ISSUE #31 - CREATIV MAR - APR 2019

FRANK AND DEB

MILES AWAY YET TOGETHER CREATE ARTISTIC BEAUTY

BRANDY HEADLINES THIS

HEADLINES THIS YEAR'S JITG RAGS TO RICHES THE FACE OF A

ARABIAN NIGHTS A GLIMPSE INTO MIDDLE EASTERN FASHION

m e e ' n a o t l a NW

WARRIOR

TRAVEL IN STYLE

PREPARE FOR YOUR BEST SUMMER VACATION YET

DIGITAL ISSUES At your finger tips W W W . C R E A T I V M A G . N E T Visit www.creativmag.net and enjoy our free digital copies today!

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The Editor's Letter DARE TO BE DIFFERENT issue

A

A great way to know that you are doing a great job is when other people are appreciative of your work without you having to shout it out. This issue will always be special in my eyes, because of the way it happened. Our featured cover came to realization mainly by a simple proposal from the subject. We were elated by the fact that our magazine was being appreciated in the West Coast, therefore let’s make an impact with this issue and reach beyond this horizon.

We always admire people who are willing to go to great lengths when pursuing their dreams, therefore this issue is highlighting Na’eem Walton. His story will impact you as he is the pure definition of perseverance.

We also had the privilege of featuring Fashion from the Arab community. Ziana Kaoutar Chaoui is the owner of “Arab World Designer” and more than 20 years in the business was able to feature designers from the Arab community to showcase their designs during Fashion week.

A creative story that will melt your heart is the story of Frank Diaz and Deb Young, two artists living miles and miles apart who are able to work together and create masterpieces.

We are now on issue #31 and really the fact that I’ve been asked if the magazine still exists by friends who haven’t been keeping up with the magazine since it’s inception, tells me that not a lot of people survive in this industry. That’s why I will forever be grateful for the team that I have and feel blessed that they are talented as they are loyal.

To my writers and contributors of this issue I salute you. Here’s to the 31st issue. Enjoy!

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

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CONTRIBUTORS Toni Douglas

Victoria Mccoy

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.

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

Laura shirk Laura is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer known for profiling international artists and retail marketing campaigns. When she's not pretending to know lyrics or dancing in public, she likes to hit the gym, (over)eat and spend time with family and friends. Connect with her on Instagram: @elleeshirk

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COVER COVER STORY: STORY: Fitness Fitness Entrepreneur Entrepreneur and and Model Model Na'eem Na'eem Walton Walton

MAR-APR 2019

COVER CREDITS: Subject: Subject: Na'eem Na'eem Walton Walton Jacket Jacket and and Head Head Piece Piece by by designer designer Jeshebeab Jeshebeab Top Top and and Pants: Pants: Orttu Orttu Shoes: Shoes: Michael Michael Ferrera Ferrera Stylist: Stylist: Cynthia Cynthia Ranae' Ranae' Assistant Assistant Stylist: Stylist: Alyssa Alyssa Cole Cole Location: Location: Los Los Angeles, Angeles, CA CA

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IN THIS ISSUE

POP UP ARTs Up Art 16 Pop ART BASEL Galleries 2019 Up Photography 20 Pop Photo by Karl M. Lee

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FEATURED STORIES Spotlight 24 Artist Long Distance Collaborators Take on Travel, Time Zones and Telling A Story by Laura Shirk Spotlight 32 Artist FEARLESS by Karl Lee

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COVER STORY

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NA'EEM WALTON Rags to Riches the face of Dedication by Michelle B.

special FEATURE Fashion 52 Cultural United Designer Fashion World

68 78 82

2019. Photography by Dennis M. Cultural Fashion Ankara Fashion Week Winter Edition Cultural Fashion Harlem Fashion Week Special Events Brandy headlines Jazz In The Gardens 2019

WRITER S CORNER and Relationships 90 Love The #1 Secret on Finding Out

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Whether The Person You Like , Likes You Back by Toni Douglas Traveling in style Summer, Summer, Summer Time!

by Traveling Diva

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THERE ISAWORLD WHEREALL LOCTICIANS UNITE.

w w w . l o c t i c i a n s a c r o s s t h e w o r l d . c o m

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ARTICLES CONTRIBUTORS Toni Douglas Yvonne Nobles Victoria McCoy Laura Shirk

HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Sean Simpson DISTRIBUTED BY Joomag.com magzter.com issuu.com

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTION Dennis Madigan Karl M. Lee Sean Simpson Louis Giraldo Alfredo Prospero Clyph Jean-Baptiste Leo Bellamy

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Are you tired of busting your tail in the gym and starving yourself only to end up with little to no results? Have you been wondering if this is just the way it's always going to be? Is there any hope for you? Why can't you just lose the weight? If this describes you, then this book will change EVERYTHING. This information is the key to your getting fast results, to you losing that stubborn belly fat and those eternal love handles and getting in shape without starving yourself and spending ridiculous amounts of time in the gym. In this book you'll learn why the industry norm does not work; you'll be educated on how you should eat and the reasons why you haven't been able to lose the weight yet. You'll learn not only how to lose the weight, but to keep it off because knowledge is power. And this book will get you motivated to burn fat at a rapid pace and kiss it goodbye forever.

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Pop-Up Art | ART BASEL Galleries

Chambers Fine Art Guo Hongwei, Orange in Snow No.2 Courtesy of the gallery and the artist.

Courtesy of Art Basel | Galleries 2019

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Hauser & Wirth Mary Heilmann, Three Yellows, 2002 © Mary Heilmann; Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth Photo: Stefan Altenburger Photography Zürich Courtesy of Art Basel | Galleries 2019 www.creativmag.com | Mar - Apr 2019 | CREATIV | 17

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Pop-up Photography | Karl M. Lee Photographer: Karl M. Lee Model: Morgan Glenn MakeUp Artist: Corinne Janiece Clothing: SwankMyway.com

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YOUNG AND FREE

Photographer: Karl M. Lee Model: Morgan Glenn MakeUp Artist: Corinne Janiece Clothing: SwankMyway.com

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s i v la

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Featured Stories | Frank Diaz and Deb

Frank Diaz

Deb Young

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Spring Pastorale _ The Four Seasons Series, Archival Digital Print

Long-Distance Collaborators Take On Travel, Time Zones and Telling a Story Two artists: one male, one female.

Two countries: one revolutionary partnership.

As the creators of The International Collaboration Project, Frank Diaz and Deb Young live over 8 800 miles apart and continue to transform the phrase: working as a team. Exploring the medium of digital montage, the two match and manipulate to create series of reality-bending stories. Moving through time, each non-sequential and multi-layered story portrays not only a theme, but also a plot. Place the images within a series in any order and the viewer will understand the story, plot and emotional journey.

and past experiences and adapting to living in different time zones. Before meeting face-to-face, the two entered (and won) an art contest and showed in an exhibition together. With immediate success, it didn’t take long for the long-distance collaborators to realize that their non-traditional approach to creating work was worth developing. Upon finally meeting, the only surprise: that there were no surprises. Fast forward to present day, and while Diaz and Young take turns traveling the distance, the pair mostly works remotely in real time on a given piece together.

He: a photo montagist from New Jersey, USA. Combining individual technical skills, the duo plays She: a street photographer from Auckland, with tone, color, contrast and continuity.

New Zealand.

Having met within an online photography community on Facebook, Diaz and Young spent the first year of their working relationship communicating via writing, tapping into each other’s artistic backgrounds

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Featured Stories | Frank Diaz and Deb

The Crows, _ The Wandering Kind Series, Archival Digital Print

Diaz and Young come from different backgrounds artistically, environmentally and socially. Since there is no outline for their type of working relationship, the artists allowed their partnership to evolve organically (free of competition). At its core: trust, respect and communication. Over time, having learned how to effectively share their own ideas and listen to each other, the couple recognizes when to provide their counterpart with individual creative space.

Comparing their creative process to that of painting a picture, a discussion to arrive at an equal understanding of the concept (from separate points of view) is followed by hundreds, no thousands of random shots. On average, Diaz and Young select 12 – 24 photos to create one piece of work. With strong composition as the main element of montaging, every piece is constructed in a thoughtful way; every detail is added to determine a quiet balance. Described as “the stage before the actors go on,” the pair shares that the landscape inspires the rest of the work and defines where the scene will take place.

Presenting the medium in a unique style, the duo offers a twisted sense of reality.

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Race Against Time _Folktales, Archival Digital Print

“It’s important to explore the medium in a different way, move the form of photography forward and radicalize the mainstream; one single snap to tell a story has long been in play,” - Young.

Breaking stereotypes and building clues within their stories, Diaz and Young practice equal opportunity and insert elements of their personal experiences to relate to the audience. Always mindful that women are under-represented in art and art history, the couple celebrates the strengths of their partner as a person and an artist to set an example, achieve self-expression and explore masculinity vs. femininity. As the second basis of their partnership, gender equality and the opposing perception of reality, help to shape a balanced narrative.

From snapping children at play: running, racing, jumping and swinging to capturing youths exploring land and water, Diaz and Young take a metaphorical look at social structure, individualism vs. collectivism and childhood. Whether deconstructing the complexity of playground society or making connections between our personal life and life in the community, the duo showcases shared norms, beliefs and values + social and cultural conditions. Sometimes achieving greater depth with black and white, other times introducing earthy undertones.

The Girl _ The Lost Boys Series, Archival Digital Print

Transitioning from social relationships to personal relationships, “Suspicion” is one of the first ever photographic mystery/romance mini-series. More than action, the series emphasizes response. With film as a shared inspiration, Diaz and Young evolved to a documentary style of storytelling to center on the power of perception. “The series’ is an experimental use of cinematic narrative photomontage, digital distortion, appropriation and cinematic movie techniques,” states the artists’ website. www.creativmag.com | Mar - Apr 2019 | CREATIV | 27

Featured Stories | Frank Diaz and Deb

The Sack Race 2 _ The Playground Series, Archival Digital Print

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Outside of recently winning the 12th Annual Julia Margaret Cameron Award for their series “The Lost Boys” and working on their next project “The Walk,” Diaz and Young continue to search for other teams to collaborate with. Fresh off the farm,"two lifestyle farmers" and "the Beekman 1802 Boys" invited Diaz and Young to Sharon Springs, NY, to visit their farm (Beekman 1802 Farm) and photograph their goats. The result: the livestock-based photographic series, “The Four Seasons,” an outside of the box partnership and an appearance in Times Square. As noted online, “The first image produced, ‘Summer – Pastorale,’ adorns the Beekman 1802 Boys’ new Mercantile shopping bag, which [is] exclusively available for those goodies purchased at the Mercantile store.”

A welcome change from teaming up with other artists in the industry, the experimental collaboration offered a one-of-a-kind experience.

written by

LauraShirk

To check out The International Collaboration Project x Beekman 1802 Boys work: prints of “The Four Seasons” series are available through the latter’s website or a snapshot of “Summer – Pastorale” is featured high in the sky in one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions.

The Attic _ Suspicion Series, Archival Digital Print

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Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend, discusses these everyday truths that women face. Although I’m here to be as authentic as possible in my writing, my book and blog aren’t about my life.

WWW.CONTROLLINGYOURCRAZY.COM

FEARLESS Model: Nyasia Sade Mua: Nyasia Sade Stylist: Tony Martinez Assistant: Zemora Cockerham Photography: Karl M. Lee

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Artist Spotlight | Karl M. Lee

Model: Model: Nyasia Nyasia Sade Sade Mua: Mua: Nyasia Nyasia Sade Sade Stylist: Stylist: Tony Tony Martinez Martinez Assistant: Assistant: Zemora Zemora Cockerham Cockerham Photography: Photography: Karl Karl M. M. Lee Lee

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Model: Nyasia Sade Mua: Nyasia Sade Stylist: Tony Martinez Assistant: Zemora Cockerham Photography: Karl M. Lee www.creativmag.com | Mar - Apr 2019 | CREATIV | 35

Model: Nyasia Sade Mua: Nyasia Sade Stylist: Tony Martinez Assistant: Zemora Cockerham Photography: Karl M. Lee

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In the winter wind and cold air, Nyasia Sade, braves the elements to deliver a stunting performance on rocks, hanging on a ship signal tower, wearing Tony Martinez style pieces, bring the look together, proving that she is one of the Models to keep your eye on in 2019 and beyond.

The second look she ramp it up to another level bringing a edgy steampunk style, showing diversity and killing the poses, then we showcase her beauty, truly undeniable elegance and grace she poise to deliver something memorable, the eyes will admire, in the orange Nun Hoody top rounding it out with some epic poses and beauty work, Hope you enjoy them just the same.

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Cover Story | Na'eem Walton

M E E ' A N N O T L A W

Jacket: Law17 Pants: Hugo Boss Shoes: Givenchy Model: Na'eem Walton Stylist: Cynthia Ranae' Assistant Stylist: Alyssa Cole Photographer: Clyph Jean-Philippe

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Top Top and and pants: pants: Orttu Orttu Shoes: Shoes: Givenchy Givenchy Model: Model: Na'eem Na'eem Walton Walton Stylist: Stylist: Cynthia Cynthia Ranae' Ranae' Assistant Assistant Stylist: Stylist: Alyssa Alyssa Cole Cole Photographer: Photographer: Clyph Clyph Jean-Philippe Jean-Philippe

DREAMER. DOER. achiever.

T

he beautiful thing about the course of life is that we never stay stagnant. Human beings are continuously changing. As a child you may have wanted to be an astronaut but growing up you find yourself exposed to a different lifestyle therefore your dream changes. Such is the story of so many of us. However, we have the privilege to feature a talented model who, believe it or not started as an

incredible athlete. Naturally he in 2013 created a career in the fitness industry.

Now living in Los Angeles, California he ventured in the TV and entertainment industry, in 2018, Na’eem was seen on ABC’s The proposal, as a contestant, and recently he was featured on the Steve Harvey’s show as one of the bachelors’ trying to win Britt’s heart…and guess what? He actually did!.

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Confidence leads to belief and prohibits people from projecting their fears on you.

Jacket: Sebastian Couture Pants: H&M Necklace: Versace Head Coin Link Chain Model: Na'eem Walton Stylist: Cynthia Ranae' Assistant Stylist: Alyssa Cole Photographer: Clyph Jean-Philippe

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Jacket: Sebastian Couture Pants: H&M Necklace: Versace Head Coin Link Chain Model: Na'eem Walton Stylist: Cynthia Ranae' Assistant Stylist: Alyssa Cole Photographer: Clyph Jean-Philippe

With his career soaring, life never stops for Na’eem. Being in the modeling industry for a little over a year now, he was recently photographed by the talented Clyph JeanBaptiste and we had the privilege of featuring them this month. Needless to say that his transition as a Football Star to the modeling industry was a breeze. That’s right Na’eem played football in High School in his hometown in New Jersey. The natural path would have been seeking a position as a professional athlete, but life definitely had other plans for him. He started to create some branding content as a fitness guru in 2018, where his partner at the time who ran their social media platform was getting contacted by different designers to model their brands and voila! the model was born.

With this said our curiosity sparked to go deeper into getting to know who he is and where his future is heading:

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Top and pants: Orttu Shoes: Givenchy Model: Na'eem Walton Stylist: Cynthia Ranae' Assistant Stylist: Alyssa Cole Photographer: Clyph Jean-Philippe

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I’m curious to know with such athletic talent, did you go pro?

Or were you close? and if not, what happened?

The furthest I've reached my athletic talent was playing at the collegiate level. I believe I had the talent to go pro, but I no longer loved it. After moving to California I realize there were so many different opportunities available that weren’t accessible to me in New Jersey. I just wanted to master new things.

I’m pretty sure you have an inspiring story; can you recall a day in your life where obstacles were in your way and you couldn’t see a way out?

My first year in L.A., I attended a Junior College and there was no scholarship or financial aid money for that semester and my mom had lost her job due to the economic crisis, so she begged me to come home and I refused to go back with nothing to show for it. So I became homeless for about 3 months and developed a system to sustain myself until I was able to get back on my feet.

Now that you have dug deep into the modeling and fashion industry what do you plan to do with this passion?

Being on camera is nice, but I’m more in love with the creative process of producing a set and bringing all the right talents together. I hope to start my own talent agency and create a travel group for up and coming models.

Do you have any other plans entrepreneurial wise?

Yes, I would love to have my brand

expand internationally, be a lead in a feature film or TV series, produce a web series, and have at least 6-10 business accounts for my fitness start up.

Would you say that you’ve reached the apex of your career? If so, how does it feel?

No, I’m is just hitting the tip of the iceberg there’s so many creative thoughts and ideas I haven’t introduced to the world yet and even me developing my skill set, I love to learn and each year I’m only getting better and better.

Seems like you’re well traveled, is there a designer that you haven’t worked with yet that you’d like to wear? Or perhaps a country you haven’t visited yet that you would like to visit?

I would love to work with Adidas on the fitness side, other than that there’s no specific designers I would like to work with, but I would love to travel to Australia, Russia, and England this year.

What encouraging words would you have for the youth aspiring to follow into your footsteps?

I would tell someone aspiring to follow in my footsteps to keep dreaming because dreams give us purpose in life, keep persevering because there will always be obstacles, and believe in yourself before anyone else does. Confidence leads to belief and prohibits people from projecting their fears on you.

That’s the advice I would give to the youth

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Jacket and Head Piece : Designer Jeshebeab Top and Pants: Orttu Shoes: Michael Ferrera Model: Na'eem Walton Photographer: Clyph Jean-Philippe

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Jacket and Head Piece : Designer Jeshebeab Top and Pants: Orttu Shoes: Michael Ferrera Model: Na'eem Walton Photographer: Clyph Jean-Philippe

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Special Events | Funkshion Fashion Week

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Special Feature | Arabian Fashion

UNITED

DESIGNER

FASHION

WORLD

A glimpse into Arabian Fashion Photography by Dennis Madigan

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Ziana Kaoutar Chaoui Owner of the title “Arab World Designer”

With more then 20 years of experience as a fashion producer and designer , Ziana Kaoutar Chaoui took the opportunity of Fashion week to present the “United Designer Fashion World 2019”. An event that aims to promote the city of Brussels in the world as the # 1 city of fashion.

The idea is to bring together all styles and cultures and bring stylists from abroad to the heart of Europe, Brussels.

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This event was a first in Belgium and in Europe. An intention that will be repeated annually. The hall where the parade was held is a luxury and an authenticity that lends itself well to the ideas of the "Fashion Show" by Ziana Kaoutar Chaoui. Part of the profits were donated to an association for the purchase of sleeping bags or other needs for homeless people.

Ziana Kaoutar Chaoui operates in Paris, London, Brussels, Amsterdam and many other cities in Morocco.

Photography by Dennis Madigan

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Special Feature | Arabian Fashion

Photography by Dennis Madigan

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Choukri Chami Collection

Hanane Baghadadi Collection

Souad Thamda Collection www.creativmag.com | Mar - Apr 2019 | CREATIV | 57

Special Feature | Arabian Fashion

Ziana Zhor Slaouia

Photography by Dennis Madigan

Special Feature | Arabian Fashion

Ziana Saramine 60 | CREATIV | Mar - Apr 2019 | www.creativmag.com

Photography by Dennis Madigan

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Malak Collection Photography by Dennis Madigan

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CRYSTALS FOR DAYS

Allow yourself to be transported as you enter Crystal Vision and see a 7ft pyramid that invites you to sit beneath it and experience the energy as you de-stress, release and re-energize yourself. As one of the largest Crystal Stores in South Florida we strive to provide the right vibration and energy in the store which makes it an irresistibly inviting oasis to either add to your collection of stones, spiritual growth or from the daily bombardment of life’s stresses. The revitalizing aroma of essential oils and incense waft through the air as many geodes and crystals catch and reflect the sunlight that floods the octagonal shop, it is here that you will be greeted by a friendly smile and welcomed to come in. www.crystalvisionltc.com

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Special Feature | Ankara Fashion Week

Photography by Alfrfedo Prospero

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Ankara Fashion Week Over the years Ankara has become the trending fabric within pop culture worldwide. The African wax prints have been on the bodies of famous celebrities like BeyoncÊ and Tracee Ellis Ross and popular social media influencers like Jackie Aina. The colorful fabrics are a representation of culture and community within Africa but has become a staple of representation amongst the diaspora. It’s a joy to see individuals celebrating our heritage and culture while looking fierce. Ankara fashion has been considered as urban street wear but is rapidly making its way to high fashion runways.

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Special Feature | Ankara Fashion Week

With all the Caribbean and Latin influences that are seen here in Miami, African Fashion is represented here during Ankara Miami. This premiere fashion week of African designers was created by Evelyn Onyejuruwa and has been running for its eighth consecutive year in 2019. Ankara Miami has done an amazing job providing a platform for African designers to have their garment showcased in South Florida. This year was no exception, the fashion show included a wide selection of designers whom presented several categories of fashion including Urban Wear, Ready To Wear, Beachwear and Couture. A few favorites I enjoyed were Wamuiru Couture, a beautiful collection of clothing that seem to be fit for a queen. Also, Isoken Enofe, a fashion brand emanating beauty – fashion influencer Isoken – EnofeAsemota whose focused ready to wear for women, accentuates the female body in a funky but sophisticated way. Lastly, the Glitter Agency “Luxe Ankara” collection was high fashion couture which was simply wearable art. The fashion show in all was a joy to watch and an experience in its own, you can get the feel for African culture right here in Miami.

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Photography by Alfredo Prospero

Special Feature | Ankara Fashion Week

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As usual, Ankara Fashion Week Miami was a success and never has it been a disappointment. African fashions are on the rise and we can all agree that it's about time!

The influence of the culture has been well represented from top designers. Its great to see it being portrayed by those who are born and live as who they were meant to be. So many times we have seen samples of African dance, art and music be used and appropriated but with little or no recognition. I feel grateful that the diaspora in the past ten years are taking a stance to tell their story through fashion, music and art. One can feel prideful in acknowledging that we are to be proud of our heritage and embrace it for generations to come.

Photography by Alfredo Prospero

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Special Feature | Ankara Fashion Week

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALFREDO PROSPERO

ARTISTS WANTED IN THESE CITIES:

MIAMI, FLORIDA CLEVELAND OHIO WWW.CREATIVEVENTS.info

Special Feature | Harlem Fashion Week

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HARLEM FASHION WEEK has created a platform for the rising stars in the Fashion Design Industry.

Since the days of the Renaissance, Harlem has served as the epicenter of art, literature, music and fashion. As Harlem is being revitalized in the 21st century, Harlem Fashion Week will introduce a new era of fashion culture to the Harlem community inspired by its rich cultural heritage.

C E P SVEN E

L A I CTS N W E L O V E A R T I S T I C F R E E D O M

Special Events | Jazz In The Gardens

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Special Events | Jazz In The Gardens

JAZZ IN THE GARDENS 14 YEARS IN THE MAKING The 14th Annual Jazz in the Gardens aka JITG was held on March 8 – 9 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. For this to be the fourteenth year of the music festival is a great accomplishment for the city. The successful consistency of the event shows the Photo Photo by

by Sean Sean Simpson Simpson dedication the organizers. The out of town visitors and locals who attend the festival As a journalist, I've always been interested year after year never get disappointed. The in art, culture, and community. I enjoy festival has grown to the point that it sheds reporting on events that highlight Black light in terms of tourism to the city of Miami culture and how they tend to benefit the Gardens. A star-studded musical lineup plus community they are held in. I’m regularly amazing food from retail vendors what more on my soapbox lecturing about how could one ask for? The audience of the important it is to recognize and attend festival is usually made up of ages 30 and up these events that are curated for our own but over the years it has become more enjoyment. Being an attendee to these diverse. From kids of all ages to those who events gives me the best opportunity to see want to relive their younger years make up what the neighborhood has to offer when for a big family reunion. Being able to walk pertaining to membership, around to see the joy and laughter that is entrepreneurship, and ownership. One projected in the air is the best feeling. One event that involves all of these points is can walk amongst the crowd during the show Jazz in the Gardens. just to capture the essence of the festival.

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This year JITG was hosted by comedian Rickey Smiley who kept the audience full of laughter. The first night was a night to remember with musical acts like Bigg D & Da Band, Mike Felton, and the Black Violin warming up the audience for the main performances. This year as any other year the main performances were legendary artists who’ve changed the game in R&B as well as Hip Hop. Ms. Stephanie Mills and her band filled the Hard Rock Stadium with soulful sounds.

There was no denying that she is a queen all on her own, she did phenomenally and looked beautiful. The headliners on the first night were Teddy Riley and friends who included: Jagged Edge, En Vogue, Black Street, Guy, Bobby Brown, Dougie Fresh and of course Teddy Riley himself. These acts allowed the audience to go back in time to reminisce their best moments that included their music. New Jack Swing was the era, and my goodness did these artists represent. The entire performance was phenomenal. The second day had a great line up as well, but you could see the difference in the style of music in both days. The Sunday warmup included: Betty Wright, Tye Tribbett, Sherronda Daye, Maysa, Nelson Rangell, Gerald Veasley, Chieli Minucci, and Lao Tizier. All provided great performances that represented jazz, gospel, and R&B respectively. The legendary headliners of the night ended the festival on a high note. The O’Jays, Lionel Richie and Brandy shut the stadium down with their music the fans couldn't be more elated.

Jazz in the Gardens 2019 once again was a great success. A few things were missing that were present last year but that’s to be expected with every festival. One thing I would mention that would be great to see is the addition of communal activities during the festival. It would be great to participate in areas like an arts sector or maybe an area dedicated to Miami Gardens culture. So, guests can experience all of what the city has to offer. Jazz in the Gardens remains a Miami Gardens staple if you’ve never attended I would suggest to plan next year as it will be epic.

Photo by Sean Simpson

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Special Events | Jazz In The Gardens

Photo by Louis Giraldo

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do i look like an intellectual cat? ... well i must be... because i read...me..ow

The 1 Secret to Finding Out Whether the Person You Like, Likes You Back!

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So often we run to our friends, family and even Google to figure out if the person that we’re digging, feels the same way about us. We look for telltale signs like body posture, how many times they wink at us or even dig up their astrology reading for the day, just to dictate if they’re into us the same way we’re into them.

Here’s the truth! There is a way to determine how your mystery man/ woman feels about you.

Unfortunately, you won’t find the answer on the Internet or from your best friend. The #1 secret to find out whether the person you like, likes you back, is that there is no secret— that’s right!

That simply means, if your mystery guy/gal likes you, they will tell you and above all, they will SHOW YOU! They show you by doing things like asking you out, buying you small gifts to show their likeness towards you, they call you more than they text you and they’ll want to touch you (not necessarily in a sexual way either).

As much as society likes to portray men and women to be so different, (and we are to a degree), we tend to act out the same way when we like someone, and we want them to know.

Sure, we all have our own little quirks that we rely on to show someone they’re our cup of tea. However, in most cases we do the same things that reinforce our feelings towards someone, and those actions can be easily read by the other party if they like us too.

Writer's Corner |

Love and Relationships

Here’s where you’re probably thinking, What happens when the person I like doesn’t do these things?

Does it mean they don’t like me the same way I like them? Well…yea!

Again, some of us are different in how we’ll show a person whether or not we’re feeling them. Whatever actions do show up though, they should be easily identifiable, and you won’t have to keep asking yourself if your secret person likes you back. If you’re struggling to see their deeds, chances are, they really aren’t into you that way.

So, there it is; that’s the secret. If your guy likes you, please be certain that he’ll be asking you out, committing to small favors you request of him and buying you small items like food and “just because” flowers. And if your girl crush likes you, there’s no doubt she’ll be calling you, telling you and giving you back massages to die for!

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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Writer's Corner |

Travel in Style

Summer, Summer, Summer Time!

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The summer season is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor events. It’s even more fun when you plan the perfect staycation, find new ways to explore already familiar destinations, or want to explore a country that’s new to you. With a little advance planning, your vacation can be filled with concerts, local festivals, and other fun events throughout the entire season – no matter where your plans take you.

Plan in Advance To get your summer activities off to the best start it’s always best to start with your calendar and a local events calendar for your destination of choice. To get a calendar of events for a destination of interest, contact the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. You can usually find their information and calendars online. If not, you can have one emailed or mailed to you. Their listing of events will typically include events at local parks, art and wine festivals, area concerts featuring local entertainment, and events held at wineries, galleries, historical locales, and more.

Look for Deals Never underestimate the power of deal! There are many apps available that can help you get tickets to events in almost every destination you can think of.

Use apps like Groupon, ScoutMob, or Living Social to find great deals for the events you are interested in. These are also great sources to find out what’s going on in a particular area so you can generate new ideas about what else you may want to do. Peruse the local paper for your neighborhood or city to see what deals they may be offering for upcoming events.

Get Creative Think outside of the box when planning your summer events. Why not rent a house or condo for the weekend while attending a food truck festival?

Go to a totally new destination to check out their wine scene. Consider going glamping in the nearby mountains. Pick a destination in the world and go to a local festival or concert series. You can plan and do almost anything you want in many locations.

Writer's Corner |

Travel in Style

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Resources There are a ton of sites available to help you in planning or an internet search with a few keywords will yield rich results. Here are a few to get you off to a good start:

Wine Events – LocalWineEvents.com shares what’s happening in the world of wine in practically any city and country. Sign up for the newsletter aptly titled “The Juice.”

Glamping – Camping in glamorous style is one of the hottest trends here to stay. Many sites offer multiple options and styles to suit your fancy with tons of competitive amenities. Your top glamping resources are Glamping.com or GlampingHub.com.

Music Festivals – Continuing to grow in popularity, music festivals are produced around the world showcasing the best in celebrity and local talent.

Two of your top sites for all things music festivals is JamBase.com and MusicFestivalWizard.com. No matter where you want to go in the world, they have you covered year-round.

Food Festivals – From the South Beach Wine and Food Festival to Memphis in May, food festivals are not in short supply. Taste Festivals offer opportunities for you to explore dining venues in a destination, often at reduced rates. These events are held for about one week at specific times of the year. While there is no direct site that compiles all of the world’s information into one, you can easily search for “Taste of” and the destination name to get a list of events. For food truck events and food festivals in the U.S. check out FestivalNet.com.

Whatever you choose to do this summer, get creative and have fun. There’s a ton of options to take you out of your same old summer routine, even locally to you. Get out, explore, and enjoy everything the season has to offer you.

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