Divulge Magazine feb issue 5 2015 The Black Issue

Florence Griffith Joyner 1959-1998

The fastest women of all time

CONTENTSLETTER | 13UPNEXT |14

Photographer : Christophe MervielMUA: Mc UP COKA Model: MAME ATA WADE

ON THE COVER

THE PORTFOLIO | 18

DIVULGE GIRLS |27

BODY MIND SOUL | 34

THE BLACK QUEEN | 42

RETURN OF THE KING |48ON THE RADAR|60

FASHION CAR POOL |70

DIVULGE MAGAZINE IS A REGISTERED TRADE MARK OF FOREVER FRESH LLC

PHOTOGRAPHER Douglas Gkandney

WANT THE LATEST IN FASHION,LIFSTYLE, POLITICS,MODELES AND MORE

DON’T FORGET TO VISIT US ON THE WEB.

EDITOR IN CHIEF TARERUS [email protected]

PUBLISHER TARERUS MOORE [email protected]

[email protected]

SUBMISSION We are always looking for new work.We accept submission to be considered Please send info ,bio, and photo’s to [email protected]

CONTRIBUTERS John Collins @CNCcreativePIX Douglas Gkandney

Carlos Rodolfo Chinchilla

IN THIS ISSUE

DIVULGEwould like to . This platform was developed to bring the world together in one place,and be a guide book for the aspiring artist who is looking for a way to Break thought into the industry.

In this issue were bringing the most beautiful black wom-en from round the world and paying homage to african culture with two cover stories i got the pleasure of work-ing with chicago designer meekis for the cover and we had a blast ,also I also got to have a chill session with chicago artist j-ma at the chicago cultural center and talked about hip-hop and her new project , were also covering the hottest events in on the radar section with Sherrie gearheart and mame ata wade talks to us about life in africa so sit back kick your feet up and enjoy the ride Tarerus moore | Editor in Chief

pg52

UPNEXT

J-MA inHIP-HOP MEETS CULTURE

PHOTOGRAPHER TARERUS MOORE

EDITOR TARERUS MOORE

J-MA inHIP-HOP MEETS CULTURE

Chicago mc J-ma and Chicago’s cul-ture center collides In artistic fusion called Hip hop culture as J-ma gives

us a 1- on- 1 interview about why she’s UPNEXT!!! Call her want you

want but don’t let the pretty face fool you Chicago artist J-Ma is one of Chicago’s unsung legends. An emcee

who started writing at the age of 7 and embarked on her journey on the rap scene at the age of 15. In 1995

she became member of an under-ground clique in Chicago called the Drama Ward. Which consist of var-ious artistes with a common vision. She then merged into her own solo

career over the years. Putting out three albums, two mixtapes and a

video. She is on the rise and up next to fend for the crown as the queen of hip-hop. J-ma is very much re-

spected on the underground scene in Chicago due to independent ma-

jor moves and amazing rap skills. With a activist soul and a voice for

her community...J-Ma shows strong potential to be discovered any day

now. And she’s headed global. So be on the look out because...her talent

is undeniable and she is definitely up next!

DIVULGE MAGAZINE pg15

How do you feel about the position of the black community in Chicago? I feel we are under attack and in dire need of unity and a positive turnaround.

what black female rapper influence you the most ? Umm, I wasn’t influence by a female rapper, but by the very culture of hip hop.

Can hip hop have the world ? Of course it can. Music brings souls to a same page.

How do you fell about rappers not speaking on what’s going on in Ferguson. To each it own. I pick and choose my issues to speak on as well.

What was it like shooting for divulge magazine ? Exciting! They were geared to capturing the essence of the artist I am, from an all around perspective and I appreciated that.

How do you feel about the relationship between Chicago police and black youth ? My reaction to what in going on in my community is, there is no relationship.. only a war on the black youth per the CPD. And it appears to be a global thing.

Tell the fans about you who may not know you . I am an emcee..versatile and an activist at heart thats con-cerned about the well being of my community. I started writing poetry at the age of 7. By the age of 9-10 merged into writing rhymes. I have been actively doing music sense 1995. in which I ran with an undergroud cluiqe in chicago Called the DramaWard. I emersed in my solo career, releasing my first E.p In 2002 titled Five Avenues.

Which I sold 2,000 copies underground on the streets of Chi. Notoriety from that E.p lead to me opening up for various major artists such as Ericka badu, Common, Dead preaz, Killa priest of the Wu-Tang clan, etc, just to name a few. 2004 I wrote, produced and engineered and record my first Lp album titled Epidemic. Which I sold 1000 copies underground as well. 2009 I wrote, produced and recorded my second Lp titled From the Streetz to The Expressway. Press 1000 copies and sold them all via street promotions and Internet. You can find the album on CDbaby.com, amazon, soundcloud and I-tunes etc. basically you can Google me to find out outlets that album can be found. 2010 I released my second E.p titled Five Avenues part 11. basically I press 1000 copies and flip the product so that I may see the return. 2012 I dropped my mix-tape titled from The Awakening of The Sleeping Giant. Which can also be found on-line per Google, and on you tube. July of 2014 I released my first professional video titled “I get it in” over 50 cent track “ I get it in” which was a single geared towards the creation of my mix-tape set to drop in 2015.

who is J-Ma? An emcee which a purpose and a heart to bridge the gap in my community through enlightenment.

how long have you been rapping? 27 years

being from Chicago is it hard being a female rapper ? Yes and no. Yes because they do take the female seriously so they tend to have a closed ear to an intelligent women. And No because, I’m the truth and extremely talented so I’m unstoppable and so the can’t deny me. Plus I have put in a lot of work underground over the years, and no one can erase history but pay homage!

how hard is it to stay creative in your lyrics ? A piece of cake, I write from the heart and my heart lives and sur-vive struggle which depicts my experiences.

do you feel like female rappers are not taken seriously . Yes, but who cares, the fight will go on. 6.why do Chicago artist promote so much violence in there music. Inward anger from being oppressed and environment! Sense you asked me!

do you consider yourself a role model for young women looking to achieve there goals. First and for most. Of course because I’m a strong woman!

is J-Ma your alter ego? No, but Katharsis is. lol

who is a African American woman you look up to? All intellectual African American women the fighting for the cause of peace and freedom. The beat goes on.. you know! And unlike the music industry I love, respect and encourage all of my African American women.

What are your plans for 2015? Well, I just release my new mix-tape titled “Katharsis”. And that’s being followed by my second video off my mix-tape (song titled, I Want You Dead Boy). Which I perform over the 50 cent track to ( I’ll whoop yo head boy). Which i’ll be releasing late February. My first video I released off the mix- tape a few months ago, titled “ I get it in” is braking 1800 view on you tube with the promotional assistance of Marcellus Shields, C.E.O of Celleau productions.

www.divulgemag.com pg 16

THE EM MCEE


STANN SMITH IS UPNEXT

With one of the hardest flows on the streets stann smith is boxing his way to the top with flows,punchline,barsand hook the new nas is what the kids on the streets call him due to the lack of substance in the hip hop game If you listen to his new mix tape THE BOOTLEG SIDES 2 you be taken into his street manifesto of the modern day you black male going through everyday trains and tribulations . So we got a chance to hollar at the lyrical legend and pick his brain in a 1-on-1 .

1 where did your inspiration come from to make this mix tape and how has the success of it affected your life.The Inspiration For This Album came from the Response and Inspiration I got from Being on The Road and Opening for Artists like Joey Bada$$, Pro Era, and Ab Soul2 your album reminds me of illmatic how does it feel to hear people say that ?It’s a great Compliment. That is one of the Albums I look up to and one of the “Bibles” of Hip Hop.3 your lyrics are so vivid why did you choose to go in this lyrical direction instead of what radio wants?I don’t allow Trends or Commercial Viability to dictate what direction I go musically.4. with the south and chicago dominating the music industry how are new york m.c gonna bring the crown home ? Honestly I feel like people don’t care about where you’re from. I can say I do have a “NY Sound” but Im much less concern about bringing the “Crown” Home. I want to contribute to hip hop culture as a whole and that’s where my focus lies #EKOET5 whats your favorite song off your mix tape ? I Would say Ferguson because of the emotion and the urgency of the record #EKOET6 How do you feel about mainstream hiphop artist not speaking on mike brown and eric grander in there music but claim hiphop is the voice of the people? I feel like that was wack. A Lot of people with the platform to say something are too scared. Some artist did say something but the majority didn’t. Hip Hop has become commer-cialized and marginalized. Its Sad7 .who is stann smith. Stann Smith is a Harmonica Playing Hip Hop Artist From Brooklyn NY That DON’T DRINK OR DON’T SMOKE. He Represents EKOET Which is a Group of People That Don’t Drink or Smoke Either.8 . whats your life like growing up as a kid? My Life Growing up as a kid was fun and Hard. The limitations I had financially made me much more creative and Careless. I learned that You must make things happen and that you can’t rely on anyone for your own success #EKOET9 what your music process . Listen to a bunch of music in a wide range of Genres until I hear something I like. Dissect it and Create My Own music from there.10. if you can get head from any one in the rap game who would it be? No One

THE P.O.R.T.F.O.L.I.O

DIVULGE MAGAZINE home of the aspiring artist, Brings you the freshest faces from around the world that are hard

working and dedicated to there craft these are fashion’s next generation of models. And were bringing them to you

monthly first hand.


PHOTO JONH COLLINS

Alaur Faulk is from Chicago, IL.Height: 5’7” Weight: 125 lb Bust: 32” Waist: 26” Hips: 36”Dress- 2 Hair Color- Black Hair Length- Short Eye Color- Dark BrownHobbies- I really enjoy eating. If there’s an event in-volving food, I’m there. Dreams- One can never stop dreaming. I dream to grow old with my passion, which is working in the sports med-icine field. I also want to travel the world.

Name: Palore Arleeza

where are you from? University park, il (South suburbs of chicago)

height: 5’8”

weight: 110lbs

Bust: 30A Waist: 22

Hips:27

Dress: 2

Hair color: brown Hair Length: short

Eye Color: brown

Hobbies: preaching, writing, arts and crafts.

Dreams: to be great. A great model. Appear in vogue and walk in fash-ion week. Be a “modest model” my fav food is chicken tenders.

NAME:Catrina A. ColbertWaist- 26Hips- 34Dress- 4Hair Color- Dark BrownHair Lenth- Medi-um/LongEyes- BrownHobbies include modeling, acting, singing, managing, hosting, fashion designing, interior designing, jewelry making and much more. My dreams are to live com-fortably & humbly amongst family and friends all while being successful at all the things stated above. My favorite food is soul food.


pg 22 Divulgemag.com

Octtavia smith 5’7”, 118 lbs, 32b-25-36eyes brownDreams: to be on tv favorite I like Cajun jambalaya pasta,

NNENANNA EM -MODEL-

INDIANA

What was life like growing up for you?Growing up on the other side of the globe had it’s perks... The unrelenting heat, the spicy food, jovial happy music and an eccentric vibe that one cannot help but love. I spent the first nineteen years of my life embracing the Nigerian culture and proudly soaking up all it had to offer. My parents (bless their heart) made it a top pri-ority for my siblings and I to get the best education possible and as most Nigerian parents did and still do, they had high expectations and dreams for their children to become prominent doctors, law-yers and engineers... Valuable contributors to society... After all, what life was there for a musician?.. Or how could one live off art or fashion?

These were the questions I was continuously rebuffed with when I hinted that I was contemplating straying from the path of the sciences and pursuing a career in the arts that I’d fallen so madly in love with. I’d always embraced fashion as a child and my mother was a bit of a fashionista herself, which I’m pretty sure contributed to my interest. She definitely took notice and subtly tried to encourage me at the moments she would see me practicing poses in my mirror or sketching one of the numerous designs I was indulged in on paper. Over the years, and with gentle but firm nudges from me, she got more involved(despite my father’s disap-proval) and my talents improved and things came more naturally with time.

Things weren’t all peaches and cream and we did have a few bumps along the way. It took a lot to get my Dad to see that this was more than just a pipe dream. I had to prove myself in a sense as fathers tend to be over protective of their daughters and he thought the industry would swallow me up. Cultural and gender barriers came into play as well. Luckily, they had raised a strong woman and despite all the opposition, I had to go after what I wanted. I had to. If anything was going to make me happy, it was pursuing my dream and it still is. I would never want to go through life wondering “what if?”.. So now, here I am on the other side of the globe pursuing what I love and having loads of fun doing it...

But hey, I’ve always been a bit of a risk taker...

DIVU LG EGIR LS


divulgemag.tumblr.com pg28

ROZY VOEB-MODEL-

NETHERLNADS



1.What are your three favorite cd’s? Brandy(full moon),Chronic (trouble) and Alicia Keys(fallen’)2 What your favorite sex position? Mmm’’’’’Doggy style3 Tell us about your life growing up and what inspired you to model? My life growing up, was not as normal or awesome as it should be, but I am very grateful for every bit of my life because that is part of what shaped me to be as strong as I am today, and to be the awesome mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend that I am today..4 who is your favorite black model? Tyra Banks

5 How do you stay fit?hehehehe...walking my kids to and from school everyday in heels(15 minutes walk);-), 15 minutes on my cross trainer,and then my yoga ball and meditation10 minutes a day. I also try to eat well(keeping my pap’boswa’ on my weekly diet is a must for me), I pray and sleep well, In general leading a happy life is a good way to start when one wants to stay fit..Mental fitness is as essential ...6 is it hard being an African model and what have you had to deal with? I wouldn’t say it is hard being an African model in the Netherlands, but what we have to deal with, amongst most other disadvantages is that(a)Curves and booty are the known most gifts that African women have, which doesn’t always work in our advantage because, in return your height stands a chance of being shorter than the required minimum height for models in well respected,most popular and good paying fashion shows. If you are not told you are too big, you are told you are too short, to do something that you have always dreamed of doing..This kind of incidents makes it hard to go on dreaming/hoping/aiming for bigger platforms that are already put out there...The struggle goes on,..Some-day, some generation will reap the fruits of being a model no matter your size, height,looks or disabilities, with no questions asked..I have discovered that it takes more than that to be a model, it is really not all about taking pictures, A model has to involve themselves emotionally, physically and MENTALLY..7 What would you tell new fresh models coming into the industry? Be sure you want to do this, be sure you are ready, explore, don’t be discouraged, if you fail, keep going at it till you get it right, Learn to know what is import-ant to you so that you can thoughtfully prioritize, Be productive, practice your poses on the mirror, keep your heels on any time you can(getting used to heels takes practice like everything else), Don’t compare yourself with others, admire, inspire and learn from the best, by doing that which only the best people would do.8 How does it feel to be a Divulge girl and what does it mean to you?A DIVULGE GIRL: she’s the embodiment of youth, independence, class ,and fun.she is Heroine A leader she is strong,she is a rare jewel something that has never been seen..Ohh its a rewarding feeling to know that my work has reached and been recognized by such a well represented magazine like Divulge..I am happy and yes, Thank you Tarerus Moore for this awesome plat-form.. 9 should fashion embrace more black women ? For sure..Its about time that is normal thing..10 How did you prepare for this cover shoot?hehehe..first I have to get my kids ready for their day with Papa, then I am on some quick retouch on my poses, in front of the mirror , with some of my favorite motivational songs, then its my nails, and sometimes I do my own make-up, then ya, its off to the shoot..11 How do you feel about the controversy of the size 0 debate in the industry ?I said it before and I will say it again...That burning feeling of a person wishing to be a supermodel comes from the heart, now, when you are trapped in a body that is not according to this ‘genetic opportunity’, it will break you down, like it breaks you down when you have a burning fire on a dream, when you have a goal and you fail to reach, it is that kind of a feeling..you will get back up, but it might take you even more energy and hope to get back up..Model should be like being a singer..Shouldn’t matter how you look like, You are showcasing products that women of all sizes, ages, colors use, so, ya..the struggle goes on..!!12 What are guilty pleasures food wise? I love me a burger king drive through after a much anticipated pho-to-shoot;-)13 What beauty tips do you swear by? Clean your heart every morning(just like you do with your face),Ask the creator for strength to love and be loved, know that you shine, and you will shine..Believe that you are beautiful and special and you are just that;-), Keep on clean clothes, keep them legs shaved, and ya, fresh breath and an inviting face , then we ready to shower the world with your love...14 what black history figure made a difference in your life? Nelson Mandela of course..Utata!!15 where did you go to modeling school and how has it helped you? hehehe..I started modeling since i was

DIVULGE MAGAZINE pg 36young, before i turned 10 i was already modeling in the community, I have never looked at modeling as something I would have to be taught, I always knew I could do it, I stopped modeling when I was 20 when I fell pregnant with my son who is now 8 years old,I went on got married, and had another child, and so, when I turned 28 I met a friend in the Netherlands who encouraged me to go back mod-eling, I enrolled and paid for catwalk lessons in the Netherlands and they gave us 20 lessons and ya, I continued to enter for Miss Limburg international and had professional photo-shoots with some great photographers in the Netherlands, In 2014 I got was awarded best model of the year Award with African Diaspora Merit award in Amsterdam..And today I am in Divulge magazine..Thank God for the people who recognize the hard work from ordinary people.

16 what can models to the strengthen their poses? hehehe..Keep your heels on, when you can(it helps you know your balance), Know your strong point, practice in-front of the mirror, Let the little voice in you out, practice..practice..practice..believe the sto-ry in your eyes and everyone else will.. Know and love your body..You will have to love your whole body like you love your face..be proud of every bit of it, like you are with your face.

17 whats your favorite city to visit between France and Africa? Africa

18 whats your favorite city to visit between the Netherlands and Africa?Netherlands

BODY MIND SOULKeeping a healthy lifestyle seems to be last the on our list these days in this fast paced world with fast food restaurants around every corner so we called in for some help. Fitness instructour a Shantea Johnson is going to give us the secret to living a well

balanced lifestyle

EDITOR TARERUS MOOREPHOTO Jdanda Imagery

DIVULGEMAG.COM

Question 1: Who are you: My name is Shantea Johnson. Above all, I am a wife to an amazing husband and mom to our 3 incredible children. I am also a business owner, fitness competitor and model. I have a Mas-ters Degree in Public Health, I am a Certified Health Education Specialist, a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, Certified Health Coach and Personal Trainer. In addition to all my other accomplishments I am currently in school working on my second masters degree in Nutri-tion. My husband & I run a nutrition and wellness business called DHW Fitness. At DHW Fitness, we conduct clean eating seminars, grocery shopping tours, health coaching, meal planning and training on fitness, health and wellness improvement.

Question 2:. How did you get into eating healthy and exercise and how has it changed your life: I was introduced to the fitness industry by a friend who talked me into attending a fitness competition. Attending this show was one of the most amazing experiences ever. I was so impressed with the astonishing and encouraging women I met, I knew I would get on stage and compete myself. With the help of my prep coach and my determination I learned how to eat healthier than I had ever eaten before, properly workout and within six months I was able to compete and place top 3 in my first competition. These changes have improved my life tre-mendously, I have and maintain an amazing fit physique, improved confidence, strength and the knowledge that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. Question 3: How important is incorporating nutrition and clean eating into your diet Many people think exercise is the most important aspect of weight loss and health improve-ment, that could not be further from the truth. While both exercise and nutrition are import-ant factors, nutrition is responsible for 75-80% of your results. Understanding proper nutri-tion will help you transform, maintain your results and will improve your overall health. Question 4: What is clean eating and how important is it to weight lost: First understand that clean eating is not a diet it is lifestyle change. Clean eating is basically eating fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains. By eating clean you avoid junk, pro-cessed and refined foods. Again proper nutrition is responsible for 75-80% of your weight lost results. Question 5: What do African american women ask you about the most and what are your favorite exercise Many of us want to know how to keep our curves and build tight round glutes. We don’t want to loose our glutes we just want it to look amazing! I receive numerous questions on how to build glutes. I work my glutes twice a week, some of my favorite glute exercises include: bridg-es, glute kickbacks, body weight squats, box jumps and lunges.

Follow Shantea’s fitness journey and business at the following links: DHW Business website: www.DHWFit.com Social Media Links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shaan_ArrtsInstagram: http://instagram.com/shaan_arrtsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaanArrtsathletepage


DIVULGE MAG.COM

EDITOR TARERUS MOOREPhotographer : Christophe Merviel

MUA: Mc UP COKA

Were taking you to the other side of the globe were the sun shines and the freshest fruit grows all the time in a land where the most beautiful

women are of creation are a abundance and all life comes from werer taking you on a one-on-one interview with international african

model mame anta wade.

THE BLACK QUEEN

divulgemag.tumblr.com pg44

Photographer : Francesco Fdl PhotoMUA : Deborah Granowski

INTERVIEW1) - What are your three favorite cd’s : Last year, I enjoyed listening to the Beyoncé’s last album, Ayé from Davido, a Nigerian musician and also the last Nicky Minaj.2) - Tell us about your life growing up and what inspired you to model? :I have always been at-tracted by the fashion’s world and beauty. I hesitated to get into it because of the prejudices peo-ple have about it, also I’m in college and I don’t know if I had been able to combine the two.So, I started to do some photo shoots and fashion shows here and there, but I think that the day I won the beauty competition Miss Africa Midi Pyrenees was a turning point because I decided to take this thing more seriously and live my dream.3) – who is your favorite black model :The super model Naomi Campbell. For me, she is one of the best top model we’ve ever seen.4) – How do you stay fit? Four times a week I always do some fitness.5) – Is it hard being a African model and what have you had to deal with? Firstly,I think it’s hard to be a model. There is a lot of competition and people are very hard to please. About Black model, and this is my opinion, I had some racist comments from people who told me that being black will be a disadvantage, especially in Toulouse. But, I think I am blessing because I worked mainly with great people.6) – What would you tell new fresh models coming into the industry :Never give it up, always be confident and take all the saying to grow up.7) – How does it feel to be a Divulge girl and what does it mean to you? I am so happy and proud. And I hope readers will love it.8) – Should fashion embrace more black women ? Yes totally9) – To get ready for this shoot, I did more fitness sessions and followed a strict skincare routine.10) –FAVORITE FOOD : I love chocolate, candies, sweet things. There are my guilty pleasures.11) -What beauty tips do you swear by? Shea Butter is my favorite product for skin care. Mak-

sure to remove your make up before sleeping. 12) – S what black history figure made a difference in your life? outh Africa’s history with the Apartheid and Nelson Mandela13) – where did you go to modeling school and how gas it helped you? I didn’t go to e modeling school, everything I know now I’ve learned it from myself, internet, magazines and television14) – what can models to the strengthen there poses. I think dancing can help when you want to be a model because we know how to control our body15) – I will love to go to South Africa, and learn more about their history and their culture :I will love to go to South Africa, and learn more about their history and their culture

MAME ATA WADE DIVULGE GIRL AFRICA

photographer : Simon Laprade

RETURN OF THE KING

He’s been out the fashion game for a while now and some say he’s washed up he doest have it anymore and some have been waiting on his return like the messiah with so many rumors and controversy surrounding him Meekis Castillo is a living legend

that’s plans on emerging victorious in 2015 . Priding myself on being gay is just mere part of his flamboyance that spills out in his desings that he christens as deliciously divine. These are just but a few things that are floating around about the legendary designer it may be true if you don’t know him ,but afterworking with him first and let me tell you he’s one of the most loving caring people with a drive in the fashion industry, in the world where everybody is self absorbed and vain this man provides

opportunity not only for aspiring models. He aslo helps people expand and expresse themselves through his clothing meekis is more then just a desinger he is a pioneer

of his generation, and deserve so many more accolades. The Meekis brand is the epitome of sexiness and class as he expressed while on the set of his cover shoot for

Divulge Magazine with Tarerus moore publisher who over saw the project.

EDITOR TARERUS MOOREPHOTOGRAPHY BY Douglas GlandneyDESIGNER MEEKIS CASTILOCREATIVE DIRECTOR TARERUS MOORE & SPOIL ME HAIR SALON

DIVULGE MAGAZINE pg 49

“My branding became timeless.”-MEEKIS-. DIVULGEMAGAZINE

Tell me about your clothing line what inspired it and what does it stand for in your own words Inspired by my fashion Foward family at a very young age... My branding became timeless..

Who inspired you?Seeing Diana Ross in Mohogony ....sealed the deal Of becoming a designerin the third grade...

Who is meekis ?I’m very honest in seeing the tomorrow in fashion

How did it feel when you got the call from divulge for the front cover ? When I got the call. To be on the cover Of the Divulge magazine. I felt honoured & Blessed ....And knew at that point.... That Tarerus Moore was God sent ...

What can we expect from you in 2015?Expect. Meekis the fragrances ...and more of the future today when it comes to fashion ..

If you could style or design anyone who would it be ? if I could style & dress anyone lt would ?Be the First Family the Obamas

Keisha West was wearing.... A black and white debutant stretched satin halter top evening gown... Sherri gear-heart.... Was wearing an sweetheart cut list evening short dress. With a snatchway. Ball skirt ...made from hand died Bridal Satin..oana ... Egyptian Blue Strapless evening. Minidress. Snatch away ball skirt With a floral aplique on the side stud-ded with crystals ...Kyle... Worsted wool suit With Rafia trim eiffel tower!..in the Back of The jacket and lapells ... DeMarcus... White cotton knit turtle sweater with. Patten leather sleeves& trim ... Pants. Black & white. Patten leather ..owana & Tommy Hudges ..shearling. Leather tommy Hudges pcoat ...with 747 lapells ...owana Boleo jacket micro skirt. & muff ...

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Douglas Glandney

DESIGNER MEEKIS CASTILOCREATIVE DIRECTOR TARERUS

MOORE & SPOIL ME HAIR SALONMODEL

DEMARCUS CONNER


MODEL DEMARCUS CONNERPHOTOGRAPHY BY Douglas Glandney-DESIGNER MEEKIS CASTILO

MODEL KYLE KURT FOGEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY Douglas GlandneyDESIGNER MEEKIS CASTILO


MODEL KEISHA KEY WESTKYLE KURT FOGEL PHOTOGRAPHY BYDouglas GlandneyDESIGNER MEEKIS CASTILO

MODEL: Sherrie gearheart PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Douglas Glandney DESINGER: MEEKIS

CASTILO

Model oana wana

DIVULGEMAZINE.COM pg61

ON THE RADAR

Akese Stylelines is a unique brand that is focused in designing and making custom handmade and ready to wear clothing and accessories by incorporating an African Print with Western fabrics to create unique classy pieces.AkeseStylelines is a Chicago based Gha-naian Designer Brand that is working to become an international house hold name as its vision is to bring diversity to a use of different fabrics/textures especially the Afri-can Print by designing clothes with modern silhouettes,draping and creating couture pieces with or without the African Print but still having an Afrocentric touch. I started sketching clothes on a very tender age of about 7, I grew fond of clothes and was especially fascinated by the way the pieces of fabrics came together to create one piece of item. I started formal education in clothing design in my my junior high school,Continued through Senior High School and majored in clothing and textiles for 3 years in Takoradi polytechnic with a Higher National Diploma. I further did a Degree Program and graduated with a BA in Industrial Arts Fashion Design Option in the same school. I found love, moved to join my husband and now I’m leaving in Chicago, USA with our 2 lovely sons. I love to play and create textures, architecture bold silhouettes and I definitely love cre-ating one of a kind pieces. my aspirations basically come from my home country my upbringing everyday life in my current surrounding.Akese Stylelines specializes in wedding gowns ,evening gowns, corporate wear ca-sual wear, club wear ,swim, beachwear,chil-dren clothing, accessories such as purses, clutch,African beaded necklaces and ear-rings, hair piecesMy design aesthetic is for the bold confident sophisticated woman who is daring and still classy. I love to create unique pieces for women to make them feel loved and pam-pered thus there is much attention to detail.

Model: Sherrie GearheartMiss United Nations World AmbassadorHair & Makeup: Abraham Gar-ciaDesigner: Meekis CastilloPhotographer: Douglas Gladney

Born & raised in Chicago, Illinois, Sherrie Gearheart, has a heart for giving back to those in need. After losing her childhood friend to suicide she started a non profit organization in 2010 called Live Out Loud Charity. To date Live Out Loud Charity has reached over 80 million individuals inspiring change and giving hope. Sherrie travels nationwide and overseas educating the public on the signs of suicide and the resources available to help those in need. Sherrie also speaks in schools devoting time on core character develop-ment in youth and conducts self esteem workshops for all ages. In addition, she is founder of the Live Out Loud Charity Leadership Academy where she mentors youth and adults who then become spokespersons for anti-bullying, suicide prevention, and core char-acter development. As a fashion show producer, Gearheart, works with fashion designers from around the globe and in Chicago with one purpose in mind: to save lives. Gearheart’s fashion shows have models of all sizes, heights, ages, and ethnicities parading on the catwalk. It’s truly about bringing different cultures together, raising self esteem and self love. Each model walks away with the knowledge to save a life through suicide prevention training pro-vided by Live Out Loud Charity. Gearheart is a professional model. Gearheart models for boutiques and high end fashion designers in the city and aboard having graced the cover of countless magazine covers in the USA and billboards in Asia.Sherrie Gearheart is also the Editor in Chief of Tiara Magazine a pageantry, fashion, beauty publication read in 177 countries. No stranger to the fashion scene as a fashion show producer, profes-sional print and runway model, Sherrie is also the reigning Miss United Nations World Ambassador. This international title allows her to shine light on many notable charities and worthy causes. Gearheart will return to Jamaica in July 2015 where she will repre-sent USA once more in this international competition. Gearheart is also a celebrity judge on the new tv show, The Model Idea, helping to inspire and create the next celebrity model.

Contact [email protected]

To learn more about Live Out Loud Charity please visitwww.liveoutloudcharity.org


LIVING OUT LOUDPHOTOGRAPHER Carlos Rodolfo Chinchilla

EDITOR SHERRIE GEARHEART

December 17th, 2014Live Out Loud [email protected]

***Photos from the event available upon request. Let us know if you have specific designers you would like to showcase or one photo of each designer.

The 2nd Chicago Fashion Show for Live Out Loud Charity was the largest holiday fashion event of the year celebrating life through fashion and saving lives through suicide prevention. The event was held at Castle Chica-go on a Wednesday night. The crowd was bustling with excitement and the place was packed. Media from every walk of life, fashion admirers, families, and all ages gathered inside the gorgeous Castle venue to support suicide prevention and to see wonderful fashions. Sherrie Gearheart established Live Out Loud Charity (LOLC), a non profit organization focused on suicide awareness and prevention through core character development. Since 2010, LOLC has reached over 80 million individuals worldwide through various partnerships and outreach pro-grams within the organization. Live Out Loud Charity has orchestrated an annual fashion show fundraiser each year that promotes self esteem, teaches individuals how to prevent suicide, and brings several cultures together. Sherrie is proud to have all sizes, heights, ages, and diverse ethnicities in her fashion shows. Sherrie’s hair and makeup team include Abraham Garcia and Ambrocio Duran. Sherrie Gearheart is a professional model herself, a brand ambassador for Leandro Mulet, and will grace runway in NYFW this February. The event was hosted by Gearheart and included thirteen fashion designers. The audience was jam packed with celebrity actors, fashion community members, performers, and LOLC advocates all for a great cause. The speakers from the Live Out Loud Charity Leadership Academy included: fifteen year old Brittany Gallarneau, Miss Worldwide Teen Am-bassador for LOLC; nine year old Kassy Harper, Miss Worldwide Princess Ambassador for LOLC; Liz Harper, Cindy Corieus, Sheila Ross, seventeen year old Gordon Ross, and six year old Oliviah Martin. Each LOLC speak-er gave insight into suicide prevention, anti-bullying, and core character development. The crowd was move to tears and felt great emotion and a need to give back. Soon the fashion show began. The music started pumping. Tony Long and his team from Fashion Bar, managed the show backstage, with official celebrity performer and runway coach, Vaughnj the Chameleon. Pam Manning and Amanda Rogers of NISP pageant helped run front stage along with Derek Tokarzewski of Live Out Loud Charity. Countless makeup artists and hairstylists helped produce the show with a full list available at liveoutloudcharity.org

The atmosphere was fun, captivating, and lively. The show opened with celebrity performer and runway coach Vaughnj dressed as an avant garde angel with body paint by Insatiable creations. Children’s designer, Alicia Akers kicked off the fashion show as the opening designer with her royal collection, Alexandria Olivia. The crowd was immersed into a glamorous world of beauty and childlike innocence as each child delicately made their way down the runway adorned in golden hues of beauty by Alexandria Olivia. The next act was Chelem Profile Shades and the energy intensified with children showcasing cool attitudes while wearing shades that projected us into the future while others took us back into the retro days. The crowd laughed and clapped for joy as they enjoyed these two children designers back to back. To open up the show with adult designers, Benjamin Cottrell premiered his LOST collection comprised of jewelry pieces found by the ocean, lake or sea. Next in line, designer Jennifer Akese Burney, and her colorful African prints, a collection called Akese StyleLines, got the crowd ener-gized and excited. As the excitement intensified the next designer Meekis Castillo paired with jewelry by Dan-aya Designs 4U took the stage. Models were draped with bedazzlers, part of the Danaya Designs 4U collection. These bedazzlers and custom jewelry pieces made the models shine bright with clothing by Meekis. To close the first half of the show was a soft launch of the menswear collection by House of Collection. This three part show-case included 1. The statement sweatershirts to end violence in Chicago. 2. The women’s custom, one of a kind, gorgeous evening gowns. 3. The House of Collette men’s blazers that everyone in Chicago is raving about. Right before intermission, award winning and Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, John Hill entered the stage to

announce The Model Idea filming taking place during the show with the top 30 contestants. The Model Idea TV show filmed an episode during the event; starring Michael Anthony Richardson of M&M Modeling Magazine; American Sweetheart, Sherrie Gearheart, the queen of fashion and reigning Miss United Nations World Ambas-sador; along with actress/model, Oana Wana; and celebrity model/stylist, Joshi James. Major thanks was given to Adel of Spoil Me Salon for her contributions in the fashion community as a fashion show producer and coor-dinator along with her involvement with The Model Idea tv show. Many thanks were given to WL Lillard and Kevin Fuller and the entire team at Star Planet Television. Live Out Loud Charity crowned its newly appointed ambassadors for 2015: Kassy Harper, Miss Worldwide Princess; Lynae Tucker, Miss Worldwide; Sory Maciel, Miss Worldwide Latina; Tiffani Robertson, Ms. Worldwide; and Nicole Miceli-Pawlowski, Mrs. Worldwide. These ambassadors will speak on behalf of Live Out Loud Charity during 2015. Intermission then took place with tons of media capturing photos of the celebrity audience members, the newly appointed queens, and of the fashions from the first half of the show.

After intermission, Yesoe Yoon and Jovie Calma each gave an incredible vocal performance. To open the second half of the fashion show, beauty queen, designer Debbie Permoda premiered her one of a kind evening gowns and cocktail dresses, a clothing line named, D’Jean collection. These lovely dresses were paired with the exquisite jewelry line, Mixxi G. by Michelle Schaps with hairstyles by Spoil Me Salon and makeup by Julia Gavrylchyk. Each Mixxi G. jewelry piece is made with real gem stones, pearls, and are hand crafted in Thailand. Next, Army Veteran, fashion designer Maury Cesair, showcased his underwater collection, Cesair. Everyone’s mouth dropped as these pastel and deep blues, with purple hues, and bright white gowns floated down the runway. It was a gor-geous collection that left everyone wanting more. As if the night could not get any better, international menswear designer, Carmichael Byfield took the stage with a powerful collection of top of the line men’s blazers. Michael Anthony Richardson, brand ambassador for House of Byfield, was honored on stage as a model and host of The Model Idea tv show. With four designers left for the night the crowd never grew tired. The anticipation grew more to see what was next in line. A beautiful boutique called Blair, dedicated to full figured women, graced the runway with beautiful prints. The crowd roared with excitement to see women of all shapes and beauty strut their stuff on the catwalk. Things became a little sexier with designer Knotty Loop Creations paired perfectly with AVP & Monsiuer Pamplemousse jewelry. These see-through knit outfits fit every women’s shape and curves like a glove. Things heated up with nightwear designer, Atzimba. Her models graced the runway in the most soft, sultry, sexy nightwear pieces that left the audience wide eyed. Last but certainly not least, it was time for the finale fashion designer, Leandro Mulet paired with avante garde hair and makeup by Steven Papageorge and CL Mikos jewelry. Leandro Mulet closed the show with his Egyptian inspired, NEFER collection. This majestic col-lection had everyone awe-struck and transported taken back in time to the royal Egyptian days. The show closed with a strong statement, Leandro Mulet raised the bar of Chicago Fashion.

The next fashion venture for Live Out Loud Charity is during the Chicago Fashion Week. The 3rd Chicago Fash-ion show for LOLC will premier March 14th. Get ready and mark your calendars for the most anticipated show-case during Chicago Fashion Week.

Visit the Live Out Loud Charity online for more information about the cause and opportunities to lend your support. www.liveoutloudcharity.org

Sincerely,

Sherrie GearheartExecutive Director Live Out Loud Charity815 914 8602

CreditsDesigns: Carmichael Byfield (House of Byfield)Models: Nick & Niels Robben and Michelle SchulzPhotographer: Hans Bolten (hbolten fotografie)Mua &hair: Carla Stroijckens (makeup4u)Jewel: Marianne Moerman by: VjrShoes: Yanto Droght by: Blueday shoesGlasses: Maarten Voor de Poorte by: Mr. ArtistModels Nick and Niels RobbenBoth 24 year old and, as you can see, identical twins. They are born and raised in Tilburg and they went to the Baander College in Boxtel (The Netherlands) they have studied Fashion Commerce. Their plans for the future are: 1th to be international models and travel the world. But they even look further than that… They have a 2nd dream! And this is to start their own business! A nice coffee shop with sandwiches and cakes and exclusive tea and coffee brands.So keep an eye on those twins, you might see them on a (international) catwalk or in their own store where they serve you a cup of tea/ coffee with a delicious cupcake!Model Michelle Schulz:This was her 1st photo shoot and she was very excited about it. She really liked the experience and, you can bet on, that this was not the last time. But her real passion is in cart-ing. So don’t try to challenge her on a go-kart track ... fat chance that you will lose!Location:We were at the car company The Rooij, Soest (the Netherlands) where photographer Hans Bolten worked for 3 years. So we were really glad that we were able to use this location. So we send many thanks to this company that we could use this great location for the photo shoot…The owner ( Mr. The Rooij has a big passion for old cars and he has driven many rallies with the VW Beetle and a Moris mini , both built in the 50’s.

CARSAND FASHION


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