The Year of the Rabbit - Chinese New Year in Chinatown NYC
The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a significant holiday celebrated by Chinese communities around the world, including in New York City's Chinatown. The holiday marks the start of the Lunar New Year and is celebrated with traditional food, decorations, and festivities.
This year marks the Year of the Rabbit, which is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. People born in the year of the rabbit are believed to be gentle, kind, and good-natured. The year of the rabbit is traditionally believed to bring kindness, gentleness, and prosperity. The Chinese New Year is an opportunity for families to come together, exchange gifts, and wish each other good luck and prosperity in the coming year. A well-known tradition, one especially kids look forward to, is the handing off of red envelopes with few bills stacked in them. Money, indeed, is a symbol and a measure of success and accomplishment.
In New York's Chinatown, the celebrations are vibrant and colorful, with red lanterns and banners adorning the streets. The holiday is marked by a traditional dragon and lion dance, where performers in elaborate costumes dance and move to the beat of drums and cymbals. The sound of firecrackers ringing through the streets is also a staple of the celebrations.
Food is a big part of the Chinese New Year, with families gathering for large feasts. Traditional dishes include dumplings, rice cakes, and sticky rice pudding. The food is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
In addition to the traditional festivities, Chinatown in New York also hosts various cultural events, such as parades, performances, and workshops. These events are an excellent way for visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage of Chinese New Year and immerse themselves in the celebrations.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, unity, and good wishes, and the festivities are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community embedded in the social fabric of New York.
Article and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Manhattan - State of the Borough conference at CUNY by Borough President Mark Levine
Hey Manhattan, how you doin’?
That is certainly a great question to ask the wealthiest and most famous New York City borough after two and a half years of pandemic-related measures and restrictions that heavily harmed the Big Apple.
The occasion to receive some answers was the Manhattan State of the Borough conference by Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine that took place last January 31st at the sumptuous Shepard Hall at the City University of New York campus.
Cristina Contreras - Photo © jrfstudio
The ceremony was hosted by Cristina Contreras, CEO of NYC Health and Chair of the Dominican Day Parade. A brief salute was given by Vincent Boudreau, President of CUNY, who reminded the audience that the institution is celebrating its 175th anniversary and, with pride, stands as the oldest school in America that provides free public education.
Vincent Boudreau - Photo © jrfstudio
After the performance of the national anthem, executed by the young talent Denaijiah Pimentel, and the invocations by local religious leaders, the main stage welcomed the City Mayor Eric Adams, who, after a quick acknowledgment and remark of the City's effort to get back on its feet after the pandemic, then introduced the Borough President Mark Levine for his speech.
Mayor Eric Adams - Photo © jrfstudio
Mr. Levine started by addressing that over the last 20 years, Manhattan has faced many challenges: from 9/11 to the 2008 financial crisis, from Sandy Storm to the covid-19 pandemic, but on every occasion, the people of Manhattan have shown character, resilience, and the firm will to build back, rise, and keep growing. And he showed confidence in believing that it won’t be different for the necessary rebuild required by the post-pandemic.
Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine - Photo © jrfstudio
He also stressed right away the two main issues for the city, which are also the challenges on which the administration will focus as a priority in the immediate future: homelessness and the eviction crisis. But before addressing the solutions that will be implemented, he went over a brief and omnicomprehensive report on the main initiatives and activities of and for the borough for the upcoming years.
Manhattan will support workers and small businesses as well as its schools by monitoring the activities of the unions, adding a $2 million small businesses loan program by a local Jewish organization, and increasing the number of teachers in computing and robotics.
When it comes to Public Health and the environment, the president announced the plan to plant 1 million more trees on the island of Manhattan, especially in those areas with less public green, which often are also those were leave underserved communities.
In addition will be created a new agency, the Waterfront Protection Agency, which will consolidate 11 previous different offices. The City will also focus on improving air circulation and filtering in buildings and will improve trash collection in the areas that most need it.
Mr. Levine also announced an ambitious project to finally implement an effective system of public bathrooms, promising that there will be one public restroom facility for each Manhattan zip code.
He also mentioned the support given by the state government to fund the re-qualification of East Harlem and Chinatown with two contributions of respectively 10 and 20 million dollars.
In the conclusive part of his speech, the president outlined how he plans to solve the crisis of homelessness and evictions. He underlined that he envisions a common solution for the two problems, which he believes have a common origin in the shortage of rentable units and affordable housing; Those factors have caused the rents in the City to skyrocket to an unacceptable height, considering that the average rent in Manhattan is $5,000.
That is why he announced the program ‘Housing Manhattanites:’ In several areas of the island have been identified more than 170 suitable sites, and the program aims at building 70,000 new homes and 30,000 affordable units.
Certainly, the issues addressed are essential and prominent, and the city urgently needs implementations on those plans that, to be fair, sounded effective and auspicable. We are looking forward to, and we hope to see them becoming a reality.
On the downside, we were quite baffled to see that it wasn't mentioned or addressed all the very concerning spike in crime and violence all over the City, and the fact that the citizens of Manhattan feel and are much more unsafe now compared to just few years ago.
Deafening was also the silence about the profound economic crisis in key areas such as Broadway, Wall Street, and the Lower East Side.
We will surely keep monitoring the Borough’s activities and keep you, our readers, informed and update
Article and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Stranger Sings - The rippling musical we deserve - Now at Playhouse 46 NYC until March 5, 2023
Photo by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Is it possible to pay homage to an iconic TV series while making fun of it AND respecting its lore and its fans?
The answer is yes if you go and see “Stranger Sings - The Parody Musical,” currently running at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s, in the heart of the Theater District, and extended by popular demand until March the 5th.
This show, written by Jonathan Hogue and directed by Nick Flatto, is a brilliant comedic take on Netflix’s hit show “Stranger Things” that focuses on the main events of the legendary season 1, by many fans still considered the best out of the four released so far.
If you have watched the TV series, I don’t need to tell you how the story unfolds. The plot pretty much retraces the main events and twists of the first season. The cool thing, though, is that you can enjoy this experience even if you have NOT watched the show. I asked my assistant to join me the night I attended it because I knew she didn’t know anything about it, and… she had a great time, laughing at the parodies of the genre tropes and being riveted by the performance of the cast.
Photo by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
The music arrangements by Michael Kaish and the choreography by Ashley Marinelli really add dynamism and engagement to the excellent performance of a young, talented crew of actors that never holds back and is fully committed to giving the audience an awesome time.
In the best tradition of Off-Broadway productions, Stranger Sings offers two uninterrupted hours of great entertainment in a captivating atmosphere.
I really enjoyed the show, I liked very much how the story was re-presented, and the entire cast thrilled me, but I have to say what impressed me the most was the set design. Absolutely fantastic. The designer Walt Spangler has done an amazing job: not only recreating and emulating the distinctive ‘80s nostalgia vibes that have been such a great component of the TV series’ success, but making it complementary to the story and immersive for the audience.
I won’t spoil it because you gotta see it, but how they get to and show you the “Upside Down” it’s simply fantastic.
I think it would be unfair to point out any of the individual performances because the cast is really great and thight-knit. But if you are dying to know and are willing to unleash a Demogorgon on me and use your telekinetic powers to subjugate me, then I’ll say that the performances of SLee as Barb and Nickolaus Colon as Hopper are exhilarating and hilarious, and Jamir Brown as Lucas is super funny and gives great Chris Tucker vibes!
Tickets run fast! Bring family and friends and get yours at strangersingsthemusical.com.
Photo by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Review and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
For Livein Magazine - @livein_magazine - liveinmagazine.com
Discover Boating® New York Boat Show® Returns January 25-29, 2023 to the Javits Center in partnership with Progressive® Insurance
Stock image from past event by - Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Discover Boating® New York Boat Show® Returns
January 25-29, 2023 to the Javits Center
#BoatAppetit Food & Cocktail Demos, New Paddle Sports Pool, Boating Parties, and More
Invite New Yorkers to Dive into the Boat Life
The Discover Boating® New York Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance, docks at the Javits Center January 25-29, 2023, inviting boaters and newcomers alike to escape the cold and plunge into summer fun. Experience the best of the boat life with cooking and cocktail demos by award-winning chefs and mixologists, a new indoor paddle sports pool, and the biggest selection of new boats and marine gear in the tri-state area.
With more than 800,000 first-time boat buyers taking to the water in the past two years, the Discover Boating New York Boat Show is ready to welcome thousands of water lovers to dive into the boat life and make it their own – whether they choose to rent, share, own, or just kick back and enjoy the boating fun.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
NEW! Discover Boating Beach Club – The #1 destination for the ultimate in summer vibes, on-water thrills, notable chefs, cocktail & mocktail demos, and various events and parties throughout the five days of the boat show…all surrounded by hundreds of the newest boats and marine innovations on the market today. Beach Club highlights:
o Learn how to make the best island punch and inspired dishes with award-winning chefs and local cocktail experts on the #BoatAppetit mainstage.
o Get on the water in the dead of winter to try a variety of paddle sports, plus daily kayak and paddleboard demos from the experts at the new paddle sports pool.
o Strike a pose at the boating photo & video booth (we'll even provide the wind in your hair)!
o Kick back and enjoy live DJ sets, the best boating cocktails, beach games, and more.
Stock image from past event by - Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Stock image from past event by - Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
· See & shop hundreds of boats, from center consoles and yachts to personal watercraft and family cruisers. The boat show is the perfect opportunity to browse, compare and place orders for your first or next boat, plus gear up for boating season with sales on the newest boating accessories, marine electronics, and on-the-water must-haves.
· Queen of the Show and her Court of Beauties: Boat Show tradition dictates that the largest yacht at the show each year is named the Queen. 2023’s innovations in the marine space make the Queen and her Court must-sees. Check out superpowered center consoles, stunning staterooms, convertible decks, high-tech amenities like GPS anchoring, and luxury at every turn.
o Sabre 45 Salon Express – The Queen! Designed with all the comfort and class of a traditional Downeast style, with the state-of-the-art precision and advanced performance of a modern luxury yacht.
o Beneteau Grand Turismo 45 – featuring timeless elegance along with large windows, a vast sundeck, and U-shaped cockpit seating, the GT 45 fosters the ultimate indoor-outdoor experience.
o Pardo 43 – classic Italian style meets performance with innovative features plus comfort and luxury inside and out of this breathtaking yacht.
o Pursuit S428 – powered by quad Yamaha 425 XTO engines, this powerful center console sportfisher is built to get you to the fish and do it all.
o Formula 430 SSC – this crossover sport boat boasts seating for all of your boating buddies and next-level entertainment with every luxury you need.
· Free “Boating 101” education for new boaters and experts alike at Fred's Shed How-To Center, presented by Progressive® featuring tips, advice, and practical skills during daily seminars and demos that cover everything from getting started and operating your boat to service, maintenance and more.
· Saluting our Heroes Thursday, January 26: to express gratitude for their service, all active and veteran military, active and retired first responders, and USCG & USCGA members can get in FREE on Thursday, January 26! Simply show valid identification along with a photo ID at Will Call for a complimentary ticket.
· Conservation Village featuring the annual ‘New York Says No to Plastic’ contest, with local school projects that show how reducing plastic will help protect our water resources. The winning school team will be awarded a $500 grant, compliments of Bajio, to fund their continued environmental efforts. Plus, stop by and discover how recreational boating is working to help sustain our planet and waters for future generations with exhibitors like the Clean Earth Project, an eco-friendly women-owned lifestyle brand for outdoor enthusiasts that works to raise awareness, reduce waste, and create a cleaner lifestyle. All product sales help support their beach and community cleanup initiatives and protect the environment.
Kids’ Build-a-Boat: Beyond the fun of climbing aboard hundreds of boats to play captain and testing the waters in the Beach Club’s Paddle Pool (10 years+), little skippers will have boatloads of fun creating one-of-a-kind nautical masterpieces inspired by their time at the show.
WHEN: Wednesday-Sunday, January 25-29, 2023
Wednesday-Friday: 12:00 pm-8:00 pm; Saturday: 10:00 am-8:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
WHERE: Javits Center, 655 West 34th Street, New York, NY
TICKETS: $20 for adult tickets; children 12 and under get in FREE with an adult – purchase tickets online atNYBoatShow.com
WEB/SOCIAL: For more information, visit www.NYBoatShow.com; Facebook and Instagram #NYBoatShow #DiscoverBoating
U.S. BOATING BY THE NUMBERS*
Coming off a record year of extraordinary demand in 2021 has led to the second-highest-ranked year in nearly two decades for recreational marine expenditures at $56.7 Billion, up 12.7 percent from 2020. New powerboat retail unit sales normalized in 2022 to pre-pandemic growth years (2015-2019) with an estimated 250,000 new units sold, 25 percent above previous averages (2008-2014). Looking ahead to 2023, early indications point to continued healthy demand, with new retail unit sales expected to remain on par with 2022.
Part of what is fueling sales for the recreational boating industry is the uptick in first-time boat buyers of new and pre-owned boats, attracting a wider net of Americans. Data show 420,000 first-time boat buyers entered the market in 2021 – on par with 2020, a record year.
Segments driving growth in 2022 included entry-level boats such as personal watercraft, freshwater aluminum, and fiberglass fishing boats, as well as pontoon boats that are less than 26 feet.
In 2021, outdoor recreation generated $862 billion in economic output, accounting for 1.9 percent of the U.S. GDP, making it a larger contributor than agriculture, extraction of oil and gas, and mining. Outdoor recreation also supported 4.5 million American jobs. What’s more, recreational boating and fishing are the number one contributor to the near-billion dollar outdoor recreation economy, surpassing RVing, hunting, and other outdoor activities.
First-time boat buyers accounted for 34 percent of boat sales in 2021.
Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the U.S. are American-made.
An estimated 100 million Americans go boating each year.
NEW YORK & TRI-STATE BOATING BY THE NUMBERS
New York & Tri-State area sales totaled more than $2 Billion in 2021, generating big business for the Northeast recreational boating industry, up double digits in growth compared to 2020.
State-by-State
o New York Boating Sales totaled $1.2 billion in 2021 including new powerboats, outboard engines, boat trailers and aftermarket accessories, up 10.5% compared to 2020. New York ranked 6th nationwide in total expenditures in 2021.
o Connecticut Boating Sales totaled $313.6 million in 2021 including new powerboats, outboard engines, boat trailers and aftermarket accessories, up 12.1% compared to 2020. CT ranked 29th nationwide in total expenditures in 2021.
o New Jersey Boating Sales totaled $678 million in 2021 including new powerboats, outboard engines, boat trailers and aftermarket accessories, up 16% compared to 2020. New Jersey ranked 15th nationwide in total expenditures in 2021.
*Source: NMMA
INFO: For more information, visit www.NYBoatShow.com; Facebook and Instagram #NYBoatShow
Stock image from past event by - Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical - Now Playing Off-Broadway at Playhouse 46
(NEW YORK) – Extended by popular demand through March 5, Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical resumes performances January 13 at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke's (308 W. 46th Street) following a brief New Year's hiatus. For the extension, new cast members Nickolaus Colon as Hopper and Kyle Mangold as Steve/Jonathan join original cast members Jamir Brown as Lucas, Jeremiah Garcia as Dustin, Caroline Huerta as Joyce/Will, Jeffrey Laughrun as Mike, Harley Seger as Eleven / Nancy, SLee as Barb, and swings Jean Christian Barry, Dashiell Gregory and Hannah Clarke Levine.
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical is the hit Off-Broadway musical that brings everyone’s favorite streaming series to hilariously-twisted life on stage. With book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Hogue, Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical is a wild and irreverent send-up of the hit Netflix series "Stranger Things" and all its campy '80s glory. Take a trip back to Hawkins, Indiana, 1983: when times were simpler, hair was bigger, and unsupervised children were getting snatched by inter-dimensional creatures. Join Mike, Eleven, Lucas, Dustin, and the whole Hawkins gang for a night of adventure, thrills, pubescent angst, heavy synth, poor parenting, convoluted love triangles, cheap effects, dancing monsters, and maybe, just maybe... justice for everyone's favorite missing ginger, Barb Holland.
The creative team includes direction by Nick Flatto, choreography by Ashley Marinelli, musical supervision, arrangements & orchestrations by Michael Kaish, a scenic design by Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Award nominee Walt Spangler, costume design by Matthew Solomon, lighting design by Drama Desk nominee Jamie Roderick, sound design by Germán Martínez & Cosette Pin, puppet design by Matt Anderson, and props by Brendan McCann. Alex Dash is Production Stage Manager, and Kaitlyn Merriam and Lara Sato are Assistant Stage Managers. Casting is by Zachary Spiegel, CSA; general management by Visceral Entertainment, advertising & marketing by Leanne Schanzer Promotions, digital marketing by Super Awesome Friends, and the production counsel is Feldshon Law, PLLC - Lee Adhemar G. Feldshon, Esq.
Stranger Sings! is produced by Sue Gilad, Larry Rogowsky, Nick Flatto, and Jonathan Hogue. Co-Producers include Catherine Schreiber, Bard Theatricals, Miranda Farag, Inbal & Ron Gonen, Xin Wen, and Jason Turchin / Jim Kierstead. Joseph Longthorne is an Associate Producer.
Following its world premiere at Feinstein's/54 Below in 2018, Stranger Sings!, The Parody Musical launched a hit Off-Broadway run at The Players Theatre in Summer 2021, winning seven 2021 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards including 'Best New Musical.’ In addition to the Off-Broadway production,Stranger Sings!, The Parody Musical recently launched all-new productions in London, within a maze of disused railway arches underneath Waterloo Station; and Australia, bringing the The Upside Down to Down Under.
The Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording of Stranger Sings!, The Parody Musical, is now available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and all major platforms.
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical plays through March 5, 2023 at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke's (308 W. 46th Street). Tickets are $49-$99 for all performances. A limited amount of VIP Bean Bag chairs are available for $149. All prices included $1.50 facility fee. To purchase tickets or for further information, visit StrangerSings.com. Weekly performance schedules vary; see the calendar below or visit StrangerSings.com.
“BEYOND KING TUT: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE” DAZES AUDIENCES IN NEW YORK CITY, LOS ANGELES, AND VANCOUVER TO COMMEMORATE DISCOVERY CENTENNIAL
New Exhibition Created in Partnership with the National Geographic Society Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb Discovery and the Wonders of Egypt
NEW YORK CITY (Nov. 4, 2022) – Marking 100 years since the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience will be open in four cities across North America, bringing the incredible story of the ancient pharaoh to life in new ways. Created in partnership with the National Geographic Society, the stunning exhibition takes visitors on a time-traveling journey flooded with sight, sound, and intrigue through the world of King Tut—the boy who reigned as pharaoh of Egypt more than 3,000 years ago—and the 1922 discovery of his tomb and treasures that has captured the imagination of the world ever since.
Beyond King Tut guests can explore nine galleries that chronicle the historic discovery, the king’s life and family, and a voyage to the afterlife in the following locations:
New York City: Pier 36 (through Jan. 1, 2023)
Los Angeles: Magic Box LA (through Dec. 31, 2022)
Washington D.C.: National Geographic Museum (through Feb. 6, 2023)
Canada: Vancouver Convention Center (through Jan. 8, 2023)
Beyond King Tut visitors will meet Ancient Egyptian gods like Ra and Anubis, descend into King Tut’s burial chamber, join his quest for immortality and relive the discovery of the king’s tomb with all his treasures waiting inside, reclaimed from the desert sand after 3,000 years. With nine galleries to explore on the multi-sensory, multimedia journey, guests will wind through the story of a young boy whose name still looms large and how he changed the ancient – and modern – world. This exhibition goes beyond a traditional artifact display using the power of photography and technology, ensuring that the artifacts from King Tut’s tomb remain in their country of origin.
“The National Geographic Society has a legacy of funding projects relating to ancient and modern Egypt. As we approach the 100th anniversary of King Tut’s tomb discovery, Beyond King Tut gives visitors a chance to explore his story in ways they’ve never experienced before,” said Kathryn Keane, vice president of public programming and National Geographic Museum director for the National Geographic Society.
Produced by Paquin Entertainment Group, Beyond King Tut is developed in association with Immersive, whose creative team draws from extensive experience creating and marketing cultural content worldwide, including the King Tut artifact exhibitions attended by more than 19 million guests. Under the creative direction of Montreal’s world-renowned Normal Studio, Beyond King Tut harnesses projection mapping and new technologies to create stunning visual environments that invite visitors to leave the modern world behind and glimpse an ancient time like never before. Beyond King Tut has aligned with The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), whose mission is to study and safeguard Egypt's cultural heritage, to highlight digital Egypt-related content, develop programming and promote educational outcomes.
Exhibition guests can opt to delve deeper into the tomb discovery via an award-winning companion virtual reality (VR) experience making its North America debut in a dedicated VR theater. “Tutankhamun: Enter the Tomb” gives the feeling of flying through the underground chambers and seeing the treasures as they were when they were discovered in November 1922. The eight-minute VR journey is voiced by lauded English actor Hugh Bonneville and created by CityLights, a leader in premium VR content.
“Beyond King Tut tells a story 3,300 years in the making, going beyond the iconic mask to bring people into his world in new ways and larger than life – guests will get to know the young boy who suddenly became pharaoh, see stunning imagery of his treasures that are now enshrined in Egypt, journey to the ancient Egyptian afterlife, and feel the thrill of discovery,” said Beyond King Tut creative producer Mark Lach.
Ever since the sensational discovery of King Tut’s tomb 100 years ago, influences from his world have made their way into the global consciousness across art, fashion, décor, architecture, entertainment and beyond. As King Tut’s legacy continues to enthrall people around the world, guests of all ages can explore his story at Beyond King Tut as the tour continues across North America with more cities to be announced.
TICKETS & INFO
Tickets are timed and dated, and advance purchase is strongly encouraged with peak dates and times in high demand. Prices vary by location with package rates for families, seniors, students and groups. VIP Tickets include a flex ticket for anytime entry, merchandise and entry to the award-winning “Tutankhamun: Enter the Tomb” virtual reality companion experience.
Tickets & Info: www.beyondkingtut.com
Join the Conversation on Social Media:
Instagram: @beyondkingtut / Facebook: @beyondkingtut / #beyondkingtut
About Beyond King Tut
Covering new ground by bringing together unparalleled partners from the fields of creative artistry to exploration and conservation in Egypt, a team of cultural events industry veterans have come together with the vision to lead the evolution of immersive cultural content resulting in Beyond King Tut, produced by Paquin Entertainment Group, developed in partnership with Immersive and National Geographic Society, under the creative direction of Montreal’s Normal Studio.
About the National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories, and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
About Paquin Entertainment Group
Established in 1985, Paquin Entertainment Group is a leading, full-service North American arts and entertainment company with offices operating in Winnipeg, Toronto, Vancouver, Nashville, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Paquin Entertainment Group is home to a diverse portfolio, including artist agency and management, film and television, theatrical production, brand partnership, and touring exhibitions. Since its inception, Paquin Entertainment Group’s core vision remains unchanged: to foster a creative culture that seeks and develops the world’s premier artists and productions. For more information visit paquinentertainment.com.
Macy’s Parade on Thanksgiving Day remains a city favorite in 2022
New and Classic floats and balloons delighted the ecstatic crowd, who could cheer for music stars Sean Paul and Ziggy Marley, Late Night Show crew Jimmy Fallon and the Roots, before welcoming Santa Claus himself!
NEW YORK, NY – November 24th, 2022
On a brisk, beautiful, and sunny morning in November, the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade took place along the usual route, starting in the Upper West Side at 77th Street, down Central Park West through Columbus Circle and 6th Avenue, ending up on 34th Street at Macy's main entrance.
Families, friends, and waves of New Yorkers and visitors filled the streets and the rises along the parade path. A cheerful crowd, excited to see the classic floats and balloons together with the newest beloved favorites, climbed the fences to high-five performers and talents who would run to them and hype them up!
Kids got super excited when they could cheer for Goku, Snoopy, Red Titan, Bluey, SpongeBob SquarePants, the Minions, and the crew from Pawn Patrol.
Timeless classics made their appearance as well: Ronald McDonald, Snoopy, Smokey the Bear, Grandpa Smurf, and Sesame Street.
Another great tradition of the event is hosting school bands from across the country: this year, there were performers from South Dakota, Texas, Florida, and Indiana. Colorful uniforms, shiny instruments, spinning flags, and - above all - catchy tunes and evergreen melodies.
Honorary presence for the City of New York was made by the Department of Sanitation, the NYPD with its horsed unit, and the Park Rangers.
The Parade was charmed away by the beauty of Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles, who towered over the crowd from the top of Spirit of America Production’s float.
Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles
Colorful and richly decorated floats were presented this year by Sinclair Oil Company, media companies Hallmark Channel, Peacock Streaming Service, Lifetime, and Netflix featuring the show ‘Slumberland,’ together with Kinder Chocolate, LEGO, the Louisiana Tourism Office and its giant alligator float, and - of course - 'Wish,' the Disney's boat with Mickey and Minnie, Goofy and Pluto, Cinderella and the Prince, Elsa and Kristoff.
Global Celebrities such as Sean Paul and Ziggy Marley made their appearance as testimonials, respectively, for Kalahari Resorts and Baby Shark. But, judging from the noise coming from the crowd, the absolute favorite was the float with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, the special guests of this edition.
Jimmy Fallon
Sean Paul
Ziggy Marley
Great energy pervaded the streets of the Big Apple, with people showing up even from balconies and rooftops.
And, of course, the biggest star of the show was Santa Claus, who came along with his sleight, reins, and elves to close the parade.
This was an electrifying edition, and it was great to see the City celebrating again all together the most heartwarming and meaningful holiday in America.
See you next year, and Happy Thanksgiving.
Article and Photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia for Livein Magazine
@jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
@livein_magazine - livein-magazine.com
Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building is the new top destination in New York City
In the most iconic location of the Big Apple you will enjoy an immersive and involving experience
NEW YORK, NY — November 23, 2022
Starbucks recently opened its new Reserve store at the Empire State Building, and what a treat for all New Yorkers and everyone who visits the ‘City that never sleeps.’
An impressive three-floor hub where you can enjoy an immersive experience surrounded by soft lights and a revisited Art Deco style embellished by the murals of New York-based artist Dana Tanamachi.
The Concourse level is dedicated to innovation and immersive coffee experiences with coffee workshops and guided tasting flights that are unique to this store, in addition to the newest feature by the Seattle-based company, the cold-pressed espresso.
The first floor at street level is a spacious coffee house with a wide selection of offers, art installations, and unique branded products.
The second floor, the bar & restaurant level, is the real tidbit of Starbucks' latest endeavor, which presents a wide menu of uniquely crafted cocktails.
I tried the Big Apple Blossom, poured for four as an “experience” from a special glass-serving carafe with Dorothy Parker gin, pear brandy, and other liquors, and I tried the lasagna alla bolognese, and the mixed bites board, a selection of squared slices of rustic pizzas.
I have to say, everything was really delicious! And I'm really curious to explore the whole menu.
I really like this new trend initiated by Starbucks, focused on fewer retail locations but more Reserve stores, where the customer can fully enjoy a relaxing, immersive ambiance and, if you are a coffee-lover like I am, you can discover new flavors and interesting mixes.
Definitely, a must-see for anybody who wants to give themselves, their friends, and their family a unique New York experience.
Article and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia
@jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
@livein_magazine - livein-magazine.com
The History Beyond the Mith - Titanic The Exhibition gives New York a unique, fascinating immersive experience
Few steps away from Union Square, an emotional and thrilling journey awaits through history, memories, and timeless truths. A must-see.
The Titanic. A name so mighty and monumental that is immediately reminiscent of the size of both the ambition and the disaster associated with it.
If Fate were a dramaturgist and History a director, there wouldn’t be a more compelling and telling story of human sentiments and the harshness of reality. A better script couldn’t have been conceived to represent a real-life allegory of the myth of Icarus. What would happen to a society inebriated by wealth, comfort, and blind trust in technology, overconfident in its materialism to the point of believing to have the power to bend the forces of Nature?
Precisely like Icarus, who tragically had to get too close to the fire of the sun to see revealed the fallacy of his ambitions and beliefs, Western society had to get too close to the freezing waters of the Northern sea to see their flawed dreams shattered. A prophetic warning of the incumbent horrors of World War I and the Great Depression.
What sunk that moonless night of April 15, 1912, wasn’t just the ‘millionaires’ special,’ the ‘wonder ship,’ or the ‘unsinkable ship’ - as the owners of the vessel and the media of the time tragicomically nicknamed the latter - but above all the pretentious naivete of a reckless opulent generation across the two shores of the Atlantic. The Gilded Era in America and the Victorian Age in Europe, which saw the Wright brothers’ first flight and the World’s Fair of Paris respectively as the springboard of an unshakable bright future, were believed by their contemporaries to be aimed only forward and upwards thanks to an infallible human intellect.
With hindsight, we know how fragile and shortsighted those convictions were. And the failure of the Titanic stands there as a perennial reprimand and a screaming warning that the worst threats are the ones we willingly refuse to see coming.
But all that is the history and the myth. The greatest achievement the amazing show ‘Titanic The Exhibition’ accomplishes is to give the public something more: an intimate, emotional, intense look at some of the 2,200 lives present on that ship among passengers and crew of the Royal Mail Ship liner, most of whom didn’t see the light of that faithful day.
Organized by Spanish company Musealia, and presented by Fever and Exhibition Hub, the show is a remarkable display of images, objects, and recreations, most of which are first seen by the American public, and is enriched by the wonderful narration by the free audio guide.
Virtually everyone knows the love story of the fictional romance between Jack and Rose, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in the global phenomenon James Cameron’s movie was, and which this year celebrates the 25th anniversary of its release. Fewer people know the stories, the dreams, and the lives of the diverse humanity spread across the three classes of passengers on the ship, and that is where this exhibition reveals its true value.
In a space that makes you feel like you are walking through the corridors and halls of the majestic vessel (sometimes quite literally, thanks to the installations presented), you get to see original photos, posters, and documents, along with objects retrieved from the Titanic or belonging to the latter’s sister ship Olympia, and personal belongings of the passengers.
The show gracefully and respectfully narrates the stories of some of the ‘celebrities’ and the ordinary people involved in the tragedy and does that in a powerful and teaching way.
On that matter, I had the pleasure of speaking with the prestigious Swedish historian Claes-Göran Wetterholm, one of the world's foremost experts on the Titanic, to whom I asked why the story of the Titanic is still relevant today and why it is important that it's kept being told to old and new generations.
He rightfully highlighted that the Titanic’s is one that resonates with anyone and everybody because, up to these days, we can still identify with those people, share their hopes, and sympathize with the misfortune of a tragic destiny.
Looking at the artifacts of this exhibition, you can clearly see that that ship was the crossroad of hundreds of lives, many ordinary and some extraordinary, all bonded by one dramatic, god-like strike by mother nature.
But the story is also a real-life cautionary tale of the dangers of human excesses and of blind trust in sole technology and human abilities.
The sinking of the "unsinkable ship" has left posterity the lesson that when we think that something "can't happen," we can always remind ourselves of the tragedy of the Titanic, and that knowledge and science are a hurdle race against forces more uncontrollable than we illude ourselves they are.
I couldn’t agree more.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Luis Ferreiro, Director and CEO of Musealia. Impressed by the size and quality of the exhibition, my first obvious question was about how long it took to put the show together.
The answer was even more impressive since I learned that the exhibition is the result of a 22-year endeavor that started very small and humble, with photos only, and then - over the years - by meticulous research and incessant work to find documents and artifacts, and contacting the authorities and families of the survivors, Musealia was able to proudly present the current display.
Mr. Ferreiro confirmed that many of the artifacts displayed in this show are absolute first seen in the U.S., and it is an honor and privilege to present them to the public of New York, the city where the famous transatlantic was meant to complete its maid voyage.
He underlined that each image and object of the exhibition tells the story of the person portrayed or its owner, with the weight and the significance of carrying on the memory and the legacy of both survivors and victims.
He also reminded that the passengers of the Titanic, the real people whose faith was struck by tragedy that fateful night of April 14, are the real and ultimate protagonists of this exhibition, meant to be, first and foremost, an adequate and hear-felt tribute to them.
Musealia it's thrilled by the success of this New York installment, told me Mr. Ferreiro, which doubled the great response the show already received in London, where it was first displayed. The company will continue expanding on this endeavor, and it's already working on further enhancing the experience by adding a new section in the future that will focus on the stories of the immigrants that were leaving Europe seeking fortune in the New World.
Currently, Musealia is also working with the United Nations on a project related to awareness about the holocaust and the horrors of the Auswich camp.
Mr. Ferreiro also made a brief mention of an upcoming project about which he couldn't disclose any details but about which he is very excited, and invites everybody to keep an eye on Musealia's initiatives through their website.
It was a great conversation, and I had a wonderful time exploring the exhibition, especially the very last room. So emotional and intense. I won’t spoil it because I want you to see it for yourself.
Hurry up and go grab your tickets, the exhibition will be up only until December. Click here for info & tickets.
Article and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia
@jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
@livein_magazine - livein-magazine.com
THE ART OF FUN: ANIME NYC CELEBRATES THE LOVE FOR JAPANESE POP CULTURE
The fifth edition of the popular and beloved convention featured big stars and great premieres of the most successful animes and mangas.
NEW YORK, NY – November 22, 2022
What a phenomenal display of unconditional reciprocal love between fans and artists/creators was the 2022 edition of ANIME NYC. For three days, the Javits Center in New York City was filled with passionate and exhilarated visitors who were spoiled with several premiers and celebrity guests throughout the entire show.
The absolute acme of the convention took place on Saturday the 19th, when Hajime Isayama, the creator of the global phenomenon ‘Attack on Titan,’ made his first-ever appearance in the U.S. For almost an hour, the 2,000-plus exulting fans could hear directly from their idol the rollercoaster of challenges, successes, dramas, and gratifications Isayama-sensei went through to realize one of the most successful manga and anime of all time.
This event's fifth edition featured a few great first performances: the East Coast premiere of the short ‘Summer Ghost’ and the world premiere preview screening of ‘Kayuga-sama: Love is War - The First Kiss that Never Ends.’
‘Summer Ghost’ is an emotional, heartbreaking, and inspiring coming-of-age story produced by Flat Studio and Avex that represents the directorial debut of Loundraw. The short film, which I really can’t recommend enough, is currently available on Amazon Prime and is now also available in America on Blue-Ray.
On the opposite spectrum of emotions, I had the pleasure of joining the hilarious panel for the world premiere of ‘Love is War,’ a hilarious and amusing romantic psychological drama in which two genius students develop over the top and clever schemes to try and get the other to confess their love first. Because to them, love is war, and the first to confess their feelings loses. This event also saw the main hall filled with hundreds of ecstatic fans, who attended the screening and the panel with voice actress Aoi Koga, voice actor Makoto Furukawa, and director Mamoru Hatakeyama.
The rich calendar of the show presented an incredible number of panels, artists’ and vendors’ stands, and screenings.
Particularly interesting was the conversation held by Ultraman Connection, the new official international community for Ultraman fans all over the globe. During the panel were announced two fantastic pieces of news that made fans drop their jaws: Netflix is working on a visually stunning and innovative animated series that is scheduled to be released in 2023/2024, and Marvel Comics has as work-in-progress a cross-over series between some of its most popular heroes and Ultraman.
The main floor of the Javits Center was filled with dozens of vendors, and the official stands of several production studios, in addition to being home to the ‘Gundam EXPO U.S.A. 2022,’ featuring two giant statues of the beloved mobile suits and many exclusive models.
In a time when, in America, most of the entertainment has been, unfortunately, taken hostage by toxic woke activists and ill-intended corporations, it was refreshing to see so many companies and creators focused exclusively on making good content and great stories, prioritizing customers, and privileging fan service. And, on the other end, to see the unconditional love of so many people for their beloved franchises, heroes, and heroines.
But, as always, the real protagonists of the show were the legion of cosplayers who colored the event with dozens of different costumes, bringing to life so many characters and interacting with each other.
To them must go our gratitude and admiration for their dedication and for making Japanese pop culture thrive more and more every day, so we can get more of the stories we like.
See you next year. Yatta!
Article and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia
@jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
@livein_magazine - livein-magazine.com
New Starbucks Reserve Store in New York’s Iconic Empire State Building Unveiled
Opening to the public on Nov. 16, store offers new, exclusive experiences such as hands-on coffee workshops, guided tasting flights, and an extended artisan menu of new Princi food
Tributes to Empire State Building and New York City abound, including historical design elements, locally inspired craft cocktails, and collaborations with local artists
Starbucks today unveiled the new Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store which opens its doors to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. ET. Spanning 23,000 square feet and three floors, this unique store celebrates connecting over coffee through innovative experiences such as immersive hands-on workshops and guided tasting flights as well as new coffee beverages and craft cocktails, and an extended artisan menu of Princi food only available at this location.
“Starbucks Reserve locations are designed to spotlight our exquisite Starbucks Reserve® coffee and showcase our heritage, expertise, and dedication to coffee craft through interactive coffee experiences where barista craft is the cornerstone,” said Mark Ring, svp of U.S. retail at Starbucks. “The Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store is a one-of-a-kind destination that highlights our commitment to push the boundaries of coffee craft and offer our customers new, immersive and multi-sensory coffeehouses that are designed to inspire and create moments of connection in this special space.”
“We are honored to have been a part of New York City for more than thirty years and the iconic Empire State Building for almost 15 years. We look forward to welcoming customers to the new Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store on Nov. 16, an experience like no other, in a city like no other,” said Ring.
Connecting over coffee
On the first floor, customers can enjoy a variety of Starbucks beverages from signature Starbucks Reserve® beverages such as the Hazelnut Bianco Latte and Nitro Almondmilk Mocha, to favorites like Starbucks Caramel Macchiato and Starbucks Refreshers® beverages, as well as seasonal coffees like the Peppermint Mocha – all crafted with Starbucks Reserve coffee.
The store will also exclusively serve and sell Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building® Microblend, a coffee that was inspired by and honors the iconic building and is roasted locally at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery located in the Meatpacking district. This unique coffee, which will be the primary blend used to craft the beverages and cocktails served throughout the store, offers notes of red and black fruit, vanilla, and spice with a smooth, chocolaty mouthfeel.
To complement the beverage menu, customers can also enjoy a selection of food from Princi, the renowned artisanal boutique bakery and café founded by Italian baker Rocco Princi. As the exclusive food purveyor at Starbucks Reserve locations, Princi offers a selection of freshly baked cornetti, focaccia and pizza, avocado toast, brioche, cakes and tarts.
The first floor will also feature a personalized shopping experience where customers can browse a variety of curated local artist merchandise collections and explore seasonally rotating Starbucks Reserve whole bean coffee for purchase.
Unique Coffeehouse Experiences
The concourse level offers customers the opportunity to explore the art of carefully crafted beverages and food. From the guided tastings at the Innovation Bar to the aromas and flavors of tasting flights and small bites served in the Experience Lounge, to the hands-on Starbucks Reserve Coffee Workshops.
Exclusive to the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store, customers can be among the first to experience the evolution of espresso with Starbucks Cold Pressed Espresso beverages. Designed by Starbucks, the patented brewing technology uses cold water and gentle, upward pressure to unlock a softer, sweeter espresso shot. The Cold Pressed Espresso Tasting Experience is a guided, multi-sensory tasting flight featuring several new beverages such as the Iced Apple Americano and Malted Milkshake with Black Lemon. This reservation-only experience is offered daily at the Innovation Bar.
The Starbucks Reserve Coffee Workshops, also located on the concourse level, are interactive, small group workshops that are grounded in coffee and beverage craft. These first-of-their-kind workshops include Whiskey Barrel-Aged 101, Starbucks Reserve Brewtender for A Day, Espresso Martini Flight Fundamentals and Fun with Spirit-Free Spritzes.
Customers may purchase tickets to the workshops or make reservations to the Innovation Bar tasting on the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building website in advance.
At the Experience Lounge customers can relax and recharge with Starbucks Reserve beverages and a curated selection of small bites. Here customers can also order signature tableside flights such as the Single Origin Brew & Bites Flight, Espresso Martini & Dessert Flight, Cold Brew & Sweets, or the Empire Affogato Flight.
Next level food and cocktails
The restaurant and bar on level two is a space made for gathering, sharing, and connecting. Here customers can enjoy artisanal food from Princi created exclusively by Starbucks Reserve. The menu features signature tasting boards and plates, and entrees for brunch, lunch, and all day long. Honoring Starbucks tradition of starting gatherings with a coffee tasting, every meal will start with a complimentary first sip tasting of Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend.
On this level, customers can also enjoy a selection of thoughtfully curated Starbucks Reserve cocktails to share that pay tribute to this iconic space. Available exclusively at this store, the coffee and tea sharable cocktails include the Empire Negroni, Siren Tea Punch Fountain, Starbucks Reserve Royale Experience, and the Big Apple Blossom, which will be delivered table-side. A selection of signature Starbucks Reserve coffee cocktails, such as the Starbucks Reserve Boulevardier and Espresso Martini, and classic cocktails are also available.
Honoring the iconic Art Deco design
Starbucks takes the utmost respect and care when planning and designing spaces for its stores, ensuring the design honors the history of the space while also fostering connection and creating accessible experiences for customers. Throughout the design and construction process, Starbucks worked closely with the team at Empire State Realty Trust (the owner of the Empire State Building) its historic landmark preservation consultant and the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to ensure the space honored the historic building.
The Empire State Building is a New York icon and testament to artistry of the Art Deco style, which is defined by strong geometric patterns, rich colors, and ornamental details. These design elements can be found throughout the store – from the columns and walls to the art installations, glass partitions and furniture – as modern interpretations of the Art Deco style and materiality of the Empire State Building.
The Starbucks design team also worked with the Empire State Building team to revitalize and restore several elements that were original to the space. On the façade the exterior mullion and revolving door configuration was restored, and the storefront finials were brought back to original condition.
Inside the store, marble was restored and traditional concrete terrazzo stonework was installed at the lobby entrance; and the second-floor windows were restored to their original full ceiling height. To celebrate the history of the building, Starbucks removed concrete covering the original hand-riveted steel columns. The store, in addition to the Empire State Building Observatory Experience, is one of the few places visitors can view the original riveted columns within the building.
Art is omnipresent in the store and all artistic installations within space were influenced by the Empire State Building’s iconic style, craftsmanship, and optimism. Starbucks commissioned New York-based artists to create the installations, murals, and merchandise that spotlight Art Deco flourishes, the building’s spirit, and the essence of Starbucks and the origins of coffee. Read more about the store’s design and unique, original artwork here.
Leading in Coffee Innovation
Starbucks began its journey over fifty years ago to make premium arabica coffee accessible to all while fostering a culture of connection. Since the first Starbucks Reserve Roastery opened in Seattle in 2014, the company’s aspirations for Starbucks Reserve remains the same – to spotlight the exquisite Starbucks Reserve coffee and showcase the company’s heritage, expertise, and dedication to coffee through immersive experiences where barista craft is at the center of the experience. Starbucks Reserve locations shine a halo on the brand and serve as a pipeline of product innovation that can then be brought to scale in the broader Starbucks retail footprint. The new Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building provides an opportunity to continue pushing the boundaries on coffee craft and the coffeehouse experience.
The Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store joins the Starbucks Reserve portfolio that includes six Starbucks Reserve Roasteries located in Seattle, Shanghai, Milan, New York, Tokyo, and Chicago, as well as Starbucks Reserve locations around the world.
Starbucks heritage in New York City dates to 1994 and the company has operated stores in the Empire State Building since 2008. New York City continues to be a place where Starbucks introduces new store concepts and offers a variety of experiences – from the first Starbucks® Pickup store to the immersive Starbucks Reserve® Roastery located in the Meatpacking district.
The Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store opens on Wednesday, Nov. 16. For more information, including hours of operation, please visit starbucksreserve.com/en-us/locations/esb.
Photos by Sarah Flotard, Matt Glac, Connor Surdi
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 35,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at stories.starbucks.com, starbucksreserve.com or starbucks.com .
ANIME NYC starts this Friday 18! The biggest celebration of Japanese pop culture
Anime NYC powered by Crunchyroll, (www.AnimeNYC.com), one of North America’s largest conventions dedicated to anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture, has announced additional programming for the 2022 convention, taking place at New York’s Javits Center (655 W 34th St at 11th Ave) from November 18-20.
Celebrating its 5th Anniversary this year, the convention features three days of over 400 exhibits, exclusive screenings, extensive panels, performances, and appearances by some of the biggest creators in Japan, all under one roof. Over 200 hours of programming are planned for the weekend.
This year, over 50,000 fans are expected to gather at Anime NYC from all 50 states and 27 different countries. Countries include: Canada, Mexico, England, France, Germany, Australia, China, Brazil, and Japan.
Anime NYC was founded in 2017 and has quickly become the fastest-growing anime convention in the US, second only to Anime Expo, which welcomes 100,000+ attendees in Los Angeles. Anime NYC has presented the largest Japanese concerts in NYC history and global premieres before even Tokyo.
Anime NYC Programming
There are a variety of scheduled events throughout the three-day celebration for Anime NYC. All events take place at the Javits Center. Full details on programming can be found HERE.
Newly announced events include:
Gundam Expo USA 2022
Gundam is a science fiction series often called the “Star Wars of Japan”. Spanning over 40 years and dozens of television shows and movies, it is one of the longest-running and most-culturally-resonant anime sagas of all time, and a live-action Gundam is currently in devolvement by Legendary Pictures and Netflix.
To celebrate Gundam’s appeal both in Japan and around the globe, Anime NYC will be host to “Gundam Expo USA 2022”, three days of special events, guests, screenings, and exclusives inside Anime NYC.
Headquartered inside a 5,000-square-foot booth, Gundam Expo USA features photo ops with towering statues, over 100 exclusive products, special discussions with Gundam creators from Japan, and events with influencers including Dyrus, SureFour, and Gunpla Meli.
The biggest event at Gundam Expo USA will be an official Guinness World Records attempt to build the most Gundam model kits. This special event begins at 11:30 AM on Saturday and is headlined by Adam Savage of MythBusters and Tested fame!
Trigun Stampede World Premiere
The anime Trigun took the planet by storm in 1998 when it told a literal out-of-this-world science fiction Western. Still beloved by fans today, it will be getting a reboot from the famed animation team Studio ORANGE. Fans at Anime NYC can be the very first people on the planet to see this all-new Trigun at 6 PM on Friday night!
Crunchyroll Premieres
Crunchyroll, the global brand creating the ultimate anime experiences, is returning to Anime NYC this November with a huge slate of content. Fans can enjoy premieres of some of its biggest upcoming events before anyone else.
• LAID-BACK CAMP THE MOVIE PREMIERE
Friday, November 18: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ET - Panel Room 4
• CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: NEW SIMULCAST PREMIERES ROUND #1
Friday, November 18: 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET Panel Room 4
o The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World
o The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World
o The Tale of Outcasts
• CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: NEW SIMULCAST PREMIERES ROUND #2
Saturday, November 19: 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm ET - Panel Room 4
o Tomo-chan Is a Girl!
o Don’t Toy With Me Miss Nagatoro 2nd Attack
Anime Y2K Party featuring JVNA, TeddyLoid, D-Yama, and DJ Wildparty
Saturday, November 19: 7:00 pm doors, 8:00 pm show
Terminal 5 (610 W. 56th Street)
Terminal 5 will be dressed in the aesthetics and soundscapes of 1999 for a celebration of anime and music with the Anime Y2K Party on Saturday, November 19th, in New York City. Partygoers will be transported into a slice of the Tokyo nightclub scene circa the 1990s with live music, photo ops, and games.
Hit DJs from around the world will spin an end-of-the-millennium-worthy celebration of anime music. The lineup includes:
• JVNA: Playing at the dichotomy of light and dark, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist JVNA produces electronic pop with a melodic bass edge. She emerged in 2016 with anime and video game-themed covers alongside her originals. Her first album was released in 2021, mixing pop, rock, and melodic bass with honest and emotional lyrics.
• TEDDYLOID: A Japanese electronic music producer and DJ. He is known for producing many songs on the soundtrack of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, which charted on the Oricon Albums Chart. He has performed on stages all over the world, with notable performances at Ultra Japan and Anime Expo.
• D-YAMA: opened MOGRA in 2009. Since then he has brought MOGRA’s anime club scene to an international audience through tours in US and Germany, as well as Twitch streams.
• DJ WILDPARTY: is a Japanese DJ and resident DJ at MOGRA, he has partnered with various vocaloid talent, and his tracks have been featured in THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE.
Anime NYC Guests
Anime NYC welcomes guests from across the US and Japan. The most up-to-date guest list can be found HERE.
The schedule for the weekend is as follows:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18
1 PM to 7 PM – Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley
1 PM to 10 PM – Panels, Screenings, and Special Events
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
10 AM to 7 PM – Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley
10 AM to 10 PM – Panels, Screenings, and Special Events
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
10 AM to 4 PM – Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley
10 AM to 4 PM – Panels, Screenings, and Special Events
“With Anime NYC beginning this weekend, we are excited to share more exciting news with updated programming, and additional guests added,” said show director Peter Tatara. “We are grateful to our partners and sponsors whose support has enabled us to bring our attendees the best of the Anime world, all under one roof.”
For more information about Anime NYC and to purchase badges for the convention, please visit: www.AnimeNYC.com.
Titanic: The Exhibition - A captivating journey through the lives of the protagonists of the legendary transatlantic liner
At a glance
Titanic: The Exhibition displays around 200 objects - including handwritten letters, wayward keepsakes, and other personal belongings - from passengers, retelling a very human side to the story of the ship’s sinking. Many of these objectives have never been seen/displayed before in the US.
Visitors can experience life-size recreations of some of the ship’s interiors thanks to the contribution of historians, as well as the world-renowned Titanic expert and author, Claes-Göran Wetterholm
Titanic. The Exhibition is produced by an independent Spanish company, Musealia, dedicated to creating and managing traveling exhibitions that explore powerful stories
The exhibition opened to the public on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 526 6th Avenue, New York, NY, and is opening in LA later this week on Thursday, November 17, 2022
Ticket prices start at $25
Opening hours: various sessions open daily
Duration: the visit will take around 80 to 90 minutes
Age requirement: all ages are welcome. Children under 4 enter free of charge
Titanic. The Exhibition - opened last November 11th, 2022 - is making its debut in New York City, following a hugely successful run in London.
New York City, November 14, 2022 - On the fateful morning of April 15th, 1912, the Titanic sank in the icy waters of the North Atlantic and claimed the lives of 1,496 people. More than a century after the 1912 tragedy, Titanic. The Exhibition – created by award-winning exhibitions creator and producer Musealia – has arrived in New York City this fall after a successful run in London.
The content of the exhibition is the result of years of work and research led by the Musealia team, the Spanish company that created some of the most successful historical exhibitions in recent years in Europe and the USA, and the prestigious Swedish historian Claes-Göran Wetterholm, one of the world's foremost experts on the Titanic.
The Exhibition, a narrative journey bringing to light the fates of the passengers and crew aboard the sinking ship, opened last November 11th, 2022, a few blocks away from Union Square, in the heart of New York City. Tickets are available for purchase through Fever’s marketplace here, with pricing starting at $25.
Bringing with it a selection of never-before-seen personal artifacts in New York that tell touching stories of the ship's passengers and crew, Titanic. The Exhibition will display around 200 objects from both passengers and crew members, retelling a very human side of the story of the ship’s sinking. Visitors will be able to experience life-size recreations of some of the ship’s interiors and learn more about the ship's history through dynamic audio guides, which also feature music and sound effects.
Far more than just a display of historic items, Titanic. The Exhibition is a unique narrative experience, a tale of the people aboard history’s most legendary ship on its maiden and final journey. The experience encourages its guests to travel back in time through photographs, handwritten letters, wayward keepsakes, and other personal belongings, telling countless stories about the lives and fates of those on board.
Boasting original objects never-before-seen in the US, visitors will feel connected to the Titanic’s passengers as they listen to their testimonies, discover their stories by walking in their footsteps, and explore detailed recreations of the ship’s interior.
Titanic: The Exhibition Location
Titanic: The Exhibition is located at 526 6th Avenue, NY, New York. 10011. There are various time slots and days available. Purchase tickets here.
Stay Connected
For more information, check out Titanic: The Exhibition website and social channels.
https://titanicexhibition.com/nyc/
Instagram: @TitanicTheExhibition
Facebook: http://facebook.com/TitanicTheExhibition
Who is who?
ABOUT MUSEALIA
Musealia is an independent Spanish company dedicated to creating and managing touring exhibitions that explore powerful stories from our past to illuminate the present and inspire new ways of thinking about our future. With more than 20 years of international experience, our exhibitions are characterized by their strong narrative character, their historical rigor, educational value, and emotional impact.
Over four million people have visited one of Musealia’s creations in one of more than 70 museums and institutions in countries such as the United States, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Estonia, Poland, and Spain.
ABOUT FEVER
Fever is the leading global live-entertainment discovery platform, helping millions of people every week to discover the best experiences in their cities with a mission to democratize access to culture and entertainment in real life.
Through its platform, Fever inspires users to enjoy unique local experiences and events, from immersive exhibitions, interactive theatrical experiences, and festivals, to molecular cocktail pop-ups, while empowering creators with data and technology to create and expand experiences across the world.
ABOUT EXHIBITION HUB
Exhibition Hub is a curator, producer, and distributor of large exhibitions across the world, from Brazil to China to Paris to Moscow. They deliver edutainment experiences to wide audiences and adapt their productions to the venue creating each time an original experience from museums, exhibition centers, and galleries to shopping malls, old churches, historical buildings, and other unique spots.
Nowadays, Exhibition Hub focuses more and more on immersive experiences. They offer a spectacular 360° video, light, and music experience and a one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience, each a compliment to the immersive experiences, didactic introduction galleries allowing the visitor to immerse himself/herself into the artist before experiencing the spectacular, larger-than-life projections all synchronized to an original score of music.
Source: Titanic - The Exhibition Media Office
The 2022 NYC Veterans Day Parade honors the U.S. Coast Guard as the Featured Service Branch
Photo @jrfstudio
NEW YORK, NY November 12, 2021
Date/Time
As always, the Parade took place on November 11 (Friday), on a gray rainy day, stepping off around 12:00 and run until 3 pm.
Route
The Parade proceeded on its traditional route, started at 26th Street and Fifth Avenue and went north on Fifth Avenue up to the end point at 45th Street.
Grand Marshal
This year’s Grand Marshal was Vince M. Patton III, the Eighth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. Vince spent over 30 years in uniform, and continues to serve our military members, veterans and young people. We were honored and excited to welcome him to NYC!
Featured Service Branch
This year’s featured Service Branch was the United States Coast Guard; as always, every service branch was honored and acknowledged for their service.
TV Broadcast
The Parade was aired live on WABC and streamed online on military.com. The broadcast portion of the Parade run from 12:30pm untl 3:00pm. The Parade also aired on AFN (American Forces Network).
Opening Ceremony
The traditional Opening Ceremony saw a group of Parade and community representatives participating in a wreath procession to the Eternal Light Memorial.
Viewing areas
Cheering spectators filled the streets of the Big Apple, and followed the Parade on Fifth Avenue, from 27th Street to its endpoint at 45th Street.
About the U.S Coast Guard
America's Oldest Maritime Defenders
The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government. Established in 1790, the Coast Guard served as the nation's only armed force on the sea until Congress launched the Navy Department eight years later. Since then, the Coast Guard has protected the United States throughout its long history and served proudly in every one of the nation's conflicts.
The Coast Guard is the principal Federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports and waterways. In this capacity, the Coast Guard protects and defends more than 100,000 miles of U.S. coastline and inland waterways, and safeguards an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) encompassing 4.5 million square miles stretching from North of the Arctic Circle to South of the equator, from Puerto Rico to Guam, encompassing nine time zones – the largest EEZ in the world. As one of the five Armed Services of the United States, the Coast Guard is the only military branch within the Department of Homeland Security. In addition to its role as an Armed Service, the Coast Guard is a first responder and humanitarian service that provides aid to people in distress or impacted by natural and man-made disasters whether at sea or ashore. The Coast Guard is a member of the Intelligence Community, and is a law enforcement and regulatory agency with broad legal authorities associated with maritime transportation, hazardous materials shipping, bridge administration, oil spill response, pilotage, and vessel construction and operation.
The over 56,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of 243 Cutters, 201 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and over 1,600 boats. Operational control of surface and air assets is vested in two Coast Guard geographical Areas (Pacific and Atlantic), nine Coast Guard Districts, and 37 Sectors located at strategic ports throughout the country. Six Mission Support Logistics and Service Centers provide services for operational assets and shore facilities. Coast Guard program oversight, policy development, and personnel administration are carried out at Coast Guard Headquarters located on the St. Elizabeths campus in Washington, DC.
On an average day, the Coast Guard:
• conducts 45 search and rescue cases;
• saves 10 lives;
• saves over $1.2M in property;
• seizes 874 pounds of cocaine and 214 pounds of marijuana;
• conducts 57 waterborne patrols of critical maritime infrastructure;
• interdicts 17 illegal migrants;
• escorts 5 high-capacity passenger vessels;
• conducts 24 security boardings in and around U.S. ports;
• screens 360 merchant vessels for potential security threats prior to arrival in U.S. ports;
• conducts 14 fisheries conservation boardings;
• services 82 buoys and fixed aids to navigation;
• investigates 35 pollution incidents;
• completes 26 safety examinations on foreign vessels;
• conducts 105 marine inspections;
• investigates 14 marine casualties involving commercial vessels;
• facilitates movement of $8.7B worth of goods and commodities through the Nation’s Maritime Transportation System.
And that is why we honor them today, as we should everyday.
Semper Paratus
Article and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia for Livein Magazine
@jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Anime NYC announces schedule of events for the 2022 Japanese animation and pop culture convention
Three Days of Exhibits, Panels, Screenings, Performances, and In-Person Socializing
At the Javits Center
November 18-20, 2022
Anime NYC powered by Crunchyroll, (www.AnimeNYC.com) one of North America’s largest conventions dedicated to anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture, has announced programming for the 2022 convention, taking place at New York’s Javits Center (655 W 34th St at 11th Ave) from November 18-20.
Celebrating its 5th Anniversary this year, the convention features three days of over 400 exhibits, exclusive screenings, extensive panels, performances, and appearances by some of the biggest creators in Japan, all under one roof. Over 200 hours of programming is planned for the weekend.
Highlights this year include panels from some of the major companies in the Japanese entertainment world including Aniplex, Bandai Namco, Crunchyroll, GKIDS, HIDIVE, Kodansha, Sentai, TMS, VIZ Media, and Yen Press.
This year, over 50,000 fans are expected to gather at Anime NYC from all 50 states and 27 different countries. Countries include: Canada, Mexico, England, France, Germany, Australia, China, Brazil, and Japan.
Anime NYC was founded in 2017 and has quickly become the fastest growing anime convention in the US, second only to Anime Expo which welcomes 100,000+ attendees in Los Angeles. Anime NYC has presented the largest Japanese concerts in NYC history and global premieres, before even Tokyo.
Anime NYC Guests
Anime NYC welcomes guests from across the US and Japan. The most up to date guest list can be found HERE. Recent additions include:
· Hajime Isayama - The creator of Attack on Titan makes his first appearance in the US. Attack on Titan is a global phenomenon, selling over 100 million copies, and the creator of the original Japanese comic will meet and sign autographs with American fans in a historic event at Anime NYC.
· Johnny Yong Bosch - Prolific voice actor behind many fan favorite characters in the US including Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach, Giyu Tomioka in Demon Slayer, Vash the Stampede in Trigun, and Orga Itsuka in Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.
· Yoko Shimomura - One of the biggest female composers in Japan, Shimomura is known for the music of FINAL FANTASY XV, Kingdom Hearts, Parasite Eve, and much, much more. She’ll make a rare appearance at Anime NYC as part of the 35th Anniversary A New World: intimate music from FINAL FANTASY concert.
· Jujutsu Kaisen US Cast - Jujutsu Kaisen is a story of school-age sorcerers doing battle with spirits and one of the most popular anime in America. Anime NYC is proud to welcome its main cast for fans to meet them all together! Anime NYC will welcome Adam McArthur (Yuji), Anne Yatco (Nobara), Robbie Daymond (Megumi), and Ray Chase (Sukuna).
· Anime Influencers - Two of the biggest influences in the anime space will be coming to Anime NYC. King Vader is an award-winning writer, director, and content creator now with a deal with Netflix and over 5 million followers across social media. RDCWorld1 is a group of entertainers who create viral videos across anime, gaming, and pop culture, and they have a fanbase of over 6 million.
Anime NYC Programming
There are a variety of scheduled events throughout the three-day celebration for Anime NYC. All events take place at the Javits Center. Full details on programming can be found HERE or see below for a highlight overview.
Friday, November 18
· A New World: intimate music from FINAL FANTASY – 3:00 PM - Special Events Hall)
Celebrate 35 years of the FINAL FANTASY video game saga with a unique official concert. Under the direction of Eric Roth, the New World Players chamber ensemble performs exclusive arrangements from throughout the FINAL FANTASY series in a thrillingly personal style. And as a very special treat for fans at Anime NYC, FINAL FANTASY XV and Kingdom Hearts composer Yoko Shimomura will make a rare in-person appearance at the concert.
· TRIGUN STAMPEDE Special Event - 6:00 PM – Panel 1 (1E09)
Trigun, the fan-favorite anime from the ‘90s, is back for a new generation with TRIGUN STAMPEDE. The producers of the new series will be traveling from Japan to New York City to showcase new footage from the upcoming anime for the first time.
· LUPIN ZERO World Premiere - 6:30 PM – Panel 4 (1E03)
LUPIN THE 3rd is one of the longest-running anime and manga series in Japan. Since the 1960’s, it has told the tale of infamous gentleman thief Lupin III, and now over 50 years since its start, fans can step back in time and see where it all began with an all new anime following Lupin’s origin story and earliest adventures.
· PROMARE Cheer Screening – 8:00 PM – Special Events Hall
Studio TRIGGER is a Japanese animation studio behind Netflix’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and two segments of Disney’s Star Wars: Visions anthology. They’ll be at Anime NYC to present a special Cheer Screening of their first feature film - PROMARE. The Rocky Horror Picture Show of anime, this event is filled with audience participation, call outs, and shouting at the screen.
Saturday, November 19
· That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Special Event - 11:15 AM – Special Events Hall
The popular fantasy anime, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, will have its first feature film released in the US next year. To celebrate, producers of the film will present new footage of it to audiences in the US for the first time together with a special live concert from theme song performers MindaRyn and STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION.
· HIGH CARD World Premiere – 7:00 PM – Panel 1 (1E09)
Get an exclusive first look at TMS Entertainment’s new original anime, HIGH CARD, at this world premiere screening. HIGH CARD original authors Homura Kawamoto and Hikaru Muno - the team behind the popular Kakeguri - will present this special event that takes fans into a secret society where a game of cards can change the world.
· Anime NYC Masquerade – 9:00 PM – Special Events Hall
Cosplay takes over the Main Stage with the Anime NYC Masquerade. Guests will compete for the chance to win prizes for craftsmanship, showmanship, and of course, bragging rights. Costumes spanning the worlds of anime, manga, video games, musicals, books, and even comics and movies are all eligible for entry.
Sunday, November 20
WIT Studio 10th Anniversary - 2:00 PM - Panel 1 (1E09)
· WIT Studio has spent 10 years making some of the bigget anime on the planet including Spy x Family, Ranking of Kings, Great Pretender, and the Ancient Magus' Bride. To celebrate their anniversary, WIT Studio CEO George Wada presents a talk about the studio’s past as well as an opportunity to witness a live drawing by one of the studio’s newest stars.
Also, throughout the weekend, Anime NYC will present Cosplay Meetups, where fans of a particular series or character can gather in costume, mingle, and get to meet others who share their passion. For a schedule of the Meetups, please visit: www.AnimeNYC.com
The schedule for the weekend is as follows:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18
1 PM to 7 PM – Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley
1 PM to 10 PM – Panels, Screenings, and Special Events
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
10 AM to 7 PM – Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley
10 AM to 10 PM – Panels, Screenings, and Special Events
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
10 AM to 4 PM – Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley
10 AM to 4 PM – Panels, Screenings, and Special Events
“We are thrilled to present such a wide and diverse array of publishers and artists across the anime and manga industry at this year’s Anime NYC,” said show director Peter Tatara. “The realm of anime has not only established itself as a true global phenomena, but also has emerged as a booming industry. We are excited to welcome fans to the Javits Center as they bond as a community in their shared love of this artform. We know this will be a weekend that they won’t forget.”
For more information about Anime NYC and to purchase badges for the convention, please visit: www.AnimeNYC.com.
About PETER TATARA (Event Director Anime NYC)
Tatara has spent over 15 years in the live event space, helping to build experiences for audiences around the US and across the globe in countries including England, France, Germany, India, Singapore, and Australia. An anime fan since he was a child, Anime NYC is his dream come true.
Photo Eleventh Hour
Photo Eleventh Hour
NYC 2022 TCS Marathon
NEW YORK, Nov 8, 2022 - The greatest block party in the world, the New York City Marathon presented by Tata Consulting Services, made its return to full capacity yesterday, featuring around 50,000 runners from all over the world, in what was an unusually hot and humid day of early November.
The New York Marathon is like no other in the world: the energy, the hype, the crazy logistics, the diverse characters and personalities, and - above everything - the crowd of spectators stuffed with casual viewers, fans, performers, residents, and the rest of the variegated humanity of the Big Apple.
At Fort Wadsworth, where the pre-race camp is always located, I was able to meet and talk with several runners, and, to be honest, they are the most amazing part of this event.
The stories you hear are emotional, exhilarating, silly, heartwarming, heartbreaking, funny, and inspiring.
The Brooklynite who ran his first Marathon in 1982 and hasn't missed one his entire life. The two women who became friends at the hospital where they were curing their brain tumor and promised each other they would run the marathon together if they survived. The father who ran with a t-shirt with a picture of the child he lost and to whom he promised they would have run together one day. The sisters from Peru who promised each other to meet in New York for the Marathon after being separated for two years because of the pandemic. The Indian runner who ran with a pineapple on his head because he lost a bet with his friends. The couple from Wisconsin with banana costumes and the man from Florida with a Buzz Lightyear suit.
I could go on for hours, but now a bit about the race.
Kenyan marathoners Evans Chebet and Sharon Lokedi survived the brutal heat and humidity to win the race on Sunday after Brazilian Daniel Do Nascimento unexpectedly collapsed.
Do Nascimento set a fast pace with a two-minute lead around the halfway point, but after mile 20 he started dragging his feet and collapsed, stunning spectators as police officers ran to assist him. Race officials later confirmed he was okay and had not been taken to the hospital.
"I was promptly attended by the race medical crew and I can assure you I’m already recovered," Do Nascimento wrote on his Instagram. "Unfortunately sometimes things don’t work out as we were hoping and planning."
Chebet, who already won in Boston this year, had accelerated around mile 15 and overcame apparent fatigue to burst a final sprint to cross the finish in two hours eight minutes 41 seconds, crouching to the ground and rolling onto his back. His victory completes a Kenyan sweep of the six men's world marathon majors in 2022.
Ethiopian runner Shura Kitata finished second in 2:08:54, and Dutchman Abdi Nageeye arrived third.
Female marathoner Lokedi, who made her marathon debut, stayed with the leading pack before taking off in the final stages to win in 2:23:23.
Israeli Lonah Chemtai Salpeter finished second in 2:23:30, and world champion Ethiopian Gotytom Gebreslase arrived third.
"I'm out of words, I'm really excited," said Lokedi, the eighth competitor to win the New York race in a marathon debut. "I'm just so happy that I did it here."
The 28-year-old said she had no expectations of winning the race and will consult her coach before deciding on another marathon.
"I just wanted to go and put myself in it and see where I'll end up," she told reporters. "Halfway through I felt really good."
The usually crisp and mild New York autumn conditions were replaced by heat up to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2 Celsius), among the hottest conditions in the race's history.
Swiss Marcel Hug made it look easy collecting a New York record-tying fifth men's wheelchair title, establishing a nearly two-minute lead by the 25-kilometer mark before crossing the finish line in a course record 1:25:26 to take his fifth major title of 2022.
American Susannah Scaroni scored the fastest-ever time through the five boroughs on the women's side, winning her second wheelchair major in 1:42:43.
What a memorable day! One that has ultimately confirmed that the people of New York are over with the past, happy about the present, and eager to celebrate the City they love. I am proud to be one of them.
Article and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia
@jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
The starting line at the Verrazano Bridge. Photo jrfstudio
The Power of Being Well
Holistic brand Lili's founder's story
Happiness. Courage. Accomplishment. Wellness. Challenges. Dreams.
Those words have different meanings to each one of us, depending on our experiences, beliefs, and goals.
In New York City, where everything is measured by the toughest standards, those meanings are tested often to the extreme, and each person - sooner or later - finds out if they will 'make it or break it.'
It's a harsh reality, one though every New Yorker learns to accept, willingly or unwillingly. But that's why the City is such an inexhaustible source of great stories. So many individualities have their tales of the 'what, how, when, and why' they are or stay in the Big Apple.
For a storyteller like me, that's heaven! Never a dull moment if you stay curious and are really interested in listening to what people have to say. Many people are interesting. Some are intriguing. That's what I thought the first time I encountered Lily.
We met at one of my art exhibitions some time ago. Talking about the influence of Eastern culture in my artworks and in my book 'Life is a Treasure' was how I discovered Lily's entrepreneurial venture in wellness.
What struck me about her was her clever and dry way of conversing and her enigmatic beauty. Lily doesn't waste words. Because she doesn't want to waste time, I learned later. In tennis, she would be more a returner than a hitter. She is attractive, for her look, obviously, but, similarly to a sphinx, She is very observing and reflective, with intense and piercing eyes, which makes her charm magnetic.
Lili is her yoga studio she recently launched.
Coming to the US from China a few years ago has posed several additional challenges.
The language barrier, graduating in a foreign country while overcoming cultural differences, adapting to new systems and norms, and being all by yourself when serious problems come your way.
The down moments hit you harder because you know that nobody is obliging you to go through that struggle, endure pressure, or achieve those goals no matter what.
Despite her young age, by practicing and teaching yoga for many years already and having developed a philosophy of life centered around mental and physical health, Lily is a mature and grounded woman and entrepreneur, aware of the uncertainty and foulness that comes with running a start-up business in a post-pandemic world, but also cheerful and proud for fulfilling her plans and ambitions.
Lily also knows very well that, in this time and age, having a public profile and building a digital following are indispensable. Hence, the necessity to carefully craft her social media presence.
On her individual profile, she vehicles the promotion of her brand @liliyogas, along with @lilyji11 and her activity as a fashion and lifestyle influencer based in New York City but with frequent escapes to glamorous other locations.
I was thrilled she wanted to collaborate on the editorial for the next issue of Livein Magazine. I really wanted to portray her dual nature as a businesswoman and wellness coach shelled in the figure of a beautiful female fully immersed in the grind and glitter of New York.
I like that Lily is a very forward person, honest about her intentions and purposes, and comfortable with embracing her full femininity, an element of her personality she interprets mostly through her Eastern culture and heritage, where it's synonymous are softness, compassion, emotional intelligence, and ability to manage people and resources with understanding and fairness, but also being strong and resilient through adversities.
When we met for the photo shoot of this editorial, we had the chance to speak a lot more. Her business vision is that there is, fortunately, an increased awareness of the importance of mental and physical wellness as interconnected elements of a whole that ultimately revolves around a person's healthy life.
The mission of her yoga studio is to reach out and help as many people as possible so they enjoy the same benefits she found with meditation, exercise, and self-discipline.
The mission of her activewear collection is to offer everybody the right apparel and gear to enhance their exercises and accelerate the achievements of their goals.
Lily also tells me that New York is the only place where she saw she could start her business. She is willing to embrace both the opportunities and the challenges this City poses to anyone who wants to thrive in her. After this many years she is a full-ranked New Yorker, used to deal with the craziness and awesomeness of the city that never sleeps.
And she makes a good point. In some sense, New York - in testing you - makes reveal your true self: virtues and flaws alike. In the end, there is no real victory or loss, but the chance to learn more about yourself and - if you find a good use for what you apprehended - hopefully, you live a more conscious, happy, and rewarding life.
I agree with her. I am proud of telling her story. And I am sure I got you interested.
Article and photos Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Photoshoot: Production and Creative Direction Joseph Ralph Fraia for @livein_magazine
Pin-Ups at Fleet Week 2022
Fleet Week is coming back to New York City! After two years of virtual celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will finally be hosted in-person from May 25 to May 31.
Fleet Week has been celebrated in New York annually since 1988. During the event, Marines, Coast Guardians, and Sailors have an opportunity to explore the city and citizens - to see what maritime services are capable of today.
The program for Fleet Week of 2022 turned out to be very impressive! Expect the parade of ships, Navy vs. Marine Corps Tug of War, which is an “annual fight for bragging rights,” ship tours, wreath-laying, and much more! This is definitely a great way to spend the last week of May.
By the way, to make the event even more exciting, why not dress up? Men can go with a sailor’s costume, and women can probably try one of the most famous styles - pin-up.
The Pin-ups trend was at its peak in popularity in the middle of the 20th century. Short skirts and tops, colorful dresses, elegant shoes, and playful poses of the models - all these are the attributes of pin-up.
The style got popular during World War II when the US army needed support and encouragement. Even though the posters with pin-up models might seem a little extravagant and over-sexualized, they were considered to be inspiring. The women in the picture were patriots sending good luck to the soldiers fighting for the country.
The posters with pin-up models included encouraging slogans, but the main focus was, of course, on models. They were a representation of a peaceful life, making soldiers stay strong, win the war and get home to their wives as soon as they could.
So why not remember this exciting chapter of 20th-century fashion and remind everyone about it?
Wearing a vintage pin-up costume for Fleet Week will definitely make you stand out! And what can be a better event to try out a pin-up look than Fleet Week? Especially now, when fashion is so diverse and inclusive.
And, of course, there are ways to play with the style. Shorts and a top or a dress, heels or flats, ponytail or loose hair - you can always find what works better for you.
Don’t miss the opportunity to have fun and learn something new! Join Fleet Week and make pin-ups a part of the fun!
Article by Joseph Ralph Fraia
Dance Parade New York 2022
On Saturday, May 21, New York City celebrated the diversity of dance with the Dance Parade. More than 100 different dancing styles performed by more than 1000 professionals were presented: Hip Hop, Break Dance, Cheerleading, Salsa, and Contemporary Ballet - all of these were showcased during the parade!
The Dance Parade started at 11:45 at 20th and Broadway and go to Tompkins Square Park. Each group of dancers performed with their choreography for 40 seconds before two Grandstands in Astor Plaza. There was also some fun visual parading, including a pirate ship and a rainbow unicorn.
At the parade's finale, dancers showed curated performances on five stages. The public also participated in dancing masterclasses and dance parties. The best part is that was all free!
This year featured the 16th edition of the Dance Parade. The first one was held in 2006 in response to the New York State Supreme Court ruling that upheld the 1926 NYC Cabaret Law. The law denied social dance as an expressive activity under the first amendment.
Since then, the parade has been held every year. This event is a chance for the dancers to introduce their work to broader audiences, show their cultural heritage, and collaborate with other dancers. For the audience, the Dance Parade is a chance to learn more about dancing culture, fall in love with it, and maybe even start dancing themselves!
What can be better than a sunny late spring Saturday with great music, bright costumes, and breathtaking dancing?
Article by Joseph R. Fraia
Don’t Miss Out the National Poetry Month!
For me, April was always associated with April Fools’ Day. But there is much more to this month than jokes and laughs.
April is also known as National Poetry Month. It was founded by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Since then, many libraries and schools have organized poetry events for children and adults all over the United States to get more people excited about poetry.
This year is not an exception. For example, the Brooklyn Public Library organizes poetry events for both kids and adults. On Friday, April 15th, it is hosting a 30-minute virtual poetry reading of Jack Prelutsky’s (American writer of children’s poetry) work.
There are online events for adults as well. On April 20, the Brooklyn Public Library is inviting poetry lovers to the New Utrecht Poetry Group to discuss and read the works of the world’s most famous poets.
But to fully dive into poetry and feel like a real poet, you should participate in in-person poetry readings in the Nuyorican Poets Cafe.
The Cafe was founded in 1973 in the East Village apartment of Miguel Algarin, a poet, and writer. There, playwriters, musicians, and poets of color, who were not noticed by the mainstream industry, could share their work with the audience.
Soon the cafe got so big and popular that it purchased a former tenement building at 236 East 3rd St, where the cafe stays to this day.
Today Nuyorican Poets Cafe is one of the most well-known and respected arts organizations. It organizes open mics, poetry slams, concerts, and theatrical performances.
Every Wednesday and Friday, Nuyorican Poets Cafe hosts Poetry Slam events. Wednesday slam competition is open to everybody, and winners are chosen entirely by the audience. Friday slams are a little different. Only the Wednesday slam winners are allowed to participate and fight for a place in the Semi-Final Slams.
Finally, there is a Grand Slam Final that usually happens in April, during the National Poetry Month.
So bring your poems to Nuyorican Poets Cafe and share them with the audience, or get a drink and be a part of the audience yourself!
The main rule is to bring your own poetry and enjoy your time!
Article by Joseph R. Fraia
Dance Parade New York
On Saturday, May 21, New York City will celebrate the diversity of dance at the Dance Parade. More than 100 different dancing styles performed by more than 1000 professionals will be presented: Hip Hop, Break Dance, Cheerleading, Salsa, and Contemporary Ballet - all of these will be showcased during the parade!
The Dance Parade will start at 11:45 at 20th and Broadway and go to Tompkins Square Park. Each group of dancers will perform with their choreography for 40 seconds before two Grandstands in Astor Plaza. There will also be a couple of fun visuals parading, including a pirate ship and a rainbow unicorn.
At the parade's finale, dancers will show curated performances on five stages. The public will also participate in dancing masterclasses and dance parties. The best part is that it’s all free!
This year will feature the 16th edition of the Dance Parade. The first one was held in 2006 in response to the New York State Supreme Court ruling that upheld the 1926 NYC Cabaret Law. The law denied social dance as an expressive activity under the first amendment.
Since then, the parade has been held every year. This event is a chance for the dancers to introduce their work to broader audiences, show their cultural heritage, and collaborate with other dancers. For the audience, the Dance Parade is a chance to learn more about dancing culture, fall in love with it, and maybe even start dancing themselves!
What can be better than a sunny late spring Saturday with great music, bright costumes, and breathtaking dancing? Spend the day with lots of fun at the Dance Parade! Bring your best friends, comfortable clothing, and, of course, a great mood for the best experience of this spring!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
New Wedding Trends
With all the delays and cancellations of weddings during COVID-19, 2022 will be the year of the weddings. Couples who weren’t able to bring their families together and perform an in-person ceremony will finally be able to make their dream come true. According to The Wedding Report, around 2.5 million weddings will occur in the US in 2022. It is going to be the biggest wedding year since 1984.
After all the difficulties and inconveniences, couples are trying to bring back the magic for such a special occasion. And what could be more memorable than the wedding dress? So let’s look at the latest wedding dress fashion to see what we can expect from the brides and give some ideas to the brides-to-be.
The new collection at New York Bridal Fashion Week this year, held from April 4 to 8, was very empowering. The designers made the statement, “You can finally get married this year!”
Instead of the classic white dress, designers offered brides colorful wedding gowns: pink, yellow, pick any color you like! So this year, you can fully show your personality with the wedding dress! This trend has already gone viral: a week ago, the bride appeared in a bright yellow voluminous dress at one of the New York City weddings.
That bride has definitely checked out the new trends! Voluminous dresses are the second trend of this year. In such a dress, any bride would feel like a princess. With this gown, you can get creative: voluminous skirts, ruffled hemlines, and tulle will make you look trendy and gorgeous!
For business ladies who prefer pants over dresses, there will be options for them too. Combined with a white jacket, they create an extraordinarily stylish and, at the same time, comfortable look. With so many designers presenting bridal pants this year, even the pickiest bride will find a model for herself!
Feathers are also staying with us for the wedding season, so here’s some good news for those who like this trend! If you want to try something new for a wedding dress, this is the way to go! This dress can be either the main dress or a second bride’s look. And that’s what’s perfect about it!
The lace embroidery dress will be a perfect option for the more romantic brides! Long-sleeved tulle bodices with hand-embroidered floral designs are the new classics!
Last but not least are puff sleeves. This trend came to us from 1980s weddings, but it took a different form this time. In 2022 brides choose removable puff sleeves, which, without any additional discomfort, bring volume to the dress.
The 2022 wedding collections gave us a lot of new perspectives on what a bride should look like. The next move is yours! What trend will you choose?
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Earth Day 2022
On Friday, April 22, articles about the Earth and the environment were everywhere in the Media. And this is not a coincidence. Starting from 1970, activists have been celebrating Earth Day annually on April 22. This year’s theme for Earth Day was “Invest in Our Planet.”
According to Google Trends, searches for “Earth Day” and “Earth Day events” have increased twice since last week. People were registering for events, like cleanups in the parks and on the beaches and tree planting. Those who didn’t have a chance to participate in person could check out conferences available on the Earth Day website about any topic they are interested in: Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution, Fashion, and Sustainability, Youth Activism, etc.
Some of the articles and events are oriented toward kids. Even with all the recycling marks on our cans and plastic containers, we are not sure which bin to put our trash in, what each mark means, and where the plastic we throw in recycling goes. Are we really helping the planet, or are we only made to believe we make a difference? To make sure there is no such problem with future generations, there are programs now that let children learn what sustainable living is and what they can do to actually help the planet. For example, The New York Times posted a story with a guide for kids about climate change and what can be done about it (Bad Future, Better Future).
Teachers in schools are also encouraged to teach kids about the environment by, for example, going outside to enjoy nature, doing environmental projects, like composting or working in the garden, or giving them homework connected to the environment.
There are also special programs for kids, including Kids & Nature. There, kids of different ages learn about wildlife gardening at home and in school, trees, and their role in wildlife. They also get access to learning outside in the fresh air.
Environmental topics are becoming more and more essential each year, and Earth Day is not only about a small group of activists promoting an eco-lifestyle anymore. Now it’s about millions of people all over the world participating in environmental events, teaching their kids about a sustainable lifestyle, and creating programs that will help us become more eco-friendly in the near future.
I am trying to be eco-friendly myself, but there is still a very long and sometimes hard way to go. But the more environment-oriented projects there are, the more I believe that I will achieve an eco-friendly lifestyle. The most important thing is to start.
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Welcoming Easter
Easter is, without a doubt, the most important Christian holiday. It’s all about bringing families together, having fun, and celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Not everyone celebrates Easter the same way, with Catholics and Orthodox having different traditions. Both are very exciting and fun, and I always waited for the day when we could finally start getting ready for Easter.
By the way, Easter in Catholic countries is celebrated a week before the Orthodox Christian one. This year, Catholic Easter is celebrated on April 17, and Orthodox on April 24.
But let’s get to the traditions. Catholic traditions are very well-known. I, being Orthodox and asking Americans about their Catholic traditions, realized that I knew a lot about them already. I’ve seen them in movies and cartoons, and sometimes my family even followed some of the Catholic traditions when we celebrated our Orthodox Easter.
For example, we would get small baskets for our eggs, and bunnies would become a huge part of the Easter decorations, even though originally Orthodox Easter didn’t have that.
But, unlike Catholics, the Orthodox don’t have egg hunts. Instead, we have egg fights, which are always hilarious! During a family dinner, we would all get a hard-boiled egg and bump it into the egg of the person next to us. The egg that gets crushed loses, and the stronger one gets to the next round and bumps into another winner. The person who beats all eggs wins.
The Orthodox also make special Easter cakes called Kulich. It’s a tall round cake with raisins inside and glazes and sprinkles on top. Some people believe that it represents a church because of its shape. Today, people mostly buy Kulich. Because of the specific ingredients and texture of the dough, it takes around 3-4 hours to make it, which is now a luxury not many people have.
What the Orthodox don’t have is chocolate eggs. If Catholics give chocolate eggs as gifts, especially for kids, Orthodox give real hard-boiled and colored eggs to everybody.
Coloring eggs is another fun tradition that both Catholics and Orthodox follow. There are now hundreds of ways to color the eggs! Before, even in my childhood, my grandmother would color eggs using onion peel to give a white egg a light yellow color. Now there are special pills with the coloring inside or stickers with Easter symbols that we use to get our eggs ready for Easter.
This Sunday, don’t forget to spend some time with your loved ones and celebrate a great holiday with your family.
Happy Easter!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Cherry Blossom Season is Back
For years, spring in NYC has been associated with the cherry blooming season, and it’s finally here! All over the city, pink blossoms are attracting tourists and residents. According to the Parks & Recreation Department, you can find 6,700 cherry trees in the city parks, and more than 34,000 cherry trees on the streets, so you definitely can’t miss cherry blossom!
One of the go-to destinations to enjoy the cherry blossom festival is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. There, you can walk through a fairytale-looking trail. On that side of the garden, the first trees were planted in 1921, and since then thousands of people have been able to admire the pink beauty. Two of the originally planted trees are still there, at the north end of the walk.
And at the end of the season, you can visit the Botanic Garden to see the “pink snow” of falling petals.
Unfortunately, because of this spring’s cold weather, not all of the cherry trees are blooming, but, those that are, look like magical pink clouds in April's gray sky.
The great place to go to if you are in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. It’s perfect if you want to fully feel the atmosphere of Japanese cities, whose cherry blossom seasons are so famous. There, the pond is surrounded by blooming cherry trees and flowers. Narrow gravel paths will walk you around the pond with a Japanese monument and a small duck house.
But cherry blossoms are not the only thing to see in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden! Dozens of other trees and flowers are blooming now, creating a wonderful magic atmosphere, and it is definitely worth seeing!
If it’s your first time in the Botanic Garden, you can get a Seasonal Highlights Tour that is held Tuesday through Sunday from 1 pm to 2 pm. Such tours are held from April until June, so make sure not to miss the opportunity!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Where Does April Fools’ Day Come From?
March is slowly coming to an end, and we are all awaiting April. On its first day, we will be celebrating probably the most fun holiday of all - April Fools’ Day.
We are all used to its pranks, jokes, and a good laugh at those who we were able to fool. But where is this all coming from, and how did April Fools’ Day get to be celebrated all around the world?
The most popular theory about April Fools’ Day’s origin comes from France, where in 1582 the Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar. Since then, New Year’s Day has been moved to January 1st instead of April 1st. However, some citizens, who couldn’t get used to the new system, or lived far enough to get the news slowly, kept celebrating the New Year in spring.
Such people started being joked about and pranked: somebody would put a paper fish on their backs, which symbolized a young fish that was easy to catch, and a gullible person.
Some historians also link April Fools’ Day to Hilaria, a festival celebrated in Ancient Rome at the end of March. There, the followers of the Cybele cult would dress up as disguises and mock citizens.
Whatever the real story is, in the 18th century, Britain followed the April Fools’ Day tradition, and since then, it has spread all over the world. People quickly caught the funny occasion and adopted it in their own culture.
Since then, countless jokes and pranks have been made, some funny, some mean, but always with good intentions. And the Internet, along with the new digital tools available to the masses, has added a whole new level of creativity and diffusion. People keep celebrating April Fools’ Day every year and keep coming up with new pranks to have some fun themselves and make others laugh.
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Revolutionary Skincare from Arizona: Essential Sincerity by Elli K
In a world where we can easily lose ourselves in the hustle and stress of everyday life, it is essential more than ever to take time to reconnect with our true selves. To help us do that, the revolutionary, multi-patented skincare system, Essential Sincerity by Elli K, recently launched its collection in the US. The brand’s three-part system includes Elli K Essential Sincerity from AZ Time Reverse Cream; Elli K Essential Sincerity from AZ Time Reverse Double Ampoule; and the Elli K Essential Sincerity from AZ Time Reverse Mask.
As a frequent visitor of Sedona, Arizona, Elli K discovered how natural elements found in the earth and sea contain properties that can help heal and rejuvenate our minds and bodies. Through partnering with a research lab at the University of Arizona, Elli K found a way to harness the energy and healing properties of these elements, creating a skincare system that repairs and restores damaged, aging skin - as if “reversing time.”
The three Elli K skincare products consist of four unique patented complexes with detoxifying properties made from Sedona Water and the rare Turritopsis dohrnii, also known as the “immortal jellyfish.”
Those complexes are:
AZ10-BIOME™ - designed using a special double-fermenting process that blends cactus honey, echinacea, and banana yucca with Sedona Water to provide deep moisture to the skin.
AZ4-Rx™ - formulated with the most skin-friendly fermented oils to enhance the skin’s natural protection against the external environment.
NEUROVITY™ - an anti-aging complex, the “secret” of the immortal jellyfish.
PROGELINE™ - makes the skin more elastic and smooth.
Also an accomplished musician, Elli K incorporated music into the skincare ritual as a way to also reinvigorate the spirit. The seven tracks of soothing symphonic music transport the listener on a sonic journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona, while relaxing for 20 minutes after applying the Elli K Time Reverse Mask. Each track blends actual sounds of Arizona nature into the music, including the wind, birds, and flowing water. Combining both skincare and music in a relaxing multi-sensory ritual, balance is restored both inside and out.
In addition to touch and sound, the luxurious fragrance of the Elli K skincare products reinvigorates the sense of smell. Created by experts based on over a century of research in Argeville, France, the natural fragrances within the products enhance the relaxation and restoration of balance in the body.
Argeville is in compliance with environmental standards and health-conscious business ethics, which further provides Essential Sincerity by Elli K customers with a natural and nurturing way of beauty.
It’s time to rediscover the true you with Elli K.
The new Elli K EP, The Journey of a Hummingbird will also be available exclusively to Elli K customers with their purchase of the Essential Sincerity skincare system.
To check the entire line of products please visit ellikbeauty.com
For All Media Inquiries:
Beatrice Kimmel
EMPKT PR
Beatrice@empktpr.com
Stay Trendy!
As Spring becomes more vivid, it’s time to open your closets and switch all the warm jackets and sweaters to tops and skirts.
This Spring is the best time to get naughty with the latest trend about mini skirts! After being out of style for some time, in 2022 ‘minis’ are having a comeback! Both high and low-waisted mini-skirts were presented on the runway at the last NYFW and got a lot of attention. Take, for example, the viral Miu Miu mini skirt that brought us right back to the 2000s.
By the way, if you are a low-waist lover, this year’s trends are just for you! Not only low-waisted skirts but also low-rise jeans and pants have returned! Now, under-the-belly-button waistlines are a hit in new designers’ collections.
If you want to spice up this trend, try matching it with colorful tops (for example, lime-green, hot pink, or butter yellow, which are also a trend this year) or, if you are ready for more experiments, with triangular bras underneath a longer coat.
If low-rise is not for you, but you still want to wear something trendy and extravagant, try feathers. You can wear them any way you like: feather sandals, dresses, open-back feathered tops - anything would do it! But in case you think that’s too much, there is still a way for you to put on some feathers. Try shirts with feathers around the wrists or the ankles.
This Spring/Summer 2022 season is the perfect chance to be outrageously sexy! Don’t miss it!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Kilts and Whiskey: How to Understand Men
Men are always hard to understand. What do they like? What do they really want? Why do they do something in one way, and not the other?
One of the many questions I couldn’t find an answer for is why do they like strong drinks so much? For example, whiskey. What is so special about it?
The word whiskey comes from the Irish uisce beatha means “water of life,” which already sounds like a reason to try it, but let’s dig deeper.
Whiskey is one of the oldest drinks and originally comes from Ireland. It is believed that Irish monks brought the technology of distilling perfumes from their travels to southern Europe. Then they modified the technique so that the substance became drinkable.
Irish whiskey, in comparison to Scotch whiskey, has a smoother finish. The second one is more smoky with an earthy overtone.
So, knowing the drink's history, why is Irish whiskey so popular among men? Why do they prefer whiskey to, for example, sweet cocktails?
My understanding is that Irish whiskey is a status drink. It’s not only about the taste but also about the vibe it gives. Choosing whiskey represents a rich man with good taste and a particular reputation.
When I hear “whiskey,” I see a man sitting in an armchair next to the fireplace with a glass of this drink. In another hand, he is holding a cigar, and somewhere next to him is his dog sleeping on the mat.
The picture looks exquisite! I understand why most men want to see themselves in it. I would still prefer wine or a cocktail to whiskey, but that’s only because I want to see myself in a different picture.
Speaking of the Irish and Scottish whiskey, I was also thinking about why men wore kilts? And why do they still wear them now?
The kilt is a knee-length men’s dress skirt. Men used to wear kilts on formal occasions and sports events.
At first, it was a full-length garment, and men could wear the upper side as a draped over-the-shoulder cloak. Then, around the 1720s, Thomas Rawlinson, an English Quaker, invented a small (or walking) kilt. The idea was to separate the skirt from the upper part of the clothing to be easier to wear.
Even though wearing a kilt might look strange to a modern person, it actually makes sense. A skirt makes it easier for men to move, especially considering wearing kilts during sports events. It gave them complete freedom of movement.
Wearing kilts now is, of course, not necessary. So why do men still wear them?
I think it’s mostly a feeling of respect for your traditions and a connection to your roots. I doubt that kilts are widely spread in everyday life now. It is probably mostly worn to traditional weddings, sports games, and parades. It is also popular to wear kilts as a uniform in some traditional bars or restaurants.
Even though wearing kilts as a uniform looks very authentic and traditional, men need to be careful about it. Historically, kilts can be worn both with or without underwear, but it is believed that the “true Scotsman” won’t wear anything under his kilt. However, there have been stories about women who, after a couple of drinks in a bar, wanted to find out if the waiter was a “true Scotsman,” and instead of asking, checked it themselves. Because of that, in 2015, a bartender of the Hootananny pub in Inverness had to abandon kilts.
Instead of kilts, bartenders and waiters now wear Tartan shorts, which have the same pattern as kilts and are also associated with Scotland.
Well, men are probably not that hard to understand. It only takes a little bit of imagination and researching to figure that out!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
The Beauty of The Emeral Isle in New York
Celtic music is a whole of different music genres that came out of the folk music traditions of the Celtic people. It has a lot of various forms specific to each Celtic country: Irish, Scottish, Welsh, etc.
This Sunday, March 13, New Yorkers will have a chance to learn more about the Irish branch of Celtic music with the show ‘Postcards from Ireland.’ It’s a brand new show by ‘Celtic Woman,’ a Grammy-nominated music band.
Since the band’s debut in 2005, Celtic Woman has become a cultural phenomenon, consistently releasing best-selling albums and DVDs.
Through its music, Celtic Woman celebrates the traditions, culture, and history of Ireland while reflecting on the modern spirit of the country.
In the 16 years of performing, they were able to touch the hearts of listeners from all over the world!
Celtic Woman is a four-member band. The present members are Tara McNeill, Megan Walsh, Muirgen O’Mahony, and Chloë Agnew, who is one of the original members of Celtic Woman.
The Celtic Woman’s beautiful voices and masterful command of their instruments are accompanied by Irish dancers, bagpipes, and a band playing traditional Celtic instruments, like tin whistle, bodhran, Uilleann pipes, and bouzouki.
Now Celtic Woman is ready to charm us with their new show. Postcards from Ireland “celebrates the rich musical and cultural heritage of Ireland,” introducing the audience to the stories from the Emerald Isle.
The show is going to take place on Sunday, March 13, in St. George Theater, 35 Hyatt Street, Staten Island.
Make sure to buy tickets and dive into Ireland's rich history and traditions with the amazing performance of Celtic Woman.
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Influence me, NYC!
In today’s world, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms. It enables us to talk to friends, show our lives and even work as a blogger.
Bloggers, or - more appropriately - influencers, are often the first to implement fashion trends by portraying their lifestyles, so their job is to keep their audience updated and make sure that their content is regular and entertaining.
NYC is one of the best places for these influencers! Fashion weeks, hundreds of various brands, restaurants, and fancy locations are a great environment for creativity and work.
One of the most iconic locations is in Dumbo, with its view of the Manhattan Bridge. That is a place where almost everyone made at least one picture!
Another bridge we can’t forget is, of course, Brooklyn Bridge. Pictures in front of its arches look very fashionable and chic all year around!
A newer location opened in NYC last October. It is ‘The Summit,’ a glass observatory atOne Vanderbilt. It features a glass elevator thatbrings you to a room 1,200 feet above the ground, all made of mirrors. That looks like a great location for any fashion blogger! Futuristic and unconventional, this is the best place to take a picture in a trendy outfit.
Personally, my favorite location for influencers is Times Square. Always bright with all the screens, busy and loud, it gives a great New York City vibe with its energy, modernity, and progress.
But the job of influencers doesn’t stop at just finding a brand and a good location. They need to learn how to best present the brands they collaborate with. That’s when modeling helps. As bloggers become more and more popular, they get more professional in modeling and posing. All their pictures look like the work of a professional model.
For example, Chinese - American blogger Jessica Wang does a great job posing in front of the camera. Her pictures look fresh, and, what’s important, she is always able to show her outfit fully from the best angle.
Another fashionista whom I found interesting is Amra Beganovich. Her pictures are done in a very different way, even color-wise, but they are definitely original! Very cozy outfits show a vibe of minimalism, comfort, and warmth. Of course, with Dumbo, SoHo, Central Park, and Manhattan streets as favorite locations!
A little bit different are the works of a male influencer Francisco Lachowski. His posing is full of strength, sex, power, and masculinity. Such differences between men and women influencers are very understandable. Different fashion and different brands lead to a different vibe.
Influencers always have to keep up with trends and make professional shots to attract their audience and present new brands. It’s hard work, which influencers learned to do very professionally!
I, myself, am very impressed by the way they improved in the last couple of years!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Photos by Joseph R. Fraia - jrfstudio.com
Photo by Joseph Ralph Fraia
Celebrating 400th Anniversary of Moliere
On cold February evenings, it’s always nice to feel warmth, passion, happiness, and inclusiveness. So on Saturday, February 19, I decided to visit the Russian Arts Theater & Studio. The theater was presenting a marvelous play dedicated to the 400th anniversary of Moliere, a 17th-century French playwright.
Aleksey Burago, a very talented Russian director, was able to create a light, funny and realistic play, representing the time Moliere lived in. The play was genuinely unforgettable between the bright costumes, tights, dresses, shoes, candlelight illuminating the whole set and the great set design made to resemble French theater!
The play is set in a theater, where Moliere is getting ready to show the king his new play, and the audience is simultaneously watching the play and taking part in it. The theater exists simultaneously in 21st century New York and 17th century Paris. Even though the presentation is scheduled for that day, actors do not know their roles and don’t want to rehearse. So instead, they are replaying scenes from their old plays: Versailles Impromptu, The Misanthrope, Tartuffe, The Miser, and Don Juan.
What was most exciting was that all the viewers were engaged in the play. Since the audience was, to some degree, truly part of the play, they felt like they were participating in everything that was happening along with the actors. I myself got worried that nothing was ready and I didn’t know my part! And some of the actors were entering right from the auditorium, talking to everybody on their way to the stage, which made everyone feel included.
The cast of extremely talented and diverse actors, including Albert Baker, Michael Anne Hoffert-Cone, Luisa Menzen, Robyne Parrish, Tom Schubert, Naira Zakaryan, and Di Zhu, were able to play each of their different roles very brightly and convincingly.
Tom Schubert was exquisite in the role of Moliere! Deeply worried about his reputation, not able to coordinate the actors, he was funny and enjoyable to watch! His ability to rapidly switch between roles without missing a line can only be envied!
Di Zhu, who played Mademoiselle Molière, showed a jealous wife who doesn’t like not being heard and appreciated by her husband. She was able to make every woman think about their men and every man think twice about neglecting the woman they love.
All of the actors had very palpable chemistry that everyone in the audience could feel from the first few minutes. They were playful, flirtatious, and charming.
Mr. Burago said that this was his goal. He wanted to create something funny and warm that would reflect Moliere’s life, work, and lifestyle.
The director explained that the real king, who Moliere was trying to oblige, is the audience because it is only the audience who determines if the play is high quality or not.
“It’s all about people,” and people really seemed to enjoy it!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Photos by Joseph R. Fraia - jrfstudio.com
Tom Schubert photographed by Joseph Ralph Fraia
Luisa Menzen photographed by Joseph Ralph Fraia
The Year Ahead. Let’s make a plan!
NYC is slowly coming back to normal, and dozens of new exhibitions and festivals are being planned for 2022. Here is the short list of the most interesting events I found for you!
2022 Exhibitions
Sherlock Holmes in 211 Objects (till April 15)
This exhibition, located at the Grolier Club in Lenox Hill, will feature "an unrivaled number" of Sir Conan Doyle's belongings. Among these belongings are short story manuscripts, holograph letters from Conan Doyle to friends, a book idea, a calendar note where Doyle wrote "killed Holmes" on, and a handwritten speech where the author explains the killing of Sherlock Holmes.
Tomás Saraceno: Particular Matter(s) (February 11 - April 17)
Hosted by The Shed, located in the Bloomberg Building at 545 W 30th St, “Tomás Saraceno: Particular Matter(s)" features a 95-foot-diameter installation commissioned for the exhibit called "Free the Air: How to hear the universe in a spider/web.” The exhibition will fill the soaring 17,000-square-foot space and will emit vibrations from the movement of particles in the air and a spider’s entangled webs.”
TRUST (January 31 - May 30)
TRUST is a data-driven immersive exhibition, created via a collaboration between ARTECHOUSE, the host of the exhibition, and fuse*. fuse* is a multidisciplinary art studio engaging with technology to understand the complexity of human interaction. In the exhibition, fuse* is exploring and giving its interpretation of the concept of trust. The event is held in ARTECHOUSE NYC, located at 439 W 15th St.
Louise Bourgeois: Paintings (April 12 - August 7)
This exhibition, hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, presents paintings produced by Louise Bourgeois, a French-American artist, between her arrival in New York in 1938 and her turn to sculpture in the 1940s. The Met describes the exhibit as the first comprehensive exhibition of the artist’s paintings, which established the motifs that defined her later work as a sculptor.
Virgil Abloh “Figures Of Speech” (July 1 - January 29, 2023)
This exhibition presents the work of Virgil Abloh, late visionary artist and designer. The guests will see how his work reshaped the way we understand the role of fashion, art, design, and music in contemporary culture. The exhibition will be held in the Brooklyn Museum.
NYC X Design (May 10-20)
NYCxDESIGN is a non-profit organization that is “committed to empowering and promoting the city’s diverse creative community.” Starting from May 10 and until May 20, you will be able to take part in the tenth anniversary NYCxDesign Festival with group exhibitions, public installations, and open studios.
The Orchid Show in NYC guide (through May 1)
“The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope” returns to NYC this year, after the display was interrupted by Covid in 2020. The New York Botanical Garden’s Enid A. Haupt conservatory will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of hypnotic floral designs, under the direction of American designer Jeff Leatham.
2022 Fashion Events
In America: An Anthology of Fashion (May 7 - September 5)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is presenting the second part of the exhibition, which explores fashion of the United States, In America: An Anthology of Fashion. According to the MET, the exhibition “will highlight sartorial narratives that relate to the complex and layered histories of the American Wing period rooms.”
Kimono Style. The John C. Weber Collection (June 7 - February 20, 2023)
This exhibition will show the kimono styles from the late Edo period (1615–1868) through the early 20th century when the kimono was adapted to the lifestyle of Japanese women. The exhibition will feature works of John C. Weber Collection of Japanese art that explores “the mutual artistic exchanges between the kimono and Western fashion, as well as highlights from The Costume Institute’s collection.”
The Color Black in History and Fashion (March 23)
Throughout the centuries, the color black has adorned princes and priests, rebels and renegades, and artists and intellectuals. Prominent in fashion today, Black has carried myriad meanings and messages as the color was associated with various individuals and groups. On the evening of March 23rd, at the National Arts Club, art historian Carmela Spinelli will explore the rich history behind the color Black, and how it came to hold such a special place in fashion.
Leah McSweeney: Chaos Theory (April 5)
Leah McSweeney, a fashion designer and Real Housewives of New York City star will present her debut memoir Chaos Theory: Finding Meaning in the Madness, One Bad Decision at a Time. The event is going to happen in The Strand Book Store's 3rd floor Rare Book Room at 828 Broadway on 12th Street.
Bonnet Bash “A Feast For The Eyes” (April 8)
Hosted by the National Arts Club, the Bonnet Bash showcases a plethora of extravagant headwear. Designers including Sarah Sparkles and Darrell Thorne will take part. Visitors can create their own hat and bring it to potentially win one of many prizes.
NYFW Bridal April (April 6 - April 8)
New York Fashion Week (September 9 - September 14)
Film Festivals 2022
Tribeca Film Festival (June 8 - 19)
New York International Children’s Film Festival (March 4 - March 13)
The New York International Children’s Film Festival is the biggest festival in the country for kids' movies and animation. It includes new screenings, short film programs, information sessions with the creators, workshops and other special events throughout the celebration.
NYC Independent Film Festival (June 12 - June 19)
The NYC Independent Film Festival is an annual event displaying the best independent cinematography. It introduces the public to movies made by local NYC directors, as well as to a variety of foreign films.
Big Apple Film Festival (May 23 - May 27)
Big Apple is a film festival that is focused on showing movies from the NYC independent film community. It also showcases a limited number of selected films across the United States and other countries.
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Photo by Unsplash
Crazy Rich Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is back, and Americans are ready to party. This year marks the 56th anniversary of the NFL Championship, with the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals fighting for the victory.
While most people will party in their backyards or at their neighbor's bar with beer and nachos, few will throw expensive and luxurious parties in their mansions.
Rob Gronkowski, the famous football player, is in for a big party this year. He is inviting one of his fans and up to 15 of his friends to his house, where they will be able to watch a game, drink, and celebrate. In an interview with FOX Business, Gronkowski said, that the party is going to be “epic,” with mini-golf and a bounce house planned.
Bloomberg and Neiman Marcus are also hosting a party in the famous Goldstein Manson in Los Angeles with its pool, outdoor terrace, and club area. The house has already been used for various film and music video shoots, and this year it’s opening its doors for the Super Bowl fans.
But probably the most expensive celebration will be thrown by Playboy, with the price of the tickets varying from $1,250 to just get inside to $25,000 for a VIP ticket with drinks and a personal table included. So if you are looking for a luxurious Super Bowl party, and you’re willing to pay a pretty penny, this one is for you.
As a person who has never celebrated the Super Bowl before, I was amazed by how big the parties can get. For me, though, it’s going to be a small one: at home with some friends watching the game but also waiting for the Halftime Show which this year is dedicated to hip-hop culture with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar performing.
I think that’s a good way to start!
Article by Mary Zakharova
Editing by Joseph R. Fraia
Photos by Joseph R. Fraia - jrfstudio.com
Cam Vidal photographed by @adelaidechantilly
Cam Vidal - The Rhythm of Life pounding the strings of her Bass.
I am on my way to the ‘Grey Dog,’ the iconic hipster homey cafe destination for many of the nearby NYU students, and, as I walk through Union Square, I see the humanity of New York City attempting to regain a sense of normality in days that are still complex and uncertain in many different ways.
Nevertheless, if there is a quality that unifies all New Yorkers, that is undisputedly resilience. The City is the renowned most challenging boot camp for the daily grind and hustle you can find in the world. But, notoriously, it is also the place where you can find an unexpected oasis of tranquillity and relaxation, and maybe that is, indeed, a self-defense mechanism for a population otherwise always inevitably on edge.
I know I will have my moment of relax and chill because I am about to meet songwriter, musician, and performer Camille (Cam) Vidal.
She greets me with her bright and sincere smile and the adorable way she pronounces my name with her French accent: Joséf.
As we sit at our table, Cam tells me how happy and enthusiastic she is to be in New York, the city she envisioned herself in since she was a little girl, passionate about music and adventure.
And so, carried by her electric positivity, I asked her what she loves so much about being a musician in New York.
The reason - she says - is that she gets to play with so many incredible artists, different for background, style, and skills, and in so many different contexts and venues, each one with their distinctive audience and aficionados, always competent and passionate.
Jam Sessions are another incredible plus of living in New York as an artist, she points out, because they give a musician the opportunity to continuously train and engage with an astonishing variety of performers and styles.
In such an environment, she feels like a kid in a candy store, immersed in a dream world where she can learn, exchange and grow as a person and as an artist.
Something that really surprised and impressed her positively has been the inclusiveness and support that fellow musicians and performers provide to each other in New York. She stressed out that on and off the stage, she receives waves of inputs, tips, and feedback always with a smile and sincere appreciation, especially from musicians older or more experienced than her, something that has allowed her to improve in so many areas and so much faster.
We are already 20 minutes into our conversation, and Cam and I realize that the waitress is waiting for us to place our order. So, after exchanging an accomplice and silly glance at each other, we hide behind our menus and swiftly order two drinks.
As we laugh about our childish mix of guilt and fun, I ask Camille about her first steps into music and what brought her into that world.
She recounts starting as early as six years old, with an initial interest in acoustic guitar. Everything looked really good until she was diagnosed with severe scoliosis and underwent surgery. The outcome was positive, but the consequent pain and especially the rehabilitation process turned out to be longer and more challenging than she thought, to the point that Camille even considered altogether dropping studying and practicing music.
That is when who stepped in was her father, a professional drummer himself. His familiarity with music, especially rhythm and coordination, pushed him to inspire and convince Camille to continue, switching from guitar to bass on the conviction that the latter is the backbone of any real band. As a result, she could strengthen her spine in learning to become the load-bearing pillar of fellow musicians.
Cam embraced the challenge and didn’t regret it. Not only did she continue her studies at the local municipal school but she was also babysitting to pay for her bills. In addition, she formed a close and special relationship with two of the kids she was looking after. They even went on a tour in France, reaching national notoriety and publishing an album.
Music at that point was Cam’s life, and she enrolled at the local jazz school: another challenging path she undertook and overcame, graduating after five years at the age of only 22 years old and publishing a pop EP in the process.
Understandably, Cam’s talent and passion were bigger than just the borders of France, so she decided to learn English and move to New York City back in 2018. Since then, she says her experience and growth have been invaluable.
At this point, I am really impressed by Cam’s spontaneity and simplicity with which she describes such an incredible journey at such a young age. And so, I want to know more about her, especially about her creative process. Her answer yet again surprised me.
It turns out that she is entirely autonomous and independent when it comes to composing her music. She started at a young age and doesn’t just write her bass lines, but the ones of all the other instruments: drums, guitar, and keyboards. She sings too. So, composer, songwriter, and singer. Amazing!
Now, as for many artists, Cam says that also for her the creative process rather than conscious is more a compulsive one. But what is peculiar about her, is how she has obviated satisfying her creative urge: using the Garage Band app on her iPhone.
That allows her to create and compose wherever she is. She tells me that, ear pods on, whenever she feels inspired she opens her phone and writes tracks, bases, and lyrics. On the subway, chilling in a park, on the commute to work, or just sitting at home. She can’t explain where the creative impulse comes from, but she knows she can’t resist it and enjoys how the process unfolds.
One of her main inspirations is American composer, record producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist Marcus Miller. She aspires to be musically polyvalent and to be able to let the choral component of her songs shine, jumping from jazz and R’n’B to pop and funk, keeping voice and instruments a unison.
All that sounded amazing to me, that’s why I was super happy to hear from Cam that, soon, she will publish her first album as a mature artist, a project that for her - she tells me - is very personal and very important because it is going to embody who she is and what her vision represents. It’s going to be a work to inspire people to be and feel proud about themselves, but also a testimony of the importance of living by example, like she is doing, being independent, not fearful, and without taboos.
Almost two hours went by in a snap, and I didn’t realize how long we had been talking.
Cam and I finished our drinks a long time ago, and we can see our waitress squinching her eyes towards us, and we understood it was time for us to leave the table to somebody else. Not before hearing from Cam that her album will be in production during this year and the release is scheduled for the end of 2022. Until then she will keep performing in NYC with a lot of bands, so follow her on Instagram @camvidal to stay posted. I know I will do and can’t wait to see her performing live.
Damn’, I love New York so much.
Article by Joseph Ralph Fraia - jrfstudio.com
Photo Credit @adelaidechantilly
OUT NOW! New Award-winning Independent Film
THE REUNION available on major North American VOD Platforms
New Award-winning Independent Film THE REUNIONavailable on major North American VOD Platforms
Starring: Dave Rosenberg, Andrea Modica, Dinh James Doan and Cara Ronzetti
With Special Appearances by: Drama Desk Award-winning actor Austin Pendleton and Actor/Comedian Jim Norton
(Los Angeles, CA - February 1, 2022)
Today, the award-winning spiritual thriller film, The Reunion, hits all major VOD platforms in North America. The film, which won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Feature Film at film festivals last year, is available now on North American VOD (Comcast, Spectrum, Altice), iVOD (iTunes, Prime Video, ROKU, Apple TV) and Home Video distribution platforms (DVD, Blu-ray). For a full list of where to purchase the film, view here.
Film Threat calls The Reunion “a gorgeous film to look at from start to finish" with "awe-inspiring cinematography" and "great storytelling."
Film Daily says “the film carries a poignant balance of self-deprecation within self-realization.”
Behind the Rabbit Productions says “the film was shot guerilla-style in 16 days, but you would never know it. It looks like a much bigger-budget feature, and the music and editing contribute to the professional feel of the film.”
The Reunion first premiered at the 2021 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival in Iowa and has been presented at three other film festivals in New York. The film has garnered four awards so far, including Best Picture and Best Actor at the SOHO International Film Festival as well as Best Feature Film and Best Director at the Nyack Film Festival last fall. Nyack Film Festival Director Richard Quinn calls the film " a spiritual thriller” that “digs deeply into the center of psychological and philosophical tension.”
The Reunion is based on the real-life traumatic childhood experience of Dave Rosenberg, the film’s writer and producer who also stars as the protagonist, Ricky Reilly. Ricky, a former actor who is seeking spiritual fulfillment, suddenly has his life turned upside down when he runs into his childhood bully. Seeing his old nemesis reawakens memories and emotions that compel Ricky to finally face his greatest fear in order to discover a new definition of manhood.
The film also stars Andrea Modica, Dinh James Doan, and Cara Ronzetti, with special appearances by Drama Desk Award-winning actor Austin Pendleton and Actor/Comedian Jim Norton.
The Reunion is out now on iTunes on all other major VOD, iVOD and Home Video platforms, listed here.
Gravitas Ventures is the film’s exclusive North American distributor. The partnership was negotiated by Megan Huggins of Gravitas Ventures and DJ Dodd of Future Proof Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
For all press inquiries, contact Beatrice Kimmel at beatrice@empktpr.com or at 917-848-0919.
MORE ABOUT THE FILM
The Reunion is a passion project created over two decades by Rosenberg with his friends and colleagues, Andrea Modica and Dinh Doan. The film follows in the footsteps of similar films born by brotherhood, such as Swingers, Good Will Hunting and Blindspotting. The Reunion illuminates New York City in the way movies like Annie Hall, Manhattan and Taxi Driver did in the 1970s. The film is the product of nearly 100 dedicated filmmakers, collaborating on the East Coast and West Coast, on a very low budget, with all the creativity, talent, grit and determination of a Scorsese film.
ABOUT GRAVITAS VENTURES
Gravitas Ventures is a worldwide film distributor that connects filmmakers and producers with a global audience of over a billion people. As an all-rights distributor, Gravitas has hundreds of relationships with movie theatres and across home entertainment including VOD, DVD and television. Gravitas was one of the first companies to develop a global network of digital media partners across transactional video on demand (VOD), premium video on demand (PVOD), subscription video on demand (SVOD), and ad-sponsored video on demand (AVOD). For more information: https://gravitasventures.com/
The Reunion is available on major VOD platforms (find full listing below):
https://www.thereunionfilm.com/
For More Information:
https://www.thereunionfilm.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/the.reunion.film.nyc/
For All Media Inquiries: Beatrice Kimmel / Beatrice@empktpr.com / 917-848-0919
Meet Annie Nguyen, the seven years old Vietnamese girl from Houston with a dream to conquer NYFW runways
I had the pleasure to meet Annie, a seven-year-old model in Houston, at her first catwalk in December 2020 at one of the first children's fashion shows in the Greater Houston area.
Annie looks like an angel: slender body, silky long thick black hair, and big double-lid almond-shaped eyes, the unique features of the Southeast Asian ladies and young girls.
Annie was timid at first when she met me. But after just a few minutes, when she started to get to know me, she offered to sing and dance a traditional Vietnamese song for me, and I was so impressed.
When I told her that she was pretty, she smiled brightly and said it was because she looked like her father, Linh Nguyen.
We have kept in touch ever since; her talent and innocence really touched me.
I learned that she has two older brothers, one of whom was born with diabetes at birth. Even though she is just a little girl, she helps her parents take care of the sick brother and keep the house tidy.
This NYFW Feb 2022, Annie and her mom will be in New York City for the first time for Annie to participate in fashion shows for children.
We can't wait to see Annie, the Vietnamese Texan girl, shining on the runway in Big Apple.
Photos by Nguyen Family
Chuck’s Vintage
A Luxurious Legacy in Denim
A new luxurious flagship retail outlet is opening in Manhattan, and this is the place for those with a taste for fashion to get their fix. Chuck’s Vintage, an iconic brand renowned among celebrity elite and fashion enthusiasts alike, is saying goodbye to LA and hello to New York City.
Steve Jobs, Robert Plant, Morrisey, Alexa Chung, and - according to The SPIN OFF magazine - "every starlet in-between” were among the first customers in the original LA’s Melrose Place store, opened in 2006, by founder and iconic supermodel Madeline Cammarata.
The opening of the new flagship will be to celebrate the memory of Cammarata, who tragically passed away less than a year ago. She began her fashion journey as a model after being discovered by legendary photographer Helmut Newton. Her love for vintage clothing grew throughout her illustrious career, having once sold a famed pair of jeans for one million dollars (the most expensive pair ever sold!). She additionally provided fabric development for renowned clothing brands, including 7 For All Mankind.
James DiPrima, president of Chuck’s Vintage, said in a recent interview “this is our way of not only keeping Madeline’s legacy alive but also growing the brand that she grew from the ground up and made into a sensation worldwide. I and everyone who knew and worked with Madeline, want to share her passion and innovation with everyone.”
Chuck's specializes in securing denim apparel. Its blue jean pieces range from Strongholds found in the California Gold Rush mines to World War II-Era Levi's, Lees, and Wranglers, as well as 1960's ladies high-waisted and groovy deadstock Levi's bells.
Customers can also purchase vintage American workwear, including rugged military and work boots, buttery leather bomber jackets, and soft, perfectly worn-in vintage 70's rocker tees.
Despite some hurdles in her last years she continued to thrive, and grow Chuck’s Vintage into the enigmatic store it has become. Her love for New York City was the inspiration for her husband Vincent to open this flagship in Manhattan. ”My husband Vincent has never left my side, not even as we have traveled all across the country and been to every doctor,” Madeline told Social Life in 2018. “This man has loved me unconditionally. My life, to me, is a real love story, and I don’t think it’s something that other people have experienced the way I have.”
Nothing Haunts Us Like the Vintage We Didn’t Buy.
Learn more:
Website: www.chucksvintage.com
Instagram: @chucksvintageoriginal
Cheyenne Borden-Brunet
Sybelle Gaubert
Maxine Hoover
Zunaira Khan
From the left: Sarah Neides, Cheyenne Borden-Brunet, Yuki Fan, Sybelle Gaubert, Zunaira Khan
Yuki Fan
Alexandra VanHoesen
Sarah Neides
Angelico Osterburg
Sonali Raman presents her new collection ‘Summer Sorbet’ during NYFW 2021 at The Rooftop of Selina Hotel, Chelsea - NYC
In the luxurious and exotic ambient of ‘The Rooftop’ at Selina Hotel in Chelsea, New York, designer Sonali Raman presented yesterday, September 8, her ‘Summer Sorbet’ Collection during the event organized by ‘Shop Local Designers’ in collaboration with the PR agency Find Your ID NYC. Press and Media coverage was provided by the team of the international lifestyle magazine Livein and JRF Studio.
The creations presented on the runway are a fine selection of jewelry and dresses that stand out for their vibrant colors, pastel notes, and very original patterns, ideal for women who want to feel beautiful and comfortable.
The new collection is extremely versatile and fresh, offering perfect solutions as loungewear, resort wear, and practical but fancy apparel to run everyday errands.
Wearing Sonali’s creations is not only a choice for style but one for a different increasingly supported approach to fashion that pays attention to the sustainability of the materials and the ethical nature of its sources.
Sonali’s dresses and jewelry are made with exceptional care for the selection of the fabrics, all-natural, and the assurance of fair work conditions for the expert artisans who make those creations possible.
The show at Selina Hotel, Chelsea, was blessed with a beautiful day that exhibited an evocative, warm sunset right when the models came out on the runway, and a soft breeze added an exotic, magical vibe to an experience that was welcomed with awe by an audience captivated by the perfection of the moment.
Sonali Raman is already based in New York and present in the U.S. as a member of the Shop Local Designers’ Collective of designers and creatives centered around the homonymous platform shoplocaldesigners.com and its brand representative program, which has allowed her an immediate and pervasive introduction in several fashion events and pop-ups in iconic locations in New York City and Long Island.
The designs presented on the runway will be already available to customers at the sustainable fashion pop-up event on Sunday, September 12, at Idealglass Studio in the heart of the West Village. An excellent opportunity to add Sonali’s creations to your wardrobe and jewelry box.
For more info, visit shoplocaldesigners.com and follow us on Instagram @shoplocaldesigners.
Article and photos by Joseph Fraia - jrfstudio.com - Instagram @jrfstudio
Featured Models: Sarah Neides, Cheyenne Borden-Brunet, Yuki Fan, Sybelle Gaubert, Zunaira Khan, Alexandra VanHoesen, Maxine Hoover, Angelico Osterburg,
The Fashionista Professor of New York City: Dr. Ngoc Cindy Pham
Interview and article by Joseph Ralph Fraia
On Saturday, I had the pleasure to interview Dr. Ngoc Cindy Pham, Brooklyn College marketing professor at the luxury Ideal Glass studio in West Village—Manhattan. At the time of this interview, both Dr. Pham and Imani Jones, CEO of Find Your ID NYC (a global talent agency), were auditioning models for the upcoming New York fashion week (NYFW). Dr. Pham was always professional and fashionable. She dressed in a trendy pink suit with the designer slingback heels and the latest collection of Gucci wallets. Before I sat down with Dr. Pham, the first impression she gave me was a welcoming smile and a handshake. Dr. Pham greeted me with her native Vietnamese name, “Ngoc” (K-n-o-c). She told me that “Ngoc” means “Emerald” in her native language (Vietnamese). During the interview, Dr. Pham discussed with me the latest trends in the fashion industry, how she was involved in the New York fashion week, and how she could apply her academic and professional knowledge to the fashion industry. But also how marketing could be taught and learned with hands-on experience, how she coached her students to take on any opportunities that are good for their career, and how she settled down in her new hometown NYC.
One of Dr. Pham’s students, Johnny Desius, senior Brooklyn College student in Finance, was at the casting site for New York fashion week models. He was quite interested in being on stage to be a model and was encouraged by Dr. Pham to take this rare audition opportunity. He had been working hard and practicing for modeling. Johnny told me, “I have been waiting for this casting opportunity for two years. I read the announcement for a model audition on International Business Association (IBA) club social media, which was made by Dr. Pham when she was on sabbatical. I first walked for a fashion show in October 2019 at the Halloween Music and Fashion at Brooklyn College. Professor Pham and her IBA student club collaborated with the NYFW designers to bring out artists to perform for free for students on campus. After that, I realized my love and passion for being a runway model. I have been practicing since then. ” Due to his hard work, practicing, and Dr. Pham’s encouragement, Johnny was getting 10 out of 10 from all the judges and selected to be one of the models for Find Your ID NYC (FYIDNYC) runway this NYFW.
Derek Rosenberger, 20 years old, Pace university student, and LGBT+ community member, was another model inspired, motivated, and coached by Dr. Pham to participate in this casting call. He said, “Dr. Pham is the daily ‘gymmer’ at the Equinox-Downtown Brooklyn where I am working at the front desk. She inspires me to be a professional model. So when this opportunity came up, she informed me immediately. It is wonderful to see someone seriously want the best for me and recognize my talent.”
I also met Samantha Chan at the casting site, 25 years old, a freelance stylist and interior designer, and a Brooklyn College 2018 alumna. She told me, “I have known Dr. Pham for almost three years. I took her marketing classes in my final year. I was the lead model at the NYFW in September 2018. She inspired us to follow our passion for fashion. She shared her connections in the fashion industry with us. She always dressed well to give lectures and update us with the latest fashion trends.”
I asked Dr. Pham, “what are the things you appreciate the most in NYC?” She said, “I appreciate the Brooklyn College working environment and the various opportunities NYC can offer. My colleagues are very supportive. I lived in Texas for ten years before moving to New York. The first time I arrived at the Brooklyn College campus, they provided guidance on which kind of winter jacket I should buy to survive the New York City winter. Students are very eager to learn and inspired to be the best. Many of them are first-generation college students, so the degrees from Brooklyn College will help them change their future. New York City is the capital of the fashion world. If the students are interested in fashion, they are definitely in the right place. They just need to catch the opportunities.”
One of the opportunities Dr. Pham caught is being an event-organizing volunteer to serve the Office of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams starting this September. She said, “I have been blessed with the kindness of the people in New York City. I am a resident of Midwood, Brooklyn. My neighbors are supportive. I want to return the favor. This is my culture. I see my future in New York City. I would like to help grow my beloved city, my new hometown. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.”
The Man of Style
Aleksander Janik is a man of style and of sophisticated mannerisms that seems to come from another era. Always impeccably dressed and styled, he walks through the New York jet set and celebrity scene with wit, knowledge, humor, and – of course – the right dose of pungent sarcasm that distinguishes all New Yorkers. Someone would say, and it would be right, that he is a true gentleman, in the most iconic and fashionable way you can imagine.
After all, he is one of the most renowned and respected fashion consultants and stylists in New York.
With a mile-long list of American and International celebrities, personalities, and jet setters who want to work with him, Aleksander has a unique talent in educating and sharing with people the best New York has to offer and the A-list destinations for luxury and exclusive lifestyle.
His profession has to match the highest standards in the industry and, if on the surface his job seems to be attending VIP parties and top boutiques and venues, in reality, it is a business where there isn’t room for the smallest oversight or inattention: at stake, there is the reputation and career of celebrities and personalities for whom their personal branding is worth millions, sometimes billions of dollars.
But when Aleksander is not at work, he is a very private and discreet man, one who values quality time with family and friends. And above all, the informal occasions show his genuine curiosity and attention for people from all backgrounds, ranks, and places.
The only reason I was able to convince him to do the editorial featured in this issue is because of our personal friendship and my desire to have him receiving the appreciation he deserves for his work ethic and his remarkable achievements.
He is very proud of being the embodiment of the American Dream: he is the son of Polish immigrants who came to the States, like many others, with very few resources but a strong determination to succeed.
Determination and perseverance, along with kindness and honesty, are the qualities he constantly highlights to be the most important ones that everybody should aim to, especially in their professional career.
In this editorial, I had the privilege of shooting personally the photos we feature in this issue. I wanted everybody to see how Aleksander is an authentic testimony of the values he promotes.
After all, his declared goal is to have his clients feeling beautiful, confident, and great in expressing their personalities through an original and personal style. And he is the ‘Man of Style.’
Article and pictures: Joseph Ralph Fraia @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Location: Salmagundi Club, NYC
Naurah USA presents her new collection in New York at the Norwood
New York-based designer Ayesha Khanna presented last April 21st, 2021, the new collection of her brand Naurah USA at the exclusive Club the Norwood in the heart of Downtown Manhattan on the occasion of the event organized by Pynk NYC in collaboration with Shop Local Designers.
The fashion show took place in the iconic ‘Red Room,’ in the historic mansion home of the prestigious club founded by Alan Linn, and featured the elegant, high-fashion creations of Naurah USA, sophisticated gowns with a perfect mix of exotic ethnic style and edgy urban character.
Stunning colors, elaborated embroideries, and distinctive designs exalt the appealing femininity of these dresses.
The show was the perfect acme of an event dedicated to celebrating women in fashion and in business, the very mission of Pynk NYC, the organization founded by Creative Director Imani Jones, that partnered up with the digital platform ShopLocalDesigners.com to add to the protagonists of the night even more local creators.
Over the four floors of the egregious mansion, the enthusiastic attendees had the chance to discover fashion designers, jewelry designers, artists, dancers, performers while enjoying the jam session lead by the band Hoox and the Afrikanos.
The event was rewarded by overwhelming success, marked by the appreciation shown by the members of the club and the numerous guest who bought their tickets to access the highly selective venue.
It was great to see New York City shine again as the capital of fashion and entertainment after such a challenging year and to find that die-hard Newyorkers have kept intact their love for everything makes the Big Apple such a special place to be in.
Livein Magazine is the proud media partner of the event and will feature a full reportage of the event in the next issues of both its local and international editions.
Article and photos by Joseph Fraia @jrfstudio
Mr. Quach Thai Cong
From left to right Johnny Desius, Freelance Model/Brooklyn College student, Mr. Quach Thai Cong, Imani Jones, CEO of Find Your ID NYC
Interview with Quach Thai Cong: Mr. Elegant
Interview and article by Ngoc Cindy Pham, MBA, PhD
What makes Mr. Thai Cong so successful in interior design?
I have the distinct honor to sit down with Mr. Quach Thai Cong, the magician of interior design. He is called "Mr. Elegant" for his sophisticated taste of fashion and lifestyle, which has influenced millions of Vietnamese, especially the young generations. Mr. Thai Cong's fashion taste is considered standard for gentlemen in a professional environment, not even talking about upscale society. The praise of his home decoration and lifestyle reaches the top level of being aesthetic and comfortable. In addition, Thai Cong has a successful YouTube channel with more than 400,000 followers, where he shares his daily life. Both Thai Cong and his boyfriend are advocates for the LGBT community in Vietnam, where the idea of homosexuality is still a new concept, not to mention that "coming out" publicly to family members, friends, and at the workplace is taboo. Mr. Thai Cong was born in Saigon, Vietnam. He and his family went to Germany in 1981, when he was nine years old. He speaks German, English, and Vietnamese. Thai Cong was raised in a traditional Vietnamese culture, and his design is uniquely oriental.
I myself am a Vietnamese American, born in Nha Trang, Vietnam. I have visited many countries such as Singapore, Australia and chose to reside in the USA for the last 13 years. I called NYC my home and became a college business professor three years ago at the City University of New York. I am also the Director of Marketing for New York Fashion Week – X Change Fashion Show. From my personal experience, I can say that Thai Cong's taste in fashion and interior design conforms to the international standard with a distinguished oriental twist.
It was a great pleasure sitting down with Mr. Thai Cong on a warm Tuesday morning in the lobby of Plaza Hotel in midtown Manhattan. He and his partner, Mr. Huy Yves, still under jetlag from the longest flight of 18 hours from Singapore to NYC, was well-dressed as always for our interview at 11 am. Mr. Thai Cong was in his dark blue plaid suits, the matching blue tie with baby pink hearts, and the high blue socks. Everything is perfect down to each detail. Cologne is just enough to let people around him enjoy the scent at a pleasant level. Everything with Thai Cong is perfect, at the right amount. I can describe: "If a little bit less, we feel something missing. If a bit more, it is no longer that exciting."
During the interview, Mr. Thai Cong shared with me his secret of elegance. He told me that he lives up to the standards that he teaches. He lives in a luxury home with the elegant lifestyle that he has created for his clients. When he travels, he only stays at top-notch hotels. For example, in the Plaza Hotel, where I met him for the interview, several Baccarat chandeliers are in the lobby areas. Lady Gaga once enjoyed her stay at this Plaza hotel so much that she posted several photos in her glamorous outfits from this location. Thai Cong explains: "In order to create a luxury living setting for my clients, I have to live in one. Otherwise, how can they trust my taste and expertise? Everything I have created for my clients, I myself experience, live in, such a pleasant environment. I am using tens of thousands of dollars tables, chandeliers, hundreds of dollars wine glasses at home. They are the same ones I am selling at my showroom."
Mr. Thai Cong was majored in fashion design at first. Later his talent was recognized when the clients visited his studio. They were so impressed by the elegance, beauty, and uniqueness of his furniture and decors and offered to buy them from Mr. Thai Cong. Afterward, the clients invited him to decorate their homes. From one customer to another, Mr. Thai Cong has grown the business by word of mouth. The clients happily shared Thai Cong's expertise with their friends and family. During the interview, Thai Cong was laughing when he was talking about the journey of becoming an interior designer. It is absolutely fateful!
Mr. Thai Cong is humble and charming. When I was interviewing him in Vietnamese, along with my co-host, Miss Imani Jones, the founder, and CEO of Find Your ID NYC interviewing him in English, he made many jokes. One thing I really appreciated was that - out of all the VIPs I have interviewed in the past two years - he is one of the few ones who did not want the questions ahead of time. In fact, when I offered him the question list fifteen minutes before the interview, he sent it back immediately with a smile and said, "Surprise me!"
His clients are in the top 1% in Vietnam. The contracts start from 500,000 USD. His most recent project is worth more than 5 million USD, just for interior design. He is trusted by many people. Bringing the luxury lifestyle in interior design to the emerging Vietnam market, his homeland, is profitable and at the right time.
Published by Livein Chief Editor Joseph r. Fraia
Dress: Deborah Lindquist; Bag: Habanero Padova - Italy; Fragrances: Scentbird; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Jacket: Alhassan Toure Designs; Hair Products: Viore; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Dress: Deborah Lindquist; Bag: Habanero Padova - Italy; Hair Products: Hair La Vie Vitamins and Lash24™ - AM/PM Formula; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Jacket: Alhassan Toure Designs; Energy Bars: Verb Energy; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Dress: Deborah Lindquist; Supplement: Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar and ashwagandha gummies; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Corset: Alhassan Toure Designs; Skincare: Herbal Face Food
Life of an Influencer
This month we have the pleasure to get to know one of our favorite New York Influencers, Jillian, who reached popularity through her Instagram profile @queengotham, where she shares her lifestyle and her favorite products with a distinctive glossy and natural style.
In Pop Culture and in our society being an influencer went from a casual hobby just few years ago to become nowadays a multi-million industry with star-level personalities who are among the most popular celebrities on the planet: Chiara Ferragni, Charlie D’Amelio and … just to name a few.
In this editorial, I spent a day with Jillian during her routine in promoting the brands that she always very carefully selects, and it was really impressive the attention to detail and the professionalism that she puts in place to make sure that each brand gets appropriately and effectively portraited and promoted.
I was curious to learn directly from her what convinced her to do this editorial for traditional media when her presence is mostly digital and in particular on Instagram. And Jillian answered in her typical direct and genuine manner.
‘I am grateful to the opportunity Livein Magazine has given to me with this editorial so I can draw attention to some of the brands I’ve worked with in different capacities as an influencer. I wanted to highlight some of the unique businesses - both small and large - that I’ve worked with over the last year because each one of them is so special and has something great to offer to my audience. I wanted to show my appreciation and to send positive vibrations and good karma, especially considering that we still are affected by the events that have taken place during the 2020 pandemic into the present 2021’.
My second question was obviously about how she became an influencer.
‘All started out through my yoga training and yoga gear. As a child and teenager, I modeled runways and became what was known as a promotional model, where I worked with Buckler non-alcoholic brew, Estee Lauder and Citgo Cars to name a few.
I grew up as a gymnast first, then became a professionally trained ballet dancer and later a ballet teacher at elite schools with professional training programs, and eventually an adjunct professor. Dance injuries led to my yoga path which in turn led to my path as a healer and a successful journey of many years, with two offices in NoMad NYC as well as with at-home clientele working with some of New York’s elite.
Covid-19 changed all of this, and I turned my attention to Instagram promos, partnering with diverse, small, and larger companies, and turning my sights on furthering my education, adding to my arsenal of training certifications through the study of TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine. Though I’m already certified in Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Thai yoga body work, and hold multiple training certificates and course completions in Pilates, ballet, martial arts and spent my entire life studying the body, I felt it was time to add to my skill set and use this time to grow and expand my knowledge and expertise. Currently, most of my partnerships reach out to me first, which is a great place to be. Until I expand, I can only take on so much, so I’m extremely choosy with whom I work with. What I envision in my future is to continue my work as a healer and yogi, while offering my audience access to some of my favorite brands. Soon I’ll have a platform on my website with access to all discount codes, special events, beauty products and tools, health and fitness, travel, hotels, and overall lifestyle and wellness brands’.
It was really inspiring to see how Jillian was able to use the experience and knowledge she gathered over the years to turn a year that could have been very negative for her into a positive transformation experience. So, I inevitably asked her what she thinks contributed the most to becoming a successful influencer.
‘As far as success on social media is concerned, not every platform is needed during a given time period; know what works for you as you develop and grow. Build steady from there. It can be overwhelming at times... It is my opinion that not everything is meant to be pushed on social media. I’ve recently said to a friend this when deciding whether or not to leave a platform or add an additional platform. I told her “I feel you big time. You have to make it work for you and your goals and take breaks when necessary, and sometimes put the blinders on like a horse in the Kentucky derby my love”!
One quote I’ve carried with me my entire professional career as a dancer, and then applied to anything I’ve ever done, is by the late, great Martha Graham: “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware directly of the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.” I really love this quote.
Obstacles, many of us have moved due to the pandemic and closed offices, and reinvented how we operate completely. Moving is quite an undertaking in and of itself, so I understand the challenges that come along with that. I’ve been trying to manage my projects and my household, and I’m getting there. Takes time. It’s ok to take breaks and honor yourself in order to get stuff done, both personally and professionally, and in order while knowing where you want to be with your goals.
Rather than discuss what not to do I’d rather put my energy into what to do. There is no sense in putting out what doesn’t work into the energy field when we need so much for what does work to be the vibration, especially now during this time in this very moment we are in.
And about fame, my recommendation is: Never mind the fame game. That is when the piranhas start tearing at your flesh and the vampires sucking your blood and the witches begin casting their spells at you as the sharks’ fins begin to raise out of the water, that’s when you know. That’s when you know you’ve done something right; you know you are a success. You then raise your own vibration by knowing it is your soul that is invincible and unlike no other’.
Jillian is clearly 100% focused and committed to her careers and, as she is busy promoting the many brands she is currently partnering with, she never stops looking at the future and already has many projects in store: collaborations with beauty treatments, services, and SPAs, as well as a recent partnership with Integrative Wellness expert Dr. Marina Yuabova, (the code queengotham garners her followers discounted services).
A new partnership is also coming up with Herbal Face Food, 100% plant ingredients that have healing benefits for the skin. It’s truly an incredible product that I’ve grown to love as part of my daily routine. Doctors have quoted my face as having “baby soft skin” after using it (her followers get a 20% discount with code queengotham).
And as soon as venues and indoor activities will reopen Jillian plans to join again wellness events and retreats.
And we can’t wait to see what QueenGotham will have to share with us!
In this editorial, Jillian featured some of her favorite brands.
Deborah Lindquist - Eco Celebrity Designer based in LA and renowned for her ‘Green Queen’ Collections
Al Hassan Toure Designs - Leather King and Celebrity Designer of unique creations
Scentbird – New York-based company offering a monthly subscription for fragrances, essences, candles, and much more (featured in the editorial: Tiziana Terenzi - Spirito Fiorentino, Oscar De La Renta - Bella Essence, scents of wood sandalwood & oak)
Habanero - Italian Handmade Bags crafted with the best materials and the trendiest styles
Goli Nutrition - The world first apple cider vinegar gummy most powerful ashwagandha gummy
Verb Energy – Energy Bars made of green tea and are the equivalent of one single espresso
Hair La Vie – Natural Hair Products that help to rescue, rejuvenate and grow hair, with lash-enhancing serum
Viore - Shampoo and conditioner bars made by the Red Yao – 100% vegan and handmade using rice as the main ingredient
Herbal Face Food – Vegan Skincare that uses plant-based Anti-Aging, Multi-Correctional, Anti-Viral compounds.
Credits
Article by Joseph Fraia
Photographer: Joseph Fraia @jrfstudio
MUA: Kalliniki Lambronoudis @_makeupwithnikki_
Lashes: Kali Lash company
NYFW 2021: Made in NYC Fashion Show and Pop Up powered by Shop Local Designers
ShopLocalDesigners.com is the platform created by native New Yorkers Imani Jones, founder of global creative agency FYID NYC, and Joseph Fraia, founder of marketing & media company Livein Media, as a direct response to the pandemic in support of local designers and creatives across the country and the world.
This NYFW F/W 2021 season, Shop Local Designers presented ‘Made in NYC Fashion Show and Pop Up,’ February 12-13 at the prestigious venue ‘The Atrium’ by Ideal Glass Studios’ in the heart of the West Village in Manhattan, NY. The show aimed to celebrate New York City designers and entrepreneurs’ perseverance while reminding us that New York City is still a proud fashion capital and center for innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness.
The roster of designers and creatives featured over the two days was indeed impressive.
On the 12th of February took place the Virtual Fashion Show of celebrity designer Anthony Rubio. Anthony is also an NYC native and the pet couturier who creates and innovates new concepts and techniques and is strictly couture. He is the first pet fashion designer to exhibit during a New York Fashion Week.
The event was Virtual and with closed doors, limited to VIP invitees and press. The show will be broadcasted by Antonio Rubio on his exclusive platforms and available via Fashion Week Online.
The 13th of February witnessed the celebration of the Shop Local Designers’ Collective of Creatives that presented a vibrant Pop-Up shop featuring the best Fashion Brands based in New York with live fashion presentations and performances by Willard Morgan, Ryan Brahms, Gideon Berger, Nkumu Katalay, and Hoox streamed virtually.
At the same location at ‘The Atrium’ on 9 West 8th Street, from 1 to 8 pm, following all the City safety and health regulations and guidelines, fashion lovers and weekend shoppers were able to browse among the creations made in NYC by based in NYC brands, Helena Magdalena, Naurah USA, Shy Corner, Kühler Co, Tafari Wraps, Vestiphobia and Kovasky by Minika Ko, accessories by Adinkra Republic, jewelry by KIL-NYC, vintage clothes and accessories by Grand Stand Fashion, as well as local businesses as JBM Jewelry, Kevana Wellness, Andrea Pina and the Jaded Scents just to name a few.
Madbatterrnyc served its delicious cupcakes baked in Astoria, Queens.
An amazing ensemble of entrepreneurs and creatives willing to make a statement and rewire the fashion industry to its roots.
The production of ‘Made in NYC Fashion Show and Pop Up’ was made possible by the commitment of Imani Jones and Joseph Fraia, founders of ShopLocalDesigners.com, their production team, and the visionary talent of Willard Morgan, director of Ideal Glass Studios and owner of The Atrium.
The event was kindly sponsored by ‘This is Good Water.’
‘Good Water’ was birthed during a pandemic where water, although an essential need, was scarce. The company’s desire was to produce a product that was crisp and refreshing during these strenuous and exhausting times. Their goal is to provide a luxury beverage that promotes health and wealth without compromising style and appeal.
Water is luxury, and luxury is water.
For info visit www.shoplocaldesigners.com
Press/Media Inquiries, please email info@shoplocaldesigners.com
Instagram @shoplocaldesigners
Co-producers: Imani Jones @ijonesnewyork and Joseph Fria @jrfstudio
Creative Agency: Find Your ID NYC @findyouridnyc
Media & PR: Live In Magazine @Livein_Magazine
Model coordinator: Taiwo Aloba @modelvoss
Lighting designer: Curts D'Amour @curtsadamour & Joe D’Emilio
Set designer: Mike Okerson @mokerson of Fractured Reality
Host & venue owner: Willard Morgan @willardmorgan
Venue: The Atrium at Ideal Glass Studios @Idealglass
Stylist: Tiye Eliza @tiyeeliza
Dj: Chris Edwards @elektronic.ceez
Assistants: Alejandra Gabriela @gabsiny & Gideon Berger @gideon_berger
Media host: Rebel Jones @rebellion_jones
Art installation: Susannah Perelman of Art House NYC @arthouse.nyc
Video: Jordan Cortes @jordan.cortess + Mikey Gonazalez Azuaje @mickey.mov
Hair & Make Up: Emma Roudriguez @thehairbruja_emi + Helene Marie @helene.marie
Event Sponsored by ‘This is Good Water’ @phillygoodwater
Shop Local Designers - 2021 NYFW Show and Pop Up Shop - February 12 and 13 2021 at ‘The Atrium’ in Greenwich Village, NY
#localisthenewglobal
You never forget where you come from. This year’s Pop-Up Shop and Fashion Show following NYFW 2021 uplifts Made & Based in New York City designers and brands. The Shop Local Designers Pop Up + Fashion Show is an opportunity to demonstrate a brand’s global appeal and to offer a continued opportunity to interact and engage with our event’s Influencers, Designers, Stylists, Make-Up Artists, Photographers, Bloggers, Models, and Performers. As we evolve into a new world of interactive retail experiences and e-commerce, the Shop Local Designers Pop Up presents a new-age experience inviting brands to reach their consumers where they are, LIVE in New York City.
Featuring special guest and celebrity designer: Anthony Rubio. Anthony Rubio is an NYC native and pet couturier who stands for creating and innovating new concepts and techniques and is strictly couture. He is the first pet fashion designer to exhibit during a New York Fashion Week.
Shop Local Designers DJ's spinning the hottest beats & performances starting at 1PM on February 13th, 2021.
EVENT ITINERARY:
February 12th: Made In NYC Fashion Shows
1:00 - 8:00 PM
February 13th: Made in NYC Pop Up Shop
1:00 - 8:00 PM
Live Performances and Jam Session by:
Willard Morgan & Gideon Berger
February 14th: PYNK NYFW: All Women Fashion Pop Up & Performances
1:00 - 8:00 PM
EVENT COLLABORATORS:
Saturday, February 13th, 2021,1-8 PM. Location is brought by Ideal Glass Studios above The Atrium. An artist-run production space conveniently in the heart of the west village of Manhattan.
Hosted by Find Your ID NYC & Livein Magazine in collaboration with Shop Local Designers. Shop Local Designers is the solution for designers to boost their brands. The platform allows users to search designer trends by city, providing a unique opportunity to explore new cultures, support local designers from around the world, and highlight global talents.
Special thanks to Nina Edwards for the poster provided! Her artwork can be found on her website.
COVID SAFETY MEASURES:
Masks are required at all times.
Social distancing is required. Please maintain 6 feet apart at all times.
We reserve the right to limit entry. Guests might have to wait for entry to limit the number of people entering, even if you have a ticket.
For more about the collective, please follow us:
@findyouridnyc
@shoplocaldesigners
@livein_magazine
Poster artwork by Nina Edwards @metropolitanmiss
A wool new world
By Bailey Roulo
In the world of fashion today, many people are turning to more sustainable ways to create clothing. Thrifting is very popular among younger generations, and fast fashion is growing more unpopular by the moment. New styles and clothing are still being developed, but it is taking a turn into a more ethical way of fashion. Wool is at the forefront of this change in the industry. There are so many perks to wool apparel that make it sustainable and ethical. Unlike synthetic material and cotton, wool last a good while longer than other materials. It is also so much better for the environment. Using wool, designers are reducing waste that would come from using different materials that contain products that are not natural.
The common misconception about wool is that it can be itchy. It depends on the yarn being used, but most apparel made from real and good wool will feel like a soft hug. One of the most popular and sustainable types of wool is merino wool. It gives room to breathe, making it the perfect kind of wool for all year round. It is also incredibly soft and comfortable on the skin. Another perk of wool apparel is it doesn’t wrinkle. That is perfect for people who are always on the go and do not have the time to iron out clothing. Just toss on that wool sweater, and you are good to go for the day. Not only is wool clothing incredibly comfortable, but the idea of sustainable clothing and products is just another upside of this material. Wool has been given a bad rap for being itchy, as we said earlier, and hot, but the modern wool apparel has changed the game. Keep an eye out for wool to keep growing in popularity. What is better than comfortable clothing that will last longer and reduce waste, effectively helping the planet in the process?
Concrete Jungle
By Joseph Ralph Fraia @jrfstudio – jrfstudio.com
New York City is changing. Once again. We don't know yet how the city will look six months or a year from now. But what we know is that The Big Apple will appear with the new skin, maybe a different look, but always with the same spirit.
New Yorkers know that the skill this city tests the most is survival, it has always been like this; this is a place that makes you dream big but also every day reminds you that nothing is handed to you, and you have to work hard and struggle through if you want to see those dreams be coming true. The fascination about New York is that it is the only place that turns chaos into originality, madness into creativity, struggle into ambition, and success into fame. In New York, you have to show your fangs and pull out your claws if you really want to make it, you have to channel your wild spirit and be brave, show your attitude, and not afraid to be who you really are. Like in a jungle. In this editorial, we wanted to show you the wild spirit of New York in the beautiful shape of Ingrid Gregus, masterfully portrayed by Charles Farrah with the creations of fashion designer and ‘Project Runway’ Winner Irina Shabayeva.
The background for this project is some of the most iconic spots in the East Village in Manhattan, one of the last most authentic historic neighborhoods on the island, where brownstones, graffiti, rusty fences, and a hipster and the vibrant community still gives you the vibes of the glamorous 70s, when Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jimi Hendrix, and the Ramones used to hang out and perform in this area.
And you? Do you have what it takes to survive in this Concrete Jungle?
Location: East Village, NYC
Photographer: @cfaraphoto Charles Farrah
Designer: @irinashabayeva Irina Shabayeva
Hairdresser: @hairjess87 Jess Parol
MUA: @makeupbymara Mara
Model: @ingridgregus Ingrid Gregus
Lucy Liu
Christian Louboutin
Yang Mi
Zozibini Tunzi Miss Universe 2019
Phillip Lim
Heaven Gaia
Angelica Cheung
Karolina Kurkova
Street style in Times Square, NY
Setting trends in the NYC subway
Princess in White: Eleonora Pellegrin
Coe Hall Estate
Theater District - NYC
Angelina Kristic
Swingin’ Era
Timeless Style from the Roaring ‘20s