Fall Fitness 2010

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

You’ve finally got that summer body you have always wanted. Nevertheless, just because swimsuit season is coming to a close does not mean that you have to fall right back into your old routine. Simply follow Runway’s ten simple steps that can easily be incorporated into your already healthy lifestyle, and you’ll be able to keep your body bikini ready year‐round.

1.) Eat a High Fiber Breakfast: Don’t even think about skipping breakfast this morning. In fact, why not indulge? Make your mornings something to look forward to with a homemade fruit, yogurt and high fiber cereal parfait. Perhaps you would rather make your own whole‐wheat pancakes, packed with flax seed and wheat germ? Either option is incredibly delicious, and will most importantly stick with you throughout even the most hectic mornings. When you choose to skip breakfast, it is much more likely that you will snack throughout the day. Fiber allows us to feel fuller for longer periods and slows down the onset of hunger. Not only is fiber filling, it is also helpful in the protecting our bodies against heart disease, diabetes and even certain cancers.

2.) Switch Out Coffee for Tea: Not only is green tea refreshing but it also has many health benefits that even include the ability to enhance fat burning. The caffeine in green tea is also known to cause metabolic changes in the body, which ideally burns more calories. How could tea possibly satisfy a morning coffee craving? Think outside the foam and kick it up a notch. Try to amp up this healthy drink by adding a dash of cinnamon or even flavored soymilk. With these simple modifications you will easily satisfy your need for a morning pick‐me‐up.

3.) Freshen Up: Not only is a minty fresh breath an absolute turn on, but it also keeps us from snacking in‐between meals. Be sure to always keep a piece of sugar-free gum handy whenever those tantalizing office snacks make their way into the office break room. Moreover, gum has the perfect amount of sweetness to satisfy your sugar craving. Some would even ague that chewing gum also helps curb our appetites. Fresh breath is also a crucial necessity for another calorie burning activity, kissing! Kissing can burn around five calories per minute. While that may not be much, it is a fun way to cut a few extra calories from your day!

4.) Get up and Move: Sometimes, even the most basic alterations in our daily routine can make a difference. Instead of waiting for the elevator, take the stairs. Choose a parking space that requires more of a walk. Get out of bed and walk around during a long phone call. Play with your kids, wash your car or even mow the lawn. Any form of excess movement can work to your advantage. Even fidgeting will increase the amount of calories burnt daily. Take the time to become more conscious of your movements, and do not just settle for the easy way out.

5.) Flavor your Healthy Foods with Healthy Alternatives: Surprisingly enough, spices and herbs are some of the healthiest options out there. Garlic and cinnamon are two flavorful ingredients that are also known to be excellent sources of antioxidants. Ginger is known to help decrease water retention, and sooth nausea. Cayenne pepper is loaded with many necessary vitamins and minerals and may also speed up your metabolism. Instead of reaching for the heavy cream in the kitchen, opt for some of these spices and give your dish a taste lift that is packed with nutrients.

6.) Create an On the Go Workout Routine: Whatever workout routine you choose should be perfect for a long day at the office or even an activity-filled vacation. Make some time to do crunches, sit‐ups, push‐ups, step‐ups or lunges wherever possible. Incorporate a core workout between commercial breaks of your favorite show. Find time to take a light jog during a family beach outing. A combination of any of these workouts should make you feel less guilty for taking a day off from the gym.

7.) Don’t be Afraid of Healthy Fats and Protein: Women often hide from protein because they believe it will cause them to bulk up instead of slim down. However, protein and healthy fats are crucial in long‐term weight loss success. Much like fiber, both protein and healthy fats help fight off hunger by making you feel full longer. This is simply because protein takes the body more time to digest, and fat digestion requires the most amount of energy. Proteins help fuel our body, but most importantly, protein assists our body with muscle repair. Healthy fats like avocados, olive oil and salmon are jam-packed with nutrients that help promote optimal heart health. Studies show that certain fats can even help lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure. There is no need to completely avoid these healthy foods just because are high in calories.

8.) Invest In Some Toning Shoes: Muscle toning shoes may not be the answer to all of your exercise problems, but they are certainly are an improvement from the standard sneaker. These shoes were created to help enhance the owner’s posture, core and balance. Toning shoes are the perfect companions for a day at the park or even a trip to the mall. They also help reduce the amount of stress placed on your knee and hip joints during regular physical activity. The best part about this product is that minimal effort is needed to see results.

9.) Add Intervals to your Workout: Instead of maintaining the same speed and intensity throughout the duration of your cardio workout, try adding intense intervals to maximize results. For example, after 30 minutes of cardio find time to do ten sets of sprints with short breaks in between. Once you have reached the 30-minute mark of your cardio workout, your body automatically shifts into fat burning mode. The sooner you do these sprints after your run, the more evident your results will be. You can also incorporate sprints into your workout. For instance, if you are riding a stationary bike, alternate between three minutes of intense pedaling and two minutes at a slower pace for 30 minutes straight. This workout strategy will allow you to lose three times more body fat than biking at a steady pace for the same amount of time.

10.) Sleep One Extra Hour Each Night: The right amount of sleep is the most important thing one can do to say fit. Our bodies repair itself while we sleep and allow us to obtain the ideal amount of energy to take on each and every day. When our bodies miss out on sleep, our hormones are thrown out of whack. These hormones affect our bodies – our energy use and even appetite. The less you sleep, the more likely you are to break your diet or skip the gym. After all your hard work, find time to give your body the rest it deserves.

Michael B Jordan

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

Known most recently for his portrayal of Vince Howard on the critically-acclaimed Friday Night Lights, Jordan has an acting career that spawns nearly a decade. He can be seen in films like Hardball, but is best known for his performances in television shows like The Wire and All My Children. He broke new ground as the youngest African American to be contracted for an ABC Network daytime drama in a role that earned him the 2005, 2006 and 2007 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Male Actor in a Television Daytime Drama Series.” Up-coming projects include George Lucas’s highly anticipated Red Tails and the drama/comedy Pastor Brown. With an impressive resume, coveted good looks and remarkable talent, Jordan will continue to dominate Hollywood. Runway Magazine: What prompted you to get into acting? Michael B. Jordan: I got into the business when I was about 10 or 11-years-old and started off doing print work. That slowly turned into commercial auditions and then the love of acting kicked in. My mom, a stage mom for sure, took off work to drive me to auditions in New York. She started me off. It’s been a beautiful uphill journey ever since.

RM: You’ve starred in some pretty well known TV shows and movies including Hardball and most recently Friday Night Lights. What have these experiences been like for you?

MBJ: Working on shows like The Wire and Friday Night Lights helped me grow a lot. Being around such talented actors at a young age gave me a front row seat to what real television was all about.

RM: What is your favorite part of being famous?

MBJ: I really don’t consider myself famous, but the more people keep telling me they are enjoying my work, it makes me feel good to know they appreciate the effort I put into it. BUT when in rome….you get free clothes and gear from dope companies like NIKE (shout out!) [laughs].

RM: What is your most memorable show business moment?

MBJ: Hands down would have to be season one of HBO’s The Wire, when Wallace got shot and killed by Bodie and Poot. I have grown men coming up to me these days saying, “Man, you had me cryin’ when they shot you. Where’s Wallace?” [Laughs] I had a lot of fun working on that show.

RM: You have a role in the much-anticipated film Red Tails. Can you tell me a little about the film and your roll in it?

MBJ: Red Tails is about the Tuskegee Airmen and their missions flown duringWW2. I play flight officer Maurice Wilson “Bumps” and he is fresh out of flight school and is determined to prove he’s ready to fight.

RM: When you’re not busy acting, what do you like to do in your spare time?

MBJ: Cooking. I love food, so eating is one of my favorite past times. I love basketball too, go figure. I play in the E League, formally the NBA Entertainment League, out in Santa Monica CA and it’s a pretty competitive league.

RM: How does fashion incorporate into your world both on and off set? How would you describe your personal style?

MBJ: On FNL it’s important that the clothes match the character. Vince comes from the hood so he definitely has an urban feel to him. But fashion plays a big part in my life because I see it as a way to express yourself. I’m not saying I’m a fashion guru, but I can put together something classy. My personal style would be described as clever and timeless.

RM: Where do you see yourself in the future? Do you want to continue acting or pursue other ventures?

MBJ: I honestly love acting and will continue to pursue it, but I’m also working on developing some TV content for a potential network. You have to expand and think outside the box to stay motivated in this industry. And I realized at a young age that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Remember that.

Female Breadwinners

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

INTRODUCTION:
Tradition is slow to build, and is thus often entrenched and tough to change. A powerful aspect of our traditions is the myth of Cinderella & Prince Charming. These two cultural fantasies are two pretty stubborn fantasies that we have perpetuated on our children. But new market forces are unfolding in ways that challenge the expectations of the old traditional gender roles. As some women’s earnings increase, so do their choices – choices often at odds with tradition. These changes also bring contradictions as they challenge the old rules. What works in tradition doesn’t often translate very well when women start making more then their partners. The result tends to be anger between the two, which often ends in a trail of broken marriages.

TRADITION:
In American tradition, the husband’s career expects to take precedence. For example, when I bought my first house, my girlfriend asked where we would move after she completed graduate school. That question took me by surprise. I had never even entertained the idea that my degree wasn’t more important than hers would be. I hadn’t even thought about it. I, like others, had automatically expected a traditional role set.

FANTASY:
By tradition, men are raised to be protector and provider. Society expects a breadwinner, and it is most often thought to be a man. As Americans, it seems as though we just can’t seem to escape that stubborn fantasy of male-provider. Plus, when men and women start out in their career fields, they both start at the bottom of the career ladder. So the issue doesn’t really arise until later in their relationships.

MARKET FORCES:
Today, some say 1-in-3 women earn more than their partners. And some say that at least 1-in-4 women have equal earning power as their spouses. In some fields, women have achieved near parity to their male counterparts. Thus, the economy is no longer predictable in the traditional sense.

CONTRADICTION:
Since money provides women choices, women with substantial earning power aren’t in any hurry to get back to tradition and the previously limited choices. But many young couples don’t foresee the problems in their futures. As the woman begins to climb the career ladder, initially the man may be in awe of his partner’s achievements. It’s enjoyable to be “treated” for once. But then the novelty wears off and the rules and definitions start to change. What used to be seen as a laid-back guy may now be seen as a man of vastly different ambition. The result is that a proud professional achievement ends up having unhappy consequences.

CONFUSION:
Just because women revel in their new income and choices, it doesn’t mean that they always want to be the boss. It’s difficult being both the emotional and economic provider. To some it’s hard to feel comfortable in a new role (especially when the rules are unknown!) It seems that what works in tradition doesn’t translate very well in these new times. When a woman is both the emotional and economic provider, who is responsible for chores? The result is often a conflicted mess.

RESENTMENT:
If the couple has children, it seems as though the anger in the relationship is pronounced. And if the woman ends up losing respect for her partner, she often loses her sex drive as well (with him anyway). If she ends up viewing herself in a parental role, such a role is again often internalized as non-sexual. And if the woman begins to define her partner as a freeloader, you guessed it; no sex.

COPING:
Since there is no real script for this emerging phenomenon, some couples simply don’t know how to cope. To some, the shift is just too much to handle. Some women wonder if it’s just easier to go back to tradition. Then again, some of the women only appear to go “backwards.” In some cases the wife tries to arrive early from work to cook & clean and have the appearance of tradition. Others take turns being the dominant homemaker. Still other women will often explain it away by convincing themselves that the situation will resolve itself some time in the future: hello, denial! In even more cases, the women ends up avoiding a conflict since many males end up punishing a successful female. Because of this rising phenomenon, an online dating site has emerged with this in mind (LOVESTRUCK.COM).

CONCLUSION:
This developing phenomenon is indeed leaving a trail of broken marriages. And despite their successes, many women have a difficult time in their new role. The stubborn fantasy is a hard habit to break – it’s just that powerful. The token effects of the phenomenon will have to serve as birth pangs, painful until tradition changes over time. The key is numbers – numbers – numbers! But until we cease perpetuating the unrealistic childhood fantasies on our children and those numbers are reached, the Alpha female will be the one who feels the most pain.

Erica Cerra from Syfys Eureka

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

With roles in shows such as NBC’s Warehouse, Showtime’s The L Word, Warner Brothers Smallville and her most popular role of “Jo Lupo” on the SyFy hit series, Eureka, Erica Cerra is making a name for herself in a very big way. Her talent is no mystery and she has already tackled the big screen starring along side Uma Thurman and Pierce Brosnan in the movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and will continue this summer with the release of The Stranger, where she stars along side Stone Cold Steve Austin.

 

 

Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Erica was always interested in becoming an actress because of the opportunity to pull emotions from audiences while recreating real life scenarios. Starting her career by starring in various commercials, at 22 she decided to dedicate herself fully to acting and began training with Gina Chiarelli, Matthew Harrison and Larry Moss. Embracing every role individually, Erica takes the time to learn the ins and outs of each character she plays, which she says makes her job ever-changing and inspiring. “To know that a character I’ve played might inspire someone to take a risk, be adventurous, dare to love, or even just make them feel better on a bad day makes it all worth while,” she says.

 

 

Runway Magazine: You grew up in Vancouver, how did that influence your fashion sense?

 

Erica Cerra: Vancouver has always been a very casual city as far as fashion is concerned. But, I am proud to say that in the last ten years it has become substantially fashion-forward.

 

 

RM: Movie sets are so dynamic with all of the costumes, make-up and designers; do you ever walk away from a set with a new sense of style for yourself?

 

EC: Absolutely, good fashion sense can be a natural gift, or I believe it can be taught. My eclectic look is ever changing…

 

 

RM: Ever changing is good! It keeps your fans guessing. But there has to be an item that you can not live without…

 

EC: Can I have two? I have to have a beautiful purse and great shoes!

 

 

RM: Accessories are a must. In fact, you are of Italian descent where some of the best designers in the world come from. Do you have a favorite?

 

EC: Prada, hands down. I love how beautiful and elegant, yet extreme and raw the looks are…I love Alberta Ferretti’s dresses, Nina Ricci, Roberto Cavalli, the list goes on…

 

 

RM: Do you aspire to have your own clothing or accessories line one day?

 

EC: I would love to! Purse or shoes would be my choice, since they are my two favorite fashion accessories.

 

 

RM: Runway has heard a rumor that playing Wonder Woman is a dream role for you. What about her is so enticing? Besides the face that she gets to wear the hottest outfit in cartoon history!

 

EC: She is a beautiful, intelligent, strong woman who also happens to be a princess….What’s not to love?!

 

 

RM: Summer is here and it’s the dreaded swimsuit season. Do you have a favorite swimsuit cut?

 

EC: Nicole Olivier has some really fun looks, Michael Kors, Jo de Mer – whatever fits my curvy body type is best.

 

 

RM: You’ve been working with Stone Cold Steve Austin on the movie The Stranger; is working with him a little…..terrifying?

 

EC: I have to admit I was intimidated by his persona, I didn’t know what to expect. Thankfully he is a gentleman….a very large, intimidating gentleman!

 

 

RM: What is your next move in the movie and fashion industries?

 

EC: I want to do movies, movies, movies… But in the fashion world, my next move is an absolutely stunning Vera Wang wedding dress.

 

Stockholm Fashion Week

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

Next Stockholm Fashion Week – Retailer collections will take place in November, from the 22th to the 25th. Activities that focus on the latest for the Spring/Summer 2011 season, fashion as well as interior design. The activites are in showroom and other kinds of press events around the city. The programme will be presented on the 10 th of November.

About Stockholm Fashion Week

The Swedish Fashion Council co-ordinates the Stockholm Fashion Week four times a year. The various activities are presented in a program showing where and when trade fairs, shows and other events will take place. January/February and August are the major fashion weeks. May and November are focusing on retailers collections and interior design (mainly for Swedish journalists). Upcoming dates: Retailer Collections – November 22-25 2010

Calendar 2010-2011

Nov 22-25 2010: Stockholm Fashion Week – Retailer Collections/Press week

Feb 7-13 2011: Stockholm Fashion Week

May 16-19 2011: Stockholm Fashion Week – Retailer Collections/Press week

Aug 15-21 2011: Stockholm Fashion Week

Stockholm Fashion Week

  • Focus: Major fashion Week/Buying Week for RTW Designer Collections.

  • Presenting: Trade shows, exhibitions, RTW Designer Collection fashion shows and other events.

  • Target group: Buyers, journalists, stylists. Some events are open to the public and are marked down in the schedule

  • Current season: RTW Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 will be presented during February 7-13.

Stockholm Fashion Week – Retailer Collections

  • Focus: Press events for RTW Retailers collections and Interior design.

  • Presenting: Mainly major Swedish companies and others keeping Press Shows.

  • Target group: Journalists, stylists covering fashion and Interior design.

  • Current season: Spring/Summer 2011 November 22-25 2010.

Contact

Hanna Mindehav, Coordinator Stockholm Fashion Week (Jan/Feb and Aug)
info(at)stockholmfashionweek.com
Mobile: +46 (0)8 411 17 43

Jessica Korondy, Coordinator Stockholm Fashion Week – Retailer Collections (May and Nov)
retail(at)stockholmfashionweek.com
Phone: +46 (0)8 411 16 49
Mobile: +46 (0)730 72 16 42

http://www.stockholmfashionweek.com/

Makeup Battles

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

Rainy Weather

Summer rain is one of the most relaxing and calming elements of earth. It is the one time during the summer you can relax indoors and just appreciate nature. But if you have to be outdoors, you may feel the opposite way. Hot, sticky rain is a mess with clothes, a mess if you’re wearing sandals, and an even bigger mess if you’re wearing makeup. While you can’t stop Mother Nature, you can at least stop Mother Nature from ruining your look with the right tips. These days there are products that resist everything, and for rainy environments water-resistant products should be high on that list.

First things first: A good base is essential. You do need a good moisturizer, but between the rain and the automatic humidity that comes with it, it doesn’t need to be “ultra moisturizing”. Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar is a good general moisturizing base that isn’t too oily (remember, oil and water do not mix). For those who prefer that extra hold for makeup, feel free to add a primer such as Per-fekt Beauty’s Skin perfecting gel. This water-resistant gel does what a primer does best, providing a blank smooth canvas that gives makeup a strong hold. Remember that the key for summer, regardless of weather condition, is to keep it light!

Now for the fun part: the color. Stick with products that won’t run. For a base you have two choices. If you are comfortable enough to not have a full face, try a tinted moisturizer such as LORAC ProtectTINT SPF 30. This product has all the goodies needed for a rainy situation: oil-free, SPF protection and lightweight coverage. If you feel you need a little something extra, MAC’s Face and Body Foundation is water-resistant and buildable, so you can add as much coverage as you need and not have to worry about the rain’s moisture washing it away.

For eyes, Bobbi Brown makes great quality products and her Long Wear gel eyeliner is no exception. This water -resistant, easy-to-control liner comes in many colors, so you can have plenty of fun while maintaining its place on your face until YOU are ready for it to be removed. Let’s not forget the essential waterproof mascara, not just on hand for weddings anymore. In this case, most mascara brands have a waterproof version, so just pick your favorite. A classic is Revlon’s Waterproof Fabulash.

The rain also provides the perfect time to wear a nice matte lipstick with good staying power. Clinique’s Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick has all day staying power, with a creamy texture and strong pigmentation. Still need to finish off your look? Amazing Cosmetics carries a Powder Set that is colorless and waterproof, great for setting makeup and for re-touching throughout the day.

Humidity

If you live anywhere near water, it is a gift and curse. While you live by the beach or water, you also must fight humidity. This is probably one of the worse summer weather conditions, because unlike rain, an umbrella or poncho won’t resist its power. “Oil-absorbing” will be your favorite phrase, and quick fixes are essential.

Because everything will just melt off your face, choosing a good base is essentially the most important part. Once again, you are dealing with a situation where dry skin won’t be a huge factor. So a light moisturizer, such as Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, provides efficient moisturizing power, while its unique gel formula keeps the skin feeling refreshed. When it comes to primers, use every kind possible because keeping your makeup on your skin will be a hard battle. Josie Maran makes an amazing primer, the Argan Primer Mist, which is a very light spray that does not have the heavy feel of a lot of primers.

To prep the lids for color try out Smashbox’s Photofinish Lid primer, which will help grab and hold onto any color you apply. On top of this should be a sheer, matte foundation like Makeup Forever’s Mat Velvet+ Mattifying foundation. Its buildable formula is oil-free, water-resistant, long lasting and even has its own finishing powder to help it set. This makes one less step you have to do at the end!

For eyes, smudge-proof and long lasting are essential. Mac’s Paint Pot has a wide variety of colors that are long lasting and set to a nice matte finish. Covergirl’s Volume Exact is a volumizing mascara that is smear and smudge proof, but still washable. Both of these eye products have the perfect elements to provide good staying power in humidity.

For lips, a light and fool proof lipstick is necessary, as something heavily pigmented can smear and run on your face during the sticky weather. Mac’s Luster Lipstick is moisturizing and pigmented yet still sheer, which is perfect for any summer condition. One last tip: Carry blotting film! Sephora’s Blotting sheets are easily portable and absorb excess oil, without smudging your look.

Dry Climate

If you live in a dry area during the summer, the rest of the country is jealous of you. In a way, it is a blessing not worrying about the smear and run factor that comes with rain and humidity. Unfortunately for you, the alternative is dealing with the dryness. This means tight skin and cracking foundation. A relatively easy fix, as long as you respect and acknowledge that moisturizing is essential in each of your steps.

Quenching your skin’s thirst right from the beginning is more important than anything else. Clarins Hydraquench cream (with SPF 15) provides a creamy base, which will be a long lasting fix to any drying out problems you might have. Just remember to allow it to absorb for at least five minutes. A primer, such as Nars Makeup Primer, adds another moisturizing base while allowing the makeup to stick.

One of the most astonishing innovations in cosmetics is mineral foundation, which provides your skin with the nutrients it needs to have a perfect skin canvas. A great example is MAC Mineralize Foundation with a high content of minerals and emollients that provide the skin with a moisturizing easy-to-apply cover and a satin matte finish. This product not only feels amazing throughout the day, but it also looks amazing. For contouring, keep it simple with the Nars Multiple, a creamy color stick that works best on cheeks and is amazingly simple to apply.

For eyes, Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear cream shadow is not only long lasting but also has a smooth creamy texture that is less harsh than a powder in dry heat. Diorshow Mascara provides volume, length and curl, which may be a little messy in other conditions, but perfect if you have a nice dry environment.

Last but not least are the lips. Since they can and will dry out as well, a moisturizing gloss will work best. Glossimer by Chanel is an ideal gloss for dry conditions, providing a non-sticky feel with moderate pigment and high shine. For a solid set on your makeup with added boosts of moisture throughout the day, check out Evian’s Mineral Waterspray to keep in your purse.

Now you have all the tips and tools needed to combat whatever war with Mother Nature that goes on in your region. One last follow-up: Always wear SPF at all times, and to keep your skin glowing, use a bronzer. Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder is great for adding that “extra something” of color, and it works well with a wide variety of skin tones.

Von Alexandria: Creates Fashion Out of Recycled Weapons

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

‘Von Alexandria’ didn’t start out as a fashion designer. Her first creative venture was as a ballet dancer. However, as excellent a dancer as she was, she felt as if something was missing. After gaining a degree in design, she landed a role as an assistant designer for Alfred Angelo – a bridal boutique specializing in Christian Dior gowns. This was her first real introduction to fashion design and for once she felt a real passion for what she was doing. She soon hung up her ballet shoes for good.

Her ”life changing” moment was yet to come, however. On a typical Philadelphia day, with the sun sitting high in the sky and people merrily going about their business, she saw a man holding a newspaper. On the front of the paper was a story of a young girl who had been murdered. Living in Philadelphia, she read about such hideous crimes every day and yet, this particular story hit her hard.

That evening, she saw a news report on television, explaining how confiscated murder weapons, were being melted down and discarded. A designer with her own label, her creative mind figured that something positive could be done with this recycled metal. She could create accessory pieces resulting in “beauty out of destruction”. Von Alexandria had always wanted to give back to the world, and this was her chance. She wrote to Philadelphia City Officials and after a brief meeting ‘Melting Weapons of Violence into Accessories’ or MWVA, was born.

Von Alexandria continues to go from strength to strength. She has shown her lines in New York, for the last four years to great acclaim. Runway caught up with this inspirational woman to talk about her desire to eliminate gun crime, her SS 2010 collection, and the excitement over her projects.

RM: Will you continue to re-use gun metal in your future accessories collections?

VA: Yes I will. A portion of sales proceeds go towards the MVA Gunn fund, a charity providing funding for youths effected by gun violence. I am keen to continue to support this charity. It’s a cause for which I feel very passionate.

RM: Your Spring/Summer collection is titled ‘Illumination’. Where did you get your inspiration for this collection and what can we expect from it?

VA: I wanted to capture the essence of the word ’illuminate’ through my clothing, specifically, the light that illuminates from within. That was my inspiration. Pieces are loose and flowing, and shades are muted with textures ranging from raw silk, organza and stretch denim through to metal entwine.

RM: The collection sounds stunning. What is your favorite piece?

VA: I have fallen in love with one of my pieces. The piece is called ‘Folded Light’. It’s an unstructured, feminine dress in a beautiful, light cocoa shade. It ‘s truly beautiful.

RM: Regarding your accessories collection, what is your key pick ?

VA: Any piece mixed with black diamonds. Black diamonds and recycled gunmetal is such an unusual mix and really proves that beauty can come out of something negative.

RM: Moving into summer a lot of us are thinking ‘swimwear’. Can you see yourself designing swimwear?

VA: At the moment no, but then, never say never!…..

RM: When it comes to clothing, are you more of a summer or winter person?

VA: I am very much a summer person in terms of my personality. I also like to wear light-textured dresses, expose my skin and feel free from restraints, so summer suits me perfectly.

RM: How would you advise women to dress for summer?

VA: Add color! A lot of women are nervous of wearing- for example- a bright red dress, which is why my collection is based around neutral, muted tones. But if you combine neutrals with bright accessories, you can really make an outfit pop.

RM: In terms of design, do you prefer to design for Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer?

VA: I love to design for all seasons. My aim is to address the dilemmas/problem areas that women, including myself, have when dressing. That is why I don’t go down the form-fitting route with my designs. I prefer flowing, more forgiving shapes.

RM: What can we expect from your Fall/Winter 10’ collection?

VA: We have transferred gunmetal onto clothing, which is an exciting development .The collection consists of muted tones, but we have also added some richer, deeper shades of night and midnight to add a winter touch.

RM: Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

VA: In September we are launching a line of high-fashion prom dresses: ‘Heirs’. I wanted to move girls away from the huge, lace and taffeta numbers that you see. This line gives them an alternative: high fashion at an affordable price. They can still look like a princess at their prom, but a modern day ‘sophisticated’ princess, instead of a children’s fairytale version. We have pre-orders already. It is all very exciting!

Kali Instincts

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

WRITTEN BY: Rhonda Erb

As a child growing up in Manhattan, actress Kali Hawk excelled academically. So it is not surprising that acting was not high on the list of professions that her parents envisioned for their young daughter. Although they may have had some inkling, after her production saving performance in an elementary school Christmas Pageant. When some of the children ran off stage crying or refused to go on, Hawk, cast as the Virgin Mary, grabbed their costumes and played their parts as well. “I could always memorize all of the other kids’ lines,” Hawk explains. After the show, audience members approached Hawk’s parents, predicting that their daughter was destined to be a performer.

By the time she was 16, Hawk had completed high school and enrolled in the prestigious theatre arts program at SUNY Purchase. She spent one year at the University before focusing on acting full-time. After a stint performing in plays on the Lower East Side, Hawk made her way out to Hollywood.

Hawk arrived in Los Angeles with no car and no driver’s license. She enrolled in a driving school and in a typical display of what she likes to call her “New York chutzpah,” once commandeered the school car to go on an audition. Driving along unfamiliar roads at “about one mile an hour,” Hawk kept motioning for other cars to go around her. Luckily, she made it to her destination and was able to get a ride back home.

With regard to her personal style, Hawk has very definite ideas about what looks good on her. She comes by it naturally. Her mother was a buyer at Bloomingdale’s and her father was in merchandising for Barney’s New York. Her mother always encouraged her to take a fashion look and make it her own. “Never pick something off the mannequin”, she warned,” Unless you want to see ten people walking down the street in the same outfit as you.” In fact, Hawk is so identifiable by her keen ability to accessorize that a studio executive once recognized her from behind, simply from the sight of her handbag (it was a favorite Burberry leather bag).

When asked about her favorite designer, Hawk is characteristically decisive. She is devoted to rising star Joseph Altuzarra. He dressed Hawk for the premiere of her film, Couples Retreat, and she plans to wear one of his designs at the premiere of her new movie, Get Him to the Greek.

Hawk is tall (5’10”), thin, and describes her body type as athletic. “I’m not waifish, I’m more of an Amazon,” she says, explaining why she is also passionate about the designs of Versace. “The Italian designers know how to enhance a woman’s curves, so you feel less apologetic and more triumphant.” She sometimes asks a stylist to try to work Versace’s clothes into the wardrobe of a character she is portraying. “A Versace dress makes you look very expensive. You put it on and you look and feel like a million bucks.”

For casual wear, Hawk is a fan of clothes by Marc Jacobs. “Marc draws you in with his metallics and sheers,” she says, sitting by her pool in a Marc Jacobs dress. She confesses that she doesn’t even own a pair of sweatpants, or a pair of sneakers for that matter, preferring instead to walk tall in high heels (4-inch Yves St. Laurent and Dolce and Gabbana shoes are favorites).

Kali Hawk seems to be on something of a career fast track these days, working with names like Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, and Jason Bateman on Couples Retreat. “I’ll always have a warm spot for that group of people,” says Hawk. Reflecting on the career trajectories of Favreau and Vaughn since their days in Swingers, she says, “It’s very encouraging and inspiring… it reminds you that, as an actor, you can be in control of your career.”

Produced by Judd Apatow, Get Him to the Greek has a cast that includes Jonah Hill and Russell Brand. Despite any images of frat-like behavior this gathering of Hollywood heavyweights might conjure up, she says that there was a definite “family vibe” on the set. “Just to be a part of that energy and creativity was amazing,” says Hawk, who has been a long time devotee of Apatow’s films.

With two more upcoming films, Answer To Nothing and Trivial Pursuits, as well as a TV pilot in the works, Kali Hawk feels very fortunate and her parents are somewhat less anxious about her career choice. As she says: “Sometimes believing is a job in and of itself.”

Katrina Law from Spartacus on Starz

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

Given an hour’s notice to pack a bag for Paris, France, emerging actress Katrina Law decides to bring hiking shoes, a camera, and plenty of sweatpants. Quoi?!

To her credit, she also adds that she would include “extra high” peep-toe shoes and a little black dress. After understanding the many dimensions of this rising star, perhaps her packing style will make more sense. It seems this woman has done it all, yet she’s barely just begun.

Best known for her role as Mira on the hot new Starz show Spartacus, Katrina’s debut began with none other than John Travolta in Lucky Numbers. She has dabbled in a healthy array of artistic trades. Not only is she an accomplished dancer and a once Miss New Jersey Teen USA, but she has also played the trumpet and soccer, practiced gymnastics, and even does stand-up comedy.

A self-described “tomboy,” Katrina is the adorable, freckled girl-next-door that all the boys love and the girls want to be. Happiest in sweats at home and hiking Mt. Whitney sporting her beloved REI gear, Katrina admits she was even hiking near Joshua Tree prior to the interview. But don’t be fooled, because she flips the switch just as easily to rock a hot dress by Bebe or Guess (her favorites) with layered, sparkling jewels and glittery eye make-up (when she “can get away with it”). The in-between? Wearing next to nothing playing Mira, slave of the house of Batiatus and lover to Spartacus (Andy Whitfield). With so much skin showing on-screen Katrina admits, “I had to ask my parents, ‘Are you OK with the nudity?’”

Nude or not, her parents gave her their blessing. With their support and her determination, she transformed from waitress to Hollywood starlet. And she’s come a long way in the romance department, too. After growing up in New Jersey she confesses with an infectious giggle, “I wouldn’t be surprised to see an ex-boyfriend show up in Jersey Shore next season.” Thankfully, there will be no more “Mike the Situations” in her future since she’s recently been taken off the market in a rather unusual manner.

For Katrina, it wasn’t your average romantic proposal in dim candlelight. More like strong hail and rain, a 360-degree view of waterfalls, and a small, rocking ship holding only 20 people in New Zealand’s clear waters. Reaching out to touch a waterfall, she surprisingly caught a better sight: her man on one knee with a ring. “The ship exploded with applause,” she gushes.

But even the sites of New Zealand isn’t all that exotic to Law. After all, it’s where she shoots Spartacus for several months out of the year. Starting her day at 3 AM to hit the gym, she will spend another 12-14 hours on set. But when you ask her, she would have it no other way.

When it comes to portraying Mira, Katrina feels she can relate to the character. “Mira and Spartacus want something they can’t have, what human doesn’t?” she says. “But what’s the balance of not trying to sell your soul while putting yourself on the line to get it? And at what point do you become a sucker? It’s fascinating to me, to tap into that desire and that character.”

As for next season, viewers will get more than just that push-and-pull between Mira and Spartacus; they’ll get to figure out what Mira’s back story is and whether or not she’s good or bad.

In the meantime, expect to start seeing more of this exotic beauty, an origin hard to place with her German-Italian father and Taiwanese mother. “What are you?” is a question she’s accustomed to hearing, and depending on the wig she decides to sport for the day – “because they’re fun!”- Katrina feels flattered to be questioned whether she is of African-Asian, Asian-Caucasian, or an array of other origins.

As a rising star, women everywhere can take joy in easily mimicking her look since she isn’t one to wear one-of-a-kind million dollar couture pieces. Unfortunately, the jewelry she adorns will still be hard to find nonetheless. Lucky for Law, her parents make jewelry using semi-precious stones and delicate light jewels for a lot of sparkle. Although she hasn’t yet convinced them to sell via a Web site, with a few mentions and displays of their work on the red carpet in the near future the world will have greater access to it all very soon.

Like the jewelry made by her parents, more exposure and fame is just around the corner for Katrina. But this avid hiker, nude bombshell and Grecian goddess has no intention of letting the fame go to her head. “You have to stay true to yourself. It’s the best advice I’ve received,” she insists.

The new season of Spartacus starts in January on Starz.

Marshall Allman – HBO's True Blood’s Newest Shape Shifter

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

If you ever saw Marshall Allman in public, chances are you wouldn’t know who he was, though you would probably think you had met him somewhere. He looks just familiar enough for you to think you were acquainted – a party perhaps, or maybe an old friend from high school. But after the season three debut of the HBO original series True Blood on June 13, 2010, that will all change.

Allman is a fifth generation “Austinite” (as he calls himself) for growing up in Austin, Texas. From a very early age, Allman became involved in both sports and art, though his acting debut didn’t occur until the age of 17. Upon graduation, Allman decided to pursue a career in film and moved to Los Angeles. He received work just about as soon as he arrived, appearing in TV shows such as Malcolm in the Middle and Boston Public. After being in California for less than a year, Allman booked a spot in the film Hostage alongside Bruce Willis and Kevin Pollak. Most notably, Allman has been a series regular on FOX’s Prison Break, playing LJ, the son of Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell).

In True Blood, Allman plays Tommy, the shape shifting long-lost brother of Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell). While Allman is a new addition to the cast of True Blood, the mysteriousness and depth of Tommy will definitely shake things up in Bon Temps, Louisiana, making for an interesting and entertaining season.

Runway Magazine: What do you think is the most interesting aspect of True Blood?

Marshall Allman: One of the biggest appeals of True Blood is discovering all these different characters with different powers. When they introduce a new character, it’s so much fun to see their powers revealed and explained. They’ve had shape-shifters, they’ve had vampires, they’ve had maenads. Now they’re bringing in werewolves and they’re starting to explore this whole world of mythological lore.

RM: How would you describe the style in True Blood, in a fashion sense?

MA: True Blood is all about the western, country fashion. But above all, tight clothes. Everybody wears really tight clothes.

RM: And how about your character?

MA Tight jeans, T-shirt, boots.

RM: Is your character good or bad?

MA: I guess I can describe my character as family. Is your family good or bad, or both? I think he’s going to come across as love/hate. You will love to hate him or you will hate to love him, but I think people are going to root for him. They’re going to see my character, and they’re going to want him to be what he can be, which is a good guy. They will want him to be the sincere guy that he is. While he needs a lot of healing, he’s not an evil character.

RM: Who is your favorite designer?

MA I wouldn’t say I have a favorite. I like to wear things that are simple and classic. Something that makes me feel comfortable and good. I really like vintage, too. I did a slot on Mad Men, and while I didn’t get to dress like those guys, I love anything mid-century. I’ve definitely loved that style for a long time. I don’t like my stuff to look like it was cut on a laser.

RM: Do you think some of that comes from your roots in Austin?

MA: Yeah, but it also comes from being an artist myself. When you get in the habit of making things, you want a certain level of sincerity and authenticity of the things that represent you. If you’re really making something sincere from the heart—and that’s something you do all day and that’s what you focus on in your life—you want your clothes to reflect that. You want to feel like its handmade, and well crafted, and that the person who made it cared about it. Like there was something unique behind the creation of it.

RM: Do you ever watch a TV show and like it so much that you want to be on it?

MA: Last year was kind of the sweetest year for me, for that. I got to do It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and I got to do Mad Men. I had a blast on It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia though I probably wont be coming back on it, but that show was awesome. I don’t know how possible this really is, but they definitely left my character open to come back on Mad Men, which would really be cool for me because I really like that show.

RM: Do you have any movies coming out?

MA: I have a really awesome movie that is going to be hitting theatres in New York for a short run, called the Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle. That movie is a trip. We premiered at Sundance in 2009 and got a standing ovation. It’s just an awesome movie. It’s funny and fun and totally out of left field, like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

Markus Klinko and Indrani

By
Runway Magazine Editorial Team
-

“Unforgettable, seamless, fantastic, erotic, the work of two contemporary masters” – these are just a few of the phrases that have been used to describe the creative photography by Markus Klinko and Indrani over the past 15 years. Their award-winning work has garnered awards and much attention, particularly from celebrities who yearn to be one of their photography subjects. These two past lovers (who now only share creative decisions, or try to anyway) have been so influential in a range of industries with their work that Bravo network is featuring them in an up-coming reality show, Double Exposure.

Rewind to the discovery of Klinko and Indrani by Isabella Blow: Their first magazine cover was for the London Sunday Times, which in turn provoked David Bowie to request that they design his Heathen album cover. From then on, the duo created award-winning covers for Beyonce’s solo debut Dangerously in Love, Mariah Carey’s Emancipation of Mimi and Mary J. Blige’s The Breakthrough, all top-selling albums.

Photography was not the original destination or dream of either Markus or Indrani. Klinko, French-Hungarian and Swiss, studied music from 3-years-old and had a career as one of the world’s top classical harp soloists. He decided to follow his passion for photography after receiving the “Grand Prix du Disque” in 1994 for his recording with the Paris Opera Bastille Orchestra. At this time he met Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri, a Calcutta-native who grew up between Canada and India. From the age of 14, Indrani began her blossoming career as a fashion model. Along with a BA in Anthropology from Princeton University, her studies included meditation, philosophy, photography and film.

“I’m committed to uplifting people every way I can, through my school in India, by adding beauty and inspiration through my art, through bringing people behind the scenes to understand the creative process, and through my upcoming book published by Harpers One, Image Craft, helping people to define themselves and to recreate themselves to achieve their goals,” reveals Indrani.

With a wide range of cultural experiences and interests between them, Klinko and Indrani bring photography that is memorable with strong imagery, displaying models and celebrities in a light rarely seen. “Our goal is to highlight those qualities which make our subjects unique and extraordinary: their power, aura, and divine spark. We use our multiplicity of perspectives, our great passion, light, movement and fashion, to provide layers of meaning that resonate on a deep level with very different kinds of people, creating unforgettable images that define our subjects and what they represent to the world,” explains Indrani about the driving force behind their photography.

Recent photography subjects include Kate Winslet, Katie Holmes, Kate Beckinsale, Eva Mendes, Anne Hathaway, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Keanu Reeves, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Val Kilmer, Outkast, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. Using spectacular background sets, interesting lighting and shading, as well as graphic design, the celebrities are shot in a way that is new and enlightening, hard to do with subjects who have been featured in hundreds of photo shoots.

When asked about their most daring or favorite photo shoots, they both prefer international locations. “We shot at my ancestral home in India, a 250-year-old 300-room ruins, where I’ve built a charitable school with my father. That was the most extraordinary for me, bringing my 2 passions together,” enlightens Indrani, while Klinko elaborates on his favorite: “Indrani found a spectacular underground temple in London that was used by the free masons. We loved it and decided to make it the set for our Lady Gaga’s shoot for Hello Kitty’s 35th anniversary. “

With such an impressive list of clients, it’s no wonder why Bravo green-lighted a reality show featuring the life and work of Klinko and Indrani. Not only will it provide an inside look at the fast-paced world of high fashion and couture, but it will also give a glimpse into celebrity photography and personalities. There is no doubt that this show will be high-energy, high-stress and surprisingly sexy (with two attractive stars and high-profile celebs, how could it not be?)

“We invite the viewers to follow us to an unprecedented behind the scenes experience, getting a very close look at what really goes on behind the closed sets of celebrity and fashion shoots. It is real and raw and each shoot is a bit of an adventure. Our famous subjects include Lady Gaga, Lindsay Lohan, Naomi Campbell, Dita von Teese and many others. It is fast paced and full of unplanned comedy moments,” describes Markus.

Although people such as Klinko and Indrani in the spotlight may sound as if they act superior or egocentric, this pair doesn’t give off that vibe when it comes to charity work. Indrani is the co-founder and fundraiser for the non-profit Shakti Empowerment Education. “I founded this organization with my father 12 years ago. We provide free education to 300 impoverished students from kindergarten to high school, and literacy and vocational training to refugee women in my ancestral home in West Bengal, India,” says Indrani.

They have also donated their photography to Keep A Child Alive in order to raise awareness and help bring life-saving anti-retroviral treatment and care to children and families in Africa with HIV/AIDS, as well as other third-world locations.

Photos featured:

Kate Beckinsale at the Gate

Iman Fierce

Britney Spears Flare

Anne Hathaway On Blue

1...209210211...229Page 210 of 229