Venetus by Times Beach Magazine

CONTENTS

Cover credits: Phoster ™, Bucketlabs ® , Sarah Seado

FROM the R O T EDI G

I’ve noticed that all great magazines have a themed issue (i.e. The White Issue, The Black Issue, etc.) I’ve taken it upon myself to make this issue our Blue Issue. From this point on you’ll be browsing delicious must-have accessories and fashions for all seasons from some truly brilliant designers and enthusiasts. Now, aside from that, I do have an announcement to make regarding the future of Times Beach Magazine.

reetings my sweet, sweet readers (too

much?)! We’ve finally made it to Fall marking our first Fall as a magazine! Huzzah! First and foremost, thank you for sticking with us this year. :) Now, I must admit, this is easily my favorite season… even though living in Florida doesn’t constitute much seasonal change. But! Fall is full of amazing things including pumpkin scented/ flavored everything, Halloween and Fashion Week! With this in mind, I’ve done my best to give you a little relief from the persistent pumpkin enthusiasts and give you a welldeserved dose of fashion. This issue, as you may have noticed, is decked out in rich blues with the occasional color-pop tossed in for contrast. You may have also noticed that we titled this special edition “Venetus”. For those who are unfamiliar with Google Translate, “Venetus” is Latin for “blue”.

This issue marks the end of the year for us. I know, I know, I’m ending the year early but I feel it’s fair to give everyone a break from writing to make mental room for the impending madness that is the Holiday Season. We will be back at the beginning of the year with a semi-annual issue. Two issues a year that will cover Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. This ensures that we can give you a far more jam-packed issue every time! Sounds good, right? Right! :) Anyways, business aside, please enjoy this issue and on behalf of all of us at Times Beach Magazine: Have a safe and wonderful Holiday season! We’ll see you next year! Kindest regards, Sarah Seado Sarah Seado Executive Editor

Times Beach Magazine Staff & Affiliates Executive Editor: Sarah Seado Social Media Manager: Nicole Hynes Special thanks to: Featured Guests: Joanna Maxham Katerina Musetti Kellyn Timmerman Incantareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;e Yevgeniya Yushkova Melinda Lewis

Brands/Titles The Napier Book Lady In Pink Photography YAY Inc. feNa Melinda Lewis Designs Joanna Maxham Handbags Bazaart Bucketlabs

THIS PAGE: feNa, “Abundance” in “Spark”, $135. OPPOSITE: “Euphoria” in “Wild”, $325 fenadesigns.com 6

THIS PAGE: feNa, “Courageous” in “Domino”, $395. OPPOSITE: “Triumphant” in “Caramel”, $255 fenadesigns.com 8

THIS PAGE: feNa, “Gratitude” in “Wild”, $275. OPPOSITE: “Triumphant” in “Domino”, $285 fenadesigns.com 10

THIS PAGE: feNa, “Gratitude” in “Smoke”, $255. OPPOSITE: “Euphoria” in “Electric”, $265 fenadesigns.com 13

kELLyn t I M M E R m a n TIMES BEACH MAGAZINE: In a few short words, how would you describe your handbags? KELLYN TIMMERMAN: Contemporary-classic. Simple, clean lines with subtle detailing – something that is current and on trend but has a classic appeal and will stay relevant for years to come mascara on my eyelashes! TBM: What characteristic best defines your designs? KT: Our architectural design expertise – subtle influencing of lines, perfect proportions and simple detailing TBM: What do you think was the trigger-moment that made you decide you wanted to begin designing handbags? KT: It started when I was still working in Architecture around 2004-2005. It came out of my own personal, continual search for the perfect clutch that I could never find. Being laid off 2 months after receiving my architecture license in 2008 gave me the gift of time to reflect on my career goals/passions, which lead to the launch of feNa in 2011. TBM: If you could go into designing anything else, what would it be and why? KT: Two products I would love to add to the feNa line someday would be champagne and perfume – I think it’s the perfect trifecta and are two of my favorite things. I’ve also thought that designing women’s tennis apparel would be great. There’s so much potential there! TBM: Where do you draw most of your inspiration from? KT: I honestly don’t get inspiration from just one place. There are so many avenues that ideas sprout from. It can be anything from shoe design to the countless beautiful things I find in nature living in San Diego, or from home accessories. Inspiration is everywhere! TBM: What are three things you simply cannot leave the house without?

TBM: What other designers are you really into this season? KT: There is never a season where I’m not into Elie Saab. He never disappoints and is always a favorite to watch. TBM: Where do you hope to see your brand 5 years from now? KT: I would love to see feNa be that coveted, luxury American Made brand that is famed for our loyal, repeat customer base. I have big ideas and big expectations for feNa – I’m excited to see where they lead and will stay open to even greater outcomes than I can dream of.

Kellyn’s Favorite Fall Things: “ I love that it’s the only time of year my mailbox can’t fit anything because of the enormous fall fashion magazines arriving. It’s my birthday in September and it’s always wonderful, as I’m usually celebrating with family members. The US Open Tennis Championships is underway and is my favorite sporting event of the year. My goal some year is to attend a phenomenal night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium and follow it up with NY Fashion Week!”  Find out more about Kellyn and shop her luxury handbag line, feNa, at www.fenadesigns.com

KT: My feNa clutch, my Earthlust water bottle and 17

All images contributed courtesy of Melinda Lewis. 22

All images contributed courtesy of Melinda Lewis. 24

All images contributed courtesy of Melinda Lewis. 26

All images contributed courtesy of Melinda Lewis. 28

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All images contributed courtesy of Melinda Lewis. 32

Melinda Lewis Times Beach Magazine: For those who are unfamiliar with your work, can you tell us a little more about your book? Melinda Lewis: My book covers the 121 year history of a single American Costume Jewelry company, The Napier Co. that was the oldest privately held fashion jewelry manufacturer in the country. In its 1000 Full-Color pages, I guide the reader decade by decade through Napier’s beautiful jewelry, including how fits in the fashion trends of the time, with special sections on sterling, figurals, and giftware (among others). I also cover manufacturing, marketing, and management history, with over 60 pages just on marks and findings to circa date pieces. It documents I needed have been made available has over 4000 images and over 250,000 words. It is far through public archives, but following a line of logic to more than your typical picture book with prices. the material I needed to verify facts was fun! TBM: What compelled you to want to write the history of TBM: How did you initially become a jewelry historian? The Napier Company? What sparked the interest in the subject? ML: I had the opportunity to purchase some Napier jewelry, and I discovered there was very little information available. Only a single paragraph or so about the company’s history was repeated over and over on the Internet, which was copied from one jewelry book. Then I discovered Harrice Miller’s book, Costume Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide, 1994, which had 11 pages on Napier. Although it was the best and most comprehensive book out there, I wanted to know more. It occurred to me that if this company had been in business since “1875,” there had to more substance to the company than the brief encapsulation I found available. I decided that I would be the one to discover and tell that story. TBM: Researching for 11 years is a serious commitment. Was that difficult for you or were you so enthralled by the concept that it was fun in a way? ML: Researching was never a chore or difficult in terms of my commitment. In fact, it was very much like the “thrill of the hunt.” It energized me and distracted me from the chronic pain I experience. I was (and I still am) excited to make discoveries from newly-found documents. The research was time-staking, and sometimes there were dead leads as not all the

ML: When I was 10, I visited my grandmother in Virginia. I remember being completely intrigued by her costume jewelry she had displayed on her vanity. My grandmother in the 1920s had been involved with fashion as a fashion illustrator and hat designer. I always felt a strong tie to those memories and my grandmother. In the beginning (of my early collecting days), it was simply an interest to learn about various costume or fashion jewelry companies, but as I delved into my own research on Napier, I took on the role of jewelry historian. In order to tell Napier’s history, I had to have a good understanding of the industry. There are different types of specialties amongst those who call themselves jewelry historians. My specialty would be late 19th and 20th century American costume and fashion jewelry. TBM: What was the most interesting find while doing research for this book? ML: The most interesting find was discovering that there were more than two “Mamie Eisenhower” bracelets in existence. The “Mamie Eisenhower” bracelet had been a significant part of Napier’s marketing and subsequent “folklore.” In 1954, the company stated only two of these bracelets existed—Mamie Eisenhower’s and one in the company’s vault. However, through interviews with former Napier employees and online research, I 36

learned there were more than these two original bracelets. Through the years, several bracelets had been given to former president wives of The Napier Co., and one bracelet was presented to Barbara Bush in 1990 by then CEO, Ron Meoni. We've accounted for about eight of the bracelets of the 25 bracelets. I consider this line to be the most important line in the entire collection. TBM: What was the greatest difficulty you found while researching and creating this book?

each great talents. Because Napier did not allow individual designers to be credited for their work, the actual designers of many pieces still remain unknown. Fortunately, in my research I was privileged to have spoken with four of the principle designers who had worked for Napier to identify their work and was able to attribute many pieces to their appropriate designer in my book. My hope is that my book will bring those designers forward as they see their work publicized in the book.

TBM: You’re also the co-founder of the Costume Jewelry ML: For me, the greatest source of difficulty and frustraCollectors International (CJCI). What can you tell us tion was not having about this organization? access to the physical company archives I discovered early-on during my research. The archives had previously been thought to have been destroyed during the closure of the company’s plant. In fact, my husband and I traveled to Rhode Island with the intent of seeing them, but it was to no avail. I relied on the public documents, oral history, and documents provided to me from former Napier employees including, the CEO, other high-level management, designers, employees, the local paper the Meriden Journal and the historical society; without which the depth of this project would have been impossible. TBM: What are some of your favorite pieces of costume jewelry? ML: It is really hard to have a few favorites, but there are pieces I do wear more frequently. I love the necklace from the 1955 “Cumquat” series, and I really love the abstract pieces of the ‘60s and 1970s. However, cuffs and gauntlet-style bracelets are my favorite go-to pieces—anything I think will spark a conversation. TBM: Which jewelry designers are your favorites? ML: This might sound like I’m being diplomatic, but each of the Napier designers really brought fabulous design and artistry to the Napier line, and it would be very hard for me to have a favorite. In fact, I don’t think I could narrow it down. These men (and later women) were

ML: To take from our mission statement, “CJCI is a global network dedicated to the study, enjoyment and promotion of collectible costume jewelry.” At its core, CJCI is a great place where friendships are formed and the passion for costume jewelry and its history is mutually shared. We have two websites; the first is our private social network through Ning (it’s free to join), and the second is our main public website where we publish articles and information about collectible jewelry and the jewelry industry. Our focus is to bring new articles through extensive research and vetting, and provide that content to the community free of charge through our fundraising. We also have an annual convention where we hold workshops and lectures, alternating each year between a Rhode Island and new location. It is great fun! 37

ML: We (my husband and I) have a couple of ideas we’re mulling around and I’ve been approached to work on a collective project about another prominent jewelry company. This was our first book publication and it has done well. I almost certainly have another book or three inside me. TBM: What do you hope to inspire with your book? ML: What I hope to inspire with my book has nothing to do with the work itself. It is personal. I have dyslexia,

TBM: Did you cofound this organization before you began researching your book or were you compelled to help start the organization after you began your research? ML: CJCI was formed 8 years after I began my work on the book. The founder of a successful and widelyknown jewelry club called, VFCJ, was retiring; and my husband and I thought this was a great opportunity to

which can be daunting at times because reading can be very challenging, especially since most dyslexics read much slower than the average reader. I certainly wasn’t the writer or reader in the family. Reading was a grueling task. Second, I have chronic pain and migraines, but I promised myself that I would take my circumstances, which at times can feel overwhelming, and turn that into something I could do. Rather than lay in bed, I made myself get up and work on the project in order to take my focus off of me, even if it were for short increments. My message would be no matter how long it takes, or how bad you feel, find a passion that will allow you to have a sense of purpose to give back and do it. Even, if it is baby steps the entire way.

carry on a similar program. Jewelry studies had become a significant part of my life, and having an organization Find out more about Melinda Lewis and order a copy of like ours is central to our and fellow business colher book at www.napierbook.com leagues—let alone the long-term friendships that have been forged through VFCJ. So, I ask my friend, Pamela Wiggins, who is also a Napier collector if she wanted to form a new club and the rest is history! TBM: Are you currently working on any other publications?

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KATERINA KATERINA MUSETTI MUSETTI Times Beach Maga- ers. I like classic styles and color blocking for a timeless zine: When did you look. begin designing TBM: Which designs out of your collection are your fajewelry? vorites? Katerina Musetti: I KM: My favorite designs from my collections are the began designing massive Plastrons. I loose myself in those when I am crejewelry when I was ating them. 14 with bead embroidery and metal- I worked on one today and soldered for a straight 7 work. My father had hours with two 15 minute breaks. The more dramatic structural pieces are what speak to me. a huge workshop with torches, massive table saws and every tool imaginable. We were encouraged to create which allowed me to experience many facets of the visual arts, [everything] from stained glass, pottery, painting, sewing, polymers, enamel work and woodwork. All of these experiences translate into my brand today. TBM: How would you describe your jewelry designs? KM: I never thought about describing my jewelry designs. When I look at them they are more like art to wear. Bold, dramatic and dimensional in their structure with unlikely color combinations that bring life to the vintage art glass cabochons I like to juxtapose against layers of vintage rhinestones.

TBM: Which designs would you recommend to our readers? KM: I can't recommend any particular design to my readers because everyone has different taste. Many of my collectors love the romantic cameo sets and would never purchase a dramatic plastron and vice versa for those that thrive on the big, bold and dramatic. TBM: Where do you hope to see your brand in 5 years?

KM: I hope to see my brand continue to capture the hearts of celebrities, performing artists, fashionistas and KM: I don't know where my inspiration comes from. Typi- be used in theatre and opera. It is also important that cally I wake up with a design in my head, breathe deep my jewelry continues to be exhibited and published. and go for it. I don't sketch much. The designs are preBeing that I am a “one person show” my jewelry is only sent and brought to fruition as I work from the beginning produced in one-of-a-kind pieces and limited edition concept to the end. issues. If I could figure out a way to grow more arms I TBM: What inspires the jewelry designs you create?

TBM: Who are your top 2 favorite jewelry designers? KM: I don't have much time to research jewelry designers but I like the houses of Dolce & Gabbana and Versace. For vintage, Schreiner holds a place in my heart as well as Countess Cis. TBM: Who are your top 2 favorite fashion designers?

would like to be able to produce enough to have my brand carried by high end retailers. 

For more information about Katerina and to shop her line of couture jewelry, visit her on the web at www.katerinamusetti.com

KM: I am not all that familiar with many fashion design50

THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE: YAY, “Lilia” in “Fuchsia”, $122. yaydesigns.com Photography: Charlotte Dugan, Lady In Pink Photography shotbypink.com 54

THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE: YAY, “Lilia” in “Fuchsia”, $122. yaydesigns.com Photography: Charlotte Dugan, Lady In Pink Photography shotbypink.com 56

THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE: YAY, “Lilia” in “Fuchsia”, $122. yaydesigns.com Photography: Charlotte Dugan, Lady In Pink Photography shotbypink.com 58

THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE: YAY, “Tulip” in “White”, $72 yaydesigns.com Photography: Charlotte Dugan, Lady In Pink Photography shotbypink.com 60

THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE: YAY, “Tulip” in “White”, $72 yaydesigns.com Photography: Charlotte Dugan, Lady In Pink Photography shotbypink.com 62

YEVGENIYA YUSHKOVA Times Beach Magazine: How did you first get into fashion design? Yevgeniya Yushkova: I was born in Russia, where I dreamt of becoming a designer since the age of four. I set a goal for myself and decided that nothing could stop me. I studied several disciplines that could help me bring my dream to real life like academics, art, design, pattern making and sewing in multiple schools. By the time I was fifteen years old in Russia, I had an Associate Degree in Art & Design with a second Associate’s in Pattern-making & Sewing. Soon afterwards, my family and I immigrated to America in March of ‘99 and my journey really began in Salt lake City, Utah. While struggling to learn English, going to school and working a full time job to help my family, I continued to dream big about one day having my own brand. In 2001 I graduated high school and moved alone to Los Angeles to pursue my dream. I graduated from FIDM with another Associates Degree in Fashion Design and then from Long Beach University with a B.F.A. while simultaneously working full time in the LA fashion industry where I first started out as an associate designer and then rapidly moved up and ultimately successfully stayed as a head designer. TBM: What inspired you to create the convertible clothing line that YAY is so well known for? YY: Fashion has been the love of my life since I was a child. My need to share my take on it with the world through my devotion, efforts and determination led to the creation of Yushkova Design Inc and YAY brandthe brand that will convert your world.

yet functional clothing with [an] edgy and trendy feel. One day, one of our regular clients, as she was getting ready for a trip, complained that every time she has to travel, her luggage is very heavy and filled with clothing to fit every occasion that might occur. She was a busy, modern woman on the go who always had to travel and could never decide what to take with her, clothing -wise. She wanted to be fashionable and appropriate for [all] weather and occasions, without having to pack her entire closet every time she left somewhere. So from her constant frustrations, I got the idea to start a line of clothing that could simplify her life as well as every other go-getter out there because I didn’t feel having to sacrifice style for space was the only option. That led us to think on how we could make her journey lighter. Well, I had a concept that if my car, convertible Mini Cooper, could change with a push of a button when I want to enjoy sun or hide from the rain; why can't clothing do the same for women and convert to fit every lifestyle without going home [to] change into a brand new outfit. From that moment YAY brand came alive. If what you wear is your statement to the world, let YAY convertible clothing help keep that statement as personalized and simple as possible for you. TBM: When designing, where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

While working as a [successful] head designer for an established brand, in 2006 I established [the] company “Yushkova Design” to design and create custom clothing for modern women who are looking to buy unusual 64

YY: My inspirations come from everything. The flow of one of my dresses can resemble a flower in the wind if you look closely enough. What I’m trying to say is that I get my inspiration from nature, art, love, life, family, and everything else that makes life worth living and fashion worth loving. TBM: If you could design anything else- shoes, accessories, etc. - what would it be and why? YY: I would love to expand the collection to [the] men’s and kid’s markets because I truly believe that convertible clothing is our future and solution to many problems like managing space, budget and most importantly to save time. Time- that is the most valuable and important measure in our lives. With out it we can not have amazing moments with our loved ones, or complete a project or find a cure. So if everyone could save just a little more time by not going home to change through out a day, I believe more things can get accomplished in people lives. TBM: What 3 items do you always carry in your bag? YY: Note pad, bag of art pens and pencils and camera TBM: Who are your top 2 favorite designers? Why? YY: Unlike most, I don't have an iconic role model. Really, my role model is the everyday woman we make our clothes for who works hard, isn't afraid to be herself, and goes after what she wants TBM: Where do you see your brand in 5 years? YY: We are going to expand to Asia and European market and hope to have at least one YAY convertible clothing styles in the suitcase of every female traveler. It will be in [the] hands of modern women, who do not believe in conforming to a cookie-cutter lifestyle that surrounds her, but who would rather be her own stylist by being creative and distinctive with her looks. To accompany her through the day without a need to go home to change. TBM: What YAY design is your favorite? YY: My favorite pieces from the collection are [some] of the first and most well-known: the Single Rose Convertible Cardigan and Gladiolus Convertible Travel Dress TBM: Which YAY designs would you recommend to our readers?

need to start somewhere, then try the YAY Tulip Convertible Bolero Cardigan. That is a must have piece in every wardrobe, and make sure to get a YAY Gladiolus Convertible Travel Dress with a complimentary colored Infinity Belt. TBM: What do you like to do for fun when you’re not busy designing for YAY? YY: I am an artist. Not only [do] I create style and set the trend with clothing, I also paint and sculpt in the theme of surreal and abstract art. And I also love spending time outdoors camping or hiking in the company of my small but loving family (my husband Steve and my Great Dane Fanera) and many great friends. TBM: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? YY: Currently I moved to Manila, Philippines to explore Asia and its opportunities to expand YAY brand, however my dream final destination I hope will be on the farm in Slovenia surrounded by nature, animals and people I love. It is a perfect location close to Italy and Milan, but with peace and surroundings full of inspiration for creating.

For more information about YAY and to shop the line of YY: My advice to everyone is to never let yourself get convertible clothing and accessories, visit them on the stuck in one style. There is so much beauty to explore web at www.yaydesigns.com out there, don’t deny yourself any of it. If you fill that you 65

Price & information upon request. joannamaxham.com 69

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JOANNA MAXHAM Times Beach Magazine: In a few short words, how would you describe your handbags? Joanna Maxham: Chic with a dash of edge and modern with timeless appeal. TBM: What characteristic best defines your designs? JM: I like introducing unexpected elements, solutions or color combinations, but I always [consider] “wear-ability”. My goal is to design accessories that will be carried for a few seasons, but at the same time look fresh and a bit original.

TBM: What other designers are you really into this season? JM: I love Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, ACNE Studios, Stella McCartney, and always Celine…

Joanna’s Fall Favorites: Activities: Running in the middle of the day to decompress (finally not too hot) Place: New York/Central Park - the Best "urban" Fall spectacle, or anywhere in New England...for a more rustic take. Cosmetic Must-Have: Solution Micellaire by Vichy – the best cleansing solution ever! Fashion: I am probably not very original but [I’m] obsessed with leather leggings! TBM: Where do you hope to see your brand 5 years from now?

JM: I hope it will be well established and known in the US and overseas. But I also JM: Once I decided I wanted to switch from my corpo- hope that it will remain rate career to creative, I tried many different ideas: jew- faithful to [the] current aesthetic and my cuselry, scarves- even painting, but when I designed my tomer – a woman who first handbag I simply knew. is fashion conscious, TBM: If you could go into designing anything else, what but has a strong sense would it be and why? of personal style. JM: Long before I started playing with handbags I I hope I will be able to dreamed about becoming an interior designer. This is offer her more choices definitely my “backup” plan… and perhaps even exTBM: Where do you draw most of your inspiration? pand from handbags to other accessories JM: Other designers, art and materials themselves. that appeal to the same aesthetics. TBM: What are three things you simply cannot leave the house without? TBM: What do you think was the trigger-moment that made you decide you wanted to begin designing handbags?

JM: iPhone, notebook (for sketching and writing down my ideas) and car keys (I live in the suburbs, so this is essential).

For more information about Joanna and to shop the Joanna Maxham line of handbags and accessories, visit her on the web at www.joannamaxham.com

I N C A N TA R E ’ E TBM: Which designs out of your collection are your favorites? I: My big rings collection is my all-time favorite.

Times Beach Magazine: When did you begin designing jewelry? Incantare’e: 2006 TBM: How would you describe your jewelry designs? I: It is a complete mix of east & west, which gives my customers an opportunity to wear something that is traditional plus modern. TBM: What inspires the jewelry designs you create? I: I love working with raw materials and just playing with stones and patterns until something clicks. The artistic in me loves nature & Architecture, while the geek in me loves sci-fi and pop culture, so I guess I take influence from all over. Most of all, I want my pieces to be wearable but a little bit unique. TBM: Who are your top 2 favorite jewelry designers? I: Ajjo from Pakistan & Buccellati from Italy

TBM: Which designs would you recommend to our readers? I: My Quran Collection that has a religious theme, but I would recommend them to have a look at it. TBM: Where do you hope to see your brand in 5 years? I: I would like to see it as an international brand and I am working on it. For more information about Incantare’e and to contact her about her line of jewelry, visit her on Facebook or email her at incantaree@live.com

TBM: Who are your top 2 favorite fashion designers? I: Ralph Lauren, Umer Sayeed 87