Issuu

ISSUE 1 | VOLUME 5 | SUMMER ’22

THE COLOR ISSUE TROORAMAGAZINE.COM

Lucid Motors Luxury mobility company reimagining what a car can be.

Hotel zelos

With provocative design, intuitive service, and imaginative art encounters, each Viceroy hotel is a reflection of the local culture and a uniquely authentic experience.

viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

Stay Sharp Stay Sober Free Of Alcohol Full Of Spirit

Monday Gin™ ZERO CARBS | NO SUGAR | 0 CALORIES | VEGAN

@drinkmonday | drinkmonday.co

The World’s Finest, Consciously Made Handbags

behno.com

C R A F T E D TO R E F L E C T T H E N AT U R A L B E AU T Y O F E AC H F E AT H E R

brackish.com

ORIGINAL Men’s Bow Tie The design that started it all, Original is crafted with varying shades of black, olive, and subtle hints of copper. The iridescence of the feathers promotes different shades depending on how the angle of light hits the tie. Center wrap is black grosgrain. Band collar wrap with an adjustable strap and hook closure - fits neck sizes 11” to 20”. Bow tie dimensions are 2.5” tall and 4.5” wide. Each feather used in production is all-natural and sustainably sourced. Feathers for bow ties are hand-selected, giving each finished piece unique coloring. Each bow tie is hand-crafted in Charleston, South Carolina and takes approximately five hours to make, start to finish.

talleyandtwine.com

eightroyale.com

The Art of Wearing Instagram @vicnateng

www.benjaminbabadi.com

celebrating us, the strong, resilient, and radiant women in our communities who inspire the world with our diversity and beauty

Models: Inez & Natalia, Photography: Mark C., MUA: Onni, Styling: LaToya McInnis & Geneka O

cocoacentric.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

The Color Issue Summer ’22

TROORA MAGAZINE

et me introduce myself : I am Tr ystanne Cunningham, Founder, Creative Director, and EditorIn-Chief of TrooRa Magazine. Beginning with The Color Issue Summer ’22— redesigned and reimagined—we will learn from one another what a magazine is and what it can be through TrooRa’s landscape and lens in our ever-changing world.

To star t , let me say that I am a magazine enthusiast , a sor t of junkie who, from a ver y young age, has been obsessed with flipping through the pages of the pioneering Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and more... Born and raised in Haiti until the age of 15, I was intrigued and absorbed in their images and stories, and now have the privilege of editing my own. I truly believe that whether a magazine is delivered to your doorstep or your tablet/ computer, printed on glossy stock , cheap tabloid paper, or appears on your mobile screen, it is still and foremost the work of an editorial team for an astute audience. A beautiful and meaningful—we hope—package of ideas, words, and images that a group of exper ts prepares for its readers. I consider it a work of ar t and hope you will come on the journey with us ever y quar ter. While technology efficiently delivers news stories to our desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, magazines are all about

contex t—how ideas and images are presented in relation to one another and within a larger point of view. Magazines are about trust and par tnership. We, the editors, writers, and researchers, will strive to always keep you engaged. And you, the readers, are free to engage with us. Let me tell you about this transitional The Color Issue Summer ’22 of TrooRa Magazine. I wanted to create an issue to celebrate color in ever y categor y and sense of the word. I believe we are for tunate to live in a time where color can be customized in ever y field and area of our life— auto, print , beauty, home design, fashion, and so many other industries. On the other hand, business owners and minority entrepreneurs have increased significantly since the pandemic. So many have star ted their own ventures. They hail from all walks of life, and their diversity is being championed through inclusivity by corporations, banks, the enter tainment industr y, and more to provide additional resources and suppor t small business owners. I am hopeful and believe these long overdue effor ts will help increase comprehensive change for future generations. In the interim, we still have so much work to do to overcome stereot ypes and the continued inequalities, boundaries, and inequities we face. TrooRa Magazine is the new magazine/

coffee table book providing a voice and platform to those individuals. TrooRa Magazine’s The Color Issue Summer ’22 is a celebration of these founders, their brands, projects, passions, stunning work , and fascinating stories. It is inspiring to see so many minorities able to follow their devotion and, in turn, provide us all access to so many truly rare remarkable products. In this issue, we feature the founder of watch brand Talley & Twine Randy Williams, Estelle Colored Glass founder Stephanie Summerson Hall, 10 Ways To Blend Contemporar y Color With Mesmerizing Cur ves, and touch on so many more colorful stories. There are so many stories this month that I love, but I am par ticularly intrigued by the ver y talented Iguehi James (our cover feature stor y) because it combines a great read with intriguing photographs taken by our veteran photographer Charles Schoenberger. We photographed the founder of Love Iguehi at the three Urban Retreats, Hotels Zetta, Zelos, and Zeppelin in San Francisco. Her stor y describes how she made the leap from the healthcare industr y to fashion designer, developed her own brand and label, and opened her first store in Oakland, California. Light as the Essence of Photography by TrooRa

TrooRa’s culinar y contributing writer Car y Wong tells the stor y of Dir ty Habit Lounge and its chef. Helmed by E xecutive Chef Thomas Weibull, with delectable cocktails and one of the city ’s largest collections of small batch whiskeys from Bar Manager Raul Ayala, Dir ty Habit showcases inventive seasonal share plates alongside crafted cocktails. Perched five floors above the streets of San Francisco’s bustling SoMa district and inside Hotel Zelos, Dir ty Habit is an intimate hideaway for those seeking an exclusive yet sociable atmosphere to drink and dine. The ver y talented Filipa Araújo, another TrooRa contributing writer, profiles a collection of some of the most visually stunning locations that will spark your imagination and leave you in awe. We take you on a journey around some of the most magical places our world has to offer. As par t of the group show at Institut Suedois de Paris from May 14th to August 14th, French ar tist Côme Touvay showcases five pieces of a series called WAKIMONKEYS. The exhibition is LONGING , Woven Strands, Woven Stories written by TrooRa Magazine’s own, London-based contributing writer and photographer Michael Daks. We also touch on stories about Nigerian-based

ar tist and photographer Kwame Acheampong, ar tists Ashley Adams and Serge Gay Jr., and the fascinating stor y of how, through a TrooRa Magazine previous feature and par tnership, one of our favorite ar tists, Dameon Priestly, was commissioned to create the new album cover for the multi-talented, impressive, remarkable, and monumental, singer-songwriter Van Morisson. Lastly, TrooRa LaMarqq, brainchild of one of my own passion projects, releases its first product this month. I’ve been blessed to work with the brilliant designer Basil Racuk to create this Packaged in Beauty Preser ving Character unique tote. LaMarqq by TrooRa introduces our first limited edition New Luxe Leather Tote Bags. They will be gifted to our VIP guests at our Issue’s Launch event par ty and sold at our first-ever Shop TrooRa Vir tual Live Shopping E xperience. We are confident you will find captivating and charming ar ticles in this issue and TrooRa’s promise to always introduce new rare brands and truly rare individuals. Be inspired, stay with us—and expect more!

Tr ystanne Cunningham Editor-In-Chief Creative Director Founder

THE COLOR ISSUE SUMMER ’2 2

contributing writer Cristina Deptula highlights the work of photographer Charles Schoenberger, whose ar t has graced our pages for several years. TrooRa Magazine proudly presents our first ever TrooAr tist Spotlight Award to Mr. Schoenberger during our Issue’s launch event par t y on July 28th at Dir ty Habit Lounge in San Francisco. The Color Issue’s launch par t y is one of several events through a par tnership with The Urban Retreats of Hotels Zelos, Zetta, and Zeppelin of the Viceroy Hotel Group.

TROORA MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

On The Curve 1 0 W AY S T O B L E N D CONTEMPORARY COLOR WITH MESMERIZING CURVES

152

Life in Color

Culinary Color Compact

Home Design & Decor 68 76 86 96 104 114

ON THE CURVE ART OF LIVING C O L O R C O M PA C T ART HOUSE W O N D E R W AT E R COLOR & GLASS

T H E A M E R I C A N - I TA L I A N D R E A M CHEF THOMAS WEIBULL FROM THE ROOT LIFE IN COLOR WE ALL SCREAM FOR NICE CREAM

Art House

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126 136 144 152 158

Wine with a Catalyst for Change

Crafting unforgettable wine that makes an impact

onehopewine.com

estellecoloredglass.com

jewels for your table vintage-inspired, yet refined and modern colored glass collection that starts a revival of colored glass that is reminiscent of a past time

Travel 226 234 248

N AT U R E ’ S C O L O R P A L E T T E RESCUED BY COLOR THE REAL HOT LIST

242

Kate Winslet’s Love For Adventure

190

Art is Life and Life is Art

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Art, Music & Film

204

Serge Gay Jr.

1 74

K WA M E ’ S E Y E PHONE

182

WA K I M O N K E YS !

190

ART IS LIFE AND LIFE IS ART

198

D A M E O N P R I E S T LY

204

S E R G E G AY J R .

210

CHARLES SCHOENBERGER

216

PA I N T I N G T H E WORLD ONE S T R E E T AT A T I M E

262 276

BASIL RACUK

286

BENJAMIN BABADI

292

M A D I S O N S AV I L L E

300

TA L L E Y & T W I N E

312

F A C E O F TA N Z A N I A

320

E I G H T R O YA L E

326

TROORA LAMARQQ

332

ALICE BOW INSOLES

338

LUI JEWELRY

Fashion

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We Love Iguehi

Founder

TRYSTAN N E C U N N IN GH AM CREATIVE ART DEPARTMENT

Creative Director T RY STAN N E C U N N IN GH AM EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

Editor In Chief T RY STAN N E C U N N IN GH AM Copy Editor AM AN DA O R AH A Editorial Design Director S H E R DE LLAH AN U N C IADO Proofreading C R IST IN A DE PT U LA Proofreading M I C H AE L DAK S

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

Brand Outreach WI L MA B A SCO Global Brand Outreach KATI E L I STE R European Brand Outreach MA NSO U R ND I AYE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

HR Director P E TA - G AY E WI L L I S OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT

Operations Director P E TA - G AY E WI L L I S ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT

Administrative Director P E TA - G AY E WI L L I S Executive Administrative Assistant RO NA MAG L IN E S Virtual Administrative Assistant I NNA H MA RI E A L M AR E N I A MARKETING DEPARTMENT

Marketing Director K WE SI D O NTO H SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING DEPARTMENT

Social Media Director MATTHE W JO HNSO N FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Finance Director RO NA MAG L I NE S WEB & SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT

Web Maintenance A MA NDA P O WE L L Systems & Operations Director A L E SSI O MO NIN O PRESS DEPARTMENT

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Press & Public Relations B A RB A RA WI CHMAN

LEGAL DEPARTMENT

Legal CHI NWE O HA NE L E

WRITING DEPARTMENT

Contributing Writer M I C H AE L DAK S Contributing Writer N I Z IE LO K M AN Contributing Writer J E S S E ADU M A Contributing Writer S C H AE - AN N S ALM ON Culinary Contributing Writer CARY WO N G Contributing Writer C R IST IN A DE PT U LA Travel Contributing Writer F I LI PA AR AÚ J O Fashion & Beauty Contributing Writer ST E LLA P O LI ZOI D OU Beauty Contributing Writer N E H A S U R ADKAR Contributing Writer GE O R GE DIK E Contributing Writer R O B Y N ALE X AN DE R Contributing Writer V I C K I S LE E T Contributing Writer GR E G COX Contributing Writer M AN DY ALLE N Contributing Writer T U DO R CAR ADO C - DAVI ES Contributing Writer E LS A YO U N G Contributing Writer GR AH AM WO O D Contributing Writer TAR A S LO GGE T T Contributing Writer B I AN CA F E R N AN DES Contributing Writer AR U N A N AGAR AJ Contributing Writer K E V IN J E F F R E Y JAM ES STYLING DEPARTMENT

Styling Contributor S H E LLE Y ST R E E T PHOTOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT

Contributing Photographer M I C H AE L DAK S Contributing Photographer GAE LLE B E LLER Contributing Photographer WAR R E N H E ATH Contributing Photographer K WAM E AC H E AM PONG Contributing Photographer CO U R AGE M U E GB E YOG HO Contributing Photographer GILB E RT AS AN T E

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ART DEPARTMENT

Graphic Design Director MU HI RE RO B E RT Multi Media Graphic Design MU HA MMA D A SI M

organic certified CBD* made in the United States sustainable packaging made in Italy

floramye.com

THE COLOR ISSUE SUMMER ’2 2

ethically grown, certified-organic hemp and essential oils

Instagram: @mabelchongjewelry Facebook: mabelchongjewelry Twitter: @mabelSF Pinterest: @mabelchongsf mabelchong.com

Our mission is to remake, re-use, recycle, and repurpose for a prolonged life cycle.

diarrablu.com

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Beauty

346

Showing True Color

Wellness 366 346

SHOWING TRUE COLOR

354

E T TA + B I L L I E : O R G A N I C B AT H , B O DY, A N D S K I N CA R E P R O D U CTS FO R YO U R D A I LY R I T U A L

366

ANGELA SINNETT BRINGS DEPTH AND HEART TO HEALING THROUGH MAGNOLIA WELLNESS

376

Special Interest

Chase Bank

376

LASANDRA HUNT AT C H A S E B A N K : ENHANCED FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR M I N O R I T Y C R E AT O R S

THE COLOR ISSUE SUMMER ’2 2

Magnolia Wellness

Uniquely Hawaiian Skincare From Soil to Skin to Soul

honuaskincare.com

contributors IN THIS ISSUE

1 2 3 4 5 6

T R Y S TA N N E CUNNINGHAM Editor-in-Chief

3 7

AMANDA ORAHA Copy Editor

MICHAEL DAKS Contributing Writer/ Photographer NIZIE LOKMAN Travel & Wellness Contributing Writer

8 TROORA MAGAZINE

SHERDELLAH ANUNCIADO Editorial Design Director

CARY WONG Culinar y Contributing Writer

4 6

CRISTINA DEPTULA Contributing Writer ROBYN ALEXANDER Home Design/Decor Contributing Writer NEHA SURADKAR Fashion and Beaut y Contributing writer

11 10 9

F I L I PA AR AÚJ O Travel Contributing Writer

STELLA P O LY Z O I D O U Fashion and Beaut y Contributing Writer

SHOP CONSCIOUSLY

be the change. KHANUNBYMIMI

Instagram: @khanunbymimi facebook.com/khanunbymimi khanunbymimi.com

Inspired by a love of vintage pieces, flowing feminine dresses, florals, and life by the sea. cobblerslane.com

photographers

Q-R

@ _ N ATA L I E A L E M A N NICK KANAKIS NICOLAS REUSENS NICOLE MORRISON P E T E R M AT H E R PIERRE BLACH

S-U

L-M

L I N D S AY M I L L E R LUKE GONHES MADDY BAKER MARK DECENA M AT T B R I N E Y MICHAEL ALLEN MICHAEL KEENEY MICHELLE K MIN M I C H E L L E K VA L B E R G MEHDI SEFRIOUI MEGHAN WHITE MOGLI M O L LY D E C O U D R E A U X L AURA MUSIKANSKI M O R G A N O TA G B U R U A G U M C K AY L A C R U M P MUYEE TING

RACHEL CLAIRE R A L P H PA C E R I C H A R D VA N R YA N T I S C A R E N O T I S C A R E N O

SAMI ULLAH SARAH ARNOLD SARAH BUSCHO SARANG NAIK SOFI PENCHER SUSANNA SCOT T S H A N E K A LY N SIMON BERGER STEVE TIETZE TESSA CHEEK @THALIAGOCHEZ TIM SANTOS TORIN NIELSEN T O D D T R A N S PA N I

V-Z

ERIC WOLFINGER E R I C M U M AY ELSA YOUNG E LV I S V A S Q U E Z E T TA & B I L L I E FEDE ROVEDA FRAN RUBIA ELIAS GURROLA GREG COX

H-K

A-B C-D

CLARKE DRAHCE CHARLES SCHOENBERGER COLEEN QUEN COUTURE D A R I U S TA R E L A D AV I D E N L O E D O N TA E B L I N K S DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN D E V O N J A N S E VA N R E N S B U R

H A N N A H WA G N E R IAN DOOLEY JACEK DYLAG JAROD BARTON JEFFREY CZUM JO-ANNE MCARTHUR JOHN FOWLER JOSE FIGUEROA JUSTIN BUELL K A LY J A Y KARI ORVIK @K .BAARDE

N-P

AMOS NACHOUM ANDREW CURRY ANGEL FITOR A N I TA B S PA ANTONIO CUELL AR ANTONIO FILIGNO BRO JACKSON

E-G

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IN THIS ISSUE

VICEROY HOTEL GROUP V I C T O R M A LY U S H E V W A R R E N H E AT H YUNG-SEN WU

martinebrun.com

Personalized guidance that’s unparalleled.

Healthy beauty that works.

STONEANDSAWYER.COM

Designed and hand-produced stoneware ceramic table lamps from the Catskill Mountains of New York

stoneandsawyer.com

home design & decor

TROORA MAGAZINE 66

68 76 86 96 104 114

ON THE CURVE BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

10 ways to blend contemporary color with mesmerizing curves

ART OF LIVING BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

Combining a covetable collection of contemporary art with a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic and an enviable location, this beachside apartment is the best of all worlds C O L O R C O M PA C T BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

Interior designer Kim Stephen’s terraced home in Barnes, London, combines her signature flair for color with a clever use of its relatively compact spaces ART HOUSE 1 0 W AY S T O D I S P L AY WA L L A R T TO P E R F E C T I O N I N YO U R H O M E BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

From eye-catching ways to grouping artwork together to hanging decorative plates and making use of picture shelves, here are 10 great ideas for displaying art on the walls of every room in the house

W O N D E R W AT E R 10 OF THE BEST S P E C TA C U L A R S W I M M I N G POOLS BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

COLOR & GLASS BRINGS J OY, H A P P I N E S S , & J E W E L S T O O U R TA B L E S BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Inspired by her grandmother Estelle’s love for antiquing, Estelle Colored Glass’ founder Stephanie Summerson Hall pursues her passion project

THE COLOR ISSUE SUMMER ’2 2

PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH

On The Curve 10 ways to blend contemporary color with mesmerizing curves

ST YLED BY TA R A S L O G G E T T PHOTOGRAPHED BY W A R R E N H E AT H WRITTEN BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

ffor tlessly easy on the eye, cur ves add instant visual appeal to a space. For a look that ’s right here, right now, combine their organic twists and turns with the latest in ear th-inspired, contemporary shades.

Painting not your thing, but feeling creative nonetheless? Create a tabletop still life using all your favorite curved pieces, take a (hi-resolution!) photograph of your efforts on your phone and take the pic to your local print shop. Once it’s printed, simply grab a classic gallery frame and proudly display…

HOME DESIGN

TROORA MAGAZINE

TAKE 1: POSTER CHILD

Get the look with… Arched board, Obvi (obvi.co.za) and Portuguese-style crockery, Poetry (poetrystores.co.za), seen in still life print; A2 gallery frame, Country Road (countryroad.com.au); painted tray, see TAKE 3.

TAKE 2: STICK ’EM UP

Get the look with… Vinyl arch stickers, Stickaroo (stickaroo.com); vintage Tulip swivel chair by Eero Saarinen, stylist’s own.

TAKE 3: TRAY BIEN A handmade piece doesn’t need to be perfect to be charming: leave behind (for now) all that perspective stuff you learned in art classes and free-flow your way through a curve-filled design until your piece brings you joy. Get the look with… A plain plywood tray and poster paints from your local art-supply store. Choose complementary shades–here, we’ve used a cool coffee shade, a dusty pink, a deep ochre, and a soft terracotta that evoke desert sands and sunset skies.

THE COLOR ISSUE SUMMER ’2 2

Transform your space using color and curve–and without any pesky paint fumes–by choosing vinyl wall stickers. These are so easy to install and can also be moved around should you fancy a change and want to create a different configuration.

TAKE 4: GET MOBILE Add movement to your space with a simple, handmade mobile in the natureinspired shades of the moment. This is also a great project to do with kids: it’s about simply gathering some colored cards, folding them, and cutting out cute shapes. Don’t be too particular–the more organic, the better. Plus, the folding method means you can hide the fixings inside ;)

TROORA MAGAZINE

Get the look with… Scissors, painted or colored cards, two dowel sticks, artist’s wire, and double-sided tape–all from your local art-supply store. Use the dowel sticks (or chopsticks) to make a cross, and wrap some artist’s wire tightly around the cross-section to secure. Wrap more wire tightly around each end about 2 cm in, leaving a little piece to create a hook shape. Do the same at the cross-section. This is where the paper shapes will hang from. On the folded edge of the colored shapes, make a pinhole in the middle and thread through a length of wire, leaving a few centimeters at each end. We used 3-5 shapes per strip. Lay flat and space out your shapes, and when happy, secure the wire to the card on the inside using double-sided tape. Make a loop of wire at the top end of each strip, then hang each strip from the cross. Now, balance: you may need to move the strips around to get a good balance or add/take away shapes until your mobile hangs comfortably. Trim off excess wire. To suspend the entire mobile, attach wire to the central midsection, finish with a loop at the top and hang in your favorite spot.

TAKE 5: SHOP AROUND Seek out curvaceous shapes and spicy shades when shopping for decor accessories and crockery. A round tray, tactile vases, and handle-free coffee mugs instantly add a cozy and comforting feel. Get the look with… Dusty pink serving bowls, Poetry (poetrystores.co.za); phone cover with strap, Zac and Gray (zacandgray.co.za); arched board and sand-colored vase, Obvi (obvi.co.za); off-white vase, H&M (hm.com); mugs, Nespresso (nespresso.com); mustard ceramic tray, Mr Price Home (mrphome.com).

TAKE 6: ARCHWAYS Add an avant-garde touch to your coffee table or mantelpiece with arched vessels and a curvy candleholder. And remember, small vases aren’t just for flowers–they look just as charming when used to store stationery and art materials. Get the look with… Tall and small arched vessels, oval triple candle holder, hole vase, arched vase, and wavy wooden board, Obvi (obvi.co.za).

TAKE 7: SOFT TOUCH

Get the look with… Off-white vase, H&M (hm.com); sandcolored vase and dusty orange vase, Obvi (obvi.co.za).

THE COLOR ISSUE SUMMER ’2 2

No sharp edges allowed! Choose vases with tactile curves that invite a casual caress–and look just as lovely displayed on their own as they do when filled with spring blooms.

TAKE 8: CLASSIC MEETS COOL Maybe it’s the swivel that makes us dizzy for the Tulip chair–or perhaps its sensuous curves? Either way, this classic design makes us fall in love over and over again. Combining the Tulip’s retro feel with contemporary colors and arched and curved shapes makes for an eye-catching, layered look. And the truly bold should add a graphic dried flower stem or (if you have the space!) entire tree branch for a look that channels the fearless style of 20th-century floristry maven, Constance Spry. Get the look with… Vinyl arch stickers, Stickaroo (stickaroo.com); vase holding branch and hole vase, H&M (hm.com); all other vases, Obvi (obvi.co.za); vintage Tulip swivel chairs by Eero Saarinen, all stylist’s own.

TROORA MAGAZINE

TAKE 9: NATURAL RHYTHM

Combine nature-inspired shades with touch-me textures to create up-to-theminute appeal: here, a fiber rug hung tapestry-style, offset by a supersized dried palm leaf, makes for a contemporary take on the inspirational style of 20th-century floral designer, Constance Spry. Get the look with… Rug, Poetry (poetrystores.co.za); dried palm leaf, Yes Exclusive Flowers (instagram.com/ yesexclusiveflowers/); dress, stylist’s own.

TAKE 10: COLOR ME NOW If you’re naturally restrained when it comes to color, this is your moment. Right now, the most fashionable shades in decor and design are “off” their pure tones–slightly “dusty” or “muddy,” if you like–but you can still head for the sun, just one that’s a little more muted. Think softer shades of terracotta, taupe, turmeric, and the pinks of autumn dusk... all of which exude warmth, comfort, and a grounded sense of familiarity. Get the look with… Rug, Poetry (poetrystores.co.za); vintage Tulip swivel chairs by Eero Saarinen, all stylist’s own.

Plant-based designs bringing the outside in & celebrating the natural world

fableandbase.co.uk

Art of Living ST YLED BY SVEN ALBERDING PHOTOGRAPHED BY GREG COX

TROORA MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

Combining a covetable collection of contemporary art with a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic and an enviable location, this beachside apartment is the best of all worlds. Véronique savors the panoramic view from her balcony. The wooden outdoor chair is from Marlanteak (marlanteak.com).

Half-French, half-German, and brought up in South Africa, Véronique has “always been interested in art,” she says. “I used to be an interior designer, and during my marriage, I started collecting modern art, but it wasn’t until seven years ago that I was drawn to contemporary art.” At the time, she was going through a divorce, “my best friend married international art curator Kim Stern, and I started traveling with them to contemporary art fairs,” Véronique says. What she saw was “art that expressed what I was experiencing inside myself,” and as a result , Véronique embarked on a collaborative effor t with Kim to build her own collection.

by Michael Taylor and John Murray, which are reflected back at you in the multi-paned Argentinian mirror hung directly opposite the entr yway. Once inside, contemporar y ar tworks are simply ever ywhere in the open-plan main living space, with eye-catching pieces by Athi-Patra Ruga, Sthenjwa Luthuli, and Stephan Allwright vying for attention. In quick succession, you’ll take in sculptures by Cameron Platter, ceramic works by Ben Orkin, a tapestr y by rising South African ar t star Igshaan Adams, oils on board by Nabeeha Mohamed, and a bold abstract painting by Maja Marx–in shor t , a vibrant and multifarious display that makes for endless visual interest and must spark many a stimulating conversation.

Homeowner Véronique Savigné at the front door of her Bantry Bay apartment, which opens directly into the open-plan dining, kitchen, and living area. On the wall behind her is a mirror she bought in Argentina and reflected in its multi-paned surface are artworks by South African contemporary artists Michael Taylor (instagram.com/ michaeltaylorstudio) and John Murray, all sourced from Whatiftheworld gallery (whatiftheworld.com). The piece hung on the wall above the mirror is by Cape Townbased, Swedish-born artist Tom Cullberg (tomcullberg.com).

The proce s s of doing so has been “immensely gratif ying and nourishing,” she says, and the results are nothing shor t of remarkable, judging by the selection that is on show in Véronique’s apar tment. Even before you step through the front door–painted in bold, glossy black–its elegant frame doubles up as a container for some of the host of ar t inside, with a work by Tom Cullberg visible above multiple pieces

Asked about what attracts her most when she’s deciding what to acquire, Véronique again mentions Kim’s assistance and influence and adds that she looks for signs of “the artist’s hand” in the work, and is especially drawn to the textures and “sense of soul” in a piece. Her favorite work in the apartment, she says after lengthy deliberation, is the Igshaan Adams tapestry that floats above the kitchen-dining space. But above all, it’s the collection in its entirety and the way it represents “a bold, new, exciting beginning” in Véronique’s life that is clearly most important to her. “I am very much someone who collects from the heart, and so, in many ways, this collection is an affirmation of my own psychological journey into a new identity,” she says.

Véronique’s main residence is in Bishopscour t , on the other side of Cape Town, and she uses this apar tment as “a holiday space in the same city,” as she puts it.

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cquired just over a year ago and subsequently completely reconceptualized by its owner, Véronique Savigné, and architect Craig Kaplan, this apartment in the heart of Cape Town’s exclusive suburb of Bantry Bay combines its enviable beachside location with layered, eclectic interiors and a stupendous collection of contemporary art. Plus, it ’s situated in an Edwardian period piece that is one of the area’s most charming buildings, and sports glorious views of the iconic bay below it , too. Nevertheless, it ’s the art that makes this home utterly unique–and a true reflection of its owner.

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Color Compact Interior designer Kim Stephen’s terraced home in Barnes, London, combines her signature flair for color with a clever use of its relatively compact spaces. ST YLED BY SVEN ALBERDING PHOTOGRAPHED BY EL SA YOUNG

WRITTEN BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

s it is situated in a row of brick terraced homes that were originally built as workers’ housing, the facade of this house is almost identical to those on either side of it. Step inside the front door, however, and the uniquely colorful style that interior designer Kim Stephen has brought to her abode rapidly becomes evident.

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“I am naturally drawn to color… and I’ve cer tainly got a ver y wide range of colors in this house,” says Kim. She’s not exaggerating–from the bright blue and green ikat wallpaper in the guest cloakroom to the bright pinks and yellows in the open-plan dining, kitchen, and living space, a plethora of vibrant shades meets the eye all over the house.

Originally built as a worker’s cottage, the house is one of a row of terraced homes with neighbors on both sides. Homeowner and interior designer Kim Stephen’s home office is situated in the room with the bay window. Kim says, “I use my bike all the time in summer. Sometimes I don’t use the car for weeks–I do everything around Barnes on my bike, and if I go into central London, I use public transport.”

Asked where her affinity for color comes from, Kim simply says, “Color makes me feel happy and brings interiors to life. My use of it feels intuitive– I’m just drawn to it when given a choice.” As her mother owns an interior tex tiles showroom, she grew up being exposed to a huge array of interior fabrics, “and I think I just found the colorful ones more exciting and interesting,” says Kim. As anyone who has tried to put together a decor scheme using a range of bright shades knows, it ’s not easy to get this sor t of look right. Kim says that to make color work in interiors, “it ’s always impor tant to temper with neutrals and tex ture,” and adds that here she made sure both of these elements were effectively used.

The best example of this is the textured charcoal wallpaper that covers one long wall on the open-plan ground floor and then wraps around the far end of the living space to subtly demarcate the lounge area. The wallpaper is one of Kim’s signature materials. She says, “It is the perfect ‘antidote’ to my full-on color, and art looks amazing against it [too]. It brings warmth and texture, and the light bounces off the linen-like effect of the paper.” Against this neutral backdrop, Kim has used a combination of boldly colorful pieces–the acidpink rug and striking abstract artworks that feature various shades of yellow–as well as a cleverly chosen hanging light fitting to make the space come alive. But these elements all came together very intuitively and “organically,” says Kim. “I spend so much time meticulously planning interiors within my work sphere, so I quite enjoyed just letting this space develop its own personality over time.”

The mirrors in the entrance hall are from Cécile & Boyd (cecileandboyds.com) in Cape Town. The black and white rug was custom made for one of Kim’s previous interior-design projects and has been repurposed here. “The low white shelving (left) and the enclosed cupboards (right) are really the kitchen built-ins, storing everything that a kitchen would need,” says Kim. “The enclosed cupboards store plates, glasses, cutlery, and so on, whereas the open shelving has my pots, cookbooks, and baskets filled with smaller items–and this was all in situ when we bought the house. [When we viewed it] I realized that there was not one tiny detail that I would have done differently so we pounced on it.” In this open-plan dining-kitchenliving space, the dining table was custom made to Kim’s design by Moorgas & Sons (moorgasandsons.co.za) in Cape Town. The dining chairs are from Sika Design (sika-design.com) in Denmark. Kim says she “chose this particular Estiluz (estiluz. com) light fixture because I needed something that was beautiful and statement-making, but it [also] had to be really unobtrusive and not visually blocking otherwise it would crowd the room. It is made up of two of Estiluz’s Volta lights, which can be hung in singles or multiples across widths.” The bright pink rug is from Gonsenhausers Fine Rugs (finerugs.co.za) in Cape Town. The gallery wall on the left is a mix of pictures that Kim has collected over time and includes pieces by “some nameless abstract artists (bought at Cécile & Boyd [cecileandboyds.com] in Cape Town [and] inexpensive mass-produced prints, but also original artworks by [wellknown South African artists] Deborah Bell, Lyndi Sales (lyndisales.com) and Willem Boshoff (willemboshoff.com). I have no problem mixing value and styles of art.” On top of the shelves on the left is part of a set of seven vases–all slightly different– ”bought at Block & Chisel (blockandchisel. co.za) in Cape Town years ago.”

Also a boon was the fact that the house had previously been given a considered structural renovation. This meant that its “classic London terraced house [layout]” had been enhanced with excellent built-in storage, high-quality appliances such as the kitchen cooker and ex tractor hood, and skylights that give a number of the rooms a greater sense of airiness and spaciousness.

Art House

10 ways to display wall art to perfection in your home From eyecatching ways to grouping artwork together to hanging decorative plates and making use of picture shelves, here are 10 great ideas for displaying art on the walls of every room in the house.

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SHELF LIFE

This homeowner credits her geologist grandfather with her taste for collecting. Her home includes varied collections of global ephemera and artwork that are genuine talking points. From Egyptian scarabs found in north Africa to vintage botanical art prints picked up in New York, she has a real eye for unusual items imbued with charm, history, and a tale to tell. Plus, her talent for display makes them all the more beguiling; using shallow picture shelves on which to display artwork is perfect for curator-collectors of all stripes because they enable you to easily change up, refresh, and add to the combinations in which your pieces appear. Tip These picture shelves are crammed with some of the homeowner’s favorite artwork. To create a similar collection, choose a theme or color focus–such as botanical illustrations, for example– then start hunting at auctions, in junk stores, and online.

ST YLED BY SVEN ALBERDING P H OTO GR A P H E D B Y GR E G COX , WAR R EN H E AT H , E L S A Y O U N G , D AV I D R O S S WRITTEN BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

FRAME GAME When this old historic home in a country town was renovated to include en suite bathrooms for its five bedrooms, elements of its past were enhanced via the use of architectural styles and finishes–and by adding lots of artwork, in a wide variety of styles, from the homeowner’s large and eclectic collection. Here, a trio of delightfully different pieces–which also showcase a diverse range of framing styles–have been hung to frame and emphasize a doorway, creating a vivid and lively display. Tip Create instant visual interest with artwork by combining pieces in very different styles: here, a fulllength portrait, a vintage map, and a lush landscape contrast with one another to make each piece stand out more clearly and memorably.

In this holiday home on a farm, where large numbers of paintings and objects can’t be regularly dusted, the best way to create an art installation was to paint it directly onto the wall as the creative homeowner did. With the help of an overhead projector, she outlined and filled in an image of a hawthorn branch on the white wall of the kitchendiner. Its thorns and flowers serve as “subtle reminders of the masculine and feminine elements balancing the home’s interiors.” Tip Create a similar look using ready-made and budgetfriendly adhesive decals that are widely available. These also need not be thought of as permanent installations: many of the adhesive versions can be easily removed and replaced by a new decal when the look of your space–or your taste–changes.

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ALT ART

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WONDER WATER 10 of the best spectacular swimming pools

ST YLED BY SVEN ALBERDING PHOTOGRAPHED BY GREG COX

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WRITTEN BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

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From the breathtaking to the beautiful, these inspiring swimming pools are arguably the ultimate in family-friendly domestic luxuries–plus, they add loads of value, style, and atmosphere to the properties they adorn SCULPTURAL STYLE Anchored by a sculptural curved pillar, the main deck of this multilevel home fit for a tech baron showcases a 25-meter rim-flow swimming pool that makes a smooth visual transition from architecture to the landscape beyond. While the eye-catching column is “the main feature [of the space],” according to the architects, the way every element in the design works in relation to all the others is what makes it feel so very inviting. Tip Designed by Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens (silviorechlesleycarstens.co.za), this deck area demonstrates the difference it makes when the pool is considered an integral part of a space rather than something added as an afterthought–note the way it curves around the column, and the sinuous, stepped-down decking surrounding it, for example.

(Opposite Page) BLUE NOTE

Tip Although a real showstopper, this is also a pool that forms part of a family home and garden. Hence the non-slip, weathered wooden decking that surrounds it and the consideration given to the frame-like planting around the rim-flow design.

SET IN STONE On one side lies a forest of oak trees, and on the other, a view in which, on most days, the division between sea and sky becomes blurred into a single vista of blue. In between is an arresting, stone-clad house–and this exquisite swimming pool, with its dark interior and mirror-like surface, is perhaps the most perfectly magical element of a very special holiday home. Tip The rim-flow pool, designed by More Design (moredesign. es), has an interior finished in large-format, stone-finish ceramic tiles in a dark gray shade that makes it feel even deeper and larger than it is.

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Designed to merge seamlessly into its spectacular oceanside location, this clean-lined infinity pool overlooks a 20-kilometer stretch of pristine beach and a sparkling expanse of sea that in turn dissolves into the sky. As a result, when swimming in it, the overall effect is one of being part of–rather than a spectator to– the incredible scenery.

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Delightful Surprises and Cultivating Gratitude PERSONALIZED GIFTING.

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Color & Glass brings joy, happiness, & jewels to our tables BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

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Inspired by her grandmother Estelle’s love for antiquing, Estelle Colored Glass’ founder Stephanie Summerson Hall pursues her passion project.

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escribed as “jewels for your table,” the Estelle Colored Glass Collection consists of original commissioned pieces handmade by glass ar tisans in Poland at a 100-year-old glass-making company with a rich histor y.

Gifting With Style FOOD. ART. DESIGN.

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culinary TROORA MAGAZINE 124

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T H E A M E R I C A N - I TA L I A N DREAM BY CARY WONG

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CHEF THOMAS WEIBULL - DIRTY HABIT BY CARY WONG

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Chef Cristina Bowerman and Glass Hostaria

Chef Thomas Weibull Dirty Habit

FROM THE ROOT BY CARY WONG

How Chef Santiago Lastra spread the Mexican concept around the world

LIFE IN COLOR BY CARY WONG

Lilach Edman and her delightfully delectable pasta

WE ALL SCREAM FOR NICE CREAM BY CARY WONG

Kubé - The Artisanal, Vegan, Full-Fat Coconut Ice Cream

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The American-Italian Dream Chef Cristina Bowerman and Glass Hostaria

BY CARY WONG

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ike the trademark shock of pink hair Chef Cristina Bowerman sports, her strong and bright personality is unmistakable. Born in a very small village called Cerignola in Apulia of Southern Italy, she studied foreign languages and attended law school. Her career started as an attorney in one of the most prestigious foreign firms, but after a few years, she decided to take a long trip to the United States. Through different circumstances and influenced by her Italian background, she was hired by Spectrum Foods in Southern California, a high-end restaurant management company with a strong focus on Italian food.

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“They literally dragged me around all these restaurants and ask me questions like, ‘Is this really Italian? Is this good?’” she says. Then she moved on to work as a graphic designer for the next 10 years. That was when she started cooking more seriously. She hosted friends every weekend and realized that culinary art was what really stoked her passion. So, she attended Le Cordon Bleu school in Austin, Texas, and planned to stage back home in Italy, then eventually return Stateside. However, things changed while she was in Rome. She started working at Convivio Troiani, became the head chef of two restaurants, and shortly thereafter, took over the reins of Glass Hostaria. Within a few years, in 2010, Glass Hostaria was awarded a Michelin star, the first one-starred restaurant in Italy without white tablecloth.

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Chef Thomas Weibull -

Dirty Habit

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BY CARY WONG

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erched five floors above the streets of San Francisco’s bustling SoMa district and inside Hotel Zelos, Dirty Habit is an intimate hideaway for those seeking an exclusive yet sociable atmosphere to drink and dine. Helmed by Executive Chef Thomas Weibull, with delectable cocktails and one of the city’s largest collections of small batch whiskies from Bar Manager Raul Ayala, Dirty Habit showcases inventive seasonal share plates alongside crafted cocktails.

Born to a Swedish father and a Filipino mother in the city of Philadelphia—the self-described “all-things-Philly-guy-at-heart with a little splash of European touch”—head chef Thomas Weibull comes from a very eclectic background. Food has played a central role in his life since childhood. The family often ate various Swedish, Filipino, and American dishes. They also frequently set up dinner parties on the weekends. They would start by getting ingredients from markets in different

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From the Root TROORA MAGAZINE

BY CARY WONG

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How Chef Santiago Lastra spread the Mexican concept around the world

“I didn' t really have this beautiful stor y of growing up on a farm and having a family that cooks this insanely beautiful food [or] butchering lamb with my grandfather,” Chef Santiago Lastra declared.

Indeed, born in Mexico City and growing up in Cuernavaca (a town one hour south of Mexico City), his first brush with culinar y greatness at 15 years old was from the crab dip recipe on a Rit z Crackers box . While he dreamed of being a mathematician, a spor ts star, and a painter, he immediately felt at ease the first time he stepped into the Italian restaurant kitchen where he worked.

When the unthinkable happened with his father, grandfather, and grandmother all passing away in the same month, he stopped going to school for a while and decided to go back to restaurants. He wanted to bring food and wine home to cook for his mother and brother to share a moment of happiness. That was when he realized that , even at such a sad time, people could be happy by sharing food. This sad but beautiful experience was when he decided to dedicate his life to cooking.

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So, he star ted globetrotting–working and studying in Spain (including a stint at the legendar y Mugarit z), researching in Denmark , and stops in Belgium, Sweden, Great Britain, Italy, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Por tugal, among other twenty-odd countries. It was in Russia in 2016 that a life-changing event happened.

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Life in Color TROORA MAGAZINE

Lilach Edman and her delightfully delectable pasta

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BY CARY WONG

ood, as people say, transcends borders. No matter where you live, you can fall in love with another cuisine after a chance encounter. There is no better example of that than Lilach Edman. Growing up in Israel, she lived a few doors down from her grandparents, where food was a central par t of life. It was always prepared for families and

friends. On Fridays, they prepared for the Sabbath feast , where at least 15 people would eat at their house. It was a warm and loving environment. “One of my first memories is watching my grandpa prepare Manti (a type of dumpling) by hand,” she says. “Ever y thing was handmade. He would knead the dough, and white clouds of flour would billow in the sunbeams from the kitchen window.” By the time Lilach was 6, she had star ted to help her grandparents make the dumplings and handmade pasta from the leftover dough. So, the pride

As she grew up, she tried different cuisines, but Italian pasta was something that she absolutely loved. However, things got difficult when she became a vegan at 21 years old, as most pastas are made with eggs. Seeing that she could not simply buy pasta anymore, she began making her own pasta using only white flour and water. She switched to durum wheat soon after when she

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and joy of making food and feeding people were passed on to her at a ver y early age.

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Naturally perfect.

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We All Scream For Nice Cream BY CARY WONG

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Kubé - The Artisanal, Vegan, Full-Fat Coconut Ice Cream

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ost of us enjoy ice cream in all its glorious flavors and forms. What if, however, there was a way to make it even better ? Better for the environment and consumers? Kubé, a Black-owned, ar tisanal, vegan, full-fat coconut ice cream producer and social enterprise in Oakland, California, delivers just that.

Kai Nor tey, is the CEO and Co-Founder of kubé. She understood the impor tance of real, minimally-processed food as she grew up planting an organic vegetable and fruit garden in Oakland, California with her family. As a result , she knew the difference between what she calls “real mama ear th seeds” versus “Frankenstein GMO seeds.”

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Hand Rolled Palo Santo Incense

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K WA M E ’ S E Y E - P H O N E ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

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WA K I M O N K E YS ! LO N G I N G , WOVEN STRANDS, WOVEN STORIES BY MICHAEL DAKS

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Kwame Acheampong, born in Accra, Ghana, is a passionate photographer and artist who captures his images and communicates his artistry through the lens of his iPhone camera.

As part of the group show at Institut Suedois de Paris from May 14th to August 14th, French artist Côme Touvay showcases five pieces of a series called WAKIMONKEYS

ART IS LIFE AND LIFE IS ART BY MICHAEL DAKS

Ashley Adams is a black Latina woman artist and entrepreneur, a SoCal native inspired by nature and her own natural color palette W H AT ’ S I T G O N N A TA K E ( D A M E O N P R I E S T LY ) BY MICHAEL DAKS

Dameon Priestly, the Belfast-born artist, created the artwork for the new album of another Belfast native son, the great man himself, Van Morrison S E R G E G AY J R . BY MICHAEL DAKS

Serge Gay Jr is a Haitian artist and creative director living in San Francisco, where his murals have garnered much attention LIGHT AS THE ESSENCE OF PHOTOGRAPHY: THE ART OF CHARLES SCHOENBERGER BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

TrooRa Magazine proudly presents its first ever TrooArtist Spotlight Award to photographer Charles Schoenberger, whose art has graced our pages for several years

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PA I N T I N G T H E W O R L D O N E S T R E E T AT A T I M E B Y K AT E W I N G A R

While wall art and drawings have been found in ancient caves dating back thousands of years, modern graffiti first appeared in the subways and streets of New York in the 1970s. Read about artist paintaing the world one street at a time.

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Kwame’s Eye-Phone Artistic Photography Kwame Acheampong, born in Accra, Ghana, is a passionate photographer and artist who captures his images and communicates his artistry through the lens of his iPhone camera.

TROORA MAGAZINE

BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

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w ame Acheampong’s Instagram account blossoms with joy: people flexing, wading and diving into water, or enjoying fields of flowers. The sensibility is bright and play ful: bold reds and oranges and yellows against the blues and greens of the natural scenes. Ever yone looks

strong and joy ful, even the people in Covid masks. Photography was originally a side project for Acheampong, a way to find images to accompany his poetr y. He fell in love with uncovering and creating images, though it became a separate ar t form for him. He still captures images with only his iPhone 12 Pro Max , showing that one does not need vast amounts of camera equipment to create distinctive work .

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sculpture and site-specific installations elevating vernacular forms of knots inspiring awe and understanding

the journey of the line

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WA K I M O N K E Y S ! BY MICHAEL DAKS

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A R T, M U S I C & F I L M

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Photo Credit: Daisy Reillet.

As part of the group show at Institut Suedois de Paris from May 14th to August 14th, French artist Côme Touvay showcases five pieces of a series called WAKIMONKEYS.

akimonkeys are a series of large hand-woven mural tex tile figures that refer to ancient Andean fabric and a type of weaving construction originating from the oriental Mediterranean. The color here is like a repetitive pattern, and the pattern itself is a totemic figure: a maze for the eyes.

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Photo Credit: Francis van der Riet

Photo Credit: Laetitiad’Aboville/Voyez-vous

P H OTO C R E D I T: M I C H A E L DA KS

Artist Dameon Priestly focuses on times and events of social and cultural change

dameon.co.uk

“Art is life and life is Art” BY MICHAEL DAKS

TROORA MAGAZINE

Ashley Adams is a Black Latina woman artist and entrepreneur, a SoCal native inspired by nature and her own natural color palette.

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Social media https://www.instagram.com/ashleyadams.artdesign/ @ashleyadams.artdesign Website https://ashleyadamsart.com

Deciding to study ar t in college was a difficult choice for her. She was torn between her intense curiosity about biology and her deep-rooted passion for ar t. Ultimately, she followed her hear t and chose a path she knew she would never regret. “ With my Bachelor ’s in Fine Ar t studies and Master ’s degree, I’ve been able to hone in on my ar t style and grow my ar tist ’s voice.”

“Ar t is life and life is Ar t. So I can’t say one person or a specific thing has inspired me. Life itself is my biggest inspiration. I draw from painful moments, joy ful memories, awe-striking experiences, and raw emotions.” Ashley feels that the best thing about being creative is that any thing and ever y thing can be a source for an idea. “I don’t like limiting myself because that stifles my concepts and the execution of my work .” Her favorite color is lilac purple. “It ’s such a serene hue to look at and be surrounded by. It pairs well with bright colors like coral or yellow.” The colors in her work are informed by her skin tone. She developed her signature “Hues of Me” color palette in 2017 for her master ’s thesis. It

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t a ver y young age , A shle y knew that she loved being creative. One of the most beau ti ful par t s of her ar tistic journe y was the early suppor t from her mother. “She fostered my love for ar t and did e ver y thing she could to keep my joy of creating going.”

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Delightful Surprises and Cultivating Gratitude PERSONALIZED GIFTING.

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n the summer of 2020, I had the pleasure of interviewing the impressively talented artist Dameon Priestly for the ‘Freedom’ Issue of the magazine. Since then, I am

Photo credit: Gaynor Perry

“What’s it gonna take?”

WRIT TEN BY MICHAEL DAKS P H O T O C R E D I T A R T W O R K B Y D A M E O N P R I E S T LY PORTRAITS BY MICHAEL DAKS BILLBOARD PHOTO SUPPLIED BY E XILE PRODUCTIONS

pleased to say that we have become good friends, and his career has gone from strength to strength even in these difficult times. It was with great pleasure then, over a pint of Guinness and several large glasses of Black Bush whiskey (no ice, in case you were wondering),

that Dameon recounted to me how, with a little help from an old friend and his ‘live’ Instagram chat with our very own Editor-In-Chief Trystanne Cunningham, he was commissioned by the great man himself to create the artwork for his new album What ’s It Gonna Take?

What’s It Gonna Take? Cover

dameon.co.uk @dameon_priestly_artist

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Serge Gay Jr is a Haitian artist and creative director living in San Francisco, where his murals have garnered much attention. His illustrations and paintings have adorned Grammynominated music videos, been exhibited throughout the USA, and are much in demand for clients including Ford, Levi’s, Banana Republic, and many major record labels.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. P

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Serge Gay Jr.

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL DAKS PHOTO CREDIT S E R G E G AY J R SOCIAL MEDIA @ S E R G E G AYJ R

His ar t is inspired by urban life while influenced by the culture of his homeland and fused with his life experiences. “My aesthetic incorporates the grit of New York , the beauty of Miami, the wealth of Detroit , and the freedom of San Francisco.”

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Black Palm_ 2019 Acrylic _ Graphite on canvas

erge Gay Jr. was born in Haiti but moved to New York when he was three. His family soon relocated to Miami, which is where he was raised. It was an ar tistic family with both his father and grandfather working as ar tists. He began painting as a youth before studying at a Magnet Ar ts High School in Miami, followed by the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Since relocating to the Bay area in 2007, he has expanded his ar tistic output to include graphic design, ar t directing, galler y exhibitions, event ar t , and murals throughout the city. In June, he showed at the San Francisco City Hall group exhibition Queer View: A Celebration of Ar t , curated by Joseph Abbati and Jun Yang.

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Light as the Essence of Photography:

The Art of Charles Schoenberger BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

TrooRa Magazine proudly presents its first ever TrooArtist Spotlight Award to photographer Charles Schoenberger, whose art has graced our pages for several years.

rawn to cameras and light since he was ver y young, Schoenberger loves manipulating light and creating and capturing fantastical setups. He considers light the essence of photography and prefers taking pictures to other visual ar t forms, such as painting or drawing.

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“Photography can capture a split second in time and is a more instant feedback loop for the photographer and shoot team.”

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The Formation of an Artist He had some cheap little cameras as a small child and also borrowed his mom’s camera. Schoenberger says his mother was a big influence as she always took photos whenever they traveled.

He officially star ted in the early 1980s, when his sister, a talented pastel ar tist , began doing photography as well. She helped Schoenberger pick out his first serious camera, and he immediately built a darkroom and never looked back .

Photoshoots: The Art of Creating a Complete Look

His first photoshoot was of a friend’s daughter, an aspiring model. “I photographed her in a tight makeshift studio in a bedroom with studio lights, all on film. The images were decent , and I was hooked.”

To him, a quality photograph makes you pause, look , and wonder. “I tr y to think of what can be done to make an image more beautiful, more interesting, or be a surprise. With people, I want to show the real person or make you wonder, ‘what is going on in their head?’”

Schoenberger has always believed that photoshoots should be fun and creative and that the subjects should be at ease, which will show in the images.

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WE PRODUCE ALL OF THE BEERS USED TO MAKE OUR WHISKEYS & ARTISAN SPIRITS

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Painting the world one street at a time B Y K AT E W I N G A R

P H O T O C R E D I T PA R T I C A

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While wall art and drawings have been found in ancient caves dating back thousands of years, modern graffiti first appeared in the subways and streets of New York in the 1970s. Born out of the political movements and rock music of the Sixties, graffiti culture has become a worldwide phenomenon. Today, every top city around the world–London, Paris, Tokyo, New York, you name it—has its own collection of street art on display.

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hile wall ar t and drawings have been found in ancient caves dating back thousands of years, modern graffiti first appeared in the subways and streets of New York in the 1970s. Born out of the political movements and rock music of the Six ties, graffiti culture has become a worldwide phenomenon. Today, ever y top cit y around the world–London, Paris, Tokyo, New York , you name it–has its own collection of street ar t on display.

Nairobi has become a graffiti destination in its own right , thanks to WiseTwo, an internationally acclaimed street ar tist based in the Kenyan capital. Following an active street ar t career spanning more than ten years, his work can be found in major destinations across the globe. WiseTwo has transformed some of Nairobi ’s dullest areas into lively and vivid neighborhoods. Paa Tanzania’s K ate Wingar finds out more about Kenya’s ver y own answer to Banksy.

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N AT U R E ’ S C O L O R PA L E T T E B Y F I L I PA A R A Ú J O

A collection of some of the most visually stunning locations that will spark your imagination and leave you in awe RESCUED BY COLOR B Y F I L I PA A R A Ú J O

People around the world have been transforming their communities through the power of color K AT E W I N S L E T ’ S L O V E FOR ADVENTURE BY TROORA MAGAZINE

The Academy Award-winning actress talks about her love of adventure, the possibility of visiting space, and the city that will forever entice her with its recognizable smells THE REAL HOT LIST BY JO KROMBERG

Great destination ideas for your latest travel plans

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N AT U R E ’ S C O L O R PA L E T T E

A collection of some of the most visually stunning locations that will spark your imagination and leave you in awe. rom the mystical nor thern lights in Norway to the bursting colors of Zhangye National Geopark in China, nature never ceases to amaze with its creativity and the way it paints our ear th were a canvas. We take you on a journey around some of the most magical places our world has to offer.

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Photo by Steve Tietze on istockphoto

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F LY G E Y S E R , N E V A D A , U S A The Fly Geyser shows us how accidents can create the most amazing wonders. Resembling something out of a fairytale book, the six-foot-tall geyser lives in the middle of the desert in Nevada. It was accidentally formed after the drilling of a well in 1916. In need of a natural water source, the residents of the area drilled the well and found out that the water was excessively hot, so it was of no use to them. Later, in 1964, a geothermal power company failed to successfully close a test well. With the exposure to air, nature took the reins and created the perfect environment for the beautiful hot spring that we see today. The calcium sediments emerging from the well produced the main mounts and the thermal algae, which thrives in hot environments, giving the spring its mesmerizing shades of green and red.

PA N J I N ’ S R E D B E A C H , C H I N A The Red Beach in Panjin is not your typical beach. Located in the Liaoning province in China, the protected nature reser ve surprisingly has no sand but rather a landscape of seepweed that stretches for miles. Although seepweed can be found in many coastal areas around the world, what makes this par ticular spot so unique is the fact that this specific species of seepweed is not only green, such as is commonly found in other places. Nature decided to go the ex tra mile here. Because the soil is both highly saline and alkaline, it causes the plants to change color. The leaves blossom in a subtle shade of green, but as summer arrives, they turn red, becoming more and more vibrant throughout the year until winter approaches, when they finally shift into gentle hues of mauve before dying out. This ever-changing color feast can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

Photo by Lcc54613 on istockphoto

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Staying In Place Innovation • Value • Service

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by - Ian Keefe | Unsplash Stock Images Luxury Card marks are property of Black Card LLC. BLACKCARD is a registered trademark used under license. Luxury Card products are issued by Barclays Bank Delaware pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated, owner of registered trademarks MASTERCARD, WORLD ELITE MASTERCARD and the circles design. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2019–2020 Black Card LLC

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Photo by Lcc54613 on istockphoto

People around the world have been transforming their communities through the power of color. Here’s how:

eautiful places easily catch our attention, yet we don’t always take a deeper look at what gave bir th to their enticing characteristics. More often than not , there’s more to it than meets the eye. Sometimes, the beauty of these places begins with a powerful stor y.

There’s a small neighborhood bringing a splash of color to the city of Taichung, Taiwan. It ’s known as Rainbow Village. Bright and vibrant , the ar twork on the walls and floors is just as fascinating as the histor y behind it. Originally a militar y housing complex , the village was built to accommodate Chinese nationalist soldiers and their families who fled after the civil war in the 1940s. Huang Yung-fu is one of the veterans who moved into the village after retiring from the militar y in 1978. Originally from the outskir ts of Guangzhou, mainland China, Yung-fu fought in the Second Sino-Japanese War and joined forces with the Nationalist army to fight the Chinese Civil War before fleeing to Taiwan. What was once meant to be a temporar y settlement for soldiers and their families became permanent. The residents of the village slowly began moving out , leaving Yung-fu as one of the last remaining inhabitants. In 2008, the government had plans to demolish the settlement and ordered all remaining people to evacuate the premises.

Ever yone had obeyed the evacuation order except for Yung-fu. That ’s when he decided to pick up his paintbrush and add some color to his house by painting a bird on the wall. His inspiration kept flowing, and once his walls were full, the paint star ted pouring out of his windows and into the streets and the other houses of the village. With his mystical and psychedelic creations, he managed to bring the village back to life. As his ar t expanded, he attracted attention from local youth, who star ted a campaign to save the village from being demolished after learning his stor y. News of the rainbow village spread across the nation, and Yung-fu became affectionately known as “Grandpa Rainbow.” A few months later, the government decided to stop the demolition plans and preser ve the village as a public park , which now attracts millions of tourists ever y year. Now, at the age of 98, Grandpa Rainbow continues his legacy through his brother, Wei Pi-ren. Pi-ren founded the Rainbow Creative Co. and assembled a team to help maintain the village and keep the power of his brother ’s creations alive.

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The Rainbow Village, Taiwan

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Sustainable jewellery made out of recycled and eco-friendly materials ayrtan.com

Kate Winslet’s Love For Adventure B Y : T R O O R A M A G A Z I N E / PA R T I C A C O N T R I B U T O R

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Photo credit Andy Roland on istockphoto

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The Academy Award-winning actress talks about her love of adventure, the possibility of visiting space, and the city that will forever entice her with its recognizable smells.

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Photographed by: Feature Flash Photo Agency Shutterstock

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“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” — Warren Buffett

A Really Hot List Great destination ideas for your latest travel plans

ith Covid seemingly subsiding comes new beginnings and experiences, and in this issue, together with Grifco PR in the UK , we bring you a hand-selected variety of unique and truly bucket-list vacation adventures from all around the world.

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GREECE:

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This season Daios Cove Luxur y Resor t and Villas, Crete, has opened The Mansion–an exclusive three-bedroom villa, complete with indoor and outdoor heated pools, staff quar ters, a fully equipped gym, and an in-house spa with Starpool steam bath, sauna, and treatment rooms. The overall space is an impressive 600 square meters of stylish indoor space set over three levels plus 300 square meters of outdoor living. The resor t has also launched ten new 84-square-

BY JO KROMBERG P H O T O C R E D I T PA R T I C A , I S T O C K

meter Premium Sea View Suites for this season, sleeping up to four adults or two Daios Cove Luxury Resort adults, two children, and one infant. The Premium Sea View Suites consist of a master bedroom with a sitting area and an interconnected, open plan living and dining room with stylish Maxalto Italian furnishings, Nespresso coffee machines, and a double transformable wall bed from sought-after Italian designer Clei. Guests staying at the villa and premium sea view suites will be free to enjoy the facilities of Daios Cove–including the private beach, tennis cour ts, large heated infinity pool, water spor ts, elegant restaurants, and chic cocktail bars. Contact : http://www.daioscovecrete.com/

Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, situated nex t to Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes National Park , is on track to open for guests on June 1, 2017. Comprising just six forest villas, Bisate Lodge will offer a luxurious base from which to enjoy an ex traordinar y gorilla conser vation experience and a holistic exploration of this beautiful region. Situated within the amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone, the 17-acre Bisate site is incomparable in terms of its natural splendor, with sweeping views of the Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Mikeno

Bisate Lodge

volcanoes. The real generosity of Bisate in the Rwandan contex t will be the amount of private and exclusive space surrounding the Lodge, cosseting it in a rare natural landscape brimming with Alber tine Rift biodiversity and beauty. Each spacious forest villa will comprise a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space, and bathroom, all warmed by a central fireplace and with breathtaking views across a private deck towards Mount Bisoke. Go to https:// wildernesssafaris.com/ our-camps/ camps/bisatelodge

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R WA N D A :

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skincare + soul care

skinamity.com

The new Apoteca collection “Viola” created for the fragile, delicate, sensuous, and feminine women who like gorgeous designs and high-quality natural fabrics. Collection features high versatility, combining fabrics and materials such as silk, cashmere, wool, styles are modern and wearable. This collection’s characteristic feature is simplicity, but at the same time elegance with small decorative details which make styles look more extraordinary.

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Fashion designer Iguehi James creates strikingly colorful African Ankara prints that showcase her Oakland roots and Nigerian heritage BASIL RACUK BY MICHAEL DAKS

Basil Racuk a fashion and accessories designer originally of Ukrainian descent by way of Argentina ENGINEERING DESIGNER BENJAMIN BABADI BRINGS TUSCAN ARTISANAL STYLE TO OUR ACCESSORIES BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Babadi takes inspiration from the Renaissance and Italy’s continuing culture of design

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BUILDING AN EMPIRE, ONE B L A Z E R AT A T I M E BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

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Former corporate maven Diana Nguyen’s Madison Savile blazer designs and business model uplift professional women

This Black-owned business is changing the game at classic watches. Unique, modern timepieces are carefully crafted to adorn the wrists of men and women. T H E FA C E O F TA N Z A N I A B Y K AT E W I N G A R

Meet Miriam Odemba, the Tanzanian beauty who is making waves in the modeling world CARLA TRUITT AND EIGHT R O YA L E : FA S H I O N A B L E , FOLDABLE COMFORT BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Flats with the elegance and ease of butterflies, for women to wear to the office, the symphony, a party, or a coffee shop

Photo CREDIT Warren Heath/ Bureaux

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WE LOVE IGUEHI BY MICHAEL DAKS

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TrooRa LaMarqq, brainchild of TrooRa founder Trystanne Cunningham, releases its first product this month

A C U S H I O N FO R YO U R F E E T - ALICE BOW INSOLES B Y S T E L L A P O LY Z O I D O U

Gently handcrafted insoles wrapped in premium Italian leather to fit any shoe LUI JEWELRY BY NEHA SURADKAR

Storytelling through colorful heirloom jewelry

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PA C K A G E D I N B E A U T Y PRESERVING CHARACTER: TROORA LAMARQQ’S NEW L U X E L E AT H E R T O T E B A G S BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

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We Love Iguehi BY MICHAEL DAKS

Fashion designer Iguehi James creates strikingly colorful African Ankara prints that showcase her Oakland roots and Nigerian heritage.

“Love the way you look. Love the way you feel!” Fashion Design is not what Iguehi went to school for or something she even thought about , but she was blessed to find this talent and passion later in life. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, she had always been exposed to rich West African cultures and traditions.

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“From our food to our fashion… ever y thing we (Nigerians) do, is done boldly.”

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She watched as her parents meticulously dressed for formal engagements in traditional garments. “I watched as my mother tied bright geles (head wraps) atop her head to finish off her ensemble. This exposure to my culture and beautiful African fashions probably planted a seed”. Her father is an ar tist , and his African influence and love for

color were always displayed in their home through his paintings and sculptures. Along with his ar tistr y, her upbringing bir thed creativity and a sense of ar t , music, and fashion. Although she always loved fashion, it wasn’t something that she even considered as a career. Fast forward to 2015, and it was curiosity that led her to sew. Iguehi had no idea that she would build a brand when she star ted. However, with the encouragement of friends and family, she star ted making clothes to order. Just one year later, in August of 2016, Love Iguehi was born. “I turned my new sewing hobby into a side hustle, and eventually, my side hustle became my fulltime career!” Ever y piece is hand-cut featuring beautiful tex tiles and vibrant colors. This means that with variations in print placement , each garment is unique and par t of a limited edition.

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Ethically Handmade and Sustainable Jewelry Made in Spain

lolamohe.com

Quality, Design and Functionality. We love creating accessories to be worn year round.

landabags.com

Basil Racuk BY MICHAEL DAKS

Basil Racuk is a fashion and accessories designer originally of Ukrainian descent by way of Argentina. He was born and raised in San Francisco.

lthough Basil’s family histor y star ted in Ukraine, it is a stor y of migration. His grandparents emigrated to Argentina between the wars in the 1930s, before Basil’s parents moved separately (before they had met) from Argentina to the US sometime in the 1950s.

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“ The shor t version of this event chain is that they met in San Francisco through a mutual friend who owned the building nex t door to where my first shop was in the Mission.”

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He has since moved from that location to one at 3980 24th street in Noe Valley. Over his long career, he has worked for various fashion labels. The last company he worked for was Gap Inc, where he worked for both the Banana Republic and Old Navy brands.

“I did thir ty years of industr y work before I became a ‘new designer ’!” He launched a small collection of leather bags geared toward men in 2007. He did it for a ver y personal reason: “He was star ved for craft.” At the time, he was working as a designer and sat at a desk most of the time, and when he wasn’t at his desk , he was traveling around the world, often going from airpor t to factor y to hotel. “I realized that , at the ver y least , I needed to star t making something with my hands. I stayed at my job for many years, making bags when I got home at night.” He makes each piece, including the off the peg pieces that one can buy at his shop. When discussing customs with a client , he tells them that they are able to consider the entire spectrum of color when they design something for them. This may be a slight exaggeration, but only a slight one.

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Renewing glasses into sunglasses lunelvintage.com

future family heirlooms

LUI: Tradition, Heritage

www.luijewelry.co

Engineering designer Benjamin Babadi brings Tuscan artisanal style to our accessories BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Babadi takes inspiration from the Renaissance and Italy’s continuing culture of design.

enjamin Babadi says that Tuscany is his second home and where he learned to live an artisanal life.

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“Tuscany is a special place where you can always find an artisan to work with no matter what you are into. I enjoyed exploring and working with leather there and found an amazing bag designer, Lorella, who taught me how to make bags with passion and love,” he explains.

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From Lorella, he learned the discipline of making a perfect bag through techniques she’d learned over generations. Babadi has always been inspired by Renaissance art due to the attention to detail paid by craftspeople during that time. “People were dedicated to perfecting their artisanal work, not finding shortcuts for mass production.”

Babadi considers himself an “engineering designer” because he draws on his engineering background and knowledge to craft artistic leather handbags. “Engineering nowadays puts a lot of focus on solving a problem, on creating a product with a function to address a problem. Products need to be monetized, move towards massmanufacturing to be successful,” he says. As a self-defined Engineering Art Designer, he uses 3-D printing and computer-assisted design (CAD) to make jigs, tools he uses

to assemble the bags. However, his focus is on the art and design more than the construction. “An engineering art designer bridges the gap [between art and technology] and helps pieces to have a modern look and appeal. I call my work a modern twist on Tuscany’s Renaissance art style because I use what I learned from Tuscany and put my engineering twist on it.” Babadi’s bags incorporate geometric designs, and he uses the golden ratio and other mathematical concepts to develop patterns for them.

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An Engineering Art Designer

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Attention to Quality for Durable Bags He uses advanced techniques to form and mount the pieces, which can only be done and sewn on by hand. “I can say with confidence that I am one of the few who can mount and assemble sophisticated structured bags of the sort that I make. I care so much about finishing touches for edge paint and sewing. I only trust sewing that is perfectly done, and that’s why all my bags so far are handsewn. I have never seen a machine-sewn bag that is as clean as my hand-sewn bags.” He also finds and uses high-quality calf leather sourced from Tuscan tanneries and uses premium suede and hand-designed metallic hardware (hand-made by his accessories designer in brass and with two layers of gold finish.

Babadi’s bags last longer than most other leather bags—up to several years. This is because he uses premium leather that can last through generations, often calf leather that’s more durable than cowhide. “The metal accessories are made in brass with two layers of gold finish, which makes them scratch resistant, and the hand-sewing involves special thread that’s thicker and stronger than machine thread and creates a stronger attachment.” As this is the Color issue, I asked Babadi about his favorite color. “I am so glad you asked! My favorite color is Salvia Green, or what I call Tuscany Green. It’s the color of my brand that’s used across all my products. You see that shade of green and washed beige all over Tuscany.”

www.benjaminbabadi.com

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TECHstyle SoftWEAR Surface & Shape installation Shanghai MoCA Butterfly Dream installation (opposite)

quenlife.com

Building An Empire Together, One Blazer at a Time BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Former corporate maven Diana Nguyen’s Madison Savile blazer designs and business model uplift professional women “I love how a suit with the right fit looks on a man, so sharp and powerful. Fit is ever y thing. Not only can it make a garment look amazing, but it allows for comfor t. I wanted the same for women,” explains Diana Nguyen.

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When she worked in the corporate world, Nguyen noticed a lot of women who, like herself, would talk about how much they loved blazers but how hard it was to find one that had functional pockets and didn’ t feel restricting.

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So, she changed direction and launched a business to fill this gap in the market. “All my life, I knew I wanted to do more. My sense that there was a higher purpose or calling got louder, but I didn’t have clarity on what it was,” she remembers. A career coach helped her narrow her goal down to entrepreneurship, which eventually led to the idea of reinventing the blazer.

The Power of Timeless Comfort The name comes from Madison (gift of God) and Savile (Savile Row in London, for its bespoke suiting for each customer). Nguyen’s idea is that the blazers will inspire women to bring out their inner warriors and the gifts that only they can bring to the world. “ With each design, I always think about how I can encourage the person wearing it because that is the purpose of our work , to remind you of your inner beauty, gifts, and light.” After two years of iterations, fittings, and experiments with hundreds of fabrics, they found a two-way, stretchy, wrinkleresistant fabric in Japan. With this fabric, she believes they have created your “ forever blazer,” your new best friend, a blazer that fits like your favorite pair of jeans or your comfiest sweater, with five functional pockets and feels like butter.

Nguyen says blazers are “ timeless, classic staples that you can dress up or dress down, and it ’s even better when they feel like your favorite sweater.” Their first collection came in neutral colors, black , camel, gray, and plaids. They wanted to launch with staples first , classic colors that will never go out of style and that people wear more often because they are safe and versatile. “ These are your go-to colors for an executive meeting, a presentation, or an inter view.”

Changing Fashion, Adding Color PostShelter-in-Place

“ We’re moving into more power casuals, blazers and jeans, for example. Cer tain professionals, lawyers and real estate agents, will still wear suits, but now having versatile pieces in your wardrobe to help you transition from home to the office is impor tant. Our blazers were made for this!” She says business clothes are becoming more colorful since Covid, especially blazers. “ You’ll see more blues,

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She says Covid has changed our outlook on what we value, our lives, careers, and priorities. People are in hybrid work environments, and some aren’t returning to the office at all, which changes what we need in our wardrobes.

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Breathing New Life Into Antique Fabrics A Sustainable Take On Luxury

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Talley & Twine: More than a luxury watch brand B Y S T E L L A P O LY Z O I D O U P H O T O C R E D I T TA L L E Y & T W I N E

This Black-owned business is changing the game at classic watches. Unique, modern timepieces are carefully crafted to adorn the wrists of men and women.

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h en it comes to the pursuit of excellence, Talley & Twine comes first. The brand equals luxur y, precision, and exquisite craftsmanship. It carries along not only a rich past but also an empowering stor y wor thy of being told.

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Imagine waking up, and after completing your morning ritual, you pick out the right outfit and get dressed. A luxurious, little watch on the wrist can be the key element that pulls your whole look together, adding a sense of formality and sophistication. Bir thed by Randy Williams in 2014 in Virginia, Talley & Twine is considered one of the most notable Black-owned

For Williams, his decision to star t a luxur y watch company lies with the underrepresentation of African Americans in the industr y. “African Americans were being largely ignored. I knew this represented a huge oppor tunity for us. Most luxur y designers that many people suppor t aren’t making products with their main consumers (the minority population) in mind. Products aren’t made for us, usually– and I wanted to create something that was designed for us, by us.” After saving the last paycheck from his old job, Williams moved to Virginia with just enough money for a one-way ticket. Deep in his hear t , he knew that this was the star t of something special;

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watch brands. Inside this broad spectrum of African Americanowned companies struggling to stay afloat , Talley & Twine comes to assure that it can be challenging yet possible for a brand to thrive. “As the largest , Black-owned luxur y watch company, Talley & Twine is proud to offer a little piece of luxur y to ever y type of shopper for seven years now.” By harmonizing a vintage aesthetic with a contemporar y spirit and bringing a touch of glamour to the Black community, the famous watch brand continues to gain popularity and ser ve its purpose.

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FINE WOOD BRIM HEADWEAR & APPAREL

A revival of sophistication, elegance and confidence in the style of dress.

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LOVE THE WAY YOU LOOK LOVE THE WAY YOU FEEL. loveiguehi.com

The Face of Tanzania M E E T M I R I A M O D E M B A , T H E TA N Z A N I A N B E A U T Y W H O I S M A K I N G WAV E S I N T H E M O D E L I N G W O R L D B Y K AT E W I N G A R P H O T O C R E D I T PA R T I C A

O TROORA MAGAZINE

ver the past few years, we’ve seen a surge in East African women pursuing and finding success in the modeling business. One name we have to thank for this is Miriam Odemba. By becoming the first Tanzanian to win an Elite Model contract and the first to win a title in a major beaut y pageant , Miriam has ensured the countr y has become a modeling force to reckon with. Now living in Paris, Miriam Odemba spoke to Travelsmar t ’s Kate Wingar.

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Q. You emerged into the limelight ver y young. Is age impor tant to have a successful career in modeling? A . I don’ t think age is an impor tant factor, but more of an attitude. My attitude is what got me ahead at a young age. Since

childhood, I have been strong and quite fearless. It ’s about focus, and after that , any thing is possible for those who believe. I came from a tough background, and nothing was given to me on a silver platter. I had to work hard. Nothing comes easy in life, but I always believe in myself and push myself to achieve what I want.

Q. Is modeling difficult to get into? A . Modeling is a tough industr y and can be depressing at times. For instance, you can have three big castings in a day, and you must be competitive and hardworking throughout the process. It can also get ver y personal, too, especially when casting agents may highlight bits about yourself that you don’t like. So you need to have a real passion for the industr y. It ’s not as easy as people think .

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Skincare is self-care

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What is good for the Earth is good for us.

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R E G E N E R AT I V E A N D J U S T .

zero-waste, fair fashion

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Carla Truitt and Eight Royale: Fashionable, Foldable Comfort BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Flats with the elegance and ease of butterflies, for women to wear to the office, the symphony, a party, or a coffee shop

arla Truitt ’s beautiful mother, and other women in her life, inspire the designs she uses for Eight Royale’s foldable flats.

“I’m surrounded by graceful, elegant , intelligent , talented, and beautiful ladies. These women will pull on an Hermés scarf over a classic tee and jeans yet still daz zle with a vintage, black cocktail dress. I think of what they want to wear and design around them,” she says.

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B E A U T Y, P R A C T I C A L I T Y, AND COMFORT

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Eight Royale’s products are designed to combine practicalit y and comfor t. After the personal disaster she’d dreaded for years, getting her stiletto heel caught in a Manhattan sewer grate on her way to an impor tant business meeting, Truitt developed a line of shoes that can easily

be taken off, folded, and stored when needed. The idea for foldable shoes came from another source, as the Paris-loving Truitt explains on the brand’s website. On August 12 , 1843, an incredible phenomenon was witnessed on the fashionable Rue Royale in the eighth arrondissement. The Illustrated London News repor ted that “a vast cloud of butterflies” of ever y color and shape had covered ever y lamppost and storefront on the street. Eight Royale’s shoes fold up and open again like the wings of butterflies. Truitt carefully researched the material used in her products before deciding on the design. “Our loyal customers will attest that our foldable flats unroll easily and are as soft as ballerina slippers. Because of

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Hand Crafted Jewelry & Accessories Sustainable Materials Environmental Responsibility

Instagram: @stellafluorescent Pinterest: @stellasfsf

Packaged in Beauty Preserving Character: TrooRa LaMarqq’s New Luxe Leather Tote Bags BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

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TrooRa LaMarqq, brainchild of TrooRa founder Trystanne Cunningham, releases its first product this month. leather handbag with a splash of color and leather from designer Basil Racuk , who is being featured in TrooRa’s Color Issue.

The bag’s Vachetta leather is vegetable-tanned to last longer. It was produced using only natural, non-toxic chemicals and preser ves the characteristic colors and scent associated with fine leather. Produced in the Italian region of Tuscany, Vachetta leather ’s high fat content allows for a butter y soft finish and develops a distinctive patina over time. Only about ten percent of modern leather is still vegetable-tanned, and this process reflects centuries’ wor th of craft. The bag will contain swag from brands featured in the Color issue, including Palo Santo incense from Magnolia Wellness and candles made from recycled wine bottles. Each future issue of TrooRa will have

an accompanying leather swag bag featuring sample products and a different work of ar t commissioned from an ar tist featured in that issue. The quality Vachetta leather handbag will be gifted to VIP guests at TrooRa’s The Color Issue Summer ’22 Launch Event Par ty on July 28th at San Francisco’s Dir ty Habit. Launching the TrooRa La Marqq line has been a dream of Cunningham’s for quite some time, and she looks forward to diversif ying into other products. Collaborating with designer Basil Racuk has been a fun project. Racuk says working with Cunningham and TrooRa on these bags is a special and unique project. “It ’s been exciting to finalize the design and stitching process!” “It ’s all about building par tnerships,” Cunningham says. “ The swag bags allow our featured brands to sample their products to our treasured audience and loyal suppor ters.”

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Sourced small batches of materials, with the idea that scarcity is the ultimate luxury.

Each piece of clothing brand is designed and made for women who want comfort and cool in equal dosage.

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A cushion for your feet -

Alice Bow Insoles

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Gently handcrafted insoles wrapped in premium Italian leather to fit any shoe.

ased in London, Alice Bow is a shoe accessor y woman-owned brand founded by former management consultant Rachel Bowditch, who specializes in helping women feel comfor table in their high heels ever y day and on special occasions. By designing high-quality, padded shoe inser ts with custom color finishes, she brings a luxur y approach to a daily necessity.

St yle matters to women, and so does comfor t. However, one of women’s eternal problems is wearing high heels without pain; thus, Alice Bow ’s insoles come to the rescue. If you are wondering what makes a shoe comfor table, the answer is on the inside! Although insoles are supposed to be worn inside the shoe, you’ll want to show them off ! For that reason, Bowditch aims to create a revolution in shoe comfor t.

“All I wanted was to be comfortable in my favorite shoes.”

Materials are one of the most significant inspirations for Alice Bow ’s designs. Coming in various colors and sizes, the insoles are made of premium Italian leather and can be customized

according to shoe style—from opentoed heels to flats. They ’re also available in a range of stunning colors, including gold, silver, hot pink , aqua, and metallic gold.

Another reason Alice Bow insoles differ from others on the market is the padding. “Our customers are always surprised that such slim padding can provide so much comfort ,” adds Bowditch. For extra support and comfort , the insoles are backed with orthopedic padding and have sticky spots to prevent slipping. Most insoles are too thick , making

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What makes Alice Bow insoles stand out is their exquisite craftsmanship and unique design. “ We combine beauty and comfor t , so your shoes both feel and look better. Made from beautiful, colorful leathers, our insoles are accessories that allow you to personalize your shoes,” declares Bowditch.

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Photographer: Elias Gurrola instagram.com/eliasgurrola twitter.com/Elias_Gurrola facebook.com/eliasgurroladesign pinterest.com/eliasgurrola/_created eliasgurrola.com

Lui Jewelry Storytelling through colorful heirloom jewelry BY: NEHA SURADKAR

L TROORA MAGAZINE

ui Jewelry is a brand that cherishes legacy and aims to create heirlooms for the next generation of family, which will be known for their timeless elegance. Each Lui gemstone is selected with a vision of ethereal speckles of radiance dancing across the collarbone, the curve of an earlobe, a wrist, a neck, or anywhere its wearer dares to imagine.

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Amanda Lui, the founder of Lui Jewelry, believes, “Color is light! It is emotion, movement, and life. It can be playful or delicately graceful. Colors tell us a story if we know how to read it.” She feels that colors choose her and not the other way round. Born in South Miami, U.S.A, and raised in Hong Kong, Lui was always in an urban environment, surrounded by people from various walks of life. She enjoys arts, philosophy, and cultural studies. With a major in art, philosophy & religious studies, she worked part-time in various galleries and experimented with multiple mediums. Then,

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boldswim.com

Clean Conscious Skin Care Cruelty Free, Vegan, Organic, Inclusive for all Skin Types Get Your Glow On

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beauty

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SHOWING TRUE COLOR BY NEHA SURADKAR

Embracing Your Skin Tone

E T TA + B I L L I E : O R G A N I C B AT H , B O DY, A N D S K I N CA R E P R O D U C T S FO R YO U R D A I LY R I T U A L B Y S T E L L A P O LY Z O I D O U

Etta + Billie offers an amazing collection of fragrant bath products designed to bring a sense of freshness and revitalization

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Showing True Color Embracing Your Skin Tone

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BY: NEHA SURADKAR

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eauty has always been about colors—skin tone, makeup, fashion, or accessories. Ideal beauty standards have always been about light skin tone, dark hair, rosy cheeks, and pink lips—all defined by colors. Since childhood, most girls have grown up with this beauty ideal reinforced by princesses in fairy tales—Snow White, Cinderella, and Belle all conform to the ideal pale skin beauty standards.

skin. And this still holds for most ‘colored’ women of the world.

The only beauty products available for deeper skin tones were fairness products or skin lightening products, some of which were very harmful to the skin. As a result, women of deeper color were often looked down upon for their complexion and were advised to use skin lightening products to get that ‘glow’ on the

In the last few years, even drugstore makeup brands have realized the scope of the deepcolored market and started launching their foundations and concealers in deeper tones. Brands like Maybelline, L’Oreal Paris, NYX, CoverGirl, etc. have come up with foundations across the range of the skin tone spectrum.

In 1973, Johnson Publishing launched Fashion Fair Cosmetics, which was made available in 1500 department stores by 1980. Gradually, most of the professional makeup brands like M.A.C, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, Makeup Forever, Kryolan, and Cinema Secrets had deeper and warmer tones in their repertoire. And they were available to purchase in stores and eventually online. In 2018, Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty with 40 shades of foundation. However, the darkest shades were sold first. This incident reiterates a huge market for deeper and warmer shades of foundation, and the sooner brands realize this, the better.

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But there is more to beauty than just the ideal standards. The beauty industry mainly ignored the people who do not fit the ideal standards. For the longest time, there were no foundations for women with colored skin—anything beyond a honey tone. The foundations available were usually ivory, porcelain, sand, and rose beige as if they were the only existing skin tones. Women with skin tones deeper than these were often given foundations from one of these tones, which would make their skin look ashy and dull. The eyeshadows were also mostly in icy-pastel tones, which did not go very well with warmer and deeper tones. The women with ‘colored’ skin (read deep, warm, olive tones) started detesting makeup. They felt that makeup was not meant for them and started avoiding it altogether. But the fact was that it was not about makeup; it was always about colors.

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A holistic healing collective founded on the principles of Chinese and Functional medicine. A blend of modern health principles and ancient wisdom, to curate a personalized, multi-disciplinary healing experience.

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Organic bath, body, and skincare products for your daily ritual P H O T O C R E D I T E T TA + B I L L I E B Y S T E L L A P O LY Z O I D O U

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Etta + Billie offers an amazing collection of fragrant bath products designed to bring a sense of freshness and revitalization.

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ive your skin the royal treatment it deser ves and make your bath a pleasant experience by investing in something natural, nourishing, and sweet-smelling. There’s nothing more refreshing than pampering yourself after a long day. A self-care moment at home isn’t a luxur y but a necessity for your wellness. It makes you stronger from the inside and leads to a more beautiful you on the outside. Etta + Billie allows you to revel in a relaxing moment that cleanses your body and nourishes your soul. From scrub bars and body lotions to soaps and skin balms, these exquisite bath products are made of the highest quality ingredients and lavish scents. Each product is formulated with a focus on sustainable, fair trade plant oils and botanicals that reflect the brand’s care for the environment. Etta + Billie is a woman-owned business based in San Francisco. The mastermind behind this brand is Alana Rivera, who star ted her soap empire in her tiny apar tment. After leaving a monotonous full-time job, she found her purpose in brewing up apothecar y products in her kitchen, experimenting with different aromas and ingredients. “Back in 2006, I learned a lot about conventional body care products and synthetic ingredients and was getting deeply frustrated by the options on the shelves. I knew there had to be a better option for women’s self-care essentials. Products that were kind to the ear th, kind to skin, and smelled amazing! Therefore, I star ted experimenting and created Etta + Billie in 2009.”

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Beautiful shoes should be comfortable too

www.alicebow.com

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ANGELA SINNETT BRINGS DEPTH AND HEART TO HEALING THROUGH MAGNOLIA WELLNESS BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

She tells how her clinic inspires gratitude and transformation

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Angela Sinnett brings depth and heart to healing through Magnolia Wellness BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

SHE TELLS HOW HER CLINIC INSPIRES G R AT I T U D E A N D T R A N S F O R M AT I O N

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When asked what wellness ser vices can offer on top of regular Western medicine, she replied, “ That is such a great question! Depth. The level of depth, understanding, and rappor t you build with a patient when you have time to dig into their physical and emotional histor y makes for a totally different experience.”

WELLNESS

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n the hear t of California’s Orange County, Angela Sinnett and other holistic health practitioners offer ser vices like acupuncture and essential oil treatments through Magnolia Wellness.

Wellness practices are not dictated by the rules of most American insurance companies, so initial office visits can be 75 minutes as opposed to the seven-minute industr y standard in Western medicine.

Some Magnolia patients come in ner vous about acupuncture, and Sinnett and her colleagues take the time to make them feel comfor table. “Many people have fears about needles. It ’s not uncommon when someone comes in for the first time. Most have already taken the first step to conquer their fear by even making the appointment , and when they come in person, I get the chance to walk them through a demonstration. First , I star t by showing them the needle, and then I’ll place a ver y thin needle in my own hand and perform acupuncture on myself. If they ’re still feeling scared, then I offer press needles, ear seeds, or essential oils. This can’t often be the case with kids, but most adults say, “Ahh, that ’s nothing!” after seeing it and choose to proceed with the acupuncture.”

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Let’s Make Reusable the Standard

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special interest TROORA MAGAZINE 3 74

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LASANDRA HUNT AT C H A S E B A N K : ENHANCED FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR M I N O R I T Y C R E AT O R S

By Cristina Deptula LaSandra Hunt, a commercial banker with JP Morgan Chase, discusses how the banking industry is–and should–invest in building diverse communities by supporting minority entrepreneurs

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Minding The Financial Gap LaSandra Hunt at Chase Bank: Enhanced Financing Opportunities for Minority Creators

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BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

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LaSandra Hunt, a commercial banker with JP Morgan Chase, discusses how the banking industry is–and should–invest in building diverse communities by supporting minority entrepreneurs.

aSandra Hunt, banker at JP Morgan Chase Commercial Banking, started working as a bank teller in finance right out of high school. Since then, she’s supported merchant services and worked in a bank’s cash vault.

“As I evolved as a professional, [though], I realized I’m more of a people person and looked for more opportunities to engage directly with clients and customers, which helped lead me to commercial banking,” says Hunt. As a commercial banker, she supports the unique journeys of diverse business owners in Northern California, including people of color, women, and veterans. She helps midsize companies succeed at every stage by providing tailored solutions, including credit and financing, digital banking and payments, treasury, merchant services, and international banking. “I connect companies with the firm’s industry and economic experts to help them gain a deeper understanding of the market, their financial needs, and how they can best prepare for what’s ahead,” Hunt says.

Specifically, she’s part of a team focused on understanding and supporting diverse business owners while providing them access, connections, and opportunities to help chart a clear path to growth. Also, she’s an ambassador for JP Morgan Chase’s Global Supplier Diversity Program, which promotes the impact of working with diverseled companies. JP MORGAN CHASE’S EFFORTS T O A D VA N C E R A C I A L E Q U I T Y

As Hunt explains, JP Morgan Chase announced a $30 billion Racial Equity Commitment to help close the racial wealth gap among Black, Hispanic, and Latino communities. By the end of 2021, they have spent or committed more than $18 billion towards their goal.

LaSandra Hunt

JP Morgan Chase launched Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) in 2019 to strengthen the economic foundation of the Black community. ABP focuses on four key areas: career and skill-building, business growth and entrepreneurship, financial health and wealth creation, and community development. In conjunction with ABP, the firm launched an educational program offering practical advice and resources to help business owners navigate challenges and prepare for longterm success.

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This commitment involves hiring more than 25 diverse senior business consultants who have provided one-on-one mentorship to more than 1,000 small businesses in 14 U.S. cities. They have invested more than $100 million in 16 diverse-owned or led Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that serve more than 90 communities in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

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Welcome to your new Favorite shirt

The Digital Oxford Shirt Modern prints, gender-free fit and responsibly made from fiber to thread

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natural body care artisanal, organic body care self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for our own well-being

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A great Blazer can only go so far...

To uplift, inspire, and empower women all over the world, playing any variety of roles, and at all ages through clothing and community that helps you feel like your best self and reach your highest potential.

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The world’s first highly sustainable and environmentally friendly organic material made of Nopal cactus, also known as the prickly pear.

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The Color Issue Summer '22