Jim MURREN CEO, MGM Resorts International
Las Vegas By Appointment Only
Contents 10
PG
16
PG
L’VEGUE SOCIETY
9 Susan Molasky Her Fashion and Life in Building Las Vegas
L’VEGUE BEAUTY
13 The Perfect Red By Feralene Orpilla
Is Your Busy Skin Making you Look Older? By Dr. H.L. Greemberg
PG
14
Holiday Hair What everyone is wearing
PG
32
Contents
L’VEGUE EXPERIENCE
PG
19 Steve Schorr Under The Vegas Sun
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From Heaven to Hells Kitchen and back Gems in Ginger Edible Art
L’VEGUE ART & CULTURE
31 Lisa Herr Art from a Different Perspective Gig Depio Painter & Advocate
Jim Murren, CEO MGM Resorts International
L’VEGUE LIVING
37 Stearns & Palmer Their Life & Travels
L ’ V E G U E F A S H I O N 46
56
58
60
Cobra Couture One Unique Brand
Polly Weinstein The Jeweler’s Daughter
Designers to Watch
Audra Baldwin Glamour Fashion Shoot
Adaobi Gogo | Christina Roman Peter Morales | Samone Holmes Carina Roman | Brenton Coon
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Las Vegas is a city that most Americans doesn't take seriously. It is often used as an example of decadence, tasteless pomp and circumstance, showgirls and booze! A lot of Americans think that Las Vegas is all about the strip, casinos, badly dressed tourists ,massage parlors, pawnshops, and Elvis impersonators! Las Vegas is a facade for some.... But for me ?... Las Vegas is a gem! Not because of the bling, feathers, and cubic zirconia nor because of the fabulous restaurants, hotels, entertainment, not even because of the shopping; from Bulgari, Harry Winston, Chanel, and Vuitton. But, instead, it is due to the relevance, charm, and its hidden treasures it lays on its people.
Photo By Jaime Lim
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Tupaz
Some of the greatest people in history made names, as well as, held court in this tiny town in the middle of the Nevada desert. Howard Hughes, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Wayne Newton, Andre Agassi, Liberace, Celine Dion, Elton John, Barbra Streisand, and Britney Spears....the list goes on! There is no doubt Las Vegas is a city where every human being will visit if not often....at least once in their lifetime! WHY? .... because It is a MUST!...and there is no denying that. In this Holiday issue we talk about the gem of some of it's people I am lucky enough to call dear friends and colleagues. Their influence in the city thru their charities and philanthropic works as well as their contribution, taste, and vision which makes them part of that hidden treasure. Their tireless efforts and support in making Las Vegas better and better. L'Vegue opened this jewel box starting from our first issue! Our treasure trove of movers and shakers, artists, stylists, designers, photographers, models, doctors, leaders, and the creative visionaries that make and continue to make Las Vegas " A MUST" to the world!.....Meet them!....know them!...and get inspired from them.... My warm greetings for the holidays!!!
COVER STORY Presidential Suite inside the Aria Resort
PUBLISHER Tony Ferriera
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Special Thanks to The Shops at Crystals: Judith Stone MGM Resorts: Suzanne Rugh Clothing & Jewelry: Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana Photographer: Jaime Lim Stylist: David Tupaz MUA: Feralene Orpilla
Contributing Writers
Steve
Schorr
President and CEO Vegas Life TV Business leader in all communication, philanthropy , public relations government relations and related business efforts. Strategist and motivator. Also speaker and community leader.
Feralene
Orpilla
Feralene Orpilla, better known as "Simply Feralene " is a master of her craft in the field of makeup artistry from a subtle enhancement to a complete transform. Feralene has been fortunate to be involved in several concept shoots, where she has collaborated with renowned celebrity fashion designers, fashion photographers, celebrities, runway shows, television and red carpet events. Feralene's editorial work has been published in numerous magazines, not only in the United States but Internationally.
DR.
H.L.
Greenberg
H.L. Greenberg, M.D. is experienced in all facets of dermatology including medical, surgical, laser and cosmetic procedures. With a diverse medical background, 11 years of formal medical education, and as a board certified dermatologist, Dr. Greenberg has dedicated himself to the field of medicine and the specialty of dermatology.
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PUBLISHER
DIRECTOR OF FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
VEGAS
VE UE David Tupaz Tony Ferriera Tolga Katas
ASST. DIRECTOR OF FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
Phil Edelstein
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Dave Cherkis Sean Carter McKenzi Taylor Jamie Lim
MEDIA AND MARKETING PUBLISHING MEDIA COMPANY DESIGN & LAYOUT DIRECTOR SOCIAL MARKETING
Infinity Business Media Group A&D Designs, Inc. Dawn Ferriera
& BRAND COMMUNICATIONS SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT
Christine Katas
MEDIA NETWORK EDITOR
Carl Magno
L’VEGUE SOCIETY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Michael Shulman
L’VEGUE BEAUTY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Feralene Orpilla HL Greenberg
L’VEGUE EXPERIENCE CONTRIBUTING CREATIVE CONTENT WRITER SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR L’VEGUE FASHION FASHION EDITORS
Steve Schorr
David Tupaz Tony Ferriera
SALES REPRESENTATIVES
Jill Branson Orlando Gallegos Dunia Antunez
Deb Schaffer Charles Whitby
INQUIRIES FOR ADVERTISING advertising@lvegue.com
INFINITY BUSINESS MEDIA GROUP Infinity Business Media Group © 2015 All rights reserved. You may not copy, sell, distribute or disseminate any articles, photos or information without express written permission from the publishing company. All requests must be in writing to Infinity Business Media Group. PO Box 370967, Las Vegas, NV 89137. Articles written are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of L’Vegue Magazine. All content is believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.
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SOCIETY
EXCLUSIVE
Susan Molasky Her life & Legacy
Photographers Christine Katas & Phil Edelstein Makeup : Nemi Rafanan Hair: Susane Fashion By: David Tupaz Couture Las Vegas
L’VEGUE.COM | 9
“ I loved Las Vegas in those days. It was amazing. The openings when we used to go out, a man had to put on a suit; a woman was in a cocktail dress. It was very glamourous and very beautiful.”
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Susan Molasky “My name is Shoshana, which is Hebrew, which means Rose. I didn’t want to be called Rosie, So I said to my mother, I want to be called Susan - So, that’s how I became Susan.”
From humble beginnings to devoting herself to helping others through the Nathan Adelson Hospice
L
as Vegas has an amazing and colorful past. Unfortunately, many of those in Las Vegas' history who have made Las Vegas what it is today have passed. At L'Vegue we are bringing to you some of those great figures in Las Vegas history to learn the background of this great city. Susan Molasky, along with her current husband Irwin Molasky are just some of the amazing people who have contributed and have made a memorable mark on Las Vegas. From Susan running the Moulin Rouge in the 1950's to helping establish the Nathan Adelson Hospice and foundation. Susan was born to Bukharian Jewish immigrants from Russia, who eventually immigrated to Israel. In 1946, after the end of World War 2, Susan, her mother and sister were able to join their father in London. This is where Susan Learned English. At 16 she began working for a men's fabric shop. At 19 she met the husband of her 3 sons. At 20, Susan and her husband moved to Las Vegas to help her brother-in-law renovate the now closed Moulin Rouge. At the time it was used as long term rental to casino employees. With a temporary career change they returned to Europe for work but they eventually moved back to Las Vegas in 1964 and later divorcing. In 1973 Susan met then eventually married, local developer, Irwin Molasky whom she met while they were both on the Board for the Sisterhood at Temple Beth Sholom. Susan enjoyed the entertainment and glamour of old Las Vegas had to offer. She enjoyed those years attending show openings, visiting movie sets, and socializing with the stars. However, she also devoted herself to others. Having Established the Nathan Adelson Hospice, after her own battle with cancer, and watching her husband's partner Merv Adelson's father, Nathan Adelson, pass from cancer. While watching Nate's suffering it became her mission to establish quality hospice care for others. Until this day she continuously leads the organizations fundraising efforts. Susan is still very active in the community and still hosts a yearly fashion show luncheon to raise funds for the Nathan Adelson Hospice. Excerpts of the interview were taken from an interview with Barbara Tabach for the Southern Nevada Jewish Community Digital Heritage Project in connection with the Oral History Research Center at UNLV. L’VEGUE.COM | 11
MAKE UP ARTIST
HAIR & MAKE UP ARTIST Ÿ Wedding
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First of all I wanna say that you're so talented on what you do, and keep it up!...I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the beautiful transformation makeup on me and thank you for teaching me the basics of makeup and recommendations. I've been searching for the right color concealer that matches my African American skin . I would never thought mixing two different color concealers/foundations,up until you suggested it to me.
Make up classes also available
"Makeup artistry is a combination of science and art. I feel I have been blessed to have a very artistic sense. I treat every client as if it is a work of art, something that I want to be proud of when it is finished”. ~ Feralene
For Business Inquiries:
702.625.FER1 (3371) Email: Simplyferalene@gmail
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Holiday Fashion Colors Choosing the right RED for you
Beauty, Skin & Fashion with Dr. H.L.Greenberg
THE PERFECT
RED
based on your skin tones
Photographer: Chris Chua Hair, Makeup and Styling: Feralene Orpilla Designer: Reyna Herrera Model: Zitlaly Cervantes
Simply FERALENE
HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT LIPSTICK FOR FALL
R
ed lipstick has always, and always will be in style, no matter what season. Red lipstick will always be a classic must have color that no woman should leave home without.
However, for woman all over the world it has been a life-long quest to find the perfect shade of red lipstick but it has sadly eluded them. Professional celebrity makeup artist Feralene Orpilla is here to give us tips and guide us in finding the perfect fall lipstick we've been longing for.
Here Are The Perfect Reds Based On Your Skin Tones 1. What's your skin tone? Warm Skin Tones - orangy, warm reds, brown-based tawny reds, and golden reds.
apricot nudes, pinks, and light corals If you have medium skintones a darker lipstick will compliment your skin with rose undertones, muave, berry, and burgundy.
Cool Skin Tones - Pink tones of red, berry reds, brick reds, blue toned red, and plum tones.
Tip: Stay away from bright reds unless there is an orange undertone in it.
2. Whats your skin color?
If you have dark skin, deep plums, chocolate browns and reds look fabulous on dark skin. Caramel, reds and wine lipstick colors will compliment as well.
Red lipstick colors to compliment fair skin includes
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Is Your “Busy Skin� making you look older?
A
s I compose this L'Vegue article, I realize just how busy I have been; fresh off a series of lectures I gave at the 5 Continent Congress Aesthetic and Laser Medicine meeting in Cannes, France, where I exchanged ideas, tips and techniques with internationally renowned dermatologists. I'm smiling about how over the course of my trip, I woke up in the Cinque Terra, Italy, travelled by train to Nice, France and spent a weekend in London, England before composing a lecture on the plane for a group young dermatologists at the NewDermLive meeting in Hollywood, California, while on my way back to work at Las Vegas Dermatology- I'm busy. During my European working vacation, I didn't take any time for my skin, and I wonder if a microdermabrasion or light peel would make my neglected skin look and feel more refreshed.
H.L. Greenberg, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist and founder of Las Vegas Dermatologypracticing in Las Vegas since 2006, he specializes in cosmetic, laser, surgical and medical dermatology. In his free time Dr. Greenberg makes videos for the LVDerm YouTube channel, runs half marathons and travels.
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Busy is the new normal- everyone is busy: working, travelling, doing things, texting, emailing and taking care of everything except for their skin. Is a busy schedule, stress or even signs of normal aging showing on your face? We all know that getting plenty of rest, eating the right foods and working out will keep you healthy, but did you know that maintaining skin health is as simple as washing, applying an anti-aging product and moisturizing? Dermatologists and their team of skin care professionals have a wide array of products and services to help keep you and your skin looking their best. I have a number of different devices at home that we sell in the office. Typically, I will use a Clarisonic brush to wash my face before applying any antiaging topicals (although the Clarisonic is timed for a full minute, I'm so busy that I wash my face in only 30 seconds). There is another at home device called a dermal roller- it's used to roll the face prior to applying an anti-aging product or topical cream- the theory being that a 0.2mm micro hole in the skin will allow topical products to better enter the skin. Sadly, while I have the time to use my Clarisonic, I'm just too busy to take that extra 1 minute a day to roll my face in an effort to look more rested and youthful. Instead of rolling, I get a
microneedling treatment every few months where my face is treated with a topical numbing cream for 45 minutes and then needles penetrate 2mm in depth creating a hole and facial redness that takes a day and a half to heal. Microneedling with the Dermapen makes my face feel tighter, healthier and appear more youthful. Being so busy, I think that it is important for each of us to take time out of our schedules to relax, breathe, enjoy the environment and care for our skin. I like it when someone else does the work for me, be it a peel, microdermabrasion or laser facial. Why it feels better to let someone else pamper me, rather than doing the work on myself, I don't know. What I do know is that when I do take the time to use all the services at my disposal, be it a peel to brighten my face, a laser facial to remove brown spots and hyperpigmentation, a microdermabrasion to remove dead skin cells or a signature facial to help me relax- I feel better when I take a break and am pampered. There is a service, product or procedure available to remove your signs of stress, aging and busy schedule. The question is, will you take time from your busy schedule to treat yourself to healthier & more beautiful looking skin?
LAS VEGAS DERMATOLOGY
“It’s Our Mission to Provide Our Patients with A Healthier & More Beautiful Life.”
SERVICES AVAILABLE Ÿ Medical Services Ÿ Surgical Services Ÿ Preventative Services Ÿ Cosmetic, Aesthetic and
Laser Services
Look Your Best for the Holidays! C A L L T O D A Y FOR YOUR PERSONAL CONSULTATION
Dr. H.L. Greenberg
(702) 456-3120
H.L. Greenberg, M.D., a Board Certified Dermatologist, is experienced in all facets of dermatology including medical, surgical, laser and cosmetic procedures.
702-456-3120 | 653 N. Town Ctr. Drive #414 | Las Vegas, NV 89144 | LVDerm.com
Holiday Hair All Over Color Is Out And New Holiday Hair Is In
W
e have all seen the recent trend of fun and funky all over colors. While it can be creative and unique, it can also be high maintenance and sometimes will easily become dull and listless. This fall change up your look for the holidays with the subtle color of blur. A blur of color can be applied to most black and brunette hair colors for a subtle splash of color. For those with black hair a subtle blur of blue on the bangs or if you're a brunette a sweep of red through the ends will make for a creative and fun style.
B
londes this holiday season will enjoy a softer look with softer shades of highlights or make a statement and get noticed with an array of color choices on the hairline while leaving the blonde throughout. Whatever your hair color or your choice in color accents "wear it like you were born with it!...."
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Jim Murren CEO of MGM Resorts International
How Jim is honoring his brother’s last words "Do your best, but what are you going to do to improve the World!” ~ John Murren
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Photo by: William Carr Gallery, Las Vegas
UNDER THE VEGAS SUN with Steve Schorr
J This Is Las Vegas… There Is A Saying That Goes In Part:
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“ From a Kid who loves sports to one of the most Powerful people in Gaming!" Jim Murren, the Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, is not what you think of immediately when you picture in your mind a world leader in the hospitality industry. He is as comfortable in
Live With Intention Walk To The Edge Play With Abandon Continue To Learn Do What You Love, And Love As If This Is All There Is!
shirtsleeves as he is a top designer suit. For him it's a backpack never a briefcase. He loves a Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris signed baseball as much as that million-dollar artwork on the wall and it is always Yankees first don't talk to him about the Dodgers, Giants or Mets! But don't let all of that fool you! In a private meeting with this man, who I am proud to call friend, he shared his insights into his company, his philosophy and his community. Some of those insights might surprise you.
~ Steve Schorr 20 | L’VEGUE.COM
"Las Vegas, in my opinion, is undergoing one of its great transformations!" ~Jim Murren
Jim Murren, CEO of MGM Resorts International L’VEGUE.COM | 25
"Las Vegas, in my opinion, is undergoing one of its great transformations!" Those words from Jim Murren came somewhat as a surprise as we discussed the world around us. But before we look into those words a little background on Jim Murren. He played football and baseball at Ludlowe High School in Fairfield Connecticut, a sleepy community on the so-called Gold Coast of New England. His dad John H. Murren, an attorney and State Representative, attended the 22 | L’VEGUE.COM
seminary before deciding he wanted a different life, not being a priest. Jim admits his family oriented life was born there learning to study hard, work hard, have fun and love family. But his true insight in life came from his brother John. Both his Dad and his brother died from melanoma at young ages, Dad at 59 brother at 47. His brother John, a doctor and cancer researcher at Yale University, and his wife Heather were the spiritual founders of the Nevada Cancer Institute. His brother died three months after it
opened but it's what his brother said to him that impacted his Life forever. His brother's words were "Do your best but what are you going to do to improve the World!� Jim, in his own way, has done that although he admits it pales to the greatness of what others have achieved. He says he has improved a small patch of the world that he believes will lead to other improvements that will, in themselves, create a greater mosaic for improvements. He proudly states his company has had a major positive
Photo by: William Carr Gallery, Las Vegas
impact in Las Vegas, Detroit, Mississippi and he hopes soon to have the same impact in Maryland and Massachusetts. At the center of that are the MGM Core Values; Sustainability, Integrity, Diversity and Community Engagement. He proudly states he is just an employee of the company, no greater than any other employee, just has a different title. Making it better for all of his employees touches the core of whom he is and his brother's challenge to "Improve the World!" He always points to the man he calls
"A true American Hero" Kirk Kerkorian, as the individual who has helped channel his life to where it is now. Kerkorian, who died this year at the age of 98, inspired him to be a leader and never fear showing his heroism. As to that statement about Las Vegas going through a major transformation it is Jim Murren's belief that Las Vegas, through the years, has gone through four major transitions and “we are in one right now!” Considering what he thinks that transformation is don't expect
to see MGM Resorts International build new properties in Las Vegas. He says other hotels will be built just not by them. So here's the “transformation.” Jim Murren believes “There is now a willingness and a desire of people from around the world to visit Las Vegas for reasons that extend far beyond gambling!” He says, “They are attracted because of a great airport, because of the climate, because of global brand awareness as a community and the properties and the diversity of entertainment as L’VEGUE.COM | 23
as well as the professional experiences already offered!" Jim Murren believes that transformational idea can only grow and his company will be making bet on it. They have already earmarked over $400 million dollars on building new arenas, building parks, developing open spaces, more convention areas, music festival lots, and looking for newer ways to bring to them a higher degree of Millennial spend. He says he wants those new thinkers to have Las Vegas in their mind when they say, "I'm not sure what I'm going to do but I want to go there and do it!" To that end he sees the pace of capital spending of MGM growing. As he says "We don't need to add more rooms to grow market share!" As big as this transformation is Jim Murren sees the entire concept extending even further. He wants to attract "locals" back to the strip. He admits 17 years ago when he came to Las Vegas from New York and Wall Street that he " was just passing through." Instead he has raised his family here, watched his children grow here, coached little league here and enjoys being a "local." His hope is to help locals rediscover what Las Vegas has to offer. He believes change is ahead. He says, "people are becoming more spontaneous, more adventurous and people will seek out new entertainment opportunities and the strip is highly convenient." The thought is the resorts up and down the Strip can become a part of a families overall community experience. His thinks MGM Resorts International can lead the way and as he says "Its not about making money it's about creating connectivity between the suburban communities of Las Vegas and the Strip." Murren believes the connectivity will be positive for everyone who wants to live here. Long-term, he says, it will improve the quality of life and it could drive better change in our educational system as people demand more
L-R Steve Schorr, Jim Murren, David Tupaz
in the community where they live. Don't be surprised if you see more ideas from MGM as they develop more festivals that encompass food, the arts and even good old country fairs. Of course don't think for a moment that getting a major sports team that families can root for is not part of the overall idea. Jim Murren still sees the things around him that remain frustrating. He believes more needs to be done on what he calls the communities "incredibly poor mass transportation" as well as "more thoughtful civic planning" and an end to "putting band aids on education and medicine as we have done for the past 50 years!" And oh yes he still questions "how do we have a community this large without having a world class art museum?" His challenge to all " Are we just passing through this community or are we willing to stake our own ground here and make an impact?" In his Life he continues to reflect on that challenge put before him by his brother "What are you going to do to improve the World?" He admits he has made a ton of mistakes but he is proudest of the way he has always conducted himself through Integrity, Hard work, Clarity and Good Will. "Nothing beats hard work, nothing is given to anyone, anything given that is not earned is not valued" says this leader of MGM. Leave everything on the field he believes. In the words of Jim Murren " if you go to sleep thinking you did your best and conducted yourself with honesty, integrity, clarity, compassion and empathy then you don't mind the mistakes you made because at the end of the day that's the most you can give!" Amen Jim!!!
Vegas Events “YOUR VISION, OUR INNOVATION” Event Venues, Event Management, Event Design, for all functions
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www.VegasLifeEvents.com 702-497-9169
Scott Cummings Season 12 Winner of Hell’s Kitchen
From Heaven to and back... 26 | L’VEGUE.COM
Photo By: Dave Cherkis
F
arm Boy to famous Las Vegas chef. This is many a child’s dream. But for Scott Cummins it really came true. Cummins entered the 12th season of Hell’s Kitchen and won. While some, and even himself, considered him an underdog, he came back to win it all. Tony Ferriera sat down with Scott a few months ago to see how his win has changed his life. By: Tony Ferriera
TF: When you were growing up, did you always dream of being a chef? SC: You know, to be honest, I didn't. I always grew up watching all the chef shows on TV. Watching Gram Curr and Julia Childs; seeing what they did and imitating some of those things. I was lucky enough to have my mom with me at home and I actually grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. So, my parents were home and my mom cooked all the time. We had a garden so we always had fresh food, fresh vegetables, and fresh bread. My siblings and I grew up helping in the kitchen. My grandmother and my family lived in the Chicago area. I just remember them coming up for the holidays, and this is just the Italian side of the family, we'd have those great dinners and those great meals and my grandma's cheese selection was always fantastic. I always knew to really enjoy that, but, I didn't really know I would find myself working in the industry. But, I had my first job at thirteen washing dishes in a restaurant and just continued from there. So, really, I never thought about, but at the end of the day, I really started to enjoy it and really started to be part of the industry, even ended up going to school for Culinary Arts and moved on from there.
L-R: Tony Ferriera & Scott Cummins
TF: Do you think now you'll make Las Vegas your home? SC: I'll tell you, I live in Henderson and when we first found a place out there, I have to say, we love it. We absolutely love where we are. I certainly love the opportunities that have presented themselves to me. I'm also excited for other possibilities and opportunities out here to kind of research. There is so much out here, that you can pave your way and make it a great thing. Whether it's your own thing, whether it's joining a team, or even being on the same team I'm on now. These are all really great opportunities and a really great place for me to be at right now. TF: Every chef has a signature dish, what is yours?
SC: You know, absolutely not. Not even for a second. Even up to the end I never thought I was going to win. I'm a pretty humble individual and I take things day by day and just push as hard as I can, but at no point did I think I would be out here in Vegas. But to be able to come out on top with great people, what an incredible experience it was for me.
SC: You know, I don't know if I have a signature dish per say. I love cooking with fresh sea food, but mainly I just love cooking with fresh ingredients. Being from the mid-west, we had the opportunity to be around such incredible produce and such incredible farmers. Being here, it's just desert, so it's a little harder. But, California is just a stone step away where we can grab these great ingredients. My whole style of cooking is just grab those great ingredients and just let them shine for themselves.
TF: With all the celebrity chefs in Las Vegas, what makes you different?
TF: When entertaining friends and family at home, what is your favorite dish to make?
SC: Well, first off, I don't consider myself a celebrity chef. I don't think anything makes us different. I think at the end of the day, we all work very hard and we're all very passionate, we wouldn't be in this industry if we weren't. I think the level of food and commitment towards a restaurant and what a restaurant stands for, it's all about the passion of the individuals in the back and the front of the house; making it happen everyday. So, is anybody really different? I wouldn't say anybody is different, I would say everybody has the same passion and high level of passion for this industry across the board. You know you wouldn't be here if you didn't.
SC: Well, first, one of my passions is bread, really artisan bread. You know, that's one of my favorite things. Back at home in Chicago, I built myself a wood oven so I could make bread the way it was supposed to be made. So, I always find myself in the kitchen baking, tinkering with that and just having fun. To me, bread is about passion and what goes into your hands, technique and everything else. When I'm at home, I get a chance to sit back, relax and concentrate on those things that are important.
TF: Going into the show Hell's Kitchen, did you ever believe you had a chance of winning?
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ack in the early 80's when shoulders were big and the Food Network was in its infancy, Carolyn Geiger, a North Dakota farm girl with 9 siblings, was being taught by her older sister the finer things in life such as music, art and cuisine. Living on the staples that are a part of every good North Dakota dinner, consisting of two kinds of meat, mashed potatoes, a vegetable, and a simple but always delicious, humble dessert, Geiger was enchanted by the stories her older sister told her of the fancy food that was served in wonderful, historic eateries around the world. Coming from a family of 12, dinner time was more a case of making sure there was enough food rather than indulging in the ingredients and extras that would make it cuisine. So, encouraged by her family, she set out to the big city of Minneapolis. After a few years working different food related jobs, Geiger had her sights set on a larger adventure. Geiger was feeling she was now ready for the big time, the home of the most lavish and over the top food mecca, Las Vegas. Fast forward 25 years, Chef Carolyn has since created a name for herself by catering for some of the most well known stars on the planet including Tom Cruise, Mike Tyson, and Vampire Weekend, to name a few. Working your way up to chef in Las Vegas is no easy task, and Chef Geiger was fortunate enough to learn the ropes through the tutelage of the head chefs at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino, Caesars Palace, and MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. This experience gave her great insight into staffing, time management, food production, as well as food science. Thanks to her early mentors, the skills and knowledge that have guided her 25 year career have created a master out of Chef Geiger, who is now considered a mentor herself. Her most recent endeavor, Gems in Ginger, takes a well known family favorite, the ginger cookie, and transforms it into a simple but lavish hand-decorated dessert that resembles beautiful jewelry most people mistake for the real thing. Constantly remarking that the cookies are far too beautiful to eat, what most people don't realize is that each piece is designed as a one of a kind piece of edible art. Sitting and making beautiful cookies all day is considered prima donna work by some chefs, Geiger included, remarking that kitchen work is very hard on your legs and back. Being able to sit and design beautiful treats that make people happy, while sipping peach ice tea is a real delight, and Chef Carolyn feels like a prima donna herself. With all of the weddings, events and catering that happen in Las Vegas, Geiger wanted to introduce something tasty, fanciful and that has great presentation. A 40 year career culminating in a creative direction position in Las Vegas, Nevada has Kit Rogers feeling like he's starting all over with new connections, locations and exciting opportunities. Starting back in the 70's in a hairdressing, make-up artist, photography, and clothing design career that spanned 40 years, Rogers experienced life changing highlights that were studied and put to great use as a creative director, author and educator. He worked in daytime television as a producer under the direction of Harpo executive producer, Ellen Rakieten, back when she headed up Good Company in Minnesota. Rogers produced over 300 beauty and fashion segments causing two appearances on Oprah, working with Matt Lauer, Roseanne Barr and Joan Rivers. On a chance meeting 6 years ago at The Market Tea Room, the restaurant Geiger had opened in the Market Antiques Mall, and discovering a strange 20 year prior midwest connection, Rogers and Geiger found themselves working together on a project concept that would turn into a cookie catering restaurant venture, Gems in Ginger. As the creative director and concept designer of the venture, Rogers brings the structure and vision for the future to achieve their objective. The best part of making Gems in Ginger is not only the design process, where picking shapes and color combinations make each cookie an individual work of delicious creativity, but also knowing they are going to make Kit Rogers someone happy.
Carolyn Geiger
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The Art of the Cookie Carolyn and Kit merge the craft of baking and the art of sculpting into one perfect tasting piece of art.
Photographer: Erin O’Boyle Creative Director: Kit Rogers Location: Patina Decor Las Vegas
L’VEGUE.COM | 29
Don't just give any
GIFT GIVE THE GIFT OF
Tipsy Totes has gifts for all occasions and those designed for specific events.
www.TipsyTotes.com Wine & Spirit Totes Beer Accessories Personalized Holiday Gifts Corporate Gifts Custom Fabric Projects Embroidery Unique Promotional Items
Tipsy Totes Stylish Wine & Spirits Carriers
(702) 366-0399 1549 W Oakey Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89102 10| L’VEGUE.COM
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L ‘
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Gig
DEPIO
Painter & Advocate
Lisa HERR
ART FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
Photographer: Sean Carter Photography Model: Lisa Herr Location: Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian
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Lisa HERR
ART FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE By: Tony Ferriera
Photographer: Sean Carter Photography Model: Lisa Herr Location: Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian
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Sean Carter Photography
TF: Did you always want to be an artist when you were younger? LH: I have always wanted to be in the arts. Whether it was performing arts or visual arts. I was fortunate enough to attend a college where I could major in Illustration and minor in Dance. My artistic career has included both throughout my life. I have worked as an artist for many great companies and as a performer for many great shows. I am extremely grateful that I get to make a living doing what I love. TF: You received your education at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, how has your education helped you to get where you are today? LH: My education was an invaluable experience to me. I believe art instruction from a good teacher is incredibly important, whether it’s a college course or a local class. My favorite professor was Mark Tocchet. He was my toughest teacher, who not only taught us the technical skill and discipline needed to be a successful artist , but to take the time to add those little details that make each piece unique. TF: I recently seen your relief sculpture artwork at an art show hosted at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino. It caught my eye because of it’s unique style and features. What can you tell me about how you got started and why your work is so different? LH: I had been an Illustrator for many years and I did ceramics on the side because I have always loved working in clay. I came across a new, one of a kind glaze that mimics the results of firing in a kiln without having to use a kiln. It opened up a whole new world for me. I could sculpt my pieces in clay on just about any surface. It allows me to do high relief sculpture which is a lost art form. It’s great for collectors who don’t have room for free standing sculptures. It is sculpture that can be hung on a wall! TF: How long does it usually take you to create one of your sculptures? What is the process ? LH: It can take only a day or so for my really small pieces and up to 3 to 4 weeks for my larger pieces. I start with sketching the subject to lay down the outline and I then hand sculpt each piece on top of the sketch. They are
all original. I don’t use molds. Once the clay dries I then glaze the clay and background and add all of my elements within the glaze and let the glaze cure. If it is one of my Industrial Chic sculptures, I then add all of the metal pieces from jewelry, clocks or whatever I find that inspires me. TF: What inspires your work?
Sean Carter Photography
LH: My love for animals, especially horses. I want each piece to reflect my passion and reverence for these animals, and also to inspire people to take a responsible role in our co-existence with them. In my eyes, animals are already beautiful works of art. I simply strive to bring forth their energy and spirit in my work. TF: Where can people find your work? LH: My work can be seen at Regis Galerie in The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian and Jana’s RedRoom Gallery in the Arts Factory at the Las Vegas Arts District. also on my website herrstudio.com L’VEGUE.COM | 33
Gig D
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ig Depio is a painter and an advocate for public art in Las Vegas, Nevada. He
was recently awarded the 2016 Fellowship Grant by the Nevada Arts Council(NAC), and has worked with
p
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Painter & Advocate
Clark County Winchester Cultural Center Gallery, the City of Las Vegas Gallleries, and recently had a solo exhibition curated by Dr. Robert Tracy at the UNLV Hayes and Healy Gallery in February 2015. Depio has also participated and volunteered at non-profit organizations like the Guerrilla Kage at the 18b Arts District, Tiagon Filipino Artists Group, the Las Vegas Quorum Artists Group, the Las Vegas Arts Guild, Blackbird Studios, and the 2014 Annual Juried show at the Las Vegas Contemporary Arts Center (CAC). Depio graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines, and worked for several years as an apprentice to his father, Prof. Gig C. De Pio, Sr. Depio’s body of work has always been about large-scale paintings involving people of the community, its history and its challenges, and a vision through which they can see the world differently. He believes that it is an artist’s obligation to give, that an artist must pay it forward to the community by striving to make great art — a heroic gesture from the humility of labor through which large and difficult things inspire people to work together to live better lives in their own communities.
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What is the message behind your Art? I've always wanted to show a simple yet sharpened narrative, a two-dimensional plot, that people would identify with immediately and say, "Yes, I get it!". I want them to see a bigger picture that depicts a society struggling to balance the social (and political) structures that define its very existence. My paintings are a reflection of an image in my mind, like a theater with actors front stage and a seemingly-passive but anxious audience right across them, including the other people hiding behind the scenes preventing the whole scene from falling apart and allowing the performance to play out till the end. This is what my works are all about, an observation of the critical choices we've made as individuals and as a people, a snapshot of how and why we've become who we are today. What is the inspiration? Sometimes, I get that feeling that I haven't contributed enough as a painter, that there is much more to do out there within a very limited amount of time. My vision of the future is what inspires me to do more, paint better and give my best efforts where I can because mediocrity isn't something that I'd like to pass on to our future generations. I'd like our children to inherit a community with better values (and of course better art) and an evolving culture that is more attuned to the urgency of their contemporary needs. How do you see "Art" in Las Vegas? and its future? Public art seems to be at the center of our art scene today. We are fortunate to have government entities like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Nevada Arts Council (NAC) actively engaging our communities by supporting deserving groups or individuals through grants and many other programs. Moreover, there has recently been a flurry of public art projects spearheaded by Clark County and the City of Las Vegas that aim to provide equal opportunities to artists in our local communities. I'd also like to emphasize the invaluable efforts of non-profit organizations (like the Las Vegas Artists' Guild, Blackbird Studios, Guerrilla Artz, Nevada Humanities, Clay Arts Vegas, the Las Vegas Fashion Design Council and many others), including galleries and academic institutions that bring artists and patrons together, keeping us informed and aware of the processes that allow us to be more involved in public art. I see the future of the Las Vegas art scene as a more socially and less politically driven community that discourages cliques and factions whose personal and political agendas only fracture, segregate, and marginalize. Ultimately, I would like to see a metro-wide effort to bring communities beyond downtown Las Vegas to work together towards a shared vision, to address questions of long term sustainability and viability throughout Southern Nevada. Some might say it's naĂŻve and wishful thinking to aim so high, but if you're going to dream, you might as well shoot for the stars.
Is there such a thing called "Las Vegas Art" that is unique? A famous art critic once said, for Las Vegas to earn the attention and respect of the global art scene, we must first visually distinguish ourselves from the dominance of The Strip. I'm not sure I agree entirely with that analogy. The Strip is a commercial entity that has never dominated the fine arts and has barely responded to the urgency of contemporary culture. Instead, serious artists in Las Vegas are challenged by the looming glut of art that the Internet has suddenly made us all aware of. The real challenge today is to be different and relevant in these times where geography means very little to a whole lot of people in a rapidly growing global art world. In reality, we are a smaller, tight-knit arts community, isolated from the rest of the U.S. West Coast or the Midwest art scenes, unfortunately disengaged from its affluent suburban society, and overlooked by an apathetic casino industry. Artists in Las Vegas try to make do with very little resources and recognition outside our local arts community. I believe it is this very struggle that keeps us on our toes, puts our mindsets on a survival mode that most importantly allows us to be socially and culturally informed of and connected with the real issues of our society. This, in my opinion, is what makes "Las Vegas Art" uniquely our own. Who are the great artists and masters that have inspired you? I've always admired the works of Mexican Mural Artist Jose Clemente Orozco and Philippine National Artist Carlos Botong Francisco whose works focus more on social structures and the political machines that try to exploit them. But of course my father, Prof. Gig De Pio, Sr. is my biggest influence, not only in the progression of art but more importantly in the social values he had instilled in everyone. He was a professor of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines, and a very generous man who accommodated anyone that wanted to learn art, even outside the academic institution. He is one of the few truly independent artists in Manila and has always insisted that an artist is a man of the people who gives without hesitation, a leader who pays it forward as a humble gesture to the community. What is your advice to emerging artists in Las Vegas? I think being a serious artist isn't just a personal endeavor, it requires a real-world social dimension that must be tested and retested over as a part of culture. It's the only way we get to discover who we really are as individuals pursuing our own endeavors in the context of coexisting with other artists in our communities. I believe that humility is a critical element that emerging artists need in order to throttle their ambitions and clearly see how they truly fit into a bigger picture, how their art and their physical presence together contribute as an authentic cultural response in its totality, as a shared dialogue that reverberates throughout society. L’VEGUE.COM | 35
Artist Depio - Catch - Oil on Canvas
Artist Depio - The Auction - Oil on Canvas
Artist Depio - Almost Flamingo - Oil on Canvas
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VEGAS LIVING
Richard STEARNS
HIS “LABOR OF LOVE” Stearns opens his home to L’Vegue as we get a glimpse inside his life in Las Vegas, his travels, and his work at Springs Preserve.
Sean Carter Photography
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Richard Stearns
Graham Palmer
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Photos By: Sean Carter Photography
RICHARD
&
GRAHAM
Stearns Palmer S
By: David Tupaz
tearns & Palmer, would be a great name for partners of a law firm, but in reality, these two incredible men are actually partners in business and in life. While the name Richard Stearns, may or may not stick out in your mind, you have probably seen Stearns’ work either through his high end retail Christmas decorations, his award winning book ‘Christmas Celebration,’ or you may have even seen him designing at the Springs Preserve.
I
had the exclusive opportunity to spend the day with Stearns and Palmer at their home discussing their work, travel and their historical and eclectic collection of art and ancient artifacts. If ever there was a couple you could spend a day with and just be amazed with the tales of their life, these are the two men you should put on your list of ‘who you would invite to dinner.’
R
ichard Sterns, with his husband Graham Palmer and their dogs Molly and Myrna, call Las Vegas home.
Richard majors in Design, Architecture, and Art History. At 18 years of age, he was teaching art to his own students and he never looked back. He has spent his life following his passions working as an artist, designer, buyer and business owner. At the age of 21, he owned his first business; a design company. It started out as a small shop of 300sf in Palo Alto, Ca. Within five years, the business was over one block long and had grown to 70,000sf.
P
art of his inspiration was derived from where he lived. Talking about San Francisco, he said, "San Francisco was such an exciting place, with such a rich culture of museums, theatres and of course, dining. I couldn't get enough of it." L’VEGUE.COM | 39
R
ichard's curiosity wasn't confined to San Francisco. He started to travel the world and he has never stopped. He owned a villa in Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean. His apartment in Berlin was within walking distance of the famous wall and his home in Santa Fe, NM sat on top of a ridge that provided the perfect view of the entire city and a fabulous view of the mountains. As he traveled between his three homes, with numerous side trips throughout Europe, he was able to absorb the different cultures and really appreciate their history and the vast array of food.
W
hile living in Santa Fe, he decided to write a book showcasing the three different cultures prominent in New Mexico. The book, Christmas Celebrations, was hailed by the Today Show as 'the best Christmas book ever', and won several awards for its unique view points and amazing recipes.
G
raham met Richard when he walked into Richard's hotel in Palm Springs, CA. The two of them ran the hotel together until Graham retired from the US Navy. During his career, Graham worked as an air traffic controller and served abroad
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four different aircraft carriers. Being in the US Navy fulfilled Graham's desire to travel and during his 23 years of service; he traveled around so much of the world. Though he is now retired, his favorite mode of travel is still by way of the sea. He and Richard get on a cruise ship 3-4 times a year for some well-earned 'down time' from their busy lives.
I
n 2003, they moved to Las Vegas to start a Christmas/Plantscape business. Richard is internationally known as a Christmas Designer whose decorations have been sold at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, The Metropolitan Museum and the Smithsonian. Additionally, his Christmas Decorations have adorned the three at the White House. His work with the Rothschild Family expanded his reach to Europe. He has also appeared frequently on television, demonstrating holiday cooking and decorating on the Seattle Today Show. In Las Vegas, their accounts included Bellagio, Bellagio Conservatory, MGM Grand, New York New York, Monte Carlo, Treasure Island, Caesar's Palace, and Signature Towers. He recently designed the Christmas decorations for Queensridge Towers, Turnberry Place, and the stage for the Philharmonic Christmas Concert at the Smith Center for Performing Arts.
B
oth men are world travelers and their collections are quite eclectic and from the all corners of the globe. From the Ancient Artifacts that are hundreds of years old to the most modern and contemporary pieces, they all seem to blend in perfectly. In their home, you can see a 17th century figurine next to a primitive African mask that was picked up while on safari in Kenya. A hand woven Egyptian tapestry purchased while on a river cruise down on the Nile hangs next to a 19th century Dutch still life.
T
heir single favorite item is hard to pin down. However, a Tang Dynasty replica horse is the one that both of them seem to point out. It is one of only twelve that were made from the original that is located in the Forbidden City. These twelve horses were made off the original to be given to the Heads of State (President Nixon received one), but one of them was presented to Richard by the Ministry of Culture on China when he was a Designer, Merchandiser, and Buyer in the Forbidden City Museum traveling exhibition. The horse sits in front of a 19th Century Royal Dragon Robe worn by Emperor Apparent.
C
urrently, Richard is the merchandiser, contract buyer and designer for the Springs Preserve which he describes as 'a labor of love'. In addition, he is finishing up a new cook book. His last book, Christmas Celebrations, was an award winning best seller. He also wrote the food column, Las Vegas Celebrations, for Southern Nevada Home and Garden Magazine.
A
s busy as they both are, being at home is their favorite place to be with good friends. Of course, Richard is usually cooking up something new and wonderful.
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Richard’s Red Hot Hens 4 Cornish game hens Salt and pepper 1/3 cup red currant jelly 1 tablespoon honey 2 ½ tablespoon crushed red chile flakes 1 tablespoon dry sherry Remove the giblets from the game hens. Rinse and pat dry. Salt and pepper inside the hens and place them in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix the jelly, honey, chile flakes, and sherry until smooth. Then simmer over low heat until bubbly. Baste the hens. Set them in the lower third of the oven for the first 20
minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees and continue roasting the birds another 40 minutes, basting about every 15 minutes or until golden brown and the juice runs clear from the thigh when pierced. Let the hens stand 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4 Note: This glaze also works well with turkeys.
If you wish to receive any of the additional recipes from
Richard's Southwest Holiday Dinner send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to RCS, 9313 Sienna Ridge Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89117
Richard is offering his award winning book, "Christmas Celebrations", a $40.00/retail at half price, $20.00 local shipping included, for a limited time only to Readers and Subscribers. The book will be personalized and autographed by the author.
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by Richard Clawson Stearns
H
aving a party, dinner or cocktails at Richard's comes with all of the embellishments. Among them are fabulous tablescapes, fresh flowers and, of course, great food. Something is always on the stove! During his long and varied career, Richard has owned a restaurant in Seattle and boutique hotel in Palm Springs. He has been the food columnist here in Las Vegas and was an
award winning author while he lived in Santa Fe. Says Richard, "All of this experience makes it a joy to share it all with friends and family." The holiday season is a green light to traditional dishes such as an oyster stew, roast beef, a guest's favorite sticky toffee pudding and homemade ice cream. Wines and cocktails heighten the revelry. Richard believes that the best tablescapes come from the small details. Don't just put a plate down at your place setting. Use an underplate (Charger) that contains the rich traditional colors of the season. The glassware should be stemmed and elegant. However, frosted, etched or gilded glassware works well, also. Even these will make the evening special for your guests. But, your table doesn't stop there. Richard suggests that your serving dishes should also be special and fit the theme. All add to the magnificence of a beautiful table. A Holiday table would not be complete without candles to set the mood. Candelabras are not only showy; they cast a pool of light across the entire table. They also allow people to maintain eye contact because of their height. The same effect can be created by using tall glass candle
holders grouped together. One other type of candle arrangement that Richard likes to use is to incorporate them into a flower arrangement. This gives your table a warm and intimate atmosphere. A Floral Centerpiece Arrangement is Richard's favorite piece on an elegant formal Holiday table. Fresh flowers always brighten up the table for your guests. During the Holiday Season you can also add fruits or berries to the arrangement to enhance the look. If your table isn't large enough for a centerpiece you can always put a small single flower at each place setting for effect. Don't forget the music to complete the evening. The final item you can add to your table would be place cards. They can be very formal, elegantly printed on white cards. Or they can be completely different and unique. Richard tells of the time he bought small picture frames and had a photo of each guest in the frame rather than their name. It was the talk of the evening. He has also used very small bags of chocolate that had the "Our gift - From our home to yours" looped through the cord. This not only worked as a place card but gave the guests a small gift to take home with them. Your holiday table is yours to be as elegant and formal or as fun and whimsical as you want it to be.
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www.vegaslifetv.us Under The Vegas Sun: Mon/Wed/Fri 5pm Cox 96 | Cox 1096 “Under The Vegas Sun with Steve Schorr”, a program hosted and produced by multi-Emmy Award winner Steve Schorr, is all about the movers and shakers of Las Vegas…very important people guesting on the show each week and sharing views and insights on matters important to the local and global community. It’s Vegas with Lani: Tues
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KNBX 31.2 is a travel and lifestyle show that presents the “other side” of Las Vegas, hosted by a top Asian performing and recording artist, Lani Misalucha, now a resident of Las Vegas. It airs 8:30 PM on Tuesdays.
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Home Sweet Home: Fri/Sat/Sun HNBX 31.2 is a magazine show on TV that is packed with stand-alone segments including Essence of Style by David Tupaz, Real Estate & Business with Mark Bowman & Melody Mojica, Lifestyle with Shannon Yang, Essence of Beauty with Simply Feralene, Immigration Matters with Vissia Calderon, Gaming Today Sports Editorial and Dish of the Week by TC’s Rib Crib. It airs Fridays at 8:30 PM.
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AUDRA
Baldwin L’Vegue In Style From Tom Ford to Dolce & Gabbana Audra Exemplifies Fashion in Las Vegas
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Take One Car Designer and One Traveling Business Woman and You Get One Unique brand! By: Tony Ferriera
B
unker Hill Bradley and Roselyn Poon are Las Vegas's new fashion icons. As the creator's and owners of Cobra Couture, they are building a fashion brand here in Las Vegas that is redefining style for women and more recently, men. Every woman who wears their designs becomes a living work of art. Men are enjoying the living art and have pressured Bunker into expanding Cobra Couture to include them as well. Tony Ferriera, Publisher, spoke with Bradley and Poon to discuss the roots of their company and where they are going now.
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TF: A company's name and brand is distinct and unique to distinguish them from the competitor, how did you choose the name Cobra Couture? Is there a meaning or story behind the name? B&P: At the start we didn't even have a name. We were so focused on creating a style that would work for the thousand and one body issues women have that it wasn't until our clients started saying that our dresses felt like a second skin that we came up with the name. A snake has a smooth silhouette colored to camouflage and that describes our dresses to a T. We came up with Cobra because around the same time Bunker was the Design Director at the very famous automotive company Carroll Shelby America, the home of the Mustang and Cobra. TF: Many people would ask how does one go from designing cars to women's clothing. I actually can see the transition as exotic cars often described in the artistic sense by its sleek fine lines and sexy profile almost if describing how clothing should fit a women's body. Do you believe this applies? B&P: Cobra Couture did not start out as a women's fashion company, but as an industrial design exercise to solve the problems women have with ill fitting clothes that don't flatter and enhance their shape. In fact it was Roselyn's personal issue with her supposed back fat that started the whole journey. She was unstoppable when she realized I could create designs that camouflaged or enhanced parts of her body. She listed the top common problems women have with dressing and I approached the problems in the same way I would designing a car. It all comes down to function and form. TF: When you and Roselyn decided to partner in women's fashions, did you ever think for a second this was out of your league or was it a project you felt comfortable with? B&P: Not really because I thought I was just solving Roselyn's practical issues with fashion and it was her passion for helping people feel better about themselves that drove us to expand our thinking to help all women feel beautiful. We are very fortunate because we don't just create pretty designs we solve real body issue problems and bring a smile to a woman's face. Our motto is 'we are a happy brand that brings color into your life with style'. TF: I have heard many times partnerships are hard when partners have different ideas and visions. How does your partnership work so well and what do each of your bring to the business. B&P: We work together very well because we are both problem solvers. Roselyn solves business and information technology problems and I solve engineering and transport design problems. We have very similar core values and thoroughly believe in each other and our mission. Roselyn has been running her own businesses for decades and is a great people person, whereas I have worked for multinational automotive corporations and accustomed to letting my designs do the talking. The spark comes from what we believe is the overlap in our skills. I am 70% creative and 30% business and Roselyn is 70% business and 30% creative. We understand and appreciate each other's skills and abilities, and we work together rather than compete
with each other. TF: Years ago I worked for a company which created athletic uniforms using a process called sublimation is this a similar process you use in your manufacturing of your fabrics? B&P: We have spent considerable time and expense developing our printed textiles. Our chosen fabrics are unique in the garment industry. Our garments are manufactured using textiles printed with our own designs using a 'dynamic print process' similar to sublimation but the process has key differences which gives us brighter and clearer prints. TF: Roselyn, because of your extensive travel and wanting ready to wear clothing are you the driving force behind the styles that are designed for the everyday woman? B&P: Yes, I represent today's woman. Our company started when Bunker saw how unhappy I was with my
Bunker Hill Bradley
Roselyn Poon
lifelong fight between my body and fashion. He offered to create a garment that would be comfortable, colorful l, stylish and appropriate for my corporate jet setting life style. The end result was our Cobra Miracle dress. It is so wonderful and practical it is just about unbelievable. I can pack 5 outfits, 3 pairs of shoes, 4lbs of make-up and a laptop in a carry on. Now that we have the business woman sorted we have moved onto to designing for the social and fun times in life. Our core principal goal of helping women feel beautiful through garments that are stylish and comfortable while secretly addressing our perceived body issues is a constant with everything we do.
LVFDC P r
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FOR MORE INFO GO TO
WWW
.LVFDC.US
Las Vegas Fashion Design Council
Creating an Industry
Jadee Mangel Mrs. Nevada United States 2015
Photographer: Sean Carter Photography Dress provided by: David Tupaz Couture Hair: Shahla Shahidi - InStyle Salon by JCPenney MakeUp: Shayla - Rain Cosmetics Photo by: SeanPerez Carter
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"For the Gentleman [Who's] Cut From A Different Cloth" Blue/Brown Glen Plaid by Andre Phillipe with Royal Blue Tie by The Corvan Collection
Photo : Lorraine Lee Photography Stylist: Charles L. Whitby Make up: Christina Shaffner L’VEGUE.COM | 51
Black/Charcoal Glen Plaid by Andre Phillipe with Checkered Tie by The Corvan Collection and Lapel Flower by Lapel Candy by Ashanti Nicole
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FASHION FOR THE MODERN MALE
Wine Solid Tuxedo Jacket with Satin Border Lapels and Wine/Black Loafers by The Dapper Gentleman
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Navy/Red Window Pane by The Dapper Gentleman with Red/White Polka Dot Tie and Pocket Square Tie by The Corvan Collection
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Polly Weinstein
The Jeweler’s Daughter Polly talks to us about her brand and family business By: Melanie Bash
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MB: Have you always imagined working in the family business? Polly: Actually no, in college I majored in sculpture and originally planned on being a writer. During the last semester at Sarah Lawrence, I started carving jewelry wax, planning on making gifts. My dad brought me to a jewelry show and began to put diamonds in my pieces. The rest is history. MB: Your career path lead you home, tell us about that decision? Polly: Coming home to the family business was a difficult decision. While I am very family oriented, I feared that working too close could affect my family life. Growing up in the store - literally has taught me many skills, passed down from my dad in the 50 years we've been doing business in Las Vegas. Sometimes it's surreal to think that I get to fulfill my passion daily in the city I love so much. MB: What is your position at Tower of Jewels? Polly: As Director of Marketing, I handle everything concerning the Tower of Jewels and Jeweler's Daughter brands, including the website, PR and social media. You can also find me on any given weekend working a booth or fulfilling a sponsorship opportunity. I also firmly believe in giving back to our community, and you'll often see me at various charitable events with my position on the board of the Arts Commission. MB: What have you learned while growing up in this family business? Polly: Growing up in this atmosphere has taught me more than I could ever put into words morally and entrepreneurially. Tower of Jewels has really fed my passion for jewelry and given me opportunities to be creative with my passion. The way my dad built this empire set a strong example for me early on, shaping me into the woman I am today. MB: How have you had to adjust? Polly: I have learned to treat my family like colleagues, working professionally together with a
common mission. We value our customers and treat them all like family, something that was instilled in us from the beginning. I've transitioned from the little sister who does cartwheels around the store to taking on a leadership role within the business. MB: What is your favorite Tower of Jewels story? Polly: Back when my dad had a family business in Detroit many years ago, a gentleman with unbuttoned overalls walked in and no one was interested in helping him. But my father, Jack, asked how we could be of service, and it turns out he was interested in buying a diamond for his wife. He ended up buying a $40,000 diamond from Jack and paid cash! That story has taught me to never judge a book by its cover. MB: What makes Tower of Jewels stand out? Polly: We have a team of expert jewelers and craftsman that manufacture all of our pieces on site and take pride in what they do. To us, jewelry is so much more than a tangible item you wear. Being in business for more than 50 years has allowed us to take the time to build and nurture personal relationships with our customers and believe that our customer's satisfaction is the single most important aspect of our business. Our customers are truly in our hearts, we treat them like family - come in and you'll see what I mean. It is such an amazing experience to be able to watch our customers grow, from getting engaged and married to celebrating their 40-year anniversaries! We work in an industry where we do special things for people. We put sparkle in people's lives. MB: How do you like being on the Arts Commission and what exactly is your role? Polly: I absolutely love being on the Arts Commission. Everyone who knows me, knows that art is a huge passion of mine. Being a part of this gives me the chance to be a part of the decision-making process, leaving a permanent stamp/imprint in the community I
was born and raised in. I get to support, nurture and foster the growth of public art while bringing a little NYC back to Vegas. It means a lot to me. MB: Tell us about your line, The Jeweler's Daughter? Polly: My line came from an 'aha' moment when I realized I could put art and fashion, my family, and a really great industry together. The Jeweler's Daughter is a brand that tends to be more fun than the classic pieces. I've had the opportunity to truly play around with my brand. Some of the jewelry is inspired by both Las Vegas and New York, making the brand have a bit of me in each piece while remaining trendy. I tap into my feelings and sensitivities to do my best work. MB: What do you see for the future of The Jeweler's Daughter? Will it fit in with Tower of Jewels or start to create a life on its own? Polly: The Jeweler's Daughter is a younger, edgier brand, with a twist on tradition inspired by classic jewelry pieces. It is a natural progression coming out of growing up at TOJ and doing cartwheels leading up to attending Arts School in NYC. It's always been my passion project! I have events and I plan on carrying other luxury brand items in the near future. MB: Is there another passion of yours? Polly: I also work to help other local family owned businesses through The Neon Bazaar, Las Vegas' first shop local pop-up that I launched as a way of promoting a shop local movement to support local businesses in our city. I'm also involved with The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas. MB: What are some things you do on the weekends? Polly: When I have spare time, you can find me alongside Pearl, my poodle. I also spend much of my time networking at social events and exploring all Las Vegas has to offer, taking in new local restaurants, beauty boutiques and fashion retailers. L’VEGUE.COM | 57
DESIGNERS TO WATCH
Adaobi Gogo Designer Adaobi Gogo hails from Imo State in southern Nigeria. A daughter of a true African chief she had an elite upbringing and was exposed to various cultures and imported global fashion. Fashion designer Adaobi Gogo fashion line is named after herself and is succinctly entitled Adaobi Gogo. Her brand and fashion lines are sophisticated, unique, eclectic and intricate. Brand products and designs reflect the best of European, African and global fashion influences and can be most accurately described as eclectic couture. dobinwakuche@yahoo.com.
Christina Roman Born in 1987, her passion for fashion drove her to never settle for an average 9-5 job, as she first discovered her love for the industry as a small child making clothes with her sister, Carina, and her grandmother. As a bright-minded visionary & exercising her entrepreneurial skill, Christina began making and selling scrunchies as a kindergartener. Christina has devoted her life to developing her name as a designer as well as motivating students still establishing themselves to do the same. fashionlives4ever@yahoo.com
Carina Roman Carina Jasmin Roman was born in Apple Valley California in May of 1987. She was raised in Pahrump NV. Growing up my grandmother from Mexico taught me and my twin sister how to create our own outfits using an old fashion sewing machine with the lace iron peddle. After that, I found any reason to use her sewing machine. I started making my barbies dresses and even shorts for myself. I just couldn't get enough. What inspires me are the beautiful things this world has to offer. “Everyday is a Fashion Show and The World is my Runway.� emocitygirl@yahoo.com
petermorales27@yahoo.com
Peter Morales is a burgeoning fashion designer with an androgynous morbid-chic aesthetic. He is interested in exploring the parameters of the LGBT mainstreaming initiative. Peter was born in Los Angeles and raised in Las Vegas! He would like to spearhead the evolution of a booming fashion industry locally. Peter will graduate from SanfordBrown College in December 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design. Peter plans to continue to design dazzling looks until he becomes a fantastic success! Peter’s dream position would be to work in the haute couture house of Givenchy.
DESIGNERS TO WATCH
Peter Morales
Photographer: Sasha Heist Fashion Designer/Stylist: Peter Morales Model: Jessy James Law @ TNG Models & Ariana Munoz Makeup Artists: Tiffani Blakely,Taylor Gresen McKenzie,Silver Shandiin Hair Stylist: Rami Elijah
Brenton Coon
Raised in Texas, this self-taught in the art of fashion and design, Brenton has made the leap from his native home to pursue a career in the Fashion industry here in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has achieved many goals for himself already since moving to Nevada last year. A few of these include making student of the month, became a student ambassador, consistently achieving both Dean's list and President list status. Brenton is also president of "Beyond the Runway" Fashion club, he also won the Fashion Artists Guild Design Competition "Next Top Stitch" alongside fellow designer Karnak Carrillo. Brenton also mentored and designed for the world renowned New York City Furrier Juliana Zizzo.
Model : Katharine Taylor Photographer: Joe Fogarty Makeup and hair : Sylvia J. Stankowski
gdboy421@gmail.com
Samone Holmes
Samone Holmes born and raised in Las Vegas, NV first discovered her love for fashion at the tender age of 6, always having music and movies to spark her interest.Taking her skills from her loving mother, she began to draw her designs out to express her view of fashion at age 13. With the 90's being a major inspiration in her life, she began to create her take on what the 90's would look like had she'd designed back then. She express her style to be a colorful, fun yet urban type of vibe. SamoneHolmes@gmail.com L’VEGUE.COM | 59
Exclusively at Tom Ford Boutique The Shops at Crystals
Ivory Beaded Gown
$9500
“ AUDRA BALDWIN
“
Beauty is a cycle of feeling and looking your best. It directly relates to your self esteem and confidence.
Photographer: Jaime Lim Styist: David Tupaz Hair & Makeup: Feralene Orpilla
BEING AUDRA
FROM RUNNING CHARITIES TO JETSETTING Her typical day, her fashion choices and her giving back to the community are just some of the admirable and enviable traits of Audra’s life. By: David Tupaz
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rowing up in a small town in California, Audra's typical day consisted of school, chores, and taking care of the many horses her family owned. While this may seem like the dream of any little girl, Audra wanted more. Around the age of 16, like most girls her age, she discovered a love of glamour and fashion. Entering her first pageant she won the title of Miss Newberry Springs. This was the beginning of her passion to be involved in the fashion industry. Among participating in many pageants, she also studied makeup artistry before moving to Las Vegas in 2004. In Las Vegas, she was following her dream working as a freelance make-up artist, modeling, and selling jewelry for an elite French designer. It was here that her life would change.
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udra met her husband and best friend Bobby Baldwin. Together they have contributed to the growth of Las Vegas, as well as, help enhance the sense of community. Bobby Baldwin, former poker player, now CEO of City Center employs many in the Las Vegas Community. Audra, through her many charities and participation in the arts, works to enrich the lives of others. Today, Audra's life may be envied and admired by those who don't know her. However, while she enjoys the benefits that go with having a successful husband, as most women would, she certainly is not content to just be “Mrs. Bladwin, the wife of Bobby Baldwin,” Audra has created a name for herself through her philanthropy and hard work. She still sees there is so much more to do and is the first to step up and do it. Audra had some time to sit down with L'Vegue to discuss what a typical day is like for her, as well as, her thoughts on Las Vegas fashion and life as she lives it. AB: A typical day always includes waking up to a pot of Bullet Proof coffee with a splash of homemade organic almond milk and an egg white omelet with mixed veggies. After breakfast I sort through my email and look for treasures on the realreal.com before my cardio trainer arrives at 8 am. Depending on the day or time of year, I may be hitting a parent teacher conference, jet setting to LA for a dermatologist (Dr. Lancer) and facial by Louise followed by a hair appointment in West Hollywood by Frank Galasso while arranging my soupure delivery to be met at the hangar OR I could be planning a luncheon benefitting the Nevada Ballet Theater OR getting on a plane to Northern Nevada to attend a Local Pageant for the Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization while ending my day with a pilates session in my home gym and then enjoying a family dinner with my husband and my daughter. If you happen to catch me late September early October or beginning of March , end of April I will be at Fashion Week in Paris where I regularly attend a variety of shows including Roland Mouret, Chanel, Lanvin, and Stella Mccartney, DT: How do you define your sense of style? AB: My sense of style is based on the foundation of "Poise and confidence", the love of fashion, and sprinkled with a classical modern edge. DT: Who has been a style role model for you growing up, if any? AB: My fashion role models growing up were a group of about 5 iconic women. Super models squad of the 90s including Linda, Cindy, Claudia, Christy, Helena, and Naomi. They always dazzle on the red carpets. Their presence was something I aspired to, they are timeless. DT: Do you believe that Fashion trends should be followed in order to be fashionable? AB: I think that classics are always fashionable that can be mixed with pieces that are trending. Fashion is a selfexpression and how you represent yourself to the world. Fashion is constantly trending, there are pieces that are going to come down the runway that you either connect to right away or not. DT: Las Vegas is one of the shopping destinations in
the country where every major brand is represented; Do you think there is a future for a fashion industry to flourish? knowing that there are local designers starting it? and will you support it? AB: Yes, I think that it is possible for there to be a future fashion industry that starts in Las Vegas. I would support local talents/artists who's pieces I would be proud to wear. DT: What is your opinion when there are people who say Las Vegas has no sense of style? Compared to other cities in the country. AB: The people's who's opinions are such are not thinking past the bright lights and noise of Las Vegas Boulevard. DT: Being one of the movers and shakers in the City, What would you like to see in the future for Las Vegas? AB: I would like the economy to continue to thrive to help build our local industry. I would like to see more growth in the local communities giving people opportunities to enjoy lovely dining, shopping, and recreation both on and off the Strip. I would like to see Las Vegas continue to thrive. DT: What are the charity institutions do you support? and why? AB: Nevada Ballet Theatre; I am Vice President and special event chair. All communities need a strong foundation in the Arts. I am inspired by the athleticism and grace required of the ballet dancers. The Ballet is committed to bring dance into the heart and lives of the Las Vegas community and their future dancers. The ballet exposes children to the art form of Dance and provides dedicated students to a premier arts education. Also, Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization. I am the Chief Operating Officer and President. I am passionate about the young women of Nevada. They are learning to become better public speakers, to have confidence, to be able to think on the spot, to have a platform or charity to be involved in and to continue their education. The Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization gives thousands of dollars in Educational Scholarships each year and are part of the Miss America Organization. DT: What change do you want to see in the City? Or if you have the power to change anything, what will it be? AB: The one thing that I have been working to change as an ambassador and Las Vegas resident is how people perceive the people of Las Vegas. We are cultured, intelligent, world traveled, business owners, fashion forward city who isn't always appreciated. DT: What does beauty mean to you and what message can you share for women everywhere specially those who have very low self esteem or confidence on the power of what beauty can bring? AB: Beauty is taking what you have and making it the best you can be! A woman who has taken care of herself both mentally and physically will in turn feel more confident and be able to conquer more obstacles. Beauty is a cycle of feeling and looking your best. It directly relates to your self esteem and confidence. L’VEGUE.COM | 63
Exclusively at Tom Ford Boutique The Shops at Crystals Black Suede Shirt $4990 Black Lace Leggings $3790 Photographer: Jaime Lim Model: Audra Baldwin Styist: David Tupaz Hair & Makeup: Feralene Orpilla
Exclusively at Tom Ford Boutique The Shops at Crystals Mink Denim Jacket & Skirt $26,800
Photographer: Jaime Lim Model: Audra Baldwin Styist: David Tupaz Hair & Makeup: Feralene Orpilla
Photographer: Jaime Lim Model: Audra Baldwin Styist: David Tupaz Hair & Makeup: Feralene Orpilla
Exclusively at Dolce & Gabbana Boutique The Shops at Crystals
Audra Baldwin Runway Amore Dress $7995
2015 New York
FASHION
W E E K David Tupaz Couture Atelier: 5275 S. Arville, (corner Hacienda,) suite 112, Las Vegas, NV. 89118 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (702) 736-8229 web: www.DavidTupaz.com email: Davidmonico5@gmail.com Facebook: David Tupaz Couture Twitter: david tupaz@davidmonico
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2015
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