VETTA August / September 2014 by VETTA Magazine

OFFICIAL FERR ARI DEALER

Ferrari of Austin Passion and innovation. They are at the heart of every vehicle that bears the Prancing Horse emblem and are the driving force behind everything we do at Ferrari of Austin. Indulging the requests of our clients is always our highest priority. Whether you are new to the Ferrari family or a devoted enthusiast, the team at Ferrari of Austin shares your appreciation for exceptional performance – on the road and on the track. We invite you to experience the latest innovations from Maranello, born out of an unparalleled racing heritage. Among our products sure to increase your heart rate is the revolutionary FF. Featured above, the FF is the first production Ferrari to offer a four-wheel drive system and includes Ferrari’s exclusive 7-Year Genuine Maintenance Program.

For more information, contact your authorized Ferrari dealer: Ferrari of Austin 4108 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756 Telephone: +512.380.0231 www.ferrariofaustin.net ©2014 Ferrari North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

207 West 4th Street, Austin TX 78701

512.472.4980

www.dcarch.com

we create austin architecture

contents

AUG-SEPT features casa 40 Just for the Guys

The Essential Guide to Designing Masculine Spaces

body 70 Fitness around the World

mind 76 Get to Know Mr. Doug Guller

explore 80 VETTA Tastemakers (Part I) 86

Rediscovering Ballet Austin

What’s for Dinner?

Meet Three International Culinary Hotshots

Brian Massie’s Stack Restaurant inside The Mirage, Las Vegas.

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contents

AUG-SEPT

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Winning the Money Game

work

30 Personal Branding, Done Right! tech

34 Wrapped around Your Finger 36

casa

The 411 on Choosing the Right Accessories

53 58 59

money

28 The Five Questions to

Nice to the Touch

estilo

44 Material Girl:

A Journey Back to the 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

TRENDS: Exotique

Under the Boardwalk

body

TRENDS: Creamy Luxe

67 Beautify Your Summer:

Golden Mirage

Essential Products for the Season

amore

74 Sex, Love and Laughter

How to Make Love Last

mind

75 What Story Are You Telling? 95

marketplace

make it a

truSculpt

summer

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Botox & Dermal Fillers truSculpt Body Sculpting Photofacials Laser Hair Removal Spider Vein Removal

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ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Publisher Publication Manager Art Director Sales / New Business Development

Coral Talavera Andres Mattei Alana Ortiz Lisa Chappell Miller

EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief Photographer Fashion Stylist Fashion & Features Editor Body Editor Contributors

Coral Talavera Tania Quintanilla, TQ Photo Graham Cumberbatch Olga Maria Czarkowski Kim Anthony Andrew Long Maureen Stevens Kaitlyn Moise Rachel Madorski Robert Green

COVER CREDITS

Guest: Doug Guller, CEO of ATX Brands Photography by: Tania Quintanilla, TQPhoto Stylists: Rudy Arocha and Stephanie Lambert Wardrobe provided by: Capra & Cavelli Location: TQPhoto Studio

CONTACT INFO LETTERS TO THE EDITOR coral@vettamagazine.com CAREERS / INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES hello@vettamagazine.com EVENTS / PARTNERSHIPS Lisa Chappell Miller lisa@vettamagazine.com SPONSORSHIP / DONATION REQUESTS Andres Mattei andres@vettamagazine.com POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 1502 Georgetown TX FOR ADVERTISEMENT INQUIRIES ads@vettamagazine.com (512) 508-3422 (512) 508-4254 WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA vettamagazine.com facebook.com/vettamagazine twitter.com/vettamagazine instagram.com/vettamagazine pinterest.com/vettamagazine VETTA is also on Google+ TO SHARE A DIGITAL COPY OF THE MAGAZINE issuu.com/vettamagazine

SFI-00916

VETTA Magazine cares about the environment. Our printers are Tri-Certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). We print using soy based ink and eco-friendly raw materials. SFI-00916

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contributors

kaitlyn moise

rachel madorsky

Kaitlyn is a Houston native that graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts then trained with Ballet Austin and later taught at the Butler Community School. Recently she moved to New York to purse a dance/ acting career. When she’s not dancing she’s missing Texas, margaritas, her friends, and most of all her family.

Rachel Madorsky, LCSW is a psychotherapist and relationship expert. With over 18 years of experience in the field, her love of this work and the Austin community continue to grow with each client she serves. Rachel’s contemporary therapy practice focuses on empowering individuals and couples to have more love, more joy and more peace in their relationships and in their lives.

kim anthony

olga maria czarkowski

Kim is a fitness enthusiast and freelance writer. As an adjunct psychology professor, with extensive experience in counseling, she is an avid believer in the mind and body relationship and its connection to overall wellness. She enjoys pouring her passion for fitness and wellness into FitnessGalore. net, a website that provides a variety of fitness resources and features tips, workouts, recipes and the latest fitness fashion.

Olga is an entrepreneur, Public Relations and Brand specialist. She is founder of Dreams in Heels PR in New York, with a roster of clients that includes English and Spanish NGO’s, personalities and leaders in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, culture, media and entertainment with worldwide reach. She’s also a fashion expert, TV personality, writer, and community developer, and has served as Associate fashion editor for other publications. She also works closely with several Non Profit organizations.

andrew long

robert greene

Andrew Long is an accelerator, creator, and writer. His strategic life coach practice assists clients, in the shortest amount of time, to broaden and deepen their business, relationship, and personal life outcomes.

Having a passion and heart to help educate people in the world of finances, Robert Greene is a professional Financial Advisor dedicated to helping clients from all walks of life. After spending his early career as an agent and agency owner, he first developed a relationship and then professional partnership with The Solomon Group base in Austin, Texas. Robert’s vision to bring true million dollar financial services to everyone who wishes to do better has been his motivation to helping build relationships of trust and integrity with his clients.

maureen stevens Maureen is an interior designer, decorator and stylist in Austin. From curating vignettes to designing spaces, she thrives in spotting unique finds, collecting curiosities and creating homes and spaces that may be a tad classic, definitely sophisticated, but playful, dramatic, unpretentious and full of character all at the same time. Her pastry of choice is always a French Macaron (in any flavor or hue), she won’t take coffee unless it has lots of milk (Cafe Au Lait or nothing!) and she absolutely adores courtyards.

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join us!

If you’d like to write for VETTA Magazine, contact our Editor through email. There are lots of editorial opportunities in print, as well as online, for you to share your work with our thousands of readers. For career / internship opportunities, please contact us (hello@vettamagazine.com) to find out more about how to join our growing team.

letter from publisher

Sitting in the Editor’s Chair

diting VETTA: It’s one of the most challenging and ridiculously fun jobs I’ve ever had. It requires way more than making sure all the commas are in place and the spelling is correct, or ensuring everyone turns their articles in on time, or helping the Art Director source the best photographs and illustrations. It’s an endless pursuit of stories, objects, faces, trends and elements that spark the imagination, invigorate our readers and still makes sense to us as a business. It requires a special sensibility towards the most sophisticated goodies in the mainstream market, while looking for those diamonds in the rough that lay silent in the workshops of emerging artists. Editors must carefully tread that fine line between following trends and selling out; between pushing boundaries and falling prey to (it has to be said) tackiness. Meanwhile, the job entails carefully listening to what the reader wants, keeping an eye on our advertisers’ strategy, upholding the values of our team and communicating our identity and our brand in a way that denotes our freshness, but guarantees our longevity. It’s attempting to create a wildly varied gallery of words and images that set us apart from other periodicals (hence the notion shared by many readers that we are an international magazine. Thank you for your obsequiousness, but we are local). It’s hard work, to say the least. It’s also immensely interesting. Since I’m mostly responsible for scouting for stories, I get to partner with amazing people and their brands and stories, and have met

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some of the most interesting characters in and out of Austin. I also have an amazing team of writers, contributors and collaborators, with colorful and cultured perspectives from New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Juan, Chicago and even Las Vegas, not to mention alternative perspectives from one of my favorite individuals in this world, a certain chick from Iowa. Thus, I’m constantly surrounded by wonderful ideas, which inevitably need to be filtered. This is where the jobs get really tough… Each issue calls to careful judgment and expectations are set higher and higher. An editor’s level of taste is constantly challenged and, while my points of view are established uncompromisingly, it’s sometimes extremely hard to not to second guess ones choices. Nonetheless, I am committed to delivering to my awesome readers in Austin (as well as all our other followers worldwide) the best lifestyle magazine we can produce. It’s my job to ultimately forge the publication’s identity and give us a strong voice. Needles to say, I love being our Editor-InChief and I don’t plan on giving up the job any time soon. With that, I need to thank all our readers and sponsors for their comments, letters (emails, actually) and all their feedback about the job we’re putting out. Keep those responses coming, so we can continue our print revolution.

Coral

appunti

AUG-SEPT VIKTORIA HAYMAN TRUNK SHOW, NEIMAN MARCUS

(AUG 13) Swing by Neiman Marcus (The Domain) to meet the acclaimed Jewelry designer and view her bold new collection. Event will take place from 10am to 5pm.

AUSTIN CHRONICLE HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL, FIESTA GARDENS (AUG 24)

Eat up the summer heat! Join spice lovers on one of the world’s largest hot sauce festivals.

MARK YOUR

calendar! August and September are full of citywide events you won’t want to miss!

FREE DAY OF YOGA ACROSS AUSTIN  (SEPT 2)

All day long, participating studios across the Austin area offer free classes as an opportunity for people of every age and fitness level to try yoga for the first time or just rekindle their love with the discipline. Grab your mat and find your favorite spot in town. (freedayofyoga.com)

TRI-ROCK AUSTIN TRIATHLON, PALMER EVENTS CENTER (SEPT 1)

In the heart of downtown Austin, this urban setting provides a swim start at the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue with a swim course in Lady Bird Lake, fast and closed bike course with stunning views over the Congress Street Bridge and finishes with a run along the Auditorium Shores running path. This is a destination event you need to try! (trirock.competitor.com)

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‘BEYOND BEAUTY: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE’

(SEPT 2 – 27) Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery on W 6th Street gets dressed up with artists Ash Almonte and John Petrey, as they display their latest works, including sculptural dresses, stunning chandelier paintings and cheery odes to fruit, all inspired by individual experiences the two artists had during their childhoods. Opening reception will be on Saturday, September 6 from 6-9 pm and work will be on display (and for sale) through the month of September. (russell-collection.com)

Hilton Austin Event Chairs:

Honorary Chairs:

Director & Emcee:

Katie Jaffe & Venus Strawn

Andra & Joe Liemandt

Sabrina Barker-Truscott

To reserve your table visit: centerforchildprotection.org

#DWTSA2014

appunti

AUG-SEPT PICNIC BY DESIGN

(SEPT 11) Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) will be hosting their first Austin event, Picnic by Design, directly benefiting our local AIDS Service Organization, AIDS Services of Austin. DIFFA raises and grants funds to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS by providing treatment and direct care services for people living with or impacted by the disease, offering preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, or supporting public policy initiatives. (diffa.org)

AUSTIN MUSEUM DAY ACROSS AUSTIN  (SEPT 21)

FIT FOODIE RACE (SEPT 12 – 14) Love to Run, Eat, Drink? Join the most delicious 5K Race Weekend ever! Cooking Light & Health’s the Fit Foodie Race Weekend is jam-packed with celebrity sightings, a 5K run, celebrity chefs, a Power Systems fitness boot camp, yoga demonstrations, tons of amazing giveaways, and more! Put your running shoes to work as you navigate around a beautiful running course. After cruising across the finish line, celebrate your success in style at the Finisher’s Village featuring chef demos, food sampling, wine tastings, refuel stations, fitness demos at the Power Systems stage, post-race photos, and more. Crossing the finish line has never tasted so good! (fitfoodierun.com)

Organized by the Austin Museum Partnership, this special day features free exhibitions and activities at participating Austin-area museums and cultural sites. (austinmuseums.org)

INJECTABLE PARTY AT RESTORA PLASTIC SURGERY CENTRE (SEPT 24)

Reserve your spot today for an afternoon of beauty with board-certified plastic surgeons and expert injectors, Dr. Dustin Reid and Dr. Ashley Gordon from Restora Plastic Surgery Centre. Our favorite doctor duo will provide injectable treatments for patients wanting to enhance their facial features without surgery. Whether it’s wrinkle reducers such as Botox, Dysport or Xeomin or dermal fillers & volumizers such as Radiesse, Belotero or the newest injectable product, Juvederm Voluma, Dr. Reid and Dr. Gordon have a variety of products and services that will have you looking refreshed. Appointments are required. For information, call (512) 371-8817.

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THE OLD PECAN STREET FESTIVAL SIXTH STREET AUSTIN

(SEPT 17 – SEP 28)  Join us for the fall edition of  The Pecan Street Festival, a FREE, bi-annual juried arts and crafts festival held on historic 6th Street. The show proudly features over 275 artisan vendors from all over the world who display and sell homemade art and craftwork. (oldpecanstreetfestival.com)

DONATE. ADVOCATE. PARTICIPATE. FOR THE 1 IN 8. SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CUREÂ® AUSTIN

NOVEMBER 16TH, 2014 DOWNTOWN AUSTIN

KOMENAUSTIN.ORG/REGISTER

(512) 473-0900 NATIONAL SERIES SPONSORS

LOCAL PRESENTING SPONSOR

editor’s picks

AUG-SEPT

a season of

COLORS

2 1

8 10

1. Vertty Towel $90; vertty.com This unique towel is all about style with its incredible geometric aesthetics. Intricate, vibrant and eye-catching, Vertty has designed a rich collection of eco-friendly, design-forward beach towels in a gorgeous array of colors. 2. MAC Moody Blooms Eye Shadow in ‘Deep Fixation’ $15; nordstrom.com 3. MAC Moody Blooms Sheen Supreme Lipstick in ‘Pheromonal’ $17; nordstrom.com 4. MAC Mineralize Blush in ‘New Romance’ $27; nordstrom.com

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5. Mexican Blanket Flip Flops for Men by Nami $26; bluefly.com 6. BSI Mini Surfboard from CB2 cb2.com ‘Tis the season for super bright surfboards and CB2 has created a gem. Their BSI Mini Surfboard, designed by Todd Patterson and Ryan Harris bring us an ecofriendly piece, handcrafted from recyclable EPS foam and USDA-certified bio epoxy. 7. Rug by Nuloom $214; bluefly.com Colorful and vibrant, this piece by Nuloom Rugs brings together a gorgeous spectrum of colors in this 5’x7’ piece.

8. Lotus Ceramic Plates $70; mothology.com Spruce up your table with these colorful hand painted plates from Vagabond Vintage. Set of four features attractive lotus design. 9. Diva Case in Orange Medallion $102; pursen.net For readers on-the-go, PurseN fuses style and function in a collection of handy travel accessories for a wide array of items. Includes five removable cases in variety of shapes and sizes, for all sorts of toiletries and personal items. 10. Camel Duchess East / West Tote by Jonathan Adler $198; jonathanadler.com When it comes to color, Jonathan Adler is a must!

mimosa

What do you get when you mix a bit of olive oil, peach balsamic and some champagne? An unexpected blend of fruity, refreshing goodness. Our friends at We Olive (out of their new fabulous Galleria location) present their Basil and Peach Mimosa, a new spin on this oldie but goodie, that’s a perfect blend of bubbly and fresh. Here’s their recipe: 4 oz Champagne 1/2 oz We Olive White Peach Balsamic 1/2 oz We Olive Basil Olive Oil Pour into a champagne flute and enjoy!

“Ruthie's voice is such a singular, powerful instrument, and she has such mastery of it. She can turn it on, belt it out and bring you to your knees, all in an instant.”  MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

AVAILABLE AUGUST 19 ruthiefoster.com facebook.com/bluecornmusic

Austin cocktails

Looking for something a bit stronger than white wine? The delicious brainchildren of two native Texan sisters, AUSTIN COCKTAILS are premium readyto-serve craft drinks available in four flavors: Tea Twister, Vodkarita, Cucumber Mojito, and Paradise Found. They are made with natural ingredients and six times distilled vodka.

editor’s picks

AUG-SEPT

! s r e e h C

To summer reading, leisure and gorgeous sunsets. Pick at least one afternoon and surprise yourself by curling up in a super comfy chair, sipping on something yummy and distracting your mind with a delightful read… just try it once. We guarantee you’ll want to repeat as often as possible. Here are just some suggested ingredients for our perfect lounging recipe…

great summer reading Friendswood by René Steinke In the small Texas town of Friendswood, one event can change the lives of its inhabitants forever. Friendswood follows the tangled lives of its characters in what Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love calls “a book of rare power.” ($20; amazon.com)

The Possibilities by Kaui Hart Hemmings From the author of The Descendants comes a story about grief and recovery in Breckinridge, Colorado. Candid and thought provoking, this novel will stay with you long after you read it. ($11 for Kindle; amazon.com)

To Rise Again at a Decent Hour by Joshua Ferris What if our online persona was created by someone else and simply given to us without our consent? To Rise Again at a Decent Hour forces readers to ask which is more real: the way we represent ourselves online, or the real world lives that we live? ($26; amazon.com)

Guide to Urban Moonshining: How to make and Drink Whiskey by Colin Spoelman and David Haskell This limited edition hardcover is sure to make a fun and interesting read for all hard-liquor lovers. ($10; cb2.com)

the best pairings

1. Summertime reading begs for a really cool lounge chair. Try the Cuba Chair from Design within Reach. Designed by Danish designer Morten Gottler, this light and flexible chair will be just as great at home in the living room, as in an open outdoor area. ($760; dwr.com) 2. Designed for maximum ‘snuggleness’, this gorgeous throw stems from the mountainous regions of Patagonia, Argentina. Its rustic style makes it ideal for home décor, but we strongly recommend for lounging and outdoor relaxation. ($564; wildflowerorganics.com) 3. When Texas weather hits its peak, a cool white wine is a nobrainer. For our notorious over-100-degree weather, we recommend sticking to a wine that’s low in alcohol; an excellent choice is a vinho verde. Try this 2009 Quinta da Aveleda (around $10).

4. Schott Zwiesel Stemless Wine Glasses from Pottery Barn ($51 for set of 6; potterybarn.com)

5. For those who like it shaken (a lot!), we present this adorable stainless steel mini cocktail shaker from CB2 ($8; cb2.com)

VETTAMAGAZINE.COM 27

money the 5 QUESTIONS to WINNING the

MONEY GAME by Robert Greene, VP of Financial Services, The Solomon Group

n 1900 the average life expectancy in the USA was about 47 years of age; 46 for men and 48 for women. Now, just a little over 100 years down the road, the average life expectancy is 79. Advances in medical technology, improvements in living conditions, organ replacements, pharmaceuticals, etc. have all had a profound impact on what used to be very rare: living past 55. So if we crunched these numbers a bit, we can mathematically estimate that the average life span will increase by 8 months for each passing year. By 2045, the average life expectancy will have hit and quite possibly even exceed 100 years of age. If you are reading this article and under the age of 45, you are barely halfway done. The federal tax code used to stop at age 88, but now continues through 121. The IRS knows a child born today will live to be 120 years of age, and the IRS has immortality on its side. So, in light of today’s (and more importantly, tomorrow’s) interesting financial times, how can we possibly win the money game and hopefully not outlive our wealth?

“HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO CARRY ME THROUGH?” OR,

To win at the money game (and for most people the goal is simply to NOT outlive their money), there are 5 questions you must absolutely be able to respond. If you don’t have the answers to these questions, and if you do not teach your children how find those answers when the time comes, yours and your children’s chances of financial success are just a scratch-off ticket, left to luck. YES! What you don’t know CAN hurt you.

or things suddenly don’t quite roll on as planned, what amount of cash money should you have set aside to handle life’s emergencies? What amount will that be for your children?

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how do I make what I have accumulated to this point last as long as possible? There are things that WILL occur over time that are simply out of our control, HOWEVER, you may be able to control how much of an impact some of those things will have on your future. It’s going to take more money in the future to live like you do today, and even more so for your kids.

to do to be good at growing money: 1) Put it in a really good spot, 2) Watch it VERY closely, and 3) ABSOLUTELY understand how it’s impacted by taxes, both today but more importantly, in the future. You’re hoping your little seed is going to grow, but let me ask you, if you were a farmer, would you prefer to be taxed on the small cup of seeds or the BUSHELLS of crops it produces later on?

“HOW DO I PAY OFF DEBT?”

“HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF?” First you have to identify

I have a very cool and intricate system for accomplishing this called the PIO method. It stands for Pay It Off! That’s it, really simple, just pay off your bills.

“HOW MUCH DO I NEED TODAY?” If you have an emergency,

When it comes to specific financial advice and what each person or family should do, there is no cookie cutter magic mold or formula, and to make specific recommendations in an article such as this would quite literally be a bit irresponsible. To spout numbers and projections on specific products without first understanding an individual’s wants, needs and desires is risky at best. The best advice is to contact a financial professional and sit down and have a discussion about your vision, your current financial situation and what you want to accomplish for the future. After putting all the puzzle pieces on the table, work on devising a plan to accomplish that goal with regular reviews and checkups along the way, not unlike a physical fitness or diet plan with a doctor or dietitian. Remember, not everyone’s prescription is the same and neither is financial advice. Schedule a time for a financial physical and get on track to winning the money game and accomplishing your dream, not outliving it.

the risks. Premature death could be one. Remember, you may be barely halfway through the race and your children have just scratched the surface. How do you protect those you care about? Life insurance for one, but how much is ENOUGH life insurance? There are also annuities, pensions, etc. Do you have a will? If you do not have a will in place, the State of Texas has one for you, but you probably won’t like it much. Wait, I should rephrase: your HEIRS probably won’t like it much.

“SHOULD I INVEST, AND WHERE?” Yes and in a good spot.

We all know investments have risk. If you’re in the market, what does the market do? The market goes UP and the market goes DOWN. There are 3 things

work

Personal

BRANDING

done right! by Olga Maria Czarkowski

ave you ever wondered what’s the drive force behind the success of today’s biggest mega stars? Take for example Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, Jennifer Lopez, the late Steve Jobs and the ‘Queen of all Media’, Oprah Winfrey. What’s the root of their success? Is it their drive, talent, beauty, innovation or business know-how? Although these qualities attract media and create high visibility, all mega stars have one common thread that is fundamental to their careers: their Personal Brand.

builds your network and/or community and launches the message of your movement. Branding ‘YOU’ can optimize the value of your reputation and increase your worth.



CONSISTENCY: Consistency is key, so be sure to maintain it throughout all your efforts, from public speaking, to online blogging and social media, to networking, personal web pages, and any other content you put out to the world. Just keep in mind the following words: CLEAR, CONSISTENT, TRUE IDENTITY, VALUE and IMPACT.

Here are some of the most essential elements to the concept of personal branding:

•

CREATING YOUR BRAND: Have you ever thought of yourself as a project, as a company, or as a brand? If not, start doing it today. Everyone is a brand and you are your best asset! The key to your success is defining the brand called ‘YOU’. The term ‘personal brand’ is believed to have first appeared in an article written for Fast Company Magazine in 1997 by Tom Peters, renowned author and management guru. “We are CEOs of our own companies: Me, Inc” wrote Peters. “To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called YOU.”



PERCEPTION: Personal Branding is about how we perceive ourselves and how we allow others to perceive us. DISTINCTION: How do we stand out in the crowd? What value do we add to other people’s lives? What tools do we utilize to market or publicize ourselves? Personal Branding is the key that defines your niche, targets your audience,

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Now get started. Here is a checklist that can help you along your path of forging your personal brand: 

FIND YOUR TRUE INDENTITY: Answer the following questions: Who am I? Where am I going? What makes me unique or different? Clear answers to these questions help you establish a strong identity, and you must always stay true to yourself. Once your identity is forged, you must believe in it firmly, in order to sell it to others. Believe in yourself, envision your goals and place yourself in the path you want for your brand. Also remember, your identity and set of beliefs will determine your actions and should be consistent.



FIND YOUR PURPOSE: Purpose is what moves you every day of your life. Do you have a powerful reason to wake up every morning? Solid brands are built upon a central purpose or set of core values, and you should model your personal brand in the same way. Identifying your purpose will also define your vision, which is what you hope to acomplish by fulfilling your purpose.



Always remember that you are what you project outward, and that you should portray your brand in all aspects of your life.

what you do? What is your ultimate reason for living, or at least the drive force of your career? It might be a strong desire to make a difference, change the world, impact the lives of others, or simply improve the quality of life of your family. Whichever is your ‘why’, you should keep it on your mind at all times.



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

THE CONTENT YOU SHARE: The content you create and share in your social media profiles, blogs and website reflects who you are, what you stand for, your interests, and what you believe in. This is why content should be shared strategically. It is very important to know your audience and to keep yourself relevant and consistent to your brand. Well placed content gives you credibility and builds your reputation by showing that you are always up-to-date with the latest news and trends in your industry of choice. Conversely, you should be fully aware of what we share through these channels, as image is everything and certain behaviors or content can harm

BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND WITH OTHERS: Honesty is a great asset to anyone’s personal brand. People tend to be prone to a little exaggeration when they meet someone, but try to never misrepresent yourself by making false statements, or by portraying yourself as an expert in an area you only know little about. Let your skills, expertise and work speak for you. Oprah never called herself ‘The Queen of All Media.’ People recognized her with that title after she built her brand with a vision, a purpose, a why, values, and goals. It’s all about being as authentic and genuine as possible. This creates a transparent, clear, approachable and trustworthy relationship with others and takes you back to step one, ‘stay true to yourself’. Remember, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

BRAND YOUR VOICE TO ESTABLISH AN AUDIENCE: After defining your identity, purpose, vision and ‘why’, now we need to direct our brand voice to a specific audience. The brand voice is not what you say but how you say it, and how you communicate your message to your target market. A brand voice should be distinctive, recognizable and unique. It embodies and expresses your personality, your set of values, what drives you, and what you want to share with the world. It is all about consistency. For your brand and voice to stick you need to incorporate it in all aspects of your life: business cards, mottos, taglines, bios, social media, hashtags, blogs, portfolios, conversations with strangers and friends, etc. What’s the point of a brand if no one knows about it? Once it is out there you need an audience to see it. How do you build followers or supporters? You should attend networking events as much as possible and start creating mutually beneficial relationships with new contacts. Designing and launching your own digital platform is essential to directing your audience to the right place. This could be a blog or a website. If you haven’t already created one, claim a domain in your own name for consistency and visibility. Create great contagious and shareable content in a variety of media including text, video and images in order to keep your followers coming back for more.



you, close doors for you and/or ruin your reputation.

THE POWER OF ‘WHY?’: Why do you do



IMAGE SELECTION: You want people to know who you are. It is great to have professional headshots and close-ups in your social media profiles, in your portfolio and websites. People want to see faces before they follow a person. In this matter, it is very important to be careful what kind of pictures you share. Pictures can speak a thousand words. An image can ruin years of hard-earned reputation and credibility in mere seconds.



PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Knowledge is everything. Never stop learning. The more you know, the more you’ll grow. Always try to keep up-to-date on your area of expertise. Learn new skills or enhance the ones you possess. It is beneficial to attend workshops, conferences and other events. If you don’t have much time to spare, you can take relevant online workshops or courses. Read articles and books specific to your trend. If you want to take your brand to the next level, you must always make time for personal development within your area.

Use the results of this self-exploration to create a vision of ‘what’ and ‘who’ you are. Plan how to accomplish the goals that will spring naturally from such an analysis. Always remember that you are what you project outward, and that you should portray your brand in all aspects of your life. We all have many skills and abilities to share with the world around us, but they will amount to nothing if we do not create a cohesive brand for the world to see and follow.

JULIETTE DELL World Champion Equestrian

BEAUTY & PERFORMANCE

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tech

wrapped around your finger Ringly is based on placing fashion and simplicity first, while bringing to mainstream consumers their own little piece of cuttingedge technology.

racelets, anklets, watches, armbands, shoes, glasses and even talking shirts… For the last couple of years, we’ve seen some pretty cool hits - as well as some really awful misses - in wearable technology and pseudo-fashionable gadgets. It’s been a battle to the prototype death between some of the biggest consumer electronic companies, and this year’s CES in Vegas was yet another visit to the wearables battlefield. Recently, several companies have started working on devices to solve specific problems, such as constantly having to check your smart phone for updates (and it makes perfect sense, most of us would start experiencing severe withdrawal if we couldn’t sneak a peek at our phones every once in a while). Finally, there’s a company who just bridged the gap between couture and technology with a very stylish alternative to the rubber and plastic, and we’d love to see a lot more of them… The lovely folks at Ringly, a hip new startup based out of New York, have started taking pre-orders on their chic wearables, and have even sold out on some of their models. They are hard at work producing a collection of smart jewelry and accessories that connect to users’ mobile phones via Bluetooth to “put your phone away and your mind at ease.” Ringly’s debut product is a cocktail ring that comes in four different styles, which lights up and vibrates whenever you receive a new notification. Users

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can customize which notifications they receive by using the Ringly app. Their fall collection is crafted with 18k matte gold micron plating and incorporates precious and semi-precious stones. These very attractive pieces of jewelry are designed to keep users connected to their phones effortlessly and, according to company executives, Ringly is based on placing fashion and simplicity first, while bringing to mainstream consumers their own little piece of cutting-edge technology. The designers wanted to keep the items discreet, which is one of our favorite features, so that function doesn’t compromise style. “Our core belief is that technology can be more discreetly integrated into our lives”. “One of the reasons I started the company is I was missing things all of the time because I keep my phone in my purse,” explains cofounder, Christina Mercando. “I wanted to solve that, but I also started to notice everyone around me always having to keep their phone out at the dinner table and it interrupting certain things. I love conversation and I love restaurants and eating and it’s just one of those things that bothered me that I wanted to help fix.” According to the company, this is just their first line; we can’t wait to see more collections added to Ringly’s inventory. It’s one step forward in our detachment from that addictive, oh-so-tempting ringing, talking and singing piece of modern necessity, and these sexy pieces of tech sure are easy on the eyes…

casa

THE 411 ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT

Accessories

by Maureen Stevens, Interior Designer / Stylist

n the hierarchy of designing or decorating a home; choosing the accessories usually comes last. Of course it doesn’t mean it’s the least important. As the great Dorothy Draper (the fairy Godmother of decorating & the equivalent of Coco Chanel in fashion) once said “It is just as disastrous to have the wrong accessories in your room as it is to wear sport shoes with an evening dress.” So, what can one do in order to not let this faux pas of choosing the wrong accessories happen? Here’s what you can do...

Decide on the MOOD, feel and style you’re going for. In an era where neutrals abound (a neutral color palette, finishes and furnishings), the right accessories will set your space apart and exude more personality than that of the Joneses next door. If you are going for a Bohemian feel, go for pattern on pattern, or if you are more of a minimalist, then your vases and candelabras should have clean lines. COLOR, as always, is important. Going for a Scandinavian whimsy feel? Then go with whites plus an infusion of bright colors (With Summer just around the corner, your space may need doses of neon pinks and yellows). Feeling a little more sophisticated? Then go tonal with grays. Color saturation is important as well. Muted colors feels more casual while intense, bold hues ups the glam of the space; and warm hues lean towards a more global and exotic feel. Never underestimate or overestimate getting the correct SCALE. A 5 x 7 area rug in a large space is a no-no; unless of course you are putting down a cluster of rugs. A mirror that’s bigger than the console where it is placed on top of is awry. And get a big centerpiece or a collection of small to medium-sized center centerpieces for a big dining table.

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Varying TEXTURES goes a long way. A space that feels cohesive and put together is all about layering. Choosing accessories with varying textures make that happen. Something sleek like a leather couch with a hand-woven linen throw definitely looks cozy. Mixing two to three different textures adds to the layered feel. A rustic industrial space with rough wooden accessories and polished metal lighting absolutely works! Ask yourself: does it make you happy? There are no strict rules in design, and when somebody (yes, even a designer!) tells you to throw out or hide an accessory you absolutely love, well, don’t do it. Whatever it is, it can always be incorporated into the space. When looking for the perfect accessories, some can come from a good old big box retailer in your neighborhood or from a flea market in a small town you and your then-boyfriend-now-husband accidentally stumbled upon five years ago. Those are the accessories that give so much depth to a space. Once you’ve found the perfect accessories, just three more words of wisdom: Edit, edit, edit! GET THE LOOK: 1. This area rug screams Bohemian Vintage ($120; Lulu & Georgia) | 2. Go for brights if you are going for the cheery & fun ($45; Nannie Inez) | 3. Choose art that’s the right size above the console or sofa ($1,065; Mockingbird Domestics) | 4. Pair something smooth with something coarse & woven (Nannie Inez)

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casa 2 3

NICE TO THE

Touch

Forget the museum etiquette, these interesting and highstyled finds are begging to be touched. We’ve searched our favorite venues for the best textures and finishes, from decorative elements and poufs that add richness and depth with intricate weaving, to embroidered masterpieces, to plush blankets and pillows that give the home that lived-in feel that only the top textiles can provide.

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8 7

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1. Cellma Printed Blanket by Area in Grey and Sand (areahome.com) | 2. Jute Pouf from CB2 ($80; cb2.com) | 3. Basket Weave Runner by Chilewich in Garden ($125; chilewich.com) | 4. Rati Vase ($25; crateandbarrel.com) | 5. Heenalu Jute Rug 6’x9’ ($299; cb2.com) | 6. Kerr Vase ($30; crateandbarrel.com) | 7. Belgian Linen Napkins from Wildflower Organics ($136; wildflowerorganics.com) | 8. Coletta Pillow with Insert ($70; crateandbarrel.com) | 9. Zebra Crossing Modular Carpet Tiles by Flor in Titanium ($18 each; flor.com) | 10. Live Edge Table by Endever Furniture (endeverfurniture.com) | 11. Peak Vase ($50; crateandbarrel.com)

casa

Just for the Guys

Top and right: Private Residential Interior Design project by Genovieve Gardner, New York, NY. Photography by Stephen Michaelson.

by Coral Talavera

The clichĂŠd masculine room is usually either a dark, messy man-cave with sports posters and an ancient, ripped-up leather couch; or a stale, minimalist and ultramodern space with chrome fixtures and bare windows that speaks more gallery than actual living quarters. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to break out of those tired notions and embrace the sophistication and versatility that intrinsically masculine design elements can offer to any space. A well-designed masculine room can be classy, strong, understated and warm, while effectively conveying the personality of its occupant.

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Left and bottom: Private Residential Interior Design project in Las Vegas, NV. Photography by Kuda Photography.

form

Shape and weight are two of the key factors in determining whether an item looks masculine or feminine. While lightweight, curvy and delicate objects look naturally feminine, heavier, sturdier-looking objects with straight lines and square corners exude a more masculine appearance. An easy rule of thumb to create a room that is masculine in nature is to use furniture, upholstery and patterns that feature geometric shapes and straight edges. To add variety, hard items, such as a rectangular wooden cocktail table, and soft items, like a padded armchair with a boxy silhouette, can be combined.

color

Pastels and light, shimmery colors are unsurprisingly feminine, so opt for dark, saturated colors for a dramatic, undeniably masculine feel or neutrals to avoid giving in to gender-specific hues. Just as heavy, square pieces of furniture, these tones feel strong and substantial. Black and red are among the obvious choices, but dark greens, grays, browns and metallics also give a masculine impression. Conversely, using shades of white, beige and blue can stop the room from being oppressively dark, while upholding a strong male essence.

material

My favorite choices include: leather, metal, dark wood and glass, all of which can look extremely masculine, especially when used in combination with other masculine design elements. However, one mustnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t underestimate the awesome impact a carefully chosen window treatment or upholstery can have on the overall look of the space. After all, a room completely devoid of fabric can seem hard and unfriendly. If you choose bamboo shades for the windows instead of drapes, balance them with an inviting carpet or an attractive area rug. Warm up a boxy leather sofa with throw pillows upholstered in tweed, wool or another fabric associated with menswear.

details

Feminine spaces are often characterized by loads of accessories, fixtures and other details that really enrich the space. Masculine spaces, however, should be much lighter on these, focusing instead on the larger elements like furniture and wall color. Manly spaces are often accessorized sparingly and symmetrically (asymmetry, like curvy lines, tends to look feminine). In a bedroom, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll usually find a small table on each side of the bed and matching lamps on them; or that the accessories on a media console will never out stage the large, substantial shelf they rest on. In a kitchen, you might find the door.

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Just for the Guys

ESSENTIALS

bring on the accessories Every space, regardless of size and – if we may call it – gender, needs a dose of accessories to pull the look together and help tell its visual story. Here are some handpicked accessories that are both dramatic and substantial, adding to the masculine character of the project without over doing it. Pictured here: Caballero Rustic Lodge Antique Bronze Stallion Sculpture ($247; kathykuohome.com). Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘Masculine Wave’ Framed Print ($90; amantiart.com). Rogaska Manhattan Whisky Decanter ($200; bloomingdales.com).

the badass comfy chair Bold, empowering and flatout special, a lot of men find immense pleasure in claiming their own, exclusive spot in the living area where one’s leisure can be unlimitedly exercised (aka vegge out to the max). It needn’t be limited to just one chair, but particular seating other than the couch (spacepermitting) is an excellent way to add warmth and coziness to an otherwise stale space. Pictured here: Wharton Chair in Toffee ($1,640; mytwodesigners.com)

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shimmer is not just for the ladies Reflective surfaces and shimmering textiles aren’t exclusively feminine concepts. Shown here are some examples of how shape, weight and color can help shift the scale in favor of a more masculine aesthetic, without compromising style and the glamorous feel always attributed to metallics. Pictured here are: Tuscany Linen Metallic Throw Pillow ($40; houzz. com). Java Masculine Chunky Silver Lamp ($235; kathykuohome. com). Zazenne Modern Metal Slats Entertainment Console ($5,000; kathykuohome.com).

the sofa For most men, it’s the center of the room; to some, the center of the homeuniverse. The couch is the quintessential piece in the recreation area and it’s usually one of the first things that males add to the shopping list when they plan their new living space. It actually makes perfect sense: it anchors a room, it can be a substantial element in the budget and it adds a great deal to the general tone. While most consider durability and construction to be the foremost criteria, it must also add to the aesthetics of the space and the visual story carried with all its other elements. Whether it’s a modern sectional, a rugged leather mastodon or a more classic settee, there is a wide array of intrinsically masculine options in the market. Pictured here is one of our faves: a tweedy grey piece of tailored simplicity, with exaggerated flange that outlines streamlined design. There’s an impromptu feel implied in the intentional seat cushion overhang, and its boxy design discards any sign of femininity. Pictured here: Club 3-Seater Sofa in Grey ($1,499; cb2.com)

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Sequined blazer by Lovely Girl ($89; Golden Bones).

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estilo

MATERIAL

GIRL Glitter, metal, leather, studs... rock and roll magic. VETTA pays homage to that golden age of music, fashion and lots of hairspray, with a badass display of look-at-me sequins and heavy smoky eyes. Blast to the past, dig deep in your mind for that awesome pair of leather pants you used to own and enjoy...

photographer: Tania Quintanilla | fashion stylists: Graham Cumberbatch and Rachel Chadwick | model: Magdalene Groves (The Campbell Agency) hair: Jorge Buccio | makeup: Kelsey James

VETTAMAGAZINE.COM 45

Cropped hoodie by Milly ($395; Valentine’s Too). Black dress by Ali Ra ($320; Julian Gold). Veiled beanie ($18; Golden Bones). Leather bow bracelet ($25; Golden Bones). Gloves ($16; golden Bones). Friendship bracelets by Le Cap ($38 ea; Valentine’s Too).

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Sequined blazer by Lovely Girl ($89; Golden Bones). Silver metallic top by Mustard Seed (Golden Bones). Plaid skirt by Rehab ($45; Golden Bones). Gold chain belt ($20; Golden Bones). Shoes by Valentino ($1245; Julian Gold). Faux pearls (worn as bracelet) (Golden Bones). Gold spiked bracelet by Eddie Borgo ($325; Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Too).

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Gold blazer by Escada ($2,350; Julian Gold). Gold costume chain ($22; Golden Bones). Shoes by Rachel Comey ($430; Valentine’s Too). Pants by Robert Rodriguez ($345; Valentine’s Too).

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Red velvet moto jacket by UNIF ($360; Golden Bones). Eyeball crop tee by Rehab ($38; Golden Bones). Belt by Suzi Roher ($388; Valentine’s Too). Shoes by Aquazzura Firenze ($625; Valentine’s Too). Jeans by NSF ($284; Valentine’s Too). Gold link bracelet ($1,700; Valentine’s Too). Studded leather bracelet ($15; Golden Bones). Sunglasses ($27; Golden Bones).

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Plaid suit pant by Crowned Bird ($113; Golden Bones). Neon knit tank by Ming Wang ($115; Julian Gold). Single earring ($25 for pair; Golden Bones). Green earring by Kelly Wearstler (worn on lapel) ($195; Valentines Too). Animal print blazer by Escada ($1,650; Julian Gold). White l/s button up shirt by Vince ($225; Valentines Too).

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Black PVC shorts by Lip Service ($53; Golden Bones). Black mesh crop top by Lip Service ($43; Golden Bones). Denim jacket by Unif ($195; Golden Bones). Black leggings by BCBG Max Azria ($135; Julian Gold). Rainbow cropped tank by Wow Couture ($60; Golden Bones). Friendship Bracelet by Le Cap ($38; Valentines Too). Giza cuff by Kelly Wearstler ($528; Valentines Too). Vintage Mickey Mouse watch by Busy Hands ($30; Golden Bones). Clear sunglasses by Quay ($40; Golden Bones). Silver hole boots by Qupid ($35; Golden Bones)

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estilo Lose yourself in exotic prints, colors and materials from the most sophisticated brands and design studios worldwide. The trend is ‘wild and glamorous’ and we’ve chosen some of the most gorgeous garments and high-end accessories in jade, emerald, peridot, gold, silver and wooden tones, to bring you a collection carefully curated in the highest taste.

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9 8 1. La Perla Paisley Embroidered Tulle and Silk Soft-Cup Bra ($260; laperla.com) | 2. Dolce & Gabbana Orange Blossom Print CottonPoplin Dress ($2,395; dolcegabbana.com) | 3. Cosmic Code Gold-Plated Swarovski Crystal Earrings by Erickson Beamon ($480; net-aporter.com) | 4. Gucci Bamboo Collection Watch ($1,050; gucci.com) | 5. Crocodile Notebook and Smartphone Case by Gucci ($3,250; gucci.com) | 6. Hand-Painted Python Belt in Green and Turquoise by Dior (dior.com) | 7. Hand-Painted Python Green and Turquoise Handbag by Dior (dior.com) | 8. Marni Leather Platform Sandals ($870; marni.com) | 9. Fornasetti Ortensia Rose, Iris and Orange Blossom Scented Candle ($165; fornasetti.com)

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estilo Stephanie Kantis hammered bangles ($215 ea; Julian Gold). Eddie Borgo Cuff ($300; Valentine’s Too). Gypsy leaf and pearl necklace ($650; Julian Gold). A.L.C. knit mesh top ($345; Valentine’s Too)

GOLDEN

photography: Tania Quintanilla styling by: Graham Cumberbatch model: Diana Carl (Campbell Agency) hair: Jorge Buccio makeup: Kelsey James

MIRAGE VETTAMAGAZINE.COM 53

Paige Novick ring ($315; Julian Gold). Ralph Lauren Black Label turtleneck ($195; Julian Gold). Hinge hoop earrings ($62), collar necklace ($134), lapis yucca necklace ($128), magnasite presidio necklace ($188) and brass and bronze link bangles ($46 each), all by fail (ww. failjewelry.com).

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fail yucca earrings ($69; www.failjewelry. com). Stephanie Kantis mood ring ($380; Julian Gold). Hoss bronze necklace ($385; Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Too). Carolina Herrera suede top ($890; Julian Gold).

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Ester Gamez spiked earrings ($265; Valentine’s Too). Ester Gamez drop pendant ($365; Valentine’s Too). Ralph Lauren Black Label turtleneck ($425; Julian Gold).

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Theory Blazer ($375; Julian Gold). Vince dress ($320; Valentine’s Too). Paige Novick drop hoop earrings ($175; Julian Gold). Eddie Borgo padlock necklace ($225; Valentine’s Too). Virgins Saints and Angels gold coin pendant ($194; Julian Gold). Virgins Saints and Angels square pendant ($175; Julian Gold). Virgins Saints and Angels gold cuff ($146; Julian Gold).

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estilo

CREAMY LUXE IVORY, CREAM, BONE, ANTIQUE, ECRU AND FLAX... VETTA explores a realm of hues that add lightness and variety to one’s wardrobe, while providing undeniable glamour and sophistication. Ces’t la crème de la crème!

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1. Bottega Veneta Pleated Cotton-Blend Twill Wrap Dress ($3,850; bottegaveneta.com) | 2. Cascade Necklace from Banana Republic ($50; bananarepublic.com) | 3. Ziegfried Collection Pearl Bracelet by Tiffany & Co. ($1,600; tiffany.com) | 4. Baguette Hourglass Earrings in Iridescent Agate by Kendra Scott ($375; kendrascott.com) | 5. Lucia Clutch by Stella McCartney ($1,160; stellamccartney.com) | 6. Thin OP Art Pave Bangle by Coach ($78; coach.com) | 7. Gucci Almaric Silk and Wool-Blend Jacquard Scarf ($595; gucci.com) | 8. Jimmy Choo Lang Patent-Leather Sandals ($850; jimmychoo.com) 9. Lanvin Partition Leather Tote ($2,950; net-a-porter.com) 10. Baker Wristwatch by Marc Jacobs ($225; marcjacobs.com)

estilo

Reyn Spooner shirt ($98; St. Bernard Sports). Brixton henley ($34; St. Bernard Sports). Billy Reid shorts ($165; Billy Reid).

under the boardwalk

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let this ridiculous heat ruin you mood or, even worse, cramp your style. Mix it up this summer with vibrant color, breezy prints and casual pieces.

photographer: Tania Quintanilla | fashion stylists: Graham Cumberbatch and Rachel Chadwick | model: Lukas Moffett (Campbell Agency) hair: Jorge Buccio | makeup: Kelsey James

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Billy Reid polo shirt ($88; Billy Reid). Orlebar Brown trunk short ($280; St. Bernard Sports). Billy Reid popular stripe crew sweater ($395; Billy Reid). Retro Super Future sunglasses ($187; Service Menswear).

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Orlebar Brown terry polo shirt ($150; St. Bernard Sports). Sarong (stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own). Gant stripe crew tee ($65) at Service Menswear.

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Zanerobe swim trunks ($79; St. Bernard Sports). Oliver Peoples West sunglasses ($265; Service Menswear).

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Zanerobe knit denim pants ($119; St. Bernard Sports). Aviator Nation sweat shorts ($76; St. Bernard Sports). Franks swim trunks ($89; St. Bernard Sports). Retro Super Future sunglasses ($379; Service Menswear).

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Orlebar Brown Maxim stripe polo ($185; St. Bernard Sports)

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Gitman floral shirt ($175; Service Menswear). Gant floral trunks ($125; Service Menswear).

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Vans tank ($32; Service Menswear). Jack Spade trunks ($32; St. Bernard Sports).

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body

LONG LIVE er

m m u S

Summer is the warmest (and sexiest) time of the year; it’s synonymous with sweat and barely-there clothing, it demands perfect skin and it’s the perfect excuse to start a new beauty regime. We’ve got the scoop on the season’s must-have beauty products (for girls and guys), including some classics that never fail to deliver fabulous results.

love your skin

Lancome Flash Bronzer Self-Tanning Leg Gel. If you’ve been craving that come-hither Cote d’Azure tan, this auto bronzante is the immediate answer without reaching for your passport. Get a gorgeous golden color in just 30 minutes. ($40; lancome.com) Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster. This selftanning innovation is used by adding a few drops to your day or night moisturizer. ($30; clarins.com) La Nuit de Chanel Evening Recharging Face Care. Encourages nightly recovery with frankincense extract. ($85; chanel.com) Gerlain Terracotta Sun Serum. It’s a booster concentrate, great for activating, intensifying and prolonging a tan; it also moisturizes and softens the skin. (guerlain.com)

hair repair

Rene Furterer After Sun Conditioner. Rich in nourishing and restructuring ingredients, this conditioning treatment restores and strengthens sun-damaged hair. ($40; renefurtererusa.com)

for the fellas

Lab Series Power Protector SPF 50. Lightweight, high performance environmental protection helps visibly brighten and prevent skin discolorations for a younger, healthier appearance.  ($46; labseries.com) Clarins Men Revitalizing Gel. First lines making their mark? Revitalize, refresh and de-stress with this lightweight, antifatigue gel. Minimizes the look of wrinkles, while energizing and toning skin with the perfect amount of moisture. ($39; clarins.com) Dermalogica Redness Relief SPF20. Redness-reducing SPF moisturizer for sensitized skin. Helps beat telltale redness triggered by inflammation, with sheer green natural earth minerals, while helping to minimize discomfort, burning and itching. ($45; dermalogica.com) VETTAMAGAZINE.COM 67

estilo

VETTA travels to

COLOMBIA MODA by Olga Maria Czarkowski / Photos Courtesy of InexModa

C Above: Ruffled dress by Faride Ramos.

olombia Moda, presented by Inexmoda with the support of the Municipality of Medellin, brought together an amazing mix of high fashion, innovation, international trends, unique textiles, fresh designers and philanthropy. As one of VETTA’s international correspondents, I had the amazing opportunity to witness – from the front row, actually – some breathtaking runway shows and meet some of the most stylish characters in the southern hemisphere. This high-profile international event, celebrating its 25th anniversary, lived up its reputation as the largest platform in commercial trade within the Latin American Fashion scene. Also, it was the place to connect with a huge array of new products, and a perfect opportunity to expand brands to new markets. I got to see amazing brands from Argentina, India, Italy and, of course, Colombia, all united at Plaza Mayor in Medellin to exhibit an exciting variety of fabrics, colors and silhouettes (check out www.vettamagazine.com for more amazing pictures of the runway shows). This year there was a strong theme for the occasion: it was a festival of

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fresh faces and new talents! A group of twentyClockwise from top: Pants by Fashion Designer three designers Maria Angélica Guerra. were at the trade Sequined Dress by show in a special Andrés Pajón. Black and Bronze creatin area called The by Andrea Landa, Fashion Vogue Talents Workshop. Corner, presented by Vogue Latino America and by new talents to the stage. These novel the Municipality of Medellin. From designers really hit it out of the park! that group, three of the designers showcased their collection on the Meanwhile, philanthropy played runway: Andrea Landa - Fashion a huge part of this year’s event, Workshop, Love Citizens and Natalia integrating breast cancer awareness Londoño. Caracol TV also provided in a beautiful way. With the a new space on the runway called presentation of Modo Rosa, thirteen NonStop, to promote new designers. designers showcased their collections Each day, they sponsored one inspired by the cause. Socially hour of exposure to new designers, conscious and in support of a new such as Andres Pajón, Bastardo, generation of designers, Colombia Mariangelica Guerra y Purpuratta. Moda proved to be an amazing Sponsored by Chocolyne, a group platform for fashion. For me, the of thirteen talented young designers cherry on top was getting to see also got to showcase their talents none other than Custo Barcelona! We (Alexandra Perez, Laura Osorio, spoke to him about his partnership Manuela Sanabria, Mariana Robledo, with Haceb. Needless to say, Alejandra Londono, Sara Donated, Colombia Moda left us with a magical Sebastian Sanchez, Daniela Valencia, taste of talents that truly transcend Nicolle Valery, Stephanía Mejia, limits of language, culture and age, Laura Martinez, Jose Julian Rojas, pushing the boundaries of fashion. Miguel Angel León and Miguel We can’t wait for the next edition! Mesa, all under the guidance of their See you next year, Colombia! professor, Julianne Moon). Lastly, two sponsoring universities brought

designer spotlight FROM LIMA TO MIAMI… TO THE WORLD Designs by Luli Fama, Dolores Cortes and Mara Hoffman. Photography by Carl Maiorino.

MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK SWIM, MIAMI by Olga Maria Czarkowski

ucky me, I got to go (for the fifth time, yay!) to none other than Mercedes Benz Fashion SWIM in Miami. International buyers, exclusive clientele and prestigious member of the media reunited for its 10th anniversary, for a unique opportunity to learn about the work of talented international designers in the areas of swimwear, resort or lingerie collections. Awesome brands showcased their collections inside the Cabana Grande and Oasis tents at the Raleigh Hotel, as well as outside the premises. VETTA was front row at one of the most acclaimed shows each year, the Mara Hoffman runway, a display of captivating prints, fringed cover-ups and playful swimsuits. We caught up with the designer backstage, and she explained the inspiration behind her collection was a recent trip to Guatemala. She was also inspired by meditation and yoga. Meanwhile, Beach Bunny transported spectators to cyber space with their fun, sexy and high-energy display on the runway. One of the designers, Angela Chittenden, told VETTA at their private event on the Fontaine Bleau Hotel (sponsored by Voco Drink) that they were really inspired by forecasts about cyber trends, the entire Hologram effect, and how “fabrics are futuristic and modern with clean lines, but with interesting cut outs”. Travelling in the opposite direction in time, the fabulous Brazilian designer, AZ Araujo captured the spirit of the thriving 70’s era and its inherent revolution. He rocked the runway with jewel toned bikinis and monokinis. Another colorful display on the runway was that of Luli Fama and her vibrant collection. She made a smaller statement this year, concise not in the dimension of her show, but in the size of her garments. Her strappy, barely-there bikinis incorporated sexy crochet… and made me want to run to renew my gym membership! My last big highlight was designer Dolores Cortes, who brought a unique fusion of tribal and disco glam. She played with extra large gold accessories adorning each bikini and maillot. Her prints went from graphic to zebra patterns to floral prints. Her gold lamé jumpsuit transported us all to the Studio 54 days, begging the question: who says disco is dead? Long live Disco!

eru native Danittza Zimic, the creator of the unique clothing line Mittmi, has made her mark and become a rising star in international fashion. Sprouting in the Real Estate market, she traveled from Miami to Hawaii, to San Francisco and back to Florida. During that stage, she not only closed on properties, she also made a great impression on clients with her style and taste. “Real Estate gave me the lifestyle, it gave me the means to constantly go shopping. Until one day I didn’t feel satisfaction to keep on buying. I thought… ‘Why should I work so hard to buy clothes, when I can make them?’ I hired a dressmaker and for three full months I started designing. All my visions from childhood came alive in that moment and I could not stop”. That’s how Mittmi was born in 2007. She worked hard to build the line. “With only $1,200, 16 pieces of fabrics and one style, I made more than 200 dresses in my hometown of Lima and brought them in a suitcase. In the blink of an eye, these garments were sold among my friends.” Through the years Mittmi has positioned itself well in the female market with its stylish, sexy, feminine, vibrant colors, with selected fabrics and prints chosen from different parts of the world. “It’s a sophisticated line and a flexible brand,” states the designer. “My designs are for every body type. My motivation is to inspire, motivate, and empower every woman with my designs, to celebrate and highlight women around the globe, making them feel fabulous and confident.” Her businesses now includes over 200 boutiques around the world, including Greece, Australia, Canada, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Ireland and the US. She also has clients in France, Spain, England and Mexico. She’s been featured on NBC, CNN, Caracol Radio, StartUp Fashion Las Vegas, The Miami Herald, Miami.com, Prestige Magazine, Today Black Woman Magazine and many more. Some of her most notable clients include actress and singer Mya, the stars of reality show ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’, the first host of Univision’s Maria Elena Salinas and Rashel Diaz, among others. The upcoming years are very promising for Danittza Zimic, including a new clothing line, a line of sexy bikinis, plus a boutique opening in Puerto Rico, to further her mission of empowering and radiating the beauty of women ‘one dress at a time’.

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body

Fitness around the World by Kim Anthony, FitnessGalore.net

Fitness is a universal language. Individuals around the globe are becoming more proactive in maintaining fit and healthy lifestyles. Although the desire to stay fit is becoming a common link amongst nations, the ways by which we choose to get fit often vary. Thankfully, there are many roads that successfully lead to â&#x20AC;&#x153;destination fitness.â&#x20AC;? Discovering what other countries are doing to stay fit can be a useful means of identifying new ways to exercise. The fitness world extends past the gym. Interestingly, people from all parts of the world are trying to stay in shape. Here are some of the amazing ways they are doing it.

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Bouldering in France

Unlike traditional rock climbing, bouldering doesn’t require a lot of ropes and harnesses. The climbs are shorter and the concentration is on building strength versus endurance. The area around Fontainebleau in France is well known for its concentrated bouldering regions. French alpine climbers have been bouldering their since as early as the 19th century. Today, it remains a favored climbing location and one of the most developed bouldering areas in the world. Climbing this mecca will afford you an extraordinary view and amazing full body workout at the same time.

Biking in Denmark Cycling is a well-liked recreational activity in Denmark. It’s become increasingly recognized for over 12,000 km of sign-posted cycle routes, gentle terrain, short distances between amenities and amazing scenery. Denmark is most certainly a country made for cyclists. The Danes are famous for riding their bikes everywhere. According to 2014 Bicycle Statistics from Denmark, nearly 36% of Danish adults ride a bike to work daily or once a week, which has been proven to be highly beneficial to their health. Statistics also support that commuting by bicycle to school and work contributes to higher cardiovascular fitness in Danish adults and children.

Walking Backwards in China

Backward walking, also known as retro walking, is said to have began in ancient China, where it was utilized for good health. Tourists in China are often surprised when they see people in the park walking backwards. Walking backwards has been proven to build muscle, improve sports performance, alleviate knee pressure and improve balance and posture. It also allows you to exercise muscles in your legs that are not commonly used. Ancient rumors have it that walking backwards can reverse your karma, and ward off dementia.

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Dance in Ghana

Kukawa was named for its inventor and internationally acclaimed dance performer, Kukuwa Nuamah. Kukuwa Dance Workout is a full-body activity that can burn up to 1,000 calories in a single class. It is a low impact, high-energy workout designed to target your cardiovascular system. It’s almost impossible not to move to the rhythm in the beat-fueled class. It’s been a popular exercise practice in Africa that is quickly making its way to America.

Unicycling in Great Britain Unicycling is a common form of exercise in Great Britain. It is considered a low-impact activity. The unicycle is a single-track, person-powered transportation device on one wheel. It requires the rider to master a balance and ride skill set. Not only does this sport require more balance than a traditional two-wheeled bike, but riders must also pedal rigorously while cycling, which also makes it a challenging and fun form of exercise. Unicycling is favorable for several reasons. Based on research by the Hilary Commission in New Zealand, performed regularly, unicycling is an aerobic exercise that lowers your low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Initially, first time “unicyclers” commonly report experiencing fatigue. However, as their body adapts, they report increased stamina and extra energy.

Trek in Puerto Rico

El Yunque is located in the only tropical rainforest in the United States national park system. The forest reserve contains over 23 miles of well-preserved trails. It’s likened to a scenic adventure. On a clear day, the view from the top of El Yunque is said to be breathtaking. Looking out over the lush green treetops, you can view the blue water of the northern coastline. El Yunque trail has a difficulty rating of moderate to challenging. The round-trip takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your fitness level and how much time you take to admire the scenery. When you’re done trekking, you can take a an easy ten-minute walk to the waterfall to rest, cool down and take in all this attraction has to offer. 72 VETTAMAGAZINE.COM

CrossFit in USA This is an exciting fitness trend founded in 2000 in Santa Cruz, California. One of the reasons CrossFit has become so popular in America is because it simultaneously fosters healthy competition in a supportive atmosphere. CrossFit, Inc. incorporates high-intensity interval training, weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics and every other exercise move you can possibly imagine. It is practiced by members of over 9,000 affiliated gyms, most of which are located in the United States. CrossFit is ideal for indoor and outdoor exercising.

Bossaball in Spain Bossaball is a ball game between 2 teams, combining elements of volleyball, football, gymnastics and Brazilian dance. This sport is nearly 11 years old and continues to gain popularity in countries, including its origin country of Spain. It is a high-energy sport, requiring players to constantly move around on a trampoline while playing a game similar to volleyball. The change in gravity, combined with the safety provided by the inflatable surface, encourages a full range of techniques, strategies and team tactics. Bossaball allows you to spike down a ball from unseen heights and play the ball in creative ways. It is a spectacular attraction that draws the crowds wherever it goes. Players often enjoy Latin American music and referees who double as DJs. It is primarily played on beaches, but due to its portability Bossaball is a great indoor and outdoor recreational sport.

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amore

Sex, Love and Laughter

GIVE THE THING YOU CRAVE: When we feel like something is missing from our relationship, the first thing to do is to get clear and specific about what it is. What are you craving? What does it feel like? More appreciation, more kind words, more gentle touches, more help around the house, more ‘I love you’s? Now I know it would be great if we had a magic wand and could “poof” these things from your partner right away, but the reality is we can’t control the person we love (or anyone else, for that matter). Giving your partner and yourself more of what you need will shift your focus back to something you can control: You.

How to Make Love Last by Rachel Madorsky, LCSW

ex, love and laughter are some of the best things in life. Most of us would agree that these are good ingredients for maintaining a healthy, satisfying, long-term relationship… so how can we have more? In almost two decades of working with couples, I have been asked this question many times. Here are some tips to help you have more (and better) sex, love and laughter in your life. LET YOUR SEX BE LIKE PIZZA: If you’re not experiencing the sex life of your dreams - not to worry. It’s normal for couples to have differences in sexual desire, appetite and interest. It’s also normal for couples to get into a sexual rut and even to experience a sexual drought now and then. Here’s how to help get things going again.

We need to give ourselves the things we need. I know this can be a stretch especially when we’re feeling resentful toward our partner, but the more we give the thing we wish for, the more of it we receive. If you’re craving more kindness, more appreciation, more credit for all that you’re doing - start giving more of that to your partner and to yourself. If you’d like more physical touch, more handholding, more loving looks, more hugs, more compliments - start giving more to your partner and to yourself. Don’t be afraid to buy yourself flowers. When we behave in loving ways toward our partner and ourselves, we feel more loving and more loved. Begin noticing the loving things your partner does. Practice giving with an open heart and your intention will be mirrored back to you. LIGHTEN UP TO LAUGH: Laughter can be a healing elixir and even an aphrodisiac. How do we laugh more? The short answer is: When we are relaxed and just being ourselves - we laugh. It’s easy to take ourselves (and our lives) too seriously. If we want to laugh more, we need to lighten up. We can start by taking everything less seriously by reminding ourselves that life is short, no one is perfect, and it’s okay to feel good. It’s okay to pause everything and do nothing. It’s okay to spend time with the people we love, and who love us just the way we are. It’s important to make time for the simple joys of life. Try to schedule some “You” time into your week. A little fun can go a long way. Have lunch with your closest friends, go to a matinée, see a comedy, go to an improv show, dance in your pajamas, walk barefoot in the grass, let yourself be light. Practice cultivating a light-hearted attitude towards life. Look for what’s funny and let yourself laugh.

Someone once said: “Sex is like pizza. Even when it’s not that great, it’s still pretty good”.

A great way to get back together sexually is to get curious about what it would be like if you could take all the expectations off of yourself and each other. Let it be okay to start from zero. Try being more accepting and real with each other from a relaxed and light-hearted perspective. Try this: simply agree to have some not-great sex. This sounds ironic, I know, but it’s a great trick and worth the experiment. You may find that you need to get some awkward, semi-boring sexual experiences out of the way in order to jumpstart your creative juices again. And that’s okay. In fact, it can be pretty good. It might even be fun. The important thing is that you fill the experience with self-acceptance and keep the mood light. In fact see how un-thrilling you can make it. You can even try talking about simple, silly, boring things during sex. Taking the romantic novel expectations off may surprise you. 74 VETTAMAGAZINE.COM

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: See if you can have sex, be loving and laugh all at the same time. Try playing a game with your partner to see if you can make each other laugh while you’re having sex. For best results, repeat as often as possible.

mind

What story are you telling? by Andrew Long

verybody loves a good story. We are story machines, constantly making up meaning about ourselves, about others, and the world around us. Take a moment to consider the following: So many of the stories you have listened to, created, and constantly retell are diverting the path to your happiness. If you want different results, change the story and understand how the old ones were created in the first place. The first step is to understand your needs. You probably can remember the pyramid schematic from your high school Psychology 101 class detailing Abraham Maslow’s theory. Our basic needs as humans are the likes of food, shelter, water, sex, and sleep. As we move up the hierarchical scale we also need security, belonging, and developed self-esteem. If we are consciously paying attention to our needs, we will finally reach the top and embody self-actualization through personal growth and peak experiences. This innate life long journey of self-actualization drives us humans. Oddly, we divert ourselves. As important as it is, we give a short shrift to creating happiness. Instead we spend our lifetime muddling through without ever taking a moment to truly understand what our needs are, and when they are or are not being met. We are rarely conscious of the reoccurring stories we tell ourselves that so dramatically affect our outcomes. We give meaning to everything in our lives. Understanding what is truly meaningful is crucial. For thousands of years words and phrases have been assigned to an object, concept, or event. As

a toddler we are taught through experience and repetition the difference between a cat and a dog, broccoli and a tree, and eventually how to tell time by reading a clock. We begin learning this even as preverbal babies. Obviously, consensual meaning that we hold as a truth is extremely valuable. Mutual agreement gets things done clearly and efficiently. Having no concept of time would certainly make it difficult for friends to meet for dinner. One might show up at 6:10 and the other at 8:47. Or mutually agreeing that a hollow cylindrical object with a base and handle used to hold hot liquid like coffee or tea is called a cup. If you wanted to purchase one you could simply ask the clerk directly where they are located in the store rather then playing a game of charades in the middle aisle of Williams-Sonoma. But what about meaning we learned that are other people’s truths? As an example, let’s say your Italian grandfather came to America with his family on a boat when he was a small child. It was the early 20th century and the familiarity of Italy slowly became a distant memory. Getting to know the customs, culture, and language was a steep learning curve he wasn’t expecting. Soon after the economy tanks and the Great Depression sets in. World War II follows and the whole country is in turmoil. The process of surviving so much chaos and upheaval as an immigrant would certainly make for many unique experiences and meaning. For your grandfather the truth was life was truly hard at times, but that was not the whole truth. There were many days of happiness, successes, financial gain, family gatherings, laughter, joy, and solace. In reality, two truths co-existed, but only one highlighted and championed as fact. (continued on page 94) VETTAMAGAZINE.COM 75

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Get to know

MR. DOUG GULLER by Coral Talavera

He’s the man behind over a dozen awesome brands and venues in and out of the city, he actively gives back to charity and in the next couple of years, he might very well take over the world (or at least the ‘super fun, live music eateries’ universe). VETTA sat down with the very, very busy Doug Guller, CEO of ATX Brands and we found out a lot about this cool guy (and no, he’s not constantly followed by an entourage of babes in bikinis).

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his six-foot money making machine is a classy guy with an amazingly positive attitude and self-confidence to spare (who turned out to be a natural in front of the camera). What’s it like to spend a couple of hours with Doug? It’s inspiring and it’s fun. You’d never think it, with his laidback attitude and the coolness to his voice, but Guller has singlehandedly built an impressive portfolio of over a dozen brands in food, drinks and music throughout Texas. One of the reasons I wanted him in our magazine was the fact that he was introduced to me as “the guy who wants to open a Bikinis in each state.” … Oh, now you know who he is.

BUILDING AN EMPIRE Bikinis was the start of it all. “I didn’t have any experience in the restaurant business, but I had learned firsthand that sex does sell”, Doug explained. “I found myself, after trying jobs that weren’t really what I needed to be doing, thinking about my next project of my own. When I thought of it for the first time, it occurred to me that sex, booze, food and sports are recession-proof. They are all basic necessities!” he joked. After his soaring success, he’s not too proud to admit that through most of it, he was basically “making it up as he went. I just started really small and hustled to fund myself. A lot of people say you should ‘play with other’s people’s money’, but I’ve never done it and I’m not a fan. It involves people who will always hold you accountable and now I get to call all the shots, enjoy my big successes and don’t have to explain any of my failures to anyone else. To me it’s like a big Texas Hold’ em and I’m all in!” I have to say, I could not agree more. As for his Bikinis crusade, he explained, “I’m not actually thinking of opening one in every state, just one in every state below the Mason-Dixon line. I do plan to have around 30 in Texas, though.” Doug Guller’s other brands include some pretty hip spots downtown, such as Parish and Parish Underground, Upstairs on Trinity, Vinyl, Chicago House and 508 Tequila Bar. My favorite is Pelons, not just for the amazing Mexican food, but also for its story. When I asked Doug about the name, he immediately chuckled. “I was talking to my right-hand guy and brainstorming about the name” – explained Guller – “and he suggested ‘let’s call it what the guys (in the kitchen) at Bikinis call you.’ I asked him, ‘Jefe?’ and he laughed and said, ‘No, the other name they call you…” So, as a testament to his bald-headed glory, Pelons proudly serves not only great dishes, but also pitches in with a great cause by contributing to the St. Baldrich’s Foundation. He’s also behind some awesome music venues, including the Historic Scoot Inn, Guller Hall and Schroeder Hall. I guess that he was really in the mood to diversify when he went and bought a small town…

Photo by Tania Quintanilla. Wardrobe from Capra&Cavelli.

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Photo by Tania Quintanilla. Wardrobe from Capra&Cavelli.

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THE JOURNEY To me it’s no wonder that Doug has enjoyed huge success. He is passionate and determined; the guy went on to brand himself as the breastauranteur (he actually has the trademark for the concept and we’re not kidding). I mean, this guy’s got guts. Sharp as a tack, he’s made the most out of unexpected opportunities as they have presented themselves, and learned an amazing deal from his hits and misses throughout his entrepreneurial adventures. “I didn’t go to school for business and I don’t have any fancy titles and designations, but to me it was about much more than that. Yeah, I had some stumbles, I learned a lot from them and I just moved on to whatever was next.” During our exchange, it was quickly evident to me that Doug doesn’t spare a moment to further the ATX Brands realm. It was so funny that we were both on edge during the whole interview, as he was bidding online on a new domain for his newest venue out in Houston, Hoppies. The Woodlands will be the setting for his new Neapolitan pizza and beer eatery, set to open this Fall. It seems kind of ironic that at the time of this interview, the new chapter in his journey was a pizza parlor, when the first step he took in his entrepreneurial path – which was kind of a flop – was an order-by-phone pizza service, called 1-800-CHOICES.

A MENTOR AT HEART While establishing a successful chain of venues and brands, Doug takes the time to better himself not only as the CEO, but also as a mentor to his team. He’s part of MIT’s Entrepreneurial Masters Program and is going through his first year of three. “I lead my team the best way I can, but part of it I’m learning myself. I keep looking for different avenues to be successful and for ways to transmit it to my team.” Doug credits most of his success to his fantastic team. “I don’t want it to sound cheesy” – he told me – “but I really have to say the reason for the success of ATX Brands is the incredible group of

people around me. That is simply the reason. We are not a big team, we still need more people on it, but my team really brings great ideas.” It’s evident that Doug’s team serves as a big motivation, and inspires him to take on more and more. “Whether I’m doing it for myself or finding ways for my team to do it, I’m charged”, he explained.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE Guller is a confessed workaholic, hungry and full of energy to take on even more work. However, and according to the 41-year-old restaurateur, “the amount of work has been very unbalanced, which is why I haven’t found FMG (the “Future Miss Guller”) yet. It’s not that I don’t want to settle down, it’s just that everything else has taken a backseat to all the projects I’ve taken on.” When I teased him about time ticking away to start having kids, he told me “Oh, I plan to have lots of kids. I’ve always wanted a big family… so tick-tock, right?!”. Doug also wants to take two months off, sometime between January and February, to take a trip to the South Pacific. “I love to travel! It’s so hard to make time, but this trip is something I’ve been really wanting to do and it’s long overdue.”

“I don’t want it to sound cheesy” – he told me – “but I really have to say the reason for the success of ATX Brands is the incredible group of people around me. That is simply the reason.”

ATX BRANDS GIVES BACK The donations made to St. Baldrich’s through Pelons have not only made a tremendous impression on the kids benefited by the organization, but has also brought a lot of joy to supporters and his own patrons contributing to the initiative. “This decision just started as a play on the restaurant’s name, but so many good things have come out of it. I love getting Facebook messages and emails telling us how much clients love that we support this charity. I want to show people how much this particular project has grown and I want to add a ticker to the website showing how much we’ve been able to give back.” In the mood to contribute? Swing by the restaurant to try their Shrimp and Lobster Enchiladas. For every plate sold, ATX Brands donates $2 to the charity. VETTAMAGAZINE.COM 79

explore

Intriguing, diverse and, yes, weird, Austin is home to many incredibly creative minds, some of which are responsible for top-notch ventures in and out of the city. As a new beacon of local style, VETTA recognizes these brave trendsetters and has brought them together in this awesome three-part editorial series. Here are some of the most interesting people in town and what they had to share with our teamâ&#x20AC;¦

VETTA TASTEMAKERS BY CORAL TALAVERA PHOTOGRAPHED BY TANIA QUINTANILLA

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james leasure An online media wiz, speed aficionado and visionary philantographer. Who is this dapper dude? None other than James Leasure, Producer of the Modern Homes Tours in Austin (and all throughout the US and Canada). Welltraveled and uber-entrepreneurial, James juggles multiple ventures with great ideas, creative drive and above all, impeccable taste. hometown:

Fairfax, Virginia (in Texas since ’89)

favorite trend: “In

architecture, the continuing increase of renewable energy into a home’s basic design, along with (finally) the advent of massmarket electric vehicles. Major steps are being made in sustainability and energy generation. Now if we can only solve our water issues...” biggest inspiration:

“Michael Kenna, photographer. His minimalist photographic creations break down the entirety of the world into positive and negative space, and into light and shadow. On a personal level, the admiration I have for my wife, Courtney Clark, cannot be expressed strongly enough. Twice a cancer survivor and not yet 35, she has turned her experience into a message of hope for other people dealing with struggles in their lives.” biggest professional accomplishment:

“Taking Modern Home Tours international with the advent of our highly successful Canadian dates in Toronto and Vancouver, BC. As a photographer, I was highly commended (top 11 worldwide) in the 2014 United States Landscape Photographer of the Year competition.” personal milestone:

“Finally accepting that we can’t do everything in a lifetime, but understanding that we should still try.” next big project:

“Kicking off the Longhorn Racing Academy - a high performance driving school and sports car experience just south of downtown Austin, TX”.

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daniel esquivel Give him a few bolts of fabric, his scissors and his sewing machine: Daniel is in heaven. This now internationally known fashion designer is proud to call Austin home and left to his devices, is a creative force to be reckoned with. VETTA is thrilled to call him one of our Tastemakers. hometown:

Austin, Texas

favorite trend:

“I’m really digging the western trend I have been seeing the last couple of seasons. I love seeing how the different designers interpret this trend, but personally, I consider it a classic.” biggest inspiration:

“I have always been inspired by Edith Head; I love the style she created for Alfred Hitchcock’s films. I got to meet her when I was 15 years old. She was here in Austin, at a luncheon at the Green Pastors Restaurant”. biggest professional accomplishment:

“Being on Project Runway was the biggest accomplishment in my life. Showing at New York fashion week at Lincoln Center was beyond AMAZING!” personal milestone:

“Having my own studio is the biggest milestone in my career; I get to do what I am passionate about everyday.” next big project:

“I have been asked to participate in an upcoming event with the LBJ museum in September. I will choose an iconic look from Lady Bird Johnson’s wardrobe, and I will recreate an up-to-date version of it. It ill be showed on the runway and then displayed next to the original in the museum.”

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tania quintanilla Talented, creative and extremely driven, Tania has set the bar pretty high for fashion photography. Working and playing in Austin, San Antonio, Miami, Vegas and New York (just to name a few), she’s had years of experience to develop her own style and truly unique aesthetic. hometown:

Monterrey, Mexico

favorite trend:

“My favorite new trend in fashion photography is the return of the realistic beauty. Without dimples, or moles, gaps, curves, or wisps of unruly hair, models look unrealistic and cloned. When the Photoshop age started, photographers got too excited about the possibilities, making fashion photography increasingly plastic. Recently, the tides have turned and the fashion philosophy that beauty is better with “flaws” has emerged. Some fashion editorials are now even photographed with oncamera flash and smart phones. The veil between what we see with our eyes and what is captured by the ‘magician behind the camera’ has thinned. Plastic people are out, and real is the new black!” biggest inspiration:

“I get inspired pretty easily; I think I might be easily influenced. For example, sometimes a wardrobe stylist can blow my mind

with a dress, and the shoot becomes something completely inspired by it. That is why my team is so important to me. Everyone I shoot with has the capacity for inspiration that brings photography to the next level. I’m just the conductor of that energy.” biggest professional accomplishment:

“Besides supporting myself with my art? Hmmm... I love to help my clients win awards. Every year since I started shooting for the NAHA Awards I head out to Las Vegas to see my clients either get nominated or win. It’s such a special feeling to be a part of making someone’s hopes a reality.” personal milestone:

“Having a successful fashion photography studio in Austin, Texas is a big personal milestone. Austin is not the Mecca of fashion by any means, yet we have survived and grown with this amazing town. Austin’s fashion scene is changing and we are all here ready to help it with its new identity.” next big project:

“Right now I’m working with a makeup artist friend of mine on a book for young adults. It’s sort of a how-to on popular makeup trends.”

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graham cumberbatch

A highly sought-after fashion stylists and style consultant in Austin, Graham has graced the pages of Austin Monthly, San Antonio Magazine, Tribeza, Bleach Online, More Magazine, Nylon Guys and now VETTA with his sophisticated approach to fashion, his editorial panache and his undisputed taste. He has worked with GQ Magazine and in addition to styling, he keeps his plate full with graphic design and sports writing. This highly creative visual artiste is nothing short of a fashion Jedi. hometown:

Austin, TX

favorite trend:

“The emergence of street style has opened an important space for young stylists and designers of color influenced by an aesthetic that was previously excluded from high fashion as ‘urban’ or ‘hip-hop.’ Cultural appropriation is always a concern, but it just means we need to be more vigilant about making sure runways, magazines, classrooms, and production rooms reflect the diversity that makes street culture the unifying force that it is.” biggest inspiration:

“My mom and dad have probably had the biggest impact on my style. I always keep an eye on Rih Rih and Kanye. Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Jesse Ware, ‘90s Wesley Snipes, and Basquiat are probably in my search history a fair amount too.” biggest accomplishment:

“The next one.”

personal milestone:

“Leaving NYC to come back home to Austin, discovering styling, feeling compelled to be an advocate for black Austin.” next big project:

“Art direction for a new marketing and creative firm.”

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explore

Ballet Austin Rediscovering

by Kaitlyn Moise

“Classically innovative”

Ballet Austin dancers in Luminaria. Photo by Tony Spielberg

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hose two words describe the core value behind Ballet Austin, one of the most groundbreaking ballet companies in the United States. The company hails from a rich history having been around for 57 years. If you are in the Downtown area, you can’t help but notice their stateof-the-art facility, adorned with stunning posters of dancers defying the impossible. The 8-studio building is also home to the Ballet Austin Academy, as well as the Butler Community School, which offers dozens of dance and fitness classes for all levels and ages. After an amazing 2013 / 2014 season complete with a tour of Light / The Holocaust and Humanity Project in Miami and Israel, the 21-dancer company, headed by Artistic Director Stephen Mills, is gearing up for an even bigger 2014 / 2015 season. Mills has been dazzling audiences with his award-winning choreography since he became

Artistic Director in 2000. Along with Associate Artistic Director, Michelle Martin, and Executive Director, Cookie Ruiz, the dynamic trio has made Ballet Austin a powerhouse that produces some of the most outstanding dancers and ballets. Mills has created over 40 works that have been performed and set on several companies throughout the world. For this season, Ballet Austin has classics and world premieres in store which will surely leave audience members wanting more. The season will kick off celebrating the dramatic scores of Igor Stravinsky in The Firebird and George Balanchine’s Agon. Mills interprets the Russian folk-tale with his powerful and capturing choreography. The ballet, first performed in 1910, tells the story of how Prince Ivan meets the mysterious Firebird while out hunting. He captures the magical and mystical creature but the Firebird begs for her freedom and he releases her with the promise of helping Ivan. Ivan falls in love

Dancers Ashley Lynn Sherman and Paul Michael Bloodgood in Agon. Photo by Tony Spielberg

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with a beautiful princess who is under the watchful eye of the evil Sorcerer. Ivan must enlist the help of the Firebird to win his one true love. Mills’ sizzling choreography had audiences abuzz back in 2009 when his choreography premiered. The diatonic score is largely hailed as Stravinsky’s breakthrough as a composer and put him on the map at the young age of 26 years old. The next piece on the program will be George Balanchine’s Agon. This ballet is largely known as one of the “leotard ballets” among many ballet goers and also part of the Neo-Classical period. Balanchine strips away all costumes and scenery to allow the audience to “see the music, hear the dance.” Agon, coming from the Greek word “contest” is comprised of several movements inspired by several French court dances. The ballet itself really allows Balanchine’s point to be made because as an audience member you can’t help but notice the stark and strong ballet lines paired with Stravinsky’s leap into a twelvetone technique.

Top to bottom: Aara Krumpe, Paul Michael Bloodgood and Ballet Austin in Firebird.

The season will close out 2014 with the holiday family classic The Nutcracker. This year will mark the 52nd annual production and the second year that all brand-new sets and costumes will be featured on the Long Center stage. It is definitely worth a trip with the family. The set design by the extraordinary artistry of Holly Highfill and exquisite costumes by internationally renowned designer Judanna Lynn create a feast for the eyes. The classic tale is about a young girl named Clara, whose family is hosting a Christmas party. Her mysterious godfather Heir Drosselmeyer brings her the gift in the form of a wooden Nutcracker. After the guests have departed she sneaks one last peak at her beloved Nutcracker only to find a room full of rats and soldiers that have come to life! The Rat King appears and all of a sudden the Nutcracker battles the Rat King and defeats him with the help of Clara. Magically, the Nutcracker becomes a prince. They are whisked off to the Land of Sweets by the beautiful dancing snowflakes and the Snow Queen and King. In the second act, we meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier who hear of Clara’s bravery and how she helped the Nutcracker defeat the Rat King. The entire court honors Clara and the Nutcracker with dances from several countries complete with a pas de deux by the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. Clara wakes up in her bed wondering if she dreamt the entire magical experience or if it was real. You want to be sure you don’t miss this holiday classic.

Ballet Austin dancers in The Nutcraker. Aara Krumpe and Frank Shott as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier in The Nutcraker.

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What better way to bring in 2015 than with an innovative premiere. 3M has commissioned Mills to create a brand new piece that will premiere in February entitled Belle Redux / A Tale of Beauty and the Beast. After a year of brainstorming Mills decided on beginning with the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast (written in 1746) centering around the beautiful

young Belle and her dreadful captor. Two hundred years later, the same story inspired Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film, which was then written into an operatic score by composer Philip Glass almost fifty years later. The evolution of this classic fairy tale inspired Mills to create his own story using multi-genre artistic collaboration. No word as to what types of other multi-genre elements will be used, but one thing is for sure: Mills will surely bring his genius and awe inspiring ideas to life onstage. Graham Reynolds (who Mills has collaborated with on several projects including Cult of Color: Call to Color, The Bach Project and The Mozart Project) has been commissioned to create the score. Just in time for spring, the company will dazzle audiences once again with Director’s Choice. A three-piece program will include Mills’ Luminaria and One / the body’s grace. Rounding off the program will be a world premiere by Jennifer Hart. Luminaria, which premiered in 2011, is a playful work where Mills accentuates the rhythmic and instrumental Spanish New World music of Jordi Savalli. The second piece on the program is One / the body’s grace which explores three varying stages of relationships in three mesmerizing pas de deux with music by Handel, Gluck and Bach. Jennifer Hart’s piece will be closing the program. The piece is still in the works, but we can expect nothing short of extraordinary from Hart, who has already dazzled Austin audiences with her beautiful choreography on Ballet Austin’s second company (Ballet Austin II), Ballet Austin Butler Fellowship Program, and the Ballet Austin Academy. The season will close with one of the most classical and iconic ballets in history, Swan Lake. This ballet is largely hailed as one of the ballets all ballet goers must see for its tragic love story, but also for the iconic music composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The ballet first premiered in 1876 by the Bolshoi Ballet, but was later revived in 1895 with new choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. The ballet, largely considered as one of the most difficult ballets to perform for a lead dancer, is not only challenging technique-wise, but demands a great amount of emotion and acting to portray the story to the audience. The leading dancer is not the only one who is put to the test. The corps de ballet of swans will take your breath away with their precision and synchronicity throughout the performance. Ballet Austin’s main company is not the only one that has some great things in store for the Austin community in 2014 / 2015. The Butler Community School continues to grow yearly and offers dozens of classes and workshops every week for all levels and ages. Whether you are looking for a ballet class, jazz, hula, or Brazilian, Ballet Austin has it all. If you are looking for more of a fitness class, the school offers a variety of choices from Zumba, Turbo Kick, Bollywood Cardio, Ballet Fit, and more. And don’t forget about the state of the art Pilates center that

Ballet Austin’s Ashley Lynn Sherman in Swan Lake.

provides private and group classes. Ballet Austin is also home to the Ballet Austin Academy, which has over 800 students including the Creative Movement Program, Pre-Ballet, a Lower and Upper School and the Butler Fellowship Program. Heading the Butler Academy is Academy Director, Bill Piner, and Vicki Parsons serving as the Butler Community School Director. Piner has helped the Academy become one of the largest classical ballet academies in the country training dancers that go on to dance with companies world wide, including Ballet Austin. Parsons’ infectious passion for dance and fitness has helped the Butler Community School become a beloved place for adults and children of all ages and levels to dance, sweat and have fun. So make sure to check out Ballet Austin in some capacity this upcoming season, whether that means being an audience member at the ballet, enrolling your child in dance classes or, why not, lining up yourself for a class at the barre. As a writer / dancer / ballet instructor, I can tell you it’s never too late to learn to dance. VETTAMAGAZINE.COM 89

explore

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? by Olga Maria Czarkowski

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Yummy culinary creations by Chef Makoto Okuwa.

In the spirit of keeping things international, VETTA caught up with these three culinary hot shots to learn a about their impressive résumés, their worldwide journey and their hot venues. Accomplished, creative and ambitious, these young food prodigies and entrepreneurs have set the bar pretty high for a new generation of badass chefs. Here are some new places to add to your travel to-do list.

“I have a true respect for keeping with Japanese tradition but also feel it’s important to add my own variations, in order to appeal to a wide array of palates.”

CHEF MAKOTO OKUWA

hough young and fresh faced, Makoto Okuwa brings over twenty years of experience in traditional Japanese style cooking to his sushi bar, but also combines some pretty innovative techniques. Raised in Nagoya, Japan, Makoto’s innate passion for food was evident as early as age 3, when he tried to make his first hand roll, while his interest in international cuisine blossomed around age 12 with his attempt to make his first omelet. After ten years of training in Japan, learning his art from Sushi Master Makoto Kumazak and then from legendary Sushi Master Chef Shinichi Takegasa, Makoto yearned to expand his body of work and moved to the US. Settling in Washington D.C., Makoto worked closely with Iron Chef Morimoto and was soon asked to assume the Head Sushi Chef role at his first American restaurant. Over the years, Morimoto’s knowledge and

commitment to traditional Japanese technique became the foundation for Makoto, and the restaurateur became a lifelong mentor. In 2007, Makoto fulfilled his dream of opening his own restaurant, Sashi Sushi + Sake Lounge in Manhattan Beach, California, where he remains a partner. It was here that Makoto had the freedom to be creative with the traditional Japanese cuisine, while pushing these boundaries with global influences. His fresh take on sushi earned Sashi accolades from Los Angeles Magazine and the LA Times. And just for the fun of namedropping, Sashi is a favorite for local celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian, Miley Cyrus and Jimmy Kimmel. This location is a must on your next West Coast adventure. Just four short years later, Makoto reached a career high by partnering with famed restaurateur Stephen Starr, opening his eponymous restaurant in the renowned Bal

Harbour Shops of Miami. As a partner of Starr Restaurants, Makoto continues to evolve his culinary style crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes, which pay tribute to Japanese customs. “I have a true respect for keeping with Japanese tradition but also feel it’s important to add my own variations, in order to appeal to a wide array of palates,” says Makoto. Makoto has received the James Beard Foundation Award for outstanding contribution and the New York Rising Star Chef award by StarChef.com. He’s also made several appearances on the Food Network’s original “Iron Chef America” alongside his mentor Iron Chef Morimoto. Most recently, Makoto hosted a prestigious dinner at the James Beard House. Lastly, he let us know that when he’s not in the kitchen, he enjoys the finer things in life including high-end fashion and surfing, looking forward to riding the waves in Miami. VETTAMAGAZINE.COM 91

There are two things you have to learn from Brian. One: time is of the essence. Two: there’s no such thing as opening too many restaurants.

CHEF BRIAN MASSIE

here are two things you have to learn from Brian. One: time is of the essence. Two: there’s no such thing as opening too many restaurants. You will not believe the tremendous run this superstar chef has had over the last decade… and it seems to us like he’s just getting started. A native New Yorker, Brian decided at an early age that he wanted to become a chef. While studying at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, he worked on weekends for renowned chef Lidia Bastanich at her three Manhattan restaurants, Felidia, Becco and Frico. After graduating in 1996, Brian traveled to Italy and with Lidia’s glowing recommendation, apprenticed for Guiltier Marchesia at his Bella Vista Vineyards in Erbusco and later for Annie Floydee at Enoteca Pincourri in

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Florence. Upon his return to New York, almost two years later, Brian was sought out by restaurateur Charlie Palmer, who hired him as a line cook and roundsman at the famed Aureole in New York City. When Charlie was preparing to open Aureole at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1999, Brian had the opportunity to join the team as Head Sous Chef. He soon found out that he had hit the jackpot by taking his work to Vegas! A year later, he became the Executive Chef for the Charlie Palmer Steak Restaurant, the first freestanding restaurant in a Four Seasons Hotel. In September of 2001, Brian joined the N9NE Restaurant Group as Executive Chef working with owners Scott DeGraff and Michael Morton. During his two years with the group, Brian was responsible for the kitchens at the N9NE Restaurant, the Skin Pool Lounge, Rain Nightclub, Ghost Bar and the company’s

banquets. Two years later, Brian was hired as Executive Chef by The Light Group for its first restaurant venture: FIX Restaurant & Bar at the Bellagio. Massie went on to oversee the openings of STACK Restaurant & Bar at The Mirage (2005), Diablo’s Cantina (2007), BRAND Steakhouse (2008) at Monte Carlo and Union Restaurant & Lounge at Aria inside CityCenter (2009). After having made his huge mark in Nevada, Massie premiered his new Italian inspired menu as Executive Chef at the iconic Delano, this time in Miami’s popular South Beach area. Yeah, it’s exhausting just to read about all his undertakings, but, no, Brian has no intention of slowing down. He’s opening yet another restaurant in Las Vegas this fall, called Hearthstone. Make sure to add that to your Sin City schedule and make sure to #wineyourhearthout.

He created daily menus for some incredible celebrities, such as Christina Aguilera, No Doubt, Alice Morrison, Pink Floyd, Paulina Rubio, Juan Luis Guerra, Ruben Blades and Guns N’ Roses.

CHEF CARLOS DE LA CRUZ

hef Carlos de La Cruz was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, but truly thrived and made a name for himself in New York City. The chef honed his career as manager in some pretty hip restaurants such as Rancho Cafe, Virgil BBQ in Times Square, Times Square Cafe, Gigino’s at Wagner Park, and Dos Caminos Mexican Restaurant. He has also worked at 55 Wall at the Regent Hotel on Wall Street, Megu NYC in Tribeca, The Sports Club/ LA, the glamorous club New York Duvet Restaurant and Nightclub, and at F&T Group’s QC Celebrity Palace. De La Cruz then had his hand in creating seven – yes, seven – restaurants in the Queens Crossing Building: Mulan Modern Asian Cuisine, Mudan Banquet Hall, TMSK Lounge, Ah Rhee Soo Japanese and Korean Restaurant, Rose Tea House, Bally BBQ & Beer, and Paris Baguette Cafe.

Back in his hometown, Caracas, Carlos served as Executive Chef for the Caracas Pop Festival, where he created daily menus for some incredible celebrities, such as Christina Aguilera, No Doubt, Alice Morrison, Pink Floyd, Paulina Rubio, Juan Luis Guerra, Ruben Blades and Guns N’ Roses. He was also in charge of food production for over 250,000 people in the stadium. In the fall of 2010, the President of the Venezuelan Chef Association, Elia Nora Rodriguez (a former judge of the World Association of Chef Societies), honored De La Cruz with the Lifetime Achievement award…talk about local pride. Venturing onto other exciting fields, he published Bitacora Gastronomica de Venezuela, a fun book featuring over 300 traditional Venezuelan recipes for the enjoyment of readers in America and abroad. He also published Bitacora del Vino in Europe. Back in the Big Apple, Carlos is proud to have established a sexy new trend in

the restaurant industry, offering upscale dining on a bed at Duvet Restaurant and Lounge, following Sabina Belkin’s concept. More recently, he took on the task of managing Piquant Restaurant in Brooklyn, where he reconnected Sabina and Lorraine Belkin (the daughters of the Russian magnate Eduard Belkin) in a new venture, Duo Restaurant and Lounge on Madison Avenue in New York City. He’s also shared his cooking genius at venues such as Tio Luca Cocina and Vino, on Lenox Avenue in Manhattan, Tacos and Tequila Mexican Grill in the Atlanta Metro area in Georgia, just to name a few. He proudly sponsored and served as Executive Chef for The Latin Fashion Week New York 2013, and wrote as chef columnist for Sofrito Magazine. In the mood for a cocktail? Carlos also has patrons covered. He’s also the Executive Chef and Mixologist at “Dama Tequila”, responsible for creating a high-end luxury cocktail collection. VETTAMAGAZINE.COM 93

What Story Are You Telling? (continued from page 75)

Years later you were born. You adored your grandfather and felt loved by him. You held him in high esteem for how smart he was, soaking everything in he said. For years, without context or deeper understanding, you heard your beloved grandfather blurt out tattered worn comments frequently like “Life is hard” and “You have to work really hard because no one will give you a chance.” Since we unconsciously anchor beliefs based on emotions, you as the grandchild come to believe a version of his story as reality. Your life unfolds fulfilling a skewed version of your grandfather’s prophecy. Why? Because if you unconsciously learn life is hard you will re-create what is familiar until you decide to change that false truth. Growing up we also make up our own original stories as a coping strategy. Let’s use the example of a kid who experiences some kind of family instability or whose parents didn’t give the adequate emotional support to feel safe. Remember one of our Maslow’s identified hierarchical needs on the pyramid is security. If we lacked feeling safe or emotionally secure growing up, we invent meaning to make sense of things to cope and get us through. We unconsciously anchor a fabricated story as true. That so called truth is carried into adulthood influencing all of our decisions. The story might manifest as “I need to do everything for myself” or “I can never fully trust anyone.” That child might choose a particular career that is financially lucrative though not fulfilling or make financial decisions based on fear because then “I’ll never have to worry about being taken care of.” The important thing to remember is this: how we filter, interpret, and champion one’s experiences directly influences our future choices and outcomes. The result will affect how our needs ultimately get met. We create skewed perspectives of our world through stories. The two previous examples illustrate how some of these stories are given to us and some we invent as a coping strategy. Our limiting beliefs about love, trust, relationship, prosperity, and abundance were set long ago without us even knowing! Stories can be handed down from generation to generation like a prideful battle scar. Until we understand and change our limiting beliefs they will continue to cast a long shadow over us and affect our outcomes. You get to choose what stories you tell. Consider telling stories that empower and make you feel good. Tell the ones that are affirming and expand your possibilities. Discard the stories that are limiting and contracting. Live the story you want to live because that will ultimately bring your self-actualization forth. That is where your true happiness lies.

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