Model: MoSherri Smith Photographer : Theresa Lollis MUA: Courtney Metcalf Director of Photography: D'Heirus Lollis Stylist: Myeshea Baker Hair Stylist: Crystal Woodford
Spring 2016
The Summer & Winter Solstice, celestial events that are both the same & opposite. Summer Solstice, temperature is rising, off come the jackets & out comes the sexy & sultry swimwear. Time to put up the sweaters & bring out the sun dresses & shorts. But the same time six months later the winter solstice is the perfect time to bring out that outerwear you’ve been itching to debut. The Solstice, it’s hot it’s cold, come celebrate the transition with us in FashX’s Xolstice issue! D'Heirus Lollis, Managing Editor.
Editor's Note
The Charmer
By Shimel Kimeona
Photographer: Shimel Kemoa Model: Naomi Nicole Make Up Artist: Dustin Lazenby Hair Stylist: Jeffrey Blossom
Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical
Urban Decay Naked 3 eye Shadow Palatte - 54.00
Warby Parker Wilder Squall Blue Fade - 95.00
A La Mere De Famile Coated Nuts - 26.00
Proof Eyewear Boise Wood - 120.00
Martone Real White Women's Bike - 1200.00
Article No Baskets 260.00
Buscemi PHD Backpack 2,750.00
Vestal RSW005 Rosewood Bamboo Watch - 120.00
Jimmy choo Rosana - 850.00
Nails Inc victoria Beckham - 25.00
Buscemi 125MM Rosa 1,090.00
Small Town Brewery Not Your Father's Root Beer - 10.50
Moncler Lievre Women's Coat -582.00
Britney & Briana The Mirrors Edge By Shimel Kemona By
Beyond Foxy Swimwear http://beyondfoxy.com/
Nestor Horacio Gallo
The Sultan of Argentinian Theatre By Horacio Casadey
Lil Zane's World
Photography: Johnny H Le Fashion Styling: KL Allen
By D'Heirus Lollis
il Zane has had his hands in the industry since h e was 10 years old. We had a chance for a sit down with Zane to see how he got his big break, talk a little about his career and what he’s doing now. FX: So for those out there who don’t know Lil Zane, tell us about your career in the industry. ZANE: I started out back as a preteen & had a lot of interest from labels in ATL, was even signed to two labels before I really blew up. FX: So what was that thing that put you on the map? ZANE : I got signed with Priority records & did two songs with 112, the single “Anywhere” really took off, from there I recorded my own album & the rest is history. FX: We saw that you dropped an EP on your website recently, tell us a little about it. ZANE: I just put the new website up (www.lilzanesworld.com) & wanted to do something special for the fans. This EP, this mixtape is something special for the fans & is a preview for my new album. FX: So there’s a new album coming? ZANE: Yea, "LIL", a lot of people don’t realize the Lil in my name has a meaning, it stands for “Life I Live” that will be the name of the new album & it’s an introduction to Lil Zane today. FX: So we’re going to see more music from Lil Zane? ZANE: Yea I’ve got a single dropping April 25th called “Don’t Spill My Liquor” it’s fire, I promise you it’s be THE track for the Summer. I’m hitting social media with a hashtag #DSML to go along with the song. FX: So should we be expecting new tour dates? ZANE: Oh yea, I was just in Florida performing with 50 at Club Cure, but my tour will officially kick off April 8th in Gainsville FL it’s the Don’t Spill My Liquor Tour I’m going to hit them with some old & new tracks. You definitely want to see me. FX: So we can expect to see those dates on your website? ZANE: That’s right www.lilzanesworld.com & watch my social media too https://www.instagram.com/lilzanesworld/ https://www.facebook.com/officiallilzane https://twitter.com/lilzanesworld FX: Will there be any surprises on the Album? ZANE: Oh definitely, there is some great talent on the album, Lil Scrappy, Jacob Lattimore. D Phlo is a new artist I found & is The first artist from my label, he’ll be on the album too, there’s more but I’m keeping them secret. FX: So Zane is bringing us new talent? ZANE: Yea D Phlo has been in the studio nonstop, expect an album from him in the fall or winter but look out for a single from him coming soon too, it’ll be called “Bye Felicia” FX: If I were an artist looking to get signed by your label how could I reach out to you? ZANE: My label is called Money Making Muzik MMM, I’m always available though through social media, I’m always scouting too, get your music up & message me through social media & I’ll check it out. FX: So outside of music what is Lil Zane up to? CONTINUED PAGE 56
L
ZANE: Right now I’m working on starting up my yet to be named non-profit. I’ve had some sickle cell anemia in my family & I feel like I should be doing something about it. My brother just recently experienced kidney failure too, my mom gave him her kidney, but we need to be looking for ways to prevent it. My charity will focus on this, prevention & treatment. FX: You do quite a bit of charity work right? ZANE: Oh yea, I like to be in the community, working with Autistic children, in the schools talking to kids. any way I can have a positive influence you know? FX: Love it, any words for the fans or those who might be going through something? ZANE: Put God first & stay positive, Keep your head up. With God anything is possible.
a bikini bottom that can transform to a one piece in seconds. The convertible was also embraced by Bobbie Thomas and Kathie Lee Hoda on American TV NBC Today show. Boobah was also featured on Miami swim show during it’s exhibition in South Beach for its unique classy Australian touch.
Boobah is Australian designed and made label. Was established in 1997. The name Boobah means doll in Hebrew or expression of beauty or endearment. The label utilizes highest quality fabrics and co-ordinates it’s designs to cater for most body shapes and sizes. Boobah has had many TV exposures few which shot to fame with the invention of the Pammy bikini in 2007 ( named after the hot bay watch babe Pamela Anderson) on Australian famous Tv show -A current affair- A bust enhancer bikini top that enhances the bust up to 2 cup sizes.
www.boobah.com.au
touch. The label has been flourishing year after year in Australia and over the globe with its commitment to satisfying every woman’s needs in size and shape The line continues to draw classy / opulent unrestricted women that love their body irrelevant of their shape/size or colour relying on the full trust of the designer that focuses on just that!
The second TV hit was in 2008 with the Paris bikini/monokini glamour suit which was named after the glamorous Paris Hilton, again on Australian famous TV -A current affair- The third hit was the invention of the convertible bikini which was launched in 2009,
Model: Sarah Godfrey Photographer: Myriad Photography MUA Sarah Godfrey
COVER IMAGES: "Lil Zane" Photographer: Johnny H Le Stylist: KL Allen "Jenni Poffenberger" Photographer: D'Heirus Lollis Stylist: D'Heirus Lollis MUA: Christine Truesdail Ramirez Hair: Jazzie Bolden Top: Von Ray Accessories: Jane Ryder Millinery, Just Ask Creations
Staff
EDITOR IN CHIEF KL Allen MANAGING EDITOR D'Heirus Lollis
WEB www.FashXmag.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/fashxmag TWITTER www.twitter.com/fashxmag (@fashxmag) INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fashxmag (@fashxmag)) INQUORIES info@fashxmag.com Advertising: (404)933-1928
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Johnny H Le ART DIRECTOR D'Heirus Lollis CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erica Erica FASHION PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Clyde Lewis MEDIA CORRESPONDANT Shawna McCray J'ai Auguste Kasey Lanham PHOTODHOOT DIRECTOR Damar Lewis OPERATIONS MANAGER Muave Costen
SPECIAL THANKS TO Publicist Jackie Bush of Gj&j Public Relations Co 3Way Studios ATL Salon Muave
XPEDITION
BY Tawny Horton
Etnos menswear
Cloee Photography London
Jenni Poffenberger The Search is over
Previous page: Photographer: D'Heirus Lollis Stylist: D'Heirus Lollis WARDROBE Top: Von Ray Accessories: Brinko Ties MUA: Christine Truesdail Ramirez Hair: Jazzie Bolden
Photographer: D'Heirus Lollis Stylist: D'Heirus Lollis WARDROBE Top: Ayi Michael Shorts: Scarlet Proverbs Acessories: Scarlet Proverbs MUA: Christine Truesdail Ramirez Hair: Jazzie Bolden
Photographer: D'Heirus Lollis Stylist: D'Heirus Lollis WARDROBE Top: Von Ray Acessories: Carly Kinard MUA: Christine Truesdail Ramirez Hair: Jazzie Bolden
FashX Magazine Model Search Winner Jenni Poffenberger Age: 25 Height: 5' 10" Cup: A Dress: 3 Shoe: 9.0 City: Chicago
RELIC LEATHER Co.
elic Leather Co. believes art is so important, that everything including even the most mundane yet most used and functional pieces should be meaningful and inspiring. The owner and designer Becca Meadows began working with leather almost a decade ago. A second generation leather-worker, she began as a fine artist but quickly immersed herself in this new medium at a young age. Following in her father’s footsteps she began by working as a saddler and assisted in custom work and repairs. When she became ill with Lyme Disease she realized the average nine to five wouldn't be suitable and ventured into leather-work as a business focusing on apparel instead. Artisan made, all of their designs start in a sketchbook and are then hand patterned, cut, edged, edge-dyed and burnished. They are sewn by either machine or by hand (although they’ve got the calluses to prove it’s mostly by hand). Proudly Canadian, their studio is nestled on a small horse farm in rural Ontario. Relic Leather Co. decided to make apparel because of a void in quality work which demonstrated a homeostatic balance between functionality, integrity and style. As they always say, “They don’t make it like they used to.” Relic Leather strives to fix that. This is an opportunity to create timeless pieces that no one wants to throw away, in a society filled with excess and disposable material goods. It is our next step for humanity to be more sustainable. Our generation will be the new ambassadors of the world. Let’s do it right, starting with the right gear. Their pieces are investments, one time buys, so they go for broke, sometimes literally, in getting the highest quality materials and make their products in small batches to ensure they are creating a piece up to the highest standards. So choose carefully, this may just be the last one you ever need to buy.
R
The Art Of Leather
"An opportunity to create timeless pieces that no one wants to throw away"
Ayi Michal Shreveport's newest emerging brand By D'Heirus Lollis Meyshea Baker is the brains & designer behind the emerging brand Ayi Michael. We sat down with her for an interview in beautiful Shreveport, she opens up about her start in Fashion & the creation of the Ayi Michael brand. FX: Ayi Michael, it's an interesting name, what does it mean? MB: The name Ayi Michael was chosen because it is a combination of both a girl and a boy name, which is exactly who I am as an individual and a designer. I am the only girl among three brothers, so the tomboy in me was inevitable. As a girl and even today I enjoy mud riding, hiking, and hunting. It is only natural for Ayi Michael to represent diversity. I have been in fashion since the age of six. My journey began as a young girl sewing small items such as skirts, pants and shirts for my dolls as clothing. My family was very poor and we could not afford to purchase multiple changes for my dolls, so I made them. FX: How long have you been in fashion? MB: Professionally I have been in fashion, since 2006. I begin working in film in 2006 as a costumer. Since then I have worked on several projects until God said it was time for me to follow my dreams. FX: Describe your journey from day 1 in fashion until today MB: It was very difficult starting off in film. You know one must pay their dues and the pay was very low. I can remember the rate was $50.00/ 18 hrs. The normal working hours for low budget film was usually 12-18 working hours. The next project that I booked the rate was a little better at $100/12 hours. Finally, my breakthrough in 2008 was when I booked Soul Men and I became a member of I.A.T.S.E. 478 as a designer/costumer/set costumer. After that I continued to design and work in film. In 2010 I begin putting small pieces of my designs onto actors in the films that I worked on. I continued to work in film until I decided in November 2014 that I would follow my dream and begin my independent journey into the world of fashion. FX: Your very first show was in Shreveport at Red Bayou Fashion Weekend correct? MB: Yes FX: You enter the designer's competition & win, your first show, first competition, what was that like for you? Did you expect to do so well? MB: I had no intentions on entering into the show. A dear friend contacted me and requested that I should enter the show just to do it and get the experience under my belt. I decided that I would give it a shot. I begin by looking for fabric that fit my vision. I knew my inspiration was black and white, so that was the focus of my designs. With three weeks left until the show and I had just began to design, it was intense during that time plus I was and is currently in graduate school for education at Grambling State. Then I have two boys ages 5 and 12 that think I am super mom that didn’t make it any easier. During long nights with my cousin and right hand, Tanya Thomas we begin to work on my vision. I couldn’t have completed this project without her, she keep me level headed. For us to win our first show was an overwhelming feeling. I did not expect to win, but I am very grateful for this experience and there will be more from Ayi Michael coming soon. FX: I was actually a judge in that competition, you really brought the house down that night in Shreveport. I've come to consider Shreveport a "hidden gem" of fashion, some really great designers & brands that either started there or are there now. What makes Shreveport so special? MB: Shreveport is home to me. I have lived in New York, D.C., and California those are my second homes, but there is just a warm feeling about home and the south. Now, I love the entertainment and live performances that New York and California have to offer. Shreveport has become a hot spot for talent in music, film, and fashion. Incredible individuals such as supermodel Ariel Meredith, country singer Hank Williams, Former football player Terry Bradshaw, and Reality Star Monyetta Shaw. Actually Monyetta and I worked on Soul Man together and I went to high school with Ariel Meredith. That goes to show you that Shreveport is a city where everyone knows everyone. To all the celebrities that I have worked with and build a friendship with over the years that are very supportive, I appreciate their support. People love Shreveport for its good food, wholesome people and good times. Shreveport has become the other LA. FX: What are your plans for Ayi Michael going forward? MB: Moving forward Ayi Michael is praying on the right steps in the right direction. As of now I am focusing on the collection for next year, which will be edgy and contemporary. FX: Who would you say is your inspiration or influence? MB: My inspiration and influence in fashion is art. Seeing great designers mix art with fashion gives such individuality and creativity to the nature of fashion. FX: In a hypothetical world, if you were to turn on the television & see anyone at all wearing your designs, who would you want that person to be? MB: In a hypothetical world if I were to turn on the television and see someone wearing my designs the person’s whom I would be totally flatted by would be Katy Perry, Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu. FX: Love them, it's easy to see why your designs are so unique & dare I say groundbreaking . We're definitely looking forwartd to seeing a lot more from you Ayi Michael is abosolutely a brand to watch going forward. Thanks for sitting down with us. Where can we see more of you? Our website is www.AyiMichael.com Publicist: Shonta McCray 225-315-1171