THE STYLE VISIONARY ISSUE BY STYLISH MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE

VOLUME II

THE STYLE VISIONARY ISSUE Fashion Designer and Former New York Club Kid

Richie Rich

Team STYLISH Editor: Marane Plaza Art Director: Niel Santiago Tayao Writers Jove Moya Rad Ashley Esguerra

EDITOR’S NOTE

W

e welcome you to our first ever special edition: “The Style Visionary Issue”.

A style visionary for me is someone who has his own vision on how he can contribute to the world of fashion and beauty with his amazing talents and innate creativity.

Our cover star Richie Rich is certainly a style visionary.

He was first introduced to the world with his outrageous style persona as a New York Club Kid in the early ‘90s, and had reinvented himself as a fashion designer by 2000s-- starting off with designing clothes for Sex & the City’s famous Carrie Bradshaw. Heatherette, his clothing line with co-founder Traver Rains, had been the fashion industry’s cult favorite in 2010s and a regular at the New York Fashion Week. His creations were famously worn by supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kimora Lee-Simmons and socialite Paris Hilton- to name a few.

“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.”

Albert Einstein

I first met Richie Rich at an event I organized with New York’s Metropolitan Magazine during New York Fashion Week S/S2019 at the Jue Lan Club in Manhattan. He was introduced to me by fashion designer and milliner Tracy Dizon, who is also based in New York (and is also featured in this Style Visionary Issue). Their out-of-the-box fashion statements, matched with their super fun personalities, had definitely made our event so amazing! Right off the bat, Richie Rich was so friendly, funny and super nice!

For The Style Visionary Issue, it is our goal to document how style visionaries are doing during these uncertain times. And I know that Richie Rich’s strong and vibrant personality and creativity can overcome any challenges and tribulations. So I asked him to be our cover star in an effort to inspire and inform people that this season can still turn out to be a good time to get in touch with

ourselves and our creativity. Richie Rich is certainly a style visionary through and through, using his time spent at home to produce his newest glam adventure: the world’s first ever virtual beauty club BeautyKween. com. “Giiirl, I am meeting my staff on Zoom and I am still wearing my heels in my living room!” he beamed.

Another thing he got busy with was through sharing his brilliance as he specifically produced this cover shoot for Stylish Magazine’s The Style Visionary Issue-- and I could not be more grateful. Plus, learning his story more deeply has been a gift for me, too.

Most of us are ordered to stay at home, and we have always wondered, how do fashion designers and style creatives cope? Turns out, just like Richie Rich, their talents, creativity, vision and good hearts are what have kept their souls alive. And I am not at all surprised, honestly. I am beyond grateful that these fashion visionaries had taken some time to share their stories and routines this pandemic through written words and visual narratives. Each of them had shared their photos, what they have been up to, and how they are keeping their creativity and style vision alive despite these unusual times. New York-based milliner Tracy Dizon and shoe designer Sherwayne Mahoney have shared with us how they have been coping, while Manila-based fashion designers Kirby Cruz, Fred Telarma and fashion illustrator Ehrran Montoya have embraced their creativity even more, making it their refuge and strength.

These style visionaries have proven that when all turns dark, we can always search within our soul to find some little joy with just a little creativity. And matched with our good hearts, we can always extend that spark of happiness to others, inspire and help people and remind ourselves that we are indeed all in this together.

Hope The Style Visionary Issue of Stylish Magazine can inspire you to turn that sun on from deep inside your soul, too. Creativity can be as lovely as growing your own

garden, designing your new creative space or even as simple as applying your makeup to keep you sane! Hold on to that joy and creativity, and hopefully soon, we can all overcome this.

There’s one thing sure about 2020-- it is everything but typical. We are all faced with very unusual circumstances that have forced us to find within ourselves the strength to live each day despite uncertainty, the common sense to function with precautions to take care of our health and those around us and hopefully, a huge amount of faith that eventually, this pandemic would be all over soon across the world.

Much love, Marane Plaza Editor-in-Chief

FASHION TRANSITION

WFH MOOD

Make your work from home lifestyle funner with these fresh takes on Zoom-appropriate ensembles.

Suit and flops? Why not.

Photography & Concept: Alex Villaluz (@villaluzalex) Model: Rachel Miranda (@mirandarasch) Hair: Matt Delos Santos (@theng4u) Makeup: Kat Munar (@katmunar) Designer Suit Set: Dona Lim (@dona.lim) Available at Tryst Studio (@tryst.studio) at the Powerplant Mall

Lemons are worth the squeeze.

Balancing a healthy lifestyle and productive work life at home can feel like life is throwing lemons at you. But keep your head up, buttercup. It’ll be worth it.

Zoom-ready. Play up your corporate look at home, even if your godet skirt won’t prolly make it on the cam.

Top: French brand Lex Expatries (@lesexpatries) Skirt: Hungarian brand AERON @aeronstudio Available at Tryst Studio (@tryst.studio) at the Powerplant Mall

On your down time, can’t hurt to turn up the fun with a pop of color on your eyeshadow.

Top: French brand Lex Expatries (@lesexpatries) Available at Tryst Studio (@tryst.studio) at the Powerplant Mall Makeup by: Kat Munar (@katmunar) Base Makeup:: RCMA Cream Foundation Cover FX Enhancer Drops Laura Mercier Translucent Powder NARS Casino Bronzer Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Rose Eyes: Kryolan Aquacolor Palette Teviant Queen Eyeshadow Palette BYS Neon Eyeshadow Palette Kryolan Black Cream Eyeliner Tarte Better than Sex Mascara Lips: MakeUp ForEver Lip Pencil 5C Mac Lipstick in Whirl Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer

Flowy silhouettes are for at-home shenanigans, and vise versa.

Dress: Italian brand Federica Tosi (@federicatosi) Available at Tryst Studio (@tryst.studio) at the Powerplant Mall

Live a little. Explore your backyard.

Ensemble: Italian brand LABO ART (@laboart) Available at Tryst Studio (@tryst.studio) at the Powerplant Mall

R THE CREATIVE SPECTRUM OF

RICHIE RICH Text by Marane A. Plaza

From a professional figure skater, to being New York ‘90s nightlife scene’s iconic Club Kid, then a musician and celebutante, to now being the founder of New York Fashion Week’s cult fave Heatherette, to now the creator of the world’s first ever virtual beauty club, Richie Rich is the OG style visionary, recreating himself through many phases and seasons in fashion and beauty.

Richie Rich is a chameleon in style and in life.

Cover Image Production by: www.beautykween.com Virtual Photo Creative Direction: Retro Stinga Virtual Styling: Shelly Bromfield Jewelry: @ericksonbeamon #stephendweck Blouse: @riskgalleryboutique

L

ong before influencers on Instagram were a thing, ‘90s New York had Club Kids-- and the most fashionable was Richie Rich. But Club Kids were definitely more than just giving rise to influence on a platform. Club Kids were a social revolution, hyper creativity, gender-bending forces of style and larger-than-life representation of what nightlife and pop culture was like emanating from New York.

Thus, Club Kids were setting a new trend throughout the world pre-Millenium.

love for her enough for putting me on the fashion map”, Richie shared with us.

That kicked off the launch of his very own clothing line Heatherette along with Designer Traver Rains. “I couldn’t have done this brand without linking up with Traver Rains and Zach Augustine, we built a powerhouse together!”, Richie stated.. Heatherette became an instant cult favourite-- as worn by Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Gwen Stefani, Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey, Aerosmith, Britney Spears, and other famous faces.

All that music-filled, dance floor gyrating, sexy energy The fashion brand had become a regular on the many transitioned into wild self-expression in the nightlife seasons of New York Fashion Week too, as his creations scene, and Club Kids were the off-the-wall queen bees. were walked down the runway season after season.

They would spend an entire day creating their outlandish Heatherette also had a highly sought after collaboration clubbing, fashion looks that their party personas would with MAC Cosmetics and the launch was attended by wear for the night. This overflowing artistry presented Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, and Teyana Taylor. All an alternative culture for the city, as the group of Club while Richie continued touring around the world as a Kids turned clubbing into an international phenomenon. well-known personality, trend-setter, taste-maker and a Soon they’d become regular guests at various national music performer. “We started doing photo shoots by our TV talk shows, red-carpet events, fashion shows, and friend David LaChapelle and styled by the fabulous radio stations in America, and in different parts of the Patti Wilson. We started to show on the runway - Paris world. And Richie Rich was getting loads of attention.

Hilton walked in our first Heatherette show with Amanda Lepore. They became our muses.”

Though initially introduced to the public as one of the flamboyant Club Kids, Richie Rich successfully Soon, the fashion glitteratti dubbed Richie Rich as transformed himself into everyone’s favourite fashion “New York’s McQueen”. The designer recounts that it designer by 2000s. He designed iconic looks was definitely a dream come true for him. including for Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw at the height of the Sex and the City series popularity.

“Designing began from when I was a little kid, draw“When I got to NYC I quickly saw that Patricia Field ing my Halloween costumes that my mom would also was setting all the trends in fashion here and help create with me. I always knew I’d wrap my world internationaly in a big, big way. So when she around fashion, music and pop culture all swirled approached me to lend a design for the show, that together. I constantly have ideas and images going changed fashion forever with her style vision I was through my creative DNA,” he said. gagging. And Pat is still changing fashion today, and I will never be able to thank her enough or show my

At-home selfies sent by Richie Rich

At-home selfies sent by Richie Rich

Rich Beginnings, Rich Artistry “I was born in New Jersey with my two older brothers.

All of us were very close in a very loving household,” the designer narrated. “My father worked in NYC and he and my mother took us some weekends to see Broadway shows. That is where my young, creative mindexploded! The dancing, the energy-- I wanted to stand up in the audience and sing for everyone! When we would get back home, I would sketch the costumes I saw from the shows, putting my own twists on them!”

The creative energy of New York has always inspired the young Richie, and he knew he wanted to be based in the city that never sleeps someday--New York City.

“I always wanted to live in the Big Apple, I mean who didn’t want to live in NYC? But we moved from New Jersey to California when I was young. So by then, I lived very near to San Francisco and I was getting an entirely fresh vibe on a beautiful culture,” he said.

Always inclined into creativity and arts, Richie recalls a special moment in his school life when an art teacher gave him some books on Warhol, Keith Haring and Basquiat. “That art teacher would always tell me that I belonged in the Big Apple. So I would read and read and read those books! I knew one day I would get there!”

“I always did theatre in school. In San Francisco, I also formed a band called ‘Richie Rich and the Tambourines’”, he recalled. “I would write songs.”

Aside from performing, sketching clothes and making music, Richie was also very into figure skating.

“Growing up, my parents Carol and Joe, would take us to a show called ‘The Ice Capades’. I became interested in figure skating, and soon I was competing. I always

made what I wore for competitions. From my ice skating days, my mom would sew my outfits based on the designs in my sketches, and I would wear them for all my competitions. The other kids on the ice all wanted to know where to buy my looks!”

Soon, Richie was invited to be one of the stars of the show. “By 18 years old, I was offered to audition for the show I had seen years before with my family-- ‘The Ice Capades’ by a big Hollywood agent. And next thing I know, I found myself joining the show,” he beamed.

“I flew on a wire in the arenas and worked with magicians, tigers and even a lion! It was amazing to fly first class, get picked up in big limousines and learn about the touring life when I was figure skating!”

Reaching Rich It was also in his teenage years when Rich would first discover the fun in clubbing.

“I was going to the clubs with my friends, getting dressed up together even though sometimes we didn’t know how we would ever get in, but we did so by the way we presented ourselves in our glitter inspired ‘looks’. The official first club my fabulous friend Kenya took me to in San Francisco was called the Ibeam. It was an amazing paradise! I was a total fish out of water but I worked it! The club owner noticed me and hired me on the spot to dance at the bar-- in my sequins!”

When the owner asked the future designer what his ‘stage name’ was, he immediately yelled Richie Rich.

“My friends in school called me that!” he said.

“For going out, I created clothes that I couldn’t get my hands on, or what didn’t exist,” he said. “People started

to call me a club kid and unbeknownst to me, there was a movement starting to happen in NYC,” he said.

“Although I was dancing in the clubs in San Francisco, I knew New York was calling in my heart.”

Turning Point “So one weekend in San Francisco, the Club Kids from New York came to town and held a contest and I won it!”

Winning that contest started Richie Rich’s publicity blitz, and was an introduction of Richie Rich the superstar to the world. The contest organizers went back to New York, and immediately put posters of the image of Richie Rich all over the sides of some buildings for the opening of a big, new, fabulous club in New York.

“I didn’t know anybody in New York, but I had no fear-- just excitement! I dreamed big and I always believed in my positive energy. I was having so much fun! My art teacher had introduced me to the iconic artists of NYC through books, and all those times I had always wished big, and it was finally happening for me.”

The designer noted that by the time he was in NYC, he knew right away that he would change the game in culture and fashion. “Our fashion looks were all inspired by not having any rules, so you could be the ultimate version of yourself.”

Soon, the out-of-this-world stylings and dance club performances of Club Kids made such a huge craze in New York, and in the USA. “For me, the moment I knew the Club Kids were getting our statements out there on individuality, fluidity and self-expression was when I was on The Joan Rivers Show. I would get fan-mails like crazy from kids that wanted to join our posse,” he said.

It was this era when the Club Kids had truly started the conversation on gender fluid style. “Having inspirations from Bowie, Debbie Harry, Leigh Bowery, Boy George and Madonna, gender was never a question with the Club Kids. Our motto has always been, ‘be yourself’,” he said.

“We didn’t realize the impact it would have as an inspiration as we started conversations on gender, self-expression and creativity. I believe we helped to spread love and confidence in the youth generation.”

Rich would always dabble on music too while performing at the clubs. “While I was performing at a benefit, NYC club DJ and producer Larry Tee had seen me perform. Larry had become super famous and written the hit ‘Supermodel’ with Rupaul. When I moved to New York we recorded my song ‘Love You a Million’,” he said.

“I then recorded a cover of ‘Magic’ from the cult-classic film Xanadu and remixed it for the clubs. I also wrote ‘Collision’, and did other music collaborations with amazing artists in NYC. It became a thing for me, and I toured in the US, Europe and Japan. So much fun!

My original outlet into my music was the clubs. That is clearly what led to my musical journey and inspiration.

I’m still writing fun songs as we speak,” Richie said.

During his club stints, TV appearances and performances, Richie Rich has always stood out with his fashion choices. “Three of my favorite fashion staples among my Club Kid creations would be my big vanity hand mirrors to start conversation with people, my roller skates which I would wear down my runways, and the hand-beaded sequined jacket I wore years later on The Joan Rivers Show,” the designer said.

“As I was creating my looks for the clubs, I was asked a lot by people to create pieces for them. It was then that

At-home selfies sent by Richie Rich

Richie Rich’s new venture is the world’s first virtual beauty club: www.beautykween.com

nightlife impresario and social-scene legend Susanne Bartsch encouraged me to put my collection in her friend’s boutique. Susanne has an amazing relationship with the fashion industry and looks so fabulous in everything!”’

By 1999, Richie Rich and co-founder Traver Rains founded fashion brand Heatherette, just in time for Richie’s perfect transition from a fashionista celebutante to a respected fashion designer and visionary.

Heatherette became an instant iconic fashion line since its launch, a fashion toast of New York. It has become a constant on the runways of New York Fashion Week for many seasons, ramped by supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kimora Lee-Simmons and heiress Paris Hilton, and even Ellen Degeneres to name a few, and often featured

by Vogue Magazine and other top fashion publications in the world. Heatherette was carried by more than a hundred stores in the US, and had its own in-store boutique at Macy’s in Herald Square in New York.

The brand also dressed up Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw on the hit HBO series Sex and the City.

A couple of the fashion critiques’ raved collections of Heatherette are its NYFW RTW Fall 2007 collection, and its NYFW RTW Fall 2008 collection the following year. The Fall 2007 RTW show was a runway fashion take on The Wizard of Oz titled “Over the Rainbow”—made of uber colorful yet wearable pieces of mini and maxi dresses, jumpsuits to even leather trench dresses, mixed with outrageous fashion numbers you could only expect from a Heatherette runway show. Meanwhile, the Fall 2008 show was dubbed as “Star-Spangled Smiles”, a series of red, white and blue creations, some with gingham prints, others

with camouflage while others are simply Americana-inspired, but the fabulous fashion kind.

One remarkable Heatherette creation that would be documented as its most timeless and iconic ones is the infamous Hello Kitty ensemble, which was first presented at the Mercedes-Benz runway show at the Los Angeles Fashion Week Fall 2003. The Hello Kitty x Heatherette fashion piece was one of the chosen pieces displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Met Gala 2019’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” exhibit.

Heatherette later on had a collab collection with MAC Cosmetics in 2008—a true pioneer endevour that would only start the trend and pave the way for today’s influencer marketing culture.

Fashion became the center of Rich’s career, and after Heatherette he continued shocking the runways from Beverly Hills to Tokyo, with help from the likes of Ellen DeGeneres, Pamela Anderson, Dita Von Teese, Kelly Osbourne and Boy George. Celebrities, rock stars, and hip hop legends, throughout the globe called upon Rich for his camera-ready styles and one-of-a-kind designs that always catch attention and lots of fun.

New Beauty Beginning Through the years, Richie Rich has become an icon and a fixture of the worldwide fashion, entertainment, and pop-culture scene. He has successfully made a name for himself as a bigger-than-life embodiment of glitz, glam, style and art. And now, his passion is a new virtual makeup world--BEAUTYKWEEN.com. “I’m so excited for this epic, magic, rainbow ride into BEAUTYKWEEN by joining forces with the sought-after fashion-entertainment genius and hitmaker Mister D of Hollywood,” he said. “Nobody has their

finger on the pulse of pop-culture like Mister D, and with Larry Namer the founder of E! Television is onboard as well. We are headed to the moon, the stars, and beyond with BEAUTYKWEEN!” Rich proudly declared.

Log on to the website and instantly, you will be blown away and be taken into a virtual world of glam and art.

As a member of the virtual beauty club, you’d have access to different digital beauty shows worldwide, and be treated to the exclusive beauty secrets of the biggest names in Hollywood.

“Together, we are at the helm of THE next generation beauty empire! It’s a new experience for makeup junkies everywhere! You wanna know the secret new “it”-spot on the internet? It’s BEAUTYKWEEN.COM, the world’s first cyber beauty club that everyone has only dreamed of! And of course all my famous friends are already asking me about BEAUTYKWEEN. And a whole new set of Club Kids will now be born out of it. Everyone can join the fun and become a member at www.beautykween.com! So get ready for the glam, cause everybody is a star and the glitter will be oozing out of your mobile phone!” Richie said.

Creativity And A Dream Richie Rich believes that fashion and art are always instrumental in sending revolutionary messages that inspire some changes in the society—as he had personally seen during his revolutionary days as a Club Kid, a music performer and a fashion designer.

“When we get downtime, I have been so fortunate to do whatever outreach I can with local charities that help many less fortunate people cope with various situations.

I try to also add my own silver lining to everyone I get to virtually meet these days, and let them know their

rainbow is always shining! I continue to pray for everyone’s health, and safety.”

“These days, you can always catch me on my couch with a great pair of Chanel stilettos on at midnight mixing up future legendary colors that Pantone would be gagging for,” he said.

“I believe whenever society makes a conscious shift for positive change, it reflects onto the arts and fashion too, bringing creativity back to a sense of one’s DNA mixed with one’s DIY! That’s when fashion dreams really come alive! We all need to stick together and dream!

My mantra has always been ‘Never stop dreaming and always ride that rainbow! BOOM!”

Remarkable Richie Rich Fashion Staples:

Vanity mirror on hand during TV appearances, roller skates for strutting down the runway and a sequined jacket for being a professional clubbin’ celebutante!

The Birth of

HEATHERETTE Richie Rich jumpstarted his fashion design career when Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field asked him to make style pieces for Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw. He later on launched his own line with Traver Rains called Heatherette

Richie Rich’s design for Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw on iconic TV series Sex and the City

Naomi Campbell and Paris Hilton wearing Heatherette

Richie Rich and Traver Rains at a NYFW Heatherette show

Heatherette at the New York Fashion Week Fall 2007 : Over The Rainbow An outrageous fashion take on The Wizard of Oz

Heatherette Fall 2008: Star-Spangled Smiles Gingham, Camouflage and Americana

Richie Rich’s Pop Culture Influence Richie Rich was one of the pioneers in co-branding.

Heatherette’s makeup collection in partnership with MAC Cosmetics was a huge hit in 2008.

The Heatherette collab collection with MAC Cosmetics

Hello Kitty ensemble by Heatherette that would later on be showcased at the Met Gala 2019’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” exhibit at the Metropolitan Art of Museum in New York

At-home selfies sent by Richie Rich At the launch event of MAC x Heatherette, with Kim Kardashian

Richie Rich

Mister D

RICHIE RICH’S NEW GLAM VENTURE

BEAUTYKWEEN.COM Style visionary Richie Rich is out here launching the world’s first ever virtual beauty club BEAUTYKWEEN.COM. His co-founder Mister D is known in Hollywood as Branding God, as he was the genius behind successful campaigns for NARS Cosmetics and Victoria’s Secret-- to name a few. Another co-founder of BEAUTYKWEEN is Larry Namer, founder of E! Television.

CITY GIRL COUTURE Creative Producer: Marane A. Plaza Fashion Designer: Oz Go Assistant Producer: Paulyn Ross A. Castro Photographer: Roj Miguel Hair & Makeup: Joseph Madrid Models: Athena Lee & Gayle Panajon

K - Beauty isForever Photography and Concept: Alvin Chua(@no_name_ph) Model: Stef Ramos (@steffiramosxx) Hair and Makeup: Kat Munar (@katmunar)

Base Makeup: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer Cover FX Enhancer Drops Hourglass Illume Sheer Color Trio Palette Laura Mercier Translucent Powder Glossier Cloud Paint

Eyes: Teviant Amore Eyeshadow Palette MAC Kohl Eyeliner Pencil Heroine Make Volume and Length Mascara

Lips: Estee Lauder Pure Envy Lipstick

BEAUTY PICKS

AHC’S The Pure Real Eye Cream For Face

TEVIANT’S Claim to fame Lip Spell Lipstick

TEVIANT’S Amore Eyeshadow Palette

This K-beauty cult fave is so light on skin! In Korea, two tubes of these are being sold per minute. And it is for good reasons. This eye cream is made of natural ingredients and can be applied in your full face.

A sugar coral with pink undertone shade from Pia Wurtzbach exclusive lipstick collection.

Paraben-free, cruelty-free and made in Italy, this lightweight lippie with rich color is a good bet.

Lovin’ this because of its soft and earth-toned shades for a soft, everyday look, and with various shades of nude that’s suitable for all skin tones.

₱750.00 Available at www.teviant.com

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30ml for ₱920.00 Available at www.watsons.com.ph

On responding to pandemic: “I came up with our own design of 3D face mask and styled PPEs. There was a lack of resources since imported goods were put on hold for a time. My employees couldn’t come to work because of the absence of transportation. Most of all, production was slowed down because all types of events were prohibited so basically everyone was just at home and didn’t need to get dressed. But when businesses were allowed to open, we started producing items and selling online.”

His definition of a style visionary: “A style visionary envisions fashion and style one step ahead of the usual norm, thinking outside of the box and creating innovative ways to systematically solve plights through self-expression and arts. I can see myself as a designer who easily adapts to his environment, with an optimistic perspective, innovation and avant-garde solutions.”

Advice to an aspiring style visionary on keeping his creativity alive during these dark times: “You have to be patient and learn to be adaptive especially that the design industry nowadays keeps on shifting rapidly. You can always keep your aesthetics but be aware of change.

One more thing to consider is the comfort and needs of the client. It is up to us how we can make our style and their needs meet.”

KIRBY CRUZ:

Fashion designers here in the Philippines are giving all the help they can give during this time. A lot of us are creating PPEs in in our own styles making them available for people.

Personally, I believe that PPEs can be visually pleasing too while serving its purpose. A school approached me to make such, as they wanted to have PPEs that will not make children feel agitated.”

THE VISIONARY BEHIND THE FASHION HOSPITAL

A

n alum of the hit TV show Mega Young Designers Competition, Kirby Cruz has entered the fashion industry with a bang as he made it to the grand finals, landing on the Top 6 spot. He went on to design for the Philippines’ largest retail brands Penshoppe and Oxygen. He eventually went back to his aesthetic roots with his very own brand.

Known for his brilliance in combining wearable avant garde and minimalist structure, Kirby offers both edgy streetwear and intricate couture. Any woman would love to rock his astonishing, fierce cocktai dresses atl bangin’ fashion events, clubbin’, or his stunning bridal gowns on their special day. His fashion atelier The Fashion Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila has easily become the go-to spot of clientele and fashion authorities alike to pull out their style needs that satisfy their very distinct taste.

On keeping your creativity inspired this pandemic: “It is important to keep the creativity alive because it is through it that we can adapt better.�

Creative Direction and Styling by Kirby Cruz

The Fashion Hospital by Kirby Cruz: Facebook.com/theFashionHospital Instagram.com/thefashionhospital.ph Phone Number: +639064036802 Email Address: cruzkirby@gmail.com website: www.kirbycruz.com

THE INGENUITY OF

FRED TELARMA

O

ne of the recent runway shows of Fred Telarma was truly remarkable.

His collection dubbed as Dissonance showcased at the Panasonic Fashion Festival last season sent down models on the catwalk in outrageously stunning creations. “I was able to show pieces that were architecturally and engineering-wise, seemed impossible,” the designer said.

“Through that collection, I was able to shed light on Anxiety Disorder. To complete the runway experience, I chose Ili-Ili, a Hiligaynon lullaby, as background music. You could hear and see the silence and confused shock in the audience. So, for me, it was memorable as I was able to provoke, made people think, and left them feeling something.”

On his aesthetic: “For me, fashion design is storytelling. A Fred Telarma design is about clothing that speaks and walks with a message, conveying a story in every turn. When I design, whether for Fred Telarma or Rose+Remedy, I make sure it is guided by a five-point ethos: elegance, depth and richness, powerful, expressive, and, most of all, being globally Filipino.”

On the importance of creativity afloat despite these dark times: “We need creativity to stay alive and sane. The pandemic has resulted in many of us suddenly literally confined and feeling restricted.

From a very fluid, barriers-free environment, we suddenly are conscious, cautious and following new rules. The seemingly lack of control can be hostile to a creative mind. So, for creatives, it is imperative that we keep challenging this new reality with our imagination. “ “Fashion design, apart from storytelling, is addressing a need or solving a problem. The pandemic has brought forth needs or demands that were unknown before.”

Cr‑eative direction and production: Fred Telarma

Telarma Design Studio 3F 140 Maginhawa St. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, PH +630172487625 info@fredtelarma.com www. fredtelarma.com

SHOE DESIGNER

SHERWAYNE MAHONEY:

SLASH FIRST RESPONDENT‑

F

ounder, designer and creative director Sherwayne Mahoney of New York-based THINGS II COME, a bold and glamorous luxury brand of women’s shoes, jewelry, and home décor, has found his new calling during the Covid-19 pandemic: to tirelessly extend help to the less fortunate. He started helping in South Bronx and Upper Manhattan areas as a volunteer first responder.

On what kept him busy during pandemic: “My home decor and necklaces were still be‑ ing ordered a few times during the pandemic. I personally was just very concerned and wanted to do something to help my city and not have the virus lock me indoors. So, I came to terms with having my brand put on hold and became a first responder to go out and help fight the pandemic.�

On what can we expect from Things II Come: “The Things II Come brand will continue to speak up against the disproportionate inclusion of designers-of-color in mainstream commercial luxury department stores and to demand more diversity in designer brands and vendors in luxury retails channels. This is a problem that needs to be addressed.�

things2comeluxury.com

things2comeluxury.com

KAWAII FASHION

TRACY DIZON

F

rom Manila, Tokyo to New York, clothing designer and milliner Tracy Dizon has remained true to her aesthetic and design identity: quirky, fun and heavily influenced by Japan’s Kawaii fashion. Be it her line of cute hats Tiara by Tracy Dizon or her wearable couture pieces, Tracy’s art is hard not to notice.She first first gained fashion mainstream attention as an alum of Project Runway Philippines Season 2, and as the Philippine Representative to the 47th Japan Fashion Design Contest in 2009. In 2015, she made the big move to the Big Apple, and won the Grand Prize at the Fashion Week Brooklyn x Rise Art & Design Fashion Designer Competition in 2017, and 3rd Place at Fashion Week Brooklyn x Solis Magazine Fashion Designer Competition in 2018. Her fashion circle in New York includes SATC stylist and designer Patricia Field and Club Kid/designer Richie Rich. Truly making her mark in the global fashion scene and cementing her place in Kawaii fashion, Tracy won the NHK World Japan Kawaii International Kawaii Leader Fashion Competition, a content by a TV show in Japan that chooses the global ambassador for Kawaii fashion.

On what keeps her busy during lockdown: “This is a very different time for everyone around the world, but don’t be hindered to find little joys in cute things. Personally for me, during sad and low times, appreciating kawaii things, kawaii food, kawaii fashion and anything kawaii is a great comfort--they somehow cheer me up. Don’t forget you can do many simple joys while staying home! I created a few paper dolls and designs, and finished my book. As a fashion designer, I’ve always wanted to share this: Fashion comes about as an innate intrinsic human nature to seek beautiful things and to be beautiful.”

“Being the NHK World Japan’s Kawaii Leader from New York City, I participated with Kawaii International’s efforts to support The UN COVID-19 Response Creative Content Hub. It was a nice project to campaign for #StayHomeKawaii, we even did some stay-at-home-fashion-shows for TV that aired in Tokyo, Japan. Staying home is challenging in many ways, but we can find many creative ways to enrich ourselves in whatever we have.”

On what keeps her busy during lockdown: “This lockdown just like everyone, had been a challenge for me especially since New York City is one of the cities in the world that became the epicenter of the COVID19 pandemic. It’s pretty challenging to share spaces with my family who are all working from home since being a creative requires so that has been my challenge. But I tried to focus on my creative pursuits like finishing the children’s book memoir featuring me and my son.”

A WORLD OF FASHION ART WITH

EHRRAN MONTOYA

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hrran Montoya’s fashion illustrations are simply mesmerizing and inspiring. Influenced by the artistry of Karl Lagerfeld, Vogue fashion editor Grace Coddington and illustrations of David Dowton, it is easy to see how his artworks effortlessly bring us to a totally new universe of style, art and class. His works have been commissioned by key fashion creators and art collectors alike. Having also worked as an associate designer for a local fashion house, this creator obviously got versatility and skills. But these days, he is more focused on his main passion. “I am pursuing my dreams on my own as a fashion illustrator because this is what I always wanted to do.”

Creativity Amidst Pandemic: “I do commissioned artworks, which is keeping me sane right now, and I’m thankful. I also have ongoing series of fashion illustration virtual classes in partnership with LR Virtual Learning Series - Limited Engagement, where I mentor students on how to do the basic fashion anatomy, rendering of different skin tones, rendering of textiles and how to illustrate fashion portraits. You may email workinprogress@gmail.com to join my virtual class.”

Advice to aspiring fashion visionaries on coping with these dark days: “Be more creative, use your skills. These may be trying times, but we are still here. Build a small business, purchase the stuff you need.

No one will help us but only ourselves. Trust your talent and conquer the world-- yes, even there’s a pandemic.”

Luxuriously Fresh

Juicy Beauty’s line of luxury soaps is made from the mists of topnotch skincare ingredients in the world. A pure form of luxury and freshness.

Concept and Creative Direction: Marane Plaza Photography: Jerferson Permejo Hair and Makeup: Kat Munar Styling: Mades Torre Model: Daiane Vittoni Special thanks to: Amor Blooms & Hygge Living On Location: 2UP Studio by Jum Chua Juicy Beauty facebook.com/juicybeautymagicsoaps www.juicybeauty.com

This soap contains activated charcoal that aids in drawing out skin dirt and impurities to cleanse the skin and de-clog pores.

It also has whitening and anti-bacterial properties that help brighten and protect skin.

Amor Blooms | IG: @amorblooms

Dried Flowers by Hygge Living | IG: @hyggelivingph

With special properties to moisturize and exfoliate, and lauded for its anti-aging and brightening properties---all in one soap;

Amor Blooms | IG: @amorblooms

This Miracle Luxury Soap developed by Juicy Beauty can give you an enchanting soap experience. It contains natural whitening extracts that help brighten skin for that luminous, youthful glow.

It comes with a special loofah delicately created to give you a spa-like skincare ritual during bath time

Amor Blooms | IG: @amorblooms

This multi-functional soap helps lighten skin blemishes and black spots to even out skin tone. Also especially made to hydrate your skin for improved skin texture and youthful glow.

Amor Blooms | IG: @amorblooms

This Tea Tree Soap by Juicy Beauty is formulated with antibacterial properties of tea tree oil. Highly regarded as effective in curing acne as recommended by dermatologists, this soap has seen happy clientele who have attested of recovering from acne by using this soap.

SELF-LOVE

SUMMER STATE OF MIND

Concept and Creative Direction: Marane Plaza Photographer: Richard Caponpon Model: Victoria Litvinova Swimwear: CHILLI Swim

While this “staying at home protocol” keeps us from hitting the beach, there’s always the sun that gives us the summer state of mind right at our rooftop.

Staying at home has made us into plant-loving creatures-- a good treat for the soul.

Save yourself from boredom. Go sunbathing, start your own garden, and save the world.

Sunbathing right at your porch or rooftop is not at all a bad idea.

Live your life. Live in your swimsuit.

Staying at home is a good time to find your own sunshine.

OFFICIALLY LAUNCHING SOON.