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

ARTICLE FEATURED IN XEX MAGAZINE: SPECIAL EDITION ISSUE

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.

ARTICLE FEATURED IN XEX MAGAZINE: SPECIAL EDITION ISSUE

Article: Karl Xtravaganza

 One night when you are pumping on the dance floor and you suddenly wonder if there is an alien invasion… don’t panic, we’re not under attack and it’s not your recreational chemicals kicking in… likely you are witnessing one of the creations of G Xtravaganza Bizarre. A professional costume designer and event decorator by day, nightly metamorphoses transform G into any number of his alter egos.  Since moving to New York City in 2005, G has developed a nightlife cult following who look forward to witnessing each of his unique assemblages.

G grew up in a single traffic light town in ruralArizonawhere he learned early on that if he wanted to have some glamour in his life, he was going to have to create it himself.  After moving for a short time toLos Angeles, G eventually made his way east toGotham.  “I love the freedom to allow my imagination to run wild and the people ofNew Yorkreally respond to that sense of creative independence.  New Yorkers are a tough bunch and it takes a lot to get a rise out of them, which really helps to push the limits of my artistry.” he explains.

His nightly apparitions eventually caught the eye of some members of the House of Xtravaganza, who instantly recognized the unique talent and ballroom potential of his over-the-top costumes.  “I knew about the balls from watching ‘Paris Is Burning’ but thought they were mostly about drag, realness and voguing.  I didn’t know about that ‘Bizarre’ was an important element within the ballroom community.”  House members began taking G to balls where he saw for himself that the anything-goes atmosphere of the ballrooms would provide the perfect setting for his most extreme ensembles.  “Before the balls” he explains, “I was limited because I had to be able to pump all night on the dance floor in an outfit – getting in and out of taxis and stuff.  However the balls removed all restrictions – I could do ANYTHING – totally out-of-the-box.  Six foot tall wig – no problem, thirty foot long cape – looks great on the runway, shoulder pads four feet wide… make them bigger!  The options were limitless – total freedom.”  Each costume is a mash-up remix of references and inspirations as diverse as circus acts, the French revolution, children’s toys and 1950s b-movie monsters.

However it is not all fun and games and a significant amount of work goes into each of G’s costumes.  “Planning is key – whether for a night out at the club or for a ball the costumes have to be on-point – no room or tolerance for messiness.  How is the outfit going to move, how will the various parts come together, what kind of arrival do I want give…?”  Several weeks of work can go into each look, and for a major ball there can be up to four different ensembles for a single evening.  All that work has paid-off and the ballroom community has acknowledged G’s artistry with numerous grand prizes.  As G expresses, “The ballrooms are about ‘transformation’ and when you can impress those kids you know you really have something special.”

ARTICLE FEATURED IN XEX MAGAZINE: SPECIAL EDITION ISSUE

“It’s one of the songs that came out of the studio sessions we had over here in L.A. this year,” Axwell told MTV News of the new indie-rock-infused track, which he promises is nothing like anything they’ve produced in the past.

“I think a good thing is always to leave what you did there and start fresh,” he said. “Like with ‘Save the World,’ for example. It’s not the ‘One’ rip-off, it’s not the ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’ rip-off, it’s just something new. It seems like it’s what people want to hear.”

Directed by Jon Watts, who has also created videos for Sleigh Bells, TV on the Radio and Fatboy Slim, the video is a marked change for Swedish House Mafia. The “Save the World” video is largely comprised of three scenes: a diner attendant on a late shift, a gentleman chilling in his car and two lovely ladies walking the streets (presumably of L.A., where the video was shot). Then, weaving between each of these settings, our subjects are attacked by separate assailants. Two ski-masked goons descend upon the diner attendant, smashing his tip jar with a baseball bat. A masked attacker crowbars the driver’s car window. And one of the beautiful lasses walking the streets is pulled away from her friend with a hand over her mouth. The victims of the various crimes are soon rescued by man’s best friend, a gang of superhero pups.

Extraordinary concept, cinematography and art direction, I wish my dog could do all of this!

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.

ARTICLE FEATURED IN XEX MAGAZINE: SPECIAL EDITION ISSUE

Stylist: Tori Famuyiwa

MUA/Groomer: Sharon Becker

Photographer/Director: Sailey Williams

Production Assistants:

Associate Editor: Sacha Azor

Associate Editor: Jordan Llanes

Styling: Tori Famuyiwa

Hair: Lawanda Pierre

MUA: Madison Mills

Photography/Director: Sailey Williams
Associate Editor(s) Sacha Azor, Jordan Llanes
Strategic Editor: Shae Fontaine

Kind Monitor, founded by Joshua Aaron Guthals is a Brooklyn-based alternative indie rock band. XEX became aware of KM after seeing their video “Sharks” on LOGO’s Click List and was instantly captivated. Kind Monitors music immediately became a permanent addition to the XEX Magazine photo shoot playlist. We are so thrilled to have been able to work with KM on a photo shoot and video piece; check out our xexclusive interview in the video!

Joshua Aaron Guthals a San Francisco native relocated to Brooklyn NY where he began to create the formula of the Kind Monitor sound. The music scene in New York City soon took notice of KM’s cool elegant and darkly melodic pop music. From an initial gig at a private art party in Sunset Park, a slew of shows followed at New York’s indie-rock hotspots, including Pete’s Candy Store, Joe’s Pub, and the Zipper Factory, to name a few. These shows were met by ardent response from artists and intellectuals who saw something of themselves in this delicate rock music; the publication Creative Loafing described Kind Monitor as an “Emily Dickinson of indie pop-rock.”

Over the next year, the band recorded an EP and released several music videos. Somebody Saves My Life Most Every Single Day, KM’s debut EP, available on ITunes, gathers “Cairo,” “Sharks,” and 4 other tracks of the band’s most enjoyed songs. The videos for “Cairo” and “Sharks” both received nominations on MTV’s Logo Network for Video of the Year. “Sharks” was added to MTV.com after being voted the #8 video of the year on Logo’s Click List in January of 2010. Kind Monitor also continued live performance in 2010, with headlining shows at venues like Galapagos ArtSpace and The Knitting Factory

In February 2011, Popmatters called the band’s music “a wonder of nostalgia and familiarity.” Joshua is currently completing at Master’s Degree in Music Technology at NYU and recording the band’s first full length album for his master’s thesis project. A forthcoming music video “Dizzy” will be the first single and video recorded and released during Joshua’s studies at NYU. The band’s full length album, called “Graceful Exit“, is intended for release in late 2011.

Kind Monitor- www.kindmonitor.com

Custom Vests: Saira M. Huff – www.totalcrapuninc.com

ARTICLE FEATURED IN XEX MAGAZINE: SPECIAL EDITION ISSUE

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

Newface Aaron Castillo originally from Stockton, CA, recently made the move to New York to join Major’s illustrious men’s board. Aaron unique and diverse looks is due to his Mexican, Italian & Spanish background. In his brief time as an emerging model Aaron has been featured in campaigns for Polo Haus, and has appeared in Maxim, FHM, and Esquire magazine.

HEIGHT: 6’0/EYES: Blue/ HAIR: Dark Brown/WAIST: 31″/SHOE: 12

This is an XEXMAG.com ”XEXCLUSIVE”: All images shot by Sailey Williams (http://www.saileywilliams.com/), Studio Assistant: Magdalena Lazare & Rachael Exilhomme.