MAGAZINE
RAINE FASHION . ENTERTAINMENT . CULTURE . TECHNOLOGY
QUARTERLY
VOLUME 9 FASHION ISSUE
MEET ANNABELLE WALLIS
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW w/ JONATHAN KELTZ
Young Hollywood's Rising Star 09
A Fashion Love Story
$14. 95
GET TO KNOW ECO-LUXURY D I S C O V E R
T H E
M U S T
K N O W
E N T R E P R E N E U R
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Raine Magazine - Volume 9
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FASHION & BEYOND
MADE IN MANHATTAN: Behind the Seams In shaky economic times, designers face the rising temptation to outsource production to international destinations where the prices are low and the quality is lower. Here are four designers who have avoided temptation and have chosen to preserve a piece of New York History by staying faithful to the Garment District by: Lindsay King
HANDBAG DESIGNER JACKI EASLICK
Photo Credit: www.marymeyersclothing.com
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For luxury handbag designer Jacki Easlick, starting her own line was literally a matter of life and death. As a former Design Director, Easlick has worked with major international labels, including Kenneth Cole, Vera Bradley, and Hello Kitty, and her busy lifestyle finally caught up with her. “I was traveling constantly. I was either in a different state or a different country almost every single week,” says Easlick. While visiting factories across Asia, Easlick’s mental and physical strength were dangerously tested. “I was on 8 bullet trains and 10 flights, all in a condensed time frame of two and a half weeks. It was like being on the Amazing Race!” Easlick recalls. After her final trip, she experienced a near-fatal aneurism that required an evaluation of the hectic lifestyle she had been leading. During her month-long recovery in October of 2010, Easlick and her husband retreated to Cape Cod, and the recuperation process turned into the creative catalyst for a new project. “While I was healing, I started sketching. My satchel and my tote were the first bags I created. I was really too ill to jump back in the rat race and travel around Asia, nor did I want to do that again,” recalls Easlick. “I decided that I wanted to do things differently, so I created my own job, my own line, my own look, and do exactly what I wanted to do.” While Easlick knew the ins and outs of being a Design Director, starting her own line from scratch meant some serious homework. “I went to different seminars, business classes, and really started learning about manufacturing in the United States.” She knew that she wouldn’t compromise quality for cost, so the factory she chose is truly the best, producing for the likes of Rebecca Minkoff, Kooba, and Botkier. Raine Magazine - Volume 9
Working with a high-end factory in the Garment District is a challenge that Easlick wanted. “When you outsource in China, they’ll say ‘Yes! We can make whatever you want, as fast as you want!’ However, the New York factory I currently work with is tough.” To hear Easlick describe the process of picking a New York factory sounds like an audition for a Broadway play in which she is vying for the starring role. “They don’t allow any designer to just walk in off the street. When I sat down with them and described my history, where I’ve been and what I now wanted to do, they said they would work with me”. Easlick’s collection now includes 8 bags, an impressive feat for only having developed her brand last year. “Each and every bag is new and different. It’s not like in China, where they’ll shop for bags in the U.S. and ship them overseas to knock them off. I’m not working that way. My process is slower because I’m starting from scratch,” says Easlick. Looking at Easlick’s handbags, one can immediately tell that structure, form, and function are at the top of her list as the fundamental design elements; it comes as no surprise that her impressive resume includes a rich background in architecture. As a creative director for a prestigious furniture contract company, she’s worked with the likes of worldrenowned architect Richard Meieir. “When I worked with these architects, I would really pay attention to what they had to say, their taste, their styling, scale – when I work on my line, I take all of this into consideration. When a woman carries a handbag, it can’t look too big, too small, too this, too that -- the scale of my bags has to be right. I also wanted a lot of
convertibility,” states Easlick. The Crossover bag perfectly sums up Easlick’s aesthetic of effortless functionality. The long leather strap is ideal for the girl-on-the-go who’s traveling and trekking city streets, but needs the chameleon effect. By removing the long strap, the bag transitions with ease to a flap; with a short chain strap and edgy detailing, the daytime handbag morphs into an evening clutch. Easlick designs for the woman who wants it all. “If you could have 2 or 3 bags in one, why not?” she says. So what’s next for the effervescent Easlick? Besides constantly pouring out new design ideas, she’s focusing on creating a brand image, one which communicated her love of New York and sophisticated style. She’s also planning new ways to empower women; currently, part of the proceeds of her line goes to orphanages and women in countries from Haiti to Uganda. For Easlick, New York is the heartbeat of her brand. “By manufacturing in New York, you’re creating jobs, no doubt. My factory, my tannery, and my showroom are all within a block from each other. There’s no ‘Made in China’, there’s no manufacturing overseas. Although my prices tend to be a bit higher, it’s because of the quality of the materials.” In creating Jacki Easlick Handbags, Easlick did far more than make accessories. Having added designer, business-owner, and philanthropist to her already impressive menagerie of accomplishments, Easlick found a fresh start that suits her newfound appreciation for life. “Going out on your own is not easy to do, but it’s very exciting. I feel like I’ve blended all of my skill sets from the past into one job, and I love it!”
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Raine Magazine - Volume 9
A shining actress that has caught the attention of many in
the film and television world, catches up with Raine Magazine.
“I grew up in Portugal but I’m British through and
Cinema and The Tudors opened up a door to great scripts. The show was a part of something that was Epic.”
Annabelle is one of a few actresses in which their first
through.” Annabelle Wallis grew up in Portugal for the first 17
introduction to the cinematic world was a positive and strong one.
years of her life and states that it definitely shaped who she is as
She’s grateful that she did a part that made her feel good about
a person. Her mom decided she wanted a new & different life for
herself and had a role that she is very proud of. She played a
herself and her children, besides the confines of the British culture.
likeable character, a Queen that left her throne still in good favor
with her country. While filming, she truly enjoyed her fellow cast
While in Portugal, Annabelle, lived near the coast
of Lisbon – with a large international community and loved
along with the beautiful surrounding of Dublin, Ireland.
every second of her childhood. However, she also knew that to
accomplish her dreams, she would one day have to leave.
First Class, released summer of 2011. She tells us a little about that
In her teens she made a decision that she had to act and her parents
experience. “A casting director in London who was always behind
were 100% behind her from the start.
me brought the project to my agent and I thought it was great and
loved the Director and the fact that he is a risk taker. On sets like
Annabelle always did theater and little films in Portugal
After arriving in the US, she landed a role in the XMEN -
– one day when she was about 20 years old, she decided to go to
that – you either sink or you swim. When working with people at
London for a weekend and never came back. “I new I had to always
the top of their game – you deliver and want to deliver.”
go back to England and explore my roots, I knew that in terms of
acting, Portugal didn’t have enough opportunities for me.”
and the Huntsman, which is scheduled to come out next summer
and Pan Am, set in the 1960’s. “It’s a very cool period piece with
While in London, Annabelle got scouted for a BBC
Some of Annabelle’s future Projects include Snow White
presenting job. She decided to test the waters. She then got referred
a real sense of space. We go around the world – it is all about the
to an agent. “He asked me to read from Shakespeare on the spot
political tensions in America at that time and using Pan Am to
and I told him to trust me and he did – my bravado paid off.”
explore them.
To many of us, acting seems to be an easy, low-pressure
In her downtime, Annabelle enjoys the many pleasures of
job. However, most of us seem are unaware of the countless hours
Southern California. “The great things about L.A. – when you have
of preparation and auditions that go into landing just one role.
free time there is so much to do outside. i.e. hiking, going to the
Annabelle sums this up nicely. “There’s so much anxiety and stress
beach, horseback riding and going out with my friends.”
to admit that you are an actor and the pressure to book anything is
“I grew up in Portugal but I’m British through and through.”
Although in L.A., Annabelle’s family and friends back
home are still a very big part of her life. Her brother is an awardwinning director out of London and she still has a house in Portugal and goes back every couple of months. “It is important to maintain that I am Annabelle before I am Annabelle Wallis, the actress – it’s very grounding to still have your friends that have known you
so great…and when you finally book something, you feel relieved.”
before all of that.”
Now a resident of Los Angeles, it wasn’t too long ago
In terms of her peers, Annabelle admires really strong
that Annabelle left London to embark to the US. “I was reluctant to
women such as Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchet.
come here. I was very clear that I wanted to have time to get good
“ They show that it is possible to be a woman - cerebral and good
at what I do. When you’re acting, it’s all about life experience.”
looking while being clear with what they want in their career with
While in London for those few years, Annabelle filmed the Tudors
the freedom to make choices.”
and was about 23 years old when she finally came to the United
States.
what she works on. “When you are starting out…you have to do
“I was very much into my life – my personal life is very
Annabelle looks forward to picking and choosing
whatever they want you to do --- I would like to get to a point
important – it was important to be in an inspiring environment
where I have more freedom of choice in terms of my work.”
and at the time, that was London. London was always my base so
I went back and forth for awhile; now L.A. is my base - work has
LOVE being on set. I love working on a script – love the director
brought me here.”
being there – when they call: “ACTION!” …when all the parts of
your brain are working together and you are delivering something
During her time in London, she spent the later part in
Dublin rehearsing for the Queen of England in the Tudors with
What does Annabelle love most about her work? “I
amazing.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers. “I feel that T.V. can be just as good as
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Le Meurice, Paris, France What’s one sentence that would best sum up the Unique World Hotels experience? From the moment you arrive at the doorstep of one of our hotels, you are reminded that to settle for less than exceptional art, architecture, service, or amenities is to compromise your sense of travel purpose - to experience the world, one exceptional locale at a time. What is the price point of the hotels on your site? Usually 10% to 20% off of list prices for hotels, on average $200.00. What kind of marketing are you using to gain interest? Are you using social media? Yes, we are using social media and word of mouth is our best marketing tool. We currently have over 6,000 twitter followers and are continuing to pursue grass roots marketing efforts. 40
Raine Magazine - Volume 9
Tell our readers a little bit about the Founders behind the company and their future goals. In addition to hotels, Fisher’s love for design extends to office buildings and he presently owns a commercial real estate development and operating company. He has a cool watch and gets most of his clothing advice from his wife Karen, and sometimes Bill. He has a three-year-old daughter who loves travel and adventure as much as he does. A consummate entrepreneur, he is always looking for new opportunities. Bill likes to wear hats, and is jealous of Fisher’s watch. He is a very talented and loving architect, designer, professor, friend, father and human being. He is a founder of Lightroom, a nationally award winning design firm in Decatur, Georgia specializing in architecture and new media projects for commercial and residential clients. When he doesn’t have his nose to the drafting table, Bill can be found hanging out with his two lovely daughters or trotting the globe in search of adventure.
Photos Courtesy of: BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL CIPRIANI BORA BORA LAGOON RESORT AND SPA LE MEURICE MANDRIAN ORIENTAL
Mandrian Oriental - London, United Kingdom
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BEAUTY
Saky Sacks Reusable bags $20-$25 USD 58
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ET TO KNOW ECO LUXURY with Beauty & The Bags
As summer comes to an end and we slowly but surely step into fall, we as entrepreneurs find ourselves adjusting ourselves to the forthcoming season. It is absolutely necessary to find essential pieces and products that transition well into our busy lives as we move from the beaches and back into the boardrooms. This product lineup will have you shopping for essential Eco-Luxury items, which are those very special items that are good for our dear Mother Earth and also encompass the luxury lifestyle that we all deserve. Creator and Founder Rupa Wickrama traveled the globe for over 20 years - all in the name of fashion doing
by Kia Rodriguez
everything from construction to design before she started Saky Sacks over a year ago. Having been seen on the arms of celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Tyrese and The Biebs, Saky Sacks is starting an Eco-Revolution one gorgeous reusable bag at a time. These bags define Eco-Luxury with their high style designs and high usability factor for men and women. Not only are they durable and reusable, but these bags are washable which is great news for all the germaphobes out there. Featuring bags with a signature attached key ring and clasp closure, they easily carry from the supermarket to the gym without missing a beat. Once your bag has reached the point of no return, Saky Sacks will recycle it for you.
Louis Vuitton Toiletry Pouch 19 $330 USD This is a must have for all of us. The Pouch is not too big, not too small and sized just right for the busy mover and shaker. It is the middle child of the Toiletry Pouch series that is perfect for both men and women. From iPhone chargers to make-up, Louis Vuitton has us carrying it all in Eco-Luxe style. It features the classic Monogram Canvas golden brass zipper and a washable lining. Not a bit of waste here as this pouch will last a lifetime no matter who you are, where you’ve been or, more importantly, where you are going with it.
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INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
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Raine Magazine - Volume 9
Mack-Sam
T he F uture of M enswear
Mack-Sam
by Marilyn R. Wilson
Mackenzie Sam comes by his innate love of art and design naturally. One grandfather in particular, a traditional Chinese painter and shoe-maker, exerted a strong influence; but it wasn’t until high school that fashion became a focus. Unable to afford the labels that inspired him, Sam took to the sewing machine and never looked back. A recent graduate of the prestigious menswear program at F.I.T in New York, Sam is now working as an assistant designer for John Varvatos where he continues to fine-tune his skills. Growing up in Vancouver, his interest in fashion developed with clothing seen in stores and online – all labels out of his reach financially. As Sam attempted to replicate these designs in his home economics class in highschool, a supportive teacher made all the difference. “I was very fortunate to have a professor that offered me the freedom to work on my own. It gave me a chance to learn for myself and develop my own techniques and ways of sewing.” While the professor often received requests from other students, Sam’s work at the time was personal. After high school, F.I.T in New York was the obvious choice. The school offered a chance to specifically study menswear with a strong focus on technical construction. The program also offered many surprises. Sam shares, “There’s a lot that goes into design for menswear that you wouldn’t expect. It’s very precise. I also didn’t realize how traditional it is...My professors have shaped who I am today. They developed my eye to have a balance between a really well designed garment and one that is wear-able. It really changed the way I look at a garment on a hanger.” Even before graduation, the fashion industry began to take notice. First was his award-winning offering called, “The Age and The End of Lillies”. Next was the annual “Fusion” competition between F.I.T and Parsons where out of a field of 30 designers, he walked away with first place. This winning collection titled “Tusks” - a reference to something elegant, but strong with shapes inspired by nature - was expanded and brought to his hometown in April 2011 for a stunning presentation at Vancouver Fashion Week. It was a chance to show friends, family and the local fashion community how he had grown. “This line wasn’t for production. There’s a lot more I need to learn before I dive in. It was for people to get familiar with my designs and see the growth over the last few years.” The garments also presented a clear picture of where this talented artist might take menswear in the future. As a collection designed for the runway, it was free to offer unique surprises such raw edges at the hem in some suit jackets. Wool felt loin clothes were paired with open jackets, slim capris and leggings. Drop crotches could be seen as well fluid draped shirts. Outer wear ranged from waist-length to mid-calf. Colours washed in a flow from Dove Gray to Charcoal to Black. There was a fine line walked between softness and structure that is beautifully balanced. This collection offered a new look on elegance for men that is out of the box, but still most decidedly masculine. While the ultimate goal for Mackenzie Sam is to launch his own line - Mack-Sam, for now it is important to continue to grow. “I am focusing on who I am as a designer and want to develop in all aspects of design first. Loving so many different worlds of fashion and bringing them together not only seems right to me, but is who I am.” If the world of menswear will wait until that moment is right is hard to say. For more information or to contact Mackenzie Sam, please visit his website at http://www.macksam.com. Raine Magazine - Volume 9
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