Photographed By Ellinor Forje
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Galia Lahav
Photographed By Shoji Fujii (Left: In-House Designer, Sharon Sever)WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
I'm in Tel-Aviv, our term of a large and hectic metropolitan. But I have lived a major part of my life in Ashdod, in south Israel. I have flagshipstores in both cities.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born in Russia, and immigrated with my family to Israel as a young girl.
WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT CITY OR HOMETOWN?
Tel-Aviv is one of the best cities in the world! It's a city that contains a diversity of cultures, nationalities, genders, political views, families, where generations meet and work together through high and low tech practices. You can find many art galleries, museums, fashion shows, music concerts, fine restaurants and opposed the best street food, art and other features. You can go to the beach in the morning and go out to great night clubs at night. At the same time, you also have traditional and sacred places where you can set your mind and rest.
WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS GROWING UP?
My mother was a seamstress, and we would sew our cloth together. I guess i always wanted to be a seamstress as she was, but at first I wasn't courageous enough so I became an arts and crafts teacher. Only in my late 30's I became what I always dreamt of and since them I'm holding on to it with all my heart.
WHY DESIGNER AND WHY HAUTE COUTURE?
Designer. Because I tried different things, and this is what chose me as much as I wanted it to. Couture, haute couture, are like an ode to old times, when people connected between traditions and trends, between cultures and notions, it's the best way for a designer to fulfill his true artistic ambitions, and meet an appreciative clientele.
WHAT HAS BEEN A SEMINAL MOMENT?
Each moment holds a lesson. Be prepared and open to new ideas and growth. You have to be persistence. You also have to learn how to move forward without losing your identity.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Everywhere. All the time. As I said before, each moment holds a lesson. Each moment through life teaches you something. But then, there is also culture, art and Pinterest obviously!
WHAT MOMENT ARE YOU HAVING?
I'm constantly on the move. We recently came back from Paris HCFW and it was overwhelming. Now, we're working hectically on two of our bridal lines for October. It's all pretty exciting. It has been for 30 years now, and it stills makes me so happy when we work on new creative designs.
HOW DOES YOUR AESTHETIC TRANSLATE IN OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE?
I can't really tell much about my self. I just hope that I'm timeless, elegant, and aesthetic as much as I hope for our designs to be.
WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT CRAFTING?
Not much time for leisure and I love to be in a constant creative flow,
AND HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
During the weekends, I babysit my grandsons, or meet with close friends, for lunch/dinner or go for long strolls on the beach. We also travel abroad from time to time, My husband and I.
Monday, July 24, 2017
Anne Vest
Image Courtesy Of Anne VestWHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
When I started out as a designer with my first self-titled brand in 20001, I lived in Paris. I returned to Denmark in 2006 and right now I am living in Copenhagen with my husband/company-partner and our two kids.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I come from Aarhus, which is a small city with a three hours drive from Copenhagen. Later I studied design in Copenhagen for three years before heading to Paris.
WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CITY OR HOMETOWN?
The best thing is the possibilities; Copenhagen is full of interesting creative scenes in music and fashion, and there's a lot is going on. The fact that you're in Copenhagen means you're close to the water and fresh air, wherever you are. It's a fantastic feature.
WHY DESIGNER?
My mom was a designer and had her own shop when I was growing up. Even though I had an interest in clothes, it only came later that I wanted to work in fashion. I've always had a big interest in architecture and first of, I thought that would be my path. Design kind of snug up on me.I grew up spending many hours in my mother's atelier. I guess it was destiny.
WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS GROWING UP?
Both my parents and actually many in my family run their own business, I am raised with the idea that exploiting your potential to your fullest is only natural. I knew earlier on that I wanted to do something creative, I just didn't know what.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND TRAINING?
I studied two years at a design school in Copenhagen, before working one year as a design assistant for the Danish brand Bruuns Bazaar. As mentioned, I knew early on that I wanted to start my own brand, so I did, as soon as I could.
WHAT HAS BEEN A SEMINAL EXPERIENCE?
(The lesson), there is only one way to succeed, and that is through persistence and hard work. You must want it and be willing to make sacrifices to go all the way.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
On the streets of New York and Paris and the web, of course.
WHAT MOMENT ARE YOU HAVING?
A busy one. I just came back from a two weeks vacation on Ibiza with my family. However, a show and some interesting PR events during the upcoming Copenhagen Fashion Week is demanding the team's full attention. A lot of planning is going on right now. It is the fun part of being in design. But it's also the busiest period of the season.
HOW DOES YOUR AESTHETIC TRANSLATE IN OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE?
In all areas…As everybody working in design will probably agree to; aesthetics is in everything, you only need to find it. I surround myself with carefully selected things and items that please my eye. Less is beautiful so to say: I will at any time choose a beautiful slightly uncomfortable chair over a practical one. And how the furniture is placed in our atelier, is from an aesthetic point of view first, and then we make it work from there.
My mom was a designer and had her own shop when I was growing up. Even though I had an interest in clothes, it only came later that I wanted to work in fashion. I've always had a big interest in architecture and first of, I thought that would be my path. Design kind of snug up on me.I grew up spending many hours in my mother's atelier. I guess it was destiny.
WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS GROWING UP?
Both my parents and actually many in my family run their own business, I am raised with the idea that exploiting your potential to your fullest is only natural. I knew earlier on that I wanted to do something creative, I just didn't know what.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND TRAINING?
I studied two years at a design school in Copenhagen, before working one year as a design assistant for the Danish brand Bruuns Bazaar. As mentioned, I knew early on that I wanted to start my own brand, so I did, as soon as I could.
WHAT HAS BEEN A SEMINAL EXPERIENCE?
(The lesson), there is only one way to succeed, and that is through persistence and hard work. You must want it and be willing to make sacrifices to go all the way.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
On the streets of New York and Paris and the web, of course.
WHAT MOMENT ARE YOU HAVING?
A busy one. I just came back from a two weeks vacation on Ibiza with my family. However, a show and some interesting PR events during the upcoming Copenhagen Fashion Week is demanding the team's full attention. A lot of planning is going on right now. It is the fun part of being in design. But it's also the busiest period of the season.
HOW DOES YOUR AESTHETIC TRANSLATE IN OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE?
In all areas…As everybody working in design will probably agree to; aesthetics is in everything, you only need to find it. I surround myself with carefully selected things and items that please my eye. Less is beautiful so to say: I will at any time choose a beautiful slightly uncomfortable chair over a practical one. And how the furniture is placed in our atelier, is from an aesthetic point of view first, and then we make it work from there.
WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT CRAFTING?
Hmm, I am constantly crafting...I always keep paper and pen close by. How to evolve our brand is always on my mind. My work is my hobby. Whenever I have a moment, I slide into my creative zone.
HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
I travel a lot in my work, therefore I love spending time with my family and friends. And running. I live close to the shoreline. Running to the sound of the waves rolling in always clears my head.
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Room Porn
Photo Courtesy Of Lynda GardenerRoom designed and styled by Lynda Gardener at freshly renovated The Bower Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia.
Lynda Gardener
Photo Courtesy Of Lynda Gardener
WHERE DO YOU PRESENTLY LIVE AND WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS ABOUT YOUR CITY?
I live in Melbourne Australia in a inner city area called Fitzroy. It's walking distance into the centre of the city and a very very cool, hip place to live. its rather a bohemian area with many emerging artists, creatives and interesting people doing amazing things. Cafés and cool stores open up pretty much each and every week, so you can never ever get bored. Its a very old area of Melbourne and the Architecture is just beautiful. It has fast become one of the more expensive areas to live in due to pretty much everyone wanting to live so close to the centre of the city.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born and raised in Melbourne, always lived in the inner city and my parents (for their time) were very ahead of what was happening, and pretty much brought us up living in the city in a very cool apartment…I always thought we were so lucky - as all my friends families moved to the outer suburbs to live in bigger homes, where I was of the option that there was nothing better than living amongst the busy action of the city.
WHAT WERE YOUR CHILDHOOD ASPIRATIONS?
From an early age my mother always took me to weekend second hand flea markets. Every single Sunday. I began from the age of 16 collecting vintage fashion, then evolving to furniture and homewares. I always wanted to be in fashion as a young girl. However, not long after my first role in the fashion industry, I knew it had to be in interiors and decorating.
WHY INTERIOR DESIGNER?
It was a natural progression, I never ever thought about it, it just happened. I was very passionate about decorating my own home - I had a vintage store for 24 years and in my first year, I had a stylist from a very well known magazine, visit my home and pretty much from there, after my home was featured in numerous magazines, I realised I was really quite good at decorating. I had never studied for this role, it was all just natural instinct for me.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND TRAINING?
I literally studied to be a Secretary (back in the day) thinking that would get me into the fashion houses and a career in some form in the fashion industry. My first job role was with Levi Strauss as a secretary, However, after the first year I moved quickly into merchandising denim and finally ended up setting up all their concept stores around Australia - the rest just followed on from being incredibly passionate about styling, interiors,and collecting. After I left Levi Strauss, I opened a very small unique store that I owned and ran for 24 years, it was very successful and very well known for one off finds, all vintage all collected lovingly by me for my customers. Throughout the past 10 years or so I have been decorating other peoples homes, styling for magazines, photo shoots and of course opening up four accommodation properties from 2007. The White House Daylesford, The Estate Trentham, The White Room Melbourne and the most recent The Apartment St Kilda.
HOW DO YOU SELECT YOUR THEMES?
If it is my own home or boutique accommodation, I usually have a sense of which way to go as soon as I walk in the door. I get an instant feel of what it should look like. I have always followed my gut instincts and it has worked every time. Generally with clients, its a mix of what they want, expect, who they are, what they collect and what style they would like to go with, from there I usually know which way to go instinctively.
WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION?
Once the concept is considered and decided, i.e. the look and feel, I am on the road sourcing non stop. I always (and its been something I am known for - always add in some one off vintage /collected finds) to the final design. I am not regimented so everything just flows and comes together as required. There is nothing structured or laid out in any format. I have always worked this way and somehow it always comes together.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR MATERIALS?
I usually like to keep things simple. I don’t use too many materials in one space and certainly don’t have more than two to three stock standard features that I always use rather than add too many elements. I think the furniture and the styling should stand out - whilst the walls, floors stay simple and original if an old building.
WHAT DOES A PERFECT LIVING SPACE LOOK LIKE?
Very large open space, high ceilings, big windows if possible, lots of light, filled with layers and textures, not too many colours (selected tones) - white walls, lots of considered furniture/rugs/cushions usually greys, whites, chocolates, natural woods, earthy tones.
HOW DOES YOUR AESTHETIC TRANSLATE INTO OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE?
Pretty much the same, I guess. I love all things visually beautiful and it carries through to where I choose to eat, which cafés - they must taste amazing but look good too, restaurant interiors, the same...Everything to me is a visual feast. I still to this day collect vintage components when dressing, like a vintage handbag with newly purchased clothing, or add vintage shoes! I love all interiors that share old and new aesthetic within its space. Music for me is always varied, with a lot of world music interests. Art, old and new. I love mix all forms of art on the walls and enjoy nothing more than a mix of old and new again, so that each can stand side by side. a room of new furniture can be a little boring, adding an old antique piece to the mix, becomes the feature piece and in fact always has a story and that in turn makes your home unique to you. My life is filled with old and new and that is truly what I love, it can never be boring that way.
WHAT CAN'T YOU DO WITHOUT?
My dog, Jack.
WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT CRAFTING?
Travelling around the world has always been my goal from the day I commenced my first paid job, and I have done so each and every year since then. The one thing I will never give up, travelling and exploring the word, every country has so much to offer. You cannot ever see enough.
HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
I love to walk the beautiful streets I am surrounded by in my city. I'm astounded at how excited I still find myself, walking different pathways, finding new cafes I never new existed, architecture in old and abandoned buildings. I love having breakfast with my partner at one of our local cafés for the weekend, spending time with like minded friends and of course going away to the country and staying at one of the properties and finally a long bath at the end of every day before I go to bed. Nothing is more relaxing that that!
WHERE DO YOU PRESENTLY LIVE AND WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS ABOUT YOUR CITY?
I live in Melbourne Australia in a inner city area called Fitzroy. It's walking distance into the centre of the city and a very very cool, hip place to live. its rather a bohemian area with many emerging artists, creatives and interesting people doing amazing things. Cafés and cool stores open up pretty much each and every week, so you can never ever get bored. Its a very old area of Melbourne and the Architecture is just beautiful. It has fast become one of the more expensive areas to live in due to pretty much everyone wanting to live so close to the centre of the city.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born and raised in Melbourne, always lived in the inner city and my parents (for their time) were very ahead of what was happening, and pretty much brought us up living in the city in a very cool apartment…I always thought we were so lucky - as all my friends families moved to the outer suburbs to live in bigger homes, where I was of the option that there was nothing better than living amongst the busy action of the city.
WHAT WERE YOUR CHILDHOOD ASPIRATIONS?
From an early age my mother always took me to weekend second hand flea markets. Every single Sunday. I began from the age of 16 collecting vintage fashion, then evolving to furniture and homewares. I always wanted to be in fashion as a young girl. However, not long after my first role in the fashion industry, I knew it had to be in interiors and decorating.
WHY INTERIOR DESIGNER?
It was a natural progression, I never ever thought about it, it just happened. I was very passionate about decorating my own home - I had a vintage store for 24 years and in my first year, I had a stylist from a very well known magazine, visit my home and pretty much from there, after my home was featured in numerous magazines, I realised I was really quite good at decorating. I had never studied for this role, it was all just natural instinct for me.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND TRAINING?
I literally studied to be a Secretary (back in the day) thinking that would get me into the fashion houses and a career in some form in the fashion industry. My first job role was with Levi Strauss as a secretary, However, after the first year I moved quickly into merchandising denim and finally ended up setting up all their concept stores around Australia - the rest just followed on from being incredibly passionate about styling, interiors,and collecting. After I left Levi Strauss, I opened a very small unique store that I owned and ran for 24 years, it was very successful and very well known for one off finds, all vintage all collected lovingly by me for my customers. Throughout the past 10 years or so I have been decorating other peoples homes, styling for magazines, photo shoots and of course opening up four accommodation properties from 2007. The White House Daylesford, The Estate Trentham, The White Room Melbourne and the most recent The Apartment St Kilda.
HOW DO YOU SELECT YOUR THEMES?
If it is my own home or boutique accommodation, I usually have a sense of which way to go as soon as I walk in the door. I get an instant feel of what it should look like. I have always followed my gut instincts and it has worked every time. Generally with clients, its a mix of what they want, expect, who they are, what they collect and what style they would like to go with, from there I usually know which way to go instinctively.
WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION?
Once the concept is considered and decided, i.e. the look and feel, I am on the road sourcing non stop. I always (and its been something I am known for - always add in some one off vintage /collected finds) to the final design. I am not regimented so everything just flows and comes together as required. There is nothing structured or laid out in any format. I have always worked this way and somehow it always comes together.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR MATERIALS?
I usually like to keep things simple. I don’t use too many materials in one space and certainly don’t have more than two to three stock standard features that I always use rather than add too many elements. I think the furniture and the styling should stand out - whilst the walls, floors stay simple and original if an old building.
WHAT DOES A PERFECT LIVING SPACE LOOK LIKE?
Very large open space, high ceilings, big windows if possible, lots of light, filled with layers and textures, not too many colours (selected tones) - white walls, lots of considered furniture/rugs/cushions usually greys, whites, chocolates, natural woods, earthy tones.
HOW DOES YOUR AESTHETIC TRANSLATE INTO OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE?
Pretty much the same, I guess. I love all things visually beautiful and it carries through to where I choose to eat, which cafés - they must taste amazing but look good too, restaurant interiors, the same...Everything to me is a visual feast. I still to this day collect vintage components when dressing, like a vintage handbag with newly purchased clothing, or add vintage shoes! I love all interiors that share old and new aesthetic within its space. Music for me is always varied, with a lot of world music interests. Art, old and new. I love mix all forms of art on the walls and enjoy nothing more than a mix of old and new again, so that each can stand side by side. a room of new furniture can be a little boring, adding an old antique piece to the mix, becomes the feature piece and in fact always has a story and that in turn makes your home unique to you. My life is filled with old and new and that is truly what I love, it can never be boring that way.
WHAT CAN'T YOU DO WITHOUT?
My dog, Jack.
WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT CRAFTING?
Travelling around the world has always been my goal from the day I commenced my first paid job, and I have done so each and every year since then. The one thing I will never give up, travelling and exploring the word, every country has so much to offer. You cannot ever see enough.
HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
I love to walk the beautiful streets I am surrounded by in my city. I'm astounded at how excited I still find myself, walking different pathways, finding new cafes I never new existed, architecture in old and abandoned buildings. I love having breakfast with my partner at one of our local cafés for the weekend, spending time with like minded friends and of course going away to the country and staying at one of the properties and finally a long bath at the end of every day before I go to bed. Nothing is more relaxing that that!
Monday, July 17, 2017
Where To Stay?
Photo Courtesy Of The Classic RomaIf you're planning a city vacation or business trip to Rome soon, the one place I recommend you stay is at the family owned hotel The Classic Roma.
Centrally located, and less than half an hours walk away from the central station Termini, with both the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain around the corner, The Classic Roma feels more like home than a hotel. Literally. On my first day in Rome when I had an entire schedule mapped out, I decided that the best and healthiest thing for me to do was get some gelato and then return for a full blown staycation. In Greek mythology this is known as Pasithea or Pasithee. In street vernacular, chilling out!
Work? Mañana, mañana.
Apart from the ultra friendly and efficient staff, the breakfast buffet is up there, too, with both sweet and savoury treats. I especially enjoyed the dining room. The interior design which is very contemporary Rome. A lot of the hotel's interior is probably owed to the Elena, the hotel owner's daughter who's an alumna of Central Saint Martins, and is currently crafting at Artigianato e Design.
The only down side is that Rome gets extremly hot during the summer months. This is a cautionary tale if you intend to do a lot of sightseeing, wear fancy shoes and be cute. Don't. My sister alerted me to pack sneakers. I didn't because I own lots of comfortable leather flats. Hence I packed no sandals, no flip flops. Nothing. And on one fateful day where I could actually see Ra and the concrete melt in some places, I wore high heels. It was like self-flagellation. Ah, the pain and passion.
Still, I loved every second of my trip.
Conversation Piece
Photographed By Ellinor Forje
Pronovias. My room's view. The street turned me into half a Peeping Tom as it's a fashion festival in and of itself. Ah, but the dress. Everyone stopped and stared. Once when I was walking behind a group of tourists, I'm assuming they were, I heard one of them gasp for breath and say, "This would be perfect for my imaginary wedding!"
The others second that emotion.
Pronovias. My room's view. The street turned me into half a Peeping Tom as it's a fashion festival in and of itself. Ah, but the dress. Everyone stopped and stared. Once when I was walking behind a group of tourists, I'm assuming they were, I heard one of them gasp for breath and say, "This would be perfect for my imaginary wedding!"
The others second that emotion.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
The Txlips Turned Up
Photo Courtesy Of The Txlips BandWHEN AND WHERE DID YOU FIRST GET TOGETHER?
Gabriella: The group was initially brought together in February of 2016. I was working with prominent rapper Diamond, former Crime Mob rap groups member. I was initially contacted by Diamond’s management to play in a music video for her and to continue doing work for her. I immediately called Monique Williams (Txlips' drummer) to come be in the first music video with me. After, I saw an opportunity to continue working with Diamond by forming and managing the band GurlCode for her. After that I saw the need to create The Txlips (initially written 2 Lips) because I saw a lack of representation for women in the music industry especially the rock n roll realm of music. From there, I blossomed and grew the group into what we are today and where we will continue to go.
WHERE'S THE BAND'S PRIMARY LOCATION?
Gabriella: Our primary location is Atlanta. But we travel often and work in many other states and locations and hopefully out of the country!
WHEN DID YOUR INTEREST IN MUSIC START?
Gabriella: For me, my interest in music started when I was about eight or nine years old. I was writing my own music and I wanted to express the music I was hearing to the world. My mom bought me a guitar and it took off from there. I played multiple instruments and that’s is how the love began.
JWhales: My interests began watching my father and his sisters play instruments. They would step away and I'd tinker. Over time I started band in elementary school and continued from there.
Mo Williams: Though I don’t come from a musically talented family, I’ve always been around music. Growing up in Chicago, I met people from different cultures, experienced different foods and had the pleasure of being around tons of musical talent. Id say my mother really kept the musical diversity cloak around me my entire life. Shed take me to ballets, symphonies, she and dad would stop and watch street musicians with me as I would try to imitate the sounds Id hear, and we were glued to PBS always watching musicals, symphony orchestras, plays, etc. I would always look for the percussion section because they were always doing the most and engaged everyone with their bombastic accents and musical animations. I knew in those moments I was in love with music.
Sarina Ivory: My interest in music started when I was very young. Everyone in my family listened to a wide range of genres so I grew up listening to a lot of different types of music that inspired me to start playing.
HOW WOULD YOU CLASSIFY YOUR SOUND?
Gabriella: I would classify our sound as unique, powerful, and rock n roll with some black girl magic. We are multi-dimensional but we have such an edge and heavy feeling to our music. It's also very relatable and connects with people and brings out the best in them.
WHAT OR WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?
Gabriella: I would say my family and experiences I have had in my life. Every time I go through a feeling or a situation I write about it. That is how our current singles came to life. I experienced something and it influenced me to write music to express myself and to relate to others. Aside from that, music that influences me are the sounds of great artist and musicians such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Orianthi, Steve Vai, etc.
JWhales: Musically? Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Prince, Pharrell, Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Diane Warren, Janet Jackson, Will I Am, The Beatles, David Bowie, Bruno Mars, James Fauntleroy and the Kanye West. I love eclecticism and each bring nuanced sounds to their genres. They all understand how to allow a song to breathe. Though their songs have many sonic elements. Each layer feels necessary without feeling cluttered. Beautiful, moving music! Personally? TD Jakes, Ted-Talks and podcasts. I feed this crazy belief that I'm going to be the greatest me the world has ever seen.
Mo Williams: My greatest influence would be my parents and my Grandfather aka "POPS". Everything I’ve ever showed a passion for, they all nurtured it. From sports to cooking, to music. My mother would put up with me keeping up a racket in the basement, my dad taking me to drum lessons with world famous percussionist Phil Stanger, and my grandfather, when it was time for me to upgrade to a "big girl" drum set and my teenage jobless self couldn’t afford to buy a new drum set, he blessed me with the funds to get one. He looked at me as tears filled my eyes and said, "Go get your dream"...
Sarina Ivory: Girls Rock Camp ATL has definitely had the biggest influence on me. I attended the camp for the first time when I was 15. It not only made me a better musician but it also gave me the confidence to start my own band and start playing shows.
WHAT'S THE DIVISION OF LABOUR WITHIN THE GROUP?
Gabriella: I serve as the Band Manager and we try to work together for other arenas of labour for the band.
HOW DO YOU GET STAGE READY?
Gabriella: I pray before shows and trave,l while I'm ensuring my outfit, makeup, and equipment are all ready to go. I try to not place a lot of emphasis on doing too much in getting stage ready because that can bring nerves the more you begin to think about it. As a front person for the band, it is necessary to put on a good performance and communicate with the crowd at all times so I try to not focus too much on things that will make me nervous.
JWhales: I like to prepare well beforehand so what I need the day of show can speak to me -- from my outfits to the way I play. I'm so zen that I can walk around the room and talk to people up until it's time to perform. Feeling the audience from the floor helps me return the energy from the stage.
Mo Williams: I can’t say I have a ritual or anything. I don’t wear makeup because I sweat profusely when I’m going bananas on the drums and the last thing I need is for foundation to run down my face or an eyelash to fall off and on my cheek. My style is all over. I may rock a hat of some sort with a graphic tee some jeans and boots or hair out or in plaits, super knee high gym gym or funky graphic socks, chucks, crazy suspenders and a bowtie...Its however I’m feeling. Before I go on stage, I like to put headphones on, seclude myself and run through our set. Sticks in hand and I airplay or just run through rudiments to keep my wrists loose and warm. I try not to eat anything right before the show and only drink water because I’m about to quickly sweat my soul out.
Sarina Ivory: I'm pretty easy going when it comes to getting stage ready. I make sure my curls are poppin' put a little eyeliner and mascara on get a good pair of black jeans or high waisted shorts with some combat boots and I'm ready to go.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CAREERS WITH OTHER OBLIGATIONS?
Gabriella: It can sometimes be overwhelming between a full time job, law school, regular responsibilities, being a member of the band and managing the band is a full time job in and of itself. I am a very organized person so I do make sure I keep things organized to prevent confusion. I make sure I work out everyday and I practice yoga and healthy eating to balance all I have on my plate but I know that with my drive and work ethic and passion overall, I am capable of managing my career and other obligations.
JWhales: Spreading out the workload. A little prep a day keeps the stress away.
Mo Williams: I’m a banker so I always have to stay sharp. Sleep means the absolute world to me. Its like the best thing since cheese came in slices espically for a drummer. Late night rehearsals or shows that run late (majority of the time) I try to hurry home in hopes to sleep real hard for me to get up and handle peoples finances. Its wild but I make it work. Staying organized and having structure is important to me next to breathing. If I didn’t organize I’d be a wreck.
Sarina Ivory: With a day planner and very little sleep.
WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO OFFSTAGE?
Gabriella: Music, coffee, traveling, I enjoy good food and spending time with those I love and care about.
JWhales: Studio sessions, writing, surfing the web (the internet is an amazing place), world travel, food and trying to take over the world *evil voice laugh*.
Mo Williams: I love to cook, clean (OCD neat freak), hang out with friends and family, hang with the band when I can find time to be free (almost never) go to the park, kick it with my dog Busta, volunteer and spend time with my fraternity Sigma Omega Phi Fraternity, Inc. Which has become the first LGBT collegiate greek organization in the U.S. Just live, vibe with nature, learn new artsy things and indulge in Netflix heaven.
Sarina Ivory: When I'm not on stage I'm usually hanging out with friends and family.
HOW DO YOU RETURN TO CENTER?
Gabriella: I return to center through prayer, staying calm, talking through my problems, yoga, working out and so forth. I'm very into natural remedies and nature so I spend a lot of time connecting with myself through my mind when I am in my own space.
JWhales: There is no center; every day is like a changing tide. Just ride the wave and come back to the surface to try again if you go under. Or just sage the hell out of your life.
Mo Williams: I pray and I just sit alone and analyze everything. Hit a basketball court and just shoot for a while...soak in the tub with Netflix lol or.....pick up some sticks and let my heart and hands make beautiful music together. Sarina Ivory: I love putting on Netflix YouTube or Hulu and watching my favorite tv shows, movies...
Gabriella Logan - Lead Guitarist and Vocalist
Mo Williams - Drums
Sarina Ivory - Bass
JWhales - Keys
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Monday, July 3, 2017
Where To Go?
Illustration By Nicholle Kobi If you're in the City of Light this season (or any other), editor in chief of "Le Fil Rouge", Marine Hérisset recommends you visit super trendy Le Marché des Enfants Rouge located in the 3rd arrondissement. With vendors from around the world and small restaurants with the hippest food from all over; "Brooklyn burgers, sushi, Creole...It's very popular among the Parisians," says Hérisset. And the place to be this summer.
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