Photographer: Marc Tousignant

Art Director: Inoisell Miranda

Grooming: Blue Michael for Blue Michael Cosmetics

Nails:  Nail Lounge

Model(s): Fernando@Q & Angelina@angelinaassereto.com

VERSANI isn’t just Jewelry. Versani is a lifestyle, an experience, a philosophy. Founder and famed jewelry designer ARA has his way to combine strength and beauty into each piece. Established in 1992, Versani began as a contemporary jewelry company.

Nowadays, at Versani you can find innovative combinations of gold and silver with wood, leather, denim, semi-precious stones, and diamonds.  Also, there is a wide selection of wedding bands, bracelets, necklaces, rings, cuff links, earrings, and accessories. Our client service is unmatched, a jewelry piece or just a smile, everything you get at Versani comes from the heart.

Versani retail shops are more like treasure chests.

Regularly noted as one of the only places to get amazing jewelry for men and women, today’s SoHo headquarter and on-site production supports Ara’s vision: to bring the magic of Versani jewelry to his clientele around the world.

The Gemstone collection uses a modern technology known as Tension Setting, which portrays the gemstone in its maximum beauty. Versani has mastered the art of preserving the stunning, dazzling quality in the most iridescent stones.

Each collection reflects the juxtaposition that inspires the Versani slogan “Stay Cool Be Strong”.

The Wood collection pairs Bocote, a beautiful, warm, and exotic South-American wood with precise, gleaming platinum, gold, or sterling silver.

The Key Design collection comes directly from the heart of Versani, based on an enchanting keepsake Ara had as a child.

A modern mix of structure and design, elegant, yet profoundly simple

XEX-CLUSIVE VERSANI INTERVIEW

1.- What is Versani?

In one word, Versani is a lifestyle. Bringing out the fun, strength, adventure and uniqueness in your life! Daring to be unique! That’s Versani! Going where most would not.

2.- A man should never wear…

Costume Jewelry. I feel that accessories are a very important and critical part of a man’s wardrobe and not only builds confidence but adds character. A fine designer suit just adds to a man’s saunter, in a similar way so does real jewelry!

3.- A woman should never wear…

Anything else but a smile. I feel that women can wear anything. 

4.- What is the source of your inspiration?

I am inspired by a lot of things but I would say nature is my greatest inspiration. I love the unpredictability of nature, it’s richness and abundance of shapes, textures, colors. I love being in nature and my stores and collections reflect this.

5.- Did you always know you were going to design jewelry?

I am innately creative, however I never thought that I would be designing jewelry. It has truly been a blessing to be able to express love and creativity through it. 

6.- What will you tell young designers at the challenging beginning of their careers?

Have a strong heart, be persistent, keep moving forward and go out and get it! PERSIST, PERSIST, PERSIST!

7.- New York is…

My Home! A place you definitely need to visit once in your lifetime! 

The American dream!

Be sure to visit the Versani website! CLICK

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Ever since Stevie Boi launched his line Toxic in 2007, celebrities have embraced the cutting edge eyewear designer. Just a few years after debuting into the fashion industry Stevie Boi’s designs have been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Snooki of The Jersey Shore, Michelle Rodriguez, Eva Pigford, Meagan Good, and Lisa Raye. Stevie Boi has also been involved with up and comers such as Teyanna Taylor, Ester Dean, Eletrick Red, and Angel Lola Luv.

Looking at Stevie Boi’s collection it’s clear why these celebrities have flocked to him. Stevie Boi has been the definition of innovation from his first set of shades. Stevie Boi somehow fuses futuristic elements with geometric shapes and patterns in ways that are almost surreal. In an industry where taking risks is expected, Stevie Boi stands out with designs that have even the most daring of fashionistas taking a second glance.

XEX got to sit down with Stevie Boi to figure out the workings of this creative mind.

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Makeup Artist – Madison Mills

Hair Stylist – Ray K @Oasis Day Spa NYC

Model(s) – Alyssa Y  (Major Model Management)  &  Todd (Colby Model Management)

Producer: Associate Editor Sacha A.

Jeantrix consists of co-owners and designers Deric “Nyce” and Muhammad “Homm.” The clothing line, based in the Philadelphia area, started in 2003 with just one pair of sneakers. It has since become a fashion icon in the United States and around the world. Jeantrix designs have been featured in numerous publications including the LA Times, Bermuda’s Royal Gazette, Elle magazine and Life & Style magazine.

Their 3-D clothing is in high demand and has been worn by many celebrities such as Dondria, Teyana Taylor, Kai Morae, Chauncey Davis (Atlanta Falcons), DJ Diamond Kuts, Rasheeda, Lisa Raye, Bianca Chardei (ANTM), and Terrance J (106 & Park). They have also showcased their work on MTV, TV One, and BET’s 106 & Park.

Most recently, the designers of Jeantrix have focused less on celebrities, and more on charity. After the devastating natural disasters that ravaged Japan, Nyce and Homm began the Design4Japan Campaign. Touched by the hardships of the earthquake and tsunami victims, the two decided it was their duty to show that humanity does care about those in need. What better to accomplish that than by doing what they do best: designing t-shirts and donating proceeds to the Red Cross relief efforts in the area.

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Stylist – Hayden

Makeup Artist – Andrea J. Archer

Hair Stylist – Nicola Augustine

Model(s) – Anouschka Dap (Q Model Management)  &  Auguste Stephanie (Unsigned)

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“All of my fashion films are named after the model,” says director Barnaby Roper, a photographer turned filmmaker whose previous work includes music videos for artists including Robyn and OK Go, as well as a series of edgy, adrenaline-packed and technologically innovative films for Nick Knight’s SHOWstudio. “I’m interested in showing these people… letting the viewer into the model,” he continues. “You never hear a model talk.” In a previous film with Natasa Vojnovic he changed all that, asking her to strip nude and reminisce about her upbringing in Bosnia.

When it came to working with Eniko Mihalik, he went for a different, but equally innovative approach, creating an interactive film in which users could cut between various shots of Eniko (and different clips of music) by tapping their keyboards. “I’ve done a lot of music videos and its like kids don’t even look at the three-minute videos anymore,” he says.  “They’ll watch the first 30 seconds and then they’ll skip to the end. That’s why interactive films are so good. I’ve been told that babies, little babies, love Eniko because they’re pressing buttons. That’s where that idea came from almost––kids, a baby toy.” In today’s video he displays his supreme editing skills, conducting visual experiments upon the geometry of Strubegger’s body as she spins around a fixed axis, clad in a series of increasingly exaggerated looks. It’s all driven by the shutter-like editing, inspired in part by the surrealist’s favorite parlor game: exquisite corpse. “It’s the rhythm of the edit that’s the key to the film, the key to all films,” says Roper.
Iris wears clothes by Stella McCartney, Miu Miu, Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, Céline, Proenza Schouler, Doo Ri and accessories by Iosselliani, Pamela Love, Genevieve Jones, Made Her Think, Mawi, Carolina Amato, Kristen Farrell, Rochelle Goldberg and Fenton.

SOURCE

Ryan Medel @ Mark Dimuzio @ Major

Stylist: Omar Alexander

MUA/Groomer: Diana Calle

Photographer: Sailey Williams

Production Assistants:

Associate Editor: Sacha Azor

Associate Editor: Jordan Llanes

Designers: Deryck Todd, Bruce Snell, Natasha NYC, Patricia Fields, Karen Rose, Alberto Juan, Caesar Paciotti, Vivian Westwood, Yalissa Yoe

Still on a journey to further develop her craft and passion, Beagy worked in many other areas of the fashion industry such as design, showrooms and editorial, it was during this journey that she built a sizable rolodex that would later help launch her career as a fashion stylist. Beagy is currently working as a fashion stylist and personal shopper. She recalls: “I never even considered becoming a stylist professionally. All of my friends & co-workers would come to me for style advice or to help them re-vamp their wardrobe. I was having so much fun doing it; I never saw it as a job”. If Beagy can’t be found on the set of a fashion shoot she is likely to be found shopping with a stack of YSL, Chloe and Roland Mouret in her arms… for her clients, of course.

Beagy’s latest venture is L’Armoire Du Styliste, an international clothing , shoe and accessory rental studio for stylists & editors based out of New York. She has used her experience of working with other rental studios and knowledge of the industry, to create a super studio that fills the void that others in the past have missed. “I want my studio to be a full service rental studio. When a stylist comes in; I want to know that at the end of the shoot, the designer will be happy with the way they were shown, the stylist & team will have great shots for their books and everyone will have an amazing tear sheet in a magazine that will make the editor of that mag happy. That’s my goal.”

XEX-CLUSIVE BEAGY ZIELINSKI INTERVIEW

1. 1.Do you consider your work bizzare and/or how do you relate to that concept ?
2. I don’t think it’s bizarre, I think it’s Avant-Garde. Its art. It’s like letting the fantasy characters in my head come to life, I love it.
3. 2. When you were young, living in Europe, what did fashion mean to you ? What does it mean to you now ?
4. Fashion for me was always and still is my life. I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t in fashion. It’s my job, my hobby and my religion, and I love every second of the up and down rollercoaster that is fashion.
5. 3. When your on set, and something doesn’t go as planned, how do you handle the situation ?
6. To be honest most of my best ideas come when I am under pressure and the clock is ticking. So I welcome those moments…it’s not brain surgery, its fashion! If you don’t have fun with it, you need to be doing something else.

4. What are some fashion tips that you would give to men and women ?

Have fun with fashion & dress for your body/look, don’t follow trends that may not work for your body/lifestyle just because some celeb is doing it.

5. Are there any positive memorable moments in your career as a fashion stylist that you remember while working with a magazine of a celebrity ?

Every day that I work in the industry that I love, learn more and grow as an artist if a great day. Even the rough days are “good days” as long as I learned something from them…

UPDATE:  Catch Beagy Zielinski’s styling on Tyra Banks every Wednesday on the CW’s America’s Next Top Model (Cycle 16) !

|Photography by William Lords|

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Whimsical elegance is the first thing that comes to mind when viewing Canadian designer, Marie Saint Pierre’s recent spring 2010 collection. Her latest collection was inspired by the Spanish painters, Miro and Feito, and in turn created these bold pieces into works of art by using basic black, white, and beige colors as palates with splashes of vibrant color. The wonderful aspect of Saint Pierre’s collection is that she has looks for every age; a woman in her 20’s or 30’s could make a statement in one of her mini-dresses, while a middle-aged woman could wear one of her modern floor-length gowns.

               Saint Pierre has over two decades of experience as a fashion designer, and her vision is highlighted by her collection that showcased amazing asymmetrical pieces, super-ruched shirts, viscose jumpsuits, and romantic cocktail dresses. Saint Pierre stated “I liked the idea of taking something traditional and giving it a modern spin”. She definitely hit the mark with her complex silhouettes and use of classic colors: black, white, and beige. My favorite pieces are the harem trousers, paired with a gathered blouse, goddess dress with a gold neckpiece, and crepe dress with metallic gold sleeves.

           The collection is perfect for those who prefer neither mundane pieces nor overly avant-garde looks.  Marie Saint Pierre presents a perfectly harmonious balance of the two extremes. For example, her asymmetrical taffeta halter dress is modern and edgy, but not too extreme that it becomes difficult to find an occasion to wear it. The same goes for her mixed blazer with matching tailored pants; you could wear the outfit to work or to a dinner party.

  The common word that is heard in reference to Saint Pierre’s spring 2010 collection is “3D”. This 3D effect is created by “ultra light materials that are bordered by contrasting bias cut bands that effectively control the fabric”. The architectural construction of her garments allow for this sexy 3D effect without looking weighed down.

Saint-Pierre’s work has a history of acclaim, having been featured in Elle Canada, Elle Quebec, along with having won numerous prestigious awards for her creations. Miles Sacha of the Toronto Star described her creations as being “long, flowing, artfully draped, surreal and romantic. In the words of the French, Saint Pierre’s collection is “très magnifique”! Also, look out for her upcoming fall 2010 collection that features floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses, and ready-to-wear separates.

The twins realized they had something huge on their hands and eventually put up a website.  Known for its sharp edginess and attention to detail, Gemela Amor by Coco and Breezy was born.  Never being separated for more than 24 hours, they quickly took on the dual responsibilities of running their very own brand.  Orders came in from all over the country and the Coco and Breezy mythology spread throughout the digital universe.  After running the business for only 3 months, the girls decided that it was time to make the move to New York City.  With very little time to prepare, they quit their jobs, sold their car and the decision was made.  Armed only with their faith, and with no job or living opportunities in place, the pair bravely made the trip to the fashion capital.

Within days, the twins took the city by storm, literally stopping traffic with their signature styles and confident attitudes.  Soon stylists and celebrities all over the city were placing orders and using their frames for photo shoots and appearances.  Not satisfied with mere overnight popularity, Coco and Breezy are already preparing themselves for expansion and longevity in the fashion world at large.  While making a living strictly from sales, the two are working on their new collection, which will be a reinvention of the infamous styles they are already known for.

With their sights set on the future, the pair are fully aware of the hard work in store.  Not tempted by the bright lights and the big city, they are in control of developing what is sure to become a lasting name in style and fashion.  Learning as they go, they are never comfortable and constantly challenge themselves to raise the creative bar.
Coco and Breezy represent the new generation of iconoclasts who are redefining youth culture.  Totally happy in each others company, they live in a world all their own – We’re just visiting!

Some of Coco & Breezy’s more notable clientele includes Kelly Osbourne, Amber Rose, Sarena Williams,Kelly Rowland, Tila Taquila,Michelle Willams, Gata, Rich Girls, Ashanti, Natalie Nunn, and more

Purchase: HTTP://COCOANDBREEZY.COM , NYC stores Selima Optique

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