Fashion
This weekend venture out to 259 Elizabeth Street and become a child of the revolution! AMIVECTIO is having a sample sale with prices ranging 50 – 70% off limited edition wovens, tees, fleeces and more. Patrons will receive a complimentary beer with a minimum purchase of $25. Shopping on a Saturday afternoon with a brewski in hand, that is what F.A.M.E NYC calls a productive afternoon.
Maybe it is his Aries ego that spurs him to boldly go where no one has gone before or boredom with the status quo, but fashion’s rumor mill has been working overtime with reports that Marc Jacobs is planning to create a plus size line early next year. No official announcement has been made yet.
Scuttlebutt began swirling after a tweet from Robert Duffy, president of the Marc Jacobs label, stating:
“We are in talks now. For plus sizes,” Duffy tweeted. “Listen, we are in the very beginning stages of talking to a partner about plus sizes.” He also revealed the problems he has buying clothes. “I’m a big guy 6ft 4in, 210 lbs. [It’s] not easy for me to find clothes,” he wrote. “Of course I can have them made. I know how everyone feels. I try to diet but… I don’t like the phrase plus-sizes. Any suggestions?
“We gotta do larger sizes,” he added. “I’m with you. As soon as I get back to NY. I’m on it! It will take me about a year. But stay with us.”
The fashion industry is known for changing muses, creating gods and goddesses of the runway and reincarnating trends, but the attitude of promoting double digit sizes is a change that is slow to be embraced. Sample sizes do not run bigger than an 8, but one fact fashion’s elite seem to forget is plus size women love labels and shopping too. If Marc Jacobs’ plus size line does come into fruition, it would be a welcome change to the fashion industry and might spur other designers to do the same.
The name Domenico Vacca is synonymous with two things: luxury fashion and A-list clientele. Costume designers love to style Hollywood stars in his clothes and Al Pacino, Ron Perelman, Diddy, 50 Cent, Lebron James, Usher and Scarlett Johansson are among the celebrities that are his loyal customers.
The designer known as the official clothier of the red carpet will be using his superior craftsmanship to create a line of high end denim. The men’s collection launches fall 2010 and the women’s collection will follow in spring 2011.
Last Friday male models from Models International helped to display the luxury jeans at a private party held at Domenico Vacca’s West Broadway location. Guests sipped cocktails, ate Bellinis courtesy of Cipriani Downtown and received a 30% discount off select merchandise.
The jeans superbly exhibited by the models were the epitome of quality and style. They are constructed with Italian Candiani selvedge denim and lined with the same fine fabrics used in Domenico Vacca’s dress shirts. Domenico Vacca Denim also uses hand construction to create the wash and destruction of every pair of jeans. A far cry from the work trousers created in 1873, a pair of jeans has become a must have item in every one’s wardrobe. Domenico Vacca Denim is sure to raise the bar yet again.
The famous red bullseye that is the retail chain Target has decided to take a shot at Manhattan. Its landing at the East River Plaza, located on East 117th Street, signifies the opening of its first store in New York City. Target’s inaugural Big Apple store resides by a Costco and Best Buy and plans to cater to the residents of Harlem with its merchandise. Along with more recognizable name brands, the East Harlem location will feature a Harlem Designer Collection with apparel from Stephen Burrows and beach wear and towels from Isabel and Ruben Toledo. Harlem resident Marcus Samuelsson, world-renowned chef and restaurateur, designed sets of pot holders and napkins, which will also be available online and in stores on the East Coast August 1. Spanish-language greeting cards, multicultural dolls, Southern food and personal-care products traditionally marketed to blacks and Hispanics will also be available.
The store officially opens on Sunday, but stars ventured it out on Monday to celebrate its “unofficial” grand opening. Model Selita Eubanks, Marcus Samuelsson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelly Rowland, Doug E. Fresh, Tyson Beckford, Russell Simmons, Reverend Run and others were on hand to pose for shutterbugs on the red carpet and welcome Bullseye (the retail chain’s mascot) and the Target family uptown.
John Griffith, executive vice president of property development for Target Corp, stated the opening of the East Harlem location is the company’s largest single investment on any single project. More than half of the 400 people hired to work there live in the neighborhood. Employing local residents and affordable pricing is sure to result in a formula for success in Harlem.
Photos: Getty Images
Exclusive behind the scences photos of the SABIT NYC photo shoot at G Studios NYC.
Upon walking through the threshold of SABIT NYC’s showroom on West 38th Street, I sensed an extreme aura of comfortability – a word not generally associated with the hectic, fast-paced, stressful world of fashion. As Shoichi Amemiya, head designer of SABIT NYC, stood to shake my hand I noticed his muted smile and quiet demeanor, which remained as I silently watched him work on his Apple laptop and check his Blackberry. He seemed unaffected as George Boria snapped shot after shot and appeared more than accommodating when George ask him to pose in front of a rack of his jeans. As he stood stoic in front of his creations, it became apparent that he is the anchor in this sea of tranquility.
Life has many pleasures and many paths in which to seek it. Some people would not include their 9-5 on their list of delights, not so with Shoichi Amemiya and his team. The pleasure that Mr. Amemiya takes in what he does is evident in the philosophy of his brand as well as the clothing he produces. Since the establishment its in 2005, SABIT NYC has swept the fashion world like a tsunami, taking no prisoners in its rise to becoming one of the most influential and sought after urban brands on the market. SABIT NYC’s unique, eye catching designs has brought a bevy of A-listers to his door including Lil Wayne, T Pain, Mario, T.I., Juelz Santana and Swizz Beatz (the face of SABIT).
F.A.M.E NYC had the opportunity to ask the amiable head designer of SABIT NYC a few questions about his philosophy and why enjoyment is the name of the game for this clothing brand.
Tell me about your background?
I am a Japanese native. I came to New York City 20 years ago.
Where did you attend school?
I attended a fashion school in Japan named Osaka Mode.
How did you begin designing clothes?
At age 17 I begin focusing on a fashion career. Shortly afterwards I went to school where I majored in Fashion Design.
What made you want to design urban fashion in particular?
My focus isn’t “urban” fashion; SABIT is an uncategorized brand. I design clothing that reflects the “lifestyle” of fashion. I have a great appreciation for hip hop and its culture. I fuse all elements of what’s hot and make it dope!
Tell me more about your philosophy and how you apply it to your brand and your designs?
My philosophy is Tanoshinde, a word in Japanese culture that means enjoy. I want my people to enjoy their life wearing SABIT. Every garment has “Tanoshinde” printed somewhere on it.
How does the fashion and club scene in Tokyo influence your designs?
The club scene in Tokyo doesn’t directly influence my design concepts; I never really paid much attention to it actually. However there is a fashion culture know in Japan as “AMACAJI”, which is the fusion of American casual and has become a major movement and the foundation by which most fashionable people in Japan dress.
Why do you believe your designs have taken off like wild fire in the streets?
I believe the world is looking for the newest, hottest style. Everyone is tired of the same brands and design concepts. SABIT NYC is [the] answer, fashionable and unique.
Your clientele consists of some of the hottest MCs and R&B singers in the music industry. How does hip hop and R&B influence you?
I believe hip hop has its influence but it doesn’t directly influence myself or my brand. I love music, so I can say that all genres play a major part in my design concepts.
Could you tell me how Swizz Beatz came to be the face of SABIT NYC?
Well, we met through a mutual friend and history was made from there. He respects my work and I respect his. That’s the secret to our relationship, “respect.”
Urban fashion, like hip hop, changes very frequently. Urban clothing brands hit a peak and then fade in popularity. How will SABIT NYC avoid becoming a hip hop fad?
Honestly we are not trying to “peak” in the urban market. We will remain relevant to the time, I understand that fashion is a language and continues to evolve, and as a designer I enjoy the challenges of having to stay fresh and always in fashion.
Gianni Versace used the Medusa. There are a few symbols that are used frequently in your clothing. Could you tell me more about the effect these symbols have had on you and why you choose to use them?
Our symbol is a bird in Japan called a “swallow.” In Asian culture this bird is considered lucky. So we consider our space its nest, a place where only luck can reside.
What can we expect to see from SABIT NYC this September?
Wow, Fashion Week is going to be great. Expect to see a very exciting collection with a few Native American elements such as beaded logo fabrications and leather trims fused into a collection filled with classic styles and fashion forward design concepts.
Will you add a female line and other accessories soon?
Yes, we are currently working on that now. However when the time is right, and only when it’s right will we move forward with that collection. Fashion is all about timing and making sure we are producing the highest levels of quality and style.
What is next for Shoichi Amemiya?
My hope is to spread the word “Tanoshide” to the world, giving them a part of my culture to hold on to. They may never go to Japan, but understanding my culture and where I’ve come from is most important to me.
Photos: George Boria, G Studios NYC
“It has been a very long and arduous process,” Catherine Fellows, Executive Director of Models International New York, said with laughter while describing the procedures the model agency underwent to find the new faces representing Models International. “We started the fresh faces search months ago, we sent it to media outlets all over the country and we posted it on the web.”
A few months ago I told you about Models International’s Fresh Face Model Search. Models submitted their pictures and on June 25 the announcement was made. The fashionable of New York City ventured to Bowery Wine Co., located at 13 East 1st Street, to meet the latest additions to the Models International family. The winner of Models International’s Fresh Face Search 2010 is Whitney Heleker. Whitney is a 5’10, Botticelliesque beauty with an athletic frame, pouty mouth, bedroom eyes and a charming disposition. “Whitney is really someone that is youthful and has a face that you’re happy to look at. To me she has a great crossover look. She can do high fashion and she can do commercials as well,” Catherine stated about their one of their newest and freshest faces.
Whitney described the night as “very exciting.” After seeing the posting for the search on ModelMayhem.com, Whitney submitted for the contest; the rest, as they say is history. Originally from Idaho, modeling was not a career path she thought about pursuing. Whitney played sports, varsity basketball and swimming (which served in helping her achieve her healthy body). It was not until traveling to California for college that the idea of modeling became a viable prospect. “People said to me, ‘Oh, you should model’,” Whitney recalled. At the time of the event Whitney had just arrived in Manhattan with total support from her family and was anxious to see the Empire State Building. Alongside Whitney, Models International also introduced other male and female models from their Fresh Faces board. They mixed and mingled with other guests as everyone tasted Italian-styled canapés and sipped on Sobieski Vodka concoctions.
Another fresh face I met that night was Chad Silberman. Unlike Whitney, Chad did not have to travel very far to get to the Models Internationals office in New York, he hails from Long Island. “I have been interested in modeling for a while,” Chad admitted as we stood outside the Bowery Wine Co. to take in some of the humidity of a New York City summer evening. “I came across Models International’s blog and read about the search and a couple weeks later I got an email asking me to come into their offices.” Chad’s All-American good looks scream to be seen in a Lacoste, Nautica or Polo campaign. Not just a pretty face, Chad is studying to receive his Bachelor’s in Engineering. Another interesting fact I learned about Chad is he has a tattoo on the inside of his bottom lip.
Andrienne Kennedy, Director of Models International Women’s board, stated that Models International has completed approximately five model searches in the past. “It is a really good way to find fresh faces and girls who are not in the industry, but may want to get in the industry and it is a great way to reach out to different parts of the country and find girls who are new to the business,” she stated. To get the girls ready for their new career, Models International provides their fresh faces with coaching to ensure they receive proper knowledge about the “ins and outs” of the business. Since beginning the program Andrienne said the fresh face models fare “very well.” With the new crop of dynamic visages that have been presented we are sure to see some new stars rising from the runways very soon.
Photos: Toney Park
Models International Model: Pavel
“Be yourself no matter what they say,” a lyric penned by Sting for his 1988 classic “Englishmen in New York.” I’m sure some of the same feelings of seclusion and assimilation Sting expressed in his song may have been felt by Pavel Pisotski as he first navigated around the streets of Manhattan. The 19-year-old native of Russia signed with Models International six months ago. “It’s not a small town; it has about two million people,” Pavel says about his hometown. “It’s close to the Black Sea so it’s a very popular tourist area.”
Modeling was not a dream he harbored while growing up in Russia, in fact young Pavel had “no idea” what he wanted to do when he grew up. “I was trying to finish high school,” he says. But with fresh chiseled looks, an infectious smile and personality, it would not be long before the fashion industry would find him. He was originally discovered by another agency at 15 while attending a party in Las Vegas with his parents. “I didn’t know what to do,” Pavel recalls about his first go see. “It is hard the first time you do anything, but I got over it.”
Pavel said booking his first job was the highlight of his career thus far and recalled being painted in black for the client. He has spent the last four years honing his craft, and as the first male signed to Models International Men’s Division, Pavel is just as comfortable in front of the camera as he is on the runway. “I enjoy taking pictures,” he says. In the future Pavel would love to transition his career over to acting. “I’m from Russia, so I would like to do some Russian roles, he states. Pavel is a young man with convictions that has not forgotten where he has come from. Whether posing for an edgy editorial shot, walking the runway or speaking Russian in a film, he will be doing it with class.
1. Tell me your favorite memory from high school.
My senior year I got in trouble. I was stuck in traffic and decided to drive on a half sidewalk to get to work. I pulled off and didn’t see the cop. But I guess I didn’t get in trouble because the cop was fascinated with my last name. He let me go and told me to be careful.
2. Describe the perfect first date.
It should be simple because I’m a simple guy. I don’t really like short relationships. I like to stick to one person, that’s how I am, that’s how I’ve been raised.
3. Boxers, Briefs, Boxer/Briefs or Commando?
Boxer/Briefs are more comfortable.
4. Describe your grooming techniques.
Changing my hair depending on what I’m wearing.
5. Favorite Drink
Iced Tea
6. Favorite Designer
Calvin Klein
7. Sex on the first date or wait until the time is right
Wait until the time is right
8. The one item that has to go into your luggage
My laptop for sure.
9. Paris, Milan or Tokyo?
Paris, I love French.
10. Give us a model secret
I stand my hair up to look taller.
Photos courtesy of G Studios NYC and Models International
The next top model might not be found by Tyra Banks; she might just be an email away. Models International is conducting their 2010 model search. Models International is a boutique agency that prides themselves on giving their models acute focus and attention. The agency originally started in Los Angeles and opened a division in Manhattan two years ago. Andrienne Kennedy is the Director of New Faces; she is responsible for the general appearance of the women’s board. Models International is looking for young women who want to fashion a career in modeling and are serious about being successful. “I am looking for stars! This model search is a perfect outlet to scout new faces that can be the future faces of Models International,” Andrienne says.
To enter Models International’s 2010 model search email your age, contact information, bust, waist and hip measurements and four color photographs to scoutny@mi-agency.com no later than June 15. The winner will be selected on June 21 and will receive an exclusive modeling contract with Models International NY.
For more information about Models International NY, please visit www.mi-agency.com. Stay tuned to find out which lucky girl is selected the winner.
Today marks the start of the Affordable Art Fair in New York City. AAF NYC is a cool introduction for anyone who loves art. There are over 70 international galleries represented, providing art connoisseurs and novices an opportunity to browse and view hundreds of different works from notable and blossoming artists. This year AAF NYC features an I ♥ Brooklyn party, children’s programs, Foto Focus walking tours, sculpture and print making classes.
The main attraction of AAF NYC is the art prices; all works are priced from $100 to $10,000. At those prices, anyone can be a collector. The Affordable Art Fair is being held a 7W New York (7 West 34th St, near 5th Ave, NYC) and ends on Sunday. But if you miss AAF NYC in May, you will get the chance to see it again in its first inaugural fall fair in September.
To learn more about AAF NYC or purchase tickets, visit www.aafnyc.com.
F.A.M.E NYC Magazine 