JSong Way Magazine No. 26, Designing the Future

Way st A

IV E

R SA

NN

RY 21

The JSong Way Magazine No. 26

JSong Way

Divine Looks Customized or Ready-to-Wear Beautiful Inspirational Fashion

ANY WAY ANY WEAR WITH JOY AND SONG

DESIGNING THE FUTURE

SUMMER/FALL 2018

1

Way Magazine Way Magazine is published by JSong International Inc. 149B West 36th Street Ground Floor New York, NY 10018 T: 212-736-1189 F: 212-736-1686 E: jsongjsi@aol.com www.jsongway.com ISSN 1554-8171 PUBLISHER: Hon Pan Siu EDITOR: Way Zen MANAGING DIRECTOR: Edward Kwang PRODUCTION JUNIOR MANAGER: On Huynh DEPUTY EDITOR: Kenton Siu COPY CHIEF: Linda Frances JUNIOR COPY EDITOR: Alice Chin SALES AGENT: Charles Martin T: 804-346-0766 CONTRIBUTORS: Alice Chin, Edward Kwang, Linda Frances, Marylou Luther PHOTOGRAPHERS: Gerardo Somoza Kil Park STYLISTS: Miesha Harrison (Runway) Rashida Meggett (Photoshoot)

1

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Renny Lewis MAKE-UP/HAIR: Augment Co. Ltd. (Runway) MAKE-UP: Brittney Roberts (Photoshoot) HAIR: Shalice Jones (Photoshoot) FOOTWEAR: rosewand.com MUSIC: Geoff Ryan VIDEO: Steven Yap SPECIAL THANKS TO Amy Rosi of Aros Communications Jean Meek-Barker Marylou Luther Patricia M. Maffei New York Institute of Beauty (nyib.edu) The Fashion Group International Volunteers from High School of Fashion Industries To carry Way Magazine in your store, please call 866-736-1188 or write to JSong International Inc. Subscription T: 212-736-1189 Advertising T: 866-736-1188 © 2018 Way Magazine No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher.

JSong and Way are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The JSong Way Magazine

Way Magazine No. 26 Designing the Future Issue 1 3 17 17

Contributors Editor’s Letter My . . .Way Way Mail

Fashion

4 Way - Harmony of the Four Elements 6 4 Way Tee 18 Clotheslines by Marylou Luther 19 Fashion Forward 20 School Project 23 Great Looks of the Season 25 JSong Collection 43 Way Gallery 45 The World of JSong

Way Interview

21 38 39 40

JSong 21st Anniversary

Monica Kasongo Muamba Brana Dane Juhea Kim

45 45 46 46 46

Celebrations JSong Interns Event Calendar Subscription Way Beauty

ANY WAY ANY WEAR with JOY & SONG

2

Editor’s Letter

Imagine if I could see into the future!

I envision our studio filled with beautiful craftspeople making inspiring designs. JSong would provide staff members an environment to work freely without the pressure of deadlines or loss of job. I would ensure the health and happiness of my family, my staff and their families. How can I use fashion to bring Joy and Song to our world? How can I remain brave and creative with fashion? What role can my fashion play in healing ourselves and the planet?

These were my warm-up thoughts before I talked to the JSong Way team about creating this Designing the Future Issue.

Over the past few months, we decided to use this issue of Way Magazine to focus on a sustainable system to work with our retailers and individuals.

When we started, our overseas factory made beautifully crafted products. That was not sustainable because the older craftspeople retired and there were no replacements from the younger generation. Right now we are manufacturing clothing in New York City. With few models to follow, we decided to build our own way forward. We are not only committed to making beautiful clothing but committed to building a sustainable system to bring Joy and Song to the world.

We are introducing eight new programs to design JSong Way for the future.

Made to Order Designs made just for your store. Styles from this magazine can be customized for your store in your choice of colors, fabrics and lengths. It is almost like a gift to your clientele. Sustainable fashion with no waste.

vintage JSong styles or our fabric from prior collections. Pockets and embroidery are among the enhancements that JSong offers.

Most creations can be completed in five hours.

Share Your Art and Fabric Local artisans and sustainable fabric companies can present art work and fabrics to the JSong design team. We will add your work to our design boards. If a customer chooses to incorporate your work into a made to order design, you are compensated as a member of the team.

JSong Way Handicraft Club Each subscriber gets a free fabric bag and gains access to JSong embroidery archives. Annual fee of $150 includes one private T-shirt class and one craft workshop. Annual fee of $250 includes production guidance, one private class on basic pattern making and one craft workshop.

Tutorials on JSong Way Channel Please subscribe to our JSong Way Channel on YouTube. We constantly update our newest designs, fabrics, and techniques as outlined in our weekly newsletter. Please visit jsongway.com to subscribe our newsletter.

Serenity Tree Program Visit our salon and recharge your energy. We installed a tree in our studio for our customers who need to meditate for 10 to 20 minutes. Sitting in a quiet corner under the Serenity Tree will help you to relax or calm your anxiety.

We cannot wait to see how our new JSong programs help our staff and customers move towards a more sustainable future.

Thank you and a brilliant future to you!

Design Collaboration You may now submit designs and we will help you make them.

We assist with the design and the production needs. No quantity requirement.

Way Zen

JSong Way Personal Salon Individuals can enjoy the same customized JSong designs offered to store owners. Customized designs and tailoring start at an annual fee of $150. Customized items include dresses and suits.

Sustainable T-Shirt Design We are offering affordable customization. Our designers will make your cotton tee come to life using pieces from your own twitter.com/jsongway

3

instagram.com/jsongway

facebook.com/jsonginternationalinc

Harmony of the Four Elements

212T $182 Hoodie with Heat Transfer image Grey, Black 100% Cotton Sizes S-XXL 210 $49 T-Shirt with Heat Transfer Image Yellow S-XXL 174 $189 Track Cameo Pants Green/Multi 100% Cotton Sizes S-XXL

Way Zen

4

. . . Air Go Comfortable

213 $98 V-Neck Crop T-Shirt Black, Navy, White 90% Poly 10% Spandex 174E $189 Zebra Print Track Pants Black/White 90% Poly 10% Spandex Sizes S-XXL

5

4 Way Tee

Editor’s Letter

1

2

1. 1067 $99 Tee with Ruffle Sleeve Blue, White, Black 100% Cotton Sizes S-XXL 2. 211 $59 Tee with Heat Transfer Image White, Black !00% Cotton Sizes S-XXL 3. 169 $99 Tee with Hand Stitching Black/White 100% Cotton Sizes S-XXL C3720 $69 Classic Pants White, Black !00% Cotton Sizes 6-20 4. 210 $45 Tee with Color Contrasting Neckline Various Colors 100% Cotton Sizes S-XXL 8092 $69 Bubble Skirt White 100% Linen Sizes 6-20 Sizes S-XXL

3

4

6

. . . Air Day to Night

184-185 $549 Square Neckline Silk Layered Dress and Ruched Silk Bustier 100% Silk Sizes 4-20

185 $189 Ruched Silk Bustier Lavender, Black 8092 $69 Bubble Skirt 100% Linen Sizes 4-20

184 $395 Square Neckline Silk Layered Dress Lavender, Black 100% Silk Sizes 4-20 7

185 $198 Ruched Bustier Black 90% Poly 10% Spandex 8145 $59 Tuxedo Shirt C3720 $69 100% Cotton Sizes 4-20

8

. . . Water Check It

1723 $ 136 Geometric Jacket Navy/Ice Blue 100% Linen Sizes 6-20

9

1725 $39 Camisole Ice Blue, Ivory 100% Linen Sizes Sizes 6-20

L6414 $69 Classic Pants Beige, Black, Red 100% Linen Sizes 6-20

10813 $250 Crop Jacket Navy, White 100% Linen S-XXL

212 $350 Transformable Dress White, Blue/White 100% Cotton Sizes S-XL

212 $350 Transformable Dress Blue/White Gingham, White 100% Cotton Sizes S-XL

201 $490 Sweetheart Transformable Dress Navy, White 100% Linen Sizes S-XXL

10

. . . Fire Gold Standard

213 $369 Mei Jacket Black/Gold, White/Black 100% Cotton 3720P $79 Classic Pants 100% Poly Sizes S-XXL

11

214 $550 Lady Mei Dress Gold/Black, White/Black 100% Cotton White 100% Poly Sizes 4-20

12

. . . Fire Amazing Lace Layers

129L $129 Lace Tunic Black, Silver 100% Poly S-XXL 8089 $29 Camisole Black, White, Red 100% Linen C6414 $59 Classic Pants Black, White 100% Cotton Sizes 4-20

13

110A $250 Tunic Dress Black 90% Poly 10%Spandex Sizes S-XXL

1297 $119 Lace Tunic Black, Silver 100% Poly 110A $250 Tunic Dress Black 90% Poly 10%Spandex Sizes S-XXL

Clotheslines

191 $129 Lace Poncho Black 100% Cotton 8089 $29 Camisole White, Black, Red 100% Linen Sizes 4-20 C6414 $59 Classic Pants White, Black 100% Cotton Sizes 4-20

14

Made On Demand

. . . Earth Green Godesses

173 $189 Bamboo Top

Green, White 95% Bamboo 5% Spandex Sizes S-XXL 174 $189 Cameo Track Pants Green/Multi 100% Cotton Sizes S-XXL

15

175 $289 The Bamboo Dress with Elastic Waist Green, Black, White 95% Bamboo, 5% Spandex Sizes S-XXL

175 $289 Green Cameo Dress with Transformable Drawstring Waist Green/Multi 100% Cotton Sizes S-XXL

16

Way Mail

MY . . .Way

Hi Way, This dress was a big success at my friend’s daughter’s wedding.

Dominique Drakeford New York, NY Sophia Mohammed New York, NY

Love, Raquel & Buddy Switzer

Peggy McBride New York, NY

Reza Cristian New York, NY

Hi Way, I’m excited to share that I have a new book out on fashion law for designers, retailers, and fashion executives entitled “A Practical Guide to Fashion Law and Compliance.” It’s packed with useful information and I’d like to offer your readers a special 20% off promotion when they order the book through www.

Bloomsbury.com using the promo code FASHIONLAW18. Thanks for sharing!

Warm Regards, Deanna Deanna Clark-Esposito, Esq

Elaine Fugason New York, NY Photo by Sophia Takvorian

Ahad Ali New York, NY

17

Geneva Mays Gussie Whitaker Atlanta, GA

Mary French Smithville, GA

Mary Awe New York, NY Beverly Baker New York, NY

Sarennya Srimugayogam New York, NY

Send mail to: Way Magazine 149B West 36 Street Ground Floor New York, NY 10018 email us at: jsongteam@jsongway.com

Clotheslines

by Marylou Luther

Dear Marylou : As a design student, I am obsessed with transformable clothes. Any news to report on this front? — J.Y., Kent, OH Dear J.Y : Yes! The magicians at the moment is Way Zen of JSong, whose dress illustrated here can be worn as a strapless dress, a long skirt or a dress with hidden loops and buttons that become straps so the dress can be worn over another top.

The transformation/ permutation is made possible thanks to the smocked bodice.

The fabric is navy and white checked gingham. Priced at $290, this presto-chango design is available in sizes small through extra-extra-large.

For further information, visit JSongway.com.

Dear Marylou : Since the black dresses at the Golden Globes and the pussycat bows and white flowers, have there been any other political movements in fashion? — S.J., Baltimore , MD. Dear S.J. : This time it’s the politics of hair. Thanks to buzz cuts worn by Parkland student/ gun control advocate Emma Gonzales and by Gurls Talk founder / Model Abwoa Aboah, shaved heads— or almostshaved heads—have become a symbol of political action. You can say it started with Sinead O’ Connor, who shaved her hair in the ‘80s as a response to record execs who wanted her to grow her hair out and wear miniskirts. The look became her signature.

Men, too, have joined the movement, beginning in January with the commotion Prince William caused when he shaved his.

Dear Marylou : Textiles are my thing, and I’m wondering what you see as the fabric direction emanating for. The last runway shows. — N.K., New York, NY. Dear N.K. : Credit Demna Gvasalia of Balenciaga for introducing clothes made in high-tech, computer-enabled

process for moving tailoring for both men and women. The models’ bodies were 3-D scanned with “fittings” done in a computer file. The molds were then printed out and were bonded to lightweight foam.

As Sara Mower described the results on Vogue.com : “We saw the results: People walking in their identically-shaped, razor-sharp, sleek, basque-waisted jackets and coats, looking almost like a cast of post-humans in some futuristic Bond movie ski scene.” (Bond and bonding— great allusion.)

Dear Marylou : Is it true that fabrics now are made from flowers?

— M.M., Hogansville, G.A Dear M.M : Yes. The lotus flower. Know as the sacred flower (Buddha is often portrayed sitting on a bed of lotuses, and the flower is traditionally linked to his clothes.) The aquatic flower grows “spontaneously” and is gathered from May to December.

The yarn must be woven within 24 hours or it deteriorates.

The resultant fabric is said to be reminiscent of linen or silk— soft, yet resilient and elastic, and wrinkle-free. As you may have surmised, the fabric is expensive: $5,548 for a jacket made of lotus flowers when I last checked at Loro Piana.

Marylou welcomes questions for use of this column but regrets she cannot answer mail personally. Send your questions to Clothesline c/o 85 South, P.O. Box 207, Hogansville, GA 30230 or PublishingSouth@cs.com. This column © 2018 International.

18

Fashion Forward Interview with Fashion Student Nagely Valerio

by Ashley Diaz

Nagely Valerio is a high school student in the New York City area and her major is fashion. Through Nagely, JSong takes a look at the future of fashion.

Who inspires you?

The women in my life inspire me. I don’t see my mother every day since she’s usually off to work before I awake, but I’m always thinking about her.

There are many things that she never got the chance to do when she was my age.

So I feel it’s important to take advantage of all of the resources and opportunities available to me. I want to fulfill the dreams that my mother had when she was my age. The same goes for my older sister, who is also a source of inspiration for me.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I am definitely going to attend college. I also plan to work in the fashion industry.

Right now, I am focused on entrepreneurship and starting my own business – maybe a clothing store.

I consider myself to be independent, so the idea of having my own business sounds like something that I would enjoy. The quality and uniqueness of my merchandise would be very important. I plan

19

to engage in ethical and sustainable practices.

How do you put together an outfit?

I always start by checking the weather. From there I choose which pants I want to wear. Once, I decide what colors I want to wear, I assemble the rest of my outfit. When I accessorize, I pay attention to the neckline of my top and the colors of my clothes. For example, if I’m wearing a colorful outfit, I put on neutral accessories, and vice versa.

It is my signature!

How do you feel wearing JSong?

I honestly feel really cute.

As someone who isn’t petite, it feels so good to find stylish clothing that fits NormaKamaki from Photo comfortably.

The designers at JSong know how to set themselves apart from other clothing lines. For instance, I love that one piece can be worn in so many different ways. I feel like I can wear their clothes anywhere. I can create so many outfits, and JSong has something for every occasion.

Student Nagely Valerio Fashion Forward in JSong 3D Floral Lace Dress.

School Project

Photographs above by Caroline Galderisi.

Model: Nagely Valerio Photographer: Xcaret Gil

Photographs left and below by ZoeVelasquez.

Both photography students are from Steven Broadway Fashion Design Class @parsonsdesign.

Models: Jolynn Carpenter Liga Freimane

20

Way Interview

JSong 21st Anniversary

Dreams for the Next 21 Years and More

by Edward Kwang

In honor of our 21ST Anniversary, 21 long time customers, friends and fans shared with us their thoughts of when they think of JSong. They also told us what they would like from JSong in the future and shared the plans they have for themselves.

Nan’s Collections, Augusta, GA JSong delivers pretty linen for spring and summer.

The upscaled quality designs are different from other companies. I would like JSong to develop more designs for the fall and to target more customers. I plan to increase business for my shop and work more with my church.

Rosta’s Fashion, Silver Spring, MD JSong is a good linen company with creative styles and unique handmade embroidery. The clothes are lovely, approachable and no problem to sell. I want more simplicity and better quality fabrics. I plan to reach more consumers and to maintain my reputation in the upscale clothing market.

A Touch of Italy, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada JSong is the most creative line among the merchandise that I carry. Designs are like works of art with good quality and marketable for all seasons.

JSong should continue making both traditional and casual styles. I love retail and plan to serve my customers as long as I can.

Pumpkin’s, Brooklyn, NY JSong has beautiful linen clothes of good quality.

JSong should try new colors and even funkier styles.

A strong fall/winter collection would make the JSong line complete. Even though the economy is tough, I plan to open chain stores. I love to keep going and setting even bigger goals.

Nomzamo’s Fashion, Baton Rouge, LA JSong is the source for my professional customers looking for outstanding elegant clothing. JSong should create more styles for the Lace Collection.

Stay original and no copycat. My devoted employees 21

and supportive husband make retail enjoyable.

Thirty-two years and still fun, fun, fun!

Jo Von Fashion, Elizabeth City, NC JSong is fashion, style, personality and a friendly atmosphere. Make the dresses shorter with skirt lengths from 25 to 31 inches. I have been in business 40 years: time to retire!

Collegiate Shoppe, Grambling, LA You always have styles for my nice classic ladies.

Make more casual dresses, even churchgoers dress down. I would like to expand my clientele. My loyal church customer accounts have changed, Now is time for me to make a change, too.

Shereez Fashion, Indianapolis, IN Pizzazz! JSong delivers classy elegant styles with great detailed workmanship and that is what my customers expect. Include some new colors and return to some of your classic collections with natural fabrics. Remember middle-aged customers.

Our goal is to develop an online business.

Le Club, Chicago, IL You have very original beautiful designs. This attracted us years ago at the Las Vegas Magic Show and still attracts us today. Continue to do what you are good at. We would also like more styles for plussize ladies. We want to continue to provide beautiful styles for our customers.

Mae’s, Batesburg, SC JSong is always different and a good fit. Need to have more simple straight dresses with jewel neckline and ¾ sleeves, I could also use designs in soft fabrics that can be laundered. I plan to work retail as long as health permits.

A Touch of Africa, Savannah, GA Each design in the JSong Collection is like a work of art. Items feature great handwork with intricate cutwork, embroidery and fabulous details. Add some

casual styles and more selections in larger sizes. I will retire soon and make jewelry which I always have loved to do since I was a little girl.

flexible. I like to live one day at a time.

New McCbe Boutique, Newnan, GA Your fashion is timeless with beautiful and elegant designs. Continue to make more traditional styles with embroidery and appliqué in Shantung. My plans include increasing my sales with JSong.

Jamila’s Fashion, Brooklyn, NY Styles are elegant, unique and sophisticated. Make some simple dresses in earth tone colors and a flared skirt about 35” length or longer. My Goals: keep loyal customers who have been with me through the years. Dreams: Travel to Brazil for Fashion and to Spain to see the matadors.

Dilly D’ally, St. Thomas, VI JSong is a good company with very friendly people. I always find something at JSong when I go to market.

Offer some more cleaner styles with soft fabric, more prints, and a little less embroidery. I will expand the business while continuing my great relationship with my loyal customers.

Patricia Gilmore, McCalla, AL JSong is clothing with unique styles and versatility that I can’t find anywhere else. JSong continues to amaze me season after season over the past 20 years.

I love the designs you are doing now! My future includes lots of travel with a visit to JSong whenever I go to NYC.

Babe, Philadelphia, PA I see nice quality and Asian influenced styles.

Continue doing what you are good at and include some casual American styles. Business is tough with increasing competition from the Internet. I will stay in retail and work twice as hard to keep up with the pace of the industry.

Erika & Brittney’s, San Antonio, TX Your designs are different from most other quality clothing designs. I would expand your line with more skirt suits and pantsuits for my customers.

Please continue your great work because I hope to sell even more clothes in the next 20 years.

Lily’s Style Shop, Wallace, NC JSong represents good quality and is very marketable.

It’s a brand my customers have loved for many years. Just keep up your great designs. I plan to develop an online business to sell clothing lines from my store via internet.

Grand Mom & House of Fashion, Clearwater, FL JSong is a great fashion company. I hope you continue your incomparable designs which are distinctively different from all other companies. My upcoming plans include building my website and developing an online business.

Ha

ppy

21s

t

Birth

day

Please visit JSongway.com for our events schedule

Sarah Fashion, Brooklyn, NY In one word: JSong IS fashion. I hope to see more dresses with unique designs. My future plans are 22

Bright Ideas

GREAT

LOOKS of

the

SEASON

Think Lavender

23

Garden Variety

Visit JSong Runway at: https://www.youtube.com/w

Extraodinary Lace

Amazing Grace

watch?v=XQbctDHBjeg

White Hot

Color Block Party

Visit JSong Runway Show at: http://bit.ly/2cVpPgH

24

JSong Collection

181$ 290 Peplum Blouse White 100% Cotton 182 $250 Pencil Skirt 100% Poly Sizes 4-20

25

132 $490

Ruffle Dress White 100% Cotton Sizes 4-18

134 $440 Fit & Flare Dress White 100% Cotton Sizes 4-18

Summer White

215 $299 Lace Tunic 216 $299 3D Lace Pants White, Gold 100% Poly Sizes S-XXL

161 $480 Patricia Transformable Lace Panel Dress White, Gold 100% Poly Sizes 4-20

217 $299 3D Lace Ruffle Tunic 100% Poly Sizes S-XXL

218 S290 3D Lace Ruffle Skirt 100% Poly Sizes S-XXL

26

Shine On Future

155 $490 177 Panel $445 Dress Sequin Sweet Heart Sequin Dress Silver, Gold Silver, 100% PolyGold 100% Poly Sizes S-XXL Sizes 4-20

27

103 $195 Sequin T-Shirt Green/Black 3720P $69 Classic Pants Black 100% Poly Sizes S-XXL

217 $390 Sequin Tunic Gold, White 106 $220 Classic Pants Ivory, Navy 100% Poly Sizes 4-20

1023 $350 Magical Sequin Jacket Color changes with a swipe Green Multi #182 $250 Classic Skirt Black, Navy, Ivory 100% Poly Sizes 4-20

28

Contrast Beauty

155 $450 Lace Panel Dress Black/White 95% Poly, 5% Spandex Sizes S-XXL

29

131 $285 Knit and Woven Tunic Black/White 95% Poly, 5% Spandex Sizes S-XXL

30

Color Block Party Extraordinary Lace

176 $495 3D Floral Lace Off-the-Shoulder Dress Ice Blue, White 100% Poly Sizes 4-20

31

172 $485 Multi Color Floral Lace Dress Beige/Multi, Pink/Multi 100/% Poly Sizes 4-20

32

Color Blocks

179 $489 Color Block Dress White/Multi 100% Linen Sizes 4-20

33

178 $459 Color Block Jacket Green/Multi 8201 $45 Camisole 7322 $155 Wide-Leg Pants Citrus 100% Linen Sizes 8-20

34

Bright Ideas

217 $208 Bra Top 218 $249 Crop Pants Turmeric Dyed Gold, Ivory 100% Cotton Sizes 4-18

35

201 $398 Bustier Dress

Turmeric Dyed Gold, Ivory 100% Cotton Sizes 4-18

167 $389 Slip Dress Orange 100% Poly Sizes 4-20

166 $389 Coat Jacket 1266 $249 Classic Pants Orange 100% Poly Sizes 4-20

36

Moniker

by Miesha Harrison

Janelle

Moniker by Miesha is a clothing line that suggests refinement and distinctive style. The styles are practical but edgy, beautiful, empowering, and so much more, which makes it worthy of its name.

Janelle is a tuxedo inspired bra top with a Peter Pan collar and faux button front. $355 Lily is a white Shantung silk, spaghetti strap, off the shoulder jumpsuit with side seam pockets. $485 Grace is a black Shantung silk, inverted pleat dress with white contrasting ruffles at the high point of the shoulders. $485

37

Lily

Grace

Way Interview Interview with Monica Kasongo

by Edward Kwang

JSong had a chance to catch up with Monica Kasongo, owner of MKas Lika boutique near Albany, NY. How did you start MKas Lika Boutique?

When I was a child, being a boutique owner was my dream. I studied business in my own country, Congo/K inshasa. In the United States, I worked various positions from nursing to founder of Sister to Sister’s Keeper Corporation. In my spare time, I worked as a personal shopper because people liked my taste and selections. In 2017, I fulfilled my dream and opened Mkas Lika Boutique. Mkas stands for Monica Kasongo. Lika was the name of my father’s business: Librairie Kasongo.

What are the biggest challenges for you as a store owner?

Today customers enter my store without going through my home. MKas Lika has accessories and clothing handpicked from around the world. I want to help others experience the beauty within by building confidence wearing the merchandise I select. Everyday I look for unique, captivating styles that are also affordable.

What is the future of fashion for you?

MKas Lika’s future will include having our own tailors so we can offer higher quality and more unique styles. I prefer using the word ‘style’ over ‘fashion’.

Fashion follows what others do and the trends are short. Style creates an individual distinct appearance for each customer. My mission is to have quality clothes and accessories that build confidence for my customers. I see myself becoming a well-known designer some day and my boutique will expand to all regions in the U.S., even the world!

How do you implement sustainability in your everyday life?

For the mind, I usually start my day with a moment of silence to give me the strength to get out of bed. Afterwards, I read my bible for meditation and use those words as an affirmation for my life. I write down my affirmations and journalize whatever comes to mind at that moment. I visualize my future from short term goals to long term goals. For the body, I exercise 3- 5 times a week for one hour each day. For my business, I use a calendar to review and prioritize my tasks each day. I try to eat healthy so I can maintain the strength to keep walking toward my dreams. I love my daily life and would not trade it for another. I am gaining more experience and learning what I need to create my dream life.

Monica Kasongo in JSongWay 1788 Orange Ribbon Dress. Photo by Humphrey Maziba.

38

Way Interview Interview with Brana Dane

by Alice Chin

Model Brana Dane gave JSong a peek into her life as a fashion model and activist.

How did you become a vegan model and activist?

I wasn’t always into sustainability and veganism. I was born in California but grew up mostly in Vancouver. I was aware of the issues of recycling and the environment because of my education in Canada. I attended the premiere of The True Cost, a powerful documentary about the fast fashion industry, It opened my eyes to the global effect of fast fashion on the environment and the workers.

I was motivated to make a change. I was lucky to become involved with the Model Mafia, started by Aine Rose Campbell and Cameron Russell. Our work raises awareness using our platforms as women and as entrepreneurs to make changes in the fashion industry.

What was one of the biggest challenges you faced as a model?

In a creative industry, people tend to have creative temperaments.

Opinions are quickly formed by isolated experiences or something personal that happened just the other day or even a current mood.

It can affect how you feel about yourself. It can be confusing when people in positions of power give conflicting opinions about your career, your look or who you are. It has really helped me to focus on people who believe in me. I try to work with more supportive people and to avoid those who always have something negative to say.

What changes would you like to see in the fashion industry?

I would like to see a move towards slow fashion, which is using materials that are renewable and don’t cause a lot of waste product or usurp a lot of resources.

What tips do you have for living a more sustainable way of life?

I’ve been vegan for the past couple of years and I’ve noticed a big difference in the way I feel: better digestion and stronger health. It’s wonderful to not ingest animals on a daily basis. I feel karmically good. It’s also extremely good for the environment. If there’s one thing you can do that will have a large impact on the environment, it’s to give up meat.

Brana Dane in JSong Way 147 White Transformable Shirt, 145 Navy Culottes, 101 Black Stretch Bolt.

39

Interview with Juhea Kim, founder of Peaceful Dumpling

by Alice Chin

Peaceful Dumpling decribes itself as a health, wellness, and vegan lifestyle website. The founder, Juhea Kim, talked with JSong about creating the site.

How did you start Peaceful Dumpling?

I started Peaceful Dumpling in 2013. I had been vegan for a while and I really wanted to spread the word about veganism. At the time, I was focused on animal treatment. However, in the past 3-4 years, the message has been so much bigger than animal welfare because climate change has become an ever growing issue. Veganism is a huge part of the solution to climate change. I’ve grown more interested in sustainable fashion, and living a holistic, healthy, and positive lifestyle.

What were the biggest challenges you’ve faced with Peaceful Dumpling?

There are challenges for every startup or entrepreneur. It has been a challenge to set my own pace and to continue to push forward when progress is sometimes slow. In any business, accomplishments come later than you want and it takes far more work than you expect. It took a lot not to be discouraged.

Staying authentic to my own vision was the biggest key.

What do you see for the future of fashion?

I would like to see consumers become more aware of how their choices can either support responsible talent or perpetuate the cycle of pollution and unfair labor practices. One of the biggest changes on how I purchase fashion is that I always support smaller independent designers or designers who use environmentally friendly fabrics. However time consuming, I seek out ethical designers. Something that’s really valuable about JSong is that designer Way Zen designs and manufactures some items in Manhattan. She’s also promoting a lot of made to order, which cuts down on excess production. This is all really good for reducing retail pollution.

How do you incorporate sustainability in everyday life?

1. Eat vegan. A plant based lifestyle produces much less methane and related emissions. Methane traps 100 times more heat than carbon. Livestock and farming are among the biggest polluters in the world. I always advise people to try veganism. It helps you to be physically and spiritually healthy. If someone is suffering from depression or anxiety, I suggest trying veganism.

2. Choose sustainable fashion. You don’t have to buy a new wardrobe. Wear what you own and wear it well. When you buy something, make sure you treasure it and wear it for a long, long time. Don’t buy fast fashion and throw it away because it will wind up in a landfill.

3. Reduce plastic. That can mean saying no to plastic bags and using your own tote bag. I don’t use straws. I don’t buy beverages in plastic bottles. Most of the plastic drink bottles that are produced and thrown out are plastic water bottles.

4. Compost. Produces less methane.

Juhea Kim in JSong Way 212 Navy/White Transformable Dress.

40

2

6

JESSIE-K

41

JOEVROSE

VIVIENNE

Luna Jean Joachim Designer/CEO/Founder Rebecca Joachim Executive Officer L’Accent Women’s Fashion 395 A Washington St Brookline, MA 02446 Main: 617-879-0027 Mobile: 617-785-5523 Email: lunajoachim@Gmail.com Website: laccentfashion.com Luna Joachim Collection is a culmination of a lifetime of growing and coming to know exactly what I like. My main influence is the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. I love the dignified fashion and classy style of the women of that era. Whenever I design pieces, I imagine the women of that time, the way they carried themselves with grace and poise, always dressing in gloves and hats. When creating a design, I want women of different shapes and sizes to feel both beautiful and comfortable wearing my pieces. I make classic pieces that are also practical, that 1 can be worn to work or special functions. Some current things that I think about are the fabrics that I use, as well as the cut. I hope everyone 9 takes the chic classiness enjoys this line that from the past and mixes it with the fun flare of 10woman. the modern

1

BECKY-JO

Featured Advertisement

42

Way gallery 1

43

1. 150 $135 Marigold, Kelly Green 100% Linen Sizes S-XL 2. 1105P $148 Purple, Brown 95% Cotton 5% Lycra Sizes 8-20 3. 153 $182 Khaki/Brown, Peach/Orange Teal/Brown 100% Linen Sizes S-XL 4. 1295CS $320 Teal, Red, White 100% Cotton Sizes 6-12 5. 1725 $43 Ice Blue, Ivory 100% Linen Sizes 8-20 6. 1036 $49 Ivory, Black 100% Polyester Sizes 4-20 1820 $103 Light Blue 100% Linen Sizes 6-20 7. 1296 $199 Black 100% Linen Sizes 12-20 8. 11520B $274 Brown, Beige, Red 100% Polyester Sizes 6-18 9. 158S $320 Purple, Black 100% Polyester Sizes 6-20 10. 139 $400 Olive 90% Polyester 10% Spandex Sizes S-XL 11. 1036 $49 Ivory, Black 100% Polyester Sizes 4-20 1792 $103 Black, White 100% Cotton Sizes 4-18 12. 1717 $89 Purple 100% Cotton Size 6-16 13. 1763 $113 Citrus/Khaki, White/Black 100% Linen Sizes 6-20

2

6

9

3 4

5

8 7

10

11

12

13

44

CELEBRATIONS

THE WORLD OF JSong

Introducing JSong Way customized designs at Valentine’s Day Tea Party.

JSong Way Managing Director Edward Kwang with guest May Gee from Renaissance Economic Development Corporation.

JSong University

Columnist Marylou Luther with Designer Way Zen at JSong Way Fall Presentation.

Models: Molly Fletcher, JudyMae Liu, Mika Furuya, Jeannette Josue and Danni Wang.

JSong Interns

Intern Ashley Diaz creating fabric flowers for guests of Valentine’s Day Tea Party.

Interns Xiao Nan Liu (far left) and Ninoska Rodriguez (far right) presenting their first T-Shirt designs at JSong Way.

45

Intern Anthony Castelan designing upcycle T-shirt.

Way Magazine Copy Chief Linda Frances gives introduction to interns on how to edit a Magazine.

JSong Way Warehouse Pattern Making Master Susan Wong teaching Manager On Huynh learning pattern making class at JSong. new cutting skills.

Way BEAUTY

Makeup Artist: Jessenia Rodriquez; Hair Stylist: Danielle D’Alessio; both from New York Institute of Beauty. Model: Mika Furuya.

JSong Team with Augment BeautyTeam.

Make-Up/Hair (Runway) Augment Co. Ltd. Augment CEO/Producer: Shogo Nikaido PR: Junko Watanabe Make-Up Team Hair Team Mika Satoshi Otsuzumi Yuko Tamura Yosuke Miyamori Kaori Uchidaa Rikiya Yamashita Kotomi Hosaka Shogo Nikaido

Makeup Artist: Brittney Roberts ; Hair Stylist: Danielle D’Alessio both from New York Institute of Beauty. Model: Molly Fletcher.

Event and Trade Show Calendar June 11-12, 2018 New York Market Week Buyers’ Open House 149B West 36th Street New York, NY 10018

Aug. 13 -15, 2018 New York Market Week Buyers’ Open House 149B West 36th Street New York, NY 10018

July 11, 2018 Sustainable T-Shirt Launch Tea and Free Craft Class 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 149B West 36th Street New York, NY 10018

Sept. 5, 2018 Presentation Spring 2019 1:00 PM 149B West 36th Street New York, NY 10018

Aug. 8, 2018 Earth Friend Party 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 149B West 36th Street New York, NY 10018 RSVP: jsongteam@jsongway.com

Sept. 16-17, 2018 New York Market Week Buyers’ Open House at JSong 149B West 36th Street New York, NY 10018

46

JSong

JSong International, Inc. 149B West 36th Street Ground Floor New York, NY 10018 T: 212-736-1189 E: jsongjsi@aol.com www.jsongway.com USA $7.99 CANADA $9.99

47