“As a visual artist I can translate my creativity and carry it over to many other art forms. I can draw. I can paint. I can design furniture, landscapes, environments, interiors; design jewelry, shoes, handbags, and hats. I do my own styling for all my photo shoots as well as my fashion shows. So I can do it all. I’m also not a bad chef. And that’s the great joy of being a creative artist. When I come into my temple of beauty, it’s playtime.” –Fashion Designer and Renaissance Woman Sue Wong

Opening with the song “Fight,” the crowd went crazy as the band chanted the hook, “fight, fight, fight!” The high energy song was the perfect opener, and if screaming fans and a packed house were any indicator for the success of a band, then Oleander’s come back fits the bill.

It was an energy-filled day when Oleander band members Thomas Flowers, Doug Eldridge, Ric Ivanisevich, Rich Mouser, and Steve Brown showed up at Ash Gupta’s studio while they took a break from recording their new CD, Something Beautiful.

Oleander’s fifth album SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL has just the right number of ballads, including two heart-wrenching power ballads; several high-energy, driving tracks; and really “vibey” mid-tempo songs to just sit back and zone out to. Something about this album really resonates.

Held at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles during Style Fashion Week LA Fall 2013, Go Red for Women was an event to be remembered, and a genuine cause célèbre.

At Pier 57 on February 8, 2013, in New York City, Sally LaPointe showcased her Fall 2013 collection. The diversity of the pieces were amazing. This dark, goth-inspired collection had a bit of an 80s feel to it. However, the references to other influences are endless: Matrix, futuristic styles, flared-hemmed tops, bare-backed silhouettes, and even startling feminine pieces. The color theme stayed safe with black, tan, white, rust, and splashes of red. Check out the Sally LaPointe Fall 2013 Runway, photographed by Arun Nevader.

Held at the Skylight Studio on February 9, 2013, in New York City, fetish inspired silhouettes, parabolic seams, figure-hugging dresses, and a twist on jackets with big round buttons are what described Altuzarra’s Fall 2013 collection.

OMG—this is the 50th issue of Agenda! Having been with the mag since its second issue, in 2004, I can’t say how wonderful it has been to have a space where I can spew out a multitude of thoughts on fashion. OK, so maybe I’ve divulged into a little more than just fashion. Remember when Britney shaved her head in 2007? I wrote about the hype. Or, do you recall when I shared my innermost thoughts about going through a painful breakup? I gave you the rundown.

Ali Saam is an Iranian-born actor who came to the United States to finish his education and pursue a career in acting. He disclosed that being an actor, or being involved in any of the performing arts in the Middle East was not tolerated when he was there. Lucky for him his family chose to leave and make their home here in America.

Playing the antagonist in a controversial film like ARGO proved beneficial to Iranian-born Ali Saam. In this interview with Agenda Magazine, Ali talks about the Academy Award-winning film and his performance.