Month: February 2013
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Yuna
Her voice is laid back, sultry, and soulful. Her genre is defined as Indie Rock, but you can hear the influences of folk, electronica, and R&B. I also love her unique style.Yuna is an independent singer and song-writer from Kedah, Malaysia. She started writing her own songs when she was 14 years-old and later learned how to play the guitar. She has been performing in acoustic shows since 2006. While participating in the music scene, she was studying law at Universiti Teknologi and graduated with a Bachelors of Legal Studies in 2009. Her crossover to the US music scene happened in 2011 when she signed with the FADER label. Her US debut album, self-titled Yuna, was released in 2012 with the single “Live Your Life,” produced by Pharrell. She is now signed with Verve Music Group and planning new music for 2013.
I stumbled upon her album while sampling music from around the world…a habit I picked up from my DJ college days and have yet to drop. Every track on this album has a different character. You can tell the lyrics took a lot of time and feeling to compose. The melodies are light-hearted, fun, and refreshing at the same time.
I think her style is worth noting as well. I like to see people use their style as part of their personality. I love the way she incorporates the hijab with her outfits to have that casual chic look. She is also a lover of color, like me, which I think she plays with very well.
Her recent album is beautiful. It is one of those you can enjoy the entire album without skipping any tracks. My top favorites are “Live Your Life” and “See You Go.” I highly recommend you check her music out.
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Oscars 2013: My Favorite Moments
Regardless of who is hosting and who is nominated, the Academy Awards always has something entertaining and glamorous to enjoy. I thought this years Oscars had some high points. Below is a list of my favorite moments.
The Captain Kirk introduction and back-and-forth banter about the future was neat, but went a little long. My favorite part of the opening number was the dance routine with Charlize Theron and Channing Tatum. It brought back the Hollywood glamour of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Did any of you know that Charlize Theron could dance?
The stage design was magnificent. The screens, the lighting, the movement…just beautiful.
I saw Paperman for the first time a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. I am very glad they won Best Animated Short Film. It showcases a breakthrough in animation that merges computer-generated and hand-drawn animation techniques. I also love the music…I am a big fan of scores that are composed for films.
One of the high points for me was the James Bond tribute. Dame Shirley Bassey is still and always will be the epitome of class and talent. She performed “Goldfinger,” the ultimate James Bond theme song that made her the ultimate Bond girl. Thanks to my mother, I have been listening to Shirley Bassey’s greatest hits since I was in middle school. I think I will dedicate a post to her in a few weeks.
I also enjoyed Barbara Streisand’s performance. She has such a rich and classic voice.
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Just Sharing: My First Modeling Gig
As the rain poured and rush hour traffic in downtown Washington, DC became more congested, my friend and I braced the elements in cocktail dresses and platform pumps to catch a cab and make our way to our first professional fashion event – DC Fashion Week’s Corjor International Showcase.
In September of 2011, I attended a free event for DC Fashion Week in the Dupont Circle area. Among the glamorous and fashionably inclined, I met the designer and the photographer for Elizabeth St John (whom I later interviewed here). After the introductions and chatting, they invited me to model in their showcase that weekend. I thought it sounded like a fun opportunity…so I agreed. That Saturday, from 2pm until around 9pm, I witnessed the exciting behind-the-scenes experience of being a part of a real fashion show. From hair and make-up, to dress fittings, to runway practicing, to mini dramas among the organizers, it was a fun-filled afternoon. The event took place at the Hillwood Estates, which includes a museum and lovely gardens. I must admit, once I entered the gates to the estate, I felt as if I was transported to southern France. It really was beautiful. The models I met at the show were also welcoming. Once they found out that this event was my first modeling experience, they immediately extended a fashionable-helping-hand and gave me advice on how to get ready and which business cards I should pick up. We also had fun practicing power-walking on the cobble-stone runway. I ended up modeling for all three designers at this event and met some wonderful people.
I realized that I never got a chance to share this experience or these photographs. Since there was no official photo shoot, it was hit-or-miss until some pictures were posted on websites or social media. I figured now is a better time than any to share this.
I love learning new things and I think modeling can truly be an art form, depending on how you look at. It reminded a lot of performing in theatre. I don’t necessarily list “model” under my tag line, but I do enjoy acting for the camera. Below are a few photos from me and the photographers that were at the event. “Enjoy darling!”
The “runway” at Nuit De La Mode at the Hillwood Estates 
Make Up by Jamie Sutton Weiss from Salon Emage 
Clothing by Marina Astafyeva 
Dress by Camille Pascal 
Dress by Elizabeth St John -
Surround Yourself With Greatness
Every week I will be posting a motivational quote or inspiring image to help all of us recognize the important things in life.
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Wondaland Arts Society: Artistic Covergence & Brilliance
Source: Essence Magazine “Indie artist” does not come close to describe the brilliant genre bending talent of the Wondaland Arts Society. With music, style, and a message that anyone seeking inspiration can relate to, its no wonder Sonos has asked them to join their creative team. The Wondaland Arts Society, featuring Janelle Monáe, are collaborating with Sonos to showcase their work.
I have been a fan of Janelle Monáe for a number of years now and I am really glad to see this push to showcase her essence as a true artist. Not that it was ever disputed, but I started to resent the way the mainstream media tried to typecast her as a style icon…as if that was all she stood for.
The video gives a glimpse into the world of the Wondaland Arts Society. From the beginning, I knew this was her label…or band…or something like that, but I now have a better sense of what that means. It has been a while since we have had a musical family in the industry and I think this video portrays that beautifully. They are not kin, but they have that family connection that embraces and supports each others creativity. They also portray themselves as an arts academy and a republic in such an innovative way – “the 21st century rebel arts organization.” I love how they describe their mission on their website. I know it is mainly for their group, but I think it would do wonders if they really established an Arts Academy that children could attend.
Also, don’t you love the decor in their home? So cool! Did any of you see them in LA for the Sonos event?
You should also check out Janelle Monáe’s lovely interview with Elle Canada.
Dagny Zenovia 