http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/index/ To present topics in art, design, fashion, music, and entertainment in color, meaning from the perspective of people of color worldwide. Serving as a network between artists, designers, musicians, and entertainers. en mbt.akinyemi@googlemail.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-09T21:03:04-05:00 http://www.in-color.net/index.php/article/errol_photography/ http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/errol_photography/#When:21:03:04Z You can "pick” it out, pat it down, dye it a bright shade of red, take a pair of scissor and trim it short, or you just walk out and let it be; the Afro as a hairstyle is as versatile as it is striking. Some use it to vocalize a stance, and for others it’s merely a hairstyle. Cue India Arie's "I Am Not My Hair." With his “Do you have an Afro” Project, London-based photographer Errol shows the diversity of the Afro while showcasing his creative talent. inCOLOR: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you see a person with an Afro? Errol: Do they want to be involved in my project? (laughs) inCOLOR: How long has the “Do you have an Afro” project been running and what sparked the idea? Errol: I’ve been doing this project for nearly a year now. I suppose the idea came about for a few reasons. I’ve always been a huge fan of an American soul/funk group called The Ohio Players. They had the most amazing album covers and, of course, Afros. The Blaxsploitation films were also a major influence. inCOLOR: Can you tell us a little about your background and how you forayed into photography? Errol: Well, I’ve always been a creative person. Before photography, it was music. I just seem to meet amazing musicians, photographers arty types in general. I did a few photography courses, then some assisting. The first person I assisted was a guy called Phil Poynter, who at the time was the photographic director at Dazed and Confused. I also assisted Rankin. That was a cool period, long before Rankin and the magazine was famous. Katie Grand, Katy England, Jefferson Hack, Alister Mackie and Perou were all there. I think it was a defining moment. I then took a break from photography and started to get back into it maybe three years ago. I’m still skint but happy. inCOLOR:  Many people associate the Afro with political inclinations. Did you have any political messages you wanted to communicate in starting the project? Errol: Nope. inCOLOR: What does photography mean to you? Errol: Everything. There is something very special about capturing a moment that will never be repeated. It’s quite strange, as I get very frustrated and annoyed with myself sometimes. I look at the images and see 1,000 things that I should have done differently. inCOLOR: What kind of photographer would you describe yourself as? Errol: I would say I was a fashion/portrait photographer primarily, a people photographer but having said that, I recently did [a] still life that was quite interesting. inCOLOR: If you had to choose between black-and-white photography or color, which would you choose and why? Errol: That’s a good question. Some subjects demand to be in black and white, and others need the in-your-face brightness of color. inCOLOR: You have another project on sneakers alongside the Afro project. Would you say there is a red thread through your projects? Errol: Not too sure about red threads. I just choose subjects that interest and inspire. I think if it’s a personal portrait project, then it has to be driven by passion and come from the heart—not be driven by money. Money will hopefully come if the project has depth and integrity. inCOLOR: What influences your work? Errol: Everything and anything, film, music, art, life in general. inCOLOR: What would be your dream project? Errol: Traveling the world shooting a Gucci [or] Prada campaign and getting paid shit loads of cash; that would be nice. I’m also well up for shooting global sneaker collectors. inCOLOR: Do you have an Afro? Errol: No, sorry. inCOLOR: What are your plans for the future? Errol: There will be an exhibition later this year for “The Sneaker Business” project and hopefully for the “Do you have an Afro?“ project as well. I just need to tie up a sponsor for that one so if anyone knows someone, hit me up. I’ll be focusing a lot more on editorial and fashion stuff this year. I’d really like to have a body of work that inspires other people to become photographers. That’s my main aim: to leave a mark on the world forever. For more information, please visit Errol Photography. the ARTS & DESIGN, Featured 2010-03-09T21:03:04-05:00 http://www.in-color.net/index.php/article/roots_rockin_royal_ii_fashion_show_gives_back_in_style/ http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/roots_rockin_royal_ii_fashion_show_gives_back_in_style/#When:02:42:22Z JAMPACT continues to impact Jamaica and the fashion world with its latest fashion show, Roots Rockin’ Royal II. The show boasted an all-star guest list, including supermodel Oraine Barret, Miss Jamaica USA 2009 Diane Johnson and Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 April Jackson. Fundraising in style, proceeds went towards Jamaican schools and Haitian relief. Red: the color for brave soldiers. Green: the fertility of the land. Yellow: a land of vast mineral sources. These are the colors of Jamaica and the very vibrant hues that blazed across the stage at JAMPACT’s Roots Rockin’ Royal II Fashion Show. Despite last week’s relentless onslaught of snow, JAMPACT promised its attendees that it will “stay fly in any weather.” JAMPACT – short for Jamaica Impact Inc. – is a certified nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding the schools and communities of Jamaica. JAMPACT has gathered a diverse collection of Jamaican professionals, students and peers to improve the socio-economic conditions of a Jamaica in need. With proceeds going toward Jamaican schools and Haiti relief efforts, the show attracted a myriad of international guests and celebrities. The event hostess was the fiery radio diva, Nikki Z. The show also featured event ambassador and lead male supermodel for the Ralph Lauren Winter Olympics Campaign 2010, Oraine Barret. “Although I have been through many obstacles, I am still living with love and presence of god, the Almighty,” the model says. Other feature appearances included special guest models Miss Jamaica USA 2009 Diane Johnson and Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 April Jackson. Soulful Keishera and Elvis D kept the evening going with live music entertainment. I Love Ja designers Nikeisha Boothe and Kimberly Lue Lim headed off the fashion show with their men’s collection. The designers began the night with colorful I Love Ja T-shirts paired with vests and blazers to complete the casual look. Soon after, Nigel Ramsay hit the stage with a sleek, elegant, ready-to-wear women’s line. Ramsay captures the spirit of Jamaica juxtaposed with the fluidity of the female form by displaying a line of comfortable formal wear suited for a night out or a hot, summer day. Ramsay left the audience mesmerized with rich hues of gold and red mixed and shoulder complementing neck lines. The evening wear spell was broken as I Love Ja came back strong with sassy, sexy women’s wear. Like the men’s line, Boothe and Lue Lim showed their flexibility. From a walk through town to a night at the club, the designers showed off their unique skirts and bottoms paired with casual tees. Born as a Raggamuffin reflects the vibrant Jamaican culture with ruffles and midrift-bearing two-pieces. Designers Zebi Williams and Wendy Del Orbe showed that they are not afraid of experimenting with colors as they manage to pull off the “scrappy” look in a very dressy way. Later in the collection, the ladies helped the crowd discover their African side with ensembles adorned with netting and basic geometric prints bursting with color. The brand, Riddim Driven, brings in the urban side with men’s hoodies, jeans and screen-printed tees. Once again, African influences were brought the table with OSUN Designs. OSUN showed off modest full-cover ensembles in dark earth tones. These ready-to-wear pieces varied from hand-dyed ponchos donning the eye of Horus to evening gowns with spectacular rouching. Fidgy Fab’s collection revolves around visually lightweight mesh and satin-like materials. The collection ranges from read-to-wear to avant-garde. Fab’s use of mesh creates an iridescent, shattered glass look unique to the whole show. Not only does JAMPACT hold fashion shows. All year round, the organization attracts support from around the globe. “It was a no brainer,” explains volunteer Nkmo Simons, who found JAMPACT through his college friend. “I wanted to find a way to give back. To have an organization to team up and do it with makes it so much better. It’s all about the give back nature.”  For more information about how to donate or volunteer with JAMPACT, visit http://jampact.org. FASHION, Top Page Placement 2010-03-08T02:42:22-05:00 http://www.in-color.net/index.php/article/chichia_merging_african_textiles_with_western_cuts/ http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/chichia_merging_african_textiles_with_western_cuts/#When:19:08:33Z It’s not easy to straddle the lines between two cultures. Many get it wrong, especially when it comes to fashion and merely revisit stereotypical notions and images. Christina Mhando, the designer behind the innovative brand Chichia, manages to negate this problem. Merging Tanzanian khanga cloth with Western classic cuts she designs clothes that are modern while resonating culturally. inCOLOR: Chichia is quite a catchy and unique name for a brand! What does it mean and where did the inspiration for the name come from? Christine: Chichia is my childhood nickname. I was named after my grandmother Christina (somehow as I got older my name morphed into Christine; no one can tell me how that happened) and when I was about a year old, a cousin of mine around the same age couldn’t pronounce Christina and started to call me Chichia. It caught on with my whole family and stuck. To this day my entire family and close friends call me Chichia. My cousin is very proud and claims he knew it was going to be a big name when he “intentionally” made it up – though he was two at the time! inCOLOR: Many young designers take the route of working for fashion houses and the like, what made you decide to launch your own label? Christine: I think it makes sense to gain experience working for an established brand/label/company before going it alone just to get an idea of what the fashion industry is like. Trust me, my perception of the fashion business was totally different when I first came out of university and only saw the reality once I started working. I have previously worked for designers and suppliers of high street brands, but eventually I simply wanted to design what I liked with no restrictions, so once I got the confidence I decided to start Chichia. inColor: Describe your designs in your own words? Christine: Succulent ... mouth watering ... colorful! inCOLOR: You have showcased at Swahili Fashion Week in 2009, been featured in a range of magazines including Marie Claire UK and were featured in tthe Untold fashion show during London Fashion Week. To date which professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Christine: I can’t really pinpoint one accomplishment that I am most proud of so far. Definitely a combination of all the achievements you have mentioned down to getting lovely thank you message from a satisfied customer who is in love with their new dress ... It’s all part of a journey, hopefully I’m on the right track, but I still feel I have a long way to go. inCOLOR: Which contemporary designers do you admire? Christine: I admire so many, but the main one that comes to mind is the late great Alexander Mcqueen. He was a true creative genius and has left a huge cavity in the world of contemporary fashion design. inColor: Your designs fuse African-inspired textiles with Western classic cuts. How have your designs been received in Africa, especially Tanzania where you are originally from? Christine: I have had an amazingly positive response from Africa and especially Tanzania. I receive lots of positive messages all the time from Tanzanians and Africans in general. It feels great to know that I am introducing the khanga (traditional Tanzanian/East African cloth which I feature in all of my collections) to places and people that have never been exposed to it. inCOLOR: Where do you find inspiration for your designs? Christine: I draw inspiration from everything and anything that’s around me. The fabric I use plays a big part and of course color inspires me but living in London helps a great deal as it’s one of, if not the trendiest city on earth. inCOLOR:You partook in Untold fashion week during this season’s fashion week. How was the experience and how has Untold helped as a platform for your designs? Christine: It was great to be part of a well-organized event to gain some more exposure for Chichia and also really good to be amongst other talented up-and-coming designers. inCOLOR: What are your future plans for your label? Christine: I would love to eventually have a chain of stores/concessions in department stores and for Chichia to become a globally recognized brand. inCOLOR: What do you love the most about designing? Christine: The fact that I hardly have to utter the phrase “I have nothing to wear” [laughs]. Also, just knowing that I can be a part of elevating someone’s mood when they put on one of my garments – that’s a nice feeling! inCOLOR:What type of woman embodies the Chichia brand? Christine: She is daring, vivacious, outgoing, confident and enjoys experimenting with fashion. inCOLOR: You have four collections under your belt so far including the recent “Made in Dar” collection. Which is your favorite so far? Christine: Oh no, it’s like asking a parent which is their favorite offspring! I usually just have favorite pieces from each range, but if I had to choose it would be the “Mwangaza” collection (spring summer 2009), which I named after my mother. Mwangaza also means ‘Ray of light’ or sunshine in Swahili. For more information, please visit CHICHIA. Photographer: Lara Jade Photography and Make up artist: Terhi Roviomaa. Featured, FASHION 2010-03-03T19:08:33-05:00 http://www.in-color.net/index.php/article/untold_fashion_show/ http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/untold_fashion_show/#When:00:24:45Z Established in 2007, Untold is an organization which creates "opportunities where non exist and, through this, brings to light the plight of creatives across a wealth and breadth of disciplines". Its seasonal off-schedule London Fashion Week catwalk show was held on Feb. 22 at Battersea Art Center, where eight emerging designers, representing various ethnicities, showcased their Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. inCOLOR was there to cover the event. London Fashion Week is built on stories—be it the narratives we see knitted, stitched or hemmed down the runway conveying standpoints on topics ranging from global warming to English gardens; or off the stage where fashion insiders strut around from show to show in sky-high Nicolas Kirkwood heels, photographers bend over backwards for the perfect shot and models dance the night away after a hard day’s work. But unfortunately some yarns never quite make it out of the ateliers, not for the lack of strength but for the dearth of sufficient platforms. Untold is a collective established in 2007 by Maame Baryeh, the designer behind Maame Baryeh London. An organization that offers talented emerging UK designers a platform to vocalize their perspectives, the group’s mission, as Baryeh explains, is to “create opportunities where none exist and, through this, bring to light the plight of creatives across a wealth and breadth of disciplines.” It is comprised of a seasonal off-schedule London Fashion Week catwalk show and a static exhibition, art, textiles, accessories, photography and plenty more. Among the many talented creatives behind the endeavor are art director Heather Falconer, Lauraine Bailey, who serves as creative director, and Ola Shobowale, who sits chairs the Management Committee. This year’s fashion week show was held on Feb. 22 at Battersea Art Center in West London. At around 7.30 p.m. the audience had quieted down with pen and paper in hand and cameras placed eagerly on laps. With the center’s beautiful organs as the backdrop, the runway welcomed Gevorgian, a luxurious avant-garde brand specializing in women’s wear and women’s footwear as its first show. Launched this year by Armenian designer Diane Gevorgian, the collection was titled “If Looks Could Kill.” And with fitted and structured tailoring, gold detailing around exaggerated shoulders and hems, ruffled details around hiplines, not to mention a collection of knee-length boots with killer stilettos, the collection as a whole was definitely worthy of a femme fetale. Another innovative women’s wear label showcased was Bestow Elan. Contemporary in style, the designer behind the brand is Erzumah Ackerson, who drapes with jerseys as well as she fashions structured tailored pieces, all while drawing influences from her heritage. Her long, pink jersey dress with a silver V-neck back opening and drapery around the feet was only second to a simple black jersey dress with details framing an open back. Next off was Desiderata. Latin for desired things, the brand is the brainchild of Tarell McIntosh, who won the Fashion Diversity 2009 Award and has interned for the likes of Vivienne Westwood. His collection featured designs for men, including high-waisted light tweed pants, and skirt-like numbers with colorful waistbands that reminded one of an Indian summer. Menswear was also on the mind of Baryeh, who under Ma:LE showcased a collection with impeccable, creative pattern cutting that also highlighted a talent for knitwear. Showstoppers included a structured cropped jacket with ruffled back details and a cropped knit throw with oversized wooden buttons. Mononoko and Chichia London let their fabrics do the talking. Mononoko, designed by Mary Mononokpono, featured reclaimed vintage fabrics with eco-friendly and ethically sourced fabrics, including Nigerian-embossed Ankara, recycled wool, chiffon and linen and soy jersey, to give her rendition of Alice’s adventure in Wonderland. Chichia London was established in 2007 and is headed by designer Christine Mhando, who works predominately with KHANGA, a traditional East African cotton printed fabric. The collection infused the tropical heat of Dar Es Salaa with western shapes, from tunics and off the shoulder tops to high-waisted shorts and knee-length dresses with a pinched waist. Color was central to Chrissie Fizz Designs’ show, which drew inspiration from the ‘80s and featured orange high-waisted shorts paired with white quarter-length sleeved shirts. A definite highlight was a V-neck floral print dress with pockets. And while other designers focused on ready-to-wear, Pia Love looked at lingerie. “I want to make lingerie that gets you into role playing and having fun in the bedroom,” she said. Inspired by the music of Fela Kuti, the lingerie collection featured beautiful two pieces alongside belly-baring one pieces, animal prints and fur details. The perfect ending to the night was Lana Luk’s whimsical collection where the use of fur, stripes, and a somber palette made for a structured look, which was softened with the models totting balloons as accessories. Whether there is a happy ending for all these stories is yet to be seen, and besides the point as their perspectives had a chance to be narrated, thanks to Untold. For more information, visit: http://www.un-told.co.uk/ http://cfdesiderataclothing.yolasite.com http://www.chrissiefizz.com/ http://www.bestowelan.com/ http://www.lanaart.co.uk/ Images courtesy of press@un-told.co.uk FASHION 2010-02-25T00:24:45-05:00 http://www.in-color.net/index.php/article/artist_spotlight_delphine_diallo/ http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/artist_spotlight_delphine_diallo/#When:10:57:30Z For Delphine Diallo, photography is a revolution. It allows her to develop images that transcend stereotypes in a world that consistently perpetuates a singular attitude as to what is deemed beautiful. In this artist spotlight, learn more about the French-Senegalese photographer and her journey of self-identification through art. Everyone has asked themselves, “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” at some point in their lives. They are questions of identity that may be easier for some to answer than others. For French-Senegalese photographer Delphine Diallo, photography allows her to create visions of her beliefs in order to answer personal questions of self-identification. Delphine Diallo worked in the entertainment industry for several years as a commercial art designer and animator before she became discontented with an industry she felt inspired people to only appreciate one kind of beauty. “The commercial industry is involved in all levels of society. They tell us what to wear, what to like, what to believe, what is good, what is bad and many more hidden messages,” said Diallo.  According to Diallo, one of her goals as a photographer is to transcend stereotypes of beauty. “It’s not just about race only. It’s about what is supposed to be beautiful and what is not. Photography is a revolution for me because I can change the way society tries to direct me to their beliefs,” adds Diallo. Race is an issue that has always caused divisions in societies around the world. In February, Americans celebrate “Black History Month” during which time schools put up posters of activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. and tell stories about ordinary citizens like Rosa Parks who made a difference in the lives of all African-Americans.  When asked about her thoughts on cultural history months in America, Delphine Diallo responded, “Does every color need to have a history month? What about universal history months? Black history is a part of my life because I am from Senegal. I try to know a lot about my culture and always learn something new about it.” Although Diallo studied photography at the Académie Charpentier School of Visual Art in Paris, France, her vision as an artist is more inspired by her Senegalese heritage. “Africa is the first place where I was inspired,” said Diallo. “In this land no one is running and people take time to share and stay with their family.” When choosing locations and subjects for her work Diallo says she is driven by spontaneity and likes to visualize how it will turn out before shooting. As an artist her work utilizes both color and black-and-white film. She employs black-and-white film for classic-looking pictures and portraits because she is enamored by the spirituality and sensitivity of the results. Some of her work incorporates collage and paint and makes references to popular culture. For Diallo, incorporating these mediums into her work helps her express her feelings about the world and better understand her role in it. In 2008, renowned photographer Peter Beard invited Diallo to assist him in Botswana and collaborate on a photography art project for the Pirelli Calendar 2009. The trip inspired her to shoot “The RENAISSANCE,” a series of work that portrays modern-day African protagonists as heroes of ancient tales where the beauty and violence of reality collide. “I almost create my photographic world after this trip. He took me one year to shoot from Paris, to Senegal and to New York. And, I’m finally ready to express my new vision of the world.” Not only did Diallo have the opportunity to assist behind the scenes, but also Beard put her in front of the camera to pose as a model for the 2009 edition of the Pirelli Calendar. “He shot me jumping and running with elephants. It was scary, but for the first time in my life I felt good in front of the camera. I wasn’t pausing, but instead acting more with my environment.” Delphine Diallo currently lives and works in New York City, but notes that the transition from the Parisian lifestyle to that of a New Yorker was no easy task. In order to live in New York she had to go through the arduous process of obtaining an artist visa. However, for Diallo New York is where she wants to be as an artist. “Artistically”, she says, “Paris is not a city where as an emerging artist and photographer I feel I can make it.” She advises emerging artists to believe in themselves if they want to find success in New York City as an artist. “I feel better here and very inspired. It fuels my creativity mode. The subway, the people and the city are alive at 100 percent all the time and I love it,” adds Diallo. To see more of Delphine Diallo’s work check out her website here. the ARTS & DESIGN, Featured 2010-02-23T10:57:30-05:00 http://www.in-color.net/index.php/article/strumming_colors_of_soul/ http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/strumming_colors_of_soul/#When:09:50:56Z Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Emily King was born with music in her blood. The New York City-based musician started her career in 2005, released a debut album a year later and has been well-received ever since. East Side Story, Emily King’s debut album, received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Urban Album in 2008. Since then, she has been performing in the local NYC scene and toured with the likes of Alicia Keys and John Legend. With the crafted mash-up of soul, jazz and hip hop with a splash of old school, King’s sultry voice and music serves to prove points of love, race relations and life. King was born to international jazz musicians Kim Kalesti and Marion Cowings and as a child, was constantly exposed to jazz sounds. She eventually fell in love with music and decided to continue the family tradition. According to an interview in Jive Magazine, King stated she had a hard time in school because she knew what she wanted to do and was anxious to get started. She was able take on her music at age 16 when she completed her GED and began writing songs. Determined to stand out from the rest, the first song she finished had nothing to do with relationships. “Business Man” discusses heartless capitalists and has been proclaimed as a central moment on her debut CD. It wasn’t long before she advanced from playing and singing in her apartment to performing in local New York City venues, such as the Bitter End, to signing a deal with J Records. Bad Boy producer Chucky Thompson, who has worked with greats like hip-hop soul queen Mary J. Blige and the Notorious B.I.G., worked with King and helped her develop her eclectic style as she became more exposed to hip hop. After signing with a label, King started recording her album. With her first single “Walk in my Shoes,” King soulfully sasses up a storm explaining how it ain’t easy bein’ Emily and how a person can’t give a how-to lecture to another person unless they walk in their shoes. The video shows a strong depiction of various people, their personal struggles and reactions from other people who aren’t in a similar situation. Even though her first song wasn’t live, she eventually wrote and did “U & I.” This slow groove jam is definitely the type of musical art that a lovestruck young lady can use to describe how she feels about her lover. Then there is “Colorblind,” the single that applies to her experience as the offspring of an inter-racial union. “I think that song really brings it all together,“ she said on her Blackplanet page. “It sums up what I’m about, where I’m from and gives an idea of the passion behind what I’m doing.” The lyrics speak for themselves detailing how society claims to be colorblind while questioning how that’s possible when black and white issues are still brought up. She proclaimed in the song that it was music, not her different set of friends, that allowed King to be herself. King’s music is a fusion of jazz, hip hop, soul and various influences from Beatles, Michael Jackson, Miles Davis and Mary J. Blige, and the ambition to bring people together with her music. King is happy to be doing what she loves, has received great success since the release of her album and her fans have some awesomeness to expect on her sophomore release. For more on Emily King and upcoming performances visit her MySpace. (Photo credit: Blackplanet) Featured, MUSIC 2010-02-22T09:50:56-05:00 http://www.in-color.net/index.php/article/shirley_Ephraim/ http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/shirley_Ephraim/#When:01:19:39Z When it comes to jewelry, we often harbor traditional notions as to fit, texture and composition. From her hand-distressed chain lariat to the organic crocheted black pearl earrings, Nigerian-born and New York-based conceptual jewelry and fashion designer Shirley Ephraim makes beautifully hand-crocheted jewelry. When it comes to jewelry, we often harbor traditional notions as to fit, texture and composition. From her hand-distressed chain lariat to the organic crocheted black pearl earrings, Nigerian-born and New York-based conceptual jewelry and fashion designer Shirley Ephraim makes beautifully hand-crocheted jewelry. Inspired by indigenous cultures, traditional handicrafts and nature, the designer uses materials, such as organic cotton and naturally hand-dyed silk yarns. The Parsons School of Design graduate has worked in the luxury industry for Donna Karan Collection and has designed original crochet jewelry pieces for Oscar-nominated “The Visitor” and “DARE.“ Her own exclusive brand, KIFE Collection, arrives in store this spring. inCOLOR speaks to the designer about her designs. inCOLOR: How would you describe your design aesthetics? Shirley Ephraim:Textured, handcrafted, detailed, and organically shaped. inCOLOR: Gone are the days when knitting and crocheting were associated with grandmothers in rocking chairs, and such creative endeavors are now considered a hip past time. What do you think of this revival taking place in the U.S.? Shirley Ephraim: My jewelry is not driven by trends. Rather, it is timeless. KIFE Collection is a luxury brand deeply rooted in and inspired by ancient handweaving and lacemaking techniques. As a designer and jewelry artisan, my handmade work speaks to an exclusive market. I intricately weave, sculpt, and shape each thread and fiber into a breathtaking piece of jewelry. inCOLOR: Where do you find inspiration for your work? Shirley Ephraim: In nature, world travel, indigenous cultures, traditional handicrafts, and modern architecture. On a recent trip to Brazil, I became completely immersed in the culture, the language, and the land. inCOLOR: Incorporating crochet techniques into jewelry is quite nontraditional. What lead you to this specialize in this practice? Shirley Ephraim: My work is about exploring elements of my tradition and heritage and sharing this with the world through my jewelry. I had the privilege of spending the holidays in my father’s village during my childhood. There was so much craftsmanship and highly skilled artistry going on with the local artisans there. With some of these techniques going back as far as 40,000 years. Whatever the people needed was woven and embroidered from fibers derived directly from the earth. Because of the time, skill, and rare resources used to create these items, they were mostly used only during ceremonies and were considered luxuries depicting a person’s social status. There is also a Spanish lineage on my mother’s side of the family (South American). We grew up around a lot of intricate filet lace in our home. inCOLOR: Your work is delicate and at the same time quite intricate. What type of woman do you design for? Shirley Ephraim:My jewelry is created with a certain feminine sensibility in mind. The pieces are bold yet delicate at the same time. There is an effortless sophistication and complexity in the work. A lot of women can relate to that. inCOLOR: What lead you to your current profession? Shirley Ephraim: I wore a pair of my own earrings to an interview for an internship at the fashion house of Donna Karan. The design director immediately noticed and complimented my jewelry, and I was placed into the collection atelier where I worked directly with Donna herself and the design team. Although I had been creating jewelry from a very young age, that was really the defining moment. The success of my work in “The Visitor” and its 2009 Academy Award nomination has also played an instrumental role in the launch of my jewelry brand. inCOLOR: Which contemporary designers do you admire? Shirley Ephraim: I admire what a lot of other designers are doing in the international jewelry market: constantly pushing the envelope with innovative and unusual materials. inCOLOR: You are also a dancer and performer alongside being a designer. Which medium do you prefer as a means of expression? Shirley Ephraim: For me, each medium has always informed and inspired the other. inCOLOR: Where do you see your brand in 10 years? Shirley Ephraim: For KIFE Collection to have an increased presence in the global market. As an entrepreneur, my desire is to continue to grow my business and become more profitable, without having to sacrifice the artistry and quality of the brand. inCOLOR: You have made jewelry for feature films, including “DARE.“ How does this compare to designing you own individual collection? Shirley Ephraim:With film, it is a collaborative process. You are working with both the director and the costume designer’s vision. Then, there is the character—who they are, what they do, their lives, their desires. It’s very specific. When I was studying fashion design at Parsons in New York City, we were always designing for a muse or customer. Not one person. That’s the difference—this idea of customization, borrowing from Parisian Haute couture. inCOLOR: What do you love the most about designing? Shirley Ephraim:The freedom to express myself and do what I love. For more information, visit www.shirleyephraim.com and www.kifecollection.com. Featured, FASHION 2010-02-19T01:19:39-05:00 http://www.in-color.net/index.php/article/rock_n_rose/ http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/rock_n_rose/#When:06:08:39Z The Shea Rose sound is funk, soul and rock and roll. Rose’s sultry voice over a roaring guitar creates a musical blend of alternative rock, r&b and deep funk. As Shea Rose puts the gears into motion for her new EP Rock n’ Rose, this new artist bridges a fresh style with a familiar sound, creating a platform so cutting edge it's hard not to take notice.“I know that I am not the face people are used to seeing when hearing my sound,” said Shea Rose. The songstress is rare in today’s music scene; her blend of rock and soul is somewhat absent in mainstream music. Standing out as a breath of fresh air amongst her musical peers, Rose was able to use the absence to push her musical growth.  “I am a black woman singing rock music, but I think that it is something that has always been in black music,” said Rose “I could look back at some of the performances from artists like Ray Charles, James Brown and Little Richard. These artists really planted the seeds for rock music.” Rose recalls when she was discovering her sound, a time when she took what she lacked and turned it into her greatest strengths. It was also through this journey of discovery that Rose was introduced to a whole new musical genre. “Many of the artists that I was inspired by I didn’t sound like, artists like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. I could sing their songs, but I didn’t feel like my voice had the same timbre and tone. So part of me trying to find my voice looked into other music and the other music that I started listening to was classic and alternative rock.” Rose discovered artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin; she used influences from these artists to allow her voice to deliver stories through her music. These were stories with no embellishments, just straightforward and raw, something rock music is known for. It wasn’t long before her passion for music motivated her to branch out. She joined different bands that allowed her to travel and develop her knack for performing. Coincidentally, her road to establishing herself led Rose to enrollment at Berklee College of Music. With very few musicians considering college as a contingency, Rose saw it as a golden opportunity. “I just felt like something was missing. I felt like there was a lot of natural ability that I was given and born with but in order for me to tap into it in the depths that I want, Berklee was the door for that.” Rose used the performing art school, which lists notable alums such as John Mayer and Natalie Maines, to acquire knowledge on the academic and technical aspects of her craft. “It helped build my musical toolbox. Being at Berklee has completely transformed my life. It has helped me figure out who I am and what I want to do and say as a musician.” As a musician, Rose is very liberated and empowering. On tracks like “Rock n’ Rose”, Rose takes the listener on a groove theory revealing her sensual, intelligent and edgy style; on the track, she chants “Rock n’ rose is a feeling/flip it how you want/can’t put it in a box”. These lyrics embody all of what Shea Rose stands for. Her uplifting content, her femine touch blended with rock allows for her material to stand on its own and outside of that box, making it something that resonates and can be felt. “There are so many ways my creative process goes down,” says Rose “I just sit down in front of the piano or I’ll pick up a guitar and I’ll start strumming chords and then a melody will come, other times it would come from lyrics that I have in my head and then I’ll try to place the lyrics inside the chord structure. Sometimes someone would give me a beat or a track and then ask, ‘can you write to this’?” It was Rose’s music that grabbed the attention of the legendary Cindy Blackman. “I recorded a project in Italy with Cindy Blackman, who used to be the drummer for Lenny Kravitz. She is definitely a rock drummer, who’s edgy and funky.” Rose first caught the attention of Blackman when she was asked to be the opening performer for Berklee’s Women in Rock concert event. The event celebrated African-American women in rock music. Blackman, who was also performing at the event, was really captivated by Rose. She approached Rose and discussed working with her on a future project. “Initially I thought that she wanted me to sing on her projects, it turns out she wanted to produce my album.  She has a production team in Italy, so they flew me out to Naples to record the album.” With Blackman as one of her mentors, Rose describes the experience as inspirational. “It was a lot of hard work for a short amount of time,” said Rose, “I think that getting out of America and getting out of my comfort zone was a big thing. It made me stronger as a person, it made me open to cultures and ways of living and looking at life in multiple ways” Though the newcomer may have already worked with vets like Cindy Blackman, she knows she still has a long way to go and so much more to accomplish. Her project in Italy sparked even more motivation, as she’s back in the states putting the finishing touches on her independent EP Rock n’ Rose, which is very different from the project she worked on in Italy. “The inspiration from this album comes from everyday life, if I go out and I hear some live music or if I listen to some old Donny Hathaway.” Either way, it sounds like this songstress digs into her “musical toolbox” for this EP. Rock ‘n Rose will be a compilation of songs that provide the platform for Rose’s own introduction to the world as a recording artist. This very same platform will allow Rose to blossom into bigger and better things throughout her musical career. “The sound that I have right now is a building block. I see a lot of evolution in terms of where I’m going to go vocally,” said Rose. “I really believe that now that I understand my voice, obtained all this knowledge, and I see myself performing the songs of those I listened to growing up.” “I see myself doing everything that I love at some point. I want to get out into the world. I have so many ideas and I don’t think it will stop at my music, my creative process will continue to flourish in many directions.” The world can’t wait to see what Shea Rose has in store. For more on Shea Rose her and her upcoming perfromances visit her MySpace page. DA MUSIC 2010-02-17T06:08:39-05:00 http://www.in-color.net/index.php/article/designer_spotlight/ http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/designer_spotlight/#When:09:48:51Z Join the Plutocracy! In this interview with inCOLOR, fashion designer Anitra Michelle talks about her latest collection, style icons, and personal style, among other topics. inCOLOR: Have you always had an interest in working in the fashion industry? A.M.: My interest in working in the fashion industry started when I was in undergrad at Howard University. I worked for Diesel and from there, I knew I had a true love for textiles and the process of design, but I was still attempting to figure out how to get from point A to point B. inCOLOR: If you could go back in time and live in any era where would you go? A.M.: I would go to Paris because it’s romantic and full of life; in addition to it being another fashion capital that has a whole different reach and feel for the industry. I also love art and architecture, like Chateau de Versailles and Louvre Museum. inCOLOR: What inspires your work? A.M.: The idea that there are women out there that need me and love garments that allow them to be individual. inCOLOR: Do you have any style icons?  A.M.: Bianca Jagger (a la ‘70s) , Madonna, Grace Coddington, Tom Ford, Carine Roitfeld, Kanye West. inCOLOR:   How did you come up with the theme for your latest collection? A.M.:   In my travels and my experiences I have seen various cultural references that have been disregarded and left by the wayside because of the initial interpretation. So, since my stint at Diesel (in the days of old) I have always been attracted to textiles and the variety allowed through fabrication manipulation It led me to explore the variety that could be had with African textiles. inCOLOR: How did you come up with the name Plutocracy for your company? A. M.: Plutocracy means ruled by the wealthy. I believe wealthy can span many bounds, i.e. wealthy in health, wealthy in finances, wealthy in style, etc. I feel that our society is ruled by those who are wealthy; therefore, I wanted to reference that group of individuals because it’s where all the trends seem to trickle down from. inCOLOR: Do you have a typical person in mind when you design? A.M.: The Corporate Rebel. inCOLOR: What are some resolutions you have for the growth of your company? A.M.: I’m determined to keep growing it because it comes from LOVE. I never let others dictate what I think is stylish and/or fashionable because it comes from within. Staying true to my vision while growing a brand, not just a clothing line. inCOLOR: How would you describe your personal style? A.M.: Relaxed and comfortable with a splash of originality. inCOLOR:   Where are your favorite places to shop? A.M.: Various vintage shops all over the city and a couple of great finds in Long Island; I also like Funky Fanny’s, Brooklyn Flea and Screaming Mimi’s.   inCOLOR: What is the hardest part about being an entrepreneur? A.M.: Keeping the vision and managing the team all while funding the dream! inCOLOR: Where can people find your creations? A.M.: Currently, we are confirmed for Michelle New York, EModa Boutique and online starting April 1; however, we have various other boutiques that are working on orders, so PLUTOCRACY will be available just in time for spring! Check out the PLUTOCRACY Web site here. FASHION, Top Page Placement 2010-02-15T09:48:51-05:00 http://www.in-color.net/index.php/article/a_diva_24_7/ http://www.in-color.net/index.php/site/a_diva_24_7/#When:01:19:39Z If someone ever asked you, “Who’s Amanda Diva,” and your response was, “She’s an artist,” that would be a criminal understatement. Before becoming a Renaissance diva, Amanda Seales got her start as an actress on Nickelodeon’s My Brother and Me, playing the role of Dionne. After the show was canceled in 1995, Diva focused on her education and allowed her muse to keep blossoming. She migrated from Orlando, Fla. to the Big Apple in the late ‘90s, was exposed to hip hop, and became determined to stand out from the rest. While writing and performing spoken-word poetry, she was picked to spit rhymes on Russell Simmon’s Def Poetry Jam. A year later in 2003, she was discovered performing at a political fundraising event and scored a gig as a radio personality on Sirius Satellite, “Breakfast at Diva’s.”  While she was interviewing and performing with musicians like Jay-Z, Q-Tip, the Roots and actor Tom Cruise, she completed her master’s in African-American Studies at Columbia University. Diva never disappeared from the television screen as she is the creator of the weekly news and sketch comedy, Diva Speak TV. Diva created the web series as a response to her fans who missed her radio show. Introducing witty and innovative ideas sprinkled with a tone of social and political understanding, Diva sheds light on current events and her take on them. Diva also has another show, Diva Diva Y’all, which involves interacting with everyday people, and she has appeared on VH1’s Best Weekend Ever as a radio personality commentator. In 2007, Diva was asked to go on tour with the group Floetry and released the first of an EP trilogy, Life Experience. While some tried to write Diva off as another personality trying to be a musician, Diva soothed their words with her plethora mash-up of the hip hop, soul, alternative and electronica genres and made two videos that confirm her love for her work. “40 Emcees” talks about how young people look up to figures like Jay-Z and Lil’ Kim and swear up and down that they can reach their level of success on a shorter time span. Diva speaks of what happened to these wannabe emcees as they realized how much you invest in the game depends on if you will win in the end. “Supa-woman,” much like her supa-woman segment on one of her web shows, speaks for itself. Diva discusses the traits of a supa-woman: extraordinary, strong, self-sufficient, outstanding and sometimes, uncouth … but who said the world was a nice place to live? To experience the complete awesomeness of Diva, you can purchase her music and spoken-word poetry book on her website. “What Diva can’t undastand what make dem talk bout me …,” she says as she ends the video, which is perfectly fitting for the accomplishments this woman has achieved. The Diva is an actress, singer, emcee, published poet, writer and an extraordinary painter. Diva Works of Art displays her Spectrum Handbags, as well as various artwork prints which expose her Harlem-Renaissance-with-a-twist-of-Diva-funk style that is impossible to duplicate. Amanda Diva is indeed the ultimate diva whose hustle is like no other. To see more music, shows and paintings, check out her website.  Everyday Queens (Photo credits: Amanda Diva website) MUSIC 2010-02-12T01:19:39-05:00