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As it was coming to an end late December 2011, I sat and looked back at my year and dissected all the obstacles I came across. It then dawned on me, I had a lot of re-evaluating to do. I realized that no one will ever be as passionate and driven for your dream, than yourself. Therefore, I took it upon myself to focus on these next four seasonal issues on my own, with my team of photographers, and my art director. I also realized my strength and weakness is my desire for perfection and nothing less. This means I never have a plan B. If something isn't going how I want it, I stop everything until it can be done that way. This leads to delayed projects. This year I will be taking a new route to always have a plan B. That way nothing will be delayed from here on out. I want to ensure that my viewers have the best, high quality, inspiring work out in this market. I can't wait to start traveling to Cali this year to expand! Really excited for this magazine.

This year we will be releasing four issues. Our winter issue, our Spring issue, our end of the summer issue, and our end of the year issue. This is our winter issue of course, also known as our FASHION ISSUE. Where we focused on some of the most talented emerging talent in the fashion industry, amongst NYC. Hence COCO & BREEZY on the cover. Those girls where amazing to work with! They where so humble and inspiring. I really hope that everyone can be truly inspired by these articles, and that you enjoy this issue. Me and my team put a lot into this one.

Lastly, I'd like to thank my team Daphne L. & Lexxie J. for their last contributions in Exposé Magazine. Not the company, but with the magazine, just to clear that up. Of course thanks to my Art Director: El for the AMAZING work as usual on this issue. As well as all the AMAZING photographers who worked with me. Lots more to come till the Spring release!

Ciao! xoxo

Sammy P.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORSEDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CREATIVE DIRECTORSAMANTHA PHAGU - @SAMCHANEL_

ART DIRECTORL. PROVIDENCE - @ELLEJURKOVISKY

INSPIRATION DIRECTORDAPHNE LIGONDE - @DMARIE__

MUSIC DIRECTOR LEXXIE JOHNSON - @LEXXIEEJAY

PHOTOGRAPHERSBRYAN HECTOR - @BHEC

JOSEPHINE MATHIEU - @__JOEYYANDREW FENNELL - @ANDREWFENNELL

COVER

PHOTOGRAPHER: NERIAH MCBAIN - @NERIAHMMUA: ABIGAIL TOLUD | DOLLING MAQUILLAGE

A LnL PUBLICATION

A LnL PUBLICATION

THE FASHION ISSUEIN THIS ISSUE:

WINTER 2012

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THE FASHION ISSUEIN THIS ISSUE:

WINTER 2012

02

INSPIRATION7 NIELLY FRANCOISE9 ALLISTAIR SOW

MUSIC11 SMALL GIRL, BIG DREAMS: ZOEY KASH13 EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORNES

FASHION15 NYFW S/S 2012 REVIEW18 DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: SHEILA RASHID19 STYLE PROFILE: EV RYAN22 TWINS IN FASHION: COCO & BREEZY

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inspiration:

NIELLY FRANCOISEALL PAINTINGS PORTRAITS CREATED IN 2011

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WHAT MAKES A GREAT TEACHER? MOST THINK IT IS SOMEONE WHO POSSESS A DEGREE IN ANY MAT-TER OF SUBJECT BUT, THAT

COULDN’T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. ALLISTAIR SOW, A TEACHER OF GREAT KNOWLEDGE, MOTIVATION AND YOUTH COULDN’T AGREE MORE.

At the young age of 17, Allistair Sow has accomplished more than what most teachers were able to do in their ten-ure. Given the opportunity by one of his master educators Mr. Keen Walker, who recognized Allistair’s gift after realizing the kind of book he was reading. “The African Origin Of Civilization” by Cheikh Anta Diop; a book his own teacher didn’t read till his college years. It was then,

Sow began teaching his fellow class-mates U.S history during his senior year of high school. Not having his own set curriculum, Allistair lectured his students giving them a more clear understanding on what needed to be learned. His teach-ing style kept his classmates captivated and wanting to learn more. “It just started by people asking me what I was reading, to me giving my perspec-tive on what I was reading, to people coming to me for advice, to people overhearing that advice, and then natu-rally advice became lectures, and lectures became lessons.”

For Sow, this wasn’t about getting praised and looked up to by his class-

inspiration:

ALLISTAIR SOW WRITTEN BY: DAPHNE MARIE LIGONDE

mates. He genuinely loved the idea of teaching. Helping those develop their own sense of learning. The most excit-ing part Allistair loved about teaching was watching others find and respond to their own potential. He stated, True knowledge not only acts as an introspec-tive tool for ones self, but is also a light for those surrounded by it. As we light a path for others, we naturally light our own way. Acknowledging those around him respond to his methods helped him realize what he needed to do.

Then After, He began writing. When asked by his mentor and very good friend, Scott McKenzie to contribute to his second book, Allistair accepted with great honor and disbelief. With an op-

portunity such as this to be presented, Allistair couldn’t have been more grateful.

I look for what I identify in myself as a universal sense of responsibility, Sow States. Most people look to higher beings as a sense of inspiration, Allistair believes that the inspiration comes from within. Once you learn what it is you are sup-pose to do in the life you live everything would be much clearer. What motivates Sow is the lack of motivation he sees around him. He believes, the lack of motivation surrounding him motivates him to exercise his ability to respond; or responsibility.

I always say that thinkers think and do-ers do. But until the thinkers do, and the do-ers think, progress will always be another word for talkers who talk. I want everything I write to make people ask themselves what good does it do to be a thinker and not a do-er, or a do-er and not a thinker?”

Reaching a new phase in his career at the young age of 19, Allistair began one of his latest and greatest accomplishments; his own self-improvement and self-discipline book. With his empowering and moti-vational thoughts what better way to go than to spread his knowledge world wide.

“I’ve been asked to write books for years, but I had to believe in other peoples belief in me before I could finally believe in myself. I believe I can change and help many lives through writing.”

This journey doesn’t end for Allistair Sow. The journey of learning and earning never really ends, so I do see myself still striving to be the best student of life I can be, He states.

Within the upcoming years, Allistair sees himself as a successful author and entre-preneur helping those around him follow in his positive footsteps.

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music: SMALL GIRL,BIG DREAMS:ZOEY KASHWRITTEN BY: LEXXIE JOHNSON

FULL NAME: KIMBERLY MACARIOLA

AGE: 19

LOCATION: WASHINGTON, DC

NATIONALITY: FILIPINO, CHINESE & SPANISH

OCCUPATION: STARVING ARTIST

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR? Committing to someone.

WHAT WORDS OF INSPIRATION WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO ARE ASPIRING TO GET INTO THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY? Find yourself, plan out goals, and just go for it.

ONE WORD THAT DESCRIBES “ZOEY KASH”Awesome.

WHAT OTHER HOBBIES OR INTER-ESTS DO YOU HAVE BESIDES MUSIC?I like to make clothes, I haven’t done it in a while but I picked it up in high school, and fell in love with it. As well as drawing.. .I think I’m pretty cool at it.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DO MUSIC?I tend to get most of my inspiration from the 50’s and 60’s era. Especially from old movies. Audrey Hepburn and Julie Andrew’s movies to be exact, and that falls way deeper than “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “The Sound of Music”. The music artists who’ve inspired me the most are Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Solange, and Aaliyah.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC? I would say my music is basically rap but singing. I’m heavily influenced by classics. I like recreating and rein-venting ideas. I love watching an old movie and taking a situation from a scene and creating a song about it.

WHAT ARTISTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH IN THE FUTURE?Pharrell, Collin Munroe, Justin Tim-berlake , and Chris Brown.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF 5 YEARS FROM NOW?With a Grammy or two or more, and a collaboration with mac or some women’s street wear line, on a bill-board in times square for something cool.

HOW DOES YOUR MUSIC DIFFER FROM OTHER FEMALE MUSICIANS?I feel like I touch on topics most females don’t usually sing about, its not the same structured heartbroken tale or love story.

WHAT ARE SOME TRIALS & TRIBU-LATIONS YOU’VE FACED IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY?I guess being taken seriously. Peo-ple tend to think that because I’m young...and a girl, I have no real direction or understanding of things. I’ve had people try to “mold” me into wack sounds and stuff, just not letting me be me as an artist, I really hate that.

WHAT’S YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?Success to me is someone’s sole aspirations being fulfilled, being able to do what makes you happy, and being able to give back in some form to others with it.

WHAT UP & COMING ARTISTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH?Kendrick Lamar.

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In a male dominated industry, DJ Kalkutta is making her mark with her amazing talents. Being featured in well acknowledged

& accredited publications such as US Weekly, In Touch, Complex, etc. Not to be overshadowed in her artistry because of her gender, she is setting out to make sure that it is undeniable to show her nothing but respect. Kalkutta was adopted into an American family, from her native country India. She was adopted from an orphanage called Kalkutta, hence her now stage name DJ Kalkutta.

Being adopted, was a blessing for her, but she also found it difficult growing up. Growing up she found herself entangled with an issue where kids who are often adopted into a different race often interact; a racial identity crisis. How would she juggle the customs & religious beliefs of her adoptive family, but still remain true to her roots.

Through & through Kalkutta pushed her way through her adversities. Fast forward years later Kalkutta majored in Audio Engineering &

Production, but she accidentally fell into the arms of DJ'ing when a friend simply suggested she tried it out; it was history from then on. Being inspired by mainly 80's rock IE Motley Crew, & Poison, it lead her to define her own style of the craft. Kalkutta's main goal is not to become a famous household name & have wealth, but to inspire. To inspire the Desi population, although the Desi race represents a large portion of the population, they are scarce within the mainstream media. Females within the Indian community

music:

EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORNESWRITTEN BY: LEXXIE JOHNSON

do not have a strong female role model to look up to, & seeing this void she wants to become someone whom young woman can see as an inspiration. Kalkutta also wants to take on the responsibility of rebuilding the Kalkutta orphanage which she was adopted from.

It is a true inspiration not only to those who look up to Kalkutta from the Desi community, but to females everywhere. A powerful story that reveals that although you are sure to face adversities within your life, or just because you are "different", your sure to overcome them if you truly believe in yourself.

Her advice to females looking to get in the industry or aspiring to follow in her footsteps: Learn how to be political in a male dominated industry, & learn how to use your femininity to your advantage without being degraded.

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fashion:

NYFWS/S 2012

REVIEWWRITTEN BY: RANDI CORBO

S PRING 2012’S RTW RUNWAYS BROUGHT THE MEANING BACK TO FUNCTIONAL FASHION. THERE WAS NO SHORTAGE OF CHIFFON,

LUXE LEATHERS, BRIGHT COLORS AND INTRIGUING PRINTS. DETAILED SEAM WORK ALONGSIDE DESIGNERS’ FLAIR FOR FLARE MADE FOR DELICATE DELIGHTS. BUT THIS SEASON, YOU CAN LIVE A PRACTICAL LIFE IN EVERY PIECE CREATED. REAL FASHION FOR REAL PEOPLE.

SHAPESThe shapes included everything from graceful silhouettes, tailored separates, to no structure whatsoever. Knee-length dresses and skirts were as sophisticated as they are sexy. A touch of glamour with the resurgence of peplum, added to an alluringly airy silhouette, balanced between elegance and eye-catching. Strategic draping brought demure gowns to life, exquisitely capturing sensual style in these float-away frocks. Expertly cut tailoring was also a major favorite, causing a head-turning effect on every show-goer. (A)

COLORSColor was ubiquitous this spring. Amplifying pigments like acid yellows and emeralds, rich hues like merlots and marines were seen everywhere—off-set with cool neutrals like blush and khaki. Tonal consistency, even with patterns was supremely stylish, yet refreshingly

simple. (B)

PRINTSPrints with personality are still in abundance for Spring. A myriad was shown but leopard, a go-to print, was a nod to the trend. Ranging from garden florals, island-inspired, tribal hints, to head-to-toe wallpaper prints—patterns were everywhere. (C)

TEXTILESThe mix of luxe textiles was definitely a crowd pleaser. Ingenious combinations like sultry lace, sheer under light leathers and body hugging jersey were only some of the refined fabrics shown. An overdose of silk, glossy leather, chiffon and loose knits infused edgy with feminine charm. The weather-ready blends were brilliant and a real hit of inspiration. (D)

(A) (A)

(B)(B)

(C) (C)

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(A) (A) (A) (D)

(D)(B)(B)(B)

(C) (C) (C) (D)

My name is Sheila Rashid, I am 23 years old from Chicago, Illinois. I had a passion to design clothes starting my senior year

in high school, in which I was only painting shirts and hoodies. The inspiration to make clothes was after dropping out of college. I wasn't able to consistently pay for school so i only made it to my second semester freshmen year. I knew it was my time to follow my dream and make something happen!

The concepts of my designs are all staples of geometric shapes and seam detailing. I wanted to innovate something fresh and new, so I con-tinue to stick with the futuristic yet classic look for everything I make.

The type of woman to wear "Sheila Rashid Designs" is the empowered and confident. Any woman that range from 23 to 45. She works in Fashion or of the arts. The conserva-tive, popular, stylish party animal or the type of woman that can stand in one spot and everybody stares at an upscale event. The woman that gets attention without even trying. She is on the VIP list and demands respect down to her shoes. Of course I've had some amazing ups and hard downs. My biggest downfall was one day being told I wasn't creative from a close friend in which we had a clothing line together at the time. After the split, it really just inspired me to start my own clothing line. I had to start from scratch. So I put in

the time. First I taught myself how to make patterns & did a show for the College I attended. After that, I put together a 30 look collection and launched a fashion show in my hometown Chicago.

Some of my biggest accomplish-ments so far is as follows. I've had the privelege to meet and work with different models from Americas Next Top Model such as Keenyah Hill and Kayla Ferrel. Launching a 30 look collection in Chicago, in which the turn out got amazing feedback. I then launched a collection in New York during NYFW. Getting to meet Keri Hilson and having her wear one of my dresses. Also, meeting Vashtie Kola in a show I did in ATL and end-ing up on her blog. I've gotten the opportunity to work with some of the top stylists such as Stevie Boi. One of my dresses where featured on a morning show on live television for a fashion segment. I was one of eight Designers for the Italian Expo. And i've been very appreciative of my clientele thus far.

To those who have the desire to want a career in the fashion industry just make sure you are realistic about your goals. If you have the passion, the eye and business mind for it, stick to it. You must be confident. Start by buying a sewing machine. You can sketch all day but an idea is only the beginning.

fashion: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT:SHEILA RASHID

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fashion: STYLE PROFILE:

EV RYANWRITTEN BY: SAMANTHA PHAGU

WANT MORE EV RYAN?STAY TUNED FOR EV RYAN’S

STYLE VIDEO ATLNLONLINEMEDIA.COM

It was such an amazing collaboration with model/photographer Ev Ryan, & photographer Andrew Fennell. We shot in his Union Square office and had great vibes. I was always intrigued by Ev's style and personality, as

well as Drew's work. It was such a pleasure working with them. With this shoot, I let Ev take total control of styling it, make-up and hair. I felt she didn't need anyone to take that creativity away from it. As expected she was fierce. The furs and vintage leathers where immaculate. Throughout the shoot we spoke about our careers and obstacles we've faced.

Ev Spoke on growing up and how she became so bold and confident throughout her years. She is mostly inspired by wearing vintage pieces. Bold, daring, vintage pieces. She's definitely someone that walks in a room and owns it. One of her many accomplishments where being featured in the January 2012 issue of INKED Magazine! She has certainly inspired others to be confident and have fun.

I don't really want to give away too much, due to the release of the style segment we put together, visually. This will be out and about soon, and these photo's say enough for now. Which by the way, took forever for me to edit down! They where all so amazing. Her style is bold, fearless, and expresses her so well. It should inspire those afraid to step out of the box.

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FASHION:

COCO & BREEZY

TWINS IN

WRITTEN BY: SAMANTHA PHAGU

FASHION:

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FASHION:

COCO & BREEZY

TWINS IN

WRITTEN BY: SAMANTHA PHAGU

FASHION:

These beautiful twins have taken the fashion industry by storm, with their creativity & talent to be innovative. You can be inspired

by them from the way they branded themselves over the past few years. I'm sure you've heard about them, and if not, well that's what I'm here for! Me and the girls had such a fun photo shoot and I got to talk to them about their journey.

“WE THEN CAME TO NYC WITH LITTLE MONEY, FAITH AND

AMBITION, AND MADE IT HAPPEN.”

Coco & Breezy, born and raised in Minnesota at age 21 has become young respected rising moguls in the fashion industry. They stuck with their childhood name, which is know known internationally. The girls started their journey when they came to New York for their 19th birthday. They would wear their handmade designed glasses and had NY na-tives questioning where they can be purchased. That's when they

thought to their selves "Wow, this can be a brand". They quickly went back to Minnesota, quit their jobs, sold their car and told their parents the are moving to NYC. The words from their parents were "Girls, go for it!". Coco & Breezy stated, "We then came to NYC with little money, faith and ambition, and made it hap-pen". years later they have now been seen in numerous magazines from Honey Magazine to Teen Vogue!

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“NOT EVERYONE IS GOING TO LIKE WHAT YOU ARE DOING. WE JUST KEEP A STRONG MIND AND STAY

TRUE TO OURSELVES”Their glasses have started an epi-demic from celebrities to young girls, as well as guys all over demanding them. As hard as it was coming to NYC from Minnesota the girls learned to have tuff skin! When asked how they deal with negativity they replied "We simply take it as someone else's opinion. Not everyone is going to like what you are doing. We just keep a strong mind and stay true to our-selves". Their new collection, worn in

the photo shoot we had with them, has been a great change. While we had the shoot, I spoke to girls about what their collection's concept was. I was easily impressed. I remember them talking about how hard it was growing up, being taunted for being different. How wearing sunglasses where kind of like a comfort blanket to hide from outsiders that didn't except them. The rain represents the tears from taunting peers and the

sunglasses represent the umbrella, as the shield of protection. One dollar from each pair of sunglasses sold will go to The Megan Meier Founda-tion for anti-bullying. You can see the different story and progress behind each of their three successful collec-tions. I feel every young rising brand can look to these girls for inspiration. They've made it, and so can YOU!

APRIL 9, 201203

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