Charlotte Matabaro

 Photo Courtesy Of Mohecan

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?

I live in Ireland as I have since 1995 but I was born in the Englad. I’m mixed with Tanzanian, Irish and British. Even though I was born in central London, I absolutely love living in the countryside. I could never go back to living in a city. I love the silence and the feeling of having all this space to yourself. Cows make the best neighbours!

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RASIED?

I was born and raised in Tower Hamlets in East London. I lived there until when I moved to Ireland.

WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS GROWING UP?

I never really had any aspirations if I’m honest.

WHY ENTREPRENEUR?

When I was in school I felt like a prisoner. I couldn’t believe it was legal for them to keep me there every single day until 4:00 pm. I spent every day looking out the window at the birds, the cloud formations, the trees moving in the wind or people passing on the street. At one stage they actually moved my desk away from the window so I would concentrate on the lessons. I just couldn’t understand how the 28 other kids in the room were listening to this man with a piece of chalk in his hand talk about numbers. When I left school and went to college I felt that same way. Every job I ever had bored me. I felt like I’d been sold a lie. Go to school get an education. Go to college get more education. Get a job in an office for a large multinational firm. I sat at my desk thinking this can’t be all there is can it? Surely there was more? There had to be more to life and I was determined to find out what it was. When I met my business partner Marc and he said he’d love to have a range of male cosmetics I knew I had to do it. I had to find out what else I could do….

WHY MALE GROOMING?

My business partner said that he had to use concealers and foundation made for women when he was a teenager as he had bad skin and there was no male alternative. When I asked him one day what his dream job would be he said he wanted to have his own cosmetic range for men. The idea was born and every day since June 2017 we have been building our business.

WHAT IS AMONG THE COLLECTION?

We have a tinted moisturiser, a liquid concealer, a cream concealer, a clear eyebrow gel, anti-shine, bronzer, a latex free application sponge and a cruelty free vegan brush.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE RESPONSE?

We never believed that people would be so supportive. When we told people what we were doing we fully expected to be laughed at but the opposite is true. People have been so supportive especially in Ireland. The local papers and radio stations have been especially supportive.

WHAT IS YOUR OWN AESTHETIC?

I wouldn’t have what you’d describe as a style or a look. My wardrobe looks like a person with multiple personalities owns it! I love anything retro especially anything orange or with a 1970’s pattern. I avoid wearing black, dark or boring colours. I like anything bright or with a bold print. I was a tom boy growing up and had to be sewed into dresses. It’s funny as now I rarely wear trousers I prefer skirts and dresses. I love huge jewellery, anything made out of wood or plastic. I don’t own any traditional jewellery. As I’m tall and quite thin I tend to wear tailored items as anything loose fitting makes me look a little lost. I don’t buy into trends or fashion I buy what fits. If something fits you well it never goes out of style.

WHAT'S YOUR BEAUTY REGIMEN?

I keep it very basic. I’m a firm believer in less is more. I wash my face with just warm water and moisturise with either coco butter or Laroche-Posay Toleriane as I have sensitive skin. I don’t wear foundation unless I absolutely have to. I can go months without wearing it. Most days I use eyeliner for a winged look, mascara, matte lip cream, anti-shine and a bit of bronzer. I’m lucky enough to have clear skin so I don’t feel the need to cover it. 

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?

In my spare time (I don’t have much of it these days) I like to spend my time in the garden. I spend hours just pottering about. I have been known to stay out there until its too dark to see! We live under a range of mountains and have the most spectacular view. Sometimes I just sit outside on the lawn and watch the dogs run up and down for hours. Or I might lay down on the grass and stare at the clouds I find it so relaxing. If the weather is bad which it often is in Ireland I’ll do a bit of sewing or knitting. I also like to read and tend to read  four or five books at once.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?

I run a hot bath and bring in the radio, a book and massive glass of wine. I can stay in there for up to two hours at a time I just love it. You come out feeling brand new. I try to coordinate it with clean sheet night if possible to make sure I get a really good night sleep.

Damaris Cruz

Photo Courtesy Of Damaris Cruz

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE? 
I presently reside in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where I was also born and raised.

WHAT'S BEST THINGS ABOUT YOUR CITY OR HOMETOWN?
Now that I live close to the University, I guess one of the best things about my hometown is that it's more like a college town. Lots of art, music and clubs all around It's fun. There's always something going on.

WHAT WERE YOUR CHILDHOOD ASPIRATIONS?
As a child I always wanted to be an architect

WHY ARTIST?
I don't think I ever said, "I want it to be an artist", I just am. Don't know how to be anything else. I have a creative mind. Itdoesn't matter what I'm doing, I always do it in a artsy kind of way, it comes naturally.

 WHY PHOTOGRAPHER?
I always loved photography. My dad used a camera for work, and he let me take the last two o three pictures before the roll film was over.  I've always been familiar with cameras, pictures etc.

WHAT'S YOUR PREFERRED MEDIUM?
I don't have a preferred medium, at the moment when im creating or working on a piece I don't think I should just stick to one medium. But for obvious reasons I have more dominium on Photogray

WHY IS YOUR BACKGROUND TRAINING?
I started photography lessons, at school, in the ninth grade, and then eventually that became my major in college.

WHAT GEAR DO YOU USE?
I'm a little addicted to cameras. I have many of them, and not necessarily fancy or expensive. It all depends on what image im working on. But for most of my work my gear is Canon 7D.

WHO OR WHAT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?
I don't ever think about influences, maybe that part happens unconsciously. But part of my influence is classic paintings. Also Basquiat, Jack Delano, Cindy Sherman...

WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
I like to say that I paint with paper, I treat my walls like canvases. I think I have a photographic memory. I have a lot of images that don't know where they came from but I remember them. Every time I'm working on something I start of playing with layers of elements taken from my memory. Sometimes images pop up and I start researching to find something poetic about to later express it in a painting.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND AESTHETIC?
My personal style is vintage/modern chic, I love the classic look, a lot of color and fashion.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?
Most of the time, I'm working- I try to take time off to pamper myself. I go for a run almost everyday, and on road trips just to get fresh air.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
At the beach or working on my plants.

Karen Mulligan On Her Life Lessons And Career With Annie Leibovitz

Photographed By Kathryn MacLeod 

"I live in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Since I moved to New York, I've always lived below 14th Street, and over the years moved further downtown and eventually over the bridge to Williamsburg.

When I first moved to NY, I lived in the far East Village where one neighbor held weekend cock fights and another neighbor had a Vietnamese pig. A lot has changed since my first days in the city, but I love every minute of living in it. Sure, it isn’t easy and some days when I'm cramming my body onto the L train to get to work, I think otherwise. But, when I am standing on the platform waiting for the train and look around, I'm inspired. The people of New York inspire me. I love to see what they are wearing, what they are reading, what they are talking about. New Yorkers are tough yet passionate. And I love this. I grew up on the East Coast, so living in NYC makes sense for me. It is what I know and in some ways have always known.

There is really no place like New York. While NYC constantly changes, it also stays the same. The skyline gets me every time. I see it and I know I'm home. And the double bridge view of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge from Dumbo takes my breath away. I definitely get nostalgic for places that have shut over the years but always seem to find another new place to fill the void. And the music, the art, the fashion – it is overwhelming how much you can do in one given day! In so many ways, it's is like a small town. For such a big city, there is always the chance of a run in with a friend or a colleague. It's always amazing to me how in a city of millions of people, I always manage to see someone I know.

When I was in elementary school I took a 'when I grow up,' survey and all answers pointed to me being a farmer or an astronaut. A lot has changed since that questionnaire. Even though my parents were totally supportive, if I wanted to be a farmer or an astronaut, I chose a different path. I've always been an avid reader. Reading books gave me a window into other cultures, places, and people. I always had and continue to have a romance with books. My plan was to be an English Professor. I imagined lying on grassy campuses reading and discussing books as my future. And then my plans changed. After graduate school, I ended up interviewing with the photographer Annie Leibovitz for a research position. She was working on a new book called 'Women' and she needed someone to research possible subjects. This was the start of my 21-plus-year career working for her.

I've always loved fashion. I'm addicted. I keep an archive of one of a kind of pieces and recently when my wardrobe really started to get out of control, I decided the only way I could buy something new, is if I sold something old. In comes RealReal – my go to for selling off my old fashion. I could live without a lot of things. Fashion isn’t one of them. I used to think you couldn’t be smart and like fashion. That fashion was whimsical – too frivolous. The reality is, fashion is art. It is a unique way of expressing yourself. And really fashionable people are true artists, in my opinion. And the first time I went to a haute couture fashion show in Paris, my world changed. It was magic. It was art and fashion and theater, and I was enraptured. I work for someone super creative and working for Annie, you have no choice but to live and breathe it. It is exhilarating and exciting to be part of a creative process that involves so many bits and pieces – whether it is finding the right location, the right shirt, or an animal wrangler or whatever is needed, it is so much fun to be part of it.

It's a seminal experience. I'm an Agent, plus Studio Manager. I've had so many experiences that have changed my life. I've had access to people and places I would never have had in any other job. After 20 years, I'm still gob-smacked when I'm in the same room as one of my heroes. I remember the first time I met Gloria Steinem. I didn’t say a word and just listened and couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be in the same room as this national treasure. Or when I stepped into the White House and met President Obama. These are experiences I would have never imagined as a young girl reading 'Nancy Drew' in my bedroom.

I started working for Annie in 1997. I was right out of graduate school and had no idea what I was doing or how I landed this job working for a photographer. My average workday starts around 8:30 in the morning and ends around 7 p.m. It starts with cleaning out my email inbox, followed by meetings, calls. Half the time I'm out of the office on location for photo shoots. Every day is different. On one day, I might be working on a photo shoot, or an exhibition, or a book, or a special project. It is always an adventure. I'm really detailed and organized. I like to do research and problem solve. I enjoy being a ‘fixer’ and going to a new location in the world and figuring out how to navigate the new landscape.

I studied English Literature and Art History at Sophie Newcomb at Tulane University, and received my Masters in American Literature from NYU. I never thought my degrees would serve beyond cocktail chatter, but in my current job, my education plays a role in my day to day. My work environment is steeped in culture and the arts and my background serves me well in this environment. Working for Annie Leibovitz, in many ways, is like getting my PhD in art.

Over my lifetime, I have had so many influences in my life. In some ways, everyone I have ever met has influenced me. My parents were my first great influences. They're my greatest champions. They gave me a confidence and support that made me always believe I could accomplish anything and that it was okay to have missteps, make bad decisions and fail. I'm a middle child in between two brothers but we were all raised the same. There was never you are a girl – you can’t do that. I played with dolls and was a medieval knight, I wore frilly dresses and overalls – I skied and I figure skated, I played soccer and took ballet. I had a great childhood.

I'm moved by music. Art can bring me to tears. Books feed me. My boyfriend is an artist and even though it drives me crazy to find drops of paint everywhere, I love having art covering the walls of our apartment. I kind of dress like I'm a paper doll. Lots of layers. Lots of different pieces. Lots of patterns. Lots of designers. I love a shirt with a tie or a bow. My go to is Prada. On one day I might have a skirt with maybe a rock t-shirt, my Pierre Hardy Trek sneakers, a vintage Gucci belt, and my wrecked Balenciaga motorcycle jacket. On another day, I might wear a suit and tie, and on another a floral dress with motorcycle boots. I never plan what I'm wearing until I wake up and see what mood I'm in.

I'm a creature of habit. I use the same products every day. I use Dr. Colbert and Chantecaille for cleansing and moisturizing, and Chantecaille and Westman Atellier makeup. I tried for a bit to be the girl who gets a blow out weekly but that really isn’t me. My hair is a bit wild and is more my personality. Thank you to Ashley Javier for keeping up my golden locks.

When I'm not working, I really try and take advantage of the city where I live – going to the theater, museums, galleries, the parks, and checking out new restaurants. I escape to my house at the beach in Amagansett. As soon as I pull in the driveway, all the stress in my day-to-day life floats away.

To unwind, I read a good book. I try out new recipes and cook for friends. I go to SoulCycle in Williamsburg - instructor Austin W. is the best! And I box at Rumble."

As told to MBF,
January 24, 2019

"British Vogue" Entertainment Director At Large; What Jill Demling Did Next

Photo Courtesy Of Jill Demling

"I'm in Tribeca. I have lived in New York for 21 years. I moved here in 1998 and started working for 'American Vogue' as Anna Wintour's assistant three days after I landed at JFK. I had previously lived in L.A., where I got my first job at Creative Artists Agency. But, having grown up in Boston I missed the East Coast.

I was born in San Francisco but moved around a lot until we landed in Boston (best sports city in the world) when I was nine years old, and that is where I call home.

The best thing about my present city? I like the energy! There is always something going - day or night. New York is truly the city that never sleeps.

Growing up I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I studied math at Colgate University but always loved art. I spent the first two years as a math major then decided to switch to studio art in my junior year. At this point I already had my minor, and because I knew I didn't want to be an accountant or an engineer, I felt it would serve me better and be more interesting to study art. I spent my college summers in NYC interning at various art galleries like Exit Art. I think I was hoping to become a curator. After applying year after year to the Met and Guggenheim internship programs and not getting in, I realized how competitive the field was. I never aspired to be in fashion or in magazines. It really just happened.

I have always loved fashion. Instead of having pictures of teen heartthrobs on my walls growing up, I had picture of Linda and Christy. I would take my mother's 'Vogue' and cut pictures out of my favorite models and fashion and tape them to my walls. My mother was very fashion forward and we would love shopping for the newest Esprit looks for back to school. We bonded over shopping to my father's dismay.

After 20 years at 'American Vogue', I decided I wanted more freedom and time with my three-year-old daughter. I had worked with Gap casting on a few of their campaigns and wanted to do more of that. I have not been outside the walls of the U.S. edition of 'Vogue' for two decades. The world has changed so much and I want to diversify - not only with what I do but who I do it with. Because of my magazines I couldn't abandon them completely and was given an opportunity I could not refuse - to work with the trailblazer Edward Enninful at 'British Vogue'. I will be booking their celebrity features and covers. I've known Edward since he worked at 'American Vogue' and we've always been close friends. I think what he is doing at 'British Vogue' is so inspiring, and I can't wait to be a part of it.

Pivotal moments for me involve the celebrities I championed while at 'Vogue' in the States. I have an instinct with talent and fight for who I know is going to break out. Getting Adele her first cover, is definitely a moment I'm very proud of. And the issue came out the day after she swept the Grammy's. Beyoncé's recent September cover shot by Tyler Mitchell, is another highlight. I started working on trying to get Beyoncé for the cover in December 2017 and finally received the yes from her team in June 2018! Perseverance pays off.

My creative process, I just keep my eyes and ears open and observe what is going on around me. Anna has definitely had the greatest influence on me. She hired me with no fashion or magazine experience as a 24-year-old, and I have learned everything from her. She's more than a mentor to me.

When it comes to my personal style, well, I dressed a certain way working for Anna for so many years that I honestly can't wait to just wear jeans. I love a colorful Prada flat and Proenza bag. I feel that comfort is the most important thing. When you feel comfortable you feel confident. I'm minimal in many ways - but love that pop of color - be it with design, art or fashion.

Dr Colbert's Illumino face oil has saved my skin. And monthly triad facials at his beautiful office on 19th and 5th. He just opened a wellness spa, too, where I do the light beds and cryotherapy.

When I'm not working, I definitely try and spend as much time as I can with my three-year-old daughter, Story Grey. She loves seeing all those live shows - 'Bubble Guppies', Disney on Ice...We have 'Paw Patrol' coming up this spring and I'm taking her to her first Broadway show - 'The Lion King', next month.

I unwind with the gym, gym, gym. Spin and Pilates are my go-to classes at Equinox Soho."

As told to MBF, 
December 29, 2018

Music

Phyllisia Ross

Photo Courtesy Of Phyllisia Ross

WERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
New York City. No, moved there a few years ago.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
South Florida.

WHAT'STHE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT CITY OR HOMETOWN?
The best food in the world can be found in New York! Hands down! Also, in the travel sense, NY is the LaunchPad of America- for a person whom travels a lot for work, that is a big help.

WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS GROWING UP?
Becoming singer, pianist and pediatrician.

WHY MUSIC?
I started playing piano and singing at the age of three and five, respectively. In my life, it is the thing I have been most in love with and committed to since as long as I can remember. I guess music is just what I am meant to do.

FIRST SONG EVER SUNG?
On a stage, was,"I Just Can't Wait to Be King" from "The Lion King".

IS THERE A MUSICAL PASSAGE THAT NEVER FALLS TO MOVE YOU EMOTIONALLY?
All music moves me emotionally (and not just in a good way either), but thats the beauty of art - positively or negatively. Art will always emotionally move us.

WHAT'S YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
I don't quite have a "process" some songs are created through collaborations, some songs I could be inspired to write based on a life experience or a life experience I observed someone have. The only thing I consistently ask of myself while creating is to push myself to deliver to people the highest quality level of art that I possibly could, from the vocals, to lyrics, musical productions, visuals, and live show. I make a conscious effort to push myself to keep the integrity of great art alive.

WHO OR WHAT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOU? God, my family, friends and loved ones (my fans included!) that keep me inspired, motivated to continue creating and sharing

WHAT'S YOUR AESTHETIC?
I would say my style is natural glam, I love coffee, wine, tea, traveling, house parties with family and friends. I have eclectic taste all across the board, whether it be fashion, food, music choice- I'm open to anything as long as it is quality.

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY?
 No "products" just Shea Butter use. Wash off your makeup, brush and floss your teeth before going to bed. Always. That's about it.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING? Cooking, sharing a great meal over wine with loved ones.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
Doing what I mentioned in the previous question.

Azzedine Alaïa

Photographed By Pauline Forje

"I want to create a foundation like a maison in my home in the Marais."

When in Paris next, you must stop by the newly unbarred Azzedine Alaïa library at 18 Rue de la Verre. It's  appropriately open somewhere between noon and supper.
 

Danielle Ennis

Photo Courtesy Of Danielle Ennis

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
East London.

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
I live in London, United Kingdom. This is my hometown, but I've also used education as a vehicle to travel. I lived in Cuba for several months at age 18 (studying Spanish at a language school). I also spent a year living in the United States attending the University of Miami as part of my degree. Prior to Miami, I had moved to Brighton and Hove whilst attending the University of Sussex (UK).

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT CITY OR HOMETOWN?
I love the variety of things to do in the city and the diversity of cultures – there is so much choice when it comes to cuisine!

WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS GROWING UP?
I first wanted to be a doctor and then a lawyer - although I think this was influenced by family aspirations. I kept a diary as a child and in my teenage years I wrote that I wanted to help people to become better and "grow". Ironically, that is what I do now. I guess I found my way back to my core aspiration.

WHY COACH AND YOUTH ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST?
I’ve always had an interest in personal development. In my teenage years I frequently analysed life experiences, my behaviour, and reflected. Although I studied Law at university and attained my degree. My seasonal work at a youth charity exposed me to lives of young people who were from areas very similar to mine but were suffering in ways that I hadn’t, or simply falling victim to the different challenges of growing up in the inner-city. I wanted to help support the next generation and equip them with the tools they needed to navigate their lives well. I now create teaching resources on life-skills, and am about to publish my first workbook on mental well-being for teenage girls. This passion for growth, improvement and potential continues into my work as a life coach for adults. I enjoy challenging and supporting others to create the best lives they can.

WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR TRAINING?
I received training whilst in employment with organisations that specialise in mental health and safeguarding. Training has included how the brain functions, cognitive behavioural therapy and the different types of abuse. I also have an Advanced Level in Psychology and my legal training has provided me with many transferable skills, such as advocacy. I became a certified life coach through the Ministry of Social Entrepreneurship, and I believe overcoming difficulties in my own life has also been training too.

WHAT SOCIAL ISSUES ARE YOU THE MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
Inequality: fair access to education, healthcare and jobs. Mental well-being; what we can do to best support our minds.

WHO OR WHAT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?

Two things: firstly, my mother. She has been a consistent example of love, discipline and a positive mindset. Secondly, my faith. I became a Christian in my early 20's; I’ve learned more about love (towards self, God and others), the importance of compassion and character.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND AESTHETIC?
I've had quite a wardrobe change over the past two years. I would say simple, refined, clean lines. I also love lounge wear at the moment. My lifestyle is quite fast paced, so snug comfortable clothing or smart casual looks help me to feel relaxed between work and social occasions.

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY?
Daily exfoliating followed by a day or night cream, and using Olay Eye Cream. I bought my first foundation at 30, so I started exfoliating as a way to step up my skincare routine as a result of wearing more make-up.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?
Gym, socialising, films, books and I love to travel.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
Gym, long bubble baths, music, honest conversations and laughs with friends, and writing.