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Previews begin March 12th at The Marquis Theater. Produced by Hal Luftig and Scott Sanders, the production will introduce Argentinean actress Elena Rogers, in her Broadway debut as Eva Perón. Opening night is April 5th.

Ms. Roger will reprise the role (which earned her critical alumni in the London’s West End production) alongside Tony Award winner, Michael Cerveris as Juan Perón.

Tony and Olivier Award-winner Michael Grandage and Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford will direct and choreography, respectively.

Ricky Martin is no stranger to the Great White Way. The international pop star, who has sold over 55 million albums and performed to sold-out stadium and arena audiences, played Marius in the original production of Les Misérables.

The New York Times coined Martin “the symbol of Latin culture’s new mainstream status in the United States,” after is famed Grammy performance. Perfect casting, since this is the first, new Broadway production of the seven-time, Tony Award-winning musical since it’s debuted on Broadway, more than 30 years ago!

Great to have such a dynamic and disciplined force back in the City that never sleeps and on the stage where he truly belongs.

“I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to perform on many of the worlds’ largest concert stages,” Martin shares. “...but, I’ve never lost my love for the intimacy of the theater. I’m delighted to be playing an essential part in Michael Grandage’s wonderful production and the chance to work with the tremendously talented Elena Roger.”

LatinTrends agrees! Welcome back to Broadway, Ricky! Break a leg!

Tickets On Sale for EVITA, now, at Ticket-Master.com, 1-800-745-3000.

www.EvitaOnBroadway.com

Grammy Award-Winning Superstar Ricky Martin will electrify Broadway audiences, as Che, in the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s inter-national smash musical EVITA!

4 March 2012

5 Ways to Minimize Wedding Costs 48

Ask Judy 50

Love & ReLAtionships

enteRtAiMent

Contents LT 03.2012

14 20 46

On the Cover:

the Black Circuit of Dominican hip-hop 8

toRonto, CAnADA: A snowy Latino oasis 26

iConoMy

Wilmer valderrama

the emerging Majority 32

Charlotte’s First Baby of 2012 sparks Anti-Latino hate

pADRon CiGARs: A Family tradition

Fabulous naked!

how to take Care of your Largest organ 42

project CReeD 44

salud con los Drs. pimentel 45

36

38

34

heALth & BeAuty

Reel to Real Books Fashion trendspottingMovies

1011121416

Juan GuillenPublisher/CEO

Bernadette GiacomazzoAssociate Editor

Lapacazo M. SandovalEntertainment Editor

Luisa GrajalesGraphic Designer

Hope LawrenceAdministrative Assistant

Eddie MoquetteSales & Marketing

Javier CastanoTranslator

WRITERSAlan Bin-Naim, Lulaine Compere, Ray M. Figueroa, Jesse Schmidt-Gomez, Autumn Kelly, Andrea Krepelka, Ken Hunt, LeAura

Luciano, Maria Luna, Edward Munoz, Bruno Navarro, Eddie Olmo, Jessica Ordenana,

Lamont Jack Pearley, Maria Morales Prieto, Giselle Rodriguez, Lapacazo Sandoval,

Gina Santi, Chia Schonberg

PHOTOGRAPHERSScott Church, Alan Davis, Catherina Fon-

seca, Travis Levius, Smart Alix,Cathrine Westergaard

Interns:Astharte De los Santos, Jessica Richard-

son, Christina TrinidadNow if you buy one of our deliciousF i l e t - O - F i s h , y o u g e t a n o t h e rFilet-O-Fish or medium French Fries

FREEThe simple joy of tasting this

season is at McDonald’s®.

JUST LIKE YOURMOM SAID,

THIS IS A TIMETO REFLECT...

Between getting two Filet-O-Fish® or one Filet-O-Fish with medium French Fries.

Prices and participation may vary. Price of single item posted on menu board. Offer ends on April 7. ©2012 McDonald’s.

on the Move 18

Miss RDus:Dreams Do Come 20

CoveR stoRyWilmer valderrama 22

MetRopoLis

6 March 2012

english

spanish

En esta edición de la revista LatinTRENDS tomamos el tiempo para explorar la amplia diversidad que prevalece en nuestra cultura. Con este espíritu le damos la bienvenida a nuestro nuevo grupo de escritores de plantilla, algunos de los cuales están debutando oficialmente en esta edición.

Por ejemplo, en la página 8, la bloguera María V. Luna (primera vez que escribe para una revista), habla sobre “El círculo negro del Hip-Hop dominicano” y el género emergente conocido como dembow. Luna, quien regresó recientemente de un viaje a la isla, explora la intricada y profunda escena musical de ese lugar que era conocido como la Española.

Luego, en la página 12, LeAura Luciano reseña a tres chistosos y fabulosos latinos cuyo trabajo fue destacado muy bien en la Semana de la Moda en Nueva York: el ex concursante de Project Runway que se convirtió en alguien poderoso en el mundo de la moda, Christian Siriano, la diseñadora de zapatos colombiana Silvia Tcherassi, y la española Isabel Toledo (mejor conocida por el diseño del traje que vistió la Primera Dama Michelle Obama el día de la posesión de su esposo).

En nuestra sección de Metropolis, la canadiense Andrea Krepelke reseña algunas de las discotecas de moda, los restaurantes más exquisitos e inclusive algunos de los mejores cafés para beber yerba mate de Suramérica… en Toronto. Esta gran ciudad de Canadá en una primera instancia parece un oasis hispano, pero esta ciudad es muy diversa a nivel étnico y le

ofrece a los visitantes muchas sorpresas. Las reseñas de Andrea están en la página 26.

Finalmente, Jesse (Schmidt) Gómez reseña a Jorge Padrón, el presidente de Padron Cigar Company. Un negocio que funciona a nivel familiar y ha tenido su historial de intentos y fracasos, pero Jorge (el hijo de dos inmigrantes cubanos que construyeron este negocio familiar desde abajo) habla en la página 36 de la forma como él y su compañía sobrepasaron las dificultades hasta florecer y destacarse.

Nuestra historia de portada, Wilmer Valderrama, es sobre un hombre que no necesita introducción. El actor que comenzó en That 70’ Show y ha estado ennoviado con figuras como Lindsay Lohan, ahora está desarrollando su carrera detrás del lente: como productor ejecutivo del show en MTV Tres con la estrella bilingüe y bicultural BMXer Ricardo Laguna. Por su puesto que Laguna tiene su propia dosis de infamia: es reconocido como el soltero más codiciado en Las Vegas. Chia Schonberg entrevista a Wilmer y Ricardo de manera exclusiva en la página 20.

Y como en todas las ediciones de LatinTRENDS, los invitamos a leer, disfrutar e inspirarse… con la esperanza de que sin importar su procedencia, usted halle algo (o alguien) en esta edición con lo cual usted se pueda identificar.

Ethnically Diverse

Etnicamente diversa

In this issue of LatinTRENDS Magazine, we take the time to explore the vast ethnic diversity that’s prevalent in our culture. In this spirit, too, we’d like to welcome the new cadre of diverse writers on our editorial masthead, some of whom are making their official “debut” in this issue!

For instance, on page 8, long-time blogger (but first-time in-book contributor) Maria V. Luna talks about the “Black Circuit of Dominican Hip-Hop.” and the emerging genre known as dembow. Recently returned from a trip there, Luna explores the in-depth intricacies of the often-complex musical scene on the island formerly known as Hispaniola.

Next, on page 12, LeAura Luciano profiles three fun, fabulous Latinos whose works were heavily featured at New York Fashion Week: former Project Runway contestant-turned-fashion powerhouse Latino-American Christian Siriano, Colombian

first glance, seem like a Hispanic oasis, but this ethnically-diverse city offers visitors too many surprises to count! Andrea’s Picks can be found on page 26.

Finally, newcomer Jesse (Schmidt) Gomez profiles Jorge Padron, the president of the Padron Cigar Company. A family-owned and operated business, Padron Cigars has had its share of trials and tribulations, but Jorge (the son of two Cuban immigrants who built the family business, literally, from the ground up) talks about how he, and the company, overcame them all to flourish & thrive on page 36.

Our cover story, Wilmer Valderrama, is a man that really needs no introduction. The actor who got his start on That 70’s Show and has infamously dated starlets like Lindsay Lohan, is now transitioning to a new career behind the lens: he’s executive producing a show on MTV Tres starring bilingual, bicultural

shoe fashionista Silvia Tcherassi, & Spaniard Isabel Toledo (perhaps best known for designing the inaugural dress for First Lady Michelle Obama).

In our Metropolis section, Canadian native Andrea Krepelka picks out some of the hottest nightclubs, some of the most savory restaurants, and even some of the best cafes to get the South American delight known as Yerba Mate...in Toronto! Canada’s largest city may not, at

BMXer Ricardo Laguna. Laguna, of course, has his own bit of infamy as well: he’s known as Las Vegas’ Most Eligible Bachelor! Chia Schonberg’s exclusive interview with Wilmer (and Ricardo) begins on page 20.

As with every issue of LatinTRENDS, we invite you to read, enjoy, & get inspired...and we hope that, no matter what your background, you find something (or someone) you can identify with in this issue!

Founder and Publisher

Publisher’s Column..................................................................................................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TRANSITION FROM MILITARY LIFE TO ACADEMIC LIFE AND ON TO CAREERS

Counseling, benefi ts, career advice, disability services Veterans events, peer mentors Over 1400 academic programs; 24 colleges, graduate and professional schools; world-renowned faculty

More than 3,000 student veterans at CUNY

Learn more at cuny.edu/veteransOr call 212-652-2002

VETERANS: HIGH FIVE YOUR EDUCATION AT CUNY

PHOTO CREDIT: ELISABETH BURHENNE

Domingo

the Black Circuit of Dominican hip-hop

Lounging about the resplendent beaches of the Dominican Republic, tourists and locals alike escape the realities of quotidian lifestyles, wacky presidential elections, and sugar-free diets…that is until a small child in rags asks you to please buy one of his 5 peso bags of popcorn. It is on one of those very same beaches that Latin Trends meets with Yakirt, a Dominican dreadlock backpacker—one third of the conscious hip-hop trio, Circuito Negro.

While musical exports of the Dominican Republic like bachata, merengue, and as of late, dembow, have seen growth in international record sales, underground rap groups, delivering messages of social injustice have not quite seen as many radio spins, if any at all. According to Circuito Negro, the system is pay for play and there just isn’t enough interest in the financial backing of music that seeks to educate the masses. But that won’t stop

the movement. In fact, Yakirt best explains it through his lyrics “Cuando escribo yo busco vaciar mi corazón, no llenarme el bolsillo y ante ningún sello me arrodillo.”

Circuito Negro, comprised of two MCs and a DJ, Yakirt, Eme, and DJ Stan, has been creating hip-hop in Spanish for fourteen years. Through their music ellos se atreven hablar de temas that most in the people in the Dominican Republic are afraid to explore, let alone publish. Think materialism, political corruption, misogyny, lack of accessible education, basic public services like electricity, and quality health care. In fact the title of their 2011 album, El Retorno de lo Cacocaliente, is a throwback to what former Dominican president Balaguer would call journalists who risked there lives to expose social injustice and human rights abuse on the island.

When asked what we can expect from the group in this new year, Yakirt says three albums and perhaps a photo exhibition. Both MCs are embarking on solo projects; Yakirt’s being mostly personal—so personal that the album is aptly titled, EPersonal, (a play on words, mixing EP musical recordings with a colloquial manner of swallowing the “S” in the word es, get it?). While Eme’s album, however, is still very much in early stages of production.

With Yakirt now residing in the United States and Eme working as a graffiti artist in the north coast of the Dominican Republic, realization of these three albums remains to be seen. If there is one thing that we can count on, it is Circuito Negro’s promise that they will to continue writing rhymes that, as Yakirt says, they are not ashamed to rap in front of their mothers and daughters.

By Maria V. Luna

fashion, movies, books, y mas.................................................................................................................Entertainment

8 March 2012

1. Adriana Lima looks stunning & bootylicious in white at the “Top Gun” event in Germany.

2. For some reason, J-Lo’s boy-toy Casper Smart did this photoshoot. When you figure out why, please let us know.

3. A roll in the smoothies? Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez pucker up in Anaheim, CA!

4. Here’s María del Rosario Pilar Martínez Molina Gutiérrez de los Perales Santa Ana Romanguera y de la Hinojosa Rasten -- a/k/a CHARO! -- at her birthday party in L.A.!

5. Here’s Cameron Diaz, en route to the Versace show, during Paris’ Fashion Week.

6. ‘Love & Hip-Hop’ star Emily Bustamante found her independence, & she’s showing it off in a FIERCE red dress!

7. Meanwhile, Emily’s “Love & Hip-Hop” co-star Erica Mena was seen at the grand re-opening of Jay-Z’s Club 40/40 in New York City. Less than a day after the grand re-opening, the club was shut down for health violations.

8. Also in attendance (from L to R): half-Dominican rapper Fabolous, lovely Latina Angie Martinez, & super producer Swizz Beats.

9. Here’s Lovely Latina Lala Vasquez, sitting courtside at a recent Knicks game (presumably to cheer on her husband, half-Latino superstar Carmelo Anthony), with her BFF Ciara!

10. Evelyn Lozada & Chad Ochocinco show off their body art -- their tattoos -- in a recent photo shoot!

9

10for more pics go to Latintrends.com

Out of the Ballparkby: Alex “A-Rod”

Rodriguez

Nosotros: A Study of Everyday Meanings in Hispano New Mexico

by: Alvin O. Korte

AvAILABLE MARCH 1ST

Much knowledge and understanding can be generated from the experiences of everyday life. In this engaging study, Alvin O. Korte examines how this concept applies to Spanish-speaking peoples adapted to a particular locale, specifically the Hispanos and Hispanas of northern New Mexico. Drawing on social philosopher Alfred Schutz’s theory of typification, Korte looks at how meaning and identity are crafted by quotidian activities. Incorporating phenomenological and ethnomethodological strategies, the author investigates several aspects of local Hispano culture, including the oral tradition, leave-taking, death and remembrances of the dead, spirituality, and the circle of life. Although avoiding a social-problems approach, the book devotes necessary attention to mortificación (the death of the self), desmadre (chaos and disorder), and mancornando (cuckoldry). Nosotros is a vivid and insightful exploration with applications in numerous fields.

The Girl Who Could Silence the Windby: Meg Medina

AvAILABLE MARCH 13THAvAILABLE MARCH 13TH

Sixteen-year-old Sonia Ocampo was born on the night of the worst storm Tres Montes had ever seen. And when the winds mercifully stopped, an unshakable belief in the girl’s protective powers began. All her life, Sonia has been asked to pray for sick mothers or missing sons, as worried parents and friends press silver milagros in her hands. Sonia knows she has no special powers, but how can she disappoint those who look to her for solace? Still, her conscience is heavy, so when she gets a chance to travel to the city and work in the home of a wealthy woman, she seizes it. At first, Sonia feels freedom in being treated like all the other girls. But when news arrives that her beloved brother has disappeared while looking for work, she learns to her sorrow that she can never truly leave the past or her family behind. With deeply realized characters, a keen sense of place, a hint of magical realism, and a flush of young romance, Meg Medina tells the tale of a strongwilled, warmhearted girl who dares to face life’s harsh truths as she finds her real power.

Before he hit more than 600 home runs . . . before he was named American League MVP . . . before he was AROD to hundreds of thousands of fans . . .he was Alex, just a kid who wanted to play baseball more than anything else in the world. This picture book by a New York Yankees’ star features the familiar story of a young boy who achieves his ballpark dreams through hard work and determination. His team is in the playoffs, but he is having a terrible game. The Caribes win, nonetheless, and they’re on their way to the championship. Alex, however, wants to improve, and practices constantly with a friend (even going so far as to get up at 5:00 a.m. to practice before school). Young Alex is a likable protagonist who’s also playing for his friends and family in the stands. Morrison’s action-packed illustrations, in vivid hues, help keep the story moving at a brisk pace. Rodriguez concludes with a note that includes his credo for success: No matter what your dreams and goals, you can never go wrong if you give them all you’ve got. The scrapbook of photos from his youth, including pictures of his family and friends, is nicely done. This book’s appeal will lie mainly with young fans of the Yankee athlete.

Sacred Exchanges: Images in Global

Context by: Robin Ferrell

AvAILABLE MARCH 31ST

As the international art market globalizes the indigenous image, its identity, status, value, and purpose changes in local and larger contexts. Focusing on a school of Australian Aboriginal painting that has become popular in the contemporary art world, Robyn Ferrell traces the influence of cultural exchange on art, the self, and attitudes toward the other. Aboriginal acrylic painting, produced by indigenous women artists of the Australian Desert, bears a superficial resemblance to abstract expressionism and is often read as such by viewers. Yet to see this art only through a Western lens is to miss its unique ontology, logics of sensation, and rich politics and religion. Ferrell dives deep into the culture producing these paintings and connects its aesthetic to the brutal environmental and economic realities of its people. From here, Ferrell travels to urban locales, where museums and department stores traffic interchangeably in Aboriginal art. Ferrell ties the history of these desert works to global acts of genocide and dispossession, rethinking the value of the artistic image in the global market and different interpretations of the sacred. She considers photojournalism, ecotourism, and other sacred sites of the western subject, investigating the intersection of modern art and postmodern culture. Questioning the nature of the “European gaze” and its fascination with sacred cultures, Ferrell attempts a more balanced intercultural dialogue that relies less on an aesthetic of the real championed by the European art elite.

Books..........................................................

Reel to real

Read Books

11

Christian Siriano

Silvia Tcherassi

As the youngest winner of the Emmy-nominated competition series “Project Runway,” Christian Siriano shows a full collection every season at New York Fashion Week. His designs have appeared in respected fashion magazines, on the racks at elite clothing & specialty stores, and on celebrity clients around the world. Today, Christian injects his trademark style into the runway-inspired line he designs for Payless ShoeSource.

For Spring 2012, Christian has created a dramatic collection channeling exotic underwater specimens inspired by travels to Bali, Honduras, and Belize. The Christian Siriano for Payless Gold Spring 2012 collection, Christian’s exclusive line for Payless, incorporates the stunning and intricate details of these tropical life forms with a strong use of jellyfish shapes and coral and tortoise shell materials and embellishments.

The line features styles accented by pearlized shell, marbleized tortoise, curved heels, metallic linen, faux-reptile, strappy elastic bands evoking a jellyfish wrapped around the leg, and off-set pod-platform soles suggestive of stepping onto a rock or piece of coral.

Originally a native of Baranquilla, Colombia, Fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi is considered one of the most creative, innovative and versatile personalities in the world of fashion for the last 20 years. Her apparel designs include ready-to-wear, wedding gowns, accessories and now shoes through a collaboration with Payless ShoeSource. Her style has been defined by the Dizionario della Moda as eclectic and her clothes, as having the delicateness of a ballet dancer, while at the same time the strength of a rock star. Her prêt-à-porter gave rise to the concept of demi-couture while her wedding gowns have become the perfect vehicle for her creative talent. Searching to expand her vision beyond fashion, in October of 2009 she opened her first namesake luxury hotel in Cartagena, Colombia, to much critical acclaim, as part

of the new Tcherassi Hotel Collection.

By: LeAura Luciano

(LeAura Luciano) Your collection was inspired by travel to South America. What did you draw from for the spring 2012 collection?

(Chrsitian Siriano) The last collec-tion was about South America but more specifically the underwater creatures that live in the waters around those countries. I was inter-ested in the colors of the different types of coral and barnacles that live in the dark but still have a very vibrant color despite always being in darkness. In terms of the styles of the clothes themselves, I think the collection was also about the idea of getting dressed in a relaxed way.

(LeAura Luciano) How do you stay inspired?

(Silvia Tcherassi) For creative people, inspiration is a permanent state. I believe many of the concepts are out there and all you have to do is take them and develop them. I personally get my inspiration from widely different concepts. Some are tangible, like a chair or a city, and others intangible, like happiness and effortless elegance. But it is the next phase that makes a difference, when you translate that concept into colors, textures and volumes using a fashionable language. My creative process is very experi-

mental, and at times, the initial inspiration evolves into something completely different from what I started with. (LL) What were some of the cul-tural influences in your designs?

(ST) Colombian and Latin influences are in my DNA and, as a result, in everything I do. When I created a collection inspired by Frida Kahlo, instead of getting inspiration from her work, I focused on the textures of her dresses and the elements surrounding her. Another time, I took bags woven by

the Wayúu people from northern Colombia and added Swarovski crystals, turning handicrafts into haute couture.

(LL) How do you balance the business of fashion and the art of fashion?

(ST) It’s two sides of the same coin. On one side, we have the most democratic of arts because we live with it; on the other, a multi-national industry that generates money and jobs and that has rapidly adapted to the global economy. If we stay with just one side, it defeats

its own purpose. If fashion can’t be used and cannot reach its target, the designer can’t materialize his or her concept and the public is not able to enjoy it. If it’s solely a business operation, the creative process that makes this industry so dynamic and exciting would be lost. In my case, I feel equal parts creator and business woman and I always keep that balance, particularly knowing creating a brand and keeping it in the market is a long-term strategy.

(LL)You are quite a force. How do you balance the business of fashion and the art of fashion?

(CS) I love my job and I love fashion. I think if I didn’t love it like an obsession, I wouldn’t be able to do it because it’s a hard business. There is a lot of competition and there is a lot to learn as the business grows and some days it’s not so glamorous. However, it is all worth it when I am at a party or a red

carpet event and see a girl in my dress or my shoes. The only way I have found to balance it all is to make sure I love whatever I make and never put anything into a store or on the runway that I’m not 100 percent in love with.

(LL) Do you have any advice for aspiring designers?

(CS) The only advice I like to give is to work on finding that one thing in fashion that you’re really great at. It maybe that you’re all about jackets, so work on making them perfect and the best they can be. (LL) It’s almost Fashion Week, again! What inspired your Fall 2012 collection?

(CS) I’m inspired by bats or as I like to call them “flying demons of night.” I wanted my collection to be dark but there is also an influence of flight, wings and movement in

the fabrics we used. I really love the film “Vampire Bat” from 1933 and I ended up taking a lot of clothing references from that movie for this collection.

Isabel Toledo

Isabel Toledo, long an international fashion icon, became a household name in January 2009 for the “Lemongrass” Day Dress she designed for Michelle Obama to wear to President Obama’s historical inauguration. Isabel is the creator of many signature looks. Her designs are sold in some of the most prestigious stores in the world such as Barney’s New York, Nordstrom, Ikram in Chicago, Colette in Paris, Shiseido Ginza in Tokyo and Liberty of London.

For the Spring 2012 collection of her line, designer Isabel Toledo held her first runway event in more than a decade in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On the runway, the designer debuted her Spring 2012 apparel line paired with her Isabel Toledo for Payless Spring 2012 collection featuring accessories that channel her practical elegance design aesthetic.

(LeAura Luciano) How do you stay inspired?

(Isabel Toldeo) Inspiration is my way of life. It’s in the air I breathe and the way I communicate. One creative idea usually leads to an-other so the trick for me is to keep it flowing.

(LL) You showed your Spring 2012 collection in Puerto Rico. What was it like to show in PR?

(IT) I love showing in new worlds to new audiences who may not be familiar with my work to see how different women use my clothing and wear them to suit their particu-lar lifestyle. I love this collaborative aspect of fashion, the participatory

nature of clothes and being able to share my vision with the Puerto Rican design community was pure pleasure and very satisfying personally. The cross pollination of ideas is what keeps culture and fashion alive and vibrant.

(LL) What was something new that you explored in your Spring 2012 collection?

(IT) In this collection, I explored different heel heights for differ-ent moods. Shoes have never been more expressive! And the big news of the season is splashes of deli-cious sunset colors. Color on your feet is the newest way to update your spring wardrobe. I am thrilled by my runway looks and equally

designs to shoppers next spring at an affordable price.

(LL) What were some of the cultural influences in your design?

(IT) We really live in a global world. I am coming from a New Yorkers point of view, which is where all cultures congregate and live together. But my Latin roots are such a strong inner part of me that my Spanish heritage and my Cuban upbringing is always the layer that all my ideas are built over. For this particular collection I was focused on the colors of the spectacular Caribbean sunsets, the warm breeze and ease of Caribbean life. We can all use this ray of sunshine.

(LL) How do you balance the business of fashion and the art of fashion?

(IT) Art makes good business sense in fashion. In fact, all of my best sellers are always triggered by my most innovative and creative ideas. For me, fashion is communication and the public responds well to innovations that make their life better and inspire them to live a fuller and more vibrant existence.

12 March 2012

Fashion.....................................................................Fashion

................................................................Fashion

Flowery PerFumed Polish

IN THIS ECONOMY?! Bacardi Limited is celebrating its 150th birthday this year, and as part of the celebration, it has created a limited edition decanter of Bacardi rum that will set luxury customers back $2,000. The rum contained in the Bacardi limited edition decanter will be a rare rum created by family members. Called ‘Ron Bacardi de Maestros de Ron, Vintage, MMXII,’ the limited edition bottle itself is made of handblown crystal and comes with a leather case, and there will only be 400 of the limited edition bottles available.

These logos bring images to mind that include some type of alternate universe Coldplay concert where people are decked out in black clothing and tattoos as they smash against each other while listening to the hardcore version of Speed of Sound. Imagine the cover of the Justin Bieber album Baby with skulls, swords and pentagrams. The logos are the equivalent to seeing Bieber shred bars on a guitar in epic Iron Maiden fashion. Frankly, this is hard to picture. The Death Pop Logos are badass, and make pop icons look a little more hardcore. As minimalist and monochromatic as

the fashion designs are throughout the ‘Une Belle Histoire’ photo series, there is a Mexican/Latino vibe that is due in large part to the warm, ornate backdrop and the use of a wide-brimmed hat. Beautifully shot, it plays with light and color to create an ambiance that is at once artistic and exotic. Lensed by Portugal-based photographer Jose Ferreira, who was assisted by Nelson Fernandes, the Une Belle Histoire photo series stars model Manuela Luz. The photo shoot took place at the Pousada de Estoi hotel. As much as it focuses on fashion and the stunning architecture in its backdrop, the Une Belle Histoire photo series is very simple and direct.

ironic metal music emblems

colorFul contemPorary

Gothic Goddess shootsThe Marcelina Sowa Fashion Gone Rogue editorial is one enticing shoot that will grip readers’ attention and inspire photographers everywhere. The editorial features Marcelina Sowa in exotic and stunning styling, lurking the streets and posing against brick walls, adding an urban element to the shoot. Marcelina looks like a young schoolgirl who shows her rebellious side as she sports gothic makeup, lush leather ensembles and a rather sassy expression.

If you’re a visual media buff trying to impress other people with your knowledge, the best way to do that is with a pair of kicks made by Brass Monki. These eye-popping sneakers feature spectacular designs and characters from famous TV shows and movies. Relive childhood by slipping those socks into a pair of Doug shoes as the classic character dresses as the famous Quail-Man. If you’re more inclined to blood, check out the Dexter sneakers or the Reservoir Dog kicks complete with splatter. For all the classic movie buffs out there, the black Darth Vader high tops or the Scarface pumps are for you.

rose fragrance” once dry. There’s no mention, however, of how long the scents will last. Nonetheless, both shades of the Dior Beauty Scented Nail Polish are limited edition, so don’t wait to snatch them up.

Perfumed nail polish may be the next thing in the world of manicures, so if you’re ready to infuse your digits with a lovely scent, try the Dior Beauty Scented Nail Polish. Dior Beauty has launched two shades to get your fingernails smelling like waterlilies and lilacs. The first shade, called ‘Waterlily,’ is a lovely lilac purple color and the second is a soft mint green hue called ‘Forget-Me-Not.’ According to Dior’s website, both nail polishes—which retail for $23 each—will release an “intoxicating

These hot chocolate sticks are delectable and adorable. Not only are the skewers cute, but they make for an interactive hot chocolate experience. The idea allows the consumer to stir a cube of high-quality chocolate into a mug of hot milk. The creation process allows for an ultra-luxurious mug of hot cocoa. Essentially, the skewer is a hunk of chocolate. Depending on your taste, your recipe could include the highest quality of dark Swiss chocolate or melted-down Mars Bars—delicious either way.

Vice’s new travel series ‘All the Wrong Places’ has released its latest episode titled ‘Dances with Scissors,’ an intriguing and at times shocking look into the dangerous practice of scissor dancing in Peru. Located 3,500m above sea-level in the Peruvian Andes, this new episode explores the ancient tradition and presents it in a captivating manner that is inaccessible to most.

The Italian artist Riccardo Guasco created a extraordinary series of paintings while in an apartment in Barcelona, Spain. During seven days, Guasco painted images of distracted people eating at a tapas bar on canvases. These art pieces are incredible because they capture the moment and represent it in a very Spanish style of art: cubism. Like a Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece, Guasco’s artwork is filled with geometric and cubist shapes. Also, by using the characteristic colors of the Mediterranean—red, yellow, brown and oranges—the painter successfully translates the warmth of Barcelona bars.

cinematic custom KicKs

monochromatic mexican Fashions

danGerous dancinG documentaries

sPontaneous sPanish PaintinGs

The Bodum Bistro Pour Over Coffee Machine boasts a removable water tank that is brought to a near boil via a powerful spiral heating element. The water is then distributed evenly over the coffee grounds by way of a plastic and silicone shower head while the titanium-plated stainless steel and finely meshed filter keeps the coffee pure in taste and requires no added paper filter. The coffee drips into a plastic thermos that keeps it fresh and hot.

14 March 2012

instant cocoa cubes

trend: the $2,000 bottle oF bacardi

Vintage inspired hostess kitchen and cooking apron created to flatter every woman’s figure. A modern, high fashion flair with a classic retro twist, these flirty aprons make a perfect gift as well as the perfect fashion accessory to add to your own assortment of favorite things! Gone are the days of taking off your old unfashionable apron when guests arrive, go ahead, tie one on! Large coverage to protect clothing, roomy pockets to hold kitchen tools and accessories, long lasting, constructed of high quality materials, 100% cotton.

The Falconwright Summer 2012 Collection is popping with electrifying colors and bursting with geometric forms. These cutesy clutches are a darling way to accessory your stunning collection of sundresses and full-circle skirts. These colorful clutches will have fashionistas everywhere ready for summer weddings, patio soirees or family gatherings.

Recently ushered into the smartphone market is the Facebook phone. Albeit the mixed reviews, the Facebook phone has entered the market and joined its previous predecessors in the world of cell phones. In the beginning, Facebook was once a site dedicated only to college and university students and now it’s the world’s largest social media networking site.

Sharing the house with pets is a barking good time, yet it can leave much to be desired when it comes to creating a stylish home. Krisybelle Pet Products has banished the bland, big-box store pet beds to the back porch, and invites their clients to tailor their pets’ beds to their complete specifications. Their custom pet beds are an innovative way to dress up a room, match decor styles, and jazz up bedtime. Customers simply send Krisybelle their fabric, and they’ll take it from there to create something beautiful. For those without a fabric choice on hand, Krisybelle will search out the perfect mate-rial to meet their customer’s desires. Choose from adorable pouf beds and high sided options that will keep Fido or Fifi comfy and cozy all winter long. Best of all, their beds are machine washable so owners can keep fur and dirt at bay.

LEGO artist and Sci-Fi aficionado Shannon Ocean created a LEGO Alien book stand in anticipation of the upcoming film Prometheus. Ocean originally wanted to create a model that had the face of the Space Jockey (a character present in both Prometheus and Alien) for one half and the Alien for the other. This endeavor did not pan out as hoped so Shannon settled for having two alien faces instead. The model is eerily accurate and displays two characteristics that fans of the Alien saga will notice. First is the iconic mouth-tongue that makes the Alien such a deadly foe, and second is the use of transparent LEGO pieces to create the impression of drooling. The LEGO Alien book stand would be an excellent way to keep one’s favorite science fiction novels neatly in place.

Kitchen Fashion For a Good cause!

Pavon, by lovely Latinas Luz & Victoria Pavon, has been seen on everyone from Amber Rose to the late Amy Winehouse, & has been featured everywhere from Rolling Stone to Glamour Magazine. Their amazinng use of color & fabric combine to give the wearer a unique, bold look that you can’t find anywhere else!

colorFul Fashion statements!

Pliable Patterned Purses

social media smartphone concepts

eerie sPace creature booKends

blinGed-out & barK-alicious!

TM

pop culture with a latin twist

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