The Talk with Jean-Claude Biver

Interview by Carolina Rodríguez Hernández for JOLIEGAZETTE.
Photo courtesy Jean-Claude Biver.

Jean-Claude Biver is known for many things. The CEO of TAG Heuer, President of the LVMH Watch Division and also Chairman of Hublot, rejuvenating the Blancpain, placing Omega brand watch on James Bond and is known for his own exclusive cheese, yes cheese. Biver's cheese is made from milk collected only during a short few week period of the year when the cows aren't grazing on grass, but rather flowers. The milk is heated over an open fire using hand-cut wood and then aged for the entire summer. Biver's farm produces around five tons per year, but he doesn't sell any of it. Instead, he gives it out to friends and family. How amazing is that? Today we talk to Jean-Claude Biver about his career in watch industry and his passion in making cheese.

C: Can you describe to us a childhood experience, which influenced your business career, especially your relation with watch industry?

JCB: I tried to enter the world of work after my studies without getting ever the impression to work. In order to achieve this, I believed I had to combine work and passion in one. As my passion was for steam machines as a boy, I believed that this toy would become once adult a watch. That’s why I joined the watch industry and got my first job ever in a watch brand.

C: Could you give us an insight into the creative process behind TAG Heuer?

JCB: The creative process is a mind game, creativity must come from the CEO and must be everywhere (like water falling down from the top to the bottom). To be more precise the creativity process really starts with our R&D boss and myself. We exchange constantly ideas nearly on a 24hours base 7 days on 7. Then we have at different levels people who try to transform ideas in reality and then we have people who are implementing the processes, the ideas, products etc.

C: Which philosopher has inspired you throughout your career? Why?

JCB: Khalil Gibran inspired me when I read «The Prophet» because I realized on a very simply and down to earth what was important in life. I was also inspired by Jacques Lafontaine who tells you through poems how human being behave.

C: What is a good personal experience in defining your Swiss Alps cheese?

JCB: My cheese is a piece of history of Swiss Tradition and goes back to the 14th Century. I love connecting back to the past and believe that with my cheese we have a wonderful product to experience Swiss Tradition and Swiss History. 

C: What are your challenges?

JCB: My challenge is to leave my business one day with the impression having done my best and having left traces of love among my people. I am working on that project everyday and it is giving me hard time.

C: What is the single most inspiring video you have seen addressing today’s biggest challenges, which include: climate change, food security, poverty reduction, and quality of life for all?

JCB: Everybody, every human being living on Planet Earth should see the  documentary made by Cyril Dion and Mélanie Laurent called - Demain.

C: What role does music play in your cheese process inspiration?

JCB: Its an essential asset and component of our tradition and of our cheese. Without our traditional mountain music, I believe the cheese would not be the same and would not taste the same.

C: Was there a particular human exchange you can describe which inspired you towards taking charitable action regarding the causes you love?

JCB: No, there was nothing particular and its just my conscience and my age which is helping me to become slightly wiser and see things from another perspective.
 

C: What advice can you share with the world on the importance of empowering others to reach one’s full potential? How do you empower others in your daily life?

JCB: The most important factor in life is to share. We are all born through a sharing process of a women who during nine month has shared with us her body, her blood, her oxygen, her pain, her doubt, her joy and her hope. That’s why it so important that once we are born we can give back all the love we got and which helped us to get born. This explanation of Love is clear like water and there cannot be a single doubt that Love is all we need.

C: Would you describe yourself as a spiritual person? If so can you share with us one of your more profound spiritual experiences?

JCB: No, I just love Planet Earth and I love people. That’s enough to be a good person ! I like simplicity and I am not a technocrat, but rather a pragmatic lover of life and people.

C: What is your message to entrepreneurs who struggle to launch their ideas?

JCB: Have the courage to be wrong, have the courage to change mind, have the courage to listen, to learn, have the courage to be yourself, don’t crack under pressure and trust yourself

C: How is a normal day for Jean-Claude Biver? Which are your hobbies?

JCB: My main hobby is my job (thanks God), but I also have my family, my sport, my wine, my cheese and my friends as hobbies. That’s why 24 hours a day are not enough for me.

C: What is your greatest hope for the future? What is next for Jean-Claude Biver?

JCB: My hope and my goal is to die naked, meaning that I have given back everything I received in life. My love, my passion, my experience, my visions and my hope.

C: How would you like to be remembered?

JCB: As a man who loved people, who respected people and who shared with people.

C: Who are your top three living thought leaders?

JCB: Mr. Bernard Arnault and Elon Musk.

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The Talk with Carly Steel

Juliet: How did you get into tv hosting?

Carly: Gosh that question requires a long and convoluted answer. Asthe honest answer is I never intended to get into TV hosting, it was always film I wanted to pursue. The abbreviated version is after graduating from University in England with a law degree, I was very young when I graduated and took what is popularly referred to as a ‘gap year’ and ended up working at Vogue in NYC and never went back to England or law! I really enjoyed the glamour and interviewing people and the day of the Met Ball I met Giuliana from E! News --- after a quick chat she kindly set me up with an interview at E! and I ended up applying for an entry level producer position there and moving to LA. After a year I transitioned to on-air – my first interview was with Richard Gere and I just took to it quite quickly and loved it, so from there I started hosting for a digital site then became a film expert for TV Guide Network. From there I worked up to becoming a correspondent for the Live Awards show red carpet coverage, then a host. The Royal Wedding was the first time I got to anchor and after 4 years there I started hosting for The Insider then Entertainment Tonight. Along the way I've done quite a few acting jobs and sold a show with Lionsgate so things continue to evolve.

Juliet: Your new show "Jet to the Set" such a fresh idea for TV. Tell us a little bit about it. Who came up with it?

Carly: My co-creator and co-host Laurie Feltheimer and I were having lunch at the Cannes Film Festival 2 years ago and we’d been talking for a while about wanting to work together as we had done a couple of shoots in the past and have great on-air chemistry which can be rare for 2 female hosts together. We decided an ideal vehicle for us would be the combination of Laurie’s Hot in Hollywood company concept which takes hot Hollywood trends and translates it for every woman, and my background in film and TV and interviewing, plus our combined love of travel. And from that, JET TO THE SET was born. I was a brand ambassador for a well-known hotel company for a few years and through that learned that there was a microcosm of tourism where people wanted to travel to iconic film and TV locations, and not only visit those places and take selfies, but also go to all the hotspots – stay where the stars stayed, ate where the stars ate – drink what they drank, and hang out where they hung out in their down time. It’s a way of getting cool local knowledge through the eyes of celebrity and productions. So the concept is essentially travelling like the stars and living like the movie, both on set and off, and showing that even seemingly nondescript locations in the US can be as glamorous and cool as international jet setting, as there are so many hidden treasures at these locations that are attainable and don’t require spending a lot of money to visit. Laurie and I are on a Thelma and Louise style escapade exploring all of these aspects and the stars themselves are our tour guides so we explore these things with them in a fun, adventurous way.

Juliet: What is the best part of working on this show? 

Carly: The best part of working on this show is getting to work with Laurie who is one of the most incredible, inspiring and fun women I know, so to share these adventures with her is the best! And also to go on mad cap adventures themselves – I like doing things with an element of danger and discomfort and this show enables me to explore that. I also love that we can show fans really cool places to go that I didn’t know existed and I’m such a huge film fan that to visit and spend time in the actual locations – I geek out over that every time!

Juliet: Let's talk about fashion. You are a red carpet regular. Whose style do you absolutely love?

Carly: I love Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson – they nail sexy feminine elegance with a twist.

Juliet: Who is your favorite designer?

Carly: Alice & Olivia – Stacey Bendet creates the perfect blend of vintage inspired feminine with an edge which is very much my style.

Juliet: Leather or lace?

Carly: Both! And sometimes together. I love a prim and proper DVF or Dolce & Gabbana lace dress juxtaposed with a shrunken soft leather moto jacket and ankle biker boots.

Juliet: How do you take off pressure before going out on the red carpet or in front of ET cameras?

Carly: As I’m British I would say a great source of calm is a good long hot bath with Epsom salts and lavender. I also love going to Pilates classes on the reformer, hiking in the hills (beautiful scenery always helps give perspective) a massage or, if I’m brutally honest, watching The Real Housewives shows on Bravo – I’m obsessed and it requires absolutely no cerebral activity so you can just switch off for an hour which is very relaxing. I also find that researching and preparing for shoots keeps me calm as the more I prepare, the more excited and confidant I feel about the shoot. To me, there is no such thing as being too prepared, unless you get overwhelmed.

Juliet: Who was your favorite interviewee and why?

Carly: Another tough question because everyone I meet and interview has a unique quality that I enjoy. My most memorable interviews are my first ever one - Richard Gere – such an elegant, charming gentleman, he put me at ease, I loved chatting with him and that interview cemented pursuing this career, Kate Hudson is a repeated favorite because if you could ever pick the ultimate gal pal to be friends with it would be her – she is so fun to be around, has an incredible energy, she just lights up every room and you have a great time with her.

Juliet: You were handpicked by Tom Cruise to fly with him on his jet for two international press tours co-hosting IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION premiere. What was it like? Tom Cruise! Insane! Were you nervous?

Carly:Hosting the Mission Impossible Rogue Nation NYC premiere was initially quite a daunting task because it was coming off the back of a fast paced European tour, I was jetlagged and we shut down Times Square. It was Live, and being on a huge podium, broadcast on Jumbotrons to tens of thousands of people, just a sea of faces, was quite overwhelming. I don’t do a lot of audience interaction / addressing crowds, so keeping them warmed up and entertained, is a very different format to simply talking to an actor and the camera. It was the closest thing I’ve experience to a rock concert, and that’s a testament to the star power of Tom Cruise. But I wasn’t nervous about working with Tom himself because he has such a magnetic energy, a lovely, gallant quality that instantly puts you at ease, so when he arrived and came up on the stage I was relieved because he is in his element at addressing the crowd, and the pressure was off me. He’s one of the most inspiring people I‘ve had the privilege to encounter.

Juliet: What do you think your secret is in being a successful tv host, interviewer?

Carly: Hosting and interviewing are two very different skills, and to be successful in this industry you must master both. I would say my strength is interviewing because that’s where I started, and the best advice I can give is to be interested in your interview subject, make it about them, not you, your top priority is to make them feel comfortable and put them at ease so they have a good time and to connect with them on a deeper level. Really listen to what they are saying throughout, instead of thinking of your next question (or if someone is talking in your ear via IFB) as that is where you can have a real moment with that person and get the gold. And no matter what is going on around you during the interview – whether you are on a red carpet with screaming fans and photographers, or in a room full of people, block all of that out and create a bubble around you and your subject so that it feels like it’s just the two of you. Make sure you use your intuition to feel them out, and see where they are at energy-wise then match your energy to an appropriate level and then you can bring them to where you need to be through your own energy. People react to genuine thoughts and emotions – don’t be fake, and don’t talk over your interview subject as that not only annoys your editor, but also your audience, who are ultimate tuning in to hear them, not you. In terms of advice for hosting overall – connect with the camera and your audience, don’t be afraid to be yourself, but always be mindful of your audience and respectful of who you are talking to, and above all – tenacity is imperative (and try not to take things too personally).

Juliet: Karl Lagerfeld's cat Choupette, a spoiled #Chanel pussy whose maids pamper her every need as her own book. Do you think she's got competition?

Carly: Well, there is no competition, Khaleesi is clearly the superior feline in every respect ;-). Well, I like to think so at least. She may not fly private but she is treated like a princess in every other way. She is Siberian and therefore hypo-allergenic, has stunning fur and features, but more importantly she has the most incredible personality – playful, mischievous and insightful and very, very funny, we are very similar in a lot of ways and she has changed my life, she is great company! Everyone who meets her is won over, even people who normally prefer dogs. No matter where I go in the world, no matter how glamorous, nothing compares to being back in LA with Khaleesi. There is a reason ancient Egyptians worshipped cats! They are incredible, and being a single girl with a cat should not be stigmatized.

Juliet:What is next for Carly Steel?

Carly: Gosh that is an excellent question – every day is different and things keep shifting, which is kind of how I like it. In addition to continuing correspondent duties for ET, I’m working on some more scripted projects and building my production company and producing more unscripted content too. That is definitely going to be a focus for 2016. And I’m excited for my movies to come out too!

Photos by Lauri Levenfeld

To learn more about behind the scenes story of Carly Steel,  visit The Project For Women.

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The Talk with Chudney Ross

Photo: Lauri Levenfeld

The youngest daughter of music legend Diana Ross, Chudney Lane Silberstein is  a mom to the adorable three year old Callaway Lane and an owner of a little bookstore gem in Santa Monica, called Books and Cookies,  where Chudney  teaches music class to toddlers. I sat down with Chudney at her Santa Monica store to talk  about her life, her business and her personal style.

J. You started as a model. What inspired you to open kid's bookstore business?

CR: I was actually a teacher first! I taught for 3 years in the Washington DC and Los Angeles Unified public school district. When I retired from teaching (at 22 years old), I was focusing on trying to be and writer and got an opportunity to try modeling, as well. Though, I had a few exciting opportunities on runways in LA and NYC, I truly was never very successful as a model, but it gave me the opportunity to find confidence in my beauty, to walk a little taller and strut more gracefully. In the end, I knew my life would steer back to working with children as it did!

J: You are the youngest daughter of legendary Diana Ross. Was your mother your role model when you were growing up?

CR: My mother has always been my role model. I am constantly in awe of her strength, talent and beauty. She is a hardworking, passionate, loving independent woman, which I too strive to be.

J:  Is she your role model for style?

CR: My mother is known for her style for the stage. She does costume changes of sequins, sparkles and extravagant ball gowns. I was always in dazzled by how she shined on stage, but took to a much more understated style of my own. I do love to get dressed up in pretty dresses, though and I got to play with a bigger, more extravagant version of my style at my recent wedding (this past June in Maui). I worked with the amazingly talented designer Lazaro on a custom two-piece ball gown with ornate gold leafing. It was spectacular!

J: Do you follow fashion trends ?

CR: I love to watch fashion trends, but I would only follow the ones that suit my body type! You would never find me in a crop top or high waisted, booty baring shorts. I do love however, to try new things and see what is hot right now.

J: I heard your voice in the music class for kids at your bookstore, you have an amazing voice. Have you ever thought about being a singer like your mom?

CR: Thank you very much, but absolutely not! I sing strictly for children. I think my tone just works for tiny ears! HA! I can definitely carry a tune and I have rhythm, but I am not pop star!

J: What brands will we find in your closet ?

CR: Sadly, I am usually in workout clothes, but I do love dresses! Party dresses, floaty beach dresses, Strapless dresses, Mini dresses!  My closet has dresses from Top Shop, Alice and Olivia, Keepsake, Marc by Marc Jacobs, but most of all, I love a boutique find!

Photo: Lauri Levenfeld

Photo: Lauri Levenfeld

J: On what do you spend the most: clothes, accessories, perfumes, lingerie, or anything else?

CR: Truly, at this point in my life, I spend the most on my daughter! She is an ultra-girly girl and I love to buy the tutus, sparkly dresses, tiny ballet flats… I can’t resist! For me, it is definitely shoes! I can always justify the expense of a perfect boot or heel (even though I spend the majority of my days in flip flops and sneakers)!

Photo: Lauri Levenfeld

J: Leather or Lace?

CR: Lace! I am definitely more girly then edgy.

J. Do you love art? Who is your favorite artist?

CR: I do love art. Art is like a story, where anything is possible. Right now, I’m digging Classic and Modern Pop Art like Warhol, Asquint, Lichtenstien, Haring, but appreciate all art forms and eras.

J: What is next for Chudney Ross?

CR: Who knows? Isn’t that what makes life exciting! Of course, I would hope to continue to see growth with Books and Cookies. I would love to get back to writing and to continue to build my family! Truly, I am not sure where my future will lead, but I have found that being open to change and new experiences can bring exciting growth and development and for that I am ready!

To learn more about behind the scenes story of Chudney Ross visit The Project for Women.

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The Talk with Catherine McCord of Weelicious

She has appeared on the covers of Glamour and Elle magazines, and walked the runway for Donna Karan and Calvin Klein. From 1999 to 2000 she was one of the female co-hosts of MTV's Loveline television show. FHM magazine readers voted her one of the sexiest women in the world for 2001. 
Today she is the mother of three adorable kids and the creator of the super popular blog,  andjudge on Guy's Grocery Game.  I sat down with Catherine at her home in Los Angeles to talk about modeling, personal style and her delicious business.

Photo by Lauri Levenfeld

J: How were you discovered as a model?

CM: When I was 13 years old I had an injury from running and a friend signed me up for a modeling contest which I ended up winning. A few months later I got a card in the mail for a local modeling school. I walked in and they signed me up for a contest called Elite Models Look of the Year. I ended up being a national finalist and going to Japan for a month to compete as it was televised on ABC. It was quite a whirlwind adventure for a 14 year old. 

J: What were some of the challenges for you while working as a model?

CM: Traveling around the world for years was incredibly exciting, but became very lonely after a while. 

J: Many models are fighting the food habit. Was food ever a challenge for you while modeling?

CM: I lived with many models who had food issues so it was always around me, but learning about food through the countries I visited was extremely exciting to me. 

Photo by Lauri Levenfeld

J: What inspired you to start successful culinary business Weelicious?

CM: After I had my son, Kenya, I couldn’t find interesting homemade baby food recipes online as well as information about how to make kids great eaters from day one. We had always bought our food at the Hollywood farmers market, so I started blogging a different recipe everyday and my feeding adventures. The recipes eventually expanded to toddler, big kid and then recipes for the entire family. 8 1/2 years later there are over
1200 recipes and 350 cooking videos on the site. 

J: You area judge on a culinary TV show called Guy's Grocery games. Do you have a stylist or do you put together your own look?

CM: We have an amazing stylist, Joey. I bring the clothes and jewelry I want to wear and she jazzes it all up!

J: Does the fashion world still feel like a family to you?

CM: I have a few amazing friends in the fashion industry. Like all things, times moves on. I’m so lucky to have had a great experience, but this side of life is just as if not more thrilling, but in a different way. 

J: Do you follow fashion weeks, latest trends?

CM: I’m still fashion obsessed, but sadly don’t have as much time for it to be my focus. 

J: What is your personal style like?

CM: When I’m on TV I like to wear bright colors and bold jewelry. When I’m in NY I wear lots of black, high heels, boots, dresses and coats. At home big sweaters and jeans. In LA when we go out I wear leather pants, an array of fun handbags and more upscale casual pieces. 

J: Who are your favorite designers to wear on the Red Carpet?

CM: I’ve worn Marchessa, vintage Halston and Yeo Lee and Naeem Khan. 

J: What is Catherine McCord’s style advice?

CM: Wear what suits you, but make sure to always have fun with it. 

J: What is next for Catherine McCord?

CM: Right now I’m focused on my food delivery company, One Potato. It offers 3 organic family friendly meals a week that take less than 30 minutes to prepare. It’s been such a life saver for me and hopefully will be for other families! 

J: Brilliant idea for busy moms. I can not wait to sign up for mine!

To learn more about behind the scenes story of Catherine McCord and find out how to win a signed copy of Catherine’s latest Weelicious cookbook, One Family. One Meal.  visit The Project for Women.

Photography by Lauri Levenfeld

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The Talk with Nordstrom SPACE buyer, Raul Becerra

Photos by Lauri Levenfeld

Designers today are up against more competition than ever and it is easy to miss an amazing, unique and fun designer from the crowd of many. If you are willing to give emerging designers a chance (we recommend that you do) then Nordstrom's SPACE boutique is the place to go. They've got the best selection.

Raul Becerra is a buyer at SPACE Boutique @ Nordstrom and his job involves a true mix of the creative and the practical.  Together with Nordstrom's Director of Creative Projects, Olivia Kim, Raul is looking for emerging and advanced brands that are getting industry buzz and brings them to Nordstrom. SPACE carries Ellery, Paskal, Shrimps, Mira Mikati, Rosetta Getty, Simone Rocha, Isa Arfen  among others.
We met with Raul at Nordstrom San Francisco store during SPACE opening party and asked about his personal favorite designers and his work for the most exciting boutique.
J: Describe your current role

RB: In my opinion, I am buying for one of the most exciting boutiques within a major U.S retail company – SPACE @ NORDSTROM  

J:  What is the selection process like for the designers you’ve chosen to feature at SPACE?

RB: It was a labor of love and respect .  Olivia and I wanted to bring in collections that we personally love and collections that are recognized within the industry;  We brought in established collections that are difficult to find, like Tricot comme des garcons, and collections that we are really excited about, like VETEMENTS, Faustine Steinmetz and KOCHE.
J: Who is the most exciting designer for you at SPACE right now?
RB: VETEMENTS & KOCHE

J: From a retail standpoint, what do you see as the chief influence on customers today? Is it celebrity? Is it street style?

RB: It is a combination of the two
J: More personally, what are your own favorite brands right now?

RB: Personally, I love Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garcons and Undercover

Raul Becerra and Juliet Belkin

J: any must haves for spring?

RB: Anything oversized !
J: Can fashion really save the world?

RB: Fashion brings us all together, sort of like a universal unspoken language /  respected art form.  Thatsaid…… kinda : )
J: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

RB: Perfection does not equal success  ; Done is better than perfect

J:  Love it! What is your advice to designers trying to make it big in the fashion world.
RB: Stay humble

Raul Becerra at Nordstrom San Francisco store. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld

The talk with celebrity jewelry designer Maya Brenner

On Maya sweater by Pam&Gela. Photo Lauri Levenfeld

What began as a hobby soon turned into a successful jewelry business for designer Maya Brenner, whose timeless, classic and chic jewelry caught the eye of celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore,  Rachel Bilson,  Mandy Moore, Anne Hathaway, Kathy Perry, Salma Hayek and made a number of TV appearances on the leading ladies of Sex and the City.  Her signature States and letter pendant necklaces can be found in Neiman Marcus and J.Crew. Maya is a woman of many talents. She is a mother, wife, designers and entrepreneur. I was fortunate to meet and talk to Maya about her personal style in her beautiful home in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.

J: What is the DNA of Maya Brenner jewelry ?

MB: Versatile, wearable, whimsical, and personal. My pieces are on trend and classic at the same time. The States and Letters are fun to wear and major conversation starters.

J: What inspires you when designing your jewelry collections?

MB: I design what I want to wear. If I have an upcoming event or an outfit that needs a little something extra, I’ll create a piece that I’d want to pair it with. Recently, I was noticing all of the gorgeous ear bars out there. I wanted to try the trend out, so I made my own and then added it to my line.

Photo by Lauri Levenfeld

J: How much attention do you pay to fashion when designing your jewelry?

MB: Not too much. I’m lucky since I don't have to design on a set schedule or for a particular season. I make new things when I’m inspired or want something new to wear.

J: Do you think fashion allow people to express their individuality or does it force people to conform?

MB: I think in the past fashion was far more restrictive. Now there is so much out there to choose from—there’s truly something for everyone!

J: As a jewelry designer how much jewelry do you wear daily?

MB: I have my stacking rings from my line that I never take off, “M” and “B” stud earrings that I rotate with my Petal Bar earring, Shark Tooth and Geometric Circle necklaces and sometimes I’ll throw a bangle into the mix—is that a lot?

Photo Lauri Levenfeld

J: How do you feel about statement jewelry?

MB: It’s not something I design but I definitely appreciate the bold and intricate styles I’ve seen. Irene Neuwirth uses the most gorgeous, eye-catching stones and Stella & Dot, another company that I design delicats for, offers amazing statement necklaces.

Maya Brenner and Juliet Belkin. Photo Lauri Levenfeld.
On Juliet dress by Ralph Lauren, poncho by 711, loafers by Gucci.

J: What is the most important part of wardrobe for you?

MB: A versatile, everyday purse and flattering sunglasses.

J: What celebrity were you most excited about wearing your jewelry?

MB: Katy Perry was photographed frequently in our California State Pendant during her “California Dreams” tour, so we got a lot of coverage from that. My daughter is a huge Anna Kendrick fan, so when she wore one of my pieces, my daughter thought I was very cool!

Juliet Belkin and Maya Brenner. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

J: With holidays around the corner, what is a favorite piece of yours that you think would make a perfect gift?

MB: I love our simple gold bangle. It’s classic and understated, but so good.

J: What is next for Maya Brenner?

MB: Last year we launched a home-decor line of pillows. We’ve recently partnered with online retailer Mark & Graham to expand our lifestyle offerings with personalized catchall trays. Next up is a stationery collaboration with Paper Chase Press—which we’re beyond excited about.

J: Where can we find Maya Brenner jewelry?

MB: On our newly launched website, online at J.Crew and Neiman Marcus and in-store nationwide at Steven Alan.

Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

To learn more about behind the scenes story of jewelry designer Maya Brenner, visit The Project for Women

Celebrities in Maya Brenner Designs.

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The Talk with Fashion designer Laura O'Dell of The ODells #ODells

Among many shops that stretch through Silver Lake part of the Sunset Boulevard stands a stylish gem by the name of Bucks & Does. It is owned by power couple Laura and Jason O'Dell. The boutique features an "eclectic mix" of designers and charming, Porridge and The ODells lines. If you ever shopped at Anthropologie, you may have seen comfy and stylish basics from Laura O'Dell's Porridge. The store’s pride and joy is Laura and Jason’s label, The ODells. The ODells is the epitome of California cool and today we chat with the designer, Laura about her work and her personal style.
 

JB: Tell us a little about how Bucks and Does was born?

On Juliet Floral Clementine Capsule jumpsuit by O'DELL, hat by LOVELY BIRD. On Laura, O'Dell multi-colored dress.  Image by Lauri Levenfeld  

LS: When we decided that our location was just  too killer to only put a studio/work place in Jason and I determined that we would open a small retail shop.  We toyed around with the idea of opening an O'Dell's store however I'm such a big fan of denim and shoes and jewelry and everything else so we came to the conclusion that Silver Lake really needed a great down-to-earth boutique that had a good  mix of both men's and women's because oftentimes Jason and I shop together and he never likes being dragged into a store that has nothing for him.

JB: What is the DNA of your brand?

LS: The O'Dells is very chic in a casual way.  I love the concept of dress up/dress down.  Almost every style in my line can be worn with sneakers OR heels which is so essential in my mind.  I'm a busy mom so being able to go from day to night is really key for me.  I love looking polished and sleek in a sloppy sort of way.  I'm a big fan of wearing vintage Levi's with bad-ass jewelry and a white tee or an amazing wacky O'Dells silk printed tunic.  My line Porridge is whimsical and flirty.  When I want to lunch with my girlfriends or take my son to soccer nothing beats throwing on a Porridge cotton printed maxi and sandals and calling it a day.

On Laura sweater by CALLAHAN, MOTHERDENIM jeans, shoes by NINA Z.  On Juliet, TYSA jumper, LOVELY BIRD hat and GUCCI loafers. Fringe bag by HARTFORDPARISIAN . Image by Lauri Levenfeld.

JB: Biggest design influence? 

LS: Vintage but mostly vintage from the 1970's.  I've been a lover of bell bottoms since I came out of the womb.  I also love native American culture and colors but really all cultures.  When I went to India a few years back my mind was blown by all the beauty and creativity.  
Do you follow fashion week ?

JB: Do you follow fashion week?

Image by Lauri Levenfeld  

LS: Ha, No, not at all actually and I'm really glad you asked that :-).  The fashion industry is funny and oftentimes I'm in conversation with another designer or a store and they reference something from the runway and I'm like "say, what?".  I have no clue what's going on in the world of fashion and I'm cool with that.  I design what I want to wear in my given moment and what I'm dreaming of wearing 6 months from now.  

JB: Any favorite details from SS 2016?

LS: Ikats and colorful dobbies.  I'm obsessed right now with yarn-dyed cottons and hand-loomed fabric.

JB: What three words would you use to describe the ultimate O'Dells girl and Porrige?

LS: Confident, carefree, sexy-tomboy for O'Dells girl. Rugged-gentleman, laid-back, no-nonsense for Bucks & Does boy

JB: Which celebrity muse would you collaborate with to wear your designs?

LS: Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller or Kate Moss (duh) would be pretty cool
 

JB: What is your personal style? 

LS: Very laid back in a chic way.  I'm a big fan of 18k gold jewelry and love to layer it.  I'm also pretty simple in my approach to dressing.  You don't need to try to hard to look cool.  I'm not a fan of the whole mid-calf skirt with oversized sweater look worn with sneakers and no make-up.  I hope I'm not offending anyone by saying this.  I went to Catholic high school for 4 years and this is how the nuns dressed.  I'm surprised fashion has somehow made this look seem "cool".  In then end I think a woman likes to feel sexy even if she's a tomboy which I am. Confidence is sexy too.

JB: How much does your personal style influence your work as a designer?

LS: It's everything especially considering I don't pay much attention to what's going on in the world of runway designers.

JB: What designers do you love / wear?

LS: Mother Denim is a staple for me.  I also love Pepin, Rachel Comey and Cali-Dreaming makes the best swimsuits in the world.

JB: What is next for Bucks and Does?

LS: Possibly an expansion (once we outgrow our current studio which is inevitable), possibly another location and continuing to expand our own-brand offerings under the B&D Silverlake label.  We're currently making some exclusives for the store which are mainly tee's for men and women at the moment but we're expanding on this concept and developing more awesome basics like bras/undies as well as cozy sweatshirts and button up's for men.

SHOP BUCKS & DOES

 

To learn more about behind the scenes story of fashion designer Laura O'Dell, visit
The Project for Women

The Talk with designer Julie Paskal of Paskal #PASKAL

Photo: Anton Yeremenko

The flourishing name in fashion is Julie Paskal, whom I stumbled upon while browsing my favorite retail store in San Francisco, Nordstroms.   PASKAL label has been introduced to the international crowds in Paris and noted by the Vogue and Financial Times after winning LVMH Prize. 

Julie Paskal creates garments with high quality fabric, using creative laser-cutting and precision tailoring and is known for minimalism. A unique combination of architecture and fashion comes from Julie's background.  She entered architectural department and three years later fell in love with visual images and concept creation. PASKAL is in a number of the best fashion magazines today.
I've got an opportunity to speak to Julie Paskal of PASKAL label.

J: What started your interest in Fashion?

JP: When I was studying architecture I thought about how some of the techniques, shapes or different architectural areas could be involved in something more casual and practical. And then I came up with fashion or creating clothes at first. I was surprised how flexible this creative field is. Fabric is more sensual than marble for example. For me it is important to keep special intimacy during creating.

Photo:  Lauri Levenfeld     
Model Mila Givens                                                                                 

J:  How do you connect your background in architecture and fashion designs?

JP: Architecture not only gave me notion about lines, shapes and structure, but it was a starting point for me to become a fashion designer. As I was saying architectural materials was too solid and complex for me, but if I wasn’t trying to work with it I have never started to work with fabric. So in this attempts I realized that I want to start doing fashion design.

J: You were discovered only after two years. Can you share how it all happened?

JP: The turning point on the way to international scene became my participation in LVMH Prize. PASKAL was short-listed among designers that already had much attention. Then Sarah Andelman decided to present PASKAL in iconic concept-store Colette. At the same time I was discovered by Selene Collins who is my international agent. She turned out to be very supportive and passionate about PASKAL and together we brought new kind of attention to the brand.

J: What is the DNA of your brand?

JP: Laser-cut technique is obviously the most distinctive feature of PASKAL. We were first who started to use it in Ukraine. At first in the form of simple perforation and every season I complicate this method. But every time it helps me to bring new type of romanceto the collection, to make garments lighter, bring some kind of naivety and femininity.

J: Where do you find your inspiration?

JP: Sea is a blueprint of my collections and certainly my biggest inspiration. When I go to the sea I am soothing and relaxing. It helps me to wash off all negative feelings and bring new creative energy. Despite this the mechanism is still quite mathematical. First I capture the object, then process it in my head, then draw some sketches and after that I make real sketch of the garment.  

J: Do you follow trends?

JP: Not really. But it is hard to not follow some trends in modern world, because producers of fabrics dictate their rules in a special way. So when I choose fabric I follow some trends anyway. But when I start to create collection, draw sketches I don’t try to make something hot & trendy. I just follow my inner feelings about how collection must look in the end. Anyway I still understand that modern culture is around me and I absorb it one way or another. Just imagine if every artist or designer don’t follow global trends. In that case there would not have been cultural characteristics of the epoch.  

 

Photo:  Lauri Levenfeld     
Model Mila Givens   

J:  You are a mom of two precious kids. How do you combine motherhood and work?

JP: There are no specific combinations. My kids are the biggest source of energy that nourishes me and I have strength to create. In general family is my greatest support which directs me.

J: What is that one thing you can share with aspiring fashion designers?

JP: To be honest with yourself. To listen to advices, but have your own strong opinion. Don’t allow market too push you. To separate your own desires from brand’s development strategy.  

J: What is next for Pascal clothes?

JP: Spring / Summer 2016 collection is all about beach culture, naked body, spirit of you and love!

SHOP PASKAL

Photos Lauri Levenfeld                                                                                     
Model Mila Givens

The Talk with jewelry designer Alex Woo

Born and raised in New York City, designer Alex Woo runs a showroom and design studio in midtown Manhattan. Her father, Alexander Woo, was a master bench jeweler who began teaching Alex the basics of jewelry making when she was just five years old. She studied fine arts and jewelry design at an Ivy League university and abroad in Paris. Winning the National Women's Jewelry Association's design competition in 1998 led to the formation of her own company, Alex Woo Jewelry, in 2001. Alex Woo designs are of eco-friendly materials, fashionably fresh, contemporary and of the great quality. It is this dedication which has earned Alex Woo continual recognition from fashion editors, stylists and industry insiders, to celebrities and trendsetters. I met with Alex at Nomo Soho's "Kitchen" in New York, during New York Fashion week to talk about her jewelry and more.

Image by Lauri Levenfeld TPFW

J: How would you describe your style?

AW: When it comes to my personal style I am a huge fan of timeless basics that are then updated and made personal with great jewelry, bags and shoes – of course as a jewelry designer, I can never leave home without layering a few necklaces.  My wardrobe consists of mostly solid colors – lots of clean lines and not a lot of prints.  I love finding that great dress that can be worn to work with a blazer and then transitions into cocktails with an editor and later dinner with my husband.  Quality and fit are everything when it comes to a classic wardrobe purchase, and I believe in spending on something that will stand up to both frequent wear and trends – nothing beats a DVF wrap dress, a Burberry Trench, or a blazer from The Row.  Fast fashion is totally fine for a trend piece here and there, and I like mixing high and low.  But I also love supporting fellow designers and investing in classic pieces that will last.

Image by Lauri Levenfeld TPFW

J: How did you get into jewelry making?

I've always had an appreciation for sculpture, because it's so tangible and three dimensional. But I eventually came to the realization that with jewelry, I could create and design in the same way that I sculpted, but have a wider appeal and be able to reach a bigger audience.  I really love the sculptural aspect of what I do and jewelry fused so many different aspects of what I loved – precious metals, sculpture, sketching. My designs are bold and personal, but you can look at each piece as a mini sculpture.  Many of my designs can literally stand up on its own, like my little letter "a" for instance.  It can sit on a table on it's own like a miniature sculpture.  Being able to feel the weight of a piece in my hand and have it transform into something more than just a piece of jewelry, something with an emotional connection, that’s what inspires me.  It is thrilling to take a concept, draw it out, make a model, and then ultimately that have it end up as someone’s heirloom or personal talisman.

J: What materials do you use for your jewelry?

I mainly work with Sterling Silver and 14kt Gold and Diamonds.  They are precious metals that I love because they are versatile and valued, and yet affordable.  Being that my jewelry is personal and holds a lot of meaning for people, I think those materials need to precious metals that will hold their value, and be something that can be passed down for generations to come.

Image by Lauri Levenfeld TPFW

J: What is the DNA of your jewelry line?

AW: All my jewelry is made locally in NY, something extremely important to me.  As the child of an immigrant who came to the US to achieve his American dream, being fortunate enough to live here was something that was instilled in me from day one.  Growing up, we always tried to support local businesses whenever possible. It became second nature to have a sense of pride in what we owned, and where it came from was important.  As a minority female entrepreneur, I now feel that it's also my opportunity to support that same feeling in what I do and what I provide to my customers.  
But from a design aspect, storytelling is at the heart of the Alex Woo DNA.  Each one of my pieces can have thousands of meanings to whoever wears it– a Little Icon can signify a birthday, a personal milestone, an anniversary, a talisman of good luck…anything!  Finding out the story of  how and why someone wears one of my necklaces is ultimately what gives me a thrill every single day.
 

J: How do you feel about statement jewelry?

AW: I love statement jewelry and how it adds to the entire look of a wardrobe, but it is not what I am known for in my collections.  I love designing jewelry that is more personal and classic and will complement any wardrobe choice.  I also believe that when something holds that much personal significance or meaning, it's actually more of a statement than any necklace twice, or three times that size! For example, I launched two collections, Little Cities and Little MLB (Major League Baseball) that are both very much connected to showing pride, memories and personal ties to the cities we grew up in, or shared memorable experiences with.  

J: Do you wear other jewelry apart from your own?

AW: Since I have thousands of designs, that it's hard to not wear my own all the time.  They are my babies, and I always want to keep them close to my heart.  But that doesn't mean that I don't love and admire the work of fellow designers.  I am always a fan of excellent workmanship and creativity.

J: Who are your favorite designers?

AW: Like my jewelry, I love timeless designs, but I also love having fun with them and making my own modern interpretations.  That is why I love Elizabeth and James, All Saints, and DVF - as they take classic looks and update them with a modern details to flatter and enhance a woman's body.  I'm also a huge fan of Diane von Furstenberg on so many levels - as a designer, entrepreneur and visionary. As an entrepreneur, I think she's fascinating - to have this longevity, success, and energy to continue what she does year after year is just remarkable.  As for accessories, YSL and Givenchy have also built remarkable businesses with designing bags and shoes that I always covet.

Image by Lauri Levenfeld TPFW

J: Who are your muses?

 AW: Audrey Hepburn has been someone I have admired in so many ways.  She was not only beautiful and elegant, but also so well known for her efforts as a Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef. Besides being as beautiful on the inside as well as out, she made everything look effortless.  One of my favorite dresses was that gorgeous black and white Givenchy ball gown that she wore in Sabrina (my favorite film of all time!) It was classic and elegant, but a real head turner (and what in this day in age would be that perfect "Oscars" Red Carpet Gown).  In other scenes in the movie, when she dressed down in black capris and flats, she still looked equally chic. I just love her, and her style!

J: What is next for Alex Woo?

AW: I am always designing something new –  I am launching a sweet and modern version of a charm bracelet called the Mini Moments for holiday – as an extension of my mini additions collection, this bracelet can be customized with interchangeable mini addition charms so people can make it their own story.  This past year, I also launched an luxurious new 18K bespoke fine jewelry collection called Origins that takes inspiration from the renaissance.  Inspired by a golden egg, each design has an old English letter hidden within, and the back is intricately carved with a personal pattern with hidden shapes. Between those debuts, my mix-and-match studs and new Little Icons and Little Words, there’s always something in the works here, so you have to just keep checking in!

Alex Woo jewelry is sold at Macy's Herald Square, select Jared's, fine boutiques and jewelry stores nationwide.

Head over to The Project For Women to read more about Alex Woo.

Celebrities wearing Alex Woo jewelry

Sponsored.

The Talk with Paper Magazine Editor-At-Large, Peter Davis #PaperMag

All images by Lauri Levenfeld. TPFW

We met with Peter Davis at the Milk Studios in New York City during the fashion month of September. Peter, who grew up at the Upper East Side, not far from Park Avenue never aimed to be a writer. Writing for Vogue in his teen years was fun, but not mind blowing at the time. Today he is an Editor-At-Large of Paper Magazine and a well-known and liked personality. Nevertheless, his impeccable style and a very approachable and down to earth personality is what made us fall even more in love with a trend-setter and a true child of Manhattan.

J: You were born in Manhattan, did you live here your whole life? 

PD: I was born and raised in Manhattan. I’ve lived in NYC my whole life, though for a long time I was bi-coastal and had places in New York and Los Angeles.

J: Your mother Senga Mortimer was a magazine editor who worked closely with Anna Wintour. Is that what started your interest in writing?

PD: I never got to work with my mother. I did write for Vogue right after college but no one at Condé Nast knew that Senga Mortimer was my mother as we have different last names. I studied painting in college – I’ve never taken a writing class. My whole career in media was by accident.

J: How did you find Paper magazine or did it find you?

PD: I was an intern at Paper when I was a teenager. I used to read the magazine to find out what was going on downtown. The second I met Kim (Hastreiter) and David (Hershovits), Paper’s founders, I knew I wanted to work with them. They are beyond cool.

J: What was your experience like as an intern for Paper Magazine?

PD: I did everything at Paper from styling shoots to running errands to modeling in stuff. One time Kim needed 1970s style black light velvet posters for a shoot with Naomi Campbell and I found them in an hour. She was pretty impressed. Kim and David are the hipster Jewish parents I never had and always wanted.

J: From our conversation in New York you told us a story how your first article was typed with a typewriter using two fingers what was your reaction when you knew it will be published in Vogue?

PD: I still can’t type. I taught myself to type quickly with two fingers by IM-ing on AOL back in the day. I did an article on the resurgence of Birkenstocks for Vogue and hand wrote the whole thing on a legal pad and then had the receptionist at The Andy Warhol Foundation, where I worked at the time, type it out on a computer. I do type now and I’m pretty fast for only using two fingers.

J: Let’s talk fashion. You are such a trendsetter. Tell us about your style and how it evolved over the years?

PD: I’ve always dressed the same- a combination of my UES preppy roots with a little punk rock and street wear. One constant is that I’ve been buying stuff at Supreme, the seminal skate shop, since it opened. I met Supreme’s founder James Jebbia when he had an amazing store called Union before he started Supreme. I am an unofficial Supreme archivist as I have a massive collection.

J: Do you have a stylist?

PD: Nope. I’ve never had a stylist.

J:  Have you attended Men’s Fashion week this year in New York? Any favorite new designers who caught your eye?

PD: I went to a bunch of menswear shows. I always like Michael Bastian– he makes the best blazers that fit as if they were from a tailor in London. I also like Ovadia & Sons, the new swimwear like Thorsun (I wore their suits all summer) and was blown away by Eponymous, which not only had amazing clothes but also the best casting and styling of any show I saw this season.

J: Your favorite moment during New York Fashion Week Spring/ Summer 2016 ?

PD: I think Marc Jacobs always steals the season and his show at the Ziegfield Theater just proved again that he is the most interesting designer showing in America.

J: Are there any designers you are loyal to?

PD: I dress very uniform. I only wear Thom Browne button downs (a pricey preference on my part) for example. I like jackets by Michael Bastian, especially his black tie stuff. Most of my suits are from my tailor Timothy Everest in London. I used to be very loyal to Martin Margiela but now I think the brand has changed since the mysterious designer has left the house. And I was obsessed with Helmut Lang when he was designing- I still have stuff he made in 1999.

J:  What is a big fashion “no-no” for guys in your opinion?

PD: I’m not a big fan of labels on anything, with the exception of Supreme as I love their red box Barbara Kruger-esque logo. I also have never worn sandals (except at the beach) or a speedo.

J: On top of being super stylish, you are a huge fan of art. What are some of your favorite art works that you own or admire?

PD: My favorite artist is Cindy Sherman. I have three of her photographs. I collect a lot of street art: Neckface, Shepard Fairey, Skullphone and Baron Von Fancy, to name a few. I love the pictures my pal Donald Robertson has done of me, especially when he painted me on a pizza carton, which was in the window of Bergdorf Goodman. I also like an amazing Australian artist I met at a wedding in London called Billy Bob Coulthurst – he is doing my portrait now and is definitely one to watch. And I collect photography – I have stuff by Bruce Gilden, Larry Clark, William Klein, Danny Lyon, Garry Winogrand... I also have two pretty graphic prints by Terry Richardson that I hung in a discrete spot of my guest bathroom.  

J:  Do you go to Miami for Art Basel?

PD: I’ve gone a few years – it really has become more about the parties than the art. But I am obsessed with Wynwood where all the street art is happening. I really want a Maya Hayuk.

J:  Is Fashion an Art in your opinion?

PD: Fashion can be artistic – in the case of designers like Ashish in London who is quite over-the-top. But fashion to me is most exciting as it reflects the current cultural climate of the world at that very moment.

J:  What’s your opinion on street style photographers?

PD: I love the work of Tommy Ton – he has such a great eye for detail. And the BFA photographers really do the best job of documenting Fashion Week from the front row to backstage to the runway to street style.

J:  Let’s talk about #BreakTheInternet bare bottom issue. Can you share your experience working with Kim on this cover? Did you get a selfie with Kim? 

PD: I didn’t get to work on the Kim cover – that was all Drew Elliot who has brought Paper into a new era. I was at The Daily when the KK cover happened but I was one of the first to post it on Facebook. Then Facebook contacted me as they found it explicit but it had been shared so many times and commented on that they let it slide. I did meet Kim at Paper’s dinner for her in Miami but I am not one to snap selfies, with or without celebrities.

Paper Magazine Editor-At-Large - Peter Davis and Founder of JOLIEGAZETTE - Juliet Belkin. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld. TPFW

J: What is next for Peter Davis?

PD: I am working on a book – nonfiction – it will take me 6 to 9 months to finish so hopefully by summer 2016 I will deserve a big vacation.

J: That is amazing. Looking forward to read it.  What would you wish to aspiring writers?

PD: I think now is the best time to be a writer because you can self publish your work on the internet – and then be discovered. When I had my own magazine – SCENE – I found so many talented writers and photographers online.

J: And finally, you and I have very close birthdays. I was born on December 11th and you on December 12th. Tell our readers do Sagittarius rule the world?

PD: I am a total Sag. I am restless and can never be in one place for too long and I always have to be around a lot of people. I can be fickle but I am loyal to a fault. And yes, Sag definitely rules the world. I have the same birthday as Frank Sinatra who I guess is my celebrity spirit animal.

Text Juliet Belkin

Click the link to see more of Peter Davis and streetstyle snaps from NYFW by Lauri Levenfeld.

Pressures on Pointe: Talking to San Francisco Ballet Principal Dancers, Davit Karapetyan and Vanessa Zahorian

San Francisco Ballet power couple  Davit Karapetyan and Vanessa Zahorian Karapetyan once ended an emotional and sad "Romeo & Juliet"  ballet  with tears of happiness, when after the performance Davit dropped on one knee, leaving it for the audience of 3,000 figure out what was happening. I got to spend an inspiring two hours talking with talented, tall, dark and handsome perfectionist Davit and his miniature and elegant partner and wife Vanessa.

Vanessa Zahorian and Davit Karapetian. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

Juliet: Tell us an interesting fact about your ballet background?

Davit: I started Ballet at the age of 14 years old and most kids start at 5 years old.  I won gold medal in the Armenian Contemporary Competition just a year after I started Ballet at 15 years old.  Nobody knew my name and I danced a piece with a chair. From that day on everybody knew me as the guy who danced with the chair.

Vanessa: I danced and lived in St. Petersburg Russia when I was 16 years old for a year. I won a scholarship as the first American female recipient from the Prince of Monaco to be an apprentice at the Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Juliet: Davit you started dancing ballet at the age of fourteen, after dancing folkloric dance what made you switch into classical ballet? Was it an easy transition?

Davit: The athleticism of Ballet enticed me to switch and Ballet seemed more challenging. I like challenging myself and that's why I wanted to do Ballet. Was it an easy transition? It wasn't easy because when I started doing ballet the class I was in was five years ahead of me and I had a lot of catching up to do. It was my age group but they were in ballet for five years. I worked very hard for one year. I sacrificed a lot of time in the studio to work on my technique. It wasn't easy but working hard will make you get there.

Vanessa Zahorian and Davit Karapetian. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

Juliet: Vanessa do you see a difference in the training technique between American and Russia ballet?

Vanessa: There is a more controlled way and proper technique way of dancing the Russian technique. Formal and exact. The American technique has more freedom and movement and bending. Over-exaggerated positions and really crossed legs. Epaulments.

Vanessa Zahorian. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

Juliet:  If your style was a dance what would it be?

D&V: We are both technical and lyrical dancers combined. 

Vanessa: Specialty is powerhouse, strong technician, fearless. I also have a very lyrical quality to my dancing. 

Davit: lyrical dancer and powerful.

Juliet: Costumes are such a big part of ballet performances. As principal dancers do you get to say what works and what doesn’t work in the costume for the performance?

D&V: Yes absolutely we have to feel comfortable in the costumes too.  And to look good visually for ourselves.

Juliet: Do they follow your advice?

D&V: Yes they do. Costume people have been working with us since we began dancing for  San Francisco Ballet so they know our bodies very well and what will work for us.

Juliet: Have you ever experienced difficulty during a pas de deux lift because of the costume?

D&V: Yes all of the time.  Costumes can be heavy, uncomfortable. Beautiful to look at but the men have challenges to lift such a heavy costume.  The costumes need to be sewn in the back of the girls tutu in order to not come apart when doing lots of pas de deux work or a long flowing skirt that needs to be sewn.  The guys fingers can easily get caught large in between the fastenings and tear the costume  etc…

Vanessa Zahorian and Davit Karapetian. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

Juliet: What is your favorite costume?

Vanessa: Romeo and Juliet baby doll dress longer and flowing.  It is easy to dance in this costume. I love the Balcony dress and Onegin costume -the mirror pas de deux. 

Davit: 2nd act Giselle costume.

Juliet: And what is your favorite ballet part ?

Vanessa:  “Juliet” in Romeo and Juliet and “Tatiana” in Onegin.  I also like to dance whatever it is that I’m dancing at the moment but those are my all time favorites.  

Davit: Whatever I dance in the moment becomes my favorite part.

Juliet: I am pretty sure most of the folks who love to see ballet performances often wonder what it is like behind that curtain. Can you share some of the things you or other dancers do for good luckbefore anyperformance? 

D&V: We both cross ourselves religiously . Vanessa kisses the ground with fingers and Davit claps the ground twice.  Pray.  Some of the corps dancers come together in a circle and link arms and say something as a group to have fun and be united etc…

Davit: I like to wish all of the members in the same performance with me "Merde" which is the “Good Luck” term with dancers. 

Vanessa Zahorian and Davit Karapetian. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

Juliet : Do you ever talk to each other during the performance? 

D&V: yes we say small things to each other to remind the other of a correction, or timing, or to just say hi and love you...

Juliet: If you were a muse for a fashion designer, who would it be?

Davit : Giorgio Armani and John Varvatos
Vanessa: Chanel and Christian Dior. Hard to pick just one.  Christian Louboutin.

Juliet: I am fascinated with the fact that the two of you, lovebirds danced Tomasson's Romeo & Juliet in 2010 and after one of the performances Davit proposed on stage . Davit you must be a true romantic at heart is that so?

Vanessa: Yes obviously he is. After professing his love in front of the whole audience of 3,000 audience members and coming up with the idea to tell our director and to organize everything so that I would have no clue. I would say he is a true romantic...

Vanessa Zahorian and Davit Karapetian. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

Juliet: Davit were you nervous about what her answer will be? 

Davit: YES! I was quite sure that it was going to be yes, but I was still nervous. 

Juliet: Was it a complete surprise? Vanessa what  did you feel at that moment?  

Vanessa: It was a complete surprise. I was in such shock and didn’t know what was happening that I lost my words when Davit asked me and got down on his knee in front of everyone. I couldn’t believe it was in front of everyone and I had no clue.  I stepped forward to look at the ring and just about fell over trying to walk.  I’m used to dancing gracefully onstage in a rehearsed manner and this was a complete surprise and it was written all over my face as everyone could see.  I wanted to jump up and down but I needed to keep my composure in front of the audience so when the curtain came down I was able to really react! I was so happy, excited, elated. This was one of the best days of my life.  I was so happy that Davit would think of something like this and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and to profess that in front of everyone. How romantic is that… I was so happy that he thought about this whole thing and asked our director for his permission and the backstage crew knew etc… It was all a big secret. That is so exciting for a woman.  

Vanessa Zahorian and Davit Karapetian. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

Juliet: What is a future goal for Davit and Vanessa in terms of dancing ?

Davit : I can see myself directing a school or Ballet company.  I’d like to create something around the dance world that has never been done. I’m not 100% sure what it will be, directing, film, dance, photography, something like that.
Vanessa: I’d like to work with chidren in a school or open my own school.  I’d like to teach and coach and to pass on my knowledge and expertise as a dancer from my former teachers.  I’d like to travel and stage Ballets all over the world of Ballet.

Vanessa Zahorian in Alexander McQueen dress. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

Juliet: What can you tell young aspiring dancers today?

D&V: Be patient and live each day in the moment.  Don’t try to grow up too fast because in the blink of an eye the Ballet career will be over.  There will be good and bad days in the Ballet studio but to not get frustrated and give up but to say that tomorrow is another day and to try again.  The studio process is just as important as the performance.  Training everyday and hard work pays off.  Working hard everyday in the studio will reap the rewards.  Focus on yourself and not get distracted by someone else's career or path.  Try to be positive.  Also try to have fun.  No matter what life shouldn’t be so hard or a struggle but try to enjoy it because it does go fast.  Try to Smile.  

Vanessa Zahorian in Alexander McQueen dress. Photo by Lauri Levenfeld.

 click here to read more on Vanessa Zahorian on TWP

The Talk with designer Vika Smolyanitskaya

Vika Smolyanitskaya - designer, artist, photographer, author and founder of lines of clothing such as; My Lovely Age, Vika Smolyanitskaya and Poison & Pinky. Victoria was born in Moscow. At an early age she graduated from Moscow Academic Art School which was a start towards the development of her artistic potential. In 1998 Vika graduated from the Law School. Vika Smolyanitskaya line is an avant-garde mix of artistic vision and glossy modernity for those who love to be  the center of attention. Designer is inspired by the street art of cities like New York, Los Angeles and by art work of Roy Lichtenstein and  sculptor Marisol Escobar.

J: Where do you find inspiration for making of new collection?

V: Inspiration always comes from an emotion! My emotions live within me and move in time. It could be memories, some vital points in life. What I see;  architecture, contemporary art, cinema, people, their history-all this in its entirety forms a certain image and the desire to create a kind of formalization of my ideas and my perception. I am inspired by the strong and beautiful women, who are not ashamed of their feelings and emotions. Look at the Warhol characters - they always attract attention! The heroine of our collection is strong, sassy and sexy woman. Her facereflects her mood: passion, resentment, love, desire and despair. Thus, through drawing, through her character, I try to express the perception of human relations, which are the main idea of my collections.

Photos by Lauri Levenfeld Fashion Photographer & Founder of THE WOMENS PROJECT . The Womens project is a global, creative forum bringing together women as a community to teach, share and inspire

J:  Describe your creative process.

V: The moment of creating clothes for me is a very important and exciting process! We have a team and it is very important that people who are in my team are on the same page with me! First comes the idea, then there is a thumbnail-sketch. Next, we draw the model on the computer program, that is to make the primary template. Almost all our models have unique prints. In parallel the graphic designer and I draw and place a pattern on fabric and then on the future product. After that sample of the fabric goes for production and we work on the primary sample. As a rule the majority of primary samples need to be corrected, it is very rare when we guess all proportions and placement on the fabric. Either model is necessary to correct or we have to clarify print. On average, the production of one product from the point in the sketch-output model to readiness in the mass production takes from 3 days to a week.

J: Who are your teachers and authority in fashion?

V: It's hard to name just one. Most likely it is a kind of mix of styles and images, and even a temporary space, collections of various well known designers in the fashion world and beyond.

J: Where and how our readers will be able to buy designs from Vika Smolyanitskaya?

V: Our designs can be purchased through our online store www.smolya.com

Photos by Lauri Levenfeld Fashion Photographer & Founder of THE WOMENS PROJECT . The Womens project is a global, creative forum bringing together women as a community to teach, share and inspire

The Talk with designer Natasha Zinko

London-based designer Natasha Zinko graduated  from the prestigious Central Saint Martins with a degree in jewellery design and said goodbye to her law degree to follow her passion in design. She is well known  amongst Fashion crowd for her one-of-a-kind pieces and often seen at Fashion Weeks of Paris, London and New York.
 

You studied law before becoming a jewelry, later clothing designer. What made you switch your career?

N: I always wanted to experiment. And I found myself in Jewellery Design first and then as follow up in making clothes

Where do you find an inspiration for your jewelry making or clothing?

N: In my daily life, while traveling. People can also inspire so much!

Are your pieces influenced by the fact that you live in London? How so?

N: Probably yes, I believe my pieces are reflection of the mix of cultures and london is my home now and it's freedom is easy to find in my designs 

Your label has been seen on many high profile names, do any of them stand out for you as a designer? Who would you name your muse?

N: I love girls wearing my creations. There are a lot of them who really inspires me to create more. For example, Leandra Medine, Miroslava Duma and Katya Mukhina. 

Leandra Medine in Natasha Zinko

Mira Duma in Natasha Zinko

Katya Mukhina in Natasha Zinko

What is your favorite piece from your jewelry collection and from your clothing designs?

N: I love my Bunny Necklace with pearls and the Grey Midi Dress with pearls on the back

Are your designs available in US?

N; Yes, on Modaoperandi trunk shows, in Maxfield LA, Alchemist Miami, Vod boutique in Dallas

What's in the future for Natasha Zinko line? 

N: I hope it will grow and will be available in more stores worldwide! So I can see more inspired women wearing my designs. 

NATASHA ZINKO

Natasha Zinko Women's Plaid Blouse, Yellow, 34

Natasha Zinko-Women's

The Talk with actor Wayne Brady

Emmy Award winning Wayne Brady is one of the most versatile performers in show business today, entertaining audiences with his acting, improv, singing and dancing on television, film and the stage. We sat down to talk with Wayne  at the W Hotel in Beverly Hills. His unbelievably soothing personality and positive energy shines right through the minute you meet him.

J: Wayne, thank you so much meeting with us today, it is truly a pleasure to meet you. You are such a huge television personality. You are a singer, an actor, a comedian. Share with us please what is it that you did to get where you are today?

W: I did everything. I took every performance opportunity I could find, whether it is being a character at the Disney World ( I was two year as Goofy), sing and dance at Bar Mitzvahs, I did professional theater, community theater, I did commercials, I was on cruise ships, dressed up as characters at kids birthday parties, I did improv gigs. You do everything you can to give yourself experience.  I had to build up experience.

J: I know you have an eleven year old daughter Miley. I have an almost thirteen year old myself. How do you go about raising her? Would you take her to Miley Cyrus concert for example?

W: My kid comes from a showbiz family so she is pretty savvy, but she knows what's right and what's wrong. What Miley Cyrus is doing she is winning the show business , but as a dad I will not let my daughter sit there and watch what Miley Cyrus is doing on stage.

J: Is it true that people like Wayne Brady are always happy ?

W: No, it's not. I am a human just like you.

J: What did you think of late actor Robin Williams?

W: I was blessed enough to work with Robin, he made all these people feel great. And at the same time, knowing what he had in his mind. All that love could still not stop that man from saying, I am in so much pain.

J: What is your advice for aspiring artists trying to succeed ?

W:  It's all about doing the work. Get up there, do something, work at it, do your thing.

The Talk with iconic Jeweler to Stars Loree Rodkin

I'd like to start by sayinghow incredibly lucky and honoredI amto have an opportunity to open up"The Talk" section with an interview of the world famous jewelry designer and a witty personality I admire so much, Loree Rodkin.
She has had three immensely successful careers. Starting with designing the homes of celebrities, ALICE COOPER, ROD STEWART amongst other rock stars, then becoming a talent manager and launching the careers of young unknowns —BRAD PITT, ROBERT DOWNEY JR. and SARAH JESSICA PARKER to name just a few. Finally landing her first client ELIZABETH TAYLOR for her jewelry collection. Today her clientele includes singers MADONNA, STEVEN TYLER, ELTON JOHN, CHER and many others. Loree Rodkin designed FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA’s inaugural jewelry. Her pieces now reside in SMITHSONIAN’S permanent collection.
Need I say more?

Photo  Loree Rodkin

J:  How did you start your jewelry line?

Photo Loree Rodkin

LR: I started making jewelry when I was managing the careers of people like Robert Downey Jr, Brad Pitt, Sarah Jessica Parker and others. It was a hobby that kept me sane when my actors were misbehaving (like Robert Downey). Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter in law saw something I designed for myself and hired me to design jewelry for Elizabeth’s birthday. Elizabeth became by first client.

J:  The famous Loree Rodkin “bondage ring” any inspiration behind it?

LR: I collected medieval Gothic furniture and had a suit of armor that I was obsessed with the movement on. I made the ring for myself; I was a rock chick and there was no jewelry like this on the market.  I made myself an articulated bondage ring and everyone had asked if I broke a finger. This became the most iconic piece of jewelry in the last 20 years.

J: I know that you have a huge celebrity clientele. How did it feel to have one of the Hollywood’s biggest stars such as Elisabeth Taylor wear your jewelry?

Photo Loree Rodkin

LR: Its beyond exciting and something larger than I could ever dream of. Really, Elizabeth was just a girl that loved jewelry and would come to my house in her pajamas and shop. It was always a “pinch me” moment.

J:  What is it like to work with Madonna?

LR: She’s cool. I’ve known her since she started and she’s always been so supportive. We are both rock chicks (except I only sing in a mirror). She went on the radio once and said only thing she wanted for birthday was my jewelry! It doesn’t get any better than that.

J:  You were a talent agent to Brad Pitt before your jewelry line skyrocketed, did you always know he’ll make It big in the show business?

LR: I was Brad’s manager….He walked in the door and I said “who is that.” Whenever I had that feeling, they went on to become stars.

J:  How would you describe your style?

LR: Fashion forward with a twist. Modern meets medieval.

 J: Do you have favorite clothing designers?  

Photo Loree Rodkin

LR: Rick Owens, Isabel Marant and edgy Chanel.

J:  How do you feel about fashion bloggers?

LR: I think fashion bloggers make the world go around. I love that people have a fashion point of view.

J:  What advice do you have for beginners in the industry of fashion?

LR: Follow your passion and have no fear. The worst thing is you fail; so what…. Failure is only a stepping stone to NEXT.

Truly an inspiration to so many of us. Thank you for your time to speaking withus.

Loree Rodkin jewelry can be purchased at www.net-a-porter.com

Visit www.loreerodkin.com for more info.

by Juliet Belkin