RAINE MAGAZINE | Newsletter April 2015

FASHION.CULTURE.TECHNOLOGY 

VOL 

23 

QUARTERLY 

THE HOLLYWOOD AND GLAMOUR ISSUE 

Meet Starlet 

Diane Guerrero 

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RAINE 

INSPIRE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS [I.C.E.] VOL 23 

MAGAZINE 

FASHION TO LIVE FOR 

So So Spring 4 

Business After Work 10 

Fashion Spotlight 22 

At the Heart of the Arts 25 

Casual Cool 26 

Double Life of an Entrepreneur 58 

A Love for the Grind 95 

ENTREPRENEURS TO WATCH 

LeGrande Green 16 

Eduardo Verastegui 17 

Royal Jets 18 

Donald J. Loftus 19 

Rida Khan 20 

BEAUTY + FITNESS 

Maik Weidenbach 49 

Simple Hair 50 

Fifty Shades of Glamour 53 

Zaaina Skincare 56 

A Moment in Time 64 

RAINEMAKER 

Diane Guerrero 63 

BUSINESS + TECHNOLOGY 

Clarence "KD" McNair 30 

Mike Fernandez 32 

FashInvest 33 

Kickstart Innovation 36 

Wearable Technology 38 

Tech Toys 40 

TRAVEL | EAT. STAY. CHILL 

South by Southwest 68 

Cannes Film Festival 70 

Tribeca Film Festival 72 

Epic Experience with Kimpton Hotels 74 

Game of Thrones: Croatia 81 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Blessing Offor 43 

Seamus Dever 44 

Annie Wersching 45 

Fresh Faces 46 

CULTURE 

Maria Canals-Barrera 77 

Chloe Bellande 80 

Peter Max 84 

Ritva Westenius 86 

Pico Jewelery 88 

NY Fashion Week 90 

Vancouver Fashion Week 92 

Paris Hilton 94 

JennyLyn Gleave 98


So So Spring 

Photographer – Carlton Agius 

Makeup – Justin Brincat 

Modal – Tiffany Pisani 

4 

RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23

RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23 5

RAINE 

INSPIRE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS [I.C.E.] VOL 23 

MAGAZINE 

EDITORIAL TEAM 

Nova Lorraine - Founder, Creative Director & Editor in Chief 

Derron Forrest - Business Development 

Kristopher Johnson-Hoyle - Senior Editor 

Janet Igah - Style Editor 

RESEARCH EDITOR 

Bryson Littlejohn 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Javin Forrest 

Michelle Brown 

Maik Wiedenbach 

Suna Senman 

SPECIAL THANKS 

Carlotta Harrington 

Frederique Porter 

Javier Hernandez 

Natasha Gabriel 

Tina Littlejohn 

ART DIRECTION 

Martina Micko 

WEBMASTER 

Mredul Mani 

INTERNS 

Danielle Murray 

COVER CREDITS 

Photographer – Vaughn Eric Stewart 

Hairstylist – Takayoshi Tsukisawa 

Wardrobe Stylist – Janet Igah 

Makeup Artist – Derek Medina 

Manicurist – Narina Chan 

Cover Clothing Credits 

Red jumper by BCBG Max Azria 

Necklace by Tory Burch 

Fur vest by 525 

INQUIRIES 

General: talktous@rainemagazine.com 

Advertise: advertise@rainemagazine.com 

RAINE MAGAZINE 

NEW YORK * LA * SAN FRANCISCO * MIAMI 

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EDITOR’S NOTE 

WELCOME TO RAINE MAGAZINE 

Nova Lorraine & David Freschman 

This is a very special spring. It marks our 5th year since 

releasing our very first print issue as a “test” issue. That was 

Vol 5 and our first double cover. Also, not too long after 

that, I met an amazing human being who became a mentor, 

business advisor and wonderful friend. His name is David 

Freschman. Sadly, Mr. Freschman is no longer with us as he 

recently passed away from an aggressive form of cancer but 

his words of wisdom, giving spirit and desire to help others 

will live on! 

This is a special note dedicated to him. Dear David, 

I am sorry I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye but please 

know that your endless support and love for seeing others 

succeed did not go unnoticed. Your kind words and tireless 

mission to find great entrepreneurs and open doors of 

opportunity for them will carry on through all of those who 

you have helped and inspired. You always challenged me to 

do better and be more and I appreciate you for that. Thank 

you again for being such an inspiration and friend! You are 

greatly missed. Rest in Peace. 

INSPIRE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS [I.C.E] 

“INTERNATIONAL” ISSUE 

THE ART EDITION 

FLYING HIGH WITH FLY LONDON 

MEET RAINEMAKER 

ROMERO BRITTO 

THE RAINE AWARD 

QUARTERLY 

VOL 

22 

Truly, 

T H E W O R L D ’ S M O S T F A S H I O N A B L E B U S I N E S S M A G A Z I N E 

Nova Lorraine, MA 

Founder and Editor 

CORRECTION FROM VOLUME 22 

Section: Entrepreneurs to Watch, Story: Forging A Path 

To Filmmaking. The story was written by Suna Senman, 

LMSW.

FASHION TO LIVE FOR

FASHION TO LIVE FOR 

BUSINESS 

AFTER 

DARK 

Photographer - Anderson Smith 

Wardrobe Stylist - Fabiola Ledesma 

Make-up Artist - Yvelissa Muñoz using KEVYN AUCOIN BEAUTY 

MUA Assistant - Violeta Lekocaj 

Hair Stylist - Selda Cortes for EUFORA INTERNATIONAL & T3 MICRO 

Photographer Assistant - Mouhsine Idrissi Janati 

Fashion Stylist Assistant - Ravea Norvell 

Fashion Stylist Assistant - Ashley Freeman 

Female Model - Alina D. with New York Model Management 

Male Model - Ben Bowers with New York Model Management

On Ben: Blue Jacket, vest and Pants 

by Hvrminn; shirt by Les Benjamins 

On Alina: Shirt by Anna Sui; vest by 

Anna Sui; skirt by Anna Sui; boots by 

Tania Spinelli; ring by Gemma Simone 


On Ben: Jacket by Hvrminn; shirt by Hvrminn; pants by Hvrminn 

On Alina: Green Jacket by Katrin Schnabl; top by Nirco Castillo; pants by Katrin Schnabl; clutch by Skingraft

Red Coat by Anna Sui; bracelets by Gemma Simone; earrings by Kathleen Nowak 

Tucci; Leather Disc Overlay Dress by Kathleen Nowak Tucci; dress by Harare 


Jacket, pants and shirt by Paul Smith; bag by Band of Players; necklace by Kathleen Nowak Tucci

5 ENTREPRENEURS TO WATCH


LIVE OUT LOUD WITH LEGRANDE GREEN 

LeGrande Green is a man that exemplifies bold! His harrowing journey 

along the path to success has been full of career highs and lows. As a 

creative savant and producer behind the scenes of The Oprah Winfrey 

Show, 4-time Emmy Award winner LeGrande Green was on top of the 

TV world, but lurking behind the veiled curtain of success was a life in 

dire straits. 

Before Green stepped into the limelight with Oprah Winfrey, 

he was already making his mark at KING-TV in Seattle, working as an 

associate producer on a morning talk show. After a chance meeting 

with Oprah Winfrey in 1989, his professional life was propelled into the 

stratosphere; at 24 he became the youngest producer on her team, 

quickly outpacing his peers to become a supervising senior producer. 

Eight years later he hit a wall. Green was emotionally exhausted 

and out of steam as the creative genius behind some of the highest rated 

moments on The Oprah Winfrey Show. His life had begun to spiral into 

a downward cycle. Unbeknownst to him at the time, Green was battling 

with bipolar disorder, characterized by drug abuse, suicidal thoughts and 

bouts of depression. 

Through it all, Green valiantly pushed forward to emerge 

on the other side. Today he is working harder than ever as the driving 

force behind BOLD, a daily podcast featuring inspiring interviews with 

provocative people. 

RAINE: Can you tell us how your experience at KING-TV changed your 

life? 

GREEN: My first job right out of college was working as a production 

intern at King Broadcasting in Seattle. I was thrust into a thrilling world of 

news as I shadowed the stage managers and floor directors in the studio. 

Eventually, I was allowed to cue the anchors during live newscasts. From 

there, I met Karen Melamed (to this day, one of my best friends on the 

planet.) She was the boss of the morning talk show Seattle Today. She 

had just moved from Baltimore where she worked with Oprah Winfrey on 

a local show called People Are Talking. 

RAINE: When you worked at Oprah, you were one of her youngest 

producers. How did that experience shape your career? 

GREEN: At age 24, I was hired to work at The Oprah Winfrey Show. Karen 

Melamed was a close personal friend of Oprah’s executive producer 

Debra DiMaio. She, Oprah and Debbie all worked in Baltimore together. 

Having worked in local television gave me a leg up on many of my 

colleagues. In Seattle, I worked in the newsroom, on documentary units 

and cut my teeth on all kinds of talk shows before I came to Chicago. 

RAINE: Your career has had many highs and lows. What were some of 

the happier moments? 

GREEN: Obviously some of the high points have been the awards. I’ve 

won four Daytime Emmys for my work at Oprah and an NAACP Image 

Award for Best News/Talk Documentary. The NAACP Image Award came 

for an Oprah episode called “Unsolved Hate Crimes of The Civil Rights 

Movement” in 1994. It all began when I researched the story of a scared 

little white boy who witnessed a racial massacre before World War II. We 

took our cameras into the most racist counties in Georgia to re-enact the 

story. All of the interviews were raw, emotional and powerful. When the 

whole thing was said and done, I remember looking at Oprah with a tear 

in my eye. I knew then that I was privileged and blessed to be able to 

harness my creativity on such a powerful national platform. 

RAINE: As an entrepreneur you often advise others to “own their own 

story”. Can you explain that concept in more detail? 

GREEN: For many years, I taught classes and seminars around the US 

and Canada under the banner “Get Booked on Any TV Talk Show.” The 

question that kept coming up: ‘How do I get on Oprah?’ 

Now that the show’s over, it’s obviously not about being on Oprah 

anymore. The goal is to “be your own Oprah!” 

With all the tools available on the internet and social media, no one has 

to sit back and wait for a third party to share their messages. There are 

three basic principles I share with my clients. 

Lesson No. 1: Know what your hook is. 

Lesson No. 2: Package yourself 

Lesson No. 3: Don’t give up. 

RAINE: Tell us about your new show BOLD and what excites you most 

about it. 

GREEN: After working closely with Oprah for years, here’s one thing I 

never forgot: inspiration is everywhere. Wellness is healthy living. It’s the 

strategy you choose to lead a balanced life. My interests run from lifestyle 

trends to pop culture to 

last night’s “lip-sync for 

your life” on RuPaul’s 

Drag Race. I was looking 

for a podcast that spoke 

to the heart but was also 

edgy and entertaining. 

When I couldn’t find it on 

iTunes, I said, “Heck, I’m 

a producer. I’ll create it 

myself!” 

My guests are provocative 

people with inspiring 

ideas. It’s that blogger, 

that YouTube video, that 

celebrity or entertainer 

everybody’s talking 

about. It’s everyday 

people making huge 

breakthroughs. It might 

even be you tomorrow. 

If you break down the 

word BOLD, it might mean 

“bring on love divine.” Or 

my favorite, “blessings 

of life daily.” There is only 

now. I profile people and 

topics that influence the way we live, laugh and love out loud. That’s more 

than a catchy slogan. It’s really my sole–and my soul–intention. There’s 

no reason enlightenment can’t be entertaining. 

RAINE: How has life changed for you now that you are no longer behind 

the scenes but at the center of your own show? 

GREEN: The podcast took off like a rocket, which surprised and delighted 

me. In our first month on the Live 365 radio platform, we pulled in 5.5 

million listeners. The greatest gift has been finding and booking the most 

incredible guests. 

The other day I was talking to Grammy-winning superstar Jody Watley 

about confidence and inspiration. She said, “I don’t do many interviews 

but I wanted to come on BOLD. It’s a place where people can come to be 

classy, share stories and have great conversations.” 

I’m humbled by the thousands who love the positivity of the podcast and 

they are demanding ‘more, more, more!” We are now developing products 

and books to support our message of transformation and healing. I close 

each show the same way and that message has become a mantra: “Shift 

happens right where you are. Be the change and get BOLD today.” 

Images courtesy of LeGrande Green 

16 



LEAVING A LIGHT 

IN OUR HEARTS 

Latin superstar Eduardo Verastegui is a man of many talents and after finding 

success in the music industry and later as a soap opera heartthrob, he broke into 

Hollywood alongside Sofia Vergara in the feature film Chasing Papi. 

Since those early days he has continued to evolve as a creative 

entrepreneur and as a co-founder of his own production company Metanoia Films, 

which has produced movies such as the 2006 Sundance favorite and winner of the 

People’s Choice Award at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival Bella. In 2007 

The Smithsonian Museum honored Eduardo with the Legacy Award, for the film 

Bella in recognition of his positive contributions toward the Latin community within 

the United States. 

More recently Eduardo produced and starred in the WWII drama Little 

Boy, which Eduardo describes as a love letter that captures the heart and soul of 

America. He can also be see in the upcoming film from Sony Pictures Paul Blart: 

Mall Cop 2 out in April 2015. 

When he is not on screen or behind the camera, Eduardo alongside his 

non-profit organization, Let’s Be Heroes, works globally to provide food, shelter and 

medical supplies to those in need. He also works with his second non-profit Manto 

de Guadalupe, which works to provide quality medical care to pregnant women 

around the world who are unable to take care of themselves. 

RAINE: How did you decide to make the leap from actor to establishing your own 

production company? 

VERASTEGUI: I didn’t plan it. At the time I was 28 years old and I met someone on 

a plane that invited me to audition for a film with many Latinos. I did the audition 

and got the part. During that time, I met my English teacher. She asked me “are you 

part of the problem or part of the solution”—are you involved in projects that are 

designed to elevate Latinos or not? Right there I made a promise that I wouldn’t 

do anything that would offend my family, faith or my people. For four years I had 

to turn down every project until I lost everything. It was a great cleansing time 

period for me. I realized that by creating a production company, I had the power to 

create the stories. We started this company with one goal—to create projects that 

leave people inspired, and in 2004, we released Bella and won the People’s Choice 

Awards. 

RAINE: The film, Little Boy is an inspirational story about both faith and the 

enduring love between parent and child. What message would you like for creative 

entrepreneurs to take away from this movie? 

VERASTEGUI: This is the thing - even though you may write the movie with a 

particular theme - for example, this movie is about “love” between father and son 

and how they will be divided—however I don’t like to say what the movie is about 

because what the audience will take away from it could be different. I do not want 

to put a label on it because there is so much that you can take from it. For someone, 

it’s about love - for someone else it’s about spending “time” with my children. 

Images courtesy of Nina Duncan 

RAINE: What has been the one piece of advice that has served you best in your 

career? 

VERASTEGUI: Stay close to your roots and to recognize that I am not called to be 

successful but I am called to be committed to my principals and my values and then 

if success come after that, then it’s a blessing. I realized it’s not the same when you 

compromise, especially in this career because it is very easy to be lost --- at one 

point when I thought I had everything I had nothing. The integrity of the person is 

what’s most important. Your faith and integrity comes first. Do NOT compromise. 

RAINE: Your production company, Metanoi is Greek for “repentance,” what 

significance does Metanoia have for you? 

VERASTEGUI: It is turning to God—when you turn to him, you can see. How 

beautiful would it be that when you leave the theater that you will leave with light in 

your hearts? Hopefully the light will leave a kindling. 



FLY ROYALLY 

Young power couple, Angelo Senat Bianca Alexis chose to take a path not 

typically taken by fairly recent college grads. They decided to launch their 

own private jet company. Four Years later they are providing unparalleled 

service and access to destinations around the world via Royal 

Jets. Their company offers an unprecedented experience to travelers 

without breaking the bank! 

The rising company boasts many satisfied customers, which is 

one of the reasons clients continue to come back when it’s time to travel, 

either for business or for pleasure. In keeping with their service oriented 

atmosphere, the staff at Royal Jets is known for going out of their way 

to make sure that customers are well received, comfortable and have 

an enjoyable experience. Patrons receive world-class service, from 

the time they board one of the well-appointed aircrafts to the time they 

disembark. 

This innovative company has also been recognized as a carrier 

that will travel to underserved destinations that are in high demand. Royal 

Jets is setting a new standard for air travel. 

RAINE: What lead you to start a business in the aviation industry? 

ALEXIS: In 2012, my partner approached me with the idea of starting a 

private jet company. I immediately began research about the industry. At 

first I was a little hesitant but after countless hours of research I noticed 

the industry was underserved and there was very little information given 

about the industry in general. We decided to create a platform for the 

lower middle class to the upper middle class to start flying private without 

breaking the bank each time. 

RAINE: Describe your role as a licensed charter broker. What does that 

mean to potential clients interested in using your service? 

ALEXIS: As a charter brokerage and private jet membership based 

company, our main role is to provide our members with the best private jet 

prices in the market through different partnerships as well as our managed 

fleet. 

RAINE: Is Royal Jets only for celebrities and the ultra-wealthy? 

ALEXIS: Absolutely not. We created a platform for all to enjoy. We have 

last minute deals that start at just $500. Which means the new college 

graduate who just started his/her new career can fly private. 

RAINE: Can you talk about “empty leg air travel,” and how does it differ 

18 

RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 23 

from private jet charters? 

ALEXIS: Empty legs allow anyone to fly a private jet at a discounted rate. 

The two do not differ. 80% of private jet flights are empty when they are 

repositioning or returning back to home base. This allows us to provide our 

members with great deals on those empty flights. 

RAINE: What are some of the popular destinations that Royal Jets fly’s to? 

ALEXIS: Miami, Las Vegas, California, and the Caribbean. 

RAINE: You offer a membership program. Please tell our readers about the 

benefits of each. 

ALEXIS: 

1. No more processing payments after each flight. 

2. Simple budgeting. 

3. Single point of contact. Fast, easy booking. 

RAINE: What would you say are the main reasons behind your success? 

ALEXIS: 

1. Being realistic about our goals. 

2. Creative thinking and building a really solid team. 

RAINE: What can customers expect while flying with Royal Jets vs. 

commercial or other private jet charters? 

ALEXIS: Unparalleled service, simple budgeting, and a quick/convenient 

booking service. 

RAINE: What is the biggest challenge facing your industry, and what steps 

are you taking to secure the future of Royal Jets? 

ALEXIS: Some of the biggest challenges are high fuel costs. Royal Jets has 

begun creating new partnerships with fuel management companies and 

FBOs to lower the travel cost for our customers. 

RAINE: What words of wisdom would share with aspiring entrepreneurs? 

ALEXIS: It’s really important to do your research and be prepared. Find 

out what the industry is lacking and become the solution. We also believe 

having a strong team helps with the success of any company. 

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. 

The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational 

objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon 

results.” -‐-‐Andrew Carnegie 

Images courtesy of Royal Jets


RAISING THE BAR IN BEAUTY 

Donald J. Loftus, President of Parlux Ltd. and Executive Vice President 

of Perfumania, Inc., is having a ball! Perfumania, Inc is the largest US 

specialty retailer of fragrances and other beauty related products and 

Parlux, is a major distributor known for its quality and innovation in its 

products, packaging and marketing. It creates some of America’s most 

loved fragrances including Vince Camuto, Sean John, Kenneth Cole, 

Tommy Bahama, Jay Z, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton and Rihanna. 

Prior to testing the waters in the very entrepreneurial 

environment at Parlux, Loftus had developed a very accomplished career 

in the corporate fashion and beauty world. His earlier days included The 

May Department stores and Field Sales Manager for Estée Lauder. He 

then moved on to becoming President and CEO for various companies 

including P&G Prestige North America, Wella’s Cosmopolitan Cosmetics 

US, Escada Beaute The Americas, Yves Saint Laurent Beaute U.S. and 

Sanofi Beaute, North America— overseeing such brands as Gucci, Dolce 

& Gabbana, Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent, and Oscar de la Renta to name 

a few. 

Raised in Ohio, Loftus didn’t always know he wanted to work 

in the fast paced fashion industry, but what he did know was that he 

wanted to be in New York. Early-on in his life, like so many young people, 

he had a fascination with the Big Apple and had a love for the theatre. 

Neither passion has faded. Donald is currently the Chairman of the Board 

of The Fashion Group International, and also serves on the boards of The 

Dramatist Guild Fund and The Women’s Project Theatre. 

RAINE: Describe in your own words what Parlux is and its importance to 

your industry? 

LOFTUS: Parlux is a 20+ year old company and was originally based in 

Florida. It was bought 3 years ago, and although there is still a small base 

in Florida, New York is its Headquarters now. 

While Parlux has seen success over the years, it has really 

become a major player in the industry over the past three years under 

its new ownership. One of the nicest compliments we’ve received, “I’ve 

never seen a company turn around so fast and so well.” I give this credit 

to our owner. 

What makes us different from the competition, is that we are 

really focused on the core of the country, Middle America. We have strong 

designer brands such as Kenneth Cole, Vince Camuto, and Tommy 

Bahama, all of which represent high quality designer names but they may 

not be perceived as hip or chic as some of the French or Italian names. 

However, our price point makes a difference and the quality of our product 

is the best. For example, even fragrances like Estée Lauder’s Beautiful are 

at a $90 price tag and our fragrances are at $75. 

We are not as big as some of the major corporations, and 

therefore don’t have as loud an advertising voice, but when our customer 

discovers our brands, feels the packaging and then smells the fragrance— 

we win. We also make sure our gift sets and gift-with-purchases are head 

and shoulders above the rest. 

Steven Nussdorf is our principal owner and Chairman; he is not 

pushing us to have humungous sales increases. He wants to build a 

strong and steady business, giving a quality product that is accessible 

to Middle America, - a big niche in the market now. The other half of our 

portfolio is celebrity. Some of our celebrity fragrances include Paris Hilton, 

Rihanna, Jay Z, Sean Jean, Pitbull and Donald Trump. 

What I am doing today is a much faster pace than the corporate roles I 

have held in the past. I retired from P&G and I said to a head hunter that if 

I go to a small company, how would that be viewed. He told me that today 

that is actually respected because you are going to do something fun and 

more entrepreneurial. It is good to have a mix on your resume…it shows 

you are willing to take risks. 

Our support staff is very young and bright and hungry for knowledge. 

I enjoy sharing stories and experiences with them to help them grow. 

My experience at P & G was very a great learning period but also very 

corporate and we at Parlux are not very corporate. We get ideas from our 

entire staff, we take risks and we get to do some really fun things. 

RAINE: What advice that you would like to share with other budding 

entrepreneurs? 

LOFTUS: What’s most important in your career is that you absolutely love 

what you are doing. I try to tell 22 year olds how quickly time marches on. 

One day you wake up and you are suddenly the oldest one in the Board 

Room. If you are unhappy in your job, find something else that will better 

meet your business, personal or growth needs. You should try various 

size companies and it can sporadic. Have as many experiences as you 

can and don’t get pigeon holed. Know what else is going on around you. 

People are so much more productive when they are happy. If something 

is bringing you down, then get out. A lot of bosses wouldn’t say that. 

If I have an employee that is not happy, I will try to work to make them 

happy…but if it’s not for them, I would encourage them to find something 

that will make them happy. If you think you can correct your situation by 

voicing it then speak up—if it’s a job worth saving. Take charge of your 

own career and don’t leave it in someone else’s hands. I grew up in a 

really poor family and I’ve learned… if you work hard and have a goal, 

there is nothing you can’t do. But you have to drive it yourself. 

RAINE: As the Chairman of Fashion Group International what are the 

current challenges facing the fashion industry? 

LOFTUS: In terms of fashion, I think the biggest challenge is the 

consolidation of retail. We lost about 83 store names. Each market used 

to have 3 stores: Good, Better and Best—now Macy’s is 50% of the 

business after the consolidation of retailing. Dillard’s has also bought up 

a lot of independent stores. It makes it tough; it’s hard to have a point 

of difference. If you don’t sell Macy’s—you don’t bring it to America. 

Neiman’s has done an incredible job in remaining true to themselves and 

who they are. Others have not been able to keep up with the level of luxury 

that once existed. There are less choices when it comes to distributing 

your brand and it’s very hard to stay niche. 

RAINE: As someone that has held so many prestigious positions in the 

beauty industry, what would you like for your legacy to be? 

LOFTUS: I would like to know that I have inspired someone and made a 

difference in their life. 

Images courtesy of Bess Adler 

RAINE: Years before your current position with Parlux, you were a Field 

Sales Manager. What was your vision at that point in life? Did you see 

yourself at the helm of a hugely successful beauty company? OR How did 

you make that transition to the top? 

LOFTUS: I had no idea that I’d be running companies. I was at a retailer 

first in Ohio and then went to Boston for Estée Lauder, where Clinique, 

Estée Lauder’s sister brand, had exploded and was outpacing the 

“mother” brand. I was brought in as the Field Sales Manager of Estée 

Lauder to close the gap. A colleague eventually left Estée Lauder and 

moved to Yves Saint Laurent Beaute in New York and then eventually 

hired me to be the VP of Sales for Yves Saint Laurent. 



REDEFINING STYLE 

Arguably one of the most influential women in fashion digital media, Rida Khan knows 

her business inside and out. 

Rida Khan founded her company Zee report in 2008 which aimed to provide 

Fashion Industry news without any subscription costs. It grew rapidly and now provides 

news coverage in 15 different languages and 50 different countries and has an annual 

page view of over 30 million. Later in 2009, Khan launched ZeePortal.com which was 

not only an industry based networking portal, it also had the capability of uploading 

look books and portfolios and the ability to place orders online. ZeePortal.com was one 

of the first of its kind and still remains to be the leader in the fashion digital wholesale 

platform. 

In 2014 Khan left her coveted position as the CEO of Fashion TV to become 

the President of the Style Network Channel. With a focus on high-fashion and lifestyle 

programming, Style Network aims to give audiences in North America an in-depth view 

of the fashion and beauty industry, bar none. 

“Being a pioneer in the digital media industry since 2008 has given me a great 

lead in the fashion industry. I have stayed abreast of all new innovations and have heavy 

plans for the digital distribution of the channel. Most people in their 20s do not pay for 

cable anymore and are reliant upon digital distribution. The digital landscape is changing 

rapidly and we will be one of the first networks to dive deep into it.” –Rida Khan 

RAINE: In 2014 you left as the CEO of Fashion TV to become the President of Style TV 

Channel. What circumstances led you to take on this new opportunity? 

KHAN: I felt like American audiences needed a television channel that allows them to 

watch fashion and beauty related programming that is more dynamic than just back to 

back runway shows. I wanted to take them into the industry which is quiet challenging 

and no one has dared to do it before. Let’s see how it pans out. 

RIANE: You are known as “Acid Khan” in the industry. How did you get that name? 

KHAN: I hate to waste time. I feel like time is very precious – so when I am in a meeting 

I do like to get to the point very quickly, talk business and leave. Perhaps that is what 

gave me that name? I can get impatient if I am in a meeting and the other person has 

difficulty in getting across why we are meeting or what we can do together. 

RAINE: You are one of the most influential women in fashion and beauty. What are some 

of the steps you have taken to secure this coveted position? 

KHAN: I don’t follow anyone – I create my own path and I learn new things quickly! I 

always try and innovate and stay ahead! 

RAINE: What have you been most proud of throughout your career? 

KHAN: I am just happy that apart from small failures when I Initially started, it all worked 

out! 

RAINE: As a pioneer in digital media, how have you been able to consistently maintain 

your lead in the industry? 

KHAN: By continuously evolving and innovating. 

RAINE: What do you feel your legacy will be as a woman in business? 

KHAN: We will have to wait and see! 

RAINE: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration, and encouraged you to follow 

your dreams? 

KHAN: My mom and my husband. 

My mother raised me with the belief that I can do anything I put my mind into, nothing 

is impossible and the sky is the limit. I really believed that, and I still do! I was the only 

girl and she always made sure that I was very confident with who I am and that I trusted 

my own self! 

After college I got married and my husband – who is a physician and who comes from 

a very different childhood than myself, was my other source of encouragement. He 

was the other half that needed to push me to believe in myself again and to propel me 

further. He really believed in me, he really believed that I will do something amazing in 

life and in my potential. I really needed that push and belief and support system that he 

created! 

Images courtesy of Rida Khan 

RAINE: What are some of your other passions that you actively pursue? 

KHAN: I live my passion, work for me is not my work but my passion! I love my “Work” 

and I love my family/kids. When I am not working, I am enjoying life with my kids! 

RAINE; If you could redo one thing in your career, what would it be and why? 

KHAN: I wouldn’t redo anything in my career. I had to make the mistakes I did to learn 

from them and to propel further. I am happy with the ups and downs! 

RAINE: What advice would you give to future entrepreneurs? 

KHAN: Give it all you’ve got! Work hard like you never have before! Believe in yourself! 

20 


BESPOKE MEN


FASHION SPOTLIGHT 

Photographer: Jason Jaskot; Stylist: Carl Ayers for the Talent Unlimeted Group 

Make-up and grooming: Stephanie Silvestri for AMA 

Model: Matthew Vande Vegte with Major Models 

All suiting by Malan Breton 

22 



At the Heart of the Arts 

By Jason Jaskot 

Images courtesy of Jason Jaskot 

For three seasons now, the group show Art Hearts has closed New York 

Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, and this season was no exception. However 

this wasn’t just the last show for the season, it was also the last show 

of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week as we know it; when New York Fashion 

Week returns in the fall it will be without Mercedes Benz sponsoring it, and 

it will be at a new (and still undisclosed) venue. While Art Hearts brought 

down the curtain on the Lincoln Center era, instead of saying “the end” it 

would be more appropriate to say “to be continued,” as the show focused 

on new and bold designers who’s stories are just beginning. Among the 

seven designers showcased there was extremely smart menswear from 

House Of Byfield, luxury evening wear from Mimi Tran, chain-mail inspired 

dresses from Li Jon, and a show-closing burst of male nudity from MT 

Costello. The show is presented in conjunction with the AIDS Healthcare 

Foundation, and at the center of it all is producer Erik Rosete. He isn’t just 

the ringmaster but also a participant, as his street wear brand Mister Triple 

X kicked off the show. We asked Erik about the meaning of Art Hearts, the 

motivation behind Mister Triple X, and what comes next……. 

RAINE: Tell us about the genesis of Art Hearts, and how you go about 

selecting the designers. 

ROSETE: I created Art Hearts Fashion to support the artistic designers that 

celebrate the art of fashion. Anyone can make clothes, but my designers 

create ART! I am blessed by living in Los Angeles California where Art 

and Fashion go hand and hand. International designers gravitate toward 

Hollywood to supply red carpet and music video attire to A-List celebrities 

and I am connected enough in this industry to be introduced to extremely 

talented designers. 

RAINE: The Art Hearts show has been the closing show for New York 

Fashion week the past few seasons, how did that come to be that you got 

that slot? 

ROSETE: I worked with IMG years ago as a model manager and I was 

producing Art Hearts Fashion in Los Angeles as a cool underground event 

with artistic designers. I realized that NYC was missing my heart so I 

decided to bring my event to the big apple. I planned on having Art Hearts 

Fashion at a platform called Style 360 that featured streetwear brands 

and figured that would be a good fit for my type of event. Unfortunately 

(fortunately) Superbowl came to the NYC area last year and NYC had 

one of the harshest winters in history. Style 360 got cancelled and I had 

nowhere to go. I made a few calls and contacted IMG asking if they had 

space for my event. They not only had space for it but they also gave me 

the closing show at their largest venue. 

RAINE: Besides Art Hearts, you also have your own label, Mister Triple 

X. The collection this season was titled “All X In Wonderland” and you 

describe it as edgy street-wear. But how much is too much? How do you 

walk the line between being creative and edgy but still being wearable? 

ROSETE: In the process of creating my event I realized that fashion was 

more than an industry, but it was such a powerful art form. I wanted to do 

something different with fashion, I wanted to tell my story. Mister Triple 

X was born from my hard work and a true labor of love. Every season I 

have had hidden meaning in my collections, from the start “The RefleXion 

ColleXion” was a tribute to the world around me in my belief that we are 

all reflections of each other and that I was able to reflect all of the negative 

energy I had experienced and turn it positive. My follow up collection 

was entitled the RessereXion Collection which featured floral prints and 

spiritual undertones representing my spiritual transformation. Last season 

I showcased my “Pair-A-Dice” Collection featuring tropical inspired prints 

and also representing the huge gamble I was taking in rolling the dice on 

my career and my event. The gamble paid off and now with my most recent 

collection titled “All X In Wonderland” I wanted to showcase how everything 

has come together in a funky fantastic way by expressing my current attitude 

in my collection. Follow 

me down the rabbit hole 

through the magical world 

of Mister Triple X. I believe 

we are all on a crazy journey 

and my brand represents 

the sexy streetstyle I would 

want everyone in my world 

to be wearing. This is my 

journey through wonderland 

and everyone can relate to 

that because we are all on 

a journey through life, and 

I love being able to tell the 

story through my fashion 

brand. It is something that 

has never been done with 

fashion and something that 

I am very proud of. 

RAINE: For the MTX runway 

shows you’ve used some 

people outside the fashionmodel 

norm, including really 

muscular guys and people 

covered in tattoos. How do 

you go about choosing the 

models? 

ROSETE: I love using unconventional models as well as pop-culture 

celebrities to help tell my story. These are all the characters of the magical 

story of Mister Triple X. War veteran Amputee Alex Minsky walks in my 

shows with a custom designed leg by me, Jimmy Q embraces the sexy 

edge I embrace with my fashion line.. I want all of my models to be Gods 

and Goddesses in their own right, and I would like people to celebrate 

and admire the human physique while wearing my clothes. The girls in my 

shows represent the sexy counterpart to the “Mister’s” in the show. I have 

been blessed to work with Jourdan Miller, Nadia Mejia, Colleen Shannon, 

Anna Demidova, and an endless list of female icons that empower women 

to be their best. From winning America’s Next Top Model to being the star 

of their own TV shows on major networks, these girls are ruling the world. 

My models are all people that work their asses off to get in top shape and 

master their craft. I don’t need the skinny anorexic waif models to tell my 

story, I would much rather have a super sexy costume party called “Mister 

Triple X” 

RAINE: What’s next for Mister Triple X? What’s waiting further down the 

rabbit hole? 

ROSETE: World Domination is on my bucket list. Love what you do and 

do it well! The rest will follow. I am excited to have just opened my first 

boutique at Hollywood and Highland, the most popular retail destination 

in Hollywood and next door to Louis Vuitton. My clothing is being featured 

on major television networks in the next few months and will be seen by 

millions. I am feeling blessed and grateful to have such amazing support 

from my super sexy models and friends. I believe that everyone plays an 

important role in our story, and I hope to encourage other designers and 

artists to tell their stories as well. My platform is all about sharing my stage 

with others, and my brand is all about my interpretation of our life’s journey. 

Follow me down the rabbit hole, and find yourself in the process! You never 

know what magical things you might discover about yourself and the world 

around you. 



CASUAL 

cool 

Photographer - Robert Wilde 

Hair & makeup - Vanessa Venancio 

Model - Max Sebrechts with Ford Models 

Styling - Robert Wilde 

26 



BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

BUSINESS | TRENDS 

MCNAIR WORLD WIDE 

Clarence “KD” McNair a Baltimore, Maryland native, started his 

career as an entertainer and entrepreneur at the early age of 2. 

With the help of his mother, McNair was able to pursue his dreams. 

McNair was discovered by Brian Dickens and the CEO of University 

Entertainment, Haqq Islam. Following his discovery, McNair was 

teamed up with his music group Majusty, later named Prophet Jones 

landing a million dollar recording contract with Universal/Interscope 

Records, joining a roster of notable artists such as The Black Eyed 

Peas, Dr. Dre and Mya. Due to changes at the record label, McNair, 

(then nicknamed "KD"), later moved to Motown Records with the 

assistance of Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records. 

As a recording artist, he has worked with video director Gil 

Green, who shot for platinum artists such as Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, 

and Akon, as well as famed video director Jessy Terrero. McNair 

has also worked with Tricky Stewart from Red Zone Entertainment 

who has produced artists such as Rihanna. As a songwriter, he 

had the opportunity to work with Jazze Pha, (producer for Ciara), 

McKelly Jamison, (Faith Evans and Carl Thomas), Grammy Award 

winning songwriter Gordon Chambers. McNair is also featured on 

the soundtrack of the action comedy film Bait, starring Jamie Foxx. 

It featured a successful single, Mya's "Free" which peaked at #42 on 

the Billboard Hot 100. 

McNair being equipped with entertainment industry 

experience and knowledge, has also been sought after to do 

consultant work for Box 10 Entertainment, whose roster includes 

Beenie Man, Andrew Tosh, Mavado, and Patra. His background 

includes acting as an entertainment management consultant, 

specializing in branded entertainment management and project 

development for a number of entertainment firms, concert promoters, 

and major video directors. 

McNair is consistently in demand not only for his knowledge 

and experience but for his innate ability to be a brilliant strategist. He 

has a natural ability to problem solve, making him a sought after 

entity. Not only has McNair dedicated his time and attention to the 

entertainment industry, his skills in life and career coaching has 

helped inspire and redirect the paths of many. McNair is known to 

"see into the future" as it pertains to lifestyle and business. McNair 

has overcome many obstacles; however he refuses to stop moving 

forward because he firmly believes that God has something great in 

store for him. As McNair would say “No matter what....Keep going!" 

Image courtesy of Milton Lawrence Jr. 

30 



MIKE FERNANDEZ’S BOOK 

Humbled by the Journey: 

LESSONS FOR MY FAMILY…AND YOURS 

The extraordinary story of a Cuban immigrant 

turned self-made business mogul, healthcare 

industry leader and philanthropist 

Humbled by the Journey is part self-portrait, part adventure-story, and 

shuttles readers back-and-forth between Fernandez’s 508-mile pilgrimage 

along El Camino and his journey through a life touched by kindness and 

prosperity, as well as pain and hardship. The book shines a light on the 

lessons he learned over a lifetime of working tirelessly and overcoming 

obstacles. 

In 1964, Fernandez fled his native Cuba with his parents and sister 

and made a new home in New York City. He was 12 and lumbered through 

school while working as a floor cleaner and delivery boy to help pay for 

his private schooling. During those early years, Fernandez learned values 

and principles from those around him, including his father and the Jesuit 

priest who led the school he attended. After a stint in the Army, Fernandez 

worked selling insurance door-to-door and subsequently found his stride 

and enormous success in business. Fernandez is the founder of MBF 

Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm that invests in healthcare service 

companies nationwide. Humbled by the Journey is his first book. 

In 2013, Fernandez hiked along El Camino de Santiago – an 

ancient, spiritual trail that attracts “pilgrims” from around the world – with a 

pledge for each mile that led to more than $5 million for a children’s hospital. 

The experience was challenging and rigorous and provided him with a 

unique opportunity to reflect and embrace his life in a deep, meaningful way. 

Fernandez has given more than $125 million to causes focused on 

health care, education and those most in need. He often gives generously 

and prefers anonymity. He requires only this: Recipients must want to help 

themselves, be willing to sacrifice to gain a better future, and promise to pay 

it forward when they can. 

Proceeds from book sales will go The Early Childhood Initiative 

Foundation, a nonprofit focused on early childhood education, development 

initiative and “universal readiness” – making high quality health, education 

and nurturing available and affordable for all children between birth and age 

5 in Miami-Dade County. To learn more about the Early Childhood Initiative 

Foundation, visit http://www.teachmorelovemore.org/ECIF.asp. Copies can 

be ordered by visiting www.booksandbooks.com. 



FashInvest 

nousDECOR.com 

Have you ever seen a gorgeous room in a magazine 

and wondered how you could translate that same look 

into a truly personalized space in your own home, but 

you lacked the time, interior design expertise or budget 

to pull it off? nousDECOR.com helps solve that 

all-too-familiar dilemma, serving up the tools, community 

and professional expertise in a single destination 

to transform a dream design into reality. 

Unlike other home décor sites, nousDECOR. 

com provides much more than beautiful images and 

links to products, but also all the resources you need 

to decorate a space, from intelligent search tools 

and a “Same Look Different Price” recommendation 

engine, to a moodboard builder and access to thousands 

of moodboards curated by design professionals 

and enthusiasts. In addition, nousDECOR.com 

offers a host of exclusive expert content from celebrity 

designer Mark Cutler, as well as an engaged community 

of users and professional designers to seek 

out for advice, inspiration and collaboration. Finally, with its mobile app, nousDECOR.com offers a 

unique comparison shopping feature – the ability to snap or upload a picture of a furniture or décor 

item and then run a search across 8 million items in the nousDECOR.com library from hundreds of 

retailers and other décor sources online for items offering a similar look at different price points. 

Launched in 2014, nousDECOR.com is the brainchild of CEO Heather Gillette, one of Youtube’s 

earliest executives who established and led several content and copyright teams from 2005 

to 2010 as the company skyrocketed from a few thousand to millions of users around the world. The 

idea for nousDECOR.com came from Heather’s greatest passion outside of the office – building and 

enhancing interior spaces, from stables and tree houses to her own home – and the frustration she 

experienced in trying to source a matching chandelier for an antique fixture she was given as a gift. 

Heather scoured countless websites, looking for a similar chandelier to fit the space and 

look of her rustic home. She quickly realized that searching for such unique items was an arduous 

task. By the time she finally discovered similar chandeliers within her price range on eBay Germany, 

she recognized that hunting for singular pieces such as hers must be an issue many en- countered. 

Heather believed there should be a place online where furnishings from anywhere—not just 

mainstream retailers—were easily searchable by specifics such as size, color, price and category. A 

place that would not only help her find special pieces, but provide a community that could help her, 

or anyone else, solve decor dilemmas such as these. That’s when she decided to build nousDECOR. 

com. 

According to Gillette, “nous” is the french word for ‘we’ - so nousDECOR loosely translates 

to ‘we decorate.’ Community is our namesake, and a critical part of what nousDECOR has to offer.” 

By the way, today, that gorgeous French gilded chandelier hangs in her home right beside an old 

western saddle, a reflection of eclectic high and low styling that contributed to the philosophy of 

nousDECOR. 

Image courtesy of nousDECOR 

32 



Images courtesy of Clique Chic 

Clique Chic is an exclusive members-only luxury fashion global ecommerce destination, 

delivering exceptional shopping experiences to discerning customers. Our superior 

concierge services translate the quality and amenities of a traditional brick and mortar 

luxury environment to the digital platform (desktop, laptop and mobile), marrying human 

touch with technology for the ultimate in convenience and personal attention. 

Membership is by invitation only. The program caters to an elite group 

of fashion lovers whose shopping habits correspond well to the site’s tightly edited 

assortment of designers and product. Members receive a key that grants access to 

the complete Clique Chic experience, built to replicate the best aspects of the in-store 

experience: customized suggestions from expert personal shoppers delivered in real 

time via phone or online chat, meaningful social interaction, and valuable assistance 

from a luxury concierge. At the same time, Clique Chic guarantees the ease we’ve 

come to demand of online shopping, showcasing product in a beautiful, user-friendly 

interface, clearly highlighting brand DNA, item details and availability, and offering free, 

no-hassle shipping and returns. There is no cost to join. 

Luxury shoppers deserve luxury experiences, no matter where or how they shop. 

—Clique Chic founder and CEO Jessica Martino 

CEO Jessica Martino 

Co-Founders Aaron Firestein and Raaja Nemani 

Images courtesy of BucketFeet 

Founded in 2011 after a chance meeting between two travelers, 

BucketFeet is a footwear brand that goes far beyond shoes. 

Constantly striving towards a mission of connecting people 

through art by tapping into the creativity and diversity of the 

world, BucketFeet has grown from one hand-decorated pair of 

shoes to a brand that has collaborated with over 12,000 artists 

in more than 80 countries. Keeping in mind the idea that art is 

for everyone, the brand aims to bring people together through 

stories, break down barriers, and feed consumers hungry for 

products that truly allow them to express themselves. Every 

time you wear BucketFeet, you share an artist’s story with the 

world. We believe everyone in the world wants to be connected 

to someone or something. If given the chance, people would 

love to learn more about all of the amazing people and things 

that exist all over the world. To us, art is one of those universal 

languages that can bridge gaps and bring people together. It has 

the power to connect. 

“BucketFeet is already resonating across the world 

in a way that few brands ever do,” said Rishi Shah, Founder 

& Managing Partner of Jumpstart Ventures. “The company has 

a once in a generation opportunity to redefine why consumers 

shop and how brands are designed. Backing founders like these 

is why we started doing venture capital and we’re excited to 

work with Raaja and the growing team to fulfill the company’s 

potential.” 

The brand currently sells sneakers in 20+ foreign 

countries which account for nearly 50 percent of total sales. In 

addition, the network’s 12,000+ artists have a global reach of 

over 24 million followers on social media, spreading the brand 

far and wide. 


INSPIRE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS [I.C.E] 

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THE ART EDITION 

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MEET RAINEMAKER 

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GET YOUR RAINE APP TODAY! 

WWW.RAINEMAGAZINE.COM

TECH TRENDS

TECHNOLOGY 

Kickstart innovation 

The Amaryllo iCamPRO is the first robotic home security camera that 

can actually see, hear, sense, and track moving objects, all while 

communicating with you. 

Standing just over 3” tall and powered by a high-speed 

CPU with a patent-pending multi-sensor network, the iCamPRO is 

the smallest intelligent security robot that sees and tracks objects in 

real-time at your home or office, and even in a dimly lit environment. 

With multiple motion sensors, no matter where the intruders appear 

in your home, iCamPRO can immediately rotate itself to capture the 

intruders in its field of view. Real-time object tracking is an expensive 

technology that is available only in military or professional surveillance 

systems. Amaryllo is the first company to realize it with a compact 

design for your home or office at an affordable price. 

The iCamPRO FHD lens and image sensor gives 

extremely accurate pixel calculation and therefore a more accurate 

motion analysis for tracking moving objects.The iCamPRO also 

features dynamic channel adjustment. This means that as your WiFi 

bandwidth increases or decreases the camera will automatically 

downgrade or upgrade the video quality so that the stream will always 

iCAMPRO 

be smooth and without any video or audio delay. 

As mentioned, the iCamPRO is the very first affordable camera 

that can automatically track any moving object. Our algorithms teach 

the camera to always keep the object in the middle of the viewing area. 

When an object begins to move away from the pixels in the middle of 

the viewing area, the camera will track the object until it’s in the middle 

again. We will have 3 PIR motion sensors placed strategically around 

the iCamPRO and if one of the sensors is triggered, the camera will 

turn to face the object, lock in, and begin to track it using the intelligent 

tracking system. This innovative design ensures no blind spots or 

dead zones for intruders to hide, and removes the need to install a 

multiple camera security system. 

At Amaryllo, we are dedicated to providing superior 

technology at an affordable price. In order to do this, we’ve had to 

take a step back and figure out what is the next generation of home 

security. We discovered that automation is on the forefront of this 

industry and this is why we’ve decided to set our goals at being the 

first home security robot company. 

Images courtesy of Amaryllo iCamPro 

36 


Images courtesy of 3D Sounds Labs 

3D SOUND LABS 

When you go to movie theater, you look forward to a special experience. If you want 

to live this at home, you have to install a home cinema. It could be expensive, it 

requires lot of space and only fits in one room. Moreover, according to Hollywood 

movie producers, it is the sound that brings the emotion. So it seems awkward to 

have a full HD or a 4K TV with only stereo sound. That’s why new audio formats 

are being introduced, like MPEG-H 3D Audio or Dolby Atmos. That’s why we have 

created Neoh, the first smart 3D sound headphones. It reproduces cinema sound, 

anytime, anywhere. 

These headphones integrate spatial sound rendering, making the most 

immersive sound experience in history. Neoh is a true wearable home cinema. 

These headphones use motion sensors, including gyroscopes, accelerometers and 

magnetometers. The sensors’ data are sent to our application by a Bluetooth Low 

Energy chip. The sensors track every one of your movements. Indeed, you do not 

stay completely motionless while watching a movie, and we have to offset even the 

smallest of your micro-movements to completely immerse you in your activity. 

This is due to a psychoacoustic effect. 

We humans locate sounds based on the time differential between its 

perception via each of our ears, and on the way sounds are shaped by acoustic 

filters known as Head Related Transfer Functions (HRTF) depending on our 

individual faces and ears. 3D Sound Labs has developed algorithms with the ability 

to reproduce these spatial perception mechanisms and therefore detect the tiniest 

movement of the head to reconstitute sound sources in space and in real time. 

3D Sound Labs aims to revolutionize the user audio experience. And 

it seems to be on the right way as the company just completed a successful 

Kickstarter campaign. 

Images courtesy of Skulpt Aim 

SKULPT AIM 

Skulpt empowers users to better understand their bodies and 

achieve their fitness goals sooner. Skulpt Aim is the world’s 

first device to measure muscle quality and fat percentage of 

individual muscles on your body. Using technology developed 

for the medical space, and previously used by NASA, Aim 

collects thousands of data points per second on each muscle 

to accurately evaluate body composition and rate the muscles’ 

quality. 

Aim tells you when you’re losing fat and gaining muscle, 

enabling you to understand how your workouts are affecting 

your body. You can compare your strongest areas, know which 

muscles need improvement, or which muscles have plateaued 

and need a change of routine. 

MQ, or Muscle Quality, is a rating of your muscles’ 

fitness that is meant to be intuitive. 100 is the average rating, and 

higher numbers correlate to stronger, leaner, and more defined 

muscles. 

At about the size of an iPhone, Aim has 12 sensors on the back 

with optimized configurations and frequencies. It evaluates the 

flow of the current through each muscle group and instantly 

displays the MQ result and fat % for that particular muscle. By 

measuring individual muscles, Aim gets greater insight into the 

body that’s far more accurate and convenient than any other tool 

of measuring body fat percentage, and is also the world’s first to 

measure muscle quality. 

For a total body fat percentage and MQ score, users 

need to measure four areas -- biceps, triceps, abs, and quads. 

Measurements taken on the Aim are all synced via Bluetooth 

Smart to a personal mobile app, for users to track their progress 

over time, visualize their body’s changes, and optimize their 

training for the most effective workouts. 


TECHNOLOGY 

WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY 

AMPL SmartBackpack 

The AMPL SmartBackpack is more than just a clever application 

of modern technology to a time-tested product. It’s a simple 

solution to a daily struggle. It’s powerful. It’s protective. It’s 

adaptable. It brings peace of mind to on-the-go, connected 

consumers everywhere who are constantly worried about 

whether their portable/mobile devices have enough charge to 

make it through the day. 

What sets the AMPL SmartBackpack (available 

this summer at $299 MSRP) apart from competitors is the 

seamless integration of an intelligent electronics charging 

system into the fabric of the bag. No other product can support 

multiple, modular batteries working as one. No other product 

allows you to manage the charge-priority of your devices from 

the AMPL Mobile App (without even opening a zipper!); none 

support connecting up to six USB devices plus a laptop. 

The SmartBackpack communicates with the AMPL 

Mobile App, allowing consumers to manage not only the the 

charging-priority of their devices (switching the charging from 

your phone to a tablet for a LA-NY flight, for example), 

but monitor battery levels, internal temperatures, and even 

be alerted if they’ve forgotten their bag at their last lunch 

spot. Consumers can also check battery levels and other vitals 

on the OLED display on the front of the bag using capacitive 

touch-sensitive controls. 

In addition to providing power to charge devices on 

the go, the TSA-friendly backpack protects consumers’ portable 

electronic gear with a lightweight, shock-absorbing bottom sole 

and a water-resistant coating on the exterior fabrics. 

For more informtion, please visit http://www.ampl-labs.com 

Images courtesy of AMPL SmartBackpack 

38 


Images courtesy RideOn 

RideOn 

Navigation and interaction tend to take up a large portion of a skier’s time, and 

we thought there must be a solution that makes it fast and easy to get back to 

skiing. We created RideOn to fill a gap we saw in the the ski experience. We 

wanted to find our locations on a ski resort map instantly, or to quickly contact 

each other when we’d get separated. We wanted to do these things without 

having to take our gloves off, or use our phones. 

I (Ori Kotek) and my co-founder (Alon Getz) each have 13 years’ 

experience in jet-pilot visual technology and inertial systems, so we decided 

to try augmented reality as a solution to our ski problem. Thus, the idea for 

RideOn goggles was conceived in late 2012. 

What distinguishes RideOn from other goggles and devices is our 

delivery of a true AR experience, derived from a see-through display that 

projects data onto the center of your field of view, not on the side. Furthermore, 

users interact with these data and features hands-free just by staring at friends, 

ski lodges, and ski lifts in the distance, or by looking up at floating buttons 

fixed to the sky. The goggles also feature an HD camera for capturing video 

and for video-chatting with friends back home. RideOn uses this camera in 

combination with inertial sensors and GPS to measure user location and head 

orientation, and this is how we can, for example, find your friends’ locations or 

create virtual game graphics that are accurately located on the surrounding 

real world. 

Outdoor AR is a challenge for a few reasons. For one thing, there 

exists a scarcity of thin, wide, and bright enough (for outdoor use) see-through 

display technology in reasonable prices. Also, makers of outdoor AR have 

trouble determining the direction in which the user’s eye is oriented, and 

calculating this quickly and accurately enough, so that the artificial graphic 

symbols are embedded in the surroundings perfectly, has never been done 

before in a consumer product. The progress made in the last few years in mobile 

processing power and efficient computer vision algorithm implementations 

enables us to use the video streaming from the HD camera to assist our GPS 

and inertial sensors in making head tracking a reality, and that’s how RideOn 

determines where the skier is looking. 

runScribe 

Images courtesy of runScribe 

runScribe is a lightweight wearable that mounts on the back of your running shoe and precisely 

captures the movements of your foot during the gait cycle. The precision sensing in runScribe 

and advanced algorithms deliver the most advanced set of running metrics available outside 

of a professional lab environment. Using runScribe is easy. Users simply clip the runScribe to 

their shoe (on the back or laces) and run. runScribe senses when you run, and auto starts and 

stops. When the user is done with the run, they upload their data via an Android or iOS app, 

and analyze and compare their data through the runScribe dashboard. 

runScribe measures 13 kinematic metrics – common metrics like pace and distance, and 

advanced metrics including impact Gs, pronation, stride length and footstrike type. runScribe 

assesses the intensity of your run, based on your history, through a metric called runScore. 

runScore is unique to you, and the score gets smarter over time. Our goal with runScore is 

provide you with a quick way to assess the overall run, compare it to previous runs, and easily 

drill down into the detailed kinematics to understand why your runScore changes in different 

environments. We are making kinematics accessible to all levels of runners. 

runScribe stands out among other running tech: 

• The sheer level of detail and quantity of data runScribe captures is unprecedented. This 

information has not been available to athletes in the wild before. We can finally see how 

running mechanics change in different terrains and in different shoes. 

• We are using crowdsourced data to learn more about the running injury. As athletes and 

scientists, we know that running is a very popular, yet injury prone sport. There is very little 

real world data available to help understand why. We want to learn more about why injuries 

happen and when they are likely to occur. runScribe data will be especially useful because we 

will be able to capture data in the real-world, not just in a lab. 

• Our belief that running technology should not get in the way of the run. With runScribe, 

you aren’t required to run with your phone or a watch. We believe technology should be 

unobtrusive and only available when you need it. Running is a sport we love because it is 

unrestricted and gets us outdoors, so for a running technology to be successful, we believe 

runners shouldn’t feel tethered. 

You can learn more at www.runscribe.com 


TECHNOLOGY 

Tech Toys 

PHORM MORPHING KEYBOARD 

Ever since the days of the Blackberry, there are those 

who still miss the touch of a physical keyboard for their 

mobile smart device. Well, now there is some relief 

coming. Aimed currently at the iPad Mini owners, Phorm 

is a morphing touchscreen keyboard that initially appears 

as a typical iPad Mini case. However, once you slide 

the switch on the back, the fluid that make this floating 

keyboard work, rises into floating dots above the keys 

and turns a once flat screen into a three dimensional 

keyboard. Then, when you slide the switch back, the 

fluid completely dissipates to reform your typical flat 

screen. Prototypes for android devices are currently 

being worked with. Meanwhile, typing satisfaction of the 

physical keyboard returns - in a liquid form. 

https://www.getphorm.com 

Price: $99 

SCHLAGE KEYLESS LOCKS 

Breaking away from the fumbling of house 

keys, while adding a stylish sense of 

security, is Schlage Sense. Schlage Sense 

is a door lock that gives you the added 

option to open the door via an illuminated 

keypad or even with your smart phone. 

Communicating via Bluetooth with it’s 

distinctive app, you can integrate voice 

commands using Siri to activate the door 

lock. Schlage Sens is ushering in a keyless 

era in which up to 30 user codes that can be 

stored and managed. This lock has built-inalarm 

technology that will notify the owner 

anytime it detects potential door attacks. 

https://schlage.com

SenseHUD TRANSLUCENT 

NAVIGATION SYSTEM 

Heads up! Literally...for a new device that turns 

your smartphone into a portable automotive headups 

display. It’s called SenseHUD. Publicized 

for it’s safety and being a great alternative to 

preinstalled navigation systems, SenseHUD is 

able to present phone calls, directions, current 

driving speed as well as other information on its 

translucent display. These images appear on the 

display using a special electro-chromatic LCD, 

which will automatically adjust regardless of 

angles, settings or surrounding lighting conditions. 

SenseHUD connects to your smartphone using 

Bluetooth technology and relays data to the 

screen’s projection using its unique app. The clear 

screen allows drivers to focus ahead without being 

distracted to take their eyes off the road. 

https://sensedriver.com 

Price: $99 

Next-Gen 

Next-Gen key switch technology is here! Wait, what 

exactly is Next-Gen key switch technology? It is 

the replacement of the traditional typing keyboard. 

It offers eight large smart keys that represent the 

entire alphabet within a very ultra-portable device 

called TextBlade. TextBlade weighs only 1.5 ounces 

and is only a third of the size of an iPhone. It will 

last a month between charges and snaps together 

using built in magnets. The layout of the keys is still 

the same as the traditional QWERTY keyboard, 

thus giving you, the user, an instant familiarity. 

It also includes audio controls to use Siri. The 

company behind the engineering of what they 

regard as the first multi-touch keyboard is Waytool. 

Looking to cut down on the bulkiness of other 

Bluetooth keyboard covers, Waytool has designed 

the TextBlade to have an ultralow profile that is only 

half as thick as the iPhone 6. 

https://waytools.com 

Price: $99 


FRESH FACE 

IN MUSIC + FILM + FASHION 

42 


FRESH FACES | MUSIC 

Blessing Offor 

Image courtesy of Harrison Knowles 

Image courtesy of Mark Ambrosino 

Born in Nigeria blind in his left eye due to a condition known as congenital 

glaucoma, Blessing Offor immigrated to the US at the age of 6. 

The youngest of 6 from a tight knit family, Blessing’s parents made the 

difficult decision to send him to America where he could be properly 

educated and treated medically. While this decision caused Blessing’s 

parents great pain (he hasn’t seen his family his family in 21 years), the 

decision was made in order to secure for him a better future that would 

not have been possible for him in Nigeria. 

In a twist of fate, while playing in his backyard at the age of 

ten, he was shot in the right eye at close range with a water gun, causing 

the retina in that eye to detach. This effectively robbed him of his 

remaining vision, and he has been blind ever since. On top of dealing 

with the travails of preadolescence, Blessing found himself having to 

navigate a new world without vision. Says Blessing, “While most eleven 

year olds were figuring out which basketball player they wanted to be 

when they grew up, I had to learn the true definition of who I was apart 

from physical things, apart from vision or no vision.” Blessing attributes 

this time in his life with causing in him a hyper maturity and hyper awareness 

of what matters most in life. 

“Right around this time, we got a piano in the house, and 

all the energy that I had used to play basketball and run around went 

into music.” Music became Blessing’s outlet for more than just energy. 

Around this time he began singing and writing songs, taking voice lessons, 

and listening to the singers and songwriters that would later impact 

his style. 

With a genuine love of people, a zeal for networking, and inexhaustible 

energy, Blessing embarked on the arduous journey of making 

his dreams come true. To date, Blessing has opened for such legendary 

acts as The Temptations, Tower of Power, Average White Band, and 

Sony recording artist and winner of NBC’s The Voice Javier Colon. He 

has appeared on a songwriting competition show on Bravo television 

called Platinum Hit. He has performed at the John F Kennedy center 

for the performing arts numerous times, and is the recipient of a young 

soloist’s award for song writing from the JFK Center of Performing Arts. 

Recently, Blessing was a contestant on Season 7 of NBC’s 

The Voice, where he has been mentored by Pharrell Williams, Adam 

Levine, Taylor Swift, and Alicia Keys. He is an artist with Sojourn Records, 

and his debut record entitled “Roots” was released on February 

10th, 2015. 


FRESH FACES | FILM 

Seamus DeveR 

Star of the ABC drama Castle, Seamus Dever is in a league of his own when 

it comes to acting. As Homicide Detective Kevin Ryan, he proves to be a fan 

favorite; always imparting his charm, wit, and wealth of obscure knowledge. 

In addition to “Castle,” Dever has played authoritative figures on 

the likes of “Army Wives” and “General Hospital;” both of which had him 

starring as a doctor. Other forays into television include “Mad Men,” “Drop 

Dead Diva,” NCIS,” and all three “CSI” franchises. He’s also appeared in 

such films as “Hollywoodland” with Adrien Brody and Ben Affleck, and 

the independent comedy “Ready or Not.” He most recently starred in 

and produced the Tribeca Film Festival short, “Sequestered,” and has just 

launched a fundraising campaign for “The Extraordinary Farewell” for which 

he’ll also serve as both producer and star. 

Well known to theatre audiences, Dever assumed the iconic 

role of Alex in A Clockwork Orange for which he received rave reviews 

and nominations for an Ovation, Garland, and Los Angeles Drama Critics 

Circle Award. Another highlight amidst his over 60 plays and musicals is 

his notable performance in iWitness at The Mark Taper Forum. This past 

summer, he starred in LA Theatre Works’ “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” 

He and his wife reside in Los Angeles with their two rescue dogs and 

are active in animal rights, environmental causes, and proud vegetarians. 

RAINE: What has been your favorite audition and why? 

DEVER: I’ve never really thought about that. Probably my favorite wasn’t 

even one where I actually got the role. I remember auditioning for the 

remake of the “Flight of the Phoenix.” I had a wonderful breakthrough 

with the casting director, Deborah Aquila, where I completely let go of the 

formality and gave into the situation of the part. I had done a lot of theatre 

and really was used to being in rehearsals for weeks before I could let go 

like that. It was a moment that gave me a lot of confidence that I could go 

deeper; especially in moments of scrutiny. I didn’t get the part, but I got 

something out of it. 

RAINE; Do you have a creative process that you undergo that helps you to 

develop your characters? 

DEVER: I really haven’t spent much time on the technique of character 

development lately. There’s a process when you’re in school and you 

focus on so much technique. Eventually the technique becomes invisible 

and internal. I feel like I am a character actor but I think all characters are 

an extension of yourself. It starts with you and that helps you make these 

imaginative leaps. But in general, I’m very obsessive about my work and 

it never really leaves me. In the shower, right before I go to bed, sitting in 

traffic; I’m always thinking about my character. I’ve probably been like that 

since I was a teenager. 

RAINE: As the producer of your upcoming film, The Extraordinary Farewell, 

what words of wisdom can you share with aspiring producers? 

DEVER: Oh boy…hire people you trust because you can’t be everywhere 

and can’t do everything. I think I’ve gotten lucky because I’m working with 

really competent and talented people, but I always try to do too much. You’ll 

go nuts if you try to handle too much by yourself. 

RAINE: You also star in the film, can you talk about the challenges that you 

faced wearing more than one hat on the same project? 

DEVER: Yes, absolutely. If you are wearing your actor “hat”, you must take 

off your producer “watch”. By that I mean you can’t be sitting watching 

the clock and getting all nervous that you’re not going to make your day 

or you’re going to lose your light, those administrative things. It will get in 

your way and you will rush your work. Now if you know a way to completely 

forget about being a producer while you’re acting, please be sure to let me 

know. Easier said than done. 

Images courtesy of Steve Schofield 

44 


FRESH FACES | FILM 

Actress Annie Wersching is best known for her role as FBI special agent 

Renee Walker on the hit television show 24 opposite Kiefer Sutherland and 

most recently as the female lead on Amazon’s drama series Bosch which 

she juggles along with her role as “Lily” on CW’s THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. 

Wersching has previously appeared in memorable arcs on the likes of Steven 

Spielberg’s EXTANT opposite Halle Berry, BODY OF PROOF, DALLAS, and 

CASTLE, as well as guest star roles on REVOLUTION, INTELLIGENCE, and 

BLUE BLOODS. 

Wersching portrayed the powerful Amelia Joffe on ABC’s General 

Hospital. Her other television credits include Supernatural, Cold Case, 

Hawaii 5-O, Rizzoli & Isles, NCIS, CSI, Star Trek: Enterprise, Harry’s Law, 

No Ordinary Family, Frasier, and Charmed among others. 

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Wersching studied musical 

theatre at Millikin University. Upon graduation, she worked for such theatres 

as Chicago’s Victory Gardens, The Marriott Lincolnshire and the Utah 

Shakespearean Festival, as well as performing in two national tours. 

For this mother of two, Wersching is living the creative entrepreneurs 

dream and proving that you can have it all. She is seasoned veteran that 

understand the demands of her work but finds perfect balance between 

career and family life. 

Annie weRsching 

RAINE: You were the voice and motion-capture actor in the PlayStation 3 

exclusive game, The Last of Us. How different is it prepping as a motioncapture 

actress for a hit video game versus acting in front of a camera? 

WERSCHING: “The Last of Us” was such a great adventure. I had no 

prior video game or mocap experience...so it was a blast learning how it 

all worked. Instead of being in front of “a” camera...there were about 90 

cameras capturing us from all over the room! The really great thing about 

this game in particular, and Naughty Dog & Neil Druckman our director, was 

that we approached the scenes exactly as we would have in a film or in a 

play actually! I got my start in theatre, so this was very familiar to me...it was 

almost like doing theatre in the round, but we just happened to be wearing 

crazy tight, unattractive outfits with dots all over! 

RAINE: What has been the most surprising event that has happened to you 

on set while filming for TV or film? 

WERSCHING: I suppose that I’m not invincible! Turns out it is surprisingly 

hard to swim in the freezing ocean with a leather jacket & jeans on at 5am 

after 12-hours of shooting...I learned this on Season 7 of “24.” I was a 

little too eager to do everything myself! And this particular near drowning 

experience was rather eye-opening. 

Image courtesy of Udo Spreitzenbarth 

RAINE: You are very much about family. How have you managed to work 

around the demands of acting and raising a family? 

WERSCHING: It’s certainly not easy! But I feel like my hubby and I are 

both on the same page in terms of what’s important to us and we make a 

damn good team. That’s huge. You really basically take a whole year off 

for a pregnancy in this profession...which is hard. But oh so worth it!! We’ve 

both been pretty lucky to work mostly in LA., but knew that was too good 

to be true. I’ve been back and forth shooting in Atlanta for the last few 

months which is a first. Our 1-year-old has been traveling with me and my 

4-year-old has stayed in LA with Dadda. Soooo tough! But we make sure 

to see each other as often as possible and, of course, FaceTime is crucial. 

I’ve even FaceTimed for my older boy’s tee-ball practice and the baby has 

FaceTimed with our cat! Ha! 

RAINE: What one piece of advice has served you best in your career? 

WERSCHING: Of course Spencer Tracy wasn’t speaking to me directly, but 

I’ve always loved the advice - “Know your lines and don’t bump into the 

furniture.” I like to think I come to a set incredibly prepared and incredibly 

low maintenance. Maybe it’s the Midwesterner in me, but I believe a lowkey, 

hard worker is something of great value in this biz! 


FRESH FACES | FASHION 

VALERIE GATTO 

HOMETOWN: PITTSBURGH, PA 

AGENCY – MMG 

HEIGHT: 5’5’’ 

Image courtesy of Lenka Drstakova Image courtesy of Fadil Berisha 

Fun Facts: 

1. Semi-Finalist at Miss USA 2014 which was 

“LIVE” on NBC 

2. Was an English Tutor to children across Italy 

and lived with host families for a summer 

3. Top 10 marketing intern for PepsiCo and 

attended a summit at their headquarters in 

Purchase, NY 

46 


Photographer: Jason Jaskot 

MICHAEL 

ANDREIS 

HOMETOWN: SALINE, MI 

AGENCY: MAJOR MODELS 

HEIGHT: 6 FEET 

Fun Facts: 

1. In the summer my 3 favorite things are 

skateboarding, tubing and playing beach 

volleyball 

2. I’m a spirituall guy, I go to Hillsong 

church every Sunday right on 34th and 8th 

ave in NYC 

3. I took 2 years of culinary class and I 

consider myself a black belt in burger 

making 

4. I would like to own a gym in the future, 

it’s always been a dream of mine to own 

an indoor/outdoor gym facility in Miami or 

somewhere in California 


BEAUTY & FITNESS

FITNESS 

Gaining Muscle and Losing Fat at the Same Time 

By Maik Wiedenbach 

Building muscle while losing weight is the equivalent of 

Alchemy in the Middle Ages, (the cliché of medieval alchemists 

being able to “turn lead into gold”). Can one do it? At first 

glance, no. 

Gaining muscle requires a calorie surplus and 

losing fat requires a deficit. Henceforth, the two must be 

mutually exclusive. This is more or less true, expect for two 

circumstances: 

1. You are a beginner or are gaining weight back from an 

injury/illness. 

2. You are using a lot of drugs. 

By-the-way, this also means that if you are not losing weight 

while dieting it is not because you secretly built muscle but 

rather because you are still eating too much. Just saying... 

That said, this raises some interesting questions: 

How do you build muscle without gaining too much fat 

and by the same token, how do you keep the muscle while 

dieting? 

The answer to both is CULKING, a mix of bulking and 

cutting. Let me elaborate on this; in the past bodybuilders 

ate themselves silly (a.k.a. got fat) for 25 weeks just to starve 

themselves for another 20 weeks before the contest. Not 

only does this make for a year of misery it is also ineffective. 

The fatter you get the less muscle you build and the more 

you starve yourself the more muscle you lose. In the end, you 

have suffered for 45+ weeks just to look the same as the year 

before. 

Instead, I recommend having a slight caloric surplus 

(300 calories) when trying to put on muscle for three weeks 

followed by a week of dieting. This way you’ll stay lean enough 

to look fabulous and your insulin sensitivity will be increased to 

avoid fat gain. 

By the same token, if you are dieting; avoid drastic 

caloric deficits as they will lead to muscle loss and overeat 

every 10-14 days depending on leanness. 

Author and world renowned fitness expert, Maik Wiedenbach is 

changing bodies with over 10 years of award winning experience. He 

is breaking barriers and showing people the secret to getting in shape 

the correct way. 

His recent book 101 Fitness Myths tackles some of the 

common fitness myths that hold people back from getting the body 

they want and deserve. In the book, Maik gives you everything 

you need to know to turbocharge your workouts to get leaner and 

stronger—faster! 


BEAUTY 

SIMPLE HAIR SPEAKS VOLUMES 

Photographer - Milos 

Hair & make-up: Ryan Farrajota ; Model: Kathleen with Viviens Models


BEAUTY 

Bdellium tools 

Sjal Kura Intuitif Skincare 

shiseido glow enhancer primer 

Aerin eyelight concealer 

Kevyn Aucoin sensual skin Enhancer 

Mac Mineralize skinfinish powder Dark 

Bobbi Brown Natural brow sharper Rich brown 

Clé de Peau luminizing face enhancer in 13 

Illamasqua gleam supernatural 

Nars larger than life long wear eyeliner veneto-black 

Makeup for ever artist shadow orange,mimosa, mint green 

Aquatic eye shadow pencil1-22 Iridescentelectric blue 

mac fluidline blacktrack 

Josie Maran black oil mascara 

Black Opal automatic lip liner creme pencil - plumbery 

127 east vivid emotion 

FIFTY SHADES OF GLAMOUR 

Photographer: Luis Guillen 

Makeup Artist: Griselle Rosario 

Model: Olayinka Noel 












OCC beige gold shimmer,sleek regal gold, orange/gold 

shimmer, 

Loreal paris Infallible smokissime powder eyeliner pen 

brown smoke 702 



Iman luxury lip pencil Passion 

Occ liptart Manhunter 

Color Club nail laquer Fol me once 

54 












SIgma Loose shimmer and glitter set - Magic & Merriment 



Senna Doll soft innocent pink lip liner 

Guerlain kiss kiss golden girl lipstick

BEAUTY 

Photos courtesy of Zaaina Skincare 

Zaaina Skincare is a handmade, pure and natural 

skincare line. Made in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona, each 

Zaaina product is carefully handmade in small batches 

using a few but very effective ingredients like natural 

herbs, flowers, clays, fruit powders & pure essential oils. 

Inspired by simple ingredients from around 

the world, which have been used for centuries, the line 

consists of various face scrubs, toners, lip balms & dry 

face masks. 

Unique in many ways, the Zaaina Skincare 

line leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean and smelling 

amazing. Zaaina feels so strongly about promoting the 

beauty and wellness of their customers, they only use 

natural ingredients if which are free of chemicals and 

preservatives that may harm the skin. In a very short 

period of time Zaaina products have received five star 

reviews and are loved by customers across the U.S and 

around the world. 

Purvi Desai, founder and creator of Zaaina 

Skincare, is a strong believer in a healthy and natural 

lifestyle. Purvi earned her Bachelor of Science degree 

in Finance from Pennsylvania State University and has 

worked for many Fortune 500 companies for 10 years 

prior to starting Zaaina Skincare. 

A BEAUTIFUL 

CONNECTION 

WITH NATURE 

Visit www.etsy.com/shop/zaainaskincare for her full line 

of products.

FASHION TO LIVE FOR


Dress by XOXO; Bitchie 

Booties by HEART 

Hounds tooth sweater by Hera Collection; sweat 

pants by Hera Collection; shoes by Dollhouse 

THE DOUBLE LIFE OF 

AN ENTREPRENEUR 

Photographer-Lisa Ramsay 

Wardrobe Stylist-Angelina Scantlebury 

Hair Stylist-Joshua Calderon 

Make-up Artist-Aksana Abayev 

Model-Alexsandra Ziomki, RED Model Management 

58 


Box Shirt by Worthington; print sleeveless top by 

Hera Collection; trousers by Theory; hexagon coat 

by YANGieNY; shoes by Dollhouset 

Lamb leather top by YANGieNY; faux 

fur vest by XOXO; quilted pants by 

Orange; shoes by Michael Antonio

Wool Ruffle Jacket by YANGieNY; pencil skirt 

by Worthington; shoes by Michael Antoniot 

Signature Ribbon Wool Jacket by YANGieNY; 

snake skin boots by Michael Antonio 

60 


RAINEMAKER 

RAINEMAKER

Diane Guerrero 

Photographer – Vaughn Eric Stewart 

Hairstylist – Takayoshi Tsukisawa 

Wardrobe Stylist – Janet Igah 

Makeup Artist – Derek Medina 

Manicurist – Narina Chan 

Dress by Cynthia Rowley 

Necklace by bcbg max azria 

Leopard print fur coat by Michael Kors 

Sandals by Edelman 

Gold cuff by Michael Kors 

62 


I just got sick to my stomach that I wasn’t pursuing something in the 

creative arts. Then, I decided that I would give it a try. Each and every 

day I am getting over my fears and getting less and less scared. 

Actress Diane Guerrero 

is best known for her role on the hit NETFLIX series Orange is the New 

Black and more recently Jane the Virgin. Diane is quickly skyrocketing 

to the top with a new lead role opposite Charlie McDermott in Greg 

Garcia’s CBS comedy pilot Super Clyde, from CBS TV Studios as well 

as a book deal scheduled for a 2016 release. 

Born in New Jersey to Colombian parents as the only American child, 

Guerrero had her family ripped away from her at the age of 14 due to 

immigration laws. Due to fraudulent misrepresentation, Diane’s family 

was immediately deported back to their home country of Colombia, 

without warning, leaving a young Diane to fend for herself. Although, 

Guerrero faced circumstances that would test even the strongest of 

wills, her determination has led her to a path of quick success. 

RAINE: Relatively speaking, you have had a meteoric rise in the TV and 

film industry to date. What would you say has been the three single 

words that have helped you the most in terms of going after your 

dreams? 

GUERRERO: Let me start off by saying that there is a possibility I have 

absolutely no idea what I’m talking about. I have a long way to go and 

much to learn... These are some of the ideas I have formed through my 

trials and tribulations. 

#1. Persistence. You have to be willing to keep pushing forward. If 

something is not working, you have to be willing to try different ways to 

improve and achieve your goals. 

I have to work on myself every day. The entertainment business is 

about people who really want “it”. If you are not prepared, you can 

miss an opportunity. It’s a lot of sacrifice. You have to deal with yourself 

and your bad habits. I go through many moments of thinking—did I do 

everything in my power to get this? 

RAINE: What was your first break? 

GUERRERO: It really clicked when I got cast for the ABC drama “Body 

of Proof”. The audition was to pretend to fall asleep while driving and 

running over a dead body. I actually got the part, and although it was 

simple, it meant the world to me. That’s when I got a little taste of the 

work and knew that this was for me. It brought me so much happiness 

- just the idea of entering different worlds. It took me back to my 

childhood and all those wonderful feelings. It was then that I decided 

that this had to be my life. 

RAINE: Was there an agent or manager that helped you on this journey? 

GUERRERO: I started in Boston and then moved to New York. It 

was after doing a showcase that I met my manager Josh Taylor. He 

was genuine and I felt like he really understood me. In classic 1940s 

manager style he said “You’ve got moxie kid”. At least this is how I 

remember it. He may disagree. Josh has been there for me ever since 

and has guided me through this whole process. I am so grateful for him 

and this amazing team at Abrams. 

RAINE: What is the best piece of advice that someone has given you? 

GUERRERO: My friend Andrea and I always get together and discuss 

“the industry”. One day, she said something to me that stuck. “Be the 

last man standing.” It goes back to having resilience and determination. 

You have to crawl your way through all the no’s for the one yes and go 

through all the rounds. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH. 

RAINE: What are some goals that you have outside of your acting 

career? 

GUERRERO: I know it’s still an acting goal but I really want to do musical 

theater one day. I’m always on the lookout for little magic moments in 

my life and I’m a huge fan of travel and adventure, hopefully I’ll get to 

travel more. I also want to have a family of my own and live a life that 

is exemplary for others, especially for those that relate to my story. I 

believe in a better world. I want to be a part of the solution. Because 

it affects me so personally, Immigration reform in this country is on 

the top of my list. The importance to fight for Human rights and the 

environment goes without saying. This is just the beginning and there 

is much to be done. I know I have to work hard for the rest of my life 

and that is OK. 

#2. Malleable. In this industry, and life really, you have to be open and 

be able to adapt to every situation. One has to be empathetic. 

#3. Determination / Integrity. Do not give up. I set goals for myself, I 

want to be challenged. I used to say “I just want to work” and although 

that is still true, I am more conscientious about what kind of work. 

RAINE: Acting is obviously your passion, when did you first know that 

this is what you wanted to do? 

GUERRERO: Well, throughout my childhood I always wanted to be a 

performer. I liked all aspects of performing and wanted to do all of it - 

sing, dance and act. One day, at 24 years old, the lightbulb went off. 


64 


Dress by BCBG Max Azria 

Pony hair Cropped top by RN 

Shoes by Alice & Oliva 

Necklace by Kenneth Cole

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CULTURE

CULTURE 

SXSW 

SOuth by southwest 

Innovation, inspiration and creativity, shape the annual South by 

Southwest Conference & Festival (SYSW) in Austin, Texas. The SXSW 

Conferences & Festival has provided emerging artists and innovators 

with a magnificent platform to showcase their work. This unique event 

is a launch pad for all new and creative content including, independent 

film, original music and emerging technologies. By nurturing creative and 

professional growth alike, SXSW is the premier destination for discovery. 

Not only does it provide buzz-generating exposure, networking and voice 

for creative entrepreneurs, but exciting entertainment for audiences. 

The 2015 event was hosted from March 13th to March 22nd in 

Austin, Texas. The three-part event began with the 22nd annual SXSW 

Interactive Festival. The event included networking, special events, the 

SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards, SXSW Accelerator, the Gaming 

Expo, a Trade Show, SXSW Create, The Job Market, and cross-industry 

conversations with attendees from SXSW Film and SXSW Music. There 

were over 800 sessions in this event, and around 60 employers attending 

this event providing exposure and opportunity for all. 

This year’s film festival showcased hundreds of independent 

films, ranging from narrative features, documentary features, shorts, 

animated film, music videos and even short films created by Texas High 

School students. In 2014 there were 18,747 participants from 66 different 

countries. Out of 6,494 submissions, there were 247 total films screened. 

The SXSW Music Festival was on its 29th year in 2015, from 

March 17-22. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the future of the 

music industry through panels; talk’s trade shows and a music gear expo. 

At night, there were performances from regional, national and international 

talents. The Music and Media Conferences aim to educate and inspire all 

types of musicians and those who work with them. In 2014 more than 

28,000 music industry professionals and musicians attended six nights of 

music performed by over 2,300 acts. Some must see acts from this year’s 

festival included, Brandy, Elle King, Sam Hunt and Cathedrals. 

By providing a platform that allows for intellectual and creative 

intermingling the mission of SXSW is to continue to spark new ideas and 

carve the path for the future of each ever-evolving field, long after the 

events’ conclusion. 

Lady Gaga keynote interview SXSW 2014 

Image courtesy of Michael Loccisano/Getty Images 

Shep Gordon, Mike Myers and Tom Arnold 

Image courtesy of Michael Buckner 

Outdoor stage at Butler Park SXSW 2014 

Image courtesy of Tye Truitt 

Startup Spotlight at Startup Village 

Image courtesy of Vanessa Velazquez

Images courtesy of South By SouthWest 

Chelsea Clinton 

Image courtesy of SXSW 

Actor, Nicolas Cage 

Image courtesy of Michael Buckner 

Snoop Dogg & Al Bell SXSW 2014 

Image courtesy of Jordan Naylor/Getty Images 

Cesar Chavez Premier 

Image courtesy of Michael Buckne 

Tilda Swenson & Eugene Hernandez 

Image courtesy of Heather Kennedy 

Sophia Amoruso 

Image courtesy of Earl McGehee 


CULTURE 

CANNES 

FILM 

FESTIVAL 

© FDC / Lagency / Taste (Paris) / Ingrid Bergman © David Seymour / Estate of David Seymour - Magnum Photo

(L-R) Director Luc Dardenne, actress Marion Cotillard, actor Fabrizio Rongione and 

director Jean-Pierre Dardenne Festival de Cannes 2014 / 2014 Venturelli 

Catherine Deneuve Festival de Cannes 2014 

Photo © Charly HEL / Pix'HEL 

Sarah Gadon Festival de Cannes 2014 

2014 Venturelli 

Through the many years, the renowned Festival de Cannes has taken 

pride in the ever-growing independent film industry. The Festival has 

always remained faithful to its founding purpose: to draw attention 

to and raise the profile of films with the aim of contributing towards 

the development of cinema, boosting the film industry worldwide and 

celebrating cinema at an international level. 

Cannes is a competitive festival that gives room to all types 

of creative filmmakers. The Official Selection serves to highlight the 

diversity of film creation through competition in two different sections. 

The Competition section include films that are representative of 

“auteur cinema with a wide audience appeal “and Un Certain Regard, 

focuses on works that have an original aim and aesthetic. There are 

also Out of Competition Films, which include special screenings and 

Midnight Screenings, Cannes Classics, and a selection of target film 

schools. 

The 68th year of the Festival de Cannes is underway for 2015. 

Lambert Wilson will once again become the Master of Ceremonies, as 

host of this year’s Festival de Cannes. The Opening Ceremony on May 

13th will begin with Wilson welcoming the Coen brothers, Presidents 

of the 2015 Jury, to the stage of the Palais des Festivals. The Festival 

will conclude with the closing award ceremony on Sunday, May 24th. 

For the first time in history at the Festival de Cannes, 

there will be two leading figures at the head of the Jury, American 

filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen. These brothers are well known in 

the film industry. Some of their most renowned work includes, The 

Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou, No Country for Old Men, 

and Inside Llewyn Davis. On the subject, they commented, ““We 

welcome as always the opportunity to watch movies there from all 

over the world. Cannes is a festival that has been important to us 

since the very beginning of our career. Presiding over the Jury is 

a special honor, since we have never heretofore been president of 

anything. We will issue further proclamations at the appropriate time.” 

Year after year creative diverse minds are showcased on the 

big screen. The Festival de Cannes maintains a solid connection with 

its past, while ever evolving towards the industry’s future. 


CULTURE 

TRIBECA 

FILM 

FESTIVAL 

72 


Images courtesy of Tribeca Film Festival 

The season for festivals has arrived and the Tribeca Film Festival is one 

you do not want to miss! Based in Tribeca, New York, Tribeca Film is 

dedicated to acquiring and marketing independent films across multiple 

platforms, including theatrical, video-on-demand, digital, home video 

and television. 

The 14th annual Tribeca Film Festival will take place April 15- 

26. There are so may notable and exciting events anticipated for this 

year’s festival. In February it was announced that the world premiere of 

the documentary Live From New York! would open the 2015 Festival on 

Wednesday the 15th. After 40 years of influencing the American story, 

this film explores “Saturday Night Live” in its early years and follows its 

evolution into a comedy institution, and the shows influence on modern 

pop culture. 

This year’s Festival will include, the Tribeca Film Festival Artist 

Awards Program, sponsored by CHANEL. Eight contemporary artists 

will donate original work to be presented to the filmmakers whose films 

are selected by the jury as winners in their respective categories. A free 

exhibition of the work will also be open to the public. In the words of 

co-founder of The Tribeca Film Festival, “These awards are a unique 

Tribeca Tradition,” she says, “The Festival has always been about artists 

supporting one another, no matter what their medium is. Along with 

Chanel, we are looking forward to honoring our prize winning filmmakers 

with some of the finest art work that is being created and sharing it at 

the gallery exhibit at our new hub.” 

The Tribeca Film Festival, features films from narratives, 

documentary to shorts from all over the world. Creative minds also have 

the opportunity to converse with top filmmakers and industry leaders at 

the Tribeca Talks Series. Some of those individuals include, Christopher 

Nolan with Bennett Miller, George Lucas with Stephen Colbert, Cary 

Fukunaga with James Schamus, and Brad Bird with Janeane Garofalo, 

to name a few. 

Although it is not all film, all kinds of art is celebrated and 

talked about through the 2015 Innovation Programming, featuring, 

digital interactive storytelling, virtual reality, gaming and conversations 

on technology and issues shaping today’s creative community. 


CULTURE 

AN EPIC 

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Photos courtesy of Kimpton Properties 

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Beach visitor. 

74 


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Oceanís edge along 200 feet of 

oceanfront property in the heart 

of the Art Deco District in South 

Beach on historic Collins Avenue. 

With direct beach access, this 

newly and fully renovated hotel 

offers visitors to this fashionable 

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yet worldly guest experience 

within a ìbackyard blissî designdriven 

environment. 


EPIC, a lifestyle, boutique waterfront hotel, is located in vibrant downtown 

Miami at the edge of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. EPIC combines 

the timeless style of a cosmopolitan boutique hotel with the amenities of 

a resort to create a sophisticated recreation oasis for guests amidst the 

energy and pulse of Miami. 

76 


CULTURE 

Images courtesy of Marc Cartwright 

MARIA C ANALS-B ARRERA 

Maria Canals-Barrera star of the hit ABC 

show Cristela, is best known for her role in 

the Emmy Award Winning Disney Channel 

series Wizards of Waverly Place, a role 

which earned her two ALMA Awards and an 

Imagen Award. She most recently appeared 

on screen in Universal Pictures’ Larry 

Crowne directed by Tom Hanks and starring 

Hanks and Julia Roberts. Canals-Barrera 

has also appeared in Disney’s Camp Rock 

franchise, Nickelodeon’s Brothers Garcia, 

and voices the character ‘Hawkgirl’ in the 

animated series The Justice League. 

In 2014, the NCLR ALMA Awards, 

honored Maria as one of the “ALMA’s 15/Los 

Quinces,” recognizing Maria as one of the 

leading Latinos, celebrating diversity and 

the inclusion in American entertainment and 

media. Maria has also worked extensively in 

theater and in 1996 she was nominated for 

an Ovation Award for her performance in the 

stage play Changes of Heart. Maria has also 

lent her voice to several animated series 

including being the voice of “Hawkgirl” in the 

animated series “The Justice League” and 

“Sunset Boulevardez” in Disney Channel’s 

acclaimed series “The Proud Family.” 

When Maria isn’t acting you can 

find her in Los Angeles where she resides 

with her husband and two children, playing 

the part of a real mom. 

RAINE: What has been the most rewarding 

part of your career to date? 

CANALS-BARRERA: I really love having the 

opportunity of bringing enjoyment into the 

lives of other people. 

RAINE: How does your current role as 

Daniela Gonzalez in the hit series Cristela 

differ from your real personality? 

CANALS-BARRERA: As Daniela, she is 

more of an avoider in order to keep the 

peace and I am more of a confronter and 

straightforward. Honestly, she is more 

similar than different, but that little difference 

is a fun challenge. 

RAINE: What was the most surprising event 

that has happened to you on set while 

filming? 

CANALS-BARRERA: I was filming the movie 

Larry Crowne with Tom Hanks—it was pretty 

amazing to be in one room with Tom Hanks, 

Julia Roberts and in walks Tim Allen to say 

“hi.” 

RAINE: What were some challenges you 

faced while building your portfolio as an 

actress? 

CANALS-BARRERA: Not having the chance 

to show all of my skills as an actor. I have 

done so many theatrical performances and 

still there is television, which is not as open 

for a minority actor to do anything. The 

challenge has been to just do everything that 

I can do. There is so much more that I am 

looking forward to doing. In the meantime, 

I am very grateful but it would be nice to be 

seen in more roles. 


78 


RAINE: How important to you was 

it that one of your biggest awards 

not only celebrated your talent 

but also your heritage as a Latino 

American? 

CANALS-BARRERA: It was very 

nice, actually it was wonderful—I 

love who I am. My parents are 

from Cuba and unfortunately 

could not go back to the country 

they loved. Growing up, there was 

a huge amount of pride for being 

Cuban and also a lot of love for 

America. I feel like I have had the 

best of it all. I had my culture and 

the American Dream if I worked 

hard, so to be acknowledged for 

my talent and recognized for my 

heritage was wonderful. 

RAINE: Acting is obviously your 

passion, when did you first know 

that this is what you wanted to 

do? 

CANALS-BARRERA: I think it was 

in high school when I realized I 

needed to decide on a career. I 

knew that I always loved it (acting) 

and it was a passion that I wanted 

to follow. It’s funny but I didn’t 

have any formal training, I did all 

my acting in school—it was a fun 

outlet. 

As a senior in high school 

is when I started to get really 

serious. I just remember how much 

fun being on stage was, it was like 

a dream or a crazy fantasy and 

not like work. During that time an 

actress friend told me that I should 

audition for the University of 

Miami for a scholarship. So I took 

her advice and auditioned and I 

got the scholarship. It was at that 

moment that I really decided that 

I was going to do it. I was going 

to do what I love. My parents and 

brothers and sisters have always 

been very supportive. 

RAINE: You are very much about 

family. How do you balance your 

career around family? 

CANALS-BARRERA: Realizing 

that real life is more important than 

fantasy. I love my job and love 

being committed to it, but what 

is most important is reality and 

realizing the effect on my children 

if I have to work and be away from 

them for six months—that’s what 

is important. We are so blessed 

that we are able to do what we 

love. It is a crazy business and 

you can’t put your faith in this 

business, you have to put your 

faith in God. It is such a hard 

business to begin with especially 

if you are not grounded. I want to 

be there for those that mean the 

most to me—my family. 


CULTURE 

Chloë Bellande 

Photographer Alain Dahant 

Chloë Bellande is a Canadian Film Director and Founder of Blue 

Infinity Films. She recently produced and directed the film Will Of 

Fortune. 

Chloë has also served as a juror in 3 Canadian film festivals 

in 2014, and conducted seminars on film distribution, how to 

prepare for a film market, and how to succeed as an independent 

filmmaker. Chloë as well as her latest project are both on the rise. 

Following its World Premiere at the 67th Cannes Film 

Festival, and Canadian premiere at the 2014 Quebec Comiccon, 

the short film Will Of Fortune, is based on real-life criminal cases. 

The film had four screenplay nominations in the US, ranking in the 

top finalists at the Beverly Hills International Film Festival, the Holly 

Shorts Screenplay competition, the World Series of Screenwriting 

competition and the Richmond International Film Festival, where 

both the movie and the script received nominations. 

Shot in New York City in winter 2014, the movie follows the 

real-life murder trial of Susan Wright, Texas housewife convicted for 

the 1st degree murder of her husband whom she stabbed nearly 200 

times. Bellande’s film depicts two parallel acts: a group of outlaws 

debating on the Susan Wright case and a vigilante who decides to 

take justice into his own hands. With a cast of 11 actors from New 

York City, the movie expresses the different opinions of society on 

criminal rehabilitation. 

Controversial dramas and twisted-endings thrillers have 

always been Bellande’s niche. Will Of Fortune is her first Canadian- 

American production. Line Producer Dawid Pypec, and Executive 

Producer Joshua Friedman conducted the two-day production. Will 

of Fortune is Bellande’s 2nd movie screened at the Cannes Film 

Festival, as her last movie While the Village Sleeps also was accepted 

at the World’s largest film gathering in 2013, and won prestigious 

awards and accolades across the US. 

About Blue Infinity Films© 

Blue Infinity Films is a Canadian independent 

film corporation registered since 2008 and 

owned by Chloë Bellande. For a complete 

filmography and list of awards, please 

visitwww.blueinfinityfilms.com 

80 


CULTURE 

JOURNEY TO THE GAME OF THRONES: CROATIA 

Images courtesy of Adriatic Luxury Journeys 

Perhaps the only thing more exciting the jawdropping 

plot twists and lovably dislikable 

characters on Game of Thrones are the 

stunning landscapes of ‘Westeros’ – all real-life 

destinations shot on-location. 

Of course, the only thing better than 

seeing these dreamy castles and coastal 

sunsets on the silver screen is experiencing 

them live. Adriatic Luxury Journeys (www. 

adriaticluxury.com), a bespoke tour operator 

specializing in personalized luxury journeys to 

Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania 

and Italy, has announced a seven-day “Game 

of Thrones in Croatia” tour highlighting key 

locations from Season 5 along with popular 

sites from seasons past. 

The journey starts at Diocletian’s 

Palace, a 1,700-year-old castle once home to 

a Roman emperor, in the heart of Split. There, 

a local English-speaking guide with first-hand 

knowledge of filming locations will lead guests 

through the narrow walkways at the Fortress of 

Klis – the same halls that Daenarys Targaryen 

walked before chaining her dragon. The tour 

continues through other key filming locations in 

Croatia, including Trsteno (the country’s oldest 

arboretum, which become the gardens of Kings 

Landing on Game of Thrones), and Dubrovnik, 

home of the old city walls attacked by the 

Baratheons in Season 1 and the Lovrijenac 

Fortress, site of the Battle of Blackwater. 

The seven-day “Game of Thrones in Croatia” 

tour starts at $1,495 per person and includes 

all tours with local English speaking guides, 

private transfers with a knowledgeable Englishspeaking 

chauffeur, breakfast daily and 

accommodations at luxury hotels. Adventurers 

and culture enthusiasts can customize their 

experience by adding guided tours to the 

neighboring countries of Slovenia, Montenegro, 

Bosnia, Albania and Italy, or additional cities in 

Croatia, from the historic city of Zadar to the 

cosmopolitan capital of Zagreb. 


82 



CULTURE 

A PARKWEST GALLERY FEATURED ARTIST 

Peter Max emerged as a powerful force in the Art World as 

an American illustrator and graphic artist with paintings on 

exhibition in hundreds of museums and galleries worldwide, 

Peter Max and his vibrant colors have become part of the 

fabric of contemporary culture. 

His work speaks for itself as a part of the American 

pop-culture scene influencing generations of art enthusiasts. 

In addition to being called a Pop Icon, Max has been 

successively called, Neo Fauvist, Abstract Expressionist and 

the United States “Painter Laureate.” The artist has had the 

distinct honor of painting the last seven Presidents of the 

United States and the world’s best loved celebrities, among 

them the young sensation Taylor Swift. 

So much could be said about Peter Max as an artist, 

but what comes across very clear is his immense love for 

American culture, and appreciation for the various art forms 

that have influenced his work. 

RAINE: How has living in Paris influenced your art? 

MAX: Well, I got influences from Paris, but also from 

everywhere—I was so lucky. When I was a little boy, maybe 

2 or 3 years old, although he was very successful business 

man, my father used to draw a little bit. I thought I would fiddle 

around with drawing too and he liked it. I remember one day 

my mother got me these crayons, and to the left of where my 

father used to sit was a very big beautiful peach wall. I took 

my crayons and I went to draw on the wall, and my mother 

said, “no, no, don’t draw on the wall,” and my father said, 

“no, no let him.” He encouraged me. Thus, I drew and added 

to it every day and after four or five days, it was maybe ten 

feet wide. When anyone came to the house, my mother would 

show it off, and this built me up. It developed my love for art 

and being recognized for it. 

RAINE: When you think of your art now, how does it influence 

present day art or the perception of the world? 

MAX: Well you know it is interesting, we are living today of 

course in an age of media—media is all around us. You can’t 

go out of your house without being touched by media. As you 

walk out outside there are newspapers on the doorstep. As 

you go further there are cars with advertising on them. You go 

to the corner and there is a guy selling 40 different newspapers 

and perhaps 60 or 80 magazines. You go to your television set 

and you’ve got like about 1000 different channels. 

When I was a little kid living in China, we got our first 

radio and there were two or three Chinese stations. One day, 

I turned up the radio, and they were playing American music 

and I asked my mother, “what is that,” and my mother said, 

“oh, it’s an American station,” and after that, I went to that 

station every day. That was when I fell in love with American 

culture! 

Then American soldiers came to Shanghai. My 

father had a tenant who had a 19 year old daughter and the 

word was out, and people were talking about how she was 

going out with an American soldier. Then I saw him pick up 

the girl, and I guess he took her out and she introduced me 

84 


to him. I remember that the 

guy was chewing gum, and he 

said to me, “hey kid, what’s 

happening!” I just liked the way 

he talked to me, it sounded so 

cool! that was when I fell in love 

with American soldiers and all 

the style that they had and the 

freedom they represented. I 

became the biggest American 

fan ever. 

Also, my friend’s father 

owned a Chinese theatre and he 

converted it into a movie theatre, 

so I would watch movies, three 

or five days a week. I would 

go every day to the movies. I 

love American culture, I would 

watch Lionel Hampton and 

Betty Goodman, I enjoyed the 

way they would play music as 

well as American jazz. I was 

just completely taken away by 

what came out of this beautiful 

country called America—jazz, 

bee-bop and blues. 

Photos courtesy of Peter Max 

RAINE: How do you think your 

art is influencing American 

Culture? 

PETER MAX: It is right there 

with the music (talking about 

his art)! I was very lucky, when 

I was fairly young; I was maybe 

23 years old when Life Magazine 

did a cover of me and it had 11 

pages inside. Since Life Magazine, from 

when I was 23 until today, I have had 

2600 magazine covers. 

RAINE: What is your point of inspiration? 

MAX: All that has to happen is that I 

have this wish and will to be creative. I 

put the canvas on the easel, I open my 

paints and there I am. I have a bunch 

of brushes and the music begins playing 

and I just go at it. I don’t even plan what 

to do. You know it’s like dancing on the 

floor, you don’t know what steps to take 

and what you will be doing five minutes 

from now. You just go at it and let it 

happen. 

RAINE: What are some of your other 

interests? 

MAX: I am very much into creativity, color, 

composition and yoga—meditation. I 

love all of that stuff! 


CULTURE 

RITVA WESTENIUS WOWS! 

Leading British Bridal Designer Ritva Westenius has been in the 

forefront of bridal couture for nearly 40 years in which time she has 

grown to iconic status. Ritva has become the symbol of British style 

by opening the way to innovative and artistic interpretation of Wedding 

Fashion. 

Born and educated in Finland, then in Sweden, France and 

the UK where she graduated with BA hons degree in London University. 

Paris then beckoned when an opportunity arose for her to enter behind 

the scenes of famous Couture Houses and experience high fashion in 

the making, which truly fired a smouldering interest in luxury couture. 

On returning to UK Ritva Westenius launched her own luxury 

couture wedding gown collection in the West End of Central London in 

1977, 

Ritva Westenius focuses on timeless, elegant styles, which 

is about high quality couture Wedding Dresses in exquisite fabrics 

and beautiful cut. Ritva is using her own creative ideas, favouring, 

tasteful designs with clean lines that are understated, yet glamorous 

while keeping an eye on modern trends. She is known for meticulous 

construction, skilled craftsmanship, beautiful Italian and French fabrics 

and lace, and exquisite beading. 

Chenca Williams, her daughter joined Ritva Westenius 

12 years ago and during that time has absorbed all the invaluable 

knowledge and skills required to become a professional Co-Designer/ 

Director, after a brilliant previous career as Principal Ballet Dancer in 

the Royal Ballet for 25 years! 

Chenca has brought her own creative vision and directional 

style to the Ritva Westenius collections and as you would expect 

Chenca is passionate and flamboyant and this can be seen in her 

designs, inspired by movement and dance. Brides looking for a red 

carpet moment will find purely indulgent styles with high fashion 

powerful dresses that whisper sophistication and glamour. 

RAINE: Who is the Ritva Westenius woman? 

C. WESTENIUS: Women with their own sense of worth & confidence in 

their ability to dress to enhance their own unique beauty. 

RAINE: Chenca after a successful career as a Principal Ballet Dancer, 

what moved you to work with your mother at Ritva Westenius? 

C. WESTENIUS: To be truthful I was at a loss what to do after having 

danced from the age of 2 & one forgets there is a real world out there 

that one has not been a part of ! I couldn’t imagine myself not being 

in a creative environment, therefore how could I not work with such a 

talented Designer with the bonus of being my Mother?! I really am very 

Images courtesy of Ritva Westenius 

86 


lucky to have been given the opportunity & to have been trained by her 

with all her invaluable techniques & workmanship over the decades! 

Experience is the key to longevity! 

RAINE: How would you say your sense of design differs from that of 

your mother? 

C. WESTENIUS: I work more with the feel & movement of fabrics & how 

designs can change your personality & how they make you feel when 

wearing them- very much like when you play a character on stage your 

costume helps you! 

RAINE: As a creative entrepreneur where do you draw your inspiration 

from? 

C. WESTENIUS: Virtually everything surrounding one in life…it may 

be a picture, the sky, a tree, a flower, an idea during an appointment, 

history, ballet, music, art & my constant never sleeping brain which has 

zillions of creations ready to be created all the time! 

RAINE: What are the foreseeable challenges facing your brand, and 

what steps are you taking now to successfully navigate those potential 

obstacles? 

C. WESTENIUS: Counterfeits- fake websites selling your designs with 

your photographs using their water marks- 2nd hand websites- in fact 

anything that seems “to be to good to be true on line, IS!!!!!” 

R. WESTENIUS: We have not released photographs online for the last 

2 collections. 

R. WESTENIUS: We are part of the UK Bridal Industry which is actively 

closing down “Fake” websites everyday 

R. WESTENIUS: We also suggest reading “Brides Beware” set up on 

Face Book by the Industry 

C. WESTENIUS: On the positive we are using other media platforms 

which we can control & engage with potential Brides to show our 

designs! 

RAINE: To what do you credit your longevity and your ability to navigate 

the cycle of ups and downs that the industry is known for? 

C. WESTENIUS: Ritva’s Finnish roots of purity of design with an eye for 

good clean well cut lines which never date! “Timeless” 

RAINE: As an entrepreneur, what has been your biggest challenge and 

what steps did you take to successfully reach your goals? 

C. WESTENIUS: I am still taking steps every day as the goal post 

moves forward all the time! I have many more goals yet to reach in my 

lifetime!!!! 

RAINE: What one piece of business advice would you offer budding 

entrepreneurs that has helped you more than any other advice? 

C. WESTENIUS: Believe in your own uniqueness. Believe in your own 

creativity. Believe in your Designs. Believe in truth. But most importantly 

be honest & treat mankind with respect. 


CULTURE 

Images courtesy of Pico Jewelry 

RISING TO NEW 

HEIGHTS WITH 

PICO JEWELRY 

Pico Jewelry, a family owned and operated fine jewelry brand 

headquartered in New York City, has been dazzling its clientele with 

elegant and sophisticated jewelry collections since 1976. The owners, 

Anthony Platyan and Victor Bukucuyan, discovered their passions 

for the jewelry world shortly after entering into the business as young 

apprentices. Their dreams of founding and operating a unique jewelry 

store were realized when they opened the doors of Pico! 

With their humble origins as Armenians born in Istanbul, 

Anthony and Victor travel all over the world to find and bring the finest 

diamonds and exotic colored gems to their clients. Alongside their 

professional staff of jewelers, these gentlemen pride themselves on 

running an establishment that prioritizes honest, expedient and friendly 

customer service as well as the superb craftsmanship of jewelry. 

For inquiries please contact: picojewelry@gmail.com 

88 



CULTURE 

Ny Fashion Week 

Zang Toi | www.houseoftoi.com 

An icon. That’s all that needs to be said about Zang Toi. At the close of the September show, one of the photographers on the media riser shouted out 

“ladies and gentlemen, it doesn’t get any better” and that pretty much sums how many feel about the Zang Toi. This season the House Of Toi presented 

a Venice-inspired show in two acts; a fashion night at the opera if you will. Instead of his usual use of bold colors, the palette this time featured bronze 

and black. 

Images courtesy of Jason Jaskot 

Venexiana | www.venexianaltd.com 

Kati Stern’s Venexiana never really changes, but it doesn’t have to: she always goes big, beautiful and blown out. This is evening wear with bombast. As 

always the show was no holds barred; punk rock remixes blared as gown after gown was sent down the runway. Stern always takes a nice victory lap at 

the end of her shows walking right up to the media riser, fitting for a collection with rock star grandeur. 

90 


Mister Triple X | www.shop.mistertriplex.com 

Leading off the Art Hearts Fashion show, the program for Mister Triple X invited the audience to “follow the brand down the rabbit hole” with a funky, 

fanciful collection featuring plenty of the brand’s trademark edge: chest straps, oversize gold chains and blonde wigs paired up with otherwise wearable 

jackets and patterned pants. Everything was accented with shoes from Sperry Top-Sider, and the grand finale let those rabbits out of the hole as the 

models did their final walk with black bunny ears. 

Naomi Campell’s Fashion For Relief: This year Naomi Campell’s Fashion For Relief raised awareness about the still-ongoing threat of Ebola in 

Africa. The show started with a brief speech from actor Jeffrey Wright, and what followed was thrilling, even for the most jaded: a star-studded runway 

presentation that featured Kelly Osbourne, NeNe Leaks, Rosario Dawson and of course Campell herself. Last but not least came Mary J. Blige, and that 

was game over. Also representing here was Chantelle Brown-Young, the former Next Top Model contestant with pigment disorder Vitiligo who proudly 

beamed positive energy down the runway.

CULTURE 

VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK 

DESIGNER – HAVENEY 

For her F/W ’15 collection, Designer Marie-Laetitia Rossazza accentuated the femininity that flows throughout her hand-made creations, which 

are both chic and elegant. Influenced by minimalist art, there was a modernity that was ever present in Rossazza’s pieces that was subtly sexy 

with global appeal. 

Images courtesy of Vancouver Fashion Week 

DESIGNER – ILOVECHOC 

China’s street style fashion brand with a focus on love and youthfulness. This season’s designs are a combination of standard-defying, abstract 

new perspectives, while highlighting a trendy attitude. 

92 


DESIGNER: Paola Gamero 

Paola Gamero designs epitomize the look and feel of femininity. The handmade embroidery, jewels, lace and silk are elements are designed 

to exalt the delicacy of women. For her collection Gamero harmoniously marries a strong sense for detailing with romantic appeal that never 

comes across as too much. Gamero manages to perfectly focus on what it really means to be a woman. 

DESIGNER – Noe Bernacelli 

Peruvian designer, Noe Bernacelli is always a crowd favorited on the runway as well as the international scene. His designs are that of a creative 

savant and strategist that appeal to the most over-the-top taste. While his attention to details are second to none. For his F/W ’15 collection 

Bernacelli continued to raise the bar, filling the runway with the most luxurious fabrics and delicate lace in romantic colors that were alluring to 

the eyes of on-lookersBest,

CULTURE 

The Smell of 

Sweet Success 

When Paris Hilton calls, the industry 

listens! In March the savvy business maven 

held an intimate press breakfast to a room 

of industry insiders at the ultra-lux, newly 

opened Baccarat Hotel in New York City. 

What was on this serial 

entrepreneur’s mind? For starters, the Style 

Icon marked the 10th year anniversary 

of her fragrance line by unveiling Paris 

Hilton Limited Anniversary Edition for 

Women. If being in business for 10 years 

wasn’t enough hype, the seriously sexy 

heiress styled in a studded Philip Lim 

blazer, touted the fact that she has done 

over $2 billion in sales over her 10 years 

with international distributor of prestige 

products, Parlux. With that kind of revenue 

driving her brand, you get a true sense 

for the strategic tenacity that Ms. Hilton 

employs to maintain her growing empire. 

#NaysayersBeGone! 

Paris Hilton Limited Anniversary 

Edition Photo“I’m thrilled to celebrate 10 

years,” Hilton says, “I keep getting requests 

all over the world for more fragrances and 

so I’m happy to keep creating them. Paris 

Hilton for Women was an obvious choice 

for the Limited Anniversary Edition as it 

was my first fragrance when I was 23 and 

will always be very special to me.” 

“Paris’ commitment to her 

fragrance portfolio and the authenticity 

she brings to each and every facet of the 

creative process is a direct reflection of 

its global appeal and success,” stated 

Angela Budd, VP of Marketing and Brand 

Development for Parlux Fragrances LLC. 

“Her energy and clear strategic vision, 

coupled with her tireless work ethic and 

enthusiasm, make her an incredible partner 

for Parlux.” 

Images courtesy of Miller PR 

94 



A LOVE FOR 

THE GRIND 

Photographer: Maurizio Melozzi 

Hair and makeup :Lara Ognibene, Nicoletta Conteduca 

Models: Madara Statkus, Charlye Austin, Ivana Mrazova, 

Vanda Veckoca

CULTURE 

In My Own Words 

By JennyLyn Gleave 

Growing up in Mabaruma, a very tiny place on the border of what used to be 

British Guyana, now Republic of Guyana and Venezuela, I felt out of place. It 

is what one would call a sleepy town where most young women got married 

early and settled into family life. 

However for me, that was not enough. My parents were not 

Guyanese, my mother is a native of Grenada and my father was from 

Lebanon. I am a descendant of multi-ethnic parents so I figured that has a lot 

to do with the way I am wired, always reaching beyond the horizon. 

I naturally believed if you can dream it it can be done. I have a 

absolute faith in God, and because I know he strengthens me, I have been 

able to accomplish things that even I am in awe of. 

I moved to the California 30 years ago with my husband and when I 

first arrived here, I was completely overwhelmed. That was a long time ago. I 

now have two daughters who are successful college graduates who live and 

work in San Francisco. After my divorce my life was challenging, I was not 

prepared to deal with the real world on my own. Again my belief in “it can be 

done” and “God is always with me” got me to where I am today. 

I went back to work and gained experience doing high tech, 

marketing in the medical field, working for a magazine and doing some 

event planning. I also worked in the cosmetic industry setting up clinics and 

managing them. 

In addition I started my own successful TV show where I interview inspiring 

leaders to encourage people regardless of their socio-economic situations to 

make the best choices for their lives. 

I enjoyed most of my jobs but loved the medical cosmetic industry 

and producing television shows the most which is where the idea to marry 

the two originated. So a friend and I did decided to open a medical cosmetic 

clinic in Cupertino California which we named: Eternal Beauty Skin and Laser. 

I feel it will be a huge success for many reasons: 

1. We live in the Silicon Valley, where most high tech companies are located. 

Since the recession has greatly affected the working class here, some older 

people who were/are seeking employment turned to non-surgical procedures 

to enhance their appearance. 

2. Social Media is accessible to most people today and shows like the 

Kardashians create a trend for a lot of people who want to look like them 

as well as other celebrities that may influence them. As a result, people will 

spend money in cosmetic medical spas because we offer similar outcomes 

to “face lifts” that are non surgical, no down time, and easy maintenance that 

result in a more youthful appearance 

3. Medical Spas are capable of performing medical treatments like injecting 

botox and tightening of the skin. We often have affiliated doctors and 

dermatologists for taking care of those requirements of our clients. We offer 

complete skin problem solutions and different spa therapies along with 

advanced skin rejuvenating therapies, all of which make us popular. 

“In a nut shell” we have built an exceptional Medical Spa where we plan to 

provide all of the above and more. It will also house a room dedicated to 

television production, which we are calling “Our TV studio.” We plan to make 

our own cosmetic snippets which we will use for education related to the 

field, as well as videos for marketing. I am someone for whom the “box” does 

not exist. I am always looking for unique cutting edge ways to be different 

and to set new trends. 

Images courtesy of Eliza Ranjeet 

98 


IMAGE COURTESY OF PETER MAX 

A PARKWEST GALLERY FEATURED ARTIST. 

WWW.PARKWESTGALLERY.COM

RAINE MAGAZINE | Newsletter April 2015

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