HAPPY 300TH San Antonio, Texas! That Suit Guy of Limatus Bespoke Interview with Musician MARCY GRACE
OUR TEAM Jose Valdez Jr - Editor-in-chief/Owner Michael Gonzalez - Head Photographer Kassandra Lozano - Content Director / Layout & Design Cassandra Garza - Content Editor / Writer Advenio Studios - Web Design Amanda Gentry - Hair & Makeup Consultant Clarissa Garcia - Staff Writer Jesus Garcia - Staff Writer Cuatemoc - Writer Catherine A. Smith - Writer
Editor’s Note
T
his is it! Our biggest issue yet! The December part of this issue is not only full of amazing talent once again, but also pays tribute to San Antonio’s 300th Birthday. You will see what fashion, music, and art has been like in San Antonio over the past 300 years, but mostly you will learn how the city's tricentennial events have brought a resurgance of interest and support to the local art scene. It is our mission to not only show y’all the up and coming talent here in San Antonio and throughout Texas, but to also show y’all the do’s and don’ts in the world of fashion, music, and art to help guide this wonderful state in the right direction. We want to see growth from all our cities, so we can continue to compete with states that have become the standard in the realm of fashion, music, and art. We hope you enjoyed everything you read from our 2018 Issues and that you will continue to read our magazine in 2019 and beyond! As always we would love to hear your feedback on past and present issues and your suggestions or ideas for future issues! Have a Very Amazing 2019 from all of us here at Formo! Jose Valdez Jr. Editor-in-Chief / Owner
Inspirational Tidbit - “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” ~ Janice Maeditere
December | Contents 12
That Suit Guy Aren’t you that suit guy? That’s the question that James Castro has become accustomed to hearing since his journey here in San Antonio has led him to be a new local staple of the city for those who are in need of a quality custom suit. We visited with him to get the scoop on how that happened.
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300 Years of San Antonio San Antonio, Texas celebrates it's 300th birthday. As the city of Fiesta, they certainly know how to celebrate! The city has partnered with numerous businesses and local venues to bring a year's worth of festivities and events to the public. San Antonians have responded with a renewed passion for their historic culture and a vibrant wave of support for local businesses and artists.
Cover Art by Kass Lozano - @kastle_1013
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Marcy Grace An interview with Texas Musician, Marcy Grace. Marcy has proved that her unique sound has resonated with the local country and alt-country fans of central Texas, who have come to know and love her sound. Often found on the on the stage of the Rustic and Sam's Burger Joint, Marcy has much to look forward to in the coming year!
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A Note on Grunge
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Music: Marcy Grace
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Runway Review: Cybergloss
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Happy 300th SA!
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That Suit Guy
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The Beauty of Independence
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NAEC Growing Momentum
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From Gore to Glam
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Music: Saxton Davey
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The Faces of Ryane
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FASHION
A NOTE ON GRUNGE FASHION BY: CLARISSA GARCIA
How to Dress Grunge - Be Bold! Be Rebellious! Be Optimistic!
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ventually the style became one of the most wanted fashions of all time. This trend embodies a sense of carelessness while being comfortable, and using a lot of layers. Basically, the goal of this look is to look like you didn’t try, but at the same time you tried your hardest.
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ver the years, this iconic style has evolved, This style has undergone construction according to different people such as vintage grunge, indie grunge, and hippie grunge. However, these style adaptations do not compare to the classic grunge style that everybody can accomplish and adapt to. Here, I will share have some tips on how to accomplish this fashionable identity style.
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ashion has been known to draw the eye of anyone looking to be with the times. Luckily, the so called “grunge” fashion trend, also known as “the 90’s,” that has risen from the back of our closets, has no expiration date. This fashion statement has come back with the intention of staying forever; this style has adapted to everyone’s own type of personal preference. The careless 1990s grunge fashion style was inspired by grunge music, such as Nirvana. This type of music came with the soon to be legendary band members, who became the trendsetters for fashion and attitude.
HOW TO DRESS GRUNGE If you're like me, you sometimes grow tired of trying so hard to live up to today's glamour and high expectations. Trying out these great tips will help you try less while accomplishing a great grunge look.
WEARING BLACK, GRAY, OR NEUTRAL COLORS This style allows you to stay inside your comfort zone and wear comfortable colors when you are feeling lazy or don’t want to worry about colors matching in your outfit.
FASHION
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Wearing black, gray, or neutral colors helps you put together a whole outfit without worrying about mismatching.
DENIM. DENIM. AND MORE DENIM! Denim plays a big role in this look. A t-shirt and jeans is going for it, but add a jean jacket and you’re golden. If you don’t feel like wearing jeans, just throw on some leggings. Leggings are a essential when in comes to throwing something on, but also not wanting to look like you rolled out of bed.
FLANNEL IS EVERYTHING. Flannel shirts can be used in many ways. You can use it as a wrap if you’re wearing only a tank top, It can be an accessory if tied around the waist, that ties your whole outfit together, Or it can be worn with your dashing leggings.
GRAPHIC T’S Graphic T’s aren’t just a characteristic of the look, they also tell the world who you are. If you have a favorite band that you are completely obsessed with, throw it on and flaunt it! If you slept in a t-shirt that you can also wear in public, even better!
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astly, grunge is all about comfort, which means no uncomfortable shoes. Express yourself while feeling like yourself. Slip on those Chuck Taylor's or Doc Martens and be yourself. Step back from all the exhausting expectations of how society says you should look and try something new. There are no rules to this style. The most important thing about grunge is to be yourself. Experiment with what you have, while feeling great, and you’ve got yourself the perfect grunge look.
LEATHER If you’re looking to spice things up a bit on your night out, then leather is the way to go. Leather jackets, skirts, or shorts are a great way to achieve a more trendy grunge style that’s perfect for a night out with friends or your someone special.
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A CITY OF ARTISTS BY: Catherine A.
As the seventh largest city in the country, San Antonio has continuously grown since its establishment in 1718. The city's history resonates throughout their architecture, art, museum collections, their annual event's, and in the everyday lifestyle of native and new San Antonians alike. This year the city celebrates its 300th anniversary with all the gusto and passion we have come to expect from the city of Fiesta. Established in 1718, San Antonio, Texas is known for different things across the states: the Riverwalk, the Spurs, the annual Fiesta, and even the giant Justin boots that tower over North Star mall. And of course, there’s the Alamo, which marks the city’s anniversary. Originally known as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, it was first established in 1718. As Texans became dissatisfied with their Mexican
government and Spain’s hold over the territory diminished, the state rose up in revolt. The Texas Revolution began in 1835 and would lead up to the historic Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Eventually, Mexican forces were defeated at San Jacinto, and Texas experienced a short period of independence preceding its statehood in December of 1845. The Alamo’s story is one that most Texans are
HAPPY 300 TO TH
familiar with - remember the Alamo! And the Alamo itself is at the top of many tourists’ sightseeing list. What is often less known, is that even the city's annual Battle of Flowers parade and Fiesta events commemorate the historic events of the Texas Revolution - a yearly reminder of the city’s history. San Antonio has certainly grown since the Alamo was first established. Currently the 2nd most populated city in Texas, San Antonio is now home to over 1.5 million people! And as a second generation, bornand-raised San Antonian, I can tell you that my family and I have seen this city grow and change, sometimes for the better and sometimes simply because it was time to change. Yet, as the city has changed, the people of San Antonio remain the heart
of what the city has to offer. Now, it’s not always perfect and picturesque, even within its downtown blocks - after all, it’s a big city, not a utopia. And with its Texas size, comes the usual socio economic woes and there’s definitely a pothole or 10! Nonetheless, it is a city that celebrates its people’s culture and heritage on a regular basis, and this year the people of San Antonio were given many reasons to show their love and support of the city they call home. Beginning with last year’s New Year’s Eve celebration (for the 2018 year), Celebrate 300, the city has been commemorating its 300th anniversary through numerous city wide initiatives and events all year. With the intention of making a lasting, positive impact that extends past 2018, the city created a
SAN ANTONIO!
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ART
THE
B eauty
of I ndependence By: Cassandra Garza Alyssa Bryer was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She was always drawn to playing with makeup and applying it on her mom, sisters, and grandmother. She always enjoyed playing with makeup and learning new techniques with each passing year. All of her family owned their own businesses and she wanted to carry on the tradition and start her own. Running a successful businesses seemed to be in their DNA. Plus all the experience of helping them with their finances and watching how they have managed everything over the years has been a great help.
eyeshadows, they are so pigmented.” Alyssa's family has stood by her 100%. They have always encouraged her to follow her dreams and to live the dream of success. Family is important to Alyssa and she knows they will always continue to support her especially when times are their hardest. Alyssa is a single mother who works around her daughters school schedule, so that she makes the most of their time together and apart. She has found that the industry has a lot of other women, and they tend to show extra support towards her as a single mother who is working to expand her business. “My daughter is my other inspiration because I want to be able to provide for her 100% with the success of GIS and to pass on a company that my daughter can be proud of as well. And can support her dreams in the makeup industry if she chooses to continue in her family's footsteps.”
“It’s always been my dream to have my own makeup line and being a very independent woman, it gives me encouragement to see other successful women in the makeup industry. Also, I want GIS to have the best quality makeup product on the market and to continue to remain animal cruelty free!” Alyssa dreams for GIS to become a large and very successful company that maintains the qualities and image she has come to admire in her family’s businesses and the makeup brands she grew up using.
To learn more about GIS Cosmetics visit www.giscosmetics.com or follow them @G.I.S.Cosmetics on Instagram
Mostly she hopes to develop a meaningful brand image that also embodies an expectation of quality, like that of MAC and Benefit. So far, she’s loving the product line and has already picked out some favorites, “I love my liquid velvet lipstick and my basic lipsticks as well! They are slightly sweet and stay on so well, plus they feel really nice on the lips! Also, I love our mineral icing sugar and our
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THE TEAM
ART is being developed into a network television series. He is also the creator of Sanitarium the comic book series distributed through Diamond Comics. C.M. BRATTON, WRITER: C.M. is a multi-awardwinning writer from San Antonio, TX. A member of the Texas Association of Authors, C.M. has published twenty-four books and a solo comic series. In addition, C.M. has been a writer for several film projects, including Sanitarium, which is currently in talks to become a T.V. series. CHRISTOPHER ALLEN, PENCILER: Christopher Allen is a comic illustrator and painter. His previous works have included on movie tie-in comics for Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man for Marvel Comics, Steam Wars, his own Steampunk comic SteamLore for AP Comics, and Femforce for AC comics.
KERRY VALDERRAMA, CREATOR & WRITER: Kerry has directed, produced and written two awardwinning feature films, numerous commercials, and music videos. Sanitarium. starring Malcolm McDowell, Lou Diamond Phillips, Robert Englund, and Lacey Chabert, is his second feature film and
LEE DUHIG, COLORIST: Lee is a Comic book industry professional with over 20-plus years in both publishing, editing, penciling, digital coloring art and marketing. As a digital color artist (Under the name GURU-eFX) for Marvel Publishing, Lee has worked on hundreds of issues and has colored countless characters for the publishing giant. He has worked for every major publisher, including DC Comics, Disney, Dark Horse Entertainment, Image Comics, & BOOM! Entertainment. As the Marketing and Publishing Director for Antarctic Press, Lee has overseen and developed countless monthly titles over the course of over two decades and is familiar with all aspects of comic book production and distribution. His current projects include the popular Deadpool and Star Wars comic series.
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FASHION
Nominees | Jewelry Designer
Limbo Jewelry Austin, Texas Limbo Jewelry is run by husband and wife, Edson Enriquez and Anne Rutt-Enriquez. Edson specializes in silver-smithing and design, and studied at ITESO University. Anne is the entrepreneurial side of the business and has with an eye for art that enables her to curate for the store as they continued to expand from their original South Congress storefront that was established in 2003.
Pink and Silver Fashion Austin, Texas Pink and Silver Fashion is a boho-chic, lifestyle brand that offers not only jewelry, but also clothing, accessories, and home decor. Their jewelry designs that have brought them their nomination are handmade by Kathy and Allen in ATX.
of the
Whitney Marbach San Antonio, Texas
Year
Whitney graduated from the University of Texas in Austin, and has created a business known for its innovative designs. She launched her company in 2009, at the age of 23. Her eye for fashion adds a unique touch to her image and she has since received international praise and success for her designs.
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210.837.6652
1109 SOUTH MAIN ST., SUITE 203, BOERNE, TX
FASHION
Title: Les Formes Photographer: Enrique Lopez Designer: Britney Newman Hair: Gloria Sanchez & Briana Ynostrosa Makeup: Gloria Sanchez & Sara Guillen Models: Wyturia Robinson
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FASHION
One Year Later Britney Newman, Formo Magazine's Fashion Designer of the Year '17 Since receiving the title of Fashion Designer of the Year, Britney Newman has continued to pursue her career as a clothing designer throughout 2018. She was published internationally in Surreal Magazine, appeared in the Santa Luna Cybergloss fashion show in San Antonio, Texas AND started working with emerging artist, Kelly Morgan. She even had the opportunity to personally hand her business card to Ashanti, which I think all of us who reminisce about the music of the 2000's can agree - IS AMAZING. But mostly she says that she has been trying to go back to school with the desire to perfect her sewing skills and overall craft. After returning to school she feels that she will have the confidence to launch the business on a bigger scale. In fact, she's currently working towards a goal for the year 2020! She is working on a 40 piece collection for 2020 called "Tribute," which has become her main project outside of designing for editorials. Her recent work maintains her bold and brilliant "It Girl" vibes and can be seen in her editorials and collaborations including "Les Formes" and "Haute Bubble" with Photo Artists of the Year Nominees Enrique Lopez and Jennifer Crowder. "Les Formes" is pictured here. To see the magic that is " Haute Bubble," keep flipping pages and check out Jennifer's nominee photo editorial.
We can't wait to see what the new few years have in store for Britney Newman! To keep up with all things BN, follow her on Instagram @britneydnewman
Title: Les Formes Photographer: Enrique Lopez Designer: Britney Newman Hair: Gloria Sanchez & Briana Ynostrosa Makeup: Gloria Sanchez & Sara Guillen Models: Madysen Kiley, Wyturia Robinson & Victoria Myers
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Photo Artist of the Year Editorial This year's Photo Artist of the Year and the finalists' editorials capture unique perspectives of fashion and art. With titles like "Haute Bubble" and "Last Dance," these photo editorials embody the sense of collaboration and artistry that we hope all our future Formo Award winners strive for.
The San Antonian's Graphic Novel: Interview with the Creators of O.B.E
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Jewelery Designer of the Year
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Photo Artist of the Year Editorial
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Designer of the Year Nominees
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One Year Later: Britney Newman
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For the Suave Gentleman
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A Note on Vintage Flappers
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Musician of the Year Nominees Musician of the Year Artist of the Year Nominees
Cover Photo By Mike Gonzalez, edited by Kass Lozano 5
January | Contents 08
For the Suave Gentleman Introducing a new column is SA Guy. He will be taking our readers on a hunt for the best places for men to find their style in SATX and beyond. He begins his adventure with a call to action - share the man knowledge!
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The San Antonian's Graphic Novel From the creator of Sanitarium, comes O.B.E. The novel is set in a dystopian future of San Antonio after the world has proven the existence of souls. O.B.E. is created and written by a team of San Antonio creatives who have left San Antonio themed Easter eggs scattered through the storyline. We sit down with creator/writer Kerry Valderrama, and writer C.M. Baratton to learn about the origins of O.B.E.
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introducing
OUR TEAM
for the 2019 Year
Jesus Garcia Staff Writer
Clarissa Garcia Staff Writer
Cassandra Garza Content Editor / Writer
Michael Gonzalez Photo Editor
Kassandra Lozano Associate Editor-in-Chief
Jose Valdez Jr. Editor-in-chief / Owner
Editor’s Note Well, what a year it has been! 2018 was an AMAZING year for Formo and for the talent we have featured. Especially for our winners of the FMA’s. We want to say congratulations again to Mike Gonzalez, Whitney Marbach, and Chris Lopez for their wins in our 1st Annual Formo Magazine Awards. In our January’s issue you will read about these amazing winners and see their work. We hope that this year's winners inspire our future nominees to new heights. Let’s all have an AMAZING New Year! And we hope you will be excited and ready to enjoy everything we bring to you in our 2019 Issues and beyond! As always, we would love to hear your feedback on past and present issues or any suggestions for future rticles!
Jose Valdez Jr. Editor-in-Chief / Owner
Inspirational Tidbit - “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C.S. Lewis
Introducing our new column: For the Suave Gentleman
The Winners of the 2018 Formo Awards Whitney Marbach Chris Lopez Mike Gonzalez Interview with the creator and writers of the graphic novel,
O.B.E.