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

MUA: William Marshall

Hair: Daniele Marinio

Associate Editor(s) Sacha Azor

Header Photo: Devon Cass

When the idea for XEX to “Go Drag” the question then became “Who should we feature?” as there are so many popular NYC drag performers; as well as the queens of that popular drag show on LOGO. We then thought, who would we pay to see and tip heavily, that left us with non other than the Legendary Queen of Comedy Harmonica Sunbeam!

Harmonica Sunbeam, The Legendary Queen of Comedy has been delighting audiences at nightclubs, cabarets, fundraising events and supermarket openings throughout the United States and abroad for over 15 years now. Her live appearances along with her personalized DVDs, have gained her a cult following of all ages, races and backgrounds.

With her unique yet classic style and razor-sharp wit, she has all the necessary talents to reach her goal of mainstream stardom.” The sky’s the limit!” Harmonica exclaims. “In the entertainment field, if people feel you are marketable, they will use you in any capacity”. She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has been featured on several television shows (Law and Order SVU, Third Watch, Johnny Zero and 100 Center Street). Her film credits include Honey w/Jessica Alba, Uptown Girls w/Brittany Murphy and the Oliver Stone drama “WORLD TRADE CENTER”. Her latest movie project is “Please Give” directed by Nicole Holofcener

Miss Sunbeam has also worked alongside noted musical artists such as Beyonce, Mary J.Blige and Jennifer Holiday to name a few.

Harmonica entered the world of music with three pumping club singles that were produced independently but yet made thousands of new and lifelong fans. These titles include “Ready to Pump”, “I’m Here To Work” and the latest “This Is The Beat”.

Despite her busy schedule Miss Sunbeam has still found time to assist and work with many community based gay organizations such as POCC, GMAD, Jersey City Pride, Our Youth and AAOGC to name a few. Her commitment to being a positive role model in today’s selfish world clearly speaks for itself.

Some of Harmonicas Performances

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

Styling: Inoisell Miranda

Grooming: Blue Michael Cosmetics

Interview by Associate Editor Sacha Azor

This past week, we had the chance to interview Matthew Barker and photograph and interview Jake Mossop, panelists on the LOGO show 1 Girl, 5 Gays, also broadcast on MTV Canada.

1 Girl, 5 Gays is a half-hour panel of one girl (Aliya-Jasmine) and five randomly selected gay men who discuss the taboo topics of love, sex and relationships. The panel of “5 gays” is an always-changing group of men, each having differing backgrounds and points of view.

The show’s original concept was to do a panel of straight guys/couples to discuss love & relationships; however the producers found it hard to get complete honesty from the participants. The show’s concept evolved into what the responses of 5 gay guys would be. Let’s be honest, most girls usually tend to turn to their gay bestie for an honest opinion about their relationships anyway.

The show’s quirky questions, honest and sometimes shocking answers have made it a hit! “1Girl 5 Gays” has been a sleeper hit for LOGO,” said Marc Leonard, Senior Vice-President of Multiplatform Programming for Logo. “Without much initial fanfare, and after much pleading from fans of the show on After Elton.com, it was added to our schedule and quickly became one of the most tweeted and talked about shows on the network.

Jake & Matt was kind enough to talk with XEX, and take us inside the show!

How did you get involved in 1 Girl 5 Gays? What inspired you to audition?

JAKE: I first got involved with 1g5g after meeting some of the guys from the show out and about in Toronto at a nightclub and I just started talking to them about the show and realized that it was kind of lacking having someone to really promote health and safety within a gay lifestyle but also have fun. One of the guys, Dean, on the show gave the producers my name and they called me in to audition. I went in to audition and there was me an four other guys auditioning and I guess I just really stood out and I’m glad to be on the show for that reason.

MATT: I got a call one day from my agent. I was skeptical at first because I was still VERY in the closet; my family had no idea that I was gay. So I thought to myself, “What a great way to come out!” I came out to my family on NATIONAL TELEVISION, I never told my mother about the title of show and simply explained to her that the title of the show was “under construction”. Few days later, after my premiere on the show, I got a call from my mother. “Matt, I think we need to talk about your show”. I hung up the phone and refused to speak with her for weeks because I was so scared. Everything turned out for the better and my family supports me BIG time. My mother is my best friend and she is now a huge fan of 1girl 5gays.

What has been the craziest moment on the show?

JAKE: I think the craziest moment that I’ve had on filming an episode of 1G5G is when I had to try to call out Matt Barker on his statement of saying he could do 50 push ups and so I wanted to put him to the test. I’m fairly competitive and we got down on the floor and pushed it out and I definitely beat him.

MATT: The craziest moment on the show was recently actually. I had said something about eating vagina and said, “Everyone has to try sushi at one point of their life”. Then Aliya Jasmine replied sternly, “Do NOT talk about vagina like”. I was shocked. She had put me in my place and I was on the verge of tears! I did not know what to say. I just felt like I had taken my words too far and upset her, but that was not my intention. I was about to cry so hard in the middle of the taping. I kept it in but as soon as we left the studio I found myself crying so hard I had to call my mom. I just felt like everyone hated me and I couldn’t do or say anything right.

Have you ever regretted saying anything on the show?

JAKE: There’s hasn’t been a time where I’ve ever regretted saying anything on 1g5g but I think…that you know it’s very unfiltered and authentic and so there’s sometimes where I’ve maybe talked too much about a topic and maybe have wanted to keep it personal. But I think what works so well with the show being bold and groundbreaking and pushing boundaries is that … you know you get very truthful honest answers from the guys. And we’re just regular gay men who try to represent the community. So no regrets but maybe sharing a little bit too much.

MATT: YES!! All the time, I got a lot of feedback from the fans of the show about unprotected sex. I had mentioned on the show that my boyfriend & I at the time do not use protection. I regret saying it!! I often say things that I regret. I called my sister a BITCH once and she was furious. I also regret discussing my abusive relationship with my ex-boyfriend. I hate airing my dirty laundry, but when you are in such a safe environment it’s hard not to speak about the things that are bothering you.

Is there anything you would absolutely not talk about on the show?

MATT: I don’t believe in censorship so I try to talk about everything. I try to be as honest as possible with every question. I want everyone to know who I am!! Since I am so honest, people tend to think that I am lying because my answers are not clichéd. Sometimes my honesty gets me in trouble. But I think that is why I am on the show. I stand for being a fearless gay. Staying true to yourself on TV is harder than standing naked to a packed theater. There are thousands of people watching and you can’t see them.

Who do you think reveals the most outrageous and unexpected answers?

JAKE: Out of all the guys on the show I feel that sometimes Santos reveals very explicit intimate answers about love and sex. And sometimes you know we’re just really shocked. But there was one episode I filmed with him and he was talking about a very serious time that he was that he was kind of in a negative sexual experience with another man. And I was on that episode and it’s just you don’t ex… you don’t really expect those things to come up, but they’re also important things to talk about. So I think, yeah, sometimes Santos pushes the envelope and sometimes in a good way.

MATT: Everyone is kind of typical to be honest. No one really says anything that’s not from a “safe” place. Sometimes I find that Andrew speaks from his core. Although he is controversial he speaks from a real place. “He isn’t being a “TV PERSONALITY”. He is honestly just saying what everyone else is thinking. I admire him for that and I strive to be just as confident as him in front of the camera.

Which 5 guys would be your ultimate 1 Girl 5 Gays panel?

JAKE: It’s kind of hard cause there’s so many of us but I think umm I enjoy filming the best when I’m with probably Phillip, Ian Lynch, Andrew, and one more… probably Matt Barker.

MATT: The ultimate panel would have to be, “Santos, Andrew, Philip, Ian Lynch, and Juan”.

What do you do when you’re not on the 1 Girl5Gays?  

JAKE: I’m a registered nurse in Canada and I work at a community health center so I spend most of my time working. But yeah nursing’s really important to me. And other things that I do on my spare time would be probably working on my fitness umm and hanging out with friends umm and you know just spending times with people that I love; my family and friends.

MATT: In Toronto I am known as a “Club Personality”. The brand of MATT BARKER is a fresh new look for the new generation of club goers. I have been working as a promoter since I was 18. When I first started people thought I was nothing but a “social climber slut”. My brand was inspired and co-created by MATT SIMS. I am still very new but my parties are being analyzed on an international perspective. Toronto is finally becoming one of the number one spots to party. Personally, I feel that my work in the night life/entertainment scene has changed the way people go out. I am working on creating a new 19+ sub-culture that allows straights and gays to party at the same time. Both of these demographics have been afraid of each other for decades! It’s 2011 and it’s time to party with one another.

As much as I LOVE to party I also like to chill out. I can be found at the movies at least once a week. I also like to go up to my parents place and recharge my mind. Parties are more than glamour and glitter. It’s a business; a creative business that requires my mind, body and soul. I have to put my life into my career or I will fall flat on my face.

What is the Canadian club scene like?

MATT: The Canadian club scene is fresh. Toronto and Montreal are the main cities to party in. Toronto offers sweat and heart. Everyone in Toronto is VERY competitive. The guests that come to my parties are always decked out head to toe in the latest fashions. If you show up to one of my parties looking like a mess you can be sure that your picture will be spread across Facebook faster than a Ke$ha herpes outbreak. I often relate my life to a music video. The night always starts at my loft with about 60 people. Everyone is talking and my photographer CHELSEA WARING is always having a camera in everyone’s face. Toronto is about the people. Promoters used to tell the guests where to go. Now it’s up to the people, they tell me what they want, and I make it happen for them.

How would you describe your personal fashion sense?

MATT: I try my best to look like a “KING WEST SCUM BAG”, which means I like to look like I just stepped out of a GQ magazine. Blazers, Bombers, and the finest shoes accompany me to all my parties. My favorite designers are J. Lindeberg, Tom Ford, Philip Sparks, Michael Kors, Ben Sherman, and Louis Vuitton. But sometimes I look like a mess which is fun sometimes! I hate looking to pretty because than people don’t feel like they can connect with me. I just want to be liked for being as REAL as possible.

Jake! What did you do and see on this trip to New York?

JAKE: This is actually my first time to New York. And it’s actually my first photo shoot with… ever for the show with XEX Magazine. And so other than being here with XEX Magazine I was in town for a water polo tournament. I play in a gay men’s water polo league and the New York team here hosted a tournament and so as you can tell by my voice cheering and yelling and screaming. We had a really good time both in the pool and outside of the pool.

What do you think about the public’s reaction to the show?

JAKE: I think that you know 1g5g is so great because it asks questions that people wanna know the answer to. And so I think that the public reaction, although it’s unfiltered and a little bit bold, it’s kind of what people have been wanting. It’s real, authentic, and so far the feedback to all of us on the show has been really great.

MATT: I think that the MTV and LOGO audiences love the show. Its perfect timing and I have heard nothing but great feedback. In a matter of months my Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/@imattbarker} has gone from 200 people to over 5000. The show is progressive and is allowing television to push the censorship boundaries. I want to create lifestyle art with the show. I want everyone to know what it’s really like to be gay and 1g5g shows the perfect portrayal.

BEHIND THE SCENES AND XEXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW w/ Jake Mossop

…..

1 Girl, 5 Gays was also nominated for a 2011 NewNowNextAward for “Tv You Betta Watch.” If you’ve not seen it, 1 Girl 5 Gays catch new episodes on Logo TV Monday nights at 11pm or MTV Canada Friday nights at 11pm.

ARTICLE FEATURED IN XEX MAGAZINE: SPECIAL EDITION ISSUE

Photographer: Sailey Williams (www.saileywilliams.com)
Styling: Inoisell Miranda(www.inostyling.com)
Mens Groomer:Blue Michael ( www.bluemichaelcosmetics.com)
Mua: Tina Georgy (www.tinageorgy.com)
Hair: Griselle Rosario La Fontaine (www.grisellehairstylist.blogspot.com)
Shoot Assit: Jordan Llanes
Model(s): Cameron Bailey@CLICK & Ruthie@MAJOR
Director/Editor in Chief: Sailey Williams (www.saileywilliams.com)

Interior Designer: Cuoco Black (www.cuocoblack.com)

Location MidCity Gym

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

ARTICLE FEATURED IN XEX MAGAZINE: SPECIAL EDITION ISSUE

VIDEOGRAPHER/CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: ANDRE CROMER

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/DIRECTOR: SAILEY WILLIAMS

PHOTOGRAPHER: STRATEGIC EDITOR: SHAE FONTAINE ( www.shaefontaine.com) 

MUA/GROOMING: BLUE MICHAEL @ BLUE MICHAEL COSMETICS

WARDROBE/STYLIST: INOISELL MIRANDA

HAIR: IYANA WINFIELD

MODEL(S): MIKAELA@Q MODELS & KRIS@MAJOR

PHOTO ASSITANTS:  ASSOCIATE EDITOR MATT APONTE

XEX would like to thank all those that helped to make our 3nd Issue a success. Special thanks to Phillpe Audibet, Designer Hernan Lander, our interns, strategic staff,  & all that showed support.