beau-seant[Bo'-ze-aunt] -verb 1. Be glorious

Guatemala the cultural gem of Central America

simple textiles fulfill those cravings for something beautiful

Dalia Dresses for every woman

beauseant September 2010 be glorious

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

by: marianne orchard

TRAVEL

Guatemala – the cultural gem of Central America

by: deborah stone

TEXTILES

A Craving for Something Simple

by: Pat Nugent

MUSIC

Bre Morgan

by: Deborah Stone

PHOTO ESSAY:CHINAby: chaselliott photography

inside beaseant | september2010

p. 5

p. 6

p. 10

p. 16

ON THE COVER

Designer Spotlight with Dalia MacPhee

by: layla bell

p. 21

p. 18

Destination Weddings

C B P h o t o g r a p h y i s celebrating their 7th year with over 200 weddings under their belt!

www.cbphotography.com

Welcome readers, artists, critics.

We are overjoyed to present the first issue of Beauseant! So, what came first, the magazine or the name? e origin of beauseant is quite muddled and somewhat unknown.   In Scottish history bawseant was used to denote something that was two colors.  As time passed beau in french, came to mean beautiful, noble, glorious, while seant means ‘to become’.   Nowhere however, in a contemporary French dictionary can you find the word beauseant. Beauseant magazine has chosen to take the best meanings of this evolving word, so to us, and hopefully soon to you, beauseant means, ‘Be Glorious’.  

Because this magazine was inspired by this word, the founders seek to find share media that inspires readers to embody the definition of this powerful word. Our mission is to ensure that the content of this magazine is multi-cultural, colorful, uplifts and inspires us all to BE GLORIOUS. We don’t think this is too lofty a goal.

So may we all be a little more glorious!

Marianne Orchard

beauseant

a note from the publisher

uatemala is the crown jewel of Central America. Its scenic beauty, colorful culture, exotic wildlife and ancient history dazzle visitors from all over the world. Unlike its oft visited neighbors, Belize and Costa Rica, however, Guatemala is not a major tourist mecca – yet. ose who do venture to this “land of eternal spring” come for its unpolished appeal – for its authenticity and genuine character. And they delight in the hospitable nature of the people, who take pride in sharing their rich heritage with others.

If you’re thinking of visiting the country for the first time, consider joining an organized tour, especially if you don’t have a good command of Spanish. I chose Viaventure, a company with a well known reputation for providing quality, small group tours that are c u s t o m d e s i g n e d b a s e d o n interests.

I started in Antigua, one of the most charming destinations in the world, with beautifully restored Spanish colonial architecture, nar row cobblestone streets , manicured parks and a picturesque h o r i z o n s h a p e d b y s e v e r a l volcanoes. is lovely locale has managed to retain the ambiance of the 17th century capital that it once was, while incorporating modern amenities to appeal to visitors from all corners of the globe. Here you’ll find eclectic shops and art galleries, f a s c i n a t i n g m u s e u m s a n d traditional markets packed with locally made textiles, jewelry and woodcrafts.

From Antigua, it’s easy to make several day excursions to tour a coffee plantation, macadamia nut f a r m o r w o m e n ’ s t e x t i l e cooperative. Viaventure arranged for me to connect with As Green as it Gets (GAIG), a charity working to support small independent coffee

producers , whi le promoting environmental ly responsible agriculture in Guatemala. e organization takes guests to visit some of the families it supports and encourages them to learn about the bean-to-cup coffee process by working side-by-side with small coffee farmers. e experience is an eye-opener and it is guaranteed to give you a newfound appreciation for your daily cup of java and the efforts of the dedicated growers to produce quality coffee.

I also made a visit to the nearby village of Santiago Zamora, a collective where women work together to produce and sell traditional weavings and other products and then distribute the benefits equally in order to improve their families’ living conditions. As I watched the women demonstrate the weaving process , I was hypnotized by the speed and

e Cultural Gem Of Central AmericaWRITTEN BY DEBORAH STONE

Guatemala

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guatemala | TRAVEL

i n t r i c a c y o f t h e i r fi n g e r movements.

As you drive around the countryside, you’ll note that volcanoes dominate Guatemala’s landscape. e country has 36 of them to be exact, with three that are currently active. Hiking up one of them is a must-do adventure during your stay. Mt. Pacaya, at 8,371 feet, has been in a state of continuous eruptions for many years. Its close proximity to Antigua makes it very accessible to hikers. You’ll trek though a pine forest as you gradually make your way to the mountain’s section of volcanic ash and finally to the sulfur smoking cone.

Most likely, you’ll see some small eruptions and have the chance to get a close up view of a fiery orange river of lava as it flows down the mountainside. e place has a Mt. Doom atmosphere with craggy, sharp rocks, sauna-like conditions and steam as thick as pea soup.

For a change in scenery, head to mystical Lake Atitlan in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. is renowned body of water is regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world because of its crystal blue color and the dramatic volcanoes and escarpments that surround it. Communities of proud Maya people live along its shores, clinging to the essence of their cultural identities while adapting to modern conveniences. Visitors tour the lake by boat, stopping at the local villages, such as San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan.

In San Juan La Laguna, you’ll be able to watch the back strap loom in use at a women’s weaving association and learn how natural d y e s a r e c r e a t e d . A n o t h e r cooperative in the village consists

guatemala | TRAVEL

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of painters, who create vibrant pictures from bird’s eye and ant’s eye perspectives. e artisans encourage visitors to watch them in action and keep the doors to their workshops and studios open.

A short boat ride away is Santiago Atitlan, a traditional village known for its historical church and its primitive art and beautiful textiles, particularly women’s tunics or “huipiles.” is town has a distinct religious character that is flavored by the veneration of the Maya quasi-deity, Maximon, a figure that combines the identities of the pre-Columbian god Maam and the Christian Saint Simon.

About an hour away from the lake is Chichicastenango, a highland town known for its famous market. It is the largest indigenous clothes and handicrafts market in the country. But, you’ll also find everything from fresh produce and everyday household items to medicinal plants, machetes and even chickens and pigs. Maya people from all over the area, along with a fair share of tourists, head to ‘Chichi’ on Sundays and ursdays, which are the

market days, to roam the maze of passageways and peruse the endless variety of wares. It’s an amazing sensory experience, full of colorful chaos, intriguing aromas and the din of vendors’ voices enticing you to buy their goods.

A trip to Guatemala would not be complete without a visit to El Peten, the largest tropical forest in Central America and the heartland of the Maya people. It’s the site of thousands of ruins from the ancient Maya civilization, among them, wondrous Tikal. Known as the “New York of the Maya World,” Tikal is a sprawling complex of more than 3,000 structures, many of which still remain shrouded by the dense forest overgrowth. Its spectacular temples tower high above the jungle canopy, appearing as grand sentinels of a mysterious world. ese immense creations conjure up images of a once thriving and flourishing society. You can almost hear the voices from the past as you walk through the emerald forest among these incredible engineering and architectural masterpieces. Competing for your attention will be

HAND-WOVEN COTTON FABRICS Represent the artistry of Mayan weavers  whose tradition is over five hundred years old. Most fabrics are woven in small villages in the central highlands of Guatemala.

guatemala | TRAVEL

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noisy howler monkeys, a host of brightly hued, tropical birds and entertaining spider monkeys, who will make you dizzy with their outrageous gymnastics.

If you’re not rendered speechless at this point in your experience, climb to the top of one of the temples at sunset and prepare to become mute with awe as you gaze out at this magical fusion of historic heritage and overwhelming nature. ■

guatemala | TRAVEL

Designer Spotlight: Dalia MacPheeDalia | FASHION

h e c r e a t i v e designs of Dalia S o m e t h i n g

inspires elegance and a r e f i n e m e n t i n women's formal wear that is sometimes hard to find these days. In this personal interview with Dalia herself, I sought to find what makes her work glorious, where she comes from and where she is going. A Dalia design belongs i n e v e r y w o m a n ' s closet.

Dalia | FASHION

T

How long have you been designing?

Since I was a little girl. I used to design clothing for my family members to try on. I remember this one pink gown

that looked horrible on my father....

What inspires your work/designs?

My inspiration comes from the women who wear my product.... e desire to keep coming out with products

that they will hopefully love.

Who are some designers you love/wear or inspired by?

It's hard to list just a few, as there are so many talented designers out there, both old and new. However, I’m

inspired by Valentino’s passion and exceptional design. Madame Gres inspires me with her timelessness and humility (most people don't know who she was but her designs were classic and innovative). I’m also inspired by Mark Ecko’s tenacity and outstanding marketing strategy

Dalia | FASHION

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Where is your home base? Do you have a store front?

I am from Vancouver Canada and spend my time there and  Hollywood. I have a

showroom in West Hollywood.

Are any of your materials recycled?  What is your favorite material to work

with?

Yes, I have worked with recycled fabrics before, but my most favorite thing I am

doing right now is Vegan Material. Vegans will not wear anything that has silk in them, and we have found a way to create amazing high

quality fabrics that are silk free and vegan, meaning no creatures were harmed. 90% of the line is vegan friendly and you can identify which styles by the "V" at the end of the style number.

 Do you make any of your own clothes?

I design my own clothes but mostly I don't make them myself because I am a

bit accident prone and shouldn't really be around dangerous machinery.... ( I almost failed home economics when I was 11 years old due to some "issues" I had with a blouse making project.)

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Dalia | FASHION

I f t h e r e w a s o n e celebrity you could

design a dress for who would it be and why?

I'm dressing a lot of the people  I would like to

already, but if I had to pick someone, it would probably beOprah-- I haven't dressed her Yet and well... you know you've made it when you've gotten on Oprah!!

Where do you see your business in ten years?

H o p e f u l l y a s a n I n t e r n a t i o n a l B ra n d

Name that is helping to facilitate change in the world. ■

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Dalia | FASHION

Craving

Simplefor something

a

HANDMADE, ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE TEXTILES

WRITTEN BY PAT NUGENT

THE ROBINS WERE CHIRPING on my m o r n i n g w a l k t o d ay encouraging me to pause and eaves drop on their private conversations with each other. It occurred to me that simple, natural treasures like a bird note are what everyone is craving these days.

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In our complicated world where little can be completed before the next demand to learn a new technology or join another social network or decide which chirping device to deal with it is no surprise that balance comes from the opposite.

is is also true in the world of design. Design Savvy Consumers are long past searching for over designed, over stuffed anything. is is true for their homes, their wardrobes, and their work spaces.

Pam Zsori, Proprietor of the organically inspired, lifestyle store Ink and Peat on North Williams in Portland, Oregon, advises that her customers are looking for ways to express themselves individually. In their individual design choices they want to say, “is is who I am and what I represent.” is makes sense in our complicated world where we a r e a l l l o s t i n t h e g l o b a l communications network that keeps us connected to everything 24 hours a day.

Pam also noted that her customers find “disposability repulsive.” ey are searching for “handmade items that are going to last long time” like pottery and textiles. ey want items that are made with a little history in their

components like the beautiful blankets made from vintage saris which are offered at Ink and Peat.

is eclectic mix of handmade, antique or vintage, and one’s personal taste is a soothing recipe in these fast paced times. When we walk into homes or offices where there is this type of mix we feel calmer and more grounded.

is is why offices with historic pictures of the company hanging are so pleasing to us. We like knowing that the company has been there a while and we like the inference they will be there for a long time to come.

Even environments that are modern, clean lined and technical are grounded with a touch of history. It could be a 1940’s Eames Lounge Chair or a baroque swirl in the dark carpet or a copy of an Etruscan statue in a nook. It could be a stack of actual books that are beautiful as objects to enjoy.

In fact, it could be the music played on the out of sight, electronic gadget wirelessly filling the room with our favorite vintage music – or filling the room with the beautiful, simply elegant chirping of birds that we can now download to one of our electronic devices for

pure, simple pleasure. ■

Bre Morgan A young singer/songwriter poised to take the entertainment world by storm

by Deborah Stone

“When I was 12, I  decided that I   wanted  to  pursue  music professionally,”  comments Bre. “I  realized that it was  my true  passion,  my  calling,  and that  it  allowed  me  to  touch people  in a special  way – make them  laugh  or  c ry  and exper ience  a l l   so r t s  o f emoGons.” 

The  singer/songwriter  first began performing  in her  local church and at  school.  She got her  first  big  break  when  she was chosen as one of only  11 arGsts  to be  featured on Radio Disney’s  Next Big  Thing.  Since then,  she’s  had  the  honor  of opening for major arGsts  such a s  t he  Jonas   B ro the rs , American  Idol   Jordin  Sparks, Jeff  Timmons,  Jordan  Knight and others. 

Now  16,  Bre  is   living  the whirlwind life  of a  pop star on the  edge  of  major  success. 

“My  next  album  is  going  to have a more  mainstream,  top 40’s sound,” explains  Bre. “It’ll be  a  mix  of  rock,  pop  and great  dance  music  –  fun, upbeat  songs   that  you  can blast  during a party  or  jam to in your car.    I  want my  fans to listen to my music and find the way  it  relates   to  them  and their  life.   And I  want them to feel energized by  the posiGve messages  I  intertwine  within them.”  She  adds,  “I’m wriGng the  material  myself  and  it’s i n s p i r e d  b y  p e r s o n a l experience.” 

Performing  for  audiences  is pure  joy for Bre. She describes it as  a  magical  experience that allows  her  to interact with her fans  in  a  meaningful  way.  “I want  to  be   thought  of  as  a singer  who connects with her fans   and  makes  them  feel special,”  she  explains.  “That’s important to me.”  cont’d p. 20

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BRE | MUSIC

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The  vivacious  and  charismaGc  teen  is also  making  a   mark  on  the  big  and small  screens, most  recently  winning a role  in  the  movie  “Fame.”  She  does commercial   and  voice‐over  work  and has  appeared on the runway, modeling new fashion lines. “I enjoy fashion,” she says.  “I  like  to  think  I   have  my  own unique  style  that’s   influenced  by  my EgypGan  roots,  my  love   of  vintage clothes   and,  of  course,  modern designers   like   Betsey  Johnson  and Michael  Kors –  I   love  his  shoes!”  She adds,  “I  shop  at  small   bouGques  for one‐of‐a‐kind  things,  but  I  also  like Forever 21, too.” 

Balancing  all   the different  acGviGes  in her  life  hasn’t  been easy  for  the  teen, but she  wouldn’t have it any other way. She  claims  it’s   challenging  and  that she’s had to make many sacrifices, but she  emphasizes  that  it’s   all   been worthwhile.  She   comments,  “It  takes lots   of  hard  work  to  succeed  in  this industry,  but  I’m willing  to  do what  it takes because it’s my passion.” 

Bre   is   proud  of  her  squeaky  clean image  and hopes she can be a  posiGve role model  for young girls. Her feet are firmly  planted on  the  ground and she intends on  having  them  stay  there.  “I was   raised  with  good  morals   and ethics,” says the teen. “Nothing is  going to  shake  me.  I’m  me  and  I’m  not interested in becoming anyone else.” ■

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BRE | MUSIC

chaselliott photography

PHOTO ESSAY: CHINACHINA | PHOTOGRAPHY

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CHINA | PHOTO ESSAY

beauseant

beaseant contributors | september2010

Founders:Marianne OrchardJanaea Nobmann Riddle

Publisher: Marianne Orchard

Associate Publisher: Janaea Nobmann Riddle

Editor: Lacey Clawson

Writers:Layla BellDeborah StonePatricia Nugent

Graphic Design:Charles Bernard

Photography:CB PhotographyChas Elliott

Makeup/Fashion Director:Catherine Welty

Makeup Artist: Tiffany Bevans