MAGAZINE
RAINE T H E
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
I S S U E
VOL 14
QUARTERLY
FASHION + ART = PASSION: MEET THE TOLEDOS! THE REALITY OF AMERICA’S TOP MODELS ALL THINGS WINE THE UNSTOPPABLE ADRIENNE BAILON AND JULISSA BERMUDEZ
THE NEW. THE RISING. THE MUST KNOW T H E
F A S H I O N
&
L I F E S T Y L E
R E S O U R C E
F O R
C R E A T I V E
E N T R E P R E N E U R S
MA GA ZIN E
RAINE FASHION.ENTERTAINMENT.CULTURE.TECHNOLOGY
VOL 14
ED ITORIA L TEA M Nova Lorraine - Founder and Creative Director Marilyn Wilson - Senior Editor Alexis Fedor - Copy Editor Derron Forrest - Business Development R E S E A R C H E D I TO R Carlotta Harrington
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heather Ulery Jenna Drancsak David J. Freschman Mariessa Terrell, ESQ. Tina Chen Nadirah Jilaan Kia Rodriquez Milan Rowson Michelle Winters A RT D I R E C T I O N Martina Micko
SPECIAL THANKS Frederique Porter Javier Hernandez Natasha Gabriel Tina Littlejohn Nekisha Slade COVER CREDITS VITAL AGIBALOW www.vitalphoto.com
INQUIRIES Press: media@rainemagazine.com Advertising: advertise@rainemagazine.com Submissions: submissions@rainemagazine.com
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RAINE MAGAZINE NEW YORK * LA * SAN FRANCISCO * MIAMI CORRESPONDENCE Raine Magazine PO BOX 3021 Windermere, FL 34786 Raine Magazine is a trademark of Raine Creative Holdings LLC and is published quarterly. All contents, logos, and articles are copyrighted materials and all right are reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of Raine Creative Holdings is prohibited. The publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising material for any reason deemed inappropriate by publisher. Raine Magazine’s subscription is $50.00. Please make checks payable to Raine Creative Holdings. To distribute Raine at your business, please email editor@rainemagazine.com.
MA GA Z IN E
RAINE FASHION.ENTERTAINMENT.CULTURE.TECHNOLOGY
fashion its all in the details
VOL 14
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10 vegan and luxury
12DISTINGUISHED MAN 16
>
roxanne nikki
legs make a statement 18 20 michael costello
DOLL FACE 24
WINE 68 70 top travel
MALDIVES 72
76 calcutta
entertainment 28 ART & SCIENCE
>
culture
illustration 32
music 78
>
36 NECAR ZADEGAN INDIE FASHION 34
backstage pass 35 38 adrienne & JULISSA
42 hal linton
business NEXT LEVEL 79
beauty 48 internation beauty
>
scent 49
3 FLOZ 50
44 FRESH FACE
dr spicer 52
54 GLITTER
mens beauty 56
fitness 57
america’s top model 58
62 TOLEDOS
TOYS > 84 TECH
whose art 86
EDITOR’S NOTE WELCOME TO RAINE MAGAZINE Get ready for another great issue! We are excited for what’s to come in this new year! We’ve grown so much since we’ve started. In 2007 we launched as the first digital magazine for the creative and unconventional entrepreneur. Since then, we have expanded to a glossy print quarterly, offering apps for your tablets, holding quarterly issue release parties, hosting professional networking events, offering media sponsorship for both national and international fashion weeks and so much more! As we grow, we thank you for continuing to take this exciting journey with us. As we look back at our last issue, featuring the stunning iconic Supermodel Beverly Johnson, we reflect on the melodic story of singer Class Actress, sumptuous northern Canadian caviar, diamond filled nail polish, and the coolest tech toys around.
In this International Issue, we bring more! Let’s start with Rainemakers Ruben and Isabel Toledo. Their passion is undeniable and their talents even more so. As one of the First Ladies’ favorite designers, Isabel Toledo dons the cover of Roots of Style, a literary collaboration by she and her husband, fine artist Ruben Toledo, also recently featured at the International Miami Book Fair. We don’t stop there. Learn more about the dynamic duo Adrienne Bailon and Julissa Bermudez and their latest ventures along with the meteoric rise of actress Necar Zadegan. Of course we cannot leave you without an exotic journey across the oceans to Maldives Islands and the top travel trends of 2013. Finally, explore the newest techy gadgets while getting the best tips for beauty and fitness – yes, for both men and women!
Scan the code to join the storm!
Our Mission To provide a multimedia platform for the creative and unconventional entrepreneur and to do it in a way that is both inspiring and empowering. Raine is the go to destination for the must know in fashion, entertainment, culture and technology. We discover the next big names around the world everyday! Raine provides real stories about real people going after their dreams. It also offers the must know products and services that can enhance the lifestyle of our readers. It’s the combination of beautiful imagery, personal journeys and the latest products that attracts new readers to Raine everyday. Our digital edition is available on Zinio.com and look for Raine Magazine in Itunes
Nova Lorraine Founder and Editor
Photographed by VITAL AGIBALOW for HENSEL MakeUp by Kate Romanoff using OCC makeup Manicurist - Myrdith Leon-McCormack Model - Teng Teng - ONE (NYC) OCC LIP TAR™ in TROLLOP, KISS NAIL DRESS “GOWN” jeweled strips, COSMETIC GLITTER in BLUE and NAVY
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it’s ALL in the DETAILS PHOTOGRAPHER: FRAMN REZENDE www.framnrezende.com HAIRDRESSING AND MAKE UP : Vanessa Barrao Vecino STYLIST: MAR ALCALÁ MODELS: NOELIA LOPEZ http://www.delphoss.com/
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Raine Magazine - Volume 14
DRESS: DIOR SHOES: MANOLO BLAHNIK EARRINGS and RING: : PERODRI NECKLACE and SILVER BRACELET : ARISTOCRAZY GOLD BRACELET: OH MY GOD! Raine Magazine - Volume 14
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DRESS: ETRO EARRINGS: PERODRI SHOES: CARMEN STEFFENS BRACELET: OH MY GOD! RING: SWAROVSKI BAG: CELESTINA. MAGUILA NEW YORK Raine Magazine - Volume 14
DRESS: PAULE KA PARIS EARRINGS and BRACELET: OH MY GOD! RING: PERODRI BAG: STELLA MCCARTNEY
Raine Magazine - Volume 14
DRESS: MAX MARA EARRINGS and RING: PERODRI BRACELET: OH MY GOD! SHOES: JIMMY CHOO BAG: PEDRO DEL HIERRO
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A BRIDGE BETWEEN VEGAN AND LUXURY By Michelle Winters PHOTOS BY GUNAS
Not all vegan bags are built equally. Whereas many stray toward hemp weaves and boho flourishes, GUNAS’ line of leather-free satchels and totes can go from boardroom to downtown without skipping a beat. These convertible carryalls keep it simple with clean modern lines and urbane color palettes. Plus, they’re made entirely from Green guard/LEEDcertified, rescued manmade fabrics that are as cruelty-free as they are light on the earth. The fabulously progressive brand first debuted in 2010 at New York’s Nolcha Fashion Week. It quickly got recognized for its dedication to sustainable fashion. The eco-conscious brand soon earned a celebrity following, including the likes of Jenny McCarthy, Anne Hathaway, Emily Deschanel, Cameron Mathison and Sherri Shepherd. Responsible for the brand’s
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innovative designs is Sugandh G. Agrawal. A trained Industrial Designer by background, Sugandh eventfully combined her passions and pursued a life of design and sustainability that has spanned the globe. “I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. Art & Design has been a part of my life since early childhood. I came to the US to pursue my BFA in Industrial Design after which I got into the Appliance Industry. Having worked with brands such as Bosch, KitchenAid and JennAir I gained extensive experience with product development, materials and trends.” With bags being shipped all over the world, the brand’s popularity is on the rise, especially within the vegan/ vegetarian community. Gunas was born out of Sugandh’s great appreciation for the natural beauty around her. “I absolutely love animals and nature and have been
Raine Magazine - Volume 14
an advocate for using our resources wisely.” Having grown up in India, Sugandh noted that with about 90% of the Indian population being vegetarian, India is one of the largest exporters of leather around the world. She became aware of the cruel conditions the animals go through since they are just treated as a commodity. However, it wasn’t until Sugandh began her Masters degree in Design Management at Pratt Institute in New York City that the idea and business plan for Gunas were formulated. After completing a thesis on sustainable fashion, Sugandh combined her passion for design and sustainability and created a product line that embodies the utmost quality and style. “I want to provide the luxury client with an alternative, low impact and cruelty-free products in the form of GUNAS.” www.gunasthebrand.com
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Sweater - Fred Perry; Shirt - UNTUCKit; Belt - Carhartt; Pants WeSC; Shoes - Dr. Martens; Scarf - C.P.Company; Hat - Wosley Photographer - Jason Jaskot ; Fashion Stylist - Renesstsa Olds ; Men's Grooming - Torrence Forde; Assistant Fashion Stylist - Asheley Reynolds; Models - David Schafer and Fernando Diniz For Q Models
T HE DISTIN G UIS HE D MA N
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Raine Magazine - Volume 14
Coat - Cockpit USA; Shirt - UNTUCKit; Tie - Cockpit USA; Shoes - Topman; Watch - Maurice de Mauriac
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Raine Magazine - Volume 14
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Raine Magazine - Volume 14
Coat - CPT by Cockpit USA; Navy Sweater Vest - CPT by Cockpit USA; Scarf - C.P. Company; Gloves - Cockpit USA; Bag - Barque; Hat - Cockpit USA; Shoes - Boss by Hugo Boss
ALFA
Accessible Luxury For All
Custom tailored suits, shirts and more - all according to your individual specifications and body measurements. w w w . 3 1 3 . alfadesigner . c o m
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ROXA NNE NI KKI U NA PO LO GET I C DECAD E N C E by Marilyn R. Wilson
Photographer – Paul Joseph, www.pauljosephphoto.com Make-up – Brenda Bakker, www.brendabakker.com Models – Fei Ren and Chris McCormack, Richards Int'l Model Management, www.richardsmodels.com Clothing – Roxanne Nikki Designs, www.roxannenikki.com
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Raine Magazine - Volume 14
Fashion Designer Roxanne Nikki creates high-end, limited edition collections for “modern men and women who are not afraid to make a statement and embrace his or her identity as an individual.” Offered are edgy silhouettes that exude luxury and glamor – must-have pieces with a European flair that are still functional and easy to wear. They are works of art imbued with the designer’s own passion and vision. From the age of three, Nikki was always sketching and playing with fabrics and textures. Her mother noticed and began turning these ideas into real clothing. Despite this early interest, the idea of fashion as a career didn’t come until she was writing her final exams in University. Design school and industry internships soon followed, with the first Roxanne Nikki collection launching in 1994. Traveling to Europe, including a year living in Paris, added new dimensions the brand’s already unique aesthetic. This luxury brand is “…an unapologetic study in decadence.” Innovative and sumptuous textures, exclusive fabrics, unexpected couture detailing, avant-garde designs and the perfect balance between function and audacity combine to create truly original work that has not only made waves in the industry, but has caught the notice of Hollywood’s elite. Roxanne Nikki Designs can be seen in the movie The 6th Day’s futuristic party scene and in Sony Picture’s ad for The Messenger. A growing list of celebrities have come calling: Carmen Electra, Nicki Minaj, Michael Stipe, Nick Gilder, Photok Romeo Miller, Bai Ling and many, many more. Autumn/Winter 2012 is composed of fashion-forward yet functional clothing for both men and women. Nikki shares, “The inspiration for this collection resonates with my constant desire for originality, luxury, and super chic modernity. I design for men and women who are not afraid to make a statement and embrace their identity as an individual. Every piece I create must have personality, be coveted and be multi-faceted... lifestyle clothing without compromising the glamor quotient nor the power of personality.” Black dominates the palette, accented with striking dashes of bright color. All fabrics were custom made for the designer at exclusive European mills. Most surprising are the faux leathers. They have a beautiful patina but are lighter weight than regular leather, offering more versatility and comfort. A pleated black version used in several designs, including a stunning shrug, is definitely a standout. For women, statement-making outerwear combines perfectly with avant-garde takes on classics such as the “little black dress” and a great selection of edgy mix and match separates – creating looks that are truly modern. The mostly black palette is set off by a selection of high-energy neon faux fur pieces. All garments are multifunctional and many are reversible. For menswear you’ll find, “...a vintage heart in a future world,” with unexpected fabrics, colors and textures. The faux leather jackets and pants stand out in particular. Intricate detailing including zipper gussets, distinctive draped collars and “future retro militant silhouettes” dominate the strong looks offered. For those with a more daring sense of style, several pieces are constructed in a vivid, deep mustard textured fabric. Both collections are sure to find a strong following. Modern luxury, non-stop chic, unparalleled construction techniques and fashion forward yet functional – Roxanne Nikki Designs is a brand sure to rise to the top of everyone’s must-have list. For more information or to shop in the online store, go to website at www.roxannenikki.com.
R a i n e M a g a z i n e - V o lu m e 1 4
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W H E N LEGS M A K E A
Skirt: DOROTA BIELECKA ; Corset: ANNA JANDURA; Shoes: SEQIUN SHOES; Jewelry: H&M
STATEMENT
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Raine Magazine - Volume 14
Skirt: ANNISS; Blouse: VINTAGE; Shoes: VENEZIA
Photos by: Koty 2 photo storytellers (www.koty2.com); Model: Agnieszka Knap @Fashion Color; Stylist: Anna Jandura; Make up: Anna Ryndak; Hair: Monika @ Claudius Hair Treser Team; Place: Crystal Suites, Cracow Poland Dress: WOJTEK HARATYK; Necklace: VINTAGE; Shoes: SEQUIN SHOES Opposite: Feather Jacket: WOJTEK HARATYK; Folk Shirt: STYLIST OWN; Skirt: PAT GUZIK; Shoes: STRADIVARIUS
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Fro m P roj ec t Runway to Me l rose Av e A C h at w ith Desig ner Michae l Costel lo
by Melodye Joy Michael Costello, fashion designer Daniel James Ryan, photographer Brian Sutcliffe, makeup & hair stylist Melodye Joy, model
Special thanks to; The Hyatt, Palm Springs Brien O’Brien Salon, Palm Springs Richard Galvin, Palm Springs/Los Angeles Enchanted Salon & Spa, Rancho Cucamonga
RAINE: Michael, those who have watched Project Runway or read up on
as chic as it seems to be getting?
your designer bio know that your fashion sense and design aesthetic
COSTELLO: Part of growing is expanding and I’m always looking to do both. I
began at birth. You are no ordinary designer…you WERE BORN TO DO
love the idea of doing an affordable line at retailers like Target or Kohl’s. Creating
THIS!
great shoes and accessories has always been a dream for me, too.
COSTELLO: Yes I do feel like I was born with this…like everyone knows ever
RAINE: We all know your designs are available online (at MichaelCostelloCouture.
since I was a kid, design is all I ever wanted to do.
com), at Los Angeles La Masion De Fashion (Melrose Ave), and most recently
RAINE: What inspired you when you first began? Having a Greek and
you had a pop up shop at Westfield Palm Desert. What does the future hold for
Italian heritage, who inspired you when you first began?
Michael Costello store(s)? Are we talking International here?
COSTELLO: I think my mom and my sisters Bonny and Peaches had a lot to do
COSTELLO: (Smiles) I am definitely considering opening something in Palm
with that. I always remember my mother’s sister ‘Fasticka’, (that’s her name) she
Springs, CA. where I live. I have a bunch of friends, family and clientele who live
was always this very fashion forward lady who would wear turbans and off the
there and would love to buy and shop for my things. Eventually, I’d love to open
shoulder type dresses and listen to 70’s disco music and dance in our kitchen! I
a boutique in Los Angeles but at the moment, I have my own showroom in the
always thought she was very glamorous.
apparel mart building and that’s a blessing for me.
RAINE: How did your family react when they learned their son/nephew/
RAINE: Speaking of international exposure, is there anywhere that inspires you
grandson was going to be a
when you’re choosing your
fashion designer? Has their
designs? After all, you
views helped, hindered or
came from a heritage rich
driven you to your goals?
in Italy, the fashion capital,
COSTELLO: My mom and
and Greece, who’s known
dad always knew and my mom
for their draped couture
was always super supportive
(especially for royalty).
towards what I wanted to do.
COSTELLO: I think maybe
My whole family has always
Rome and Italy in general.
understood that fashion and
When I design I listen to a
design was and is my passion
lot of Italian opera.
for life!
RAINE: If there was one
RAINE: Michael, you have a
thing that you could wish
son. What does he think of
for in the fashion world,
his daddy being a television
what would that be?
star & fashion designer?
COSTELLO: For Gianni
COSTELLO: He’s cool. He
Versace to not die.
likes to get involved and tries
RAINE:
to sometimes help me with
design? For the trend
my work…its cute! He knows
that is now or do you
I was on Project Runway but
predict,
he’s over it now. (Laughs)
what’s to come for the
RAINE: Michael, we have
near future?
personally worked together
COSTELLO: I just do what
three times now and this
comes natural for me and
has always been on my
to me sometimes I think
mind. Which do you enjoy
in black and can’t make
more? The standard, tall
anything else.
beauty or the petite, real
RAINE: As a designer,
woman who varies in her
is there any fabric you
appearance yet embodies
WON’T work with? Any
the same grace as what we
particular that’s fabric
have deemed “standard”?
How
in
do
a
you
sense,
favorite?
COSTELLO: I enjoy all different walks of life or different shapes. I think through
COSTELLO: I don’t like wool or suiting fabrics. They aren’t fun, but I love matte
the magic of hair and make-up, everyone can be in their own fantasy and look
jersey and anything that drapes well!
incredible but I cannot lie, there is something about a woman who is 5’10 and
RAINE: Now that your well recognized, both nationally and internationally,
looks like Gisele or Esther Canadas that just drives me insane!
did you ever in your wildest dreams think that all of this (and much more)
RAINE: What can we be on the lookout for in 2013, concerning Michael
would happen? A television show, correspondent for E!, Marie Claire,
Costello Couture - any surprises on the way?
dressing Toni Braxton and Celine Dion.
COSTELLO: Well we will just have to wait and see then!
COSTELLO: To say no and tell you that I didn’t think it wouldn’t happen would be
RAINE: You shot with Nigel Barker (ft. Toni Braxton) for the She Knows
wrong cause I knew that God will give me all that I ask for if I put Him first and
Foundation a few months back. Is there any particular photographer you
thank Him along the way. I love what I do and when you want something so bad
would ever consider working with? Any favorite you have, alive or dead?
and ask God for it, He will make it happen.
COSTELLO: Shooting with Nigel was something that was at the very top of my list of things to accomplish in life. Someone else would be Mario Testino.
Currently, Michael Costello resides in Palm Springs with his family. He has
RAINE: Okay, on a lighter note…have you ever considered doing accessory
recently opened a showroom in Los Angeles.
pieces or a shoe line as well? What about a low-cost couture line for Target,
Raine Magazine - Volume 14
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D O L L FAC E
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Isabel Skirt ($580) www.edgar-gomez.com Raine Magazine - Volume 14
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Handcrafted Silk/Wool Skeleton Apron with leather strap ($1500) Anyaa by Elizabeth Anyaa eanyaa@elizabethanyaa.com
Camilla Dress ($620) Edgar Gomez www.edgar-gomez.com
photographer: sergio garcia; model: christi @ page parkes; hmu: lorene herrera; stylist: michelle evans; light tech: craig thomas
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EARRINGS: PERODRI; RING: PERODRI CARRERA and CARRERA; WATCH: OH MY GOD!; HAT: ESCADA; DRESS: ERMANNO CERVIÑO; BELT: Roger Vivier ART DIRECTION: FRAMN REZENDE & AITOR ZUBILLAGA; PHOTOGRAPHER: FRAMN REZENDE; HAIRDRESSING: KIKO RAMOS; MAKE UP : BEATRIZIGLESIAS; STYLIST: MAR ALCALÁ; ACTRESS: CRISTINA OCHOA
anuncommon
&
Actor, writer, producer and scientist – a combination you do not find too often. Mensa Member Christina Ochoa comes from a long line of brilliant individuals, including her uncle, the 1959 Nobel Prize winner Severo Ochoa and her father, renowned Spanish sculptor, Victor Ochoa. Christina was born in Barcelona, Spain and completed college at Santa Isabel La Asunción in Madrid. Her post-graduation scientific pursuits include Oceanographic Engineering off the coast of Africa at La Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and advanced Marine Biology at James Cook University in Australia. It wasn’t until she took an amateur theater class that she realized her thirst for being on stage. This led to several US acting roles and the launch of Quantum Entanglement, her own production company. Her first film role was in the award winning Stay With Me, in which she wrote, produced and starred in. Christina takes a moment after wrapping her most recent project to chat with Raine and enlighten us a little more on her journey from science to the arts. RAINE: At what point in your life did Severo Ochoa and/or Victor Ochoa influence you? OCHOA: There isn’t one point, more so an ever present respect. I feel honored to be part of a family with so many talented individuals. RAINE: At What age did you join Mensa? OCHOA: I took the exam as a child but never joined. Then at 23 years old, after being dared to prove it, I re took it and decided to join. I haven’t regretted it since. RAINE: What has been your experience as a Mensa Member? OCHOA: It’s a fun community of people. More so than an interest in establishing how much one knows, (which unfortunately is how most envision it to be... pompous know-it-alls) it’s a place where curious, articulate individuals come to LEARN, not teach. LISTEN, not speak. ASK, not answer. RAINE: When was the first moment you knew that you wanted to be in the entertainment industry? OCHOA: I took an amateur theater class a few years ago and got hooked. Once I stepped foot on a stage, a void inside me (one I hadn’t even known was there) was filled. RAINE: How do you mix your love for science with your love for the creative arts? OCHOA: There is a science to art, and there is art in science... I never consider them mutually exclusive. I try and always incorporate them in all my endeavors. RAINE: How did you break into the US film and television market? OCHOA: My first real TV role was in a Warner Brothers (ABC) sitcom very unfortunately called: “I Hate My Teenage Daughter”... But I still haven’t quite “broken into it”. Ask me again next year and hopefully I’ll have a different response. (Smiling)
blendof
RAINE: What was your most memorable experience while playing your role on the Modern Family? OCHOA: Actually the most memorable part was a few months after shooting. At the Emmy parties this past year, I ran into the director Steve Levitan over and over. Somehow, at one point in the night I ended up mistaking him, inappropriately groping him from behind whispering “baby”, while his wife and my boyfriend were talking to him and watched baffled!! Mortifying for me...Hilarious for the three of them. My faux pas served for days as my boyfriend and the rest teased me.
to the Conde Nast and Vogue teams for that opportunity.
RAINE: What inspired you to create your own film? OCHOA: I wasn’t getting the roles I wanted or working consistently enough for my taste and I’m incapable of sitting back. I thrive on movement; otherwise I become stagnant.
RAINE: Why did you choose Quantum Entanglement as the name of your production company? OCHOA: “Spooky action at a distance” was taken. (Smiling) Actually, because I have a tattoo with QE from when I first read about the theory, and its personal meaning to me.
RAINE: What challenges did you face when producing Stay with Me? OCHOA: Mainly my lack of experience producing. Luckily I had a crew and cast that I trusted and who were very knowledgeable, that aided me along the way. RAINE: What was the most rewarding aspect acting in your own film? OCHOA: For the most part I found it hard compartmentalize. However, I’d say, being able create your own character. I liked having a say that.
of to to in
RAINE: What advice would you give an international actor who wants to break into the US film or television industry? OCHOA: Work your butt off. Stay consistent and if you don’t book parts like you’d want: then MAKE them!! You’ll never regret working too hard. On the other hand not trying enough to make a dream come true can haunt anyone. RAINE: Do you have a hard time choosing between your love for science and love for acting? OCHOA: I enjoy both and for the most part it’s balanced or I try and make it balanced. You are a sponsor for Intel Science Fair. How did you get involved in ISEF? OCHOA: The director of Science for Society and the Public (SSP) started following me on twitter and we connected. Their cause is very dear to me and I offered to help in any way I could. RAINE: As an author and writer, what topics do you enjoy writing about the most? OCHOA: I love conceptual pieces and anything in which I get to unravel or learn something new. May it be a profile piece on a new writer with controversial ideas or a piece connecting science to the arts in recent films? I’ve recently started dabbling in fiction and I’m enjoying the creative process enormously. RAINE: Most writers dream about writing for Vogue. How did this opportunity present itself to you? OCHOA: They had interviewed my father and I for a spread on “artistic families” and we discussed the possibility of collaboration then. I’m very grateful Raine Magazine - Volume 14
RAINE: What upcoming projects will we see from Quantum Entanglement in the coming year? OCHOA: This upcoming year my writing partner (Deirdre Wall) and I have plans to release the FACES project we just shot with Casey. Also a science talk show called KNOW BRAINER that we are producing in partnership with Framework Studio, and our true “opera prima” (we wrote the script last year), a film called NYX.
RAINE: Did you ever aspire to be an entrepreneur while growing up? OCHOA: Never! I was never disciplined enough to even CONSIDER being my own boss. I was so lazy...I guess that happens to a lot of people until they find the vocation that truly makes them step-up to the plate. RAINE: You are currently studying Physics. What made you decide to continue your academic studies? OCHOA: I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to be a little bit smarter, richer or more beautiful in life. In my case I just decided to focus on the smarter part. I love not knowing about something and then learning. That transfer of knowledge fascinates me. RAINE: Who is your mentor and what advice have they given you that have helped you the most along the way? OCHOA: I have way too many mentors to name one. Some of whom I’ve never met but who have influenced my decisions and journey, including books - lots of books... & my family and my friends. As far as advice: “Don’t give up what you want MOST, for what you want NOW” - is a mantra I tend to remind myself of at impulsive moments. RAINE: What words of wisdom would you share with young scientists? OCHOA: I wouldn’t say wisdom so much as encouragement on the already growing movement with young scientists: Find a way to share your passion with the general public. Don’t underestimate your audiences’ intellect just because they are less articulating...it behooves us all to foment communication between fields of science and the rest of the populace - keep learning and teaching. RAINE: Do you reside full time in Spain? OCHOA: No, but I’m there about 4 months out of the year (on and off). RAINE: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? OCHOA: Hopefully a little wiser, a little better and a little more organized with my time.
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DRESS: Philipp Plein Couture JACKET: Hotel Particulier BAG: MAX MARA SHOES: Carmen STEFFENS
EARRINGS: PERODRI NECKLACE: CARRERA Y CARRERA BRACELET: OH MY GOD! SHIRT: LIU JO SKIRT: HARMONT&BLAINE BAG: VERSACE SHOES: NINE WEST BELT: TOD´S
SHIRT: Hermes BAG: MALIPARMI TROUSERS: Hermes BRACELET and RING: Hermes NECKLACE: OH MY GOD!
FA SHION TO L IV E F OR
T HE AR T O F ILLUST RA TION Mika is an illustrator whose work has appeared in many publications, including magazines, newspapers, album covers, greeting cards and on television throughout The United States, Europe, and Japan. She was born in 1982, in Tokyo, Japan and now lives and works in New York City. In the U.S., Mika has worked with many clients in the fashion industry, such as Seasonal Whispersand Princess Ciel Group. Mika was honored to have her art work to be the only piece purchased by the mayor during the annual art exhibition, "Laudun L'ardoise salon des arts 2010", held in Laudun City, France. In Japan, Mika's illustrations has been displayed and sold at the T.A.C Gallery in Kyoto. She also held her solo exhibition in PIAS Gallery of Osaka and since joined Image Tokyo, a top agency, in 2010. Mika seeks to capture the moments of life, set against a lively city. The people, the places and the fashion are what inspire her art work. Talented in fine line drawing and contrasting colorings, Mika often uses natural expressions of characters in an always energetic city background to allow many to relate to her art work. Mika's appreciation for genuinity in people, quality of food and services and authenticity in every encounter that she engages in, keeps her searching for the best New York has to offer. Her honesty with her feelings helps her cherish what she finds to her likings and tries her best to express that in her works. Mika hopes that her fans and clients can feel that same sense of joy which is so inspirational to her everyday life and all her works.
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INDIE FASHION WEEKS MAKE A GRAND IMPRESSION By Tina Chen and Researched by Michelle Winters
As New York Fashion Week continues to reign supreme as the venue for established designers, other options are quickly becoming world renowned for their carefully curated shows of independent designers. Three stand out in particular: Nolcha Fashion Week, Vancouver Fashion Week and Brooklyn Fashion Week{end}. NOLCHA FASHION WEEK The award-winning Nolcha Fashion Week provides a handsome stage for independent designers to showcase their collection to a global audience. Fashion insiders, stylists, buyers, celebrities and media, all come together for jaw dropping presentations of international and local designers alike. A unique service that Nolcha provides is a personal team for each designer as well as expansive exposure via public relations, networking affairs, and buyer meetings.
Spring/Summer Couture collection at BKFW with beautiful detailed, draped pieces epitomizing her elegant flair. Her fabrics are polished and styled with elements of diversity in the colors of reds, browns and ravishing whites. The continued pace of beauty carries on with added images of actress Marilyn Monroe for admiration of the masses in America. Her series of modest robe attires represent sartorial elegance. Her collection of threaded gold, prominent floral prints and silken garments are stunning.
Adolfo Sanchez A Nolcha designer on the rise is Adolfo Sanchez. This innovative designer is aiming to make a name in high-end women’s fashion - channeling a sultry, poised look to his garments. Sanchez set his sights to empower women through his clothes by making them feel sexy but in a clean, confident look. His pieces display a tasteful seductiveness coupled with a sense of lush innocence.
VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK British Columbia’s Vancouver Fashion Week is deemed as the west coast’s most prestigious industry event. As Canada’s second largest fashion week, with a number of designers and media partners in North America – Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) showcases works of art, from the emerging to the established from all around the world. VFW strives to highlight budding, creative and magnetic talent every season while continuously attracting innovative designers, industry professionals, buyers, celebrities and scores of media each year.
BROOKLYN FASHION WEEK{END} Founded in conjunction with the Brooklyn Style Foundation,
Adolfo Sanchez Brooklyn Fashion Week{end} (BKFW) is presented during fashion week twice a year with a focus on helping young Brooklyn designers. BKFW has also partnered with Smarter® Clothing Project, an initiative that promotes eco-friendly USA manufacturing. Brooklyn Fashion Week{end} continues to grow its presence and now includes global emerging designers in its showcase. Exceptional international and local Brooklyn designers come together to present their collections to a diverse spectrum of socially conscious, influential, fashion forward men and women. Montaha Couture Kuwaiti fashion designer, Montaha Alajeel showcased her
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Ping He
Montaha Couture
Ping He A VFW highlight is Chinese designer, Ping He. Ping is a leading international fashion designer who worked under some of the most distinguished fashion houses including Alexander McQueen. Her touch of sophistication is embodied in her sleek garments and structural designs. For her Spring/Summer 13’ collection, she blended silhouettes of strength and femininity with ease, contrasting in softly draped sheers. Palettes of nude tones, light and dark gray, along with a bit of red to spice up the edge were offered in her showcase. Her fans have included big names such as Madonna and Uma Thurman and her designs show much depth with today’s modern woman in mind.
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Backstage pass FashInvest 2012 On December 11th at the world-renowned Fashion Institute of Technology, the worlds of Fashion and Finance collided on one day, under one room. From the creators of leading venture conference Early Stage East, the 3rd annual FashInvest Capital Conference brought together some of today's most promising start-ups and fast-growth companies in the Fashion, Fashion Tech, Retail and Branded Goods sectors. With only 8-minutes, 20+ emergining fashion-related companies pitched their business concepts to active financiers. For more information on FashInvest, visit fashinvest.org.
Early Stage East On October 4, 2012 at the Down Town Club in Philadelphia, the 15th anniversary Early Stage East (ESE) Venture Capital Conference was held to a room full of eager early-stage companies and top East Coast financiers. With the hopes of securing funding and cultivating new relationships, 25 emerging companies in the Internet, Social Media and Social Enterprise industries pitched their business ideas to over 100 venture capital and angel investors. In celebration of the milestone event, ESE awarded global education technology leader Blackboard with the Legendary Alumni Award for it's sky-rocketing growth and brand development over the last decade. As one of the first companies to present at the very first Early Stage East in 1989, Blackboard CEO Michael Chasen presented a a rousing keynote to the audience. ESE also celebrated regional entrepreneurship growth by honoring Philadelphia-based University City Science Center (UC) for it's commitment to the development of entrepreneurs and start-ups. University Science Center Dr. Steve Tang accepted the award on behalf of UC. For more information on Early Stage East, visit earlystageeast.org. TOP: (L TO R) DAVID FRESCHMAN, FOUNDER OF EARLY STAGE EAST AND MICHAEL CHASEN, FOUNDER OF BLACKBOARD. BOTTON: ESE CONFERENCE MATERIALS
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ENTERTAINMENT | ACTRE S S
NECAR ZADEGAN Researched by Lorraine Forrest
PHOTOGRAPHER: Joe DeAngelis
Worldly and elegant, thoughtful, and ever-changing, Necar Zadegan is one of the most intriguing and captivating actresses in the entertainment business today. In October 2012, Zadegan can be seen in the series regular role of “Gina Bandari” on the brand new, CW series “Emily Owens, M.D.” Zadegan also recently guest starred on NBC’s hit series “Harry’s Law,” and just finished shooting an episode of “Major Crimes” for TNT. Born in Karlsruhe, Germany and raised in San Francisco, California, Zadegan began working in theater at age 16 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. She later attended the University of California, Santa Barbara on a performance scholarship, and graduated with degrees in literature and writing. She has since stayed close to the theater while splitting her time between film and television. Zadegan’s career took off in 2010, when she joined the cast of the FOX television series “24” in their farewell season, appearing on 20 episodes in the role of Dalia Hassan, the first lady and wife of Middle Eastern President Omar Kassan (Anil Kapoor). Her star level turn in the series earned her a slew of admirers, and garnered her reviews that all agreed: “Breakout star of the season,” “Absolutely amazing,” and “Necar Zadegan makes the scene here, with her boiling hatred for Suberov contained, but visible.” Zadegan went on after that to join the cast of “The Event,” as resident villainess Isabelle. In spring 2011 Zadegan headed to New York Raine Magazine - Volume 14
City, where she returned to the stage in her Broadway debut opposite Robin Williams, as part of the original cast of the Tony Award winning and Pulitzer Prize nominated play The Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (directed by Tony Award nominee Moises Kaufman). Some of Zadegan’s other television credits include: CBS’ “CSI: Miami,” “The Unit,” “NCIS,” “How I Met Your Mother,” ABC’s “Lost,” FX’s “Nip/Tuck,” “The Shield,” NBC’s “Undercovers” and “Outlaw.” In addition to television, Zadegan has also made her mark in film, appearing in studio features YOU DON’T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN, with Adam Sandler, and UNTHINKABLE, starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Sheen. In 2011, Zadegan’s critically acclaimed indie film ELENA UNDONE screened at festivals worldwide, in which she plays the title role of Elena Winters. She also played a lead role in the FilmMcQueen production of METH HEAD. From stage to screen, Zadegan is a star on the rise in 2012. She currently resides in Los Angeles, where she splits her time between television, film, and stage work. She speaks four languages, (French, German, Farsi, and English) and also serves as a cultural ambassador for the Levantine Center Organization. When not working, Zadegan is an avid reader of books and loves to be athletic by regularly jogging, doing yoga, and hitting the surf when it is warm and the skis when there is snow. Her favorite hobby is music, and she loves to play the guitar. 37
THE UNSTOPPABLE
By Nova Lorraine and Researched by Carlotta Harrington
Top and Pants- K. Borgella; Earrings - Betsey Johnson; Necklace and Handcuffs - Laruicci; Boots - Jeffrey Campbell
ENTERTAINMENT
Gown - Marteal and Estrada; Headpiece - Sugar Scout; Booties - Betsey Johnson PHOTOGRAPHER: Manny Roman ; MAKEUP ARTIST: Derek Medina; FASHION EDITOR: Renessta Olds; STYLIST: Brittany Morales; ASSISTANT STYLIST: ShiSeer James; HAIRSTYLIST: Johnny Gonzalez
ADRIENNE BAILON JULISSA BERMUDEZ
“I always knew I wanted to be in entertainment, states Adrienne. “After booking my first commercial, I never looked back,” states Julissa. Adrienne Bailon and Julissa Bermudez are best friends and the Style Network’s Empire Girls spontaneous duo.
the first Latina host on BET, Julissa amongst other things is travelling the nation with Steve Madden showcasing his newest collections. The girls take a break in their busy schedule to share some insight on what they are doing now and their plans for the future.
While most may still remember Adrienne as one the ever so popular Cheetah girls, Adrienne is no longer a teenage starlet but a stunning music artist with a
RAINE: When The Style Network took on the project of your own reality show with Adrianne - what was the first thing that ran through your mind? BERMUDEZ: At first it was exciting to be able to work with one of my best friends but it was also intimidating based on what I saw with other reality shows. I was a little hesitant because I never had a full on camera crew in my personal space and life. That’s when I had a mini breakdown because I was so brand new to reality TV. Then I calmed down and thought hmmm…maybe my reality would hit a cord with a lot of the audience watching. That’s when I decided to go full on. RAINE: Any Regrets? BERMUDEZ: I don’t have any because it taught me a lot. For example, when I ran into my ex-fiancé. Other people can learn from my experiences. RAINE: Are we going to see another season? BERMUDEZ: We are still in creative talks. We want to maintain the integrity of the show and do certain things creatively. We both are on the West Coast working on different things and it would depend on our schedule, our creative control and maintaining a certain aspect of the show. We’re still figuring things out and not sure when we will get to start shooting again. RAINE: On the show you talked about being the next Latin Tyra Banks. Are you any closer to accomplishing that? BERMUDEZ: I mean in the sense of having people look at her as more than one thing for example, from a model to a talk show host – with a different point of view to a business mogul. Women like that inspire me; ones who have been able to hone their craft and turn it into a big movement - she has become this big brand. RAINE: What’s the Update on Your Digital Talk Show? BERMUDEZ: I shot a couple of things - it’s a new space for me, so I want to make it perfect and make the most of it. It’s an exciting opportunity with Uno, Dos, Trés and the YouTube Channel. Digital content is getting bigger and bigger and I’m excited to be a part of this project.
Jacket - Krisa; Glitter tank A Stars; Skirt - The Limited; Necklace and Bracelet - Laruicci; Shoes - Betsey Johnson
burning passion for music, acting and producing. Adrienne is keeping very busy these days with the X-Factor’s preshow, her new album with Neo and launching a New York inspired nail polish line, Fingertip Fetish. Julissa on the other hand, is a natural born Television host and crowd pleaser and after becoming
However, I’m still very old school regarding social media. I just got my Instagram a month ago and I’m tweeting more. It’s a new experience and a new world for me. It’s exciting and I look forward to putting out more digital content through Uno, Dos, Trés and my personal social media. RAINE: What’s one word that describes Julissa? BERMUDEZ: Determined. (Smiling) Follow Julissa: @julissab
RAINE: Tell us how you got started in the entertainment business? BAILON: We grew up on the Lower East side and didn’t know anyone famous or in the business. Entertaining was a passion of mind. I was in Community Theater when an agent approached my parents about acting. I was 9 years old at the time and my mom said no. She didn’t know nor trust the industry. I’m glad I didn’t do it that
a doctor and started an internship at Beth Israel Hospital. Then I met a guy, Reggie. He came up to me and said, “Hey, you’re kind of cute, do you know how to sing?” He wanted me to audition for small group. I was fully prepared. I had a gospel song in Spanish and English. That group turned out to be 3LW and by August of that year, I was signed to Sony. I was 15 years old at the time. My career took off from there. Disney was doing a show about a young girl’s singing group; I auditioned and got a role, playing one of the Cheetah Girls. As Oprah states, luck is when opportunity meets preparation. RAINE: Tell us about your stint on the Kardashians? BAILON: In real life, this was whom I was dating. I was invited over for dinner - then there were camera’s rolling. I love that family. They are really fun loving people. I was dating him for 2 years and then it didn’t work out. The break up had to do with growing up. He is a good guy but at the time not ready to be in as serious a relationship as I wanted to be in. He also never dealt with Celebrity and that might have also contributed to it. RAINE: Why the Empire Girls? BAILON: I was trying to re-introduce myself as who I really am. Being on the Kardashians, people got the wrong idea. Many people thought I was an L.A. girl, a Kardashian, a socialite. I was in Los Angeles based on my Disney contract but moved back to NY after Disney and began working for MTV. We had spoken about doing a possible reality show. Julissa has always been my best friend and frequently went on tour with us. Julissa had an idea – she wanted to do a Latina Laverne and Shirley type show. She had a general meeting with the Style Network and then they offered her a reality show and asked if I could come on the show with her. There are many Latin Americans that speak English and who are mainstream. Ultimately, we wanted to show hard working girls building their careers.
Dress - K Borgella; Necklace - Circa Sixty Three; Bracelets - Stylist own
age – I had an amazing childhood. Later, I was attending the The Clinton School for Writers and Artists - a high school for creative arts. At the time I was going to audition for La Guardia High school or Julliard but at the last minute, I didn’t apply. I instead decided I was going to be
RAINE: On the show we see you in the studio working with Ne-Yo. How did you link up with Neo and what made you want to sign on his label for your first solo gig? BAILON: I am so excited. I am finally doing what I want to do while working with Compound Entertainment and Tishwan, who is both my and Ne-Yo’s manager. My dream is to do a Latin infused album but I don’t want to do J-Lo. That isn’t my vision, so I am also working with Adam Torres, Bruno Mars Manager and I’m now recording in that direction. Besides the album being released soon, I have a new movie coming out with Jane Seymour, Chelsea Kane, and Sarah Paxton: Elixir. It’s a fun musical by ABC Family. RAINE: What’s one word that would describe you? BAILON: Ambitious. (Smiling) Follow Adrienne: @Adrienne_Bailon
HA L L I N TON – MAK ING MUSIC IN TECHNICOLOUR By Sierra Leone Starks
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Photo Credit: Jerome Shaw
ENTERTAINMENT
At a Sunday night recording session in midtown New York City, Hal Linton sits in front of the mixing board in the studio. Filling the air of the semisoundproof room is a smooth and soothing track, reminiscent of something off of your favorite late-night slow jam session on commercial radio. Before writing can commence, Linton and another songwriter (Dallyce Cole) are laying the melodies, the foundation, for the rest of the lyrics to flow from. Linton plays the track a few times and decides that it’s not a love song per se, more of the “butterflies leaping from your coffee when she walks in the room” type, if there is such a thing. He then asks Cole to step behind the mic and lull out whatever feels right. She complies at the top of the track as his head free falls and rises in response to her rhythmic vocal patterns. “Give me another one,” he says after her second round. She shakes her head, all melodized out. In a split second, Linton darts to switches places with her. Somewhere, creativity has struck, and he lets it have its way on the microphone, pushing out a stream of notes, one round after another. She shakes her head in defeat. “He’s so much better at this than I am,” she admits. “He wins every time.” The first time many Americans were introduced to Barbadianborn recording artist Hal Linton was in 2009 on BET’s “Rising Icons,” which featured a handful of musicians on their journey to stardom. “In the next three years, this kid right here, that’s the only kid they’re going to be talking about,” were the words to mark from Grammy Awardwinning producer Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis. That was three years ago, and with the major success that Linton’s latest mixtape, “Technicolour,” has garnished thus far, this “kid” may be in for his due shine. Inspired by the actual process of color making (with a possible added letter in tribute to the BWI), Technicolor was a method developed in the 1930s to show images through a single lens by stacking colors one on top of the other. Switch those colors with stories and you have Hal’s latest endeavor. “I feel like that’s where I am right now,” Linton says of “Technicolour,” dubbing it a soundtrack of life. “The stories have different shades, and they come together to make one colored piece,” he said. “Sonically, it’s very visual.” In a time and era where R&B seems to have lost the art of storytelling, the urge to relate to lyrically crooned concepts, whether foreign or unmistakably close to home, Linton fills that void in 14-tracks, full songs and interludes alike. “It’s just good old storytelling,” he said. “That’s what I think is missing from R&B.” Linton calls “Technicolour” his best body of work to date, but doesn’t want anyone to get the impression that he’s the R&B redeemer in response to the times. He claims that listeners will enjoy the mixtape and be shocked by how real and relatable the songs are. “But I’m
not trying to be anything else,” he added. “I just tell stories.” Linton calls his music simple. Though, oftentimes, life is anything but. Emotional connections are far from easy, and concepts like infidelity (Track 8 is named “Cheater”) are sophisticated, at least. What exactly is simple about creativity? —In Linton’s case, everything. “It’s much easier for me now, because I’m just doing what feels good for me and what happens creatively for me at the time,” he said. In three years, Linton has experimented with direction within his craft and established independence as an artist. He’s realized the value in teamwork and sharpened his focus. “The focus is the music,” he said, “telling interesting stories that people can relate to and be entertained by. That’s it.” For Linton, it really is that simple. One of his Top 3 stories on “Technicolour” is “Cheater.” According to Linton, the story lies not so much in the action of cheating but more in the concept of flesh. “I like what that one does to me lyrically,” he said of the track. I’m looking for the answers to the question. Do people really change? He calls “Cheater” an honest song, the capture of an introspective moment. “You just wonder why you do things sometimes,” Linton said. “I wanted this song to be that.” “No conclusion, just a thought,” he continued. “It’s a realization of actions and consequences and realizing that that’s apart of who you are.” “Cheater” is the story of a man who’s at a place where he can’t discern between what’s truth and fiction, according to Linton. He doesn’t even know if he was in love to begin with. Stories are, first and foremost, for entertainment. “I’m not speaking to teach anybody anything,” he claimed. “My intention is to help people in their lives. I just want to bring about change in any form or fashion,” Linton continued. “The poetry and artistry of the music can open your mind.” This particular intention is what drives Linton to continue putting out free projects, as opposed to actual albums.“People have to love music again,” he said, speaking to how artists have stopped focusing on quality and set their sights instead on record sales. “We took the fans for granted,” Linton continued. “The mixtape gives people the opportunity to love music again. There are other ways for music to be profitable than sales.” “People live vicariously through this art we make.” Linton calls it his responsibility as an artist to creatively give his all to his projects. “As artists, we are so important to pop culture and people’s liveliness,” he explained, saying his status as an artist came with an obligation to his fans “I was given the opportunity to document the world.” Less than a week into “Technicolour”’s release, with almost 25,000 views and 8,000 downloads. The world is living vicariously through Hal Linton, headphones on and ears at the ready to hear the next story. For more Hal, visit: http://www.datpiff.com/Hal-LintonTechnicolour-mixtape.394643.html
FRE S H FACE
Full Name: Ashley Turner Agency: Red Model Management NYC Height: 5’11 Age: 20 Hometown: Jersey City, NJ Fun Facts: I’m, Married to my high school sweetheart, I absolutely love animals, I’m African American, Portuguese, and British .
Photographed by Sam Devries; Styling by Pierre Mercier ; Clothing Sarine Marine; Makeup by Jessica Ochs for Yaby Cosmetics; Hair by Kazuto Shimomura; Models: Kelsey Lafferty and Ashley Turner, RED models www.rednyc.com
Full name: Kelsey Lafferty Agency: Red Model Management NYC Height: 5’8 Age: recently turned 20 Hometown: Landenberg, Pennsylvania Fun Facts: Studying Communications and Broadcast Journalism; would love to have to be a news correspondent for a major fashion/media company. In love with the Victoria’s Secret angels! Favorite food is dark chocolate and peanut butter.
Full Name: Daniel Bak Agency: Red Citizen Height: 6' Age: 21 Hometown: Franklin Lakes NJ FUN FACTS: "I love to learn about investing, Jim Cramer is my favorite show and I was a 3x All American and National Fencing Champion, while studying finance." International Connection: Traveled the world for fencing tournaments.
BEA U T Y
International Beauty for Him and Her By Kia Rodriguez
As an international traveler one learns a thing or two about packing the necessities. For her the Little Black Dress - for him, a versatile shirt - a good pair of walking shoes for sight seeing along with a passport, are some of the essentials that every good traveler should have. But how does one stay looking good in between connecting flights and stressful language barriers? Here are some simple essentials to keep you looking like the successful international traveler that you truly are.
1. Water: This may seem a bit overstated but drink tons of water while traveling. High altitudes and long distance travel will have your body begging for hydration. Drink plain water before take-off, in flight and after landing. While you are exploring your international destinations and perhaps enjoying the fine wines of a particular region, ask for water too. Many places in Europe will have bottles ready and waiting on the table so drink up. If not, here’s a tip: Pack a reusable water bottle with you while traveling so that you will always have access to a drink.
2. Essential Beauty App will keep you on the go and on top of your beauty regimen. Our top choice is the Rodan + Fields beauty app on Facebook and for the IPad. (http://www.facebook/ rodanandfields.com)
“Because the majority of people never have the opportunity to visit a dermatologist, our goal has always been to bring the dermatology office to people’s homes as much as possible,” declared Dr. Rodan. With this new tool, a user just snaps a photo, answers five simple lifestyle questions and discovers her PerSKINality and which kit to buy. After identifying her PerSKINality, the user can share her results, receive tips and advice from the doctors, be invited to join an online community of people with the same PerSKINality and receive product recommendations specific for her PerSKINality type. The custom-fit kits include complete skincare regimens to help address particular skin concerns and each PerSKINality kit is packaged in colorful, clear PerSKINality-specific zipper bags (great for taking on the plane!). Kits range from Lucky in Love for those who have been blessed with good genes to Sunny Side Up for those complexions who have been affected by the sun. Visit rodanandfields.com for more details.
3. Yoga Mat: Unless your international travel itinerary includes a visit to India where the practice of yoga was discovered and perfected, then you should be sure to pack your mat. Yoga brings balance to the jet lagged soul and can be done anywhere, anytime. It also shows your traveling expertise because it will fit nicely rolled in almost any checked travel bag. Try this all-natural yoga mat from Rawnique. It is hand-woven from organic hemp with a rubber backing to keep even the most difficult positions balanced. It comes in a variety of colors, is PVC and synthetic free, allowing you a pure and cleansing practice. Namaste.
4. Miracle creams: Whether it was that long layover or an overbooked schedule, sometimes we are all in need of a miracle. That’s when CC or “color correcting” creams come in and WEI to go Ideal Skin Perfect Finish is the beauty item that the smart traveler is shopping for. Acting as a moisturizer and foundation all in one, you can effortlessly achieve that barely there look with this perfectly blended ultra-fine color technology. Key ingredients like mandarin orange and mulberries are full of anti-oxidants while Chinese Licorice will leave your skin soft and fresh. You can choose from 3 shades of light, medium, tan that blend into any complexion. Convenience is key here as these 15mL portable packs will fit anywhere you go, so pop one in your carry on so that you are fresh faced after a long day of travel.
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BEA U T Y
The Essence of Norway by Marilyn R. Wilson
Norwegian born Geir Ness is a force of nature. This entrepreneur brings a strong drive, a sharp focus on what it takes, the willingness to put in long hours and the firm belief he will succeed in every effort. From humble beginnings to owning an established brand, his journey is an example to all that if we can dream it, we can achieve it. Ness was born in Oslo and lived in one bedroom unit in a four-plex with his parents and 2 brothers. On cold winter nights, a trip to the bathroom meant going down an unheated staircase to the floor below. With little space and money tight, the family spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying nature. “I never realized we didn’t have much money because I thought it was normal. You take care of yourself and you work hard.” To earn money for camp and other activities, he took his first job at age 11. Delivering newspapers, cooking waffles and scrubbing floors brought the income needed to participate, but some was always carefully set aside. At 18 he purchased his first condo. In his early 20’s, Ness was hired to work as a tour guide in Mallorca, Spain. While there, local theatre productions for tourists caught his interest and after work he began to step on stage as the “Cabaret” emcee. A visiting producer was impressed and encouraged him to consider acting. Ness had always wanted to see Los Angles, so he applied to study at the Stella Adler Studio and was granted an audition. Almost robbed his first day in L. A., little money, very limited English – this was definitely a “gofor-it” moment with no Plan B. Fortunately the audition went well. What Adler shared with him one day was taken to heart, “Never lose who you are. If you are you, just you, you’ll be successful.” B movie parts and underwear modeling brought in needed income. However, it was work as a fragrance model that would change his life. His first job only lasted 5 minutes. “My friend told me to just spray everyone who came in and I thought he meant just that. I always do everything 110% so when the doors opened I just ran up and began spraying.” Ness learned quickly, however, and began booking with many top brands such as Chanel. Customers were drawn to the blonde model with the Scandinavian accent and often asked, “Why are there no Norwegian perfumes?” The idea began to blossom, so he sought out professional advise on how to begin. The answer? Start with scents you love. The hills of his childhood immediately came to mind. Filled with the aroma of native wildflowers and plants, it was the perfect inspiration. Returning to L.A. after a trip home, his bags were filled with samples. It took five years to develop Laila Eau De Parfum. The scent had to be fresh, clean, light and created from natural ingredients. Each new version was anonymously taken to the streets for customer
feedback. Answers were tabulated and the formula adjusted. After the addition of a hint of watermelon and lavender, the final product received a whopping 95% positive rating. To raise money to produce the first 1,000 bottles, Ness sold his clothes, took jobs as a seat filler and maxed out his credit cards. A friend generously invested. The perfume was named Laila in honor of his mother and her signature was silk-screened onto each bottle. While most stores did not return his calls, the buyer from Nordstrom agreed to give him ten minutes. It took a lot of persuading, but she ordered 100 bottles on the stipulation he take them back after three months if unsold. That was all the opening Ness needed. This was pre-internet, so he had to think outside the box for the parfum’s launch. $5 bought a suit and a red carpet at a garage sale. An acting photo and the parfum were displayed behind him. A photographer friend pretended to shoot photos – they had no money for film – and fellow acting students showed up to play the role of fans. He remembers, “The customers came in and saw me with the flash photographer and red carpet and came over. This is Los Angeles. Everyone wants to see a star. Then they heard my classmates say things like, ‘I can’t believe he is here.’ I sold everything in an hour and had a waiting list.” Ness realized that day that the personal touch is important. When Laila launched in Disney’s Epcot Center, he was there to connect with customers and again sold out in 1 hour. In fact, after 15 years he still travels over 300 days a year for promotional appearances. “Laila is a very personal thing to me. It’s important to meet people and share my story. They become customers for life.” The successful Geir Ness brand has now grown to include a mens fragrance, a new skin care line and more. It sells in Nordstrom and high end boutiques across
the U.S., in Epcot Center, on 35 cruise ships and in 150 stores across Norway. It has been prominently featured at award shows such as the Tony’s, the Grammy’s and MTV. Charity fund raising is an important part of the equation for Ness and the list of those he has supported is long. Time is also set aside to give motivational talks in disadvantaged schools.”They look at this white guy coming in and think I am from money. I share my story and tell them if you really believe and go for it, you can make it happen.” Words for all of us to live by. For more information on Geir Ness go to www.geirness.com.
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BEA U T Y
WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED THAN 3FLOZ?
By Nova Lorraine
Alexi came up with the name and in the spring of 2009, a business plan was born between the best friends, Kate and Alexi. After raising a small round of funding with friends and family, they decided to move from L.A. to N. Y. to launch the business. 3Floz.com went live in February 2010. Alexi and Kate own one of the most unique beauty ecommerce sites out there. Built out of necessity, the two women share their unique journey with Raine. RAINE: What inspired you to start 3Floz.com? KATE: Alexi and I were both traveling a lot together for our jobs and had two different ways of traveling. One of us didn’t want to check a bag and the other one did. I wanted to make it where people could travel with all their stuff while having a simple way of bringing it with them. At the time, there was no easy way to make this happen. RAINE: Who are your mentors? ALEXI: Initially, our families – they’re entrepreneurs; the founders of Archipelago, the former company we worked for and the Women’s Ecommerce Network, founded by Liberty Media. RAINE: What’s behind the colors of 3Floz? KATE: We wanted to give the site a cosmetic feel without looking like a department store. We also wanted to meet the needs of both men and women, so we changed our original color, which was hot pink. RAINE: Your products seem so unique. How do you find new products? KATE: Curating them. Both Alexi and I are beauty junkies and initially, we put together a list of brands that we wanted to be on the site. To this day, our family, Alexi or I, will try out new products for 2 weeks before putting them up on the site. RAINE: What obstacles did you face when first launching? ALEXI: Looking back, neither Kate nor I ran a company. For us, it was a learn-as-you-go experience. KATE: We spent the last two years getting our “on the job” MBA’s. Obstacles change day to day and you just have to adapt along the way. It’s hard to start a company - if you believe in it - then that will keep you going. RAINE: What’s behind the growth of the brand? KATE: We have been really lucky with how we’ve been received in the press as well as a lot of hard work. We’ve surrounded ourselves with a really good team: the backend and our publicist. RAINE: Who are your competitors? KATE: When we launched, no one in the market was doing what we are doing? We spend a lot of time differentiating ourselves - we cut out the noise and make it convenient to get something on the go. RAINE: What’s the most memorable experience to date since launching 3Floz? KATE AND LEXI: The day we were on the view - our site kept crashing and it was also pretty awesome when Star Magazine had us on the hot list before we even launched!
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Raine Magazine - Volume 14
It’s all ab o ut healthy skin ® www.EpiceInternational.com
B EA U T Y
BEAUTIFUL SKIN ON THE G O
By Dr. Michael Spicer
With the travel season upon us, so many loose site of the proper regimen for skin care on the go. Raine takes a moment to ask leading Dermatologist, Dr. Michael Spicer a few questions that will help keep us looking our best while away from home. 1. Now that we’re in travel season, what are some tips of maintaining a good cleansing regimen while out of town? Cleansing the skin is one of the most important aspects of skin care. Your destination may be what dictates your regimen. For example, if you are traveling from a cold dry climate in the north to a warmer humid climate in the Caribbean, you may have to increase the number of times you cleanse. Conversely, over-cleansing can occur on a trip from the south to a more winter-like climate. In this case, you may have to decrease your cleansing routine, especially exfoliating. Exfoliating the skin in dry cold air may result in irritation. 2. With the tropics being a big destination for a lot of us, what are your thoughts about spending a lot of time in the salt-water ocean? Salt water is actually very good for the skin. It has some antibacterial as well as a cleansing effect on the skin. Native Caribbean people are known to use the salt water and beach sand as an exfoliator on their body while wading in the surf. The salinity of the water is also more closely matched to the skin’s normal salinity than pool water. 3. With many planning on spending a good amount of time on the beach -- what is the best treatment for scaring that occurs from tropical bug bites?
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It is almost inevitable to be bitten be some arthropod, be it a mosquito, sand flea or otherwise. The most important suggestion is prevention. i encourage an insect repellant that contains DEET, as it is the most effective repellant. For the chemically sensitive, citronella oil works well too. Unfortunately, even the bestlaid plans can go array and bites do occur. The key is not to scratch - easier said than done. Try to control the itch with an over the counter hydrocortisone or lidocaine preparation will help. Applying ice to the areas will also subdue The itching. If scratching does occur and the skin is broken it is very important to apply a topical antibiotic cream to avoid infection. 4. There are so many sun blocks on the market. What should we look for when purchasing sunblock for a trip? The key to sunscreen is twofold. I suggest using a sunscreen that specifically says “broad spectrum” or claims “UVAI, UVAII and UVB protection”. The other is to reapply regularly, every two hours, and especially after toweling off, sweating, or swimming. Ingredients to look for are zinc oxide or avobenzone, and lotions are better than sprays at providing a proper layer of protection. 5. Are there any foods that you suggest eating while on a tropical or Mediterranean vacation that will bring a noticeable difference to the skin? I have heard many anecdotes over the years, from Greek olives preventing sunburn to eating coconut oil for soft, beautiful skin. I do not think there is any one-miracle food for the skin but fruits and vegetables that are available should be taken advantage of as a source of antioxidants,
Raine Magazine - Volume 14
vitamins and essential nutrients. 6. For those planning spa treatments – are mud baths and cucumber slices overrated? Much depends on the type of mud used. Glacial mud from Alaska and volcanic mud from Costa Rica claim to have healing benefits. These muds are high in minerals and salts and can certainly improve the health of the skin. The cucumber slices are designed to help hydrate the eyelids, but with newer products available to achieve better results the cucumber slices are more for the spa experience. 7. Many island destinations offer fresh aloe as bug repellent. What are some other benefits of fresh aloe on the skin? Aloe in its pure form is anti-inflammatory but it is also quite astringent. This may help decrease any swelling, itching and pain, which is why it is often used on sunburn. Although the aloe may help with the inflammation, it may also cause peeling in persons with very sensitive skin. 9. What skincare item should you never leave home without? For routine skin care no matter where you are, you need your cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. I also suggest taking a small tube of antibiotic ointment and hydrocortisone on your trips - for any possible skin laceration or inflammation. Dual trained in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Michael Spicer founded the international beauty brand, Epice International. To learn more about Dr. Spicer and how you can achieve great skin, visit: www. epiceinternational.com.
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B EA U T Y | TREND S
GLITTER AN D GLAM IS ALL THE RAGE
OCC Tint , KISS NAIL DRESS "GOWN" jeweled strips Photographed by VITAL AGIBALOW for HENSEL Make Up by Kate Romanoff using OCC make up Manicurist - Myrdith Leon-McCormack
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Raine Magazine - Volume 14
METALLIC LIP TAR in TRIPTYCH, KISS NAIL DRESS "BABYDOLL" Jeweled Strips
OCC LIP TARâ„¢ in TROLLOP, KISS NAIL DRESS "GOWN" jeweled strips
BEA U T Y
Why Some Men Look So Good
Researched by Michelle Winters
Did you know that men were the # 1
him to apply products himself and knew
Fortunately when launched in 2000,
target in the beauty industry?
Michele
he didn’t want to pay her pricey, makeup
she had the smarts to own the category
Probst did and created a business out of
artist rate. Why couldn’t the man go to
menskincare.com as well as menaji.com.
it. However, she does not want you to say
where he is already pursuing professional
This allowed a global market to have
the “M” word, meaning makeup. Men are
advice about his appearance? Probst,
access to the world’s first undetectable
spending 33 billion dollars a year on
cosmetics for men’s skin in an all-
their appearance; this is what she has
natural male product line.
capitalized on.
Ten years later Menaji Skincare
Evolving from a passion for
products have been on some of the
the beauty industry and as a highly
worlds most famous and popular
skilled makeup artist with an A-list
faces. Including President Barack
Entertainment
Obama,
clientele,
Probst
former
Vice
President
combined her innate business smarts
Al Gore, Johnny Depp, Kid Rock,
with an accurate forecast of the future
Enrique Iglesias, Donald Trump,
and began fulfilling the needs of a
Justin Timberlake, Neil Young, Jay
growth market in men’s skin care and
Leno, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw,
cosmetics products.
Elton John, Paul McCartney, and
Men
had
the
Tom Brokaw.
have
had
Menaji Skincare is now available
growing up, to know how to take care
all over the world including a
of the way they look. As a makeup
shelf at Nordstrom.
artist she never found anything other
the vocabulary we are changing
than female or theatrical products
the way men think about color
available for men in the market place.
and skincare.
The light bulb moment was when
constant reference as a guru in the
she did a commercial for a law firm.
men’s market.
Menaji Skincare’s
One of the attorneys called her after
formula
look
education
have
that
never
women
By changing
Probst is now a
of
good=feel
the shoot and requested her to do his
researched
makeup for his next big case. “I felt so
chemist and started from scratch.
formula proves successful as men strive
confident because I looked good; I knew
I had a winning combination.” Probst
and
realized there was nothing available for
pronounced
56
and
After
3
found years
Development,
an
all-natural
good=confidence=success!
This
of
Research
to look their very best without anyone
Menaji
Skincare,
knowing their secret.
(men-ah-gee)
was
born.
Raine Magazine - Volume 14
WWW.MENAJI.COM
BEA U T Y | F ITNES S 1 0 1
Staying Fit During Travel Advice From Fitness Guru, Maik Wiedenbach
Traveling, business or pleasure, can pose quite a few challenges to one’s dietary and exercise regiment. Time zone changes, client dinners, a lack of proper facilities as well as unknown foods, can all contribute to a couple of extra pounds before knowing it. So, what is the frequent traveler to do? It all comes down to proper planning, especially in regards to food and training. Let’s cover the diet aspect first. It starts actually before the trip. Whatever snacks you pack with you is your first defense against that jumbo Snickers at the terminal. Even though the food selection at airports has gotten significantly better in the past few years, it is advisable to take some easy-to-carry foods on board. Good choices would be a high quality protein bar (I prefer Quest bars, but any other one would do as long it contains 20+ grams of protein and less than 12 grams of sugar, respectively fat), some high protein bread (P28 or Ezekiel are personal favorites), rice cakes and some fruit. That should be enough to hold you over for most flights. The air on board the plane is extremely dry, so make sure to drink as much water as you can handle. Dehydration also worsens the symptoms of jet lag. If drinking forces you to get up and go to the bathroom, even better. Sitting for long periods of time can lead
to thrombosis (blood clotting in veins). Also, I would avoid alcohol on the plane, since it speeds up the loss of water and can lead to a headache later on. If you have a very busy schedule (day-long conferences, back-to-back meetings), pack your own snacks. Usually, the breaks are not long enough for a meal and you don’t want to choose between a doughnut and a muffin. Again, bringing your own snacks will help you stay in charge of your diet and give you peace of mind. If you know ahead of time the location of the restaurant where your business meals will be held, inform them of your dietary needs beforehand. Most kitchens are happy to oblige - after all, it is still a recession out there. If not, wherever you go, it should be possible to order some sort of grilled meat or fish with a side of vegetables for dinner. Should your boss drag you to his favorite all-you-can eat -pie restaurant, try to eat a high protein snack before hitting the buffet. You’ll be less likely to overeat. Also, one bad meal isn’t going to ruin your physique, so don’t beat yourself up if it happens. Just get back on track with the next one. To stay on track with your physical training, once you land, try to get in a quick, 20-minute workout as soon as possible. This will help restore your
sense of alertness and feeling human again as well as deal with jet lag. A simple body weight routine of squats, overhead lunges, dips, and some crunches will suffice here. Such a workout can also be helpful before giving a big speech or presentation; it will improve oxygen flow in the brain and boost your confidence. Just don’t come in warm ups to the podium. As with snacks and meals, the trick for fitness is to plan ahead, so schedule your workouts! It is easy to get swept away during a business or family trip, so make sure you keep some time windows open. If your hotel has a decent gym or if one is nearby, great. It can be a nice change of pace to train in a new environment, with some equipment you might not have at your home gym and new people to impress. So, take full advantage of it. Otherwise, pack an exercise band or two (jumpstretch.com); they are light, easy to carry, and allow you to train your whole body anywhere. In my opinion, it can be very time consuming and stressful to search for a gym in a new city. Why complicate things when you have such a simple alternative? Lastly, relax and enjoy! Even on a business trip, there are things to see and interesting people to meet. Nothing ruins a body quicker than stress.
About Maik: Maik (pronounced Mike) Wiedenbach is a fitness coach and physique architect based in New York City and East Hampton. He is an NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certified personal
Photo by Dorothy Shi
trainer and AFPA (American Fitness Professionals Association), certified nutrition and wellness consultant and weight management consultant. A two-time World Cup and Olympic trial swimmer in his native Germany, Maik arrived in the US on a swimming scholarship at Fordham University, where he was introduced into the Hall of Fame in 2012. After a stint as a Wall Street stockbroker, Maik founded his company Adler Training in 2006 and quickly became one of the most sought after trainers in Manhattan. As a medalist athlete and scholar, he uniquely combines professional dedication, empathy, and intellectual rigor in keeping up with the latest fitness and health study findings in medical journals.
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BEAU T Y
By Michelle Winters
T he
R eality
of
America’s Top Models CHAMPAGNE DRESS: DOLCE & GABBANA $3,025 NECKLACE: LARUICCI $470; RINGS: LARUICCI $245 Manny Roman Represented by AiR I.N.C.; Photographer Assistant: Angel Guzman; Jaslene Gonzalez Represented by FORD Models Miami; Makeup by Tay Rivera; Hair by Theo Falkner; Stylist Laurean Ossorio
Raine Magazine catches up with three beautiful international faces from America’s Next Top Model. Each have graced our TV sets as some of the most memorable personalities and share with us what they’ve learned from this unique industry platform.
JASLENE GONZALEZ RAINE: What was it like growing up in Chicago as a Latina? GONZALEZ: I always felt like I was fully immersed in my culture. I was a singer and dancer for 12 years, singing and dancing to Spanish music: salsa and merengue. All I knew was how to dance - all I knew was my Spanish culture. I am very proud of being Latina. RAINE: What was your biggest struggle during Top Model? GONZALEZ: My speech - I had to get over fair of talking I was always afraid of speaking because I felt that I didn’t know proper English or Spanish. I would think in Spanish when I needed to speak English. I remembered that fear – and still now I’m trying to overcome that. Also, I didn’t know who I was at that point in my life. I wanted to come in and be a sponge. I didn’t want to be a gimmick, I just wanted to model. Ultimately, the show is about personality - so I guess overcame my fear with that. I was able to play up both my interior and outer appearance. RAINE: How do your clients or fans react to your lean size? GONZALEZ: Most of the time - they think I can gain a few pounds. However, I never had to deal with eating disorders. I have been skinny all my life and genetically this thin. I have always wanted to gain wait but I’m happy with my size. You really need to understand that eating disorders are a serious disease and that a girl has to not love or respect herself to not feed herself. I am very active and I realize that I represent beauty at the end of the day - I don’t want to represent that.
: $3,750; CAPE SE DURAN CATSUIT: JO $1,125; PYTHON SHOES: SNAIL JOSE DURAN EN $1,100; DIAMOND CUFFS: ALEX OLCAY GULS LD GO ; SOLDIER $470 RINGS: ALEX KLACE: LARUICCI SOLDIER; NEC
RAINE: What was the experience like the first sixty days after winning? GONZALEZ: It was bananas. It was insane! The publicist and casting director at America’s Next Top Model was telling me and my mom that they had never gotten the response they got for any other model until I won. The demand for shoots, appearances, and awards - had never been greater! Some included Regis and Kelly, 106 & Park, 4 billboards in Time Square, Seventeen Magazine, Teen Choice Awards – it feels like it was yesterday. (Smiling) RAINE: What is life like after winning Top Model? GONZALEZ: I started my international travels in 2009. It was my first time in South East Asia. I was there for four months, two months in Thailand and two months in Malaysia. After I hit the top in the US and New York, I knew I would only gain more by traveling and going outside of the US. Recently, after going overseas, I was as able to do all the top fashion magazines: Elle Magazine - August 2012, Marie Claire - July 2012, Vogue - September 2012, Cover of New Woman - May 2012. It’s been incredible. The different beauty around the world is so inspiring. I still plan to go out and travel more. RAINE: Do you feel that starting your career through Top Model versus through a traditional agency gives you more or less credibility as a model? JASLENE: This is something that I battled with. As an international model, I have a social responsibility and I am totally honored to uphold and carry that title. I went into it to get a career out of it and that’s what I got. RAINE: Any regrets? GONZALEZ: No. I support myself through modeling. I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor. It’s not been an easy ride at all. I’ve definitely had my highs and lows. To make money, I have to develop a great brand and my brand is myself. My business is up to my bookers and managers. I feel like I need to sell a product, I feel like I have something to give to my fans - I have not been trying to capitalize on my celebrity status and just trying to perfect my craft. RAINE: What projects do you have on the horizon? GONZALEZ: Ron Keen Hair Extensions - I am now their spokesperson. I had long hair at the time when he approached me and I had the fear that the extensions would need a lot of maintenance. They are amazing! They are flexible; you can die them, wash them, and blow-dry them. I’ve already had four sets of these extensions and lengths (and they all look fabulous. I get compliments all the time and they are so invisible that people can’t believe they’re extensions.
SILK CAFTAN: PLEIN SUD $1,300; JIM VILLA SHOWROOM 212.221.0525; JEANS: PLEIN SUD $450; avail. @ SHARIS PLACE (516) 4847400; CUFFS: ALEX SOLDIER; NECKLACE WITH DIAMOND AND RUBY TAB: ALEX SOLDIER; SHOES: OLCAY GULSEN $650
RAINE: What about your experience was unique and how have you inspired others? GONZALEZ: The fact that I auditioned in Cycle 7 and didn’t make it and then auditioned in Cycle 8 and won. I went in for the challenge because I wanted to develop as a model and because I wanted it so bad, I didn’t give up. Perseverance is the key to success and I hope my experience inspires young girls. Raine Magazine - Volume 14
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VICTORIA HENLEY RAINE: What inspired you to model? HENLEY: I have so many things that inspired me. Modeling was something that was innately in me. I was a Walmart model as a baby and around 8yrs old, I would look at fashion catalogs, Vogue, etc. and beg my mom to take me to modeling lessons. At 14yrs, I started getting some runway jobs and knew that I wanted to audition for America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) when I was 18yrs. With a leap of faith, I went to the open call for ANTM and months later got a call for their call back and then flew me out to L.A. for the semifinals. I actually did not know what to expect. I knew that over 34K people audition each year and ultimately ANTM picks 30 girls to take out to L.A. for semi-finals but that was it. In L.A., I met with Tyra, the producers, and casting during what was a very intensive casting process. RAINE: Why were you selected? HENLEY: The producers had a certain brand and type of girl that was featured each year and this year they wanted something a little different, for example, my vernacular, vocabulary, view points, and quirkiness. From the very beginning, the producers and judges had an idea of how they wanted to portray me on the show - they taped a phone conversation with my mom and saw that I really loved and missed my mom. The edited shows definitely over dramatized our relationship, however, when you sign the contract, you can be portrayed in any way they want you to be and make you into any character they see fit for you. RAINE: What’s your background? What makes you International? HENLEY: I am Native American and Jewish on my mom’s side, my grandmother is full-blooded Cherokee and I am Jewish on my Dad’s side. My heritage is something that I am very proud of and have always celebrated. Also, my unique looks give me an edge because I don’t have blond hair, blue eyes and a tiny nose. I hope my uniqueness will carry me far in the industry. RAINE: How has your background influenced your modeling career? HENLEY: I noticed that when I started coming into my own, I was growing in height and around age 15, I hit 5’7’’. That is the minimum height for modeling agencies. This is when I noticed that I looked very different from most girls that you see on the walls of these very agencies. At that moment, I realized that this will give me an edge and as I understood more about my heritage and learned about what my people went through and overcame; I grew a desire to carry on that legacy - something to be proud to do. RAINE: What did you love the most about your Top Model experience? HENLEY: I really appreciated the international exposures I got. It was the most surreal and overwhelming thing to see. It still takes some getting used to know that I have inspired people with what I overcame from being bullied on the show. I also really liked the photo shoots; the Tyler Perry Challenge, meeting Mara Hoffman designer of the Alicia Keys Challenge - it was truly an out of body experience. RAINE: You are currently working on a film project. How long have you had an interest in film? HENLEY: I have always had an interest in doing film. I see film as a way of helping people and hope that the projects I write inspire people. One of the things I like most about film is that you can influence people with what you do. My projects will be fun and different as well as reflect the quirkiness of my personality. I want to speak out about certain issues and be a role model while showing that I am flawed and human too; and ultimately we have to pick ourselves up and it will make us stronger. RAINE: What are some of your biggest goals for the next 12 months? HENLEY: I would like keep putting myself out there and hopefully be featured in the pages of Vogue as well as editorial spreads for other major magazines. I also want to get this film made and produced and submit it to Sundance and hopefully win some awards. In addition to walking for New York Fashion Week, I would like my own TV show and I’m already in talks with a major network. In other words, I don’t want to limit myself. (Smiling)
Photos by Sammie Saxons
ANCHAL JOSEPH RAINE: Who was the person closest to you that influenced you the most to become a model? JOSEPH: Believe it or not my Dad was the first person who encouraged me to pursue modeling. My Dad’s friend, France, was actually the first person who guided me through it and actually taught me the ABC’s of the modeling world. She was and is still an amazing soul and I’m forever grateful to her for her guidance. RAINE: What did you love most about being on America’s Top Model? JOSEPH: What I loved most about being on Top Model was the experience. I made great friends and learned so much, not only about the entertainment world, but also about myself. RAINE: Was there one piece of advice that Tyra gave you that you still use to this day? JOSEPH: Tyra and her team taught me a lot, besides “smizing”. (Laugh out loud). I gained the confidence that I didn’t have when I went onto the show. RAINE: How did you handle the fame from America’s Top Model? JOSEPH: I take it day by day. It is still surreal. I am so thankful for my supporters and don’t at all mind talking or taking pictures with them. I was amazed how many people connected with me shock me. RAINE: Any regrets from being on a reality TV show? JOSEPH: I wish I knew what I was getting into. If I knew then what I know now, I probably would have thought twice before agreeing to be on the show. Though it is a part of my life and I don’t regret it; it just another chapter in my life. RAINE: What are some challenges that you have faced as a model with an international look? JOSEPH: My look does prevent me from booking certain projects but at the same time I standout; I book more specific jobs that love my look. It’s not easy waiting for those certain opportunities and it can get aggravating; but it keeps me on my toes and makes me strive for more than just to want to model. RAINE: What moment in time do you look back on and wish that you made a different decision? JOSEPH: There is no point in looking back and wondering “What if?” If I do that I will never progress. I am looking forward to doing more than just to be known as the girl from Top Model. I want to be known for so much more. I am not looking for fame; I am looking to make a difference, to help my family and so much more. RAINE: After dating Jim Carey, would you ever date a celebrity again? ANCHAL: It’s not about dating a celebrity; it’s about the person. Even a celebrity is human. It’s about the chemistry you have with that person along with other things that attract both of you to each other. The only downfall to dating a celebrity is the loss of some privacy. It is so funny to hear and see some of the assumptions people automatically make from what they see in a gossip magazine.
PhotoS by Manny Roman
RAINE: What is the most rewarding part of being a model? JOSEPH: The most rewarding aspect of modeling has been the people I have met. I have met inspirational and talented people and have made long life friends. I have had some amazing experiences that I couldn’t even have dreamed of. I am so thankful for everything. RAINE: Who inspires you? JOSEPH: I have a lot people I admire, however my mom for her determination and compassion. I am also inspired and touched by the stories of people who worked to get to where they are, when everybody was telling them that they couldn’t make it; yet they did anyways. I can relate to that struggle. RAINE: What would you say to an inspiring model that asked you for advice in breaking into the industry? JOSEPH: Don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. It isn’t going to be easy. You’re going to have to get out of your comfort zone, set goals for yourself and surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed - not everyone is going to believe in you. You have to believe in yourself and be true to yourself.
RAINEMA K ERS
FASHION + ART = PASSION MEET THE TOLEDOS By Nova Lorraine
I watched as the couple entered the room. Mrs. Toledo’s black hair and architectural inspired coatdress is electrifying and Mr. Toledo’s book illustrations on display are unique and distinctive as he. Known by many for her chartreuse-like lace coatdress designed for and worn by Michelle Obama on President Obama’s initial Inauguration, Mrs. Toledo has a history of creating striking couture pieces that always push the limits of design while also offering a new perspective to the silhouettes we wear. Ruben’s hypnotic art spans from illustrations, to paintings to collaborations with other lifestyle brands. He is also the talent behind putting Isabel’s innovative designs to paper. Words can’t express the passion that exudes from this dynamic couple when they’re in a room. Their mutual respect for each other and undying admiration is evident in the incredible work they deliver in both art and fashion. Mr. and Mrs. Ruben and Isabel Toledo, recently spoke to a crowd in The Freedom Tower at the International Miami Book Fair, telling their story and signing their book, Roots of Style, for all in attendance. The International Miami Book Fair takes place annually at Miami Dade College in Miami, showcasing NY Times Best Sellers to first time authors, from all over the world. The Toledos take a moment to share their story of their rise from Cuban immigrants to world-renowned international artists. How soon after marrying did you decide to go into business with each other? RUBEN: We were in business before we got married really… Isabel was already doing costumes for some of our performer and musician friends. She was already doing some interesting clothing and accessories for the best and most advanced shop in the world, which at the time was Fiorruci. I would take them around and show them to the buyers there. I was also doing satirical fashion cartoons- portraits and photography also. ISABEL: it was very informal and in fact I don’t even think of it as being “in business” as we were working together and our buyers and clients were all our friends or became friends effortlessly, most of them we still know today, so it didn’t feel like business. RUBEN: We were very lucky that our careers found us, not the other way around. What are the hardest moments of being partners in business? RUBEN: The financing! There is never enough money when you are self propelled and independent! As artist and creators, we always want to invest back all our earnings into the product, your work, your staff and your workspace!!! Isabel: the deadlines, sometimes I want to keep following a new idea and evolving it but the deadline says not now!
This photo is by RANDALL BACHNER
RAINE: How did you finance your fashion company? RUBEN: From thin air! (Smiling) We have always found a way to make a living from what we each do, so it was a matter of slow growing. We are still in that process after 30 years. We have never had outside financing or investors, not necessarily by choice but we always find a way to make the best of circumstances. From tough choices some real gems are created!! The fact that we were captains of our own ship certainly formed our identity as artists and as a business. RAINE: Mrs. Toledo, how does working with an artist influence your design creations? ISABEL: From Ruben, I have learned not to plan things out so perfectly. He is impulsive with his work; he just starts a painting or watercolor with no pre-planning. He doesn’t over think anything and this has encouraged me to be less of a perfectionist and allow mistakes which can lead to new discoveries.in fashion, new discoveries are what its all about, newness is good for my business. RAINE: Mr. Toledo, your wife is your muse. When were first inspired by her in the artistic sense? RUBEN: From the very day I met her, Isabel completely captured my soul - no kidding; it was complete emersion into love. That’s
a powerful emotion, which of course triggers pretty powerful artwork. RAINE: It’s evident that your connection with each other is very strong. How does your business fuel the passion of your relationship? RUBEN: The great thing is that our business starts with art and creativity, and that is great for your soul. When you’re in touch with your soul you can’t help but grow stronger together. Innovation and creativity are what all companies; all businesses strive for in order to be ahead of the game. When you can combine business with pleasure, you have the best of both worlds indeed. RAINE: How does the business get in the way of your relationship? RUBEN: It’s hard to shut down!! When it’s going well - all is golden, but when it’s tough going, it’s hard to forget it at the end of the day. ISABEL: The good thing is that we are both on the same wavelength; we are both on the same roller coaster ride, and so we both experience the highs and the lows at the same time. It permits a great deal of understanding when your temper and patience is challenged. Learning how to navigate this is a plus. RAINE: What was your biggest challenge in the early years of your business? RUBEN: Again – financing! I could not even get a bank account when we first got married and started our business, let alone try and get a bank loan. It was really hard to join the human race but it did teach us to be resourceful. Creatively we were always taken seriously from the start, but not as a business. I think its still a problem because most people still don’t trust creativity. They view it as the opposite of logic or stability…somehow; they don’t trust creativity as one of the most powerful human resources! ISABEL: And yet, here we are almost 30 years later without ever skipping a beat! We are still doing what we do, with a great staff of about 20 loyal people, a studio everyone loves to come to work at, and we still love what we do!!! We are very blessed to still be sharing and putting out culture from the heart. We have both collaborated on such diverse products as ceramics, furniture, textiles, theater sets, costume designs, advertising campaigns, books and even film and animation, so its not just fashion but everything else affected by it. RAINE: What inspired you to make the decision to not show your collections during NY Fashion Week? ISABEL: The nature of the fashion business changed radically at that point, in the mid 1990’s. For me, fashion was always about the intimacy of clothes, the emotional ties we feel for clothing is powerful and I understand and honor this aspect. Without that we have only merchandise. By the mid 1990’s, fashion became all about brand building and the corporate fashion conglomerates came into prominence. I cannot compete or outspend the mega brands, so instead I choose to be quiet and not to show my collections on the runways, but to let women discover a new shape or silhouette or textile at the shops for the first time. With no pre-conceived idea of how a dress or jacket should fit, it becomes a personal fashion discovery again, an intimate experience and that is very empowering for women. By not showing to the press first, I have given the fashion power back to women. RAINE: How has not showing in NY fashion week helped your business? ISABEL: It has allowed me to put all my focus and resources into my design work, which is ultimately what women, my clients will purchase. RAINE: What three words would sum up your newest book? RUBEN & ISABEL: From the heart…or do it yourself...or it takes two...or life, love and fashion!
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Photo by SHARIF HAMZA
Mrs. Toledo, how does your new book, roots of style, relate back to your own personal life? ISABEL: My story, my work, is how I got here, how I get to meet you and speak with your readers. It is what allows me to share with you my road and hopefully learn about yours. As an artist or creator, everything you do is directly related back to your personal self; there is no separation. RAINE: Mr. Toledo, what did you enjoy the most about doing this book with your wife? RUBEN: Drawing her words! Don’t get me wrong, it was no picnic, it was at times frustrating and unbearable because we both have different takes on the same moment, but this is Isabel’s story, not mine; so I have to sit in the back seat and just help draw out the map! RAINE: What is the best business advice that someone has given you? RUBEN: It’s not really business advise but our friend the legendary photographer Bill Cunningham told us right at the end of our first fashion show “keep your enthusiasm kids” and this we pass on to all other creators and artists, but also to anyone starting a business - you really have to love what you are doing to make it succeed. RAINE: You currently have a shoe collection with payless. Please share how that relationship came about? ISABEL: This is my 3rd and final year doing the Payless collection...I look forward to other mass market collaborations because it allows me to communicate smart and advanced designs to all who are inspired to wear them. RAINE: Are there any other product launches in the works? ISABEL: Ruben has a new line of hand painted furniture for Pucci, and I have something cooking that is still a bit too early to talk about, but do stay tuned! RAINE: What major goals do you see yourself accomplishing in the next 2 years? RUBEN: Resting and napping while on a pleasant, do nothing vacation, hopefully in Miami Beach! It’s been a wild thirty-year roller coaster ride, full of spills, chills and thrills. After this retrospective show at the Freedom Tower, it may be nice to catch our breath. Its milestones like these that make you take a look back and count your blessings before you leap forward. RAINE: What words of wisdom would you share with someone that wants to become a notable couture designer such as yourself? RUBEN & ISABEL: Process is the road to knowledgeable wisdom; you need process to become a master, and becoming a master may bring you notability. RAINE: As an artist, Mr. Toledo, what was the best advice that someone has ever given you? RUBEN: When I was 16 or 17 years old and still in high school, I was lucky enough to meet Andy Warhol and he told me after looking at my art work “ Ruben, do what you’re already doing, just do it bigger “I took that to mean believe in yourself, don’t be afraid, don’t second guess, just be sincere and go ahead and be bold. I think most of us are already are doing what we want to do, what we’re meant to do but maybe with hesitation…so have confidence and just do it bigger! Raine Magazine - Volume 14
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All mannequin photographs are by WILLIAM PALMER
W HERE TO EAT.S TAY.CHILL
FOR ALL THINGS WINE… DISCOVER SOUTHERN FRANCE LA MÈRE GERMAINE By Jesse Nash
In western Provence the medieval village of Châteauneuf du Pape reigns above the most productive and renowned wine appellation in the southern Rhone Valley. The wine by the same name, created by the Avignon Popes in the 14th century, has been prized by generations of wine lovers and is recognized as one of the leading legendary wine regions in the world. In this region, rich in legends, a new one is in the making. It is a legendary restaurant where the tales, folklore and history of an incredible wine live on. This legend is called La Mère Germaine. Although it is called just a restauranthotel, it is a lot more than that. It is the soul of this place. “Châteauneuf du Pape,” roughly translated as “The Pope’s new castle,” refers to the building (now a ruin) on top of the hill overlooking the village that the Popes built and used as a summer palace during period of the Avignon
Papacy (1309 to 1376) and the “Great Schism, ” when there were two competing Popes (1376 – 1417). Forced to flee the political turmoil of Rome, Pope Clement V, a Frenchman, and his French successor John XXII, created this legendary wine by
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planting vines around their château and producing some of the medieval world’s most famous wines. The spirit of this historic past continues within the walls of La Mère Germaine, as it celebrates “all things wine.” The Popes drank these wines hundreds of years ago -- and the passion for them is even stronger today. And so it is fitting that this is the place where today’s local aristocracy -- the winemakers of Châteauneuf du Pape and other renowned Rhone appellations -- can meet on any afternoon or evening
to eat, drink, talk, argue and wheel and deal. It is the place where families come to socialize, where wine critics and wine journalists from all over the world, as well as local Rhone Valley characters and globetrotting tourists, come to celebrate the wines of Châteauneuf du Pape. And they just don’t come to La Mère Germaine for the excellent gastronomic food. They come for a warm atmosphere and a Châteauneuf du Pape/ Rhone Valley wine education through tasting some of over 100 different great wines from the region on the wine list (http://www.lameregermaine.fr/ vinswines.html). La Mère Germaine is a wine lover’s dream.
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When you arrive at La Mère Germaine, the first person you meet will be it’s very passionate owner, André. With a big smile, easy laugh and insightful understanding of your needs, André (in French, English, Spanish or Italian) will bring you an aperitif. Perhaps it will be a small new wine discovery or perhaps a local liqueur. After you settle in to the beautiful dining room or, in warmer weather, the sumptuous terrace overlooking the vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape, André will fill you in on the latest wine gossip and, of course, tell you about the menu and “André’s Special Wine Selections of the Month,” a special list of excellent but lesser known wine from the region at moderate prices. From there on you will have an afternoon or evening of culinary bliss!
W HERE TO EAT.S TAY.CHILL
A Wine Competition For The People!
By Barney Lehrer and Jesse Nash
The Concours des Vins Orange allows the simple wine lover from anywhere in the world to participate as a judge in one of the oldest running wine competitions in the world….
Quite often the decision to buy a bottle of French wine is at least partially influenced by the appearance of a tiny round sticker indicating that the wine had won an award at a prestigious wine competition some place in France. There are more than 100 such competitions held throughout France every year. Did you ever wonder how the competitions work? Who are the judges? What gives them the right to award a certain wine a gold medal? Orange has one of the oldest and largest competitions in France. Held the first Saturday of each year, the competition is open to all winemakers in the Rhone region, including from such famous appellations as Chateauneuf du Pape, Croze Hermitage, Tavel, Gigondas and, of course, the ubiquitous Cotes du Rhone. The Orange competition is a bit unusual in that the philosophy of the event is to make the process as democratic as possible. This means, keeping in mind the French national motto born in the Revolution of 1789, “Liberté, égalité, fraternité” (Freedom. Equality, Brotherhood), there are no elites in the Orange wine award process. Each jury of four people is made up of two wine professionals (winemakers, oenologists, merchants) and two “amateurs,” or just plain wine lovers. In some cases there are wine lovers who cross an ocean to participate! 2012 was the 60th annual competition in Orange. And was quite special indeed! Anne Mourlis, the executive Director and Michel Bernard, the president of the Concours des Vin Orange spent more than two years planning for the anniversary. At 8:30 AM on February 4, the six hundred juges (judges), also called degusteurs (tasters), battled the cold weather and furious Mistral wind to take their places in the large Alphonse Daudet community center. There is excitement in the air. Old friends greet each other. Many kisses are exchanged (in Provence women must be kissed three times – left cheek, right cheek, left cheek and men who are good friends and colleagues commonly kiss each other on both cheeks). Each judge is assigned to a table that is already populated by about 15 bottles of wine, each identified only by a number. Each place is set with a wine glass, a napkin, a pen and a paper with the number of each wine to be sampled and columns headed “Visuel” (visual), “Olfactif (smell or nose) and Gustatif (taste). And every two judges have ready access to a crachador (spittoon), a crucial tool for wine tasting, particularly
early in the morning! At about 9:25 Mr. Bernard starts a speech thanking all of the people who made the event possible. Precisely at 9:30 the tasting begins. For the next 1½ - 2 hours one sees and hears a huge room filled with the sounds of intense discussion, gurgling and spitting. Discussions are about the colors (10 points maximum), smells (10 point maximum) and tastes (20 points maximum). Some comments include speculations on the types and blend percentages of cepages (grape varietals) and the technologies that might have been used to produce the wine. After all the wines have been tasted and thoroughly and heatedly discussed, decisions are made based on conscientious of all four jury members as to which (if any) of the fifteen wine should be awarded either a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Medailles D’or avec Felicitations (gold medal with special recognition). The “President” of each jury fills out a form certifying the results. The form is given to Anne Moulis who immediately feeds the results on to the competition’s website. Two hours after the tasting ends, anxious winemakers log on to see what, if anything, they have won. Within days they get the round stickers to apply to their bottles.
In 2012 there were 2931 wines evaluated. 39 received Or avec Felicitations du Jury, 252 Or, 236 Argent and 90 bronze. The results can be seen at www.concoursdesvins.fr. But that was not the end of the event! Normally after the competition most of the degusteurs travel 10 km to Chateauneuf du Pape to attend a lunch, with each course prepared by a local Michelin-strarred chef and an abundance of wine on each table. There are speeches, processions by the “Conferies” of each major appellation and more discussions about wine and food and life and love! Vive la France!
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CU LT U RE
C OX & K I NGS A N NOU NCE S 2013 TOP 10 T R AV EL T RE N DS
The world’s most historic travel brand and its Expert Destination Managers what 2013 has in store for travelers.
Keeping with its annual tradition, Cox & Kings — the world’s most enduring luxury travel brand, with a legacy of over 250 years — announces its forecast on the travel trends to watch in 2013. Headed up by Scott Wiseman, new President of Cox & Kings, The Americas, the company’s team of expert Destination Managers — all veteran travelers themselves — name the top experiences, travel styles and destination picks to look forward to come January. “Authentic, lifechanging moments are still high on travelers’ priorities list, and — with this age’s tech savvy — sharing these moments instantly with those back home is more convenient and exciting than ever, creating a rich, dynamic dialogue about travel and new cultures,” says Wiseman.
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Myanmar
Insta-Travel — Five years ago, during the first wave of smartphones, the travel industry could not have anticipated the effect posting, liking, picture-taking, video-ing, re-pinning and sharing would have on how consumers experience their journeys. Today, one needn’t fret on where to buy the best postcard — Tweeting a picture or simply sharing one on Instagram drives the “Wish You Were Here!” message more effectively (not to mention with better photo-enhancing filters). “Sharing instantly allows travelers to give to-the-minute updates on where they are, illustrating exciting on-the-ground experiences as they happen — a real-time guide book, of sorts,” says Wiseman. The armchair travelers back home also have the opportunity to enjoy — after all, all they would need to discover a new destination is a great WiFi connection. The Art Collector’s Guide to Travel — Some argue that there’s no better travel memento than a piece of art from an exciting destination. Art collecting on the go is on the rise, with street art — including one-of-a-kind, yet relatively inexpensive pieces — being particularly in demand among hip travelers with a keen design eye. “There’s nothing that tells the story of where you’ve been quite like an amazing work of art,” says Ignacio Vallin, Destination Manager, Latin America & Antarctica, who praises the art scenes of São Paulo and Mexico City. “Now with the ability to share images of the work you’re collecting — through visual apps such as Instagram and Pinterest — art hunting while abroad is as covetable as it is personally enriching.”
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The Return of the Big Trip — As the economic climate steadies itself — with luxury advertising for global brands a driving force — consumer confidence in extended luxury vacations is returning, with tour operators such as Cox & Kings seeing a strong increase in long-lead bookings, several as remarkable as a year out from departure dates. “We remain confident in continued growth and look for these trends to continue into 2013,” states Wiseman, who will oversee further development and evolution of Cox & Kings’ luxury offerings across the globe.
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Safe Solo Female Travel — Traveling solo as a woman can be a particularly complicated endeavor with many elements to consider, including general safety precautions, physical appearance and dress, and specific cultural norms and etiquette. “Traveling with an expert — such as a luxury tour operator like Cox & Kings — helps to make far-flung travel safe, comfortable and highly attentive to the individual’s needs and interests, without sacrificing the experiential rewards to be reaped,” says Denise Gogarty, Destination Manager, Asia & The Pacific. With Cox & Kings’ destination know-how, areas that women can navigate with safety, style and ease include Southeast Asia, India and Mexico.
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Epicurean Latin America — There has been an increased emphasis on the “personal touch” travel companies can deliver to clients, with customized culinary adventures chief on the list. “Latin America is a phenomenal destination to wine and dine your way through, and working side by side with its talented chefs and wine connoisseurs is a highly intimate way to literally ‘sample’ the region,” says Vallin. Food and wine tours through Argentina, Chile and Peru are ever popular, and Cox & Kings is soon launching brand-new, historicallydriven trips to Mexico City and Nicaragua that spotlight modern-day foodie moments.
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Journey to Cold War Remnants — Cox & Kings is encouraging travelers to get beyond politics and explore countries that have figured heavily in our national history, many of which there is little experienced firsthand. With its new 2013 Discovery Group Journey “North Korea Explorer,” Cox & Kings invites travelers to experience one of the most mysterious countries in the world: from hiking through its mountains and rivers to strolling the grounds of its majestic imperial palaces. “Travelers have the opportunity to witness some of North Korea’s extravaganzas that demonstrate the nation’s cultural hidden gems with epic Mass Dance performances in celebration of their nationwide holidays,” says Janice Decker, Director of Group Sales. Other journeys on a similar level offered by Cox & Kings are “Classic Russia” and “Grand Tour of Indochina.”
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Global-ympian Travel — Travelers are encouraged to venture to global hotspots — Russia (Winter Olympics 2014 in Sochi), Brazil (World Cup 2014, Summer Olympics 2016 in Rio) — prior to their hosting of massive world events. It helps that these countries are also emerging world powerhouses. “It’s a crucial time to venture to the BRICS countries such as Brazil and Russia, as these cultures are rapidly changing due to the speed of globalization, economic growth and world-scale recognition,” observes Thor Forsberg, Destination Manager, Europe. “Each of these countries has their own special rhythm, from the contemporary design culture in São Paulo to the dynamic art scene in Moscow.”
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Retracing Footsteps: Historical Trails — The opportunity to venture down old paths is enticing to travelers eager to make new discoveries along the way. “Storied journeys such as the Inca Trail and the Spice Route hold enormous appeal to travelers. This, after all, is how the world as we know it came to be, by explorers forging all of these connections, first geographically, then economically and culturally,” states Seema Prakash, Destination Manager, India & The Sub-Continent. A few Cox & Kings journeys that may be of interest to the intrepid seekers among us include spotting Amazonian dolphins and exploring the Rubber Tree Route on “Brazil: A Wildlife Safari” (13 days, 12 nights) and crossing the Drake Passage via chic expedition cruise on “Antarctica: The Last Untouched Continent” (12 days, 11 nights).
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Meaningful Far-Flung Family Travel — “Travel is an exceptional tool for personal education, and it’s no surprise that some of the most tight-knit, open-minded families are also the most traveled,” observes Yvonne Whitcomb, Destination Manager, Africa & Indian Ocean. Traveling with family in tow can seem daunting at first, but with the planning and expertise of companies like Cox & Kings, family adventures can also be among the most valuable, bonding experiences in life. Whitcomb notes an increase in far-flung bookings by families to countries as exotic as India, China and South Africa — all of which offer activities and highlights enticing to all ages. Sample family journeys offered by Cox & Kings include “South Africa Family Discovery,” “Peru: A Family Exploration” and “Thailand Family Adventure.”
10. Top Destination Picks for 2013 — Cox & Kings’ picks for emerging
destinations in 2013 are based on a place’s unexpected offerings — the element of surprise that these countries and cities bring to the table: Myanmar, for its incredible cultural history and low level of Westernization; India, for the Maha Kumbh Mela Festival taking place in early 2013, one of the largest holy gatherings on Earth; Southern India and Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan, for new perspectives on the sub-continent; the Baltic states Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia — formerly of the Soviet Union — boast incredible medieval architecture; Colombia, a diamond in the rough, home to some great South American adventure, culture and food; and Botswana, its Okavango Delta remarkable for being Africa’s “last wilderness.”
Terra del Pain Cardagena City
Croatia
Pantanal Matogrossen
W HERE TO EAT.S TAY.CHILL
MALDIVES AWAITS
DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL BANYAN TREE!
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The leading international operator in the boutique resort, residences and spa industry, Banyan Tree offers a signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul – a Sanctuary for the Senses. Angsana Hotels and Resorts is the ideal complement to Banyan Tree, comprising contemporary, chic and ecologically sensitive retreats. Based in areas of outstanding natural beauty and exciting city hubs, Angsana hotels, resorts, residences, spas and retail galleries reflect the spirit and communities of their environment.
FA SHION TO L IV E F OR
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OFFERING LUXURIES OF A LIFETIME
By Nova Lorraine
With years of experience in the luxury marketing industry, business partners John Aduna and Marc David continue to differentiate their company, Music and Commerce from the competition. Their distinctive company caters to every detail of the affluent lifestyle from luxury travel, personal requests to access to exclusive red carpet events. Music and Commerce is the “go to” company when clients are looking for the most exclusive experiences, handled at the highest level. RAINE: At what age did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur? ADUNA: I would say when I was in grade school. One of my teachers told me after a class project that I should find a good company to work for. She said having your own business
business at the highest levels. RAINE: How do you stand out from your competition? ADUNA: In terms of execution, discretion and the services we provide, we are a true luxury company when it comes to dealing with this level of clientele. Most companies in our business do not work at this level. We see ourselves as a real personalized service for those individuals who are looking for this level of access. RAINE: What were some of the obstacles you faced launching your company? ADUNA: Credibility was a big one. Most of the time we are fulfilling people’s lifelong dreams; therefore, the trust from our clients remains
RAINE: Was there a key person that was instrumental in your life in helping you make your business a success? ADUNA: My business partner who shows no fear and that anything is possible as long as you’re willing to take a chance and think creatively outside the norm. RAINE: What do you like the least about being an entrepreneur? ADUNA: There are no set hours and no set vacation times. A personal life is can be hard since you are always working around the clock. RAINE: Do you have an inspirational quote that keeps you going when you reach a challenge in your business? ADUNA: “Show me the Money” -Jerry Maguire RAINE: What are some of the key pleasures that being an entrepreneur have afforded you? ADUNA: Being able to meet some of the most influential people in the world. I’ve met International Royalty, captains of industry, not just your typical Hollywood celebrities. We have also been able to travel the world and see most things that many people will unfortunately never experience in their lives. RAINE. What three words would you use to describe your business? ADUNA: Elite - Discrete – Resourceful
was too hard and wasn’t the right path in order for me to be successful. I guess I always wanted to prove her wrong. RAINE: This is a very unique niche business. What attracted you to this area of hospitality? ADUNA: Having the opportunity in working with very well connected and high net worth individuals. That has helped us in doing 78
the most important aspect of our company. RAINE: What inspires you most from a dayto-day basis? ADUNA: That the company is mine! I give myself daily obstacles that I must overcome and I often do. This way I always keep myself on point for the small details. Creative people also inspire me, in all forms of business as well as trailblazers who think outside the box.
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RAINE: What’s the back-story on the name of the company? ADUNA: Music and Commerce was named after Art and Commerce. That company presented themselves as a unique and high profile company representing some of the top creative talent in the world. Music and Commerce always uses them as a benchmark in our current and future goals. RAINE: What do you want to be most remembered for? ADUNA: That we are a company that clients can always go to in terms of fulfilling their dreams in a trusting and proper manner.
Photos by Music and Commerce
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Marketing . F inan c e . Manage m ent
Michael Pilla Photography; www.michaelpilla.com
by David Freschman
MARKETING What are the benefits that entrepreneurs receive from attending pitch conferences and why should they strongly consider these events as part of the marketing plan?
Entrepreneurship and startups are the rage of the day. Every person
give you frank and constructive feedback not just on the pitch but on
believes they have the creativity, capability and insight to create the
the business concept itself. I remember several years ago one very
next billion-dollar company – the IPhone, Facebook, LinkedIn, Gilt
experienced entrepreneur attended our Early Stage East coaching day
Group, among others. Not to mention, the investors, whether angel or
with resistance because he felt he had pitched enough that he did not
institutional are actively looking for those startups. Whether attending
warrant additional training. The feedback he received allowed him to
accelerator demo days, venture conferences, university showcases or
hone his pitch to 8 minutes of explosive impact. He walked out shocked
angel breakfasts, the investor groups are trying to find the next great
how useful coaching was and in turn came to the event with a new pitch
idea and business.
and strategy. His company raised $1 million at the event.
So as an entrepreneur should you consider attending the pitch
conferences and make them part of your startups’ marketing plan? The
N etwor k ing :
answer is simple with a resounding – “YES”! As the founder of two
Networking in the hallways is really where the action takes place. The
leading venture conferences Early Stage East (www.earlystageeast.
pitch highlights your opportunity but the investors always look forward
org) and FashInvest (www.fashinvest.com), I have seen thousands
to the sidebar networking where the in depth conversations take place.
of companies apply, attend, train, pitch and successfully leave with
It is during these sessions that the true deal making takes place. These
investor capital. These events work and here is why you should
conversations typically take place in friendly atmospheres and will warm
consider participating:
up the investors to invite you into their offices for a follow up meeting if
they like what they hear!
Exposure: These events provide you and your startup with
The pitch is only part of these events.
exceptional exposure to the investment community whether institutional,
angel, or corporate. Investors actively seek to attend these events,
P u b l icity :
as they know that the companies who participate and pitch have been
not easy. Several hundred applicants are typically received in order to
vetted. They have been selected by a group of experts to pitch, have
secure a coveted few spots. Typically, these events will profile 25 to 30
typically gone through some level of training and have compelling
companies max. As such, getting accepted is in itself an achievement
enough business propositions that the producers have invited them to
and the events want to make the investor community know with mass
pitch. At Early Stage East, for example, I have seen companies literally
publicity about the event and the quality of the underlying companies
attend their first event, while training hard and fine tuning their pitch and
that will be attending. You can be in this “class” and derive the benefits
subsequently walk out with several million dollar commitments. Investors
of third party publicity and press releases.
also actively attend these events, as they know the companies are sure
to be interesting. This is one of the rare times that as an entrepreneur
Circuit”. Participating in the circuit only allows you to increase your
you will not be exposed to one investor but perhaps dozens or even
company’s exposure to the investment community. You should not go
hundreds in one fell swoop!
to every event as you don’t want to be overexposed but rather research
which are the best in your industry and apply to them. Sometimes there
T raining : These events generally mandate that the companies
is a small fee (less than $500) associated with such events. There is
participate in some level of coaching or training. At the events my
nothing wrong with that as costs of the events have to be covered BUT
group produces, coaching day is mandatory. Why? Coaching days
if you are solicited for ones that cost thousands you should pass and
allow you to practice your pitch to a group of friendly experts (which
move on. What I have found is that those very high cost events are
typically include investors who are volunteering their time) who will
typically not very productive for anyone involved.
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Getting accepted to these events or programs is
In short, pitch conferences are part of what I call the “Venture
Raine Magazine - Volume 14
FINANCE
What are three exit strategies that entrepreneurs should consider when dealing with an investor? Please explain the pro’s and con’s of each exit strategy and why the entrepreneur should consider it as an option.
Investors invest in companies to get a return on their dollars,
but along the way a stumble could cost you the IPO or even several
period. They are not looking for lifestyle businesses as they consider
hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. In an IPO, your company
their business that of investing in companies. As such, entrepreneurs
is also subject to the whims of the marketplace. I have seen many
need to realize that right from the start and prepare their companies for
companies go all the way to the day before the listing and BAM the
exit from the outset especially after accepting investment from outside
general market craters and they put the IPO on hold. In some cases,
sources. Exit strategies seem complex, but there are really only three
the company never recovers and never gets to list on the exchange.
paths to go down: Sale, Initial Public Offering or a Buyback. Each have
Additionally, if you do manage to get over the threshold, running a public
pro’s and cons but if the return is large enough everyone involved will
company is a very different and risky business for many entrepreneurs.
win! Here are some perspectives in evaluating each strategy:
With constant regulatory oversight and the costs that go along with them,
Sale of the Business – Selling the business to a third party is
a public company may prove to be a costly and headache environment.
typically the cleanest and easiest of all three alternatives. Basically you
Many entrepreneurs who go public turn around a few years later to raise
sell your business for cash or a mix of cash and notes. The buyer then
capital to take the company private again.
assumes the day-to-day operations as part of the acquisition. These
sales have made many entrepreneurs quite successful and well off and
alternative for the investor is to have the founders or management
have allowed them the resources to start a new business or in many
buy their positions back. Investors need to get their money back to
cases change their lifestyle. But there are things to consider. First, will
redistribute to their investors. As such, most investment documents
you go along with the sale and work for the new owners. In many
contain language that if a sale or IPO doesn’t come to fruition the final
cases, that is required at least for some short period. It is good in that
alternative is that the investors will force the company to buy back their
you as the entrepreneur could get a lucrative employment contract but
position. This is generally the least desired alternative. The investors do
it may also be bad in that you may disagree with how the new owners
not typically get back a return they were hoping for and the entrepreneur
are managing your “baby”. These employment arrangements typically
is saddled with utilizing valuable cash resources for the buyback. When
don’t last as long as contracted for and there is a mutual separation
formulating your investor documents you should always make sure that
that may take place. However, I have seen in many cases where the
if the buyback provision is in it is far enough out that it gives you time to
entrepreneur actually succeeds and has terrific career success. Selling
pursue the alternatives described above.
a business can be emotionally draining but remember you are trading
one asset for another – CASH!
on is shutting down the business. Many times ideas, however well
intentioned, just don’t work and resources become scarce. The only
Initial Public Offering – This is the “sexiest” of the three exits.
Buyback – If a business cannot be sold or IPO, the only
The fourth exit strategy that exists but I did not want to dwell
Every entrepreneur dreams of ringing the bell at the New York Stock
alternative is to wind down the business. This is the worst strategy for
Exchange or NASDAQ upon the listing of their company. However,
all! No one wins.
before and after the “bell is rung” a lot of work and risk go into the IPO.
In order to go public, a company must undergo extensive legal and
business plan. In many cases, it drives the business plan. So when
financial review, audits, regulatory exams, SEC oversight and the list
developing and executing an exit strategy make sure you have
goes on. It is difficult and it is very expensive. If all works out great
investigated all alternatives before jumping on the first at hand.
The exit strategy is as critical to understanding as the daily
MANAGEMENT
Who are the first 3 key people in order of importance that an entrepreneur should consider hiring when bringing on staff for their growing company?
When should an entrepreneur decide to move out of the
to the ultimate success of the business. What should the entrepreneur
day-to-day operations of the company and what are the benefits and
consider?
disadvantages of doing so?
A startup entrepreneur is a very rare breed. They are powerful
experienced professionals to manage the business is in itself a difficult
presences with unique ideas, enthusiasm about the opportunity and
decision but one that can bring many benefits. Entrepreneurs may feel
the problem they are solving and typically creative types. It is these
they are giving up control but what they are truly doing is freeing up their
individuals who develop concepts to conquer some of the most complex
resources to do what they do best, which is CREATE! You need to build
problems that exist with what appears the simplest solutions once they
trust with these operating professionals but once completed the startup
are launched. They are going after the “white spaces” in the market and
CEO will feel that a great deal of stress has disappeared.
industries. These entrepreneurs are typically very skilled at bringing
teams together, creating products or solutions, securing the first and
business for the first time and in many cases have little or no managerial
most difficult customers, and driving a team to levels they themselves
experience. Large organizational managerial experience comes from
did not even know where possible.
working in large companies which many startup CEOs have never
These startup CEOs have very skilled talents in the launch
done. It is in these large organizations where individual are invested in
but should they manage the day to day operations once the company
their companies to learn how to manage. The startup CEO can benefit
is growing and operating? Well it depends. Typically the skill sets of
from these skills by hiring the right people to run operations.
the startup CEO don’t translate to large company growth situations and
vice versa. In rare cases, have we seen startup CEOs succeed. CEOs
these tasks and duties and delegating to managers you are putting “your
like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Donna Karan have been able to manage
baby” in their hands. If they mismanage the situation it could fatally
their companies through great growth and success but they were skilled
destroy your business. As a startup CEO you will need to really vet
enough to build a team and support structure that fostered the success.
any candidate that you bring in. Make sure that they have experience
Each of them surrounded themselves with successful MANAGERS to
working in a startup and growth environment. The culture is drastically
take care of the day to day operations while they focused on innovation
different that large companies and you want to ensure they can integrate
and creativity. But these success stories are rare. Most startup
well into your organization.
entrepreneurs cannot translate to the next level of management and
most often fail when faced with complex organizational requirements
for all entrepreneurs. Some may succeed in running the day-to-day
and structural requirements. In many cases the entrepreneurs HATE
businesses and others may fail. But as the entrepreneur, only you
doing what they deem as mundane tasks i.e. running the day to day
can make that assessment whether to hang on or step aside. If you
operations of a business.
recognize bringing in managerial experience is a must you will quickly
realize that you can again focus in what you do best, launch businesses!
So it is when they are faced with these decisions it is critical
Relieving yourself of the day to day operations and hiring
Another advantage is that many entrepreneurs are running a
However, there is risk. Many times upon relieving yourself of
Moving aside from the day-to-day operations is a challenge
David J. Freschman, the foremost early-stage business expert and top venture capitalist is the Managing Principal of Innovation Capital Advisors. www.innovationcapital.com. He is also the Founder and CEO of FashInvest www.fashinvest.com the leading global platform for the most innovative fashion / fashion-technology entrepreneurs and investors, including: angel, venture capital and private equity investors.
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BU SINE S S
T E C H TOYS By Milan Rowson
Drooling yet? Lamborghini continues to deliver and not disappoint. So, the next time you are in Italy, don't forget to stop by Lamborghini to get an exclusive look at the new Aventador LP700-4. Although, it gives off a futuristic feel, the iconic style is maintained and who can complain about its ultra V12 engine.
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Raine Magazine - Volume 14
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Raine Magazine - Volume 14
85
B US INE S S
W hose A rt is it A n y wa y ?
by Mariessa Terrell, Esq.
On Wednesday, I received an urgent call from Walter, the
artwork in another publication, gallery or on-line media.
editor and owner of an upstart publishing house. Walter was in
the process of finalizing an online fashion magazine that featured
should have entered into a “work made for hire” contract with the
clever writing, stunning photography and original illustrations. It
illustrator. A “work made for hire” contract basically makes the
seems that on Tuesday, just before Walter was about to launch
commissioning party, Walter, the copyright holder.
his first edition, one of his freelance illustrators contacted him,
If Walter intended to use the illustration exclusively, Walter
If there is no signed written agreement or an assignment in
requesting that he sign a new agreement. The agreement provided
writing, then the work isn’t made for hire and the copyright remains
that the copyright for the original illustration would belong to the
with the illustrator (photographer, writer, art director, composer,
illustrator and not Walter, the Editor/Owner.
production company or even advertising agency).
The Agreement further provided that if Walter wanted
With a looming deadline and a limited budget, Walter has
exclusive rights to the illustration, he would have to pay additional
few options. At this point, he can proceed with using the illustration
funds totaling four times the amount originally agreed upon. Walter
he has already purchased (even though he does not have exclusive
was astonished. He assumed that when he paid for and received
rights to it). Or, he can pay additional funds (in this instance, four
the illustration several weeks ago, that he became the owner of
times the amount he originally paid) and purchase the copyright in
the artwork with the exclusive right to use the art in his publication.
the illustration.
Unfortunately, Walter was misinformed.
Specifically, in most cases, an artist/illustrator owns the copyright
Under copyright law the “person who translates an idea
into a fixed tangible expression entitled to copyright protection,” owns the copyright.
We can learn a lot about copyrights from Walter.
in her art unless there is a contract to the contrary!
When the freelance illustrator drew the
illustration for Walter, she became the owner of the copyright in the illustration. As the copyright owner, the illustrator--not Walter-had the exclusive right to “copy, sell, distribute [or] display...” the
*Please note that the information provided in this article is for general
artwork. In other words, the illustrator could sell the illustration to
purposes only. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a licensed
Walter and to anyone else. The illustrator could copy the illustration
attorney in your state before making decisions or executing anything related
as many times as she wanted. And, the illustrator could display the
to your legal issue or base any decision off of the content from this article.
Mariessa Terrell is President of the Board of Directors of the Washingotn Area Lawyers for the Arts (www.waladc.org). She is an intellectual property attorney, brander and founder of SBC Law Group with over 10 years experience providing intellectual property law services to fashion designers, defense contractors, non profits and start ups. Mariessa endeavors to make the trademark registration process simple and affordable by helping clients select marks that will be afforded the most protection, conducting comprehensive searches of potential trademarks and filing trademark applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Prior to starting her own firm, Mariessa worked as Trademark Examining Attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and helped to register thousands of fashion brands including, Revlon, L’oreal, Estee Lauder, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dooney and Burke, Avon and countless others. www.sbclawgroup.com www.fashiontrademarks.biz 86
Raine Magazine - Volume 14