, Chaka received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music. Chaka’s autobiography, Through the Fire, was published by Rodale Books in 2003 and is currently being adapted into a screenplay.

Despite her busy schedule, Chaka has always made time to support and uplift her community. She has a deep commitment to women and children at risk, which led her to establish the Chaka Khan Foundation in 1999.

Initially, the foundation focused primarily on public awareness campaigns around the diagnosis, intervention, and available family resources and the search for a cure for autism.

Her efforts were particularly aimed at communities of color and other underserved communities, where awareness about this disorder is low. Her work in this area was inspired by her nephew who has autism and who Chaka describes as “gifted and beautiful and so full of life.” She later expanded the mission of the foundation to focus more broadly on women and children at risk. In July 2012, Chaka received the McDonald Corporation’s 365Black Award, honoring her for her leadership of the Chaka Khan Foundation.

Chaka also is an entrepreneur. In 2004, her line of gourmet chocolates, Chakalates, was sold in 20 Neiman Marcus stores around the country. Plans are underway to re-launch her signature brand of chocolates nationally and internationally. She currently is introducing Khana Sutra, a fragrance line for men, women and the home. The line also includes candles, and room and linen sprays. With a new svelte look, a new album, and a great enthusiasm for her new and expanding activities in music, philanthropy and entrepreneurial ventures, the 10-time GRAMMY® Award-winner is looking forward to a celebration of a lifetime.

[Source : Courtesy of Jazz In The Gardens]

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Writer's Corner | Empowerment

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The Changing Force of Quietness

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ure wish I could tell you that 2018 went off with a bang; the kind of bang I was hoping for, but I would be lying. I had an idea of what I would like my year ending 2017 to look like and so too the start of 2018. Shucks! It sounded more like a ping or even a plop. Gloomy right? Well, actually not really. Truth be told, most of you, if you were honest enough to admit it, would side with me on this one. You know, every year we are expected to posture ourselves like horses in the racing stand, eagerly awaiting the opening of the gates so we could make that mad dash towards the finishing line named 'December 31st'.

We come armed with our list of resolutions, vision boards intact, hormones all revved up, adrenaline pumping, and the resolve to go big or go home, this time. We are on it! But is this approach really the one called for you this year, this time, this season?

Have we been unconsciously sequestered, coached, then released to follow this dominant story of pushing full steam and full speed ahead at the start of each year? Can we even recognize whether we are or not, or has the propensity to do so become second nature? Can you see the red lights, the stop signs, the warning signs? Can you hear the alerts saying there's been a major accident up ahead that traffic is backed up by two miles, and that people who have taken on a similar trajectory as yours are stuck with no hope of rerouting anytime soon?

Shhhhhh. Listen. Can you hear it? Probably not.

That's simply because you have not yet come to value quietness. You've trained yourself to see only what the masses see and to hear what everyone else around you hears. But this time around, this year, there might be something to discover in being still.

onset of 2018. For the first time I am being compelled to enter a place of quietness, rest and confident trust. My Source is beckoning me to abandon my usual engagements and simply be still.

I'm doing it. It's day 15 and already I have begun experimenting in the kitchen, preparing dishes I have thought of doing for years but could never find the time or make the time to do so. And I don't even cook!!

In this space I am now expressing interest and exploring opportunities to hang out on the weekends and do things I've never done before, like visiting an art gallery. I am sensing a strong desire to engage and am finding the time to get involved in organizations that are non-Church or non-business related, but yet promote and uphold ideals I strongly value. I am beginning to feel things that I have long pushed on the back burner of my life. I'm beginning to see things from a different perspective. I'm beginning to acknowledge that perhaps, there are some things I can and should begin adjusting about my life that will permit me to begin experiencing the life that I really desire. I'm changing. I wonder, was this part of God's divine plan for me all along but I missed it because I just had to assume "beast mode" at all times?

Can you do it? Can you pause long enough to rest, to stand still, to engage the quietness? Is it uncomfortable? Yes? Perhaps this is that posture you need to position and take you to your next level of growth and development. Perhaps this is the missing ingredient.

Isaiah 30:15 “If you come back to Me and trust [rest in] Me you will be saved. If you will be calm and trust Me you will be strong.�

Shalom!

My year started off on just that note. I must admit this dynamic is very unusual for me. Anyone who knows me is immediately aware of my usually high energy level and forcefulness. I'm about moving, getting stuff done. In fact, I was dubbed the energizer bunny and for very good reasons. But something shifted dramatically for me at the very

Written by GEORGIA BRYCE

Writer's Corner | Love and Relationships

TONI DOUGLAS Toni is in pursuit of obtaining her Doctorate degree in the field of Education while also pursuing her goals of publishing her first book, "What NOT to Do While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend."

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Who is the Best Person to Run to With Your Relationship Woes?

Let’s face it, when our emotions get the best of us and we need someone to vent to, we do it without hesitation. For some, there’s only one trusted person to lean on that will truly hear us out.

For others, so long as you have ears, we’re talking to you.

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So, who’s the best person to go to with relationship troubles? Who will genuinely hear you out in your time of need and tell you what you need to hear without judgment? I wish I could tell you your mom, your best friend or your sibling, but I can’t.

The best person to run to with your relationship difficulties, is your partner— (that’s right!)

Think about it. You’re going to a friend, a counselor, a religious leader or a parent who knows NOTHING about being in an intimate relationship with the person you’re seeing. They may be able to relate to your partner’s characteristics or familiar behaviors, but if they can’t say they’ve dated your partner themselves, or even more, IS your partner, then they can only say so much to help you out of your rut.

Sure, it’s always healthy to talk to someone other than who you’re dating to release feelings or ask questions you wouldn’t normally want your partner to answer.

However, the best person to turn to, to lean on and to get the answers you

really require, is the horse itself.

You might be thinking, What if I can’t talk to my partner? What if my partner won’t listen? or What if I’m afraid to ask him/her certain things because it might offend them? My answer to that: You and your partner should focus on healthy communication so that going to him/ her is a breeze. The foundation that you and your partner create in the area of communication, will ultimately carry you through in your time of need.

Relationship woes are best relayed when you can express yourself, your concerns, your worries, your likes and dislikes with the person who will be affected most. Limit the amount of times you phone a friend or go to grandma just because she’s been married for 50 years. If you make going to someone else a habit, ultimately, you’ll begin living through their actions, their thoughts and their resolutions to relationship dilemmas.

Again, it can be a refreshing release to vent and get guidance from people you love and who love you, so you can share your experiences and they can aid you through a tough time in love.

But the most important person, the person who needs to hear you most and the person who can salvage the adoration in your relationship, will always be the person who’s right by your side… your partner.

Writer's Corner | Hot Topics

in theaters feb 16 , 2018

When we were reintroduced to Black Panther back in 2016 by way of Marvel’s summer blockbuster Avengers: Civil War the character gained instant pandemonium with fans worldwide. It was the perfect anecdote for movie goers during 2016’s wild year of social terror. So, when fans heard the comic book franchise would be creating a Black Panther feature film to release this February of 2018, all hell broke loose, but in a good way of course.

The most praise and recognition were coming from individuals of the black community, showing just how much we “root for everybody black”.

Throughout history it’s very seldom we get a feature film of a black super hero, especially not a feature film. Yes, we got a great dosage of black super hero greatness with Netflix hit series Marvel’s Luke Cage, but this here will be on another level folks. Get this, not only does the film feature an all-black star stunned cast starring Chadwick Boseman but the direct of this winter blockbuster is Ryan Coogler director of Creed. Oh, might I add the soundtrack for the film is being executive produced by Sir Kendrick Lamar himself and it’s being released during black history month, can you say BLACK EXCELLENCE! If my statements above haven’t opened your eyes as to why this film will be a full experience, then I need you to reevaluate your mental.

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So, let’s get into why the film is gaining such amazing feedback and jaw dropping reactions from everyone on social media. The character Black Panther is the hero we all need in this crucial time within the last few years. It’s refreshing to finally see our African roots and culture in the limelight in a positive way. T’Challa is not only a badass super hero but a king of a utopian futuristic African country, Wakanda. He is the image we want to constantly see in our community and Wakanda is the country we hope our community could imitate one day. Simply put Marvel’s Black Panther is hope for our community and our community leaders.

It’s a feeling of satisfaction that Marvel decided to add this character to be apart of it’s blockbuster film series. Family, it could have been any other character from the comic book but understanding the power of a community is gold. Releasing this film in our climate was the perfect setting and time frame for a beyond successful movie. The details have not been skimped or diluted, thankfully.

Chadwick Boseman at Marvel and Lexus Black Panther Party at Comic-Con at the Parq Nightclub on July 22, 2017 in San Diego, CA

Claiming This Moment ...

I believe Black Panther hits really close to home for many individuals of color within the black community especially those who are reminiscent of our real super heroes formed in the 1960s, the Black Panthers. Just as our elders were proud to see brave, strong and outspoken young black individuals changing the world fist to fist. It’s great to see that same image being portrayed on screen with the world watching once again. The Black Panthers are the true trail blazers of this unapologetically black and proud movement we all hold so close to our hearts and the basis of Marvel’s Black Panther. I hope everyone has made the correct accommodations and has planned accordingly to see the film opening weekend because we need to let them see how powerful our dollar truly is.

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Writer's Corner | Story Telling

True Love's' Recipe

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ver wondered if there's a secret to unearthing true love when it seems to be hopelessly buried beneath piles of rubbish?

Pull up a chair and take copious notes as we cover the first of several essential ingredients required to prepare heart-melting deliciousness.

True Love's Recipe 1. Know your worth.

2. Add an infinite spoon of self-respect.

3. Stir gently in the bowl of time (aka, wait patiently).

4. Let go of resentment - discard.

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How could we ever attract someone worthy of our love if we do not first feel that we ourselves are worthy of being loved? This is an impossibility, yet a very common missing ingredient in many relationships. The type of person you attract is quite often a mirror of how you feel about yourself, even if that is a subliminal image. Those who are most successful in loving another have a very clear understanding of themselves. So before you begin rushing through the proverbial checklist of perfect-mate qualifications, spend some time doing a thorough self-analysis.

Cherish all that is you: the good, the bad and the ugly. And when you stumble across a flaw, realize it as an opportunity to grow.

You have so much to offer to a special someone who may very well already be looking for you; however, they are incapable of appreciating all your many facets if you don't.

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Another key to truly loving another is respecting yourself. This is very challenging, especially given that we are in a constant state of flux. Who you are in this moment may be drastically different from who you were a year ago - and even further removed from who you will be in five years from now. Yet we must always strive to respect ourselves more today than we did the day before. Negative views of one's self (self-loathing, self-hatred, low self-esteem) do little more than anchor you in an ocean of doubt and drag you deeper into the quicksand of despair. A word of caution: self-love cannot be faked.

To attract your ideal life partner, you must be genuinely comfortable in your skin.

It is in our DNA to be drawn to beings that have no pretenses and maintain a healthy view of themselves and what they bring to the table in a relationship.

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Ah, how sweet it is when your true love arrives! But how torturous the wait - or is it? That depends much on how you spend your time. Don't let your life whittle away - each precious day passing by - while you pine after an elusive dream, when you could be celebrating instead.

"Celebrating what?" you ask. Countless blessings. Each morning you open your eyes to new discoveries. Listening to the majestic crash of ocean waves as the tide comes in, feeling the warmth of sunlight bathe you in glory, watching a butterfly dance around petals of infinite color and smelling fresh-baked goodness proudly march out of the oven past your nose.... What's on your list of gifts for which you are grateful?

The beauty of being more mindful of the little things is it prevents you from watching the time; it actually shortens the wait. Then you are pleasantly surprised when love shows up unannounced.

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Have you been hurt in love? If not, brace yourself for what follows: this is one of life's harsh realities that you'll likely not be able to avoid.

And, oh what pain! Imagine a very large hand piercing through your chest, clutching your heart, then mercilessly crushing it in an effort to suffocate it. Then multiply that feeling by one thousand. Now you're just experiencing a faint whisper of what heartache feels like. But there is good news: our hearts were made to heal. They are most resilient, but only if we let them be so. Some people interfere with the heart's recovery by holding onto resentment. This is most dangerous and must be avoided at all costs.

Refusal to let go of past ills means certain death for any new relationships. Why? Because what holds true in other areas of life applies equally in the love department: looking backwards over your shoulder blinds you to future possibilities. Our line of vision is onedirectional; our hearts do not have a 360 degree view. So you must make a choice: remain stuck in the past or move courageously forward. Besides, how would you feel if your partner constantly judged you, always assuming that you will commit the same offenses of past loves that trespassed on the property of his heart? Then don't do it to him. Play fair and be ever mindful that the love standing in front of you is so much better than any you've experienced till now.

Be sure to stay tuned for the final steps of cooking up true love in the next issue.

Yvonne Nobles is the founder of Climb42. Along with her husband Louis Nobles, with whom she shared her first kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com.

www.creativmag.com | Jan - Feb 2018 | CREATIV | 91

The world is a GET OUT SOMETIME AND TRAVEL!!

Perpignan, France

beautiful place

Writer's Corner | Traveling In Style

Visiting The Historical city of

Carcassonne Through the eyes of Eduardo Agudelo, Explorer, Traveler and Photography enthusiast. The history of certain part of the world would have you astonished, and the castle of Carcassonne did not disappoint.

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duardo, though shy in nature, takes a yearly trip to see his family which resides in Spain. His true goal is to become the ultimate tourist.

France, Italy and Spain are pretty close in terms of transportation, so this year he makes a pit stop in France, in the city of Carcassonne. An historical city where people from all over the world are bound to go visit the Castellet museum.

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For those who love the medieval times, you’ll find this museum to tickle your history senses. It is completed by scenes showing different characters in period costume who played an important role during this period as well as their biography.

THE MUSEUM OF THE INQUISITION OF CARCASSONNE

200 years of history, 200 YEARS of human hunting, persecutions and exterminations of Cathars called "heretics", 200 YEARS through which you will find also the history of the main castles called "Cathars" erected on the land on which they found refuge, forming part of the wealth of our region. Illustrations and texts translated on panels, in French, English, Spanish, Italian and German, supplemented by videos.

The visit continues in another building: "Dungeons and Punishments" where are staged inquisitorial stages reserved for "Heretics" Trial at the stake.

Nevertheless this Museum is not made against religion, on the contrary, but to denounce the Intolerance and Fanaticism that reigned at that time and unfortunately still at present in many countries. – Source: http://www. musee-inquisition-carcassonne.com/

The historic fortified city of Carcassonne has been inscribed on the World Heritage List under the International Convention for the Protection of the Cultural and Natural Heritage in order to be protected for the benefit of all humanity

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1- A miniature representation of the city of Carcassone in the medieval times.

2- Souvenir Gargoyle statues 3- Plaque on the side of the castle 4- The Castellet Museum

Photography by Eduardo Agudelo www.creativmag.com | Jan - Feb 2018 | CREATIV | 95

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