mixture magazine

JYSHOUN
EXCLUSIVE: THE MAN THE MUSIC THE MACHINE

JAYMESLEAVITTPHOTOGRAPHY

Jazzy Sexy Cool

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mixture magazine
the source of inspiration

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credits
P R O D U C E R jaymes leavitt A R T D I R E C T O R christiana gallagher EVENT MAN AGER rich future

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featured

moe pope

jae williams

jyshoun

clara diaz

steve conolly

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featured

exclusive fashion and furs

cr the beast

shea rose

jaymes leavitt Photoraphy

KJ of SL Design Studio

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moe pope
Where are you from?
I am from Academy Homes which was one of the worst projects in Boston. Now I live in Allston, MA.

How did you get into music?

My dad was a funk and jazz junkie. So everyone in my family played an instrument. My dad played keys and so did my grandparents. I think growing up in any city, it is easy to be exposed to any form of music, and be submerged into the music scene in that city. I was especially exposed to hip hop. I got into Rapping in my early teens. Everyone in my neighborhood rapped or breakdanced. I sang as a kid, my first talent show was when I was in seventh grade. I was very nervous but then people started to know me after that perfmance and feeling that energy was an adrenaline rush.

Do you have any instrumental training?

I picked up guitar a couple of years ago. I could write a song on the guitar but I could only play a few chords. I would never write a song on guitar.

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I like people that can get pain through to their music Whether its Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye.

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Is singing what started rapping?

Yes, I started rapping because it came from singing. I just rapped and beat boxed for money in Harvard Square. I met up with some dudes when I was nineteen and they were beat boxing in Harvard Square. They saw me staring at them and they asked me if I could rap. I said no, and they told me they could tell I could rap but I just didnt know it yet. So, they took me under their wing. His name was Woody but he went by Radio. I started writing lyics after I met Woody. He is a very well known rapper who raps about very political things.

Whats your favorite food?

I love pancakes smothered in butter and maple syrup. I dont like the true maple syrup. I like the nasty manufactured syrup.

What are your hobbies besides music?

I paint. I went to Mass College of Art andvI dropped out but I like woodworking, painting, writing poetry and reading. Everyday that I get to work with my hands is great.

Where do you find your inspiration when youre writing songs?

I go to crowded places and check out whats happening around me. I listen to music while Im out whether its Nick Drake or the Beatles, it doesnt have to be rap. I try to pay attention to what is happening and look at peoples reactions to their surroundings. I see beautiful things and tragic things and sometimes... I just want to write about it. I have it in me but the songs that I write are about what I just payed attention to when I was out and about.

Is there a musician or a rapper who inspires you the most?

Nick Drake is a great lyricist. His words are everything. Kirk Cobain. I like people that can express pain through to their music whether its Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye.

What are you working on now?

My new album is called Life after God. I am very happy with it. Its different only because there are not too many real happy songs. Its very open and I probably wont make another record like it. But its still very hip hop. Im not talking about break dancing... maybe I would in another record like old school hip hop.

Do you try to relate your experiences to rap?

I was blessed to be able to listen to Kirk Cobain in the suburbs and rap in the heart of the projects. Everyone has different life experiences but I try to keep my rapping relative to real life. I know people get stabbed and shot but I also try to talk about good things like family and children. I think these things are important to talk about to. I try to take a blue collar approach to everything I do. The blue collar man has so much to say. Everyone has so much to say.

What does a typical recording session consist of with you?

A typical recording session consists of me in a small studio. I cant record in a big studio. I love grungy in the closet type spots. I seek out that and it usually helps the music. There are certain songs I dont write because I dont feel the energy to write them. If I feel a great amount of energy to write, thats when I write.

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Jae Williams

An inspirational viewpoint

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How did you become interested in pursuing film?

Well, the first school I attended was Morehouse College in Atlanta and the music video was really blowing up down there at the time. There were a lot of music videos that were shot with Ludacris, Outkast, Lil Flip, Jay-D. So, when I was at school I was just inundated with so much of it that just by watching directors like Chris Robinson and Hyde Williams, I realized thats what I want to do. So, then, eventually, I ended up transferring to Emerson College which is in Boston to pursue my goals in film. I loved Morehouse College; but it just wasnt for me in terms of the career path I was interested in. Emerson has given me the tools to work as a filmmaker.

Where are you originally from?

Im originally from Chicago, Illinois. But, I grew up in West Medford, Mass which is probably about ten minutes outside of Boston. I moved out there when I was really young, and Ive been out there ever since. And thats pretty much the basis of my company and where Forty Eight Three started from.

How did Forty Eight Three emerge?

Two of my closest friends helped me develop the goal for the project. But it really started out by myself. Right after college, I didnt have a job, so I had to start my own business. When I finished school, my neighborhood in West Medford gave me the tools to start up my business. The area code of that town is 483 so by naming my company those numbers, I was paying homage to where I came from. So, no matter how big or small my company gets, Ill never forget where I came from.

I love what the artists in Boston have given me, emotionally, physically, mentally, and all the education that its brought to me.

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Where do you get your inspiration from? what really excites you about making films?
I am a big music fan, which is why I started making music videos. I dont feel that I am quite ready to be a filmmaker yet, because it takes a lot of patience to make a film. It can take up to a year even two years just to make a film. So, I like the pace of commercials, television and music videos. It just really comes from the music. When I was younger, I always used to picture what it would be like to have the actual song play out and thats kind of what draws me to music. I like how people use music to express themselves. Making a music video is like making a mini movie of themselves. It kind of forces you to be creative because you only have three or four minutes to get your point across as opposed to a film where you have almost two hours to work with. So, thats what really inspires me, the fact that there is a challenge to get your point across in about four minutes or less.

Which films and filmmakers have inspired you the most?

John Singleton, Spike Lee, Antone Pokwa. I worked with Jesse Torero to make a music video. I got a chance to meet Chris Robinson out in LA. Pipe Williams. I really enjoy watching their videos. I like the way they make music happen. Its more than just lyrics to them. Its the visual aspect; the

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storytelling that really sets the bar high enough for me to strive for and to aim to get to one day.

What projects have you been working on lately?

Im in post production for Mo Pope music, Rock Me. We shot that here in Boston. I recorded about eight videos since June of last year. I worked with R&B artists, Makeo, Anita, and hip hop group, Gawi Crew with their video Chosen. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with amazing artists here in Boston who are very underexposed. I feel that since I have studied here, it is only right for me to start my work here and make my mark here before I get to the big leagues like LA and New York. I love what the artists in Boston have given me, emotionally, physically, mentally, and all the education that its brought to me. Without the support here that Ive had from family, friends and teachers at Emerson, I wouldnt be where I am today.

Where can people go to see your work?

They can go to, Fourty8ThreeFilms.com. Fourty8Three TV. They can also hit me up on myspace.com/Fourty8Three. And look me up on facebook as. Jae Williams.

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JYSHOUN

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Singer and songwriter Jyshoun brilliantly produces and performs modern R+B ballads.With his carefully crafted sound, having been singing since the age of 7, and composing since the age of 10, JyShoun has proven himself as a rising star of R&B. Inspired by his mother at a young age, and raised on the sounds of classic R+B, JyShoun combines his love of classical R+B with Pop music together. The songs are true life stories about personal challenges that indulge your senses with whimsical images and touchable rythms.His hooks grab you and are available around the clock. JyShoun has been hailed as the modern day Marvin Gaye by many, including Ron Fair, the president of A&M Records.

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Signed by Interscope Records in 2000, JyShouns debut came with the A-Capella group Metro City on Keyshia Coles first album, The Way It Is and was the opening act for her album tour. In the wake of newfound creative energy, and after being featured on the soundtrack for Moniques film Hair Show, Jy has since worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. He has co-written songs with Rick Ross, Young Joc and arranged songs with Sean Garret, Masspike Miles, Kanye West, and Keri Hilson. Jy also collaborated with many of the hottest names in the industry including Neyo, The Dream, Smoke Bulga, RL from NEXT, Sean Stockman of Boys 2 Men, The Game, Sam Salter and Rodney Darkchild Jerkins. This abbreviated list doesnt even begin to highlight his experience within the R+B music industry. Born and raised in Bostons inner city, Jyshouns vocal training came at a young age, on an old walkman tape deck, studying the masters of R+B. Jys work ethic was that of a machine as he rehearsed and practiced daily to perfect his craft. He meticulessly analizedevery artist he loved and made sure that he could hit every single note that they could. His love for the music has launched him into a carreer of powerful proportions and oned down a voice that gives people a emotional experiences with seductive ease.

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JyShouns songs are true life stories about personal challenges that indulge your senses with whimsical images and touchable rythems.

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Tell me about yourself how did you become an artist? Well it really hit me around the age of 12. I came from the Dominican Republic and did not have many friends here and no real way of communicating, due to the language barrier, so art was a way to express myself. As a professional artist it all started when I was at the kitchen table one night surrounded by my roommates, they loved to watch me paint. One of my roommates friends came into the kitchen and told me that he wanted to buy the painting I was making, when I finished it. When I finished the painting I was so in love with it, that I did not really want to let it go. He continued to call me and ask me about the painting. I finally gave in and ended up pricing the painting so that he would say knows, but to my surprise he wrote a check on the spot. At that moment I was amazed that I had made some money from something I enjoyed doing so much. That was a catalytic moment for me that opened the door to being committed to doing what I love to do. I noticed a lot of butterflies in your work. Is that a theme you like to use? If there were an animal to describe me it would be a butterfly It really started about 4 years ago I found myself in a place where I wanted to really know myself. I was looking for joyI was seeing that the rat race really was not going to work for me. I was working in the financial industry and I realized very quickly that this was not for me. I was feeling a void in my heart. In that process of reflection, I ended up drawing three butterflies and looking at the number three as a spiritual number and the butterfly as a sign of transformation and freedom. This is the state where I wanted to be. These pictures were a message to me from the divine or even my unconscious mind to show that a transformation was to take place in my life. Everything that I stand for... freedom, beauty, sharing, inspiration, thats what the butterflies are about. I am very drawn to the butterflies. It is said that, what you are drawn to, is already part of who you are.

Clara Diaz
an artist to watch

What is your favorite color? My favorite color is white it encompasses all colors and I love every color. I also love gold. There are other combinations that I love but if I had to choose one white is the best. Where do you pull your inspiration from? Most of my inspiration comes from dreams. I have a lot of vivid dreams and I pull ideas from that. I also am inspired by philosophies. I get a mental image of an idea and I make a painting of it. I also dont think at all and I have an urge to paint without knowing what will come out of it, those tend to be the best creations. What artists inspire you? There is an artist named Elizabeth Estivalet, her work is very simple and joyful. I am also inspired by modern masters, Georgia OKeefe and Picasso. I am also very inspired by transcendental artists, Alex Grey and Andrew Gonzalez. What do you want people to know about you that they would otherwise not really know My driving force in life is to be able to share knowledge that helps people help themselves. I am very committed to creating a sort of ripple effect in my work. To build lasting creations that others can be inspired from and build on. What is a typical day like for you? HA HA HA There is no typical day. I am an artist/creator and on a consitent basis I am working to be a more deliberate and conscious creator of my reality. In addition to being an artist in the traditional sense of the word, I also own my own company. C. Angelinas Art and Co. A creative consulting firm that is currently taking on various forms of creative projects concentrated around being socially progressive and inspiring.

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It is said that, what you are drawn to, is already part of who you are.

www.claraangelina.com

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Steve Connolly as Elvis Presley

Live at the Berklee performance center. An an exciting tribute to Elvis, an amazing impersonation and a brilliant performance. CJC. The agency of record for Faneuil Hall Marketplace & Quincy Market, promoted this event... Unbelievable! A Class Act

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EXCLUSIVE

FASHION & FURS

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If you are exclusive, rock with the best, if you cant do it big, rock with the rest and if it is not exclusive, it is not fashion.
Polo, also known as The Fur King is a dominate trendsetter. He has single-handedly built three companies from the ground up. Polo is the CEO/Founder of Exclusive Fashion and Furs, Dessalines Clothing, and Bosses that Meet Bosses music group. Either himself or his designs have been in mutliple magazines such as, Mixture (www.mixturemagine.com), E2K (www.everything2know.com), 5 Star magazine. He has graced the cover of Against The Grain (www.againstthegrainmag.com), Looters magazine (in stores now), Rapfanatic (www. rapfanatic.com), and most recently he was featured in one of the most influential online magazines Obvious magazine (http://ow.ly/Slit). The fashion Mogul has partnered with several major companies to expand his brand. He also has a sneaker deal with Game-Time athletics (www.gametime-athletics.com). Polo, along with Chase Million, has produce back to back fashion shows in Providence Rhode Island where he showcased several of his furs. He has dressed the R&B group Metro-city for their opening performance at Keyshia Coles show at the Roxy in Boston. Polo has been known to be called P Diddit and often has been compared to P. Diddy, whom he greatly has respect for. Polo also credits Chase Million (Chasemillionent@gmail.com), President of the company with being an instrumental and major contributor in its success. In addition to Chase Million, the team consist of Ms. Prina Jackson (PR), Fallon Seaborn (stylist), The beat makers Billy Blass & Maggbeatz, Stephanie Renee, Mr. Keys, Prolific, and Ray Blass. He would also like to give a special thanks to Steve, Mike Jr, & staff of Fur Warehouse. Exclusive Fashion and Furs is not only a clothing label it is a movement. Often you will hear the mogul say If you are exclusive, rock with the best, if you cant do it big, rock with the rest and If it is not exclusive, it is not fashion. Fashion and Furs provides clothing for a lifestyle. They have all of the Fine Furs, Minks, Fox,Chinchilla furs, whatever suits your individual taste. The clothes speak for themselves. To place an order call 617-4449547. Serious inquiries only....

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Black Leather Motorcycle Jacket designed by Dessalines Private Collection.

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A Purple Vest worn by Prolific, designed by Dessalines Private Collection. Also comes in red, blue, & black.

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Front View: Aviator brown coat with war/veteran patches with a detachable white fox collar remixed by The Fur King.

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Back View: Aviator brown coat with war/veteran patches with a detachable white fox collar remixed by The Fur King.

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Follow us at: www.twitter.com/TheFurKing www.twitter.com/FashionFurReal www.myspace.com/TheFurKing

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CR
CR the Beast has been proven to be a major draw in his city and surrounding areas. The Beast has become synonomous with the best New England Nightlife has to offer, and his name has been affiliated with some major brands including Toyota, Ecko Unlimited and The New England Patriots. With 18 years experience under his belt, his knowledge of music allows him to excel in many different genres of music, including Hip Hop, House, Mashup, Elektro, Reggae and OldSchool. CR has held down residencies 5 nights a week for the past 6 years at all of RIs biggest venues, thus earning him the title The Beast. Master of the Blend or The Remix, CRs mashups have earned him worldwide noteriety, and he is the dj of choice for all of the major Hip Hop events that take place in RI. He has djed for legendary Hip Hop acts such as Raekwon and Keith Murray, and has also shared the stage with many, many national acts

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including Dj Premier, Disco Tech, The Lox, Lloyd Banks, The GZA and Joell Ortiz, just to name a few. Not only is CRs live show impeccable, The Beast has branched out and is now conquering the mixtape scene. In 2009, his epic release MJ3: Fade to Jack has received over 100,000 downloads worldwide and counting. CR is setting the standard as one of the most dominating djs in the New England area, and is sure to continue his reign for years to come. My weekly schedule as of now is: thur@club elements fri@ lot 401 sat @ level 2 sun@ district providence

The Beast

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SHEA ROSE

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Tell us about your Berklee experience?

I had this epiphany last semester I was asking myself what I was doing and where I was going and I was feeling that I was pulling myself in all these different directions and I came out of it realizing that a lot of artists give back to the community. In the context of school... really concentrating on myself and developing my talent, It is a me... me... me... attitude and I wanted to break from that. I really wanted to get involved with philanthropic endeavors. I opened my email and found a message for a job with a description from the president of berklee education office to help facilitate volunteer initiatives with students, faculty, and alum. They were looking for a student to represent this group and I was like... this is exactly what I wanted to be doing! I took the position and I have been the student leader since then. The MLK event at the MFA was an event that I helped put together. That was one of the first events that I helped organize. It ties directly into what I am doing professionally.

Where is your source of inspiration?

My early inspirations definitely came from the greats. Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Bell Biv Devoe and all types of pop music a lot of R+B music and as I started to evolve to find my own voice. I was influenced a lot by Led Zeppelin, Janice Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Ray Charles. I wanted to really understand myself as an artist. My inspiration really comes from the human experience. Collectively as the things we feel it just comes from everyday life. Now that I have my own voice, and it does also come from the people I work with, the sound we can get as a collective is my inspiration. It also comes from my experience of love and heartbreak. I feel like it comes from being connected to people. I feel like it can also be a double edged sword as with any art if you become a celebrity sometimes you have to isolate yourself but it is really being with people that is inspiring. That is the most important thing and it keeps you fired up. You have to be on the ground and you have to be working with people to be inspired. I find myself doing that a lot.

What else are you doing outside of Berklee?

Right now I am working on an EP to be released in February by the grace of the Almighty! Wow. I am pretty much doing everything on my own. I have a lot of support but I dont have a lot of money. Managing things and coordinating people are a lot of work and I enjoy it. I was just nominated for a NEW ENGLAND URBAN MUSIC AWARD. In the R+B category its a song called rocking rose. 106.1 has been spinning it a lot. School takes up a lot of my time so I focus mainly on that. I try to be a part of whats going on the Boston community. The Berklee community is very supportive but I also feel that there is a community outside of Berklee that I want to be a part of. For example, I just performed at the UNITY event for Haiti. I want to do more things like that.

Talk about this whole rock and roll thing. What is rock to you?
It means so much to me anyone can rock and it doesnt have to be connected to the genre of the music, you know JZ rocks Mos Def rocks there are artists who can come together and rock. Celine Dion rocks! To me, that element of just to keep rocking on and to keep going is what that means to me. One of my catch phrases is Rock on or Rock on star. To just rock on and keep rocking. Keep doing your thing and keep rolling with it. I realize what my strengths are I definitely would not do the the Whitney Houston thing and when I discovered rock music like the rawness of it just feels good no matter who you are. I discovered artists Jimi Hendrix,

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Robert Plant, Pink Floyd even going back to Little Richard and blues musicians who have that freedom to their voice. I really connected to the freedom of the voice to not always be precise but to just sound good. The freedom of the performance is appealing to me like... hey you just took your shirt off thats whats up!! So it brings an edge to the art and I like that. I like that combination. Rock and roll is a title of a song I wrote and hey... people want it so I am delivering! I had an opportunity to do a Women In Rock performance at Berlklee. Some of the women who were there were Cindy Blackman, Cinthia Garrtett and Moona Hendrix. They were looking for a student to open the show and I got asked to open the show. That was really the catalyst for me getting branded as a rock musician. The thing is thats its a RockFunk sound and Classic Rock. I think my stage performance solidifies that. I love R+B and gospel and that is where my roots are but my blood is really into the exotic and the art. . The great thing about rock music is that is comes from a tradition of blues, folk and guitars and you can do all of it. You can always strip it down to the simple parts.

I consider my body and my voice to be my instrument and however proficient I get on these other things that accompany me There are so many people who are talented at Berkley and you are like Oh my Goodness I have to learn that and you start doubting and questioning yourself and it is always about staying on the right path always remember where you come from.

Talk about your roots.

I am born and raised in Dorchester and I moved to Braintree. My father is from Barbados and I know a lot about my family historically my mother is from Alabama her mother was picking cotton. I have a lot of history of where our family came from through the slave trade and for me that is so huge. I went to Barbados and I visited the island. It is a lot about who I am and I always go back to that.

When you come up with an idea for a song, how do you develop your ideas?
Definitely a lot of my inspiration comes from heartbreak. People say you have to experience sadness to feel happiness and I think that is true. Sometimes it is hard for me to write and I have to work hard to take myself to that place. Sometimes you dont want to write about something and it is hard to go to that place. I work out a lot and that helps me with my inspiration. I love to write about having fun and everything around me. If you look at some thing you can always look at it differently and from a different angle. I like to travel and traveling inspires me. I lived in Greece for a while before Berklee. I am hoping to go to Ecuador to do a semester abroad.

What is an Instrument?
My voice is my first instrument and I picked up the guitar because of Ron Roe and her opera. I feel like I was practicing the guitar. I thought I am learning these scales and I am practicing and all, but my body is my instrument. The guitar is this thing I can pick up and use but my fingers are the instruments. My voice is an instrument and I use my hands to clap a rhythm. At Berklee everyone is real competitive and dynamic and there are people who can do all these things and sometimes you forget the fundamentals.

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My inspiration comes from my experience of love and heartbreak.

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Our Mission We are entusiastically dedicated to the creation and promotion of new ideas in the fashion and entertainment industry. The intent to bring new ideas and style into the fashion world is our passion. We continually work to set the newest trends ensuring that we are two steps ahead of whats hot today to make a better and more entertaining tomorrow Entertainment Consultants Fashion Consultants Event coordinators Fashion Shows Concert Production Graphic Design Nightlife Artist Development

61 Brookline AVE Boston MA 02215 857-233-4298 sldesignstudio617@gmail.com

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JAYMESLEAVITTPHOTOGRAPHY

Jazzy Sexy Cool

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Company: SL Design Studio TM Occupation: Fashion Designer, Art Director,

and Artist

KJ

Location: Boston Specialty: Fashion Design, Graphic Design,

and Fine Arts

Background: Fashion show producer, boutique

buyer and manager of SL Design StudioTM Image: Vintage With The Now TM SL Design StudioTM is a full in-house design studio specializing in fashion, art, and entertainment.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion to me is being unique, displaying yourself in a way that makes you feel comfortable; I design clothing to make people feel comfortable. I want to design normal clothes as much as I can. Im not here to outdo other designers with glitter and rhinestones. I want to bring something that people enjoy and feel comfortable in. Fashion is unique to each individual; what makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

see things differently from how it was in the past. Vintage is timeless, priceless. We forever reference to the past, and Im constantly doing that in an artistic way- either through fabrics, design, stitching, color. We try to combine both and create what has an element of displaying both concepts: vintage and now displayed in the garment. We dont try to be too fashion-forward, but youre right at the borderline with both, through time.

When did you know you wanted to do fashion?

I felt content; art was something I always do, but not applied to one specific or narrow thing. I wanted to do fashion after I realized I have the ability to do this- I could start my own line, so it was only a matter of time; I started generating a lot of ideas I wanted to put out, - then I started putting out projects revolving around fashion, and the material took off as soon as I decided to dedicate myself to this full time.

What does Vintage With The Now TM mean?

To me, I like to pull from the past a unique era in art or a unique person who made it his own. As you advance you

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How has your experience in producing fashion shows, managing and buying for stores translated to your own business today?
I worked as a buyer and manager in several high-end fashion stores for over 10 years. I produced entertainment events in club venues. I learned all the ins and outs of the business, key elements of the business that keeps it moving: how to shop for a product, how to promote products that arent my own, ideas of how to market a product, how to sell; how to choose pieces for a fashion show that reflect a line or store. Fashion shows have put me ahead because I can now use that experience for myself, and Ill carry that out through the rest of my life, so I always reference to the clubs because club shows and club fashion shows are where I started and made me think of the kinds of things I want to put out.

What can we expect from SL Design StudioTM in the future?

Advancing in the future, major advancements from a fashion and entertainment perspective, major advancement. Were still experimenting and growing. We have style of our own, SL Design StudioTM style, you identify with it, whether through fashion, art events, or filmyou will see some part of SL Design StudioTM in it- thats SL Design StudioTM future.

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TM

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PROPERTY OF

S L

TM

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TM

VIN T

A GE

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TM