A Perfect Parallel || Tamina & Jojo

Like I’ve said many times before, fashion and dance go so hand in hand you’d have to be blind not to see it. This video is a definite parallel for what I love to write about and I’m sure you would agree.

Jojo and Tamina did such an amazing job choreographing this and gave the video such bitch slappin’ style…yes I just said that. With Jojo reppin’ Vancouver and Tamina reppin’ Toronto alongside my very good friend Christina de la Cruz, this video is full of Canadian Talent. HYPE!

It’s Tamina’s birthday today so please send out a birthday tweet (@misstamina) to her and check out her previous post here!

Enjoy the video and suscribe to my twitter and blog!

Daily updates on instagram! Follow me @keightw.

Much Love.

 

Suki`s Salon || 40th Anniversary

VANCOUVER, NOVEMBER 2012
Words & Photos by Kate Wotherspoon

Last Saturday, November 17^th, I pulled up to the Vancouver Art Gallery for Suki’s 40^th Anniversary party (along with another 1500 people) and felt like I was pulling up to the Met in New York City – minus a few obvious details… Since 1972, Suki’s has been delivering exceptional craftsmanship to the arts of hairdressing and with a red carpet entrance, the entire Gallery was covered head to toe with sculptural hair pieces and hair models.  Each floor and exhibit depicted Suki’s colourful history and was furnished completely by Jacqueline Conoir and Town Shoes.

What I would like to call the “Fiery Peacock”

Hair Models

Suki’s really knows how to throw a party, and better yet, they sure know how to present forty years of exceptional hair artistry throughout an entire art gallery! One hair masterpiece after another left me speechless and made me think twice about my hairdo for the evening and everyday for that matter.

Definition of “Up Do”

Mannequin or not? || Scott Mayo || scottmayo.com

Leather & Feathers

After photographing almost everything I laid eyes on, I made my way up to the top floor balcony. With a view that overlooked Robson Square and incredible tunes played by DJ P. Deady, I got my dance on with some great company. Unfortunately, my Wangs weren’t cut out for all my dance moves and I was left to hobble not strut out of the gallery at the end of the evening…

Robson Square

Left to Right: Myself, Lyndi, Joshua, Scott and Kyle <3

Lyndi Barrett & Scott Mayo || lj-pr.com

Kyle Foo & Joshua Langston rocking studs like no other. || the-sociallife.com

Besties || Kyle & I <3 ||  Kylefoo.tumblr.com

Feeling like I walked out of a dream of pure hair beauty I cannot congratulate Suki’s Salon enough. Everyone involved did incredible work and I’m sincerely thankful for being a part of such a fantastic, celebratory milestone. Congratulations Suki’s and to another forty! xx www.sukis.com 

Please share, comment and let me know your thoughts!

Please Follow:  @KeightW @SukisSalon @JoshuaDLangston @VanArtGallery @ScottDMayo @kylefoo @LyndiBarrett

Sweet Soul Burlesque || The Keefer Bar

VANCOUVER, NOVEMBER 2012
Words by Kate Wotherspoon
Photos by Brian Tait

Last week, November 15^th, marked the two year anniversary of the Keefer Bar’s Sweet Sip Thursdays. The notable worldwide Burlesque Group, Sweet Soul Burlesque, has been performing at the trendy Keefer Bar in Chinatown every Thursday for the last two years. I was so happy to learn I would be in town for this celebratory event and could hardly wait to get there. I grabbed a seat at the bar and immediately ordered their tasty churros and one of those delicious cocktails that the Keefer is known for. The show started on time for show bizz and quickly you could see the cabs lining up outside the bar “waiting for customers” aka watching the show from their cars while pasties and toned bums were in full view from the Keefer’s front windows.  Such naughty cab drivers…

View from Outside… Inside: Pasty Central.

Crystal Precious opened the show with some clever comedy that left me in stitches and introduced each act with a special, sexy touch. The entire bar became the stage and within seconds, two of the dancers got up on the bar to do a little shimmy shake and passed around complimentary shots for the entire audience. Yes I know, quite an opening number! I was spotted clapping and jumping up and down in my seat…

Cherry On Top in opening act.

To add extra sass to this anniversary party, Dani Tatarin – bar manager of the Keefer, got up on stage and did a little strip tease while twirling around on a chair and provoked the audience with her quick flashes and use of a scarf.

Dani Tatarin

Each performance by Lola Frost, Rita Star, Cherry On Top, Cara Milk, Little Miss Risk, Crystal Precious and guest performer April O’Peel knocked our socks off and their tops off… At one point, Cara Milk acro-stripped while on a hula hoop which was hung from the ceiling! But I have to say my favourite was the special guest comedic male stripper, Socratease. His facials to Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On” were on point! He cracked me up and did a flawless job. Can we also just take a second to reflect on how witty their stage names are? I want one!

Cara Milk doing fancy things on the Hula Hoop.

Socratease getting it on.

I could write about this night forever, but pictures tell a thousand words so check out Brian Tait’s photos and please visit Sweet Soul Burlesque’s website or tweet them to let them know how hot they are ;) @SweetSoulBurlyQ www.sweetsoulburlesque.com

One last thing…Please do me a favour and schedule in plenty of time to experience the Keefer Bar! Each night there’s something different including live music every Tuesday and of course Burlesque on Thursdays! Their drinks are so unique and tasty and of course the bartenders are the hottest and best dressed in the city! Tell them Kate sent you ;)

Such a cute shoe accessory!

Another favorite act of mine. Cherry On Top rocking out a Tina Turner number.

Sass Pot, Little Miss Risk.

The Wonderful Keefer Bartenders. xo

You can have fun too so visit www.thekeeferbar.com

www.thekeeferbar.com
www.thekeeferbar.wordpress.com
Follow @KeightW @thekeeferbar (twitter and instagram)

Style Feature || Lenny Dela Pena

CALGARY,  NOVEMBER 2012
Photos & Words by Kate Wotherspoon

Lenny Dela Pena, otherwise known as Lenny Len, was an Island kid from Manila, Philippines and moved to San Fran in the early 80s and then Toronto at the turn of the millennium. You may have seen him as one of the resident judges on MuchMusic’s television show, New Music Live Best Dance Crew or caught one of his highly acclaimed Vimeo videos.  He is an established choreographer and Director with Alpine Music Group (NY/LA) and founder of the recognized Flavor Shop in Toronto. Lenny Len is a teacher, entertainer and director that has been elevating the knowledge through movement & dance, music and film over the last twenty years. Some of his credits include Ne-Yo, Rihanna, T-Pain, Ludacris, Melanie Fiona, Jeremih, Jrdn, Esthero, August Rigo, K-Os, Jodie Connor, Ron Sexsmith and he took part in choreographing the 2010 Olympic Closing Ceremonies in Vancouver. Lenny’s vision and work has also extended to his mentorship for artists like Nasri and August Rigo who are renowned for writing #1 hit records for Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Musiq Soulchild, and One Direction.

Yes, the list does go on and amongst all this greatness, I was able to interview Lenny over some breakfast at Galaxy Diner in Calgary. He stopped in for a week to teach classes at Pulse Studios and will be back by the end of the month before he heads to Egypt with his wife, Lauren.  Below are some shots of his laidback skater apparel and our interview. Enjoy. xx

Lenny Len

Jeans: Ksubi

Tank: Made himself || Check out that ink!

Boots: Burgundy Velour Dr. Martens

Hoodie: American Apparel || Sunglasses: Louis Vuitton

Kate W: What is your current state of mind?

Lenny DP: Happiness.

KW: What has been your main inspiration choreography wise?

LDP: Music. Always looking for the right music…good music.  Always looking for music that is stimulating, soulful, playful and music that makes me want to boogie. I want to be inspired.

KW: What are your top three songs right now?

LDP: I’m on a slow jam right now…bringing it back to my elementary school days in San Francisco. Milly Vanilli- “Girl I’m Going To Miss You”, Anquette – “I Will Always Be There For You” and Coming Of Age – “I’m Coming Home To Love”.

KW: What is your favourite dance city?

LDP: Toronto, Home of Do Dat Entertainment and School of Luther Brown – I’m a Lutheran!

KW: Do you have any other cities you feed off of for inspiration?

LDP: I always look to New York as the flyest state ever, but being from California and growing up with the beautiful and undeniable energy of the arts in San Francisco is also another mecca for me. Other than San Fran and New York,  it’s Toronto, because that’s what shaping me right now.

KW: What are some inspirations of yours, style wise?

LDP: I’ve always had an eye for it…Anything that makes me feel fly as shit. I don’t have a specific style, but I did grow up as a skater, so I feel I have that skater vibe in me, but at the same time I do like shit that fits and because of my ink, I like to express that as well. I like the classics and I’m a big Doc Martin fan.

KW: Do you dress mostly by your mood or the day’s events?

LDP: My mood and weather.

KW: If you were to dance in the outfit you’re wearing right now, would you change anything?

LDP: Probably my Docs, because they’re heavy as shit! I would rock the jeans if it was a performance and it called for it, but if it’s a dance class, I would want to be comfortable and I would change that too. Comfort is huge to me, and the way I feel is the way I’m going to look. If I feel good, I’ll look good and if I look good, I’ll feel good, right?

KW: What’s next for you?

LDP: That’s a good question. What’s next for me is the next level, the next discovery, what am I going to discover next? As a career, I’m always learning and figuring out what the best lane is for me.  I’ve been mastering the art of direction where videos and music are concerned but that’s still a long time coming. I’ve been doing it for a minute, but I still have a lot to learn.

KW: What has been your greatest extravagance?

LDP: I think my biggest accomplishment was getting a puppy! Little Jamie Foxx! The way Jamie makes me and my wife feel, gives us a new responsibility, a life threatening responsibility. My puppy is a life form, a life force that I have to be responsible for. Everything else is easy.

KW: Which artist or choreographer would you want to collaborate with the most?

LDP: Well, I would always like to collaborate with my teachers, those who showed me the way, and enabled me to where I am today. I’ve had the best teachers on the planet, so I would always go back to them. From Luther Brown, to the Flow Master, my choir teacher, Norman and my dad. As for an artist, it would be my homeboy, August Rigo from Def Jam/Alpine Music Group, he’s my fav writer and singer in the game.

KW: Black or white?

LDP: “Blite”.

KW: Which shoes do you wear when you dance?

LDP: Air Force Ones! I used to rock converse and was always wearing all kinds of skater shoes and Luther Brown was the one who told me to get a pair of Air Force Ones. He said “fix your shit” and that changed the game. Now my shoe playlist is on point!

KW: What is your signature drink?

LDP: Diet Pepsi.

KW: Signature breakfast dish?

LDP: Eggs, bacon, tomato slices and white bread with butter on it.

KW: How do you take your coffee?

LDP: Double, double!

KW: What are some of your favourite brands?

LDP: Alexander McQueen, even though I can’t afford it right now because I have a puppy! I used to like Louis a lot, but gear wise I like to support the locals. Gabe Angelo has a new clothing line that I’m feeling, called 4i Clothing and John Varvatos always has some good stuff too. Material wise, it always comes down to comfort and fit.  If that shit is right I’ll rock it out. It’s not about a major brand, it’s about if it’s me.

KW: What are some qualities in clothing that stick out to you?

LDP: The fit, graphics are secondary and if it was made nice and the material is comfortable.

KW: What was the last thing you bought?

LDP: Some Nike Air Force Ones from Chinook Mall.

KW: Favorite fashion city?

LDP: NYC, always.

KW: Do you have any fashion idols?

LDP: Pharrell and Kanye. But because I have all this ink, I like to keep it classic when it comes to my clothing. The island and skateboarder style is very laidback and comfortable. It doesn’t matter what I wear, it’s how I wear it and how I feel. My energy will exude and transcend into what I have on.

KW: Thanks so much Lenny!

Click on this video to watch more from his channel!

Follow us on twitter: @Keightw @LENNYLENZZZ 

Share, re-blog, comment! Thanks for reading.

Style Feature || Jerome Esplana

VANCOUVER, AUGUST 2012
Photos & Words by Kate Wotherspoon

Allow me to introduce you to someone who is driven, hardworking, stylish and continuously perfecting his talent each and every day – ladies & gentleman… Jerome Esplana!   He’s a force to reckon with from the West Coast but is the most down to earth and funny guy you will ever meet.  His dance videos are taking over the virtual world via his youtube channel (which features beast dancers from Vancouver, Seattle and Los Angeles etc.) and he can be caught throughout Europe teaching master classes in London, Germany and Austria.

Not only has teaching around the world become part of his daily schedule, he also runs a hip hop crew in Vancouver called TwoFourSeven Company with close friend and Diamond Crew member, Roberta Bierman.  In addition, he is a part of The Faculty Crew which took home the World of Dance Champions title more than once this year!  He’s only in his young twenties and his list of accomplishments does not end soon…

On the style end, I’ve caught Jerome rocking button downs with bow ties or casual trendy looks like the one below; not to mention he probably owns every Mickey Mouse graphic shirt ever made and makes it trendy.

You’ll love his interview and should probably join the thousands obsessing over his latest dance videos on youtube.

Enjoy. xx

Jerome Esplana || Beanie: Army & Navy

Watch: Casio || Bracelet: Some religious store (his words exactly)

Shades: Primark || Jean Jacket: Levi’s

|| Backpack: Herschel ||

Fancy Footwork || Shoes: Vans

Some MJ’s in the blood! || Jeans: Bluenotes

Kate W: What is your current state of mind?

Jerome E: I’m really happy.  Great things even stem from bad.

KW: Where do you feel most at home?

JE: When I’m dancing.

KW: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

JE: “Never Give Up”. It’s straight forward, but it’s true in any industry, even in the youtube world.

KW: Which living person do you most admire?

JE: Will Smith. He’s very accomplished, seems quite humble, wise and is one of my favorite actors.

KW: What was the last thing you bought?

JE: A costume piece for the 247 Company.

KW: What makes you laugh?

JE: Oh my God. Everything!

KW: If you could dance in any music video, which one would it be?

JE: I have three! First would be Michael Jackson’s “Bad” , second would be Janet Jackson’s “Rhythmnation” and Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You”.

KW: Which dancer, choreographer or artist would you want to share the stage with the most?

JE: Justin Timberlake. I’m always a fan of his work, and again I feel he’s humble. He has incredible stage presence and his concerts are always insane.

KW: What has been your greatest extravagance thus far?

JE: Performing at the Vancouver Winter Olympics and travelling the world teaching dance.

KW: What is your favorite dance city?

JE: First, I have to say Vancouver for it’s incredible potential and talent. Vancouver has a very driven dance community.  Secondly it would be LA. There’s many different vibes present, even from studio to studio.  I also feel ML (Movement Lifestyle in NoHo) is my second home; I have very close friends there and the studio itself has a great vibe and inspiring talent.

KW: What is your favorite fashion city?

JE: London. It’s so fashionable and trendy with a certain maturity.  It’s exactly how I want to dress.

KW: If you were to dance in this outfit you’re currently wearing, would you change anything?

JE: Nope!

KW: Cat or Dog?

JE: Dog.

KW: Black or white?

JE: Ughhh… I love both!

KW: What’s your number one breakfast dish?

JE: That’s really hard, I love food. Any kind of meal makes me happy and I’m happy eating cereal for dinner.

KW: Name some songs on your playlist.

JE: Backstreet Boys “Get Down” , N’Sync “This I Promise You” and Usher “Superstar”.

KW: Do you dress mostly by your mood or the day’s events?

JE: Weather actually plays a huge part, or if I find something in my closet I haven’t worn for awhile. I find I’ll wear certain colours depending on my mood too.

KW: What is your signature piece?

JE: My gold watch.

KW: Which shoes do you love to dance in?

JE: My Vans.

KW: Favorite colour(s)?

JE: Neutrals.

KW: Suspenders or bow ties?

JE: Both!

KW: What’s next for you?

JE: I’m aiming to choreograph for artists like Justin Timberlake and if I wasn’t dancing, I would want to be an architect.

KW: Thank you so much Jerome!

Style Feature || Farhad Younus

VANCOUVER, SEPTEMBER 2012
Words & Photos by Kate Wotherspoon

This guy, is one hell of a good dresser… I worked with him at Holt Renfrew and everyday his outfits would never disappoint.  From head to toe and handkerchief to showy socks, his look is sophisticatedly on trend and a perfect mix of media.  He works for Tom Ford and is a family guy with two sons who are quickly catching on to the definition of style.  He plans to start his own label on the side catering to urban women who will feel sexy and powerful wearing his designs and you can always catch him walking with a certain je ne sais quoi… #swag

We planned for the style feature numerous times but it never panned out until one day I was sitting in Starbucks and he joined me for break.  It was one of my last shifts and we were running out of time and decided we mineswell “get’er done now or never” (That’s obviously what I spat out, not him)… So, I borrowed a pencil from the barista and scribbled his thoughts, preferences and inspirations down on an Americano stained napkin and snapped some street shots with my handy dandy iphone!  Check out the photos and interview below. xx

Farhad Younus

Blazer: Zara || Dress shirt: Isaia || Pants: Wings & Horns

Ring: Isaia || Watch: Movado

Loafers: Tod’s || I want these for myself! Great colour!

Kate W: What is your current state of mind?

Farhard Y: Happy. I’m very happy.

KW: Where do you feel most at home?

FY: When I’m with my family.

KW: What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

FY: “The world is full of idiots, you have to learn to live with them”.

KW: What’s your biggest fear?

FY: Drowning. I almost drowned when I was 17 years old and I still have a fear of it.

KW: What’s your most prized possession?

FY: My sword collection.

KW:  What was your last purchase?

FY: The blazer that I’m currently wearing.

KW: What is your greatest extravagance?

FY: It would have to be working for Tom Ford.

KW: What was the last film you watched?

FY: “What to Expect When Expecting”. I hated it… But my wife dragged me along with her friends ahaha. I have to admit though,  there were some funny moments in that film.

KW:  Which designer(s) do you see yourself collaborating with?

FY: Isaia, Tom Ford and Brunello Cucinelli.

KW: Black or white?

FY: Black.

KW: Suspenders or bow ties?

FY: Suspenders.

KW: Favorite fashion city?

FY: Florence, Italy for it’s perfect mix of art, history and fashion. They know how to dress there.

KW: What makes you laugh?

FY: Anything really, I’m easy going.

KW: Prints or neutrals?

FY: Prints.

KW: What is your go-to breakfast dish?

FY:  Oatmeal with fruit or a little bit of honey.

KW: Your most desired drink?

FY: Rum on the rocks with a Cuban cigar.

KW: Your favourite fragrance?

FY: Tom Ford – Tobacco Vanilla.

KW: What song do you find yourself always busting a move to?

FY: I love to dance to any MJ song. I’m a big Michael fan.

KW: What are some songs currently on your playlist?

FY: Dr. Dre – “Next Episode”, Michael Jackson – “Off the Wall” and Neyo – “One in a Million”.

KW: Your magazine(s) of choice?

FY: GQ and Fine Cooking.

KW: So you like to cook! What is your signature dish?

FY: My homemade recipe for pasta – it’s damn good!

KW: Do you dress by your mood or the day’s events?

FY: My mood for sure.

KW: Thank you Farhad!

Thank you for reading. Please follow, share, like, comment etc! xo

Tweet: @keightw and catch me on bloglovin’ !

Honey Cocaine || Mark Samuels Workshop at HDC

As promised, here is the video from Mark Samuels class at Harbour Dance Centre that I was talking about two weeks ago. Mark Samuels’ (Do Dat Entertainment) choreography is always on point and definitely reps Toronto Swag and East Coast Hip Hop. It’s been a year since I’ve done his class and it was a definite challenge but felt good to be back in it.

The vibe in this class was so incredible and that’s one thing I’m definitely going to miss about dancing in Vancouver. The support and love everyone gives each other is insane and makes for a way better dance community every time.

Enjoy the vid ;)

http://www.youtube.com/MarkASamuels

Tweet: @KeightW @MarkASamuels @HarbourDance 

PNE 2012 & Hip Hop Workshop

VANCOUVER, AUGUST 2012
Words & Photos by Kate Wotherspoon

This past week, my days off from work were filled with some pretty memorable moments. I performed at PNE with a stacked group of dancers under the 247 Company & Friends Show and my good friend from Toronto, Mark Samuels, taught a hip hop workshop at Harbour Dance Centre.  Both the show and the workshop generated incredible vibes and it’s times like those when I’m so grateful to be able to surround myself with top notch talent. Vancouver reps hard!

There will be videos posted soon from both events, but for now, here are some photos…

Note: Check out all the hype outfits these dancers rock out. Just awesome! Love them all.

PNE || NO BOYS ALLOWED ft. (Left to Right) Taylor, Shay, Daniela, Anne, Abbey, Randa, Carmen, Me, Sharon, Rina and Roberta!

PNE || Scott and I

PNE || Scott & Stu… If you know Stu, I’m sure he’s given you one of his famous massages. The facials are priceless.

PNE || Kristen, Ashley, Me & Scott

PNE || Sammie, Stu and Ben || Check out Stu’s meal.. dammmnn

PNE || I like chicken || Ben & I

After Class || Akshun, Mark, JB & Jerome

After Class || Michael aka Akshun, lookin fresh!

Mark & I || Missed this guy!

On that instagram tip || keightw

www.harbourdance.com

Thanks for checking it out, stay tuned for videos!

Follow @KeightW

Style Feature || Gianinni Semedo Moreira

VANCOUVER, AUGUST 2012
Photos & Words by Kate Wotherspoon

Try saying his first name five times fast! Yes, I end up saying panini by the end of it too…

Funny story on how I met this talented individual… A little while ago I blogged about one of his youtube videos, check it out here…  I of course tweeted about the post and then he retweeted it and added me on facebook. Weirdly enough, one of his status updates said he would be in Vancouver soon so I messaged him hoping he would set up a dance class at Harbour Dance Centre. Sure enough the class was set and we organized meeting for an interview at the time too. Weird right? Ya, we think so too.  Oh the fancy ways of social media!  Anyways, he was more than willing to sit down with me and discuss dance, style and anything else that gets us thinking on the creative side.  Here’s a little on his background…

Gianinni is originally from a small town just outside of Amsterdam, Holland.  He started breakdancing at the age of 15 just for the fun of it.  But of course, the love of dance took over, and he soon realised nothing else would make him as happy.  After gaining more experience on the technical side of dance, Gianinni took a chance and auditioned for the So You Think You Can Dance Holland television show.  He not only made it on the show, but went straight through to the finals!  With that under his belt, he decided it was time to move to Los Angeles to further his dance career.  Just a short time after he moved to LA, he booked an Australian tour with Rihanna, danced with Shakira and then was offered a three year contract for Cirque du Soleil’s “MJ Immortal Tour”!  It’s now just been over a year since he’s been with Cirque, has travelled the world dancing and did I mention he’s only 24 years old?  Yes, I know, I would like to be in his shoes too – definitely my kind of job.  But if that’s not enough, this guy is also an aspiring movie director!  His downtime on the tour is filled with producing short film series and creative dance videos.  You can check all of that on his website, www.gianinnidance.com. Enjoy his stylish pics and interview below.

Gianinni Semedo Moreira

Because he can…

Shirt: H&M || Sunglasses: Ray-Ban || Tuque: Reckon (handmade by a friend)

Belt: Guess || Denim: Levi’s

Kicks: Nike Flights

All smiles.

Kate W: What is your current state of mind?

Gianinni SM: I’m very happy and grateful. I try my best to stop and realise where I am and where I’ve come from. It’s important to appreciate your progress but I also don’t want to get comfortable and I’m staying ambitious and I’m excited for more.

KW: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

GSM: “Do your best and God will do the rest”.

KW: What’s your greatest fear?

GSM: Not becoming the best man I can be.

KW: Which living person do you most admire?

GSM: My mom. She has such a positive and strong mindset. When things get tough, she never strays off track.

KW:  What is your greatest extravagance?

GSM: Moving to the USA from Holland. That move opened a lot of doors for me.

KW: What was the last thing you bought?

GSM: A white tuxedo blazer with black trim.

KW: What was the last film you watched?

GSM: Sunshine.

KW: What makes you cry?

GSM: Things that have to do with love.

KW: Which dancer/choreographer/artist would you want to share the stage with the most?

GSM: Justin Timberlake. I have a lot of respect for him as an artist and person.

KW: Dunks, Jordan’s or boots for dance class?

GSM: Jordan’s.

KW: Suspenders or bowtie?

GSM: I like suspenders! But I have a bowtie so I’ll go with bowtie!

KW: If you could be in any music video, which one would it be?

GSM: “Smooth Criminal” – Michael Jackson

KW: Your favorite fashion city?

GSM: Amsterdam, my hometown.

KW: Your favorite dance city?

GSM: Los Angeles – It has a lot to offer; there is the underground scene and then the commercial world. Everyone is there for the same reason and are all sharing the same passion. It’s good to have that energy around you.

KW: Do you dress mostly by your mood or the day’s events?

GSM: My mood for sure.

KW: Dark, milk or white chocolate?

GSM: White chocolate.

KW: Your go-to breakfast dish?

GSM: Eggs Benedict!

KW: What’s your favorite scent?

GSM: Hugo Boss, Boss Eau de Toilette.

KW: Your colour?

GSM: Bright, aggressive red!

KW: What are some songs on your playlist right now?

GSM: “Where Did It Go Wrong?” – Anthony Hamilton, “Free as a Bird” – Dwele, “Blind to You” – Collie Buddz, “Wayfaring Stranger” – Ed Sheeran, “Those Who Wait” – Daley.

KW: What’s next for you?

GSM: I’m keeping myself busy on the tour by directing short films. I’m shooting my new short film series throughout the next three cities we visit!

KW: Thanks Gianinni!

Thanks for reading. Please re-post and share if you like what you see.

Follow @KeightW & @gianinni1

Style Feature || Renee Palkovsky

VANCOUVER, AUGUST 2012
Photos & Words by Kate Wotherspoon

If you ever meet this girl, you’ll instantly love her, if you already know her, you know what I’m talking about!  I met her only just last year in one of my fashion classes at Blanche Macdonald Centre.  We became fast friends after our assigned seats in class had us sitting next to one another. After only knowing her a day, I could already tell she was headed for big things.

She’s only 21 years old and habitually jets off to New York City to buy for (212), a trendy boutique in Gastown representing NYC Style, rides her own motorcycle and is currently taking multiple courses to prepare her for the fast paced world of Stock Exchange. Yes, I know, she’s such a cool chick – I absolutely adore her.  Renee’s personality and sense of style is filled with greatness, her shoe collection is to die for and not to mention she’s sample size and drop dead gorgeous.  Everyone, meet my fashionable friend, Renee Palkovsky!

Renee rocking the Beach Chic!

Sheer Cover up: (212) || Bag: Cole Haan || Orange Bikini: H&M

Hat: Aritzia || Rings: From Mexico || Bracelet & Earrings: Blue Ruby – Giles & Brother

Just the cutest! || Sunglasses: Prada ||

Kate W: What is your current state of mind?

Renee P: I’m happy and content. I’m ready to make things happen, I feel like an eager beaver – ready to push.

KW: Where do you feel most at home?

RP: In my bed, it’s super cozy.

KW: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

RP: “Don’t Settle”.

KW: What was the last thing you bought?

RP: I bought this hat that I’m wearing yesterday.

KW: What was the last film you watched?

RP: I watched Grease in Stanley park the other day.

KW: What makes you laugh?

RP: My girlfriends always seem to get that deep tissue laugh out of me.

KW: What’s your favorite breakfast dish?

RP: I’m really into waffles with whip cream, lots of syrup and berries.

KW: What sites do you visit everyday?

RP: I went through a phase when I was 18 and was on shopbop.com religiously but now I mostly research the stock markets.

KW: Black or white?

RP: Black.

KW: Prints or neutrals?

RP: Neutrals.

KW: Favorite fashion city?

RP: Berlin. They make winter look good which is a very difficult thing to do.

KW: Do you dress mostly by the day’s events or by your mood?

RP: My mood. But, I will usually pick one item that I need to wear and decide what else to put on according to that piece. Today it was my earrings.

KW: What are some songs on your playlist right now?

RP: “Say My Name”- Destiny’s Child (Cyril Hahn Remix) & Trials of the Past – SBTRKT

KW: What’s your most prized possession?

RP: That’s so hard! They’re all my babies!  But, if I had to say something it would be my rings and bracelets that I’m currently wearing.

KW: What’s your biggest fear?

RP: Failure.

KW: Which living person do you most admire?

RP: My dad. He’s always so happy even if the worst things are upon him. He really knows how to stay positive. I admire that.

KW: What’s your signature drink?

RP: Dirty Martini – extra dirty, extra olives.

KW: What are your favourite brands?

RP: I don’t have any. My personal style is always evolving just like how numerous fashion houses and designers are continuously evolving their own brand. One thing that has stuck with me though is how I incorporate vintage pieces in my day to day outfits.

KW: What’s next for you?

RP: I was originally planning on going to NYC in the fall to buy for (212) and was looking forward to being apart of that crazy Fashion Week culture but I’ve realized fashion isn’t what I want to do, it’s just a part of who I am. My strong suit is reaching the top and working hard for it. I didn’t get the nickname Ram for no reason. What’s next for me is the financial industry.

KW: You’re incredible and so driven! Thank you Renee!