Category: 2009

My Sister’s Keeper

Jodi Picoult

How would you feel if you knew that the only reason you were conceived was as a donor for your sibling? For the entire thirteen years of her life, Anna Fitzgerald, the main character in Jodi Picoult’s best seller, My Sister’s Keeper, has been the main source of her older sister’s survival. Her sister Kate, three years older than she, has leukemia, and without the stem cells and the bone marrow from Anna, she cannot survive. Told uniquely from multiple first person points of view, this is a novel replete with suspense, irony, romance, compassion, humor, disappointment . . . and surprises. At the plot’s center are the main character Anna and her lawsuit against her parents Sara and Brian Fitzgerald. She is suing for medical emancipation, her right to make her own decisions about her body. This is the story of the family’s struggle for survival at all costs. Each chapter features the first person point of view of one of the characters: Anna, the main character; her lawyer, Campbell Alexander; her older sister Kate; her older brother Jesse; her mother Sara; her father Brian; and Julia, Anna’s court-appointed guardian ad litem.

To deal with the multiple problems that make up the complexity of conflicts in the novel as each of the principal characters interacts with and around the main character, Anna, the author chooses to tell the story of Anna’s fight for medical emancipation through multiple first person points of view. Every one of the principal characters has a problem of his or own to resolve, and the first person narration brings to the novel the subjectivity of each of the characters as each viewpoint is explored.

The lawyer, Campbell Alexander, provides much of the humor in the novel at just the right point—when emotions are running high and things seem to be at their lowest. He humorously dispels the myth that the only people with service dogs are blind people. At various points in the novel, in response to his dog’s being denied entry, he states, “This is a service dog.” Always their response is, “You’re not blind.” He always responds humorously: “I’m not . . . I’m a recovering alcoholic. He gets between me and a beer.” Another time is the explanation that he actually has an iron lung and Judge has been specially trained to guard against magnets. He tells another person he’s a lawyer, and his dog chases ambulances for him. Everyone, including the reader, is surprised when the truth of his service dog is revealed.

Perhaps this book and the subsequent movie will serve to make other parents think before they birth a child for the purpose of saving another child’s life. Perhaps they will think about the cost to their other children when one child seems always to be at the center of attention. In spite of the great love the parents have for each child, there is often that feeling of neglect on the part of the other children. We see this lack in Anna’s brother Jesse as we watch the trouble he gets into as he takes a back seat to terminally ill Kate, his sister.

Reviewed by Lee L. Peoples

Insights: Impermanence

Two of the difficult lessons of life are those of letting go and impermanence. Nothing . . . no one lasts forever, and many would welcome their parents and their pets agreeing to accompany them throughout their lives. I walk through a forest of trees and smell the scent of freesia or gardenia, but the smell doesn’t linger. It only makes its presence known in that moment. These experiences are only temporary, and it is the same with our loved ones and our pets.

Animals can teach us plenty about letting go and impermanence. We experience the joy of a beloved pet one day and the sadness of losing it sometime later. Dogs are always so happy to greet us. They wag their tails, lick our faces, and eagerly wait on us when we leave them alone. We have no choice but to let go because dogs only live 15 years or so, and no matter how strong our love and attachment, life must and will go on.

Some people find it strange how people can become so attached to their pets. I’ve been attached to a bird that I missed for years when he was no longer with me. My bird’s name was Rahab. He used to fly to me and sit on my shoulder and coo as I entered a room. I became attached because he showed me unconditional love. My mother speaks to her cats as if they are human, and I’m sure she’d miss them if they were gone. I’ve seen her fuss over them as if they were her own children. This is not strange, for animals as well as humans are capable of showing affection.

Be that as it may, nothing on earth will last forever. The mountains themselves will fade and the oceans will give way to deserts. We learn to let go when, as we grow older, our loved ones depart one by one. I know that one day I will outlive my mother whom I’ve secretly prayed would live forever. I have more than a few friends who’ve had to face the loss of their mothers, and I don’t want to lose mine. I want to hold onto her like a dying man holding onto a ledge, but ultimately her time will come and I will have to let go to face the depths.

Letting go involves facing ourselves and facing the fact that we are self-contained and can withstand almost anything. Once we live through the sadness of losing someone we care about, and then face the anger that comes on its heels, we will experience depression. Getting through that will take great strength, but we will be better for it. And in all reality our loved ones remain with us, alive in our hearts and in our minds.

I ached when my father died. He had been ill, and I never gave up the feeling that he would outlast the surgeries, the medications, and the pain of diabetes and heart disease. I held onto his memory for a long time, but soon that began to change. Now, I remember his face only vaguely and the most prominent memories are what it was like to hear him whistle when he was in a good mood, or how I always felt a cool breeze around him. He seemed to be always coming in from the cold. I smile when I remember because though gone, he is still present and will always in spite of our differences be a part of my soul.

Like the sweet smell of roses or apple pie or blueberry muffins, the aroma of him only lasts a moment. In letting that moment pass, I allow myself to experience another and another. Though here and gone, he will pass this way again.

Written by Lisa Trimarchi

Use Favorite Summer Fashion in Your Own Fall Collection

Use Favorite Summer Fashion in Your Own Fall Collection

Fashion weeks around the globe have already become the “it” calendar check-off in the industry. And whether or not you have the opportunity to make it backstage, have a seat at the show, hit after-show parties, and/or look at the pics from the shows in every fashion magazine you can find on the shelf at Borders, this event gives us ideas. It sort of sets the stage for the designer wear we want to purchase and find as a knockoff at a cheapy store. It’s fun to adopt a new color, a new trend, a new way of styling your outfits. But keep in mind, this doesn’t have to be an “in with the new and out with the old” process. There are current summer pieces in your closet that will add sass to your fall wardrobe collection.

Here are some ways to recycle, reuse, and retouch three of your favorite trends that keep you feeling ultra-cool in the hot, hot sun:

Tanks and Camisoles: So you wear your bright pink tank loud and proud with your jeans right now, right? Before you know it, you can throw a fun, printed scarf on top of it and wear a denim jacket with it. You may also want to try to wear the pink tank under a button-down blouse for work, with a poncho or shawl across your shoulders, or as a layering piece with your long-sleeve sheer tees. Let some color pop! (FYI: Every woman should have at least three tank top-like camisoles in her closet. The basic colors of black, white, and brown can save the day as undershirts, believe me.)

Sundresses: A sundress paired up with flat sandals is oh-so adorable! But as the fall approaches, this may not be practical. So find a pair of knee length boots in chocolate, black, or even purple (depending on the colors in your dress). As for how to stay warm here’s where you can have fun! A shrug, belted wrap sweater, bolero, and scarves will make a typical summer dress a fabulous fall staple.

Denim shorts: Ever throw a pair of opaque black tights under a pair of denim, frayed shorts? A great, funky combination may work perfectly for an eclectic personality. Think: denim shorts, black tights, black chunky UGG-like boots, and a loose long sleeve blouse or chunky sweater. There you are.

An alternative style that takes little effort but a lot of confidence! So make sure you are comfortable in your own skin, first.

I have no doubt that stylistas everywhere love fall because of the new fashion, and shopping for new must-haves. Tall boots, bright-colored booties, blazers, scarves, cowl neck sweaters, leggings, and flannel button-ups can make a gal’s wardrobe shine during a season that bridges the sun and gloomy weather. But don’t give up on what you already own! You will save money in the process and have fun stylizing the old with the new. Why stop wearing some of your favorite fashion pieces? Says who? Recycle, reuse, and retouch. That’s my motto.

Written by Elana Pruitt

Julia Anderson (“True Beauty”)

Julia Anderson, Winner of True Beauty and People Magazine‘s 100 Most Beautiful People, Is Living Life with No Regrets and Taking Her Dreams to a Whole New Level

“I went to the show promising I’d stay true to myself, my beliefs, my convictions, and that I would not do anything that I regretted.”—Julia Anderson, Winner of True Beauty

Little did she know that her friend’s suggestion to enter the True Beauty competition would lead to a career-altering path. Julia Anderson had recently competed in the Miss Texas competition, which didn’t go as well as she had hoped, and decided to go to an audition her best friend found online.

“Are you gorgeous? Do people stare at you when you walk into a room?”

Thinking the ad was ridiculous, but still curious, Julia was just looking for something else to do. “I just happened to have the day off from school and my three part-time jobs at the time. I saw it as a sign, so I thought I’d go ahead and go to that audition. From one callback to another, I ended up in LA and on the show.

How many competitors were there trying to get on?

There were hundreds, no, thousands of people. The show had traveled all around the world looking for contestants.

What an honor to be named the winner out of all those people!

It really is an honor, and I am so blessed. It’s such a cool show to have won. It makes me feel so great for my family . . . and they’re excited . . . and it shows how I was raised. It’s an honor for all of us, my entire family.

What was the experience like?

Reality TV is difficult (laughs). You don’t ever really know what’s going on and they keep you in the dark about everything. So it was rough. I’m not going to lie. No music, no TV, no books, no magazines . . . nothing. So I was by myself with these other contestants for a long period of time. And yeah, we were in a gorgeous house, but still we had no idea. You were literally living on the edge of your seat the entire time because you had no idea what was going on. It was a good experience. I learned a lot about myself, a lot about patience and how to live with nine other people in a house.

Did you find that there were some people who were particularly difficult to live with while you were doing the show?

When you’re sharing a room, a bathroom, and a kitchen, it does get rough. Everybody was good about switching out everything and sharing, and everybody on the show really was great. And so we were all very understanding.

What was your reaction when you realized that it wasn’t about the outward physical appearance?

I went to the show promising I’d stay true to myself, my beliefs, my convictions, and that I would not do anything that I regretted. I didn’t want to embarrass my family or my friends. If it had been any other reality show, I probably would have been the first one to get kicked off. It was just an honorable moment for me. I can’t even begin to describe the feeling once I found out.

Did you discuss with your parents how you were going to be on the show once you actually got on it?

Of course people warned me about reality TV, the editing, the production, everything. I was cool. I knew that I was not going to do anything or say anything that I normally wouldn’t do or say. Reality TV isn’t bad if you go promising just to be yourself and don’t change and don’t do anything where you’re going to have regrets.

Were you shocked, or did you already have an idea that there was more to this contest?

All of us contestants had no idea that there was more to the contest. Little things would happen that were quite odd and strange. But we thought that it was just the producer trying to get in our heads, trying to produce drama to make good TV. Whenever funny stuff happened, we really had no clue that we were being judged on our inner beauty.

There would be times where I would seriously look around the room for hidden cameras and couldn’t find any. And now when I watch the show, there were actually hidden cameras in there, especially the first episode when we were getting our beauty graded. They left all of the contestants’ medical files right on the seat next to me. I thought, “What’s going on here?” So I looked around and I really could not find any cameras. In that episode there were five cameras zooming in at every direction. Technology is crazy.

It almost seemed like they were trying to trick you into going against your natural impulse. If it was me, I would have been dying to see what the other contestants’ results were.

I wanted to look at the other contestants’ pictures, but I didn’t want to touch the files because I knew that was wrong and basically illegal.

What was the most challenging part of the true beauty competition?

It was really not having any idea what you’re doing. One day they’d say get up, put on some clothes, we’re going to go camping. You just have to be ready for anything. And that gets exhausting, challenge after challenge. You just want some normalcy.

Do you have any fond memories?

All of the people were really great. We really had a lot of fun together. Whether it looked like it or not, we really are all still friends. We all keep in touch, and we really all learned a lot about ourselves because of each other. The most memorable time was when Ray kept running around the house naked. I try to forget that, but I can’t (laughs). Ray was the surfer, long hair. Then Billy and Joel were asleep (they’re the old timers), and Chelsea, Laura, Ray, and I were so bored that we resorted to playing hide and go seek. And then we decided to get our bed sheets, cut holes in them and pretend like we were ghosts and we tried to scare Billy and Joel. We were acting ridiculous, and that didn’t make TV?

Nobody in the house knew how to cook. Ray could cook turkey burgers, Laura could cook spaghetti, and Billy could make protein shakes, and that’s it. I was basically the designated cooker and that’s scary because everybody back home knows that I’m not a cook. I try, I have the best intentions, but we had Mexican fiesta every night because my specialty was chicken fajitas.

As a former beauty pageant winner—Miss Grapevine, right?—how do you think those pageant experiences helped you during the true beauty competition?

During True Beauty everyone kept referring to me as a pageant girl, and that’s simply not correct. I was a girl that did pageants. I did it for the scholarship money. It allowed me to do my community service, have my platform, and it opened a lot of doors. When people ask me if the pageants helped in any way, I say not really. It’s the way I was raised really. You have to be ready for anything or for everything. It’s about your character or how you handle yourself and the way you handle certain situations. Some pageant people are experienced in that, but I think mine’s just from the dedication of dance I’ve gone through my entire life. I would say dance has helped me more than the pageants.

Can you tell me about your dance experience?I started dancing when I was about 2-1/2 years old. I’ve been dancing ever since. It’s my passion. It’s my love. It’s what I do. It’s literally the best therapy. I dance almost every day. I take classes. I dance semi-professionally; however, I’m focusing on other things right now; but really dance is my passion, and that’s what’s gotten me where I am today as far as confidence, time management, discipline, etc.

What kind of dancing do you do and what is your training?

I am a performer for two different entertainment companies. I travel around the country for corporate events. I’m a magician’s assistant, too. I’ve studied ballet, tap, and jazz, and point my entire life. Tap is my specialty. My #1 influence and who I look up to the most is Savion Glover. He’s an amazing tapper.

What are your ultimate career goals?

I want to be a respondent, a host, or a reporter. Get paid to talk. I’d love to have my own talk show and hopefully be an inspiration to other people as well. True Beauty has opened so many doors. Tyra Banks, one of the producers, hired me as a correspondent for her show. She’s helping to make my dreams come true. She’s an amazing person, and I am so grateful for her.

You hear about these reality show people who win the competition and you never hear about them again. How has your life changed since the contest?

Since winning the contest, my life has changed quite drastically because I moved from Texas to LA and am pursuing my dreams. It’s opened so many doors. The prize money gave me the chance and ability to move. As far as everyday life, things are the same. Nothing has changed as far as my personal life, but as far as my career, it has changed overnight. I still spend time with my friends and family. I work. I play with my two doggies at home.

So what was it like to be one of People Magazine‘s 100 Most Beautiful People?

Being in People Magazine‘s 100 Most Beautiful People issue is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Everybody goes to pick up that magazine. I buy it every year to see who made the list. I like to see who made the cut or not. And I made the cut this year! If you have dreams, pursue them and follow your dreams. If you can dream it, achieve it . . . really! I still get giddy whenever I think about it. I’m so excited. It’s such an honor to be a part of that magazine.

I remember something you said on the show, that you wanted to enter the Miss America Pageant and that you felt perhaps by winning the True Beauty Contest, it would help you get the recognition you need to help you win the pageant.

Not really. When I was Miss Teen Texas in 2002, I received a public intoxication ticket, and I gave up my title. I was depressed for a number of years and down in the dumps. Then I realized one day that you can’t lie around and have all these regrets. You have to really learn from your mistakes and move on. I can go and I can teach other kids not to make the same mistakes I did. I can be a learning tool. And that’s really why I went back to pageants. I won Miss Grapevine. I went to the Miss Texas organization as an outlet for that. But True Beauty was really a better outlet—national TV. It’s okay if you make mistakes—just learn from them. My new saying is “Have no regrets.”

Do you think that there will be another True Beauty contest?

Yes, I think there will be another contest. A lot of people ask how it could happen if everybody already knows the secret. But Ashton Kutcher kept “Punked” going for a long time, and he’s one of the producers.

What is your definition of beauty?

I hate when people ask this question (laughs). Being 100% comfortable in your own skin whether you are short, tall, large, or small doesn’t matter as long as you love who you are and are comfortable with who you are. That’s my definition of true beauty.

Are you a role model?

To have come from almost nothing and come to where I am today shows so many people if you dream it you can achieve it. I think it’s so true. I realized I made mistakes and I’velearned from them. I’m really hoping that other people can see that it’s okay if they make mistakes, too and learn from theirs as well.

What are your own beauty secrets?

Hydrate. I try to go to the gym almost every day or every other day. I use a moisturizer. I’ve learned that less is more. I used to have eyelash extensions and those are long gone. Embrace the natural beauty. And that’s my number one beauty secret.

Lowest Low & Highest High

I was a dancer my entire life and I got into pageants because talent was 40% of the overall score. Then I won Miss Teen Texas. It was a huge dream of mine. Once I started pageants, I realized what you could do. The doors had opened. The people you can touch . . . it was a really huge honor. I messed it up. I did something really bad. I was a hypocrite. I was embarrassed and ashamed. I realized you can’t sit around and have regrets. My highest high was realizing on True Beauty that we were being judged on our inner beauty. I just remember thinking my family was going to be so happy, and that was definitely my highest high.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in a reality show?

They’re fun, you learn a lot about yourself. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don’t do anything you will regret. Think about your friends and family who will be watching—young and old, and stay true to yourself.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples

The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

“A Steady Rain”: Hugh Jackman & Daniel Craig, Tuesday, September 15 – The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

As someone who attends a great deal of Broadway theater, I am a little nonplussed about the “star effect” that many producers have increasingly introduced to that wondrous island of American theater between 55th and 41st Streets (my apologies to Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont a few blocks north). Oftentimes when Rodeo Drive meets Broadway, the results can be disastrous (I love you, Julia Roberts, but your turn in the Broadway play, “Three Days of Rain” . . . Ouch!!). This past season on Broadway featured a generous helping of Hollywood star power, including Jane Fonda, Will Ferrell, James Gandolfini <http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001254/>, Jeremy Piven, Jeff Daniels, Marcia Gay Harden, and Hope Davis. Please indulge this writer in saying bless you, Will Ferrell, for that deeply cathartic and hilarious send-off of our 43rd President—”You’re Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush.” Mr. Ferrell broke all box office records for the Cort Theatre and had audiences whipped into a frenzy worthy of a Texas vs. Oklahoma football clash.

This past season’s group of West Coast stars moved east acquitted themselves very well, achieving critical acclaim and for the most part box office success. However, last season was the exception to the rule. Even our most accomplished film stars often would do better to keep their performances confined to the big screen. With this reality in mind, I was a bit skeptical while walking to the theater to see two of Hollywood’s sexiest, squeal-inducing leading men in a piece of theater featuring only them, two chairs, and a grim tale of human descent into hell. Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig, otherwise known as Wolverine and James Bond, seemed unlikely candidates to carry an evening of monologue-heavy serious theater. I am very happy to report that for the most part I was wrong.

“A Steady Rain” is the story of a couple of rough-hewn Chicago cops who have been lifelong friends and couldn’t be more different from one another. Denny (Mr. Jackman) is a family man with a wife and kids and is clearly the alpha in the friendship. Denny is big, strong, supremely confident and loyal and possesses a skewed moral compass and explosive temper that eventually leads the two friends down a tragic path. Mr. Craig plays Joey, a somewhat withdrawn, self-conscious bachelor who has had some real problems with the bottle and never seems to meet the right women. Joey is also fiercely loyal to his alpha friend and puts up with consistent abuse from Denny because he loves him like a brother. As the curtain opens on “A Steady Rain,” we find our ultra sexy action heroes—er, I mean two Chicago cops—sitting on simple wooden chairs in understated lighting, facing us dead on. The two are dressed unremarkably: Mr. Jackman in the more casual jeans and blue plaid shirt and jacket, sleeves rolled up with tats, a look belying Joey’s natural confidence and arrogance; and Mr. Craig’s Joey wearing a well worn Woolworths-looking suit, that of a man who takes comfort in routine and anonymity.

The play starts slowly as Mr. Jackman starts off recounting the story of Denny and Joey’s longtime friendship. Initially, it is hard to get past the Australian Mr. Jackman’s struggle to maintain a working class Chicago accent. Mr. Craig, conversely having a serious London stage acting resume (“Angels in America,” “A Number”) hits his stride early and really transforms into Joey, accent and all (absolutely no resemblance to 007). We are taken through a tale of two not too overly intelligent beat cops, who never seem to make the grade in the move up to detective. Through dialogue and monologue we begin to understand how the characters’ lives are inextricably intertwined. Could they pull away from each other if their lives depended on it? Slowly the play starts to gain momentum and diverts the audience’s attention from the two actors’ Adonis-like physiques and toward a story that very plausibly makes us understand how two profoundly loyal friends could turn against one another with the most devastating of results.

It should be noted that much of the credit for the success of “A Steady Rain,” beyond the considerable talents of its actors, should go to the subtle and self-effacing direction of John Crowley, who stunned Broadway with the brutal and brilliant “Pillowman” several seasons ago. Mr. Crowley took the two actors through a very demanding rehearsal period but directed to the talents of his actors and did not impose a forced director’s will. For his part Mr. Craig gives a fine performance and is eerily subtle in how he transforms Joey from a loyal friend to a betraying enemy. In the story’s moments of acute tragedy, Mr. Jackman makes his mark. In these moments when Denny is completely bewildered and overwhelmed by what has become of his life, what Mr. Jackman might lack in stage acting technique, he more than makes up for with his physical presence and intense passion. We truly feel the tragedy that has become these two men’s existence. And after all, isn’t that what we want to feel when we go to the theater? Mission accomplished 007 and Wolverine! You reached this theater snob. Thank you, Mr. Jackman and Mr. Craig.

Reviewed by Michael Reed

10 Must-Dos When In Monte Carlo

Home to the rich and famous, Monte Carlo exudes style and panache. The locals walk the paths with a swagger; you can smell the affluence. The town is a charming blend of chic city living and wonderful sun-kissed beaches. Monte Carlo is a compact city; the best way to explore is by foot. The narrow streets and tight alleyways are home to a fascinating array of petite shops, bars and restaurants.

1. Monte Carlo Casino
Built in 1863, this architectural masterpiece overlooks the Mediterranean and must be a priority on your sightseeing list. It has a remarkable gold and marble atrium designed by the legendary architect Charles Garnier.

2. Walk the Grand Prix Racing Route
The Monaco Grand Prix has been held annually since 1929 and is considered one of the most prestigious races in motor sport. The roads are transformed from busy public highways into a Formula 1 circuit in an incredibly short space of time.

3. Prince’s Palace
The palace is open to the public from June to October. The courtyard is paved with over 3 million colored pebbles, beautifully arranged in geometrical patterns. Built in 1215, the palace was originally a fortress before being transformed into a luxury home.

4. Monaco Cathedral
This magnificent cathedral was constructed in 1875 and is the final resting ground of Princess Grace. The cathedral’s fabulous organ was painstakingly restored to its former glory in 1988.

5. Monte-Carlo Thermes Marins
For over a century this luxury spa has pampered and delivered the ultimate in relaxation. Treat yourself to a day you will never forget.

6. Metropole Shopping Centre
Filled with designer stores to match those of Paris and Rome, the Metropole is a shopper’s paradise. A stroll around Casino Square will present you with precious stones of the highest quality.

7. The Old Town
An abundance of quality restaurants and bars present themselves in the more traditionalparts of town. Here you can tuck into local specialities such as Monegasque cuisine.

8. Café de Paris
Located in Casino Square, Café de Paris is the place to be seen. The lively mix of locals and visitors generate a warm atmosphere, whether sitting outside or dining indoors. The menu has an international flavor and daily specials are always recommended.

9. The Grimaldi Forum
The stunning Grimaldi Forum is home to a host of cultural events. Watch concerts, opera, ballet, as well as festivals and exhibitions, including the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis.

10. Stade Louis II
What the home of AS Monaco Football Club lacks in size, it certainly makes up for inquality. Despite a capacity of only 18,500 (smaller than most top football clubs), the ground’s architecture make it one of the more memorable stadia.

Written by Steven Cronin

October 2009 Face of the Month – Jane Tsareva

Where would you like to live?

I would love to live in a place where I could enjoy freedom of thought and action. Probably somewhere where I could get in close contact with nature and be able to look at the stars without any interference of city lights.

What quality do you most admire in a man?

I admire men that are respectful and patient.

What quality do you most admire in a woman?

I admire women that are not afraid to speak up and stand up for themselves. Also, I like women that try to achieve their goals in life.

What is your favorite occupation?

My favorite occupation is probably the one where I could get respect for what I do. I love modeling. It brings out a creative side of me and helps me achieve self-realization.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My most marked characteristic is the ability to never give up. Even though I may not be able to accomplish everything I would like to, I always try to find new ways of achieving my goals.
Also, I am never mad for a long time. My brain always tries to find excuses for me to forgive a person and to say, “I am sorry.”

What do you value most in your friends?

In friends I value the most when they value your opinion and no matter what you are unique and every situation you are in is unique. Also, I value friends that don’t pressure you to do what THEY believe is the best for you.

What is your dream of happiness?

When you are understood and valued by people who are important to you.

In what country would you like to live?

There is probably no particular country, but rather a combination of the best qualities of many countries. Such as the United States for its endless opportunities, France for its food and wine, Italy for one of the most beautiful and ancient cultures, and Russia because it is just a part of who I am.

How would you like to die?

Honestly, I would not want to die. But if I do, I would like to die without any regret that I have not done something that I could have, or that I have done something that was not something I should have.

What is your motto?

My motto is my success: the more you succeed the more you try next time.

An Interview with Ami Vashi – Miss India

Ami Vashi’s plane was leaving in a couple hours, and she was calm when she told me that she could text me from Hong Kong if there was anything else that I needed, and that she’ll see me in a month. Ami has had an amazing life for her young years. She is an exotic beauty who was born in Los Angeles and received her degree from USC in finance. She was later recruited as a financial analyst in San Francisco. While traveling in Mumbai, she was scouted for the Miss India compeitition.

What made you enter the Miss India competition?

It was my nana’s idea.

What are your future plans?

Like other winners, I’m focusing on the Miss World title. I feel honored to represent India and am looking forward to bringing the Miss World title there. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

How would you utilize the title ?

I am already in the social sector and I would like to help generate funds, and use those funds to help out the less fortunate.

What do you think is the reason so many women from India are winning international beauty titles?

The rich Indian cultural background, strong family ties, good education, and the professional grooming that we get before an international pageant help a great deal. Finally, it’s the confidence and the way we carry ourselves. This may surprise you, but it was really my Nana’s idea to send my pictures to the Miss India contest because she thinks I am the prettiest woman in the world. My brother who is a dentist and sister who is a dietician came especially from the United States just to cheer for me in the finals.

Interviewed by Ash Gupta

Ash Gupta Studio 838 September 2009 Recap

Studio 838 opened the fall season with a complete vertical campaign, from print to television commercial spots, for high-end jewelry company Highglow Jewelers. Also reinvented in September was starlet Rachelle LeFevre of “Twilight” fame who shot with Ash at one of Bel Air’s most infamously sumptuous residences to produce an editorial that, like her character in the films, is truly timeless. Meagan Good, “The Unborn” star, was also photographed by Ash Gupta for the cover of WNWN Magazine. The cover is all “rock-and-roll-north of sunset-sultry cool.”

Another chapter of the fine art series, “The Silk Web,” was shot with Jasmina Hgdada of Vision Models. Additionally, Ash conceived and shot the fine art coffee table book, Black Truth Midnight, featuring Max Ryan, who will be starring in the upcoming Sex and the City sequel opposite Kim Catrell, and Niki Sabet of Ford Models. Niki Sabet was also featured in the experimental collaborative art project with designer Maggie Barry. Images from this fine art beauty series titled “Wrapped in Beauty” will be printed on textile, which will then be sourced and cut for an exhibition, and fashioned into Maggie Berry’s new line for L.A. fashion. Another upcoming exhibition will be titled “Ashley”—this collaborative event/show features Ash’s photography and American painter Ashley Longshore. Part of the proceeds from both artists at the show will benefit women’s cancer research. Malibu designer Shannon Lewis of bubululu was shot for an upcoming campaign featuring her trademark eco-conscious Balinese-made bamboo textile casuals and swimwear. Finally, rounding out September, the magazine Acted By interviewed Ash and the studio for an article detailing the art and exploits through

Honeydew Intimates – An Interview with Creative Director Benny Zafrani

Honeydew Intimates consists of sexy, soft, and unique intimate apparel that appeals to a wide range of women. The colors and styles are fun and flirty, just what every woman needs! I interviewed Benny Zafrani, who is responsible for the creative direction of the label.

What made you decide to create designs for intimate apparel?  How did Honeydew come to be?

My father, Motty Zafrani, started a company that manufactured intimate apparel for different labels. After I joined the company, I began to seriously think about the future and how we already had everything in place to produce our very own brand. I then carefully studied what was already in the market and found that there was a serious need for more fashion-forward lingerie at more accessible prices.

How long has Honeydew been around?

Honeydew Intimates was launched in 2002.

Who is your demographic, what age, etc.?

Our target demographics are young women from their early teens all the way to women in their 40s. They’re from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds who want something a little more glamorous in their intimate apparel.

Your designs are colorful and extremely feminine.  What fabrics do you use?

One of our main objectives for the line is comfort. We use the finest fabrics with the softest hand, from microfibers and modal to cotton, rayon and lace trims.

What determines how you will create a collection?

When creating a collection we first consider what the brand is all about-color, fun, a touch flirty, and ultimately fashionable. From there we go through fabric choices, prints, details and colors that we see are the season’s leading trends.

How would you say Honeydew compares to some of the other intimate apparel?

With all due respect, there’s no other line like Honeydew Intimates. It’s very specific in itslooks and price points. We’re the go-to brand for women who want to project a certain innocent sexiness, a confident sense of style, all at prices that give them more fashion for their buck.

Who makes up the design team, andtell me a little about your/their background.

I’m responsible for the creative direction of the brand.  I earned a business degree from Cal State and have been in this business for nearly two decades. I work on many different aspects of the brand to ensure that the entire company is on the same page to achieve ourcommon goals. The design team and I also benefit from inputs we take from our customers and what’s going on in the fashion industry. Other members of my family, including my father, pitch in with his invaluable business experience and my two brothers Jim and Liron, who together ensure a smooth and trouble-free atmosphere and operations.

Highest high designing Honeydew?

Whether it’s seeing someone like Rebecca Romijn or Angelina Jolie wearing the line in a magazine spread or just knowing that customers are responding to the line brings a creative satisfaction that we always appreciate. To know that the collection we worked so hard on is being bought by women across the country is what we strive for.

Any lows?

There are no lows, simply challenges to be conquered and they only serve tomake my work always interesting.

What advice could you give to someone wanting to design lingerie?

Be bold and don’t be afraid to take chances. Learn to take criticism but believe in yourself.  Laugh at your mistakes and learn from them.

Go into detail about your current collection.  What’s in store for the next season?

Right now we have some fun sporty looks from striped cami and boxer brief sets, zig zag striped bralette and panty sets, Under the Sea boyshorts, featuring a soft, striped elastic band, along with panty and low-rise thong versions in sea horse, frog and shark prints; Sailboat & Anchor mesh panties with great coverage and matching bralettes; full coverage panties with a lace band and silk screen images printed on the back; Super “Dew”-per Low Rise Thong that hangs very low and made more comfortable with a supple softy wide lace band, available in ombre, animal, or neon leopard prints. As usual, we’reshowcasing a lavish range of colors: the Super “Dew”-per Low Rise comes in cream, black, dove, phantom, cross-dyed shades of bubble gum, banana and peppermint; fine mesh boyshorts are available in super pink and scuba blue; while other styles are available in turquoise, purple, raspberry, and polka dots. Next season we have some really exciting pieces, including a neon group, preppy and fabulous prints, some really beautiful jewel-toned pieces, and a hot Bridal-Dew group!

Where can our readers purchase Honeydew?

Honeydew Intimates is available nationwide from specialty boutiques to major department stores, such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Dillard’s, as well as on our website www.honeydewintimates.com.

Any last words?

The entire team behind Honeydew Intimates is proud of what we create every season. It’s that mix of ideas that generates the most inspiring work. We have an opportunity to work together towards a shared goal, and that is a privilege. From the beginning, we wanted to produce something women can enjoy wearing while ensuring that each item that has the Honeydew Intimates brand has an enduring appeal and hopefully continues to delight and surprise everyone.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples