Fashion & Beauty

It was a hot summer day in New York City and XI Magazine set out to do their Summer Wind-down Hair and Make-Up photo shoot. We were on location in the heart of the Meat Packing district and it was a major production. Spearheading the shoot were Kim Martin (ME!), Fashion/Beauty Contributor and Brian Everett Francis, Director of Photography and Media. Our hair and make-up team on hand were make-up artist La Quanna Chong of LQ Chong Artistry and Gabrielle Corney “Hairstylist to the Stars” and XI Beauty Contributor. The creative brilliance of these two ladies was phenomenal!

Also on scene for the shoot was Khai J. Gordon (Editor in Chief), Llaren V. Wynn (Editor in Chief), and Okema T. Moore (Director of Entertainment) who assisted in directing the shoot.  The team also included several volunteers that so graciously assisted Brian and our staff along with Allan Volcy, Videographer for XI Magazine.

The Models: The subjects of this flagship editorial shoot were three amazing models, each with their own individual looks and styles!

Tanya Lue Tsing – Tanya is a nurse, part-time baker and is also pursuing a modeling career. Tanya has appeared in a commercial, several print ads, hair shows and several fashion shows in the Upstate New York area. Tanya hopes to eventually transition from nursing and pursue her modeling career full time.

Jasmine Williams – Jasmine just recently graduated from college and is currently working in Health Care while pursuing modeling as well. She always dreamt of becoming a model but never had the time to pursue her dream until now. Jasmine is exploring various opportunities while building her portfolio doing print ads and shoots.

Makeda Abraham – Growing up Makeda wanted to become a doctor but always had a creative side to her. When she met her mentor at the age of 15, she was introduced to theater and it changed her life. Makeda decided to start working in theater and after graduating from college she toured with a dance company. Makeda always had an interest in modeling but never really pursued it due to her petite stature.  Height aside, Makeda recently moved to New York to pursue the arts full time, including being a print and petite model.

The Looks: Our hair and make-up team gave each model a day look and then a look with a bit more pinach that could go from day to night.  As the summer winds down, it’s still important to keep it light and airy during the day; from make-up to hair to attire…less is often more!

Tanya started with a fabulous fresh look! Her eyes were done in a sheer shimmer and LQ then used a soft colored eye shadow to outline them and black mascara to make the eyes pop. A light foundation was used (best for hot days like this one) and a rosy cheek was added for color along with a light pink lip. Gabi gave her 2 asymmetrical French braids and pulled them back into a bun for an easy carefree style that is perfect for those arid summer days. For her 2nd look, Tanya’s eyes were dramatic and smoky.  A little more foundation was applied for color and additional coverage while keeping the rosy cheek and light pink lip. Our Hair Guru Gabi then took out her original braids and pulled Tanya’s hair back into a neat, easy, breezy bun with a side swept bang that made it perfect for a night out on the town.

Jasmine’s first look was a more natural look. A light foundation was used and for her eyes, bronze, coral and peach eye shadows were applied.  *Tip-on more pigmented or tanned skin, bright colors can create a golden glow where applied and brighten the face. LQ then added black eye liner and mascara to again, make the eye pop and accentuate their deep almond shape.  On her cheeks a rosy orange color was used and a nude lip color was applied. *Tip-when eyes are fairly busy, be it with color or smoked out, a nude lip is a nice balance. For Jasmine’s hair, she was given two small braids that were pulled back to show off more of her face; a little twist to go along with her already wet and wavy look. Jasmine’s second make-up look was centered around a reddish-orange lip color; a little was even applied to her cheeks for a bit more spice. *Tip-using a punchy lip color sparingly on cheeks can often give a dewy blush to cheeks. A feathery head band was added and Jasmine’s hair was swept across one shoulder, giving her that vintage 1940’s look.

The first look created for Makeda was that clean Cover Girl look. Her natural, curly, cropped cut was finger combed and Gabi added a little product for shine and curl definition.  Her dark cocoa complexion is almost flawless, allowing accents to be her best make-up route as opposed to a heavy application. On her eyes a brighter eye shadow was used as a liner giving her a little more pop and black mascara was applied to open up the eye. Orange based colors were used for her lips and cheeks and a light foundation was applied to even it all out. *Tip-an alternative to foundation for my blemish-free (or blemish light) beauties is a tinted moisturizer with SPF in the summer for an airy feel. For Makeda’s second look a feathery headband was added to her natural curly cut as well and the colors from the head band were used to create her next make-up look. Orange, blue and green eye shadows gave her that wow factor to go along with her already rosy cheeks and lips. Her look easily resembled Josephine Baker and her attitude on-camera was just as sassy.

The Group Shot: XI represents “What’s New. What’s Now. What’s NEXT!” as our models come together and show us the Power of Three!

What’s New: Jasmine

Jasmine kept her already wet and wavy style, minus the headband and with a little more product to moisturize and give some sheen to the hair.  It’s “What’s New.” because gone are the flat sleek hair days; volume and texture are what’s in demand! Do what you want, how you want!

What’s Now: Tanya

A bouffant hairstyle with two long braids was created for Tanya. Bouffants, pumped up hair and braids were a large part of Summer looks on 2010 catwalks last Fashion Week! So it’s officially “What’s Now.”

What’s NEXT: Makeda

Makeda’s short trendy cropped hair completes our slogan. Close-cut, short hair is on the rise again, from Janet to Chrisette Michele, ladies are giving FACE!  Whether you are natural or chemically enhanced for color or texture, short is “What’s NEXT!”

LQ kept each model’s make-up looks from their second shoots, as they too represent “What’s New. What’s Now. What’s NEXT!”

Overall, the XI Magazine Sizzling Summer Wind-down Hair and Make-Up photo shoot was a success and so much fun! Check out the full shoot under photos and check XI TV for model interviews and behind the scenes sneak peeks!

XI Magazine’s very own Beauty/Hair Contributing writer, Celebrity Stylist Gabrielle Corney will be getting her “Sexy In The City” on this month!

Every Tuesday and Wednesday our Follicle Madame will be servicing clients at the posh Styles New York Salon.  Beginning July 27, Gabi will be sharing over 20 years of experience in the game and availing herself to all of our XI-Fly NYC Beauties, giving them the red carpet looks that we all desire.

Appointments are going fast (I definitely have to make mine), so make sure you call up the salon and get locked in!  Whether you rock locks, natural hair, a short crop or the Rapunzel of weaves…Gabi can split that wig and have you turning heads!

Styles New York Salon is located at 5 West 46 Street, 2^nd fl. NY, NY 10036  (btw 5^th & 6^th ave.) For appointments call: 212.730.6488.

Get all the way turned up and turn the streets of NY out with Sexy In the City at Styles New York Salon courtesy of the Gift of Gab…cuz we all know that for Gabi Hair is the ULTIMATE ACCESSORY!

Hey ladies! I wanted to share with you the Summer’s must have bras since this is the time we strut our stuff in our fabulous dresses. We want to make sure we have everything in place and looking right!

Strapless Bras When you wear a strapless dress you will need to wear a strapless bra. It should have wide sidebands with no straps and you can wear one with or without underwire depending on your support needs.

Racerback Bras When you wear a tank top make sure you wear a racerback bar so that your straps won’t show (ladies not a good look when your straps are showing) Racerback bras make an X shape in the back between your shoulder blades so that the straps are not visible  in the front of your tank top.

Plunging Bras When you are going out on the town and you are wearing that “it” dress with the plunging neck line the last thing you want to worry about is your bra. So to avoid any visible signs that you are wearing one try a plunging bra with a deep wide U  that sits really low in the back.

Convertible Bras This is a must have for every women! A convertible bra can be arranged multiple ways and goes well with a one shoulder dress, a strapless dress, or even a halter dress. The adjustable straps are the key so make sure you pick one up.

Backless/Adhesive Bras Want to show off that sexy back of yours? When you wear that low cut plunging backless dress make sure you wear a backless bra. A backless or adhesive bra will give you that support in the front without worrying about showing any straps in the back.

Seamless Bras This is my all time favorite bra. You can wear this under a close fitting t-shirt, dress or tank. Look for one that is made of foam in a shade that closely matches your skin tone. The seamless bra creates a smooth look without any lines. It is a must have!

So ladies enjoy those summer dresses and tops but make sure you wear the appropriate bra to avoid any fashion faux pas!!

Well ladies, summertime is definitely here and boy are we feeling it! This heat and humidity has been too much to handle but hey we love the summer! Summer, Summer, Summertime! (Channelling my Will Smith vibe)

Ok, let’s get back to business…

To avoid a make-up meltdown I have a few products that will help you deal with the heat and humidity and still look fabulous!

Foundation/Tinted Moisturizers: Instead of using foundation during the day try a tinted moisturizer. Ones to try are MAC tinted moisturizer with SPF 15. It’s sheer and provides just enough coverage to even out the skin tone giving you a flawless look.

Laura Mercier makes a great one as well. The tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 gives you just a hint of color with a natural appearance. She also offers a tinted moisturizer that’s oil-free for those of us who have oily skin.

But if you can’t live without your foundation, try one that is light.  My favorite is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. This foundation will make you do the happy dance! It gives you full coverage with a fresh look and it’s not too heavy and no matter how much you layer it on, it still looks sheer.

Another great foundation to try is Natural Finish long lasting foundation SPF 15 by Bobbi Brown. It will give you soft matte-looking skin without having to keep pulling out your powder puff. What’s great about it is the transfer-resistant formula helps create a barrier against the heat and humidity for a full 8 hours so your make up stays in place. Wow! Thanks Bobbi! =)

Bronzers: We all want that look…you know the one where you look like we just walked off the beach.  But to do it the healthy way, try using a bronzer to get that glowing tanned skin.

NARS has a bronzing powder to die for! It looks natural and goes on evenly and it’s great for all skin tones. What I really love about this bronzer is it won’t give you that orangey glow and you definitely won’t have that sparkly look.

Another one to try is Guerlain Terracotta Light Summer Bronzing Powder (Limited Edition). It features five iridescent shades to adorn any complexion giving you a warm sunny glow. It’s a must have for the summer.

Lips: Ladies, you must keep your lips moisturized and protected from the sun on these hot summer days. I always use a lip balm with SPF before I apply lip gloss.

Fresh Sugar has sugar lip treatment with SPF 15. Sugar lip treatment has real sugar along with reparative oils and waxes, vitamins A, C and E which provides protection from wrinkle free causing radicals.

Dior has a great one too — Dior Addict Lip Glow with SPF 10. It responds to the color chemistry of your lips giving you a shade that is uniquely yours. It moisturizes and adds sun protection as well. It’s a must have!

If you don’t want to spend alot to moisturize and protect your lips, my all-time favorite is Chapstick Ultra SPF 30. It’s easy on the pockets and it gives you the protection you need.

Mascara:

Mascara is a must have! Everyone wants long, full lashes.  However, in this heat you don’t want to look like a raccoon; so try a wearing a waterproof mascara. I love, love (did I say love?!) Cover GirlLashBlast Volume blasting mascara. The patented volume boosting formula and brush are designed to maximize each and every lash without clumping, giving you that WOW factor.

At night when you are stepping out on the town and you want your lashes to get there before you do, try Dior’sDiorShow. This is the g0-to mascara for every girl! It delivers that glam false eyelash look without the glue. Your lashes will love you for this.

Eye Shadow:

I love to wear eye shadow and in this heat you want to wear one that won’t diminish throughout the day, especially if you are prone to perspire.  I like Tarte EmphaseEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner. It’s a two in one shadow and eye liner. It creates a long lasting high-definition eye look that’s simply gorgeous. It comes in 6 colors: black, bronze, brown, green, indigo, and plum. Run & GET IT!!!!

Another eye shadow I really like is the Dior 5-Colour Palette. It glides on velvety smooth and has a texture that won’t crease. It blends easy and it has incredible staying power. It’s a little pricey, but it’s worth every penny.

Blotting Papers: I always walk around with these to avoid looking greasy! In my make-up bag right now is Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets. They absorb everything! And they can also be used to blot lipstick or gloss.

So ladies I hope you will find these products helpful. Remember, just because its 100 degrees doesn’t mean you have to look like it. =)

Stay fabulous ladies!! Until next time…

Oh wait!!! How can I forget???

I am obsessed with nail polish especially in the summer time. There are so many colors to choose from you can lose your mind!!! So I just wanted to run down a few of my favorites just in case you have an obsession like me. =)

Nail Polish: NARS has a color called Schiap. It’s bright, vivid, and fuchsia… need I say more. Whew! Fabulous!!

Essie is my all-time favorite nail polish! I love to wear Sugar Daddy. It’s sheer and creamy — a classic pink that’s very sophisticated. It’s a must have if you love to get a French manicure and pedicure.

OPI has one that will turn heads; it’s called Big Apple Red. It’s a cheerful tomato red that’s perfect for any skin tone and it’s just super glam!

So ladies run to the stores…okay maybe briskly walk, it’s a bit too hot for all that runnin’! But get there and try out some or all of these amazing products!

So ladies run…okay, maybe briskly walk, because it’s a bit too warm for all that running!  But either way, get to the stores and try out these amazing products and stay BEAUTY-FUL!

Wouldn’t you love to get Fashion and Luxury Brands at prices up to 70% off retail?

Really? Yes Really. Keep reading….

Gilt Groupe was created in 2007 by two long time friends, Alexis and Alexandria. Gilt Groupe is an invitation only website with access to Women’s, Men’s and Children’s fashion and luxury brands at unbelievable prices that are up to 70% off the retail market price.

Here’s how it works…

Gilt Groupe is by invitation only, so you would have to know someone who is already a member and they then invite you to join. The membership is free and each sale usually lasts about 36 hours. New designers are offered everyday but once you see something you better grab it quick and I mean really quick because once it’s gone it’s GONE!

The sales start each day at noon so make sure your finger is on that mouse at 11:59 am ready to click. Once you find an item you like it will only stay in your shopping cart for 10 minutes. What I find to be helpful is Gilt Groupe’s shopping cart has a clock displaying how many minutes you have left remaining before the item is returned to inventory. You’re under pressure to decide “do I really need those Casadei shoes or that Marc Jacobs bag”. Most of the time we say hey why not and make that purchase right at the one minute mark. Just in time! LOL!

Once you’re a member you can invite friends to join and for each one you invite you will get a credit for $25. You will receive the credit after your friend’s first purchased has shipped. What’s great is there’s no limit to how many friends you can invite or the number of credits you can receive, but the credits do expire after a year.

There is also a waiting list that is offered. So say you see something you really want but it’s already in a member’s cart Gilt Groupe’s wait list function will let you select the item you are interested in purchasing and if the item becomes available after the sale ends you will receive an email notification. You will only have 15 minutes from the time you receive the email to make the purchase.

On last thing to check out while you’re on Gilt Groupe is their link to a website called Jetsetter. If you love to travel like I do, it’s a must see. Jetsetter is an invitation-only site offering insider access to exclusive deals on the greatest vacations across the globe.

But wait I have more….

Another great site to check out is Gilt City, pre-launched by Gilt Groupe last week.  Gilt City offers you the best deals in New York City. They scan through the five boroughs and hundreds of neighborhoods looking for the most exciting and newest events happening across the Empire State.

Here’s what they offer…

Tops chefs across the city serving up savory food, tickets to sold out shows and get this, if you need dry-cleaning delivered they can find someone to do that for you.  It’s like the best E-concierge ever!  And the best part is, if you’re already a member of Gilt Groupe, you will already have full access to Gilt City!

So what are you waiting for??

Check out both Gilt Groupe and Gilt City soon to get all of the great deals they offer!!

Kim Martin, Fashion & Beauty Contributor

It’s summertime ladies and are you ready for the hottest summer fragrances?

Every fragrance has its own summer version so avoid using heavy perfumes which have a sweet or powerful smell. Instead choose one that is fresh and light making you feel romantic and exuberant.  Summer is the season of having fun so your fragrance should define your style and personality.

Here are a few of our favorites you should check out: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose (1.7 oz. Eau de Toilette Spray, $80) – A seductive scent that will make any woman irresistible. This sophisticated rendition has top notes of tangerine, bergamot, tea and pink pepper. The floral scent is created with Lily of the Valley, freesia and Centifolia Rose with a base of amber and patchouli. Simply refreshing… It’s a limited edition so make sure you get it before it’s gone! Marc Jacobs Daisy In the Air (1.7 oz. Eau de Toilette Spray, $57) – Fresh and light like a daisy but elegant and enchanting with a soft sweet scent. It’s perfect for those hot summer days when you want to feel fresh and feminine. It contains notes such as Strawberry, Violet leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla and With Woods. Pure sophistication… Miss Dior Cherie L’eau (3.4 oz. Eau de Toilette Spray, $82) – A light fresh flowery scent that’s energetic and bubbly but very feminine and sexy! It contains notes of Strawberry leaves, Pink Jasmine, Caramelized Popcorn, Strawberry Sorbet and Patchouli. Simply unforgettable… Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche (3.4 oz. Eau de Toilette Spray, $90) – A new version of the well-known original that’s zesty but light with a sparkling feeling of freshness. It contains fresh notes of Citron, Water Hyacinth, Jasmine Absolute, White Musk, Amber Patchouli and Teak Wood. Very sensual… Burberry Classic Summer Edition (1.7 oz. Eau de Toilette Spray, $50) – This scent is a lighter, sweeter version of the original Burberry fragrance. Its floral notes, delicate sensation of fruits and woods make up this sultry scent. The Cedar, Rose, Green Apple, White Musk, Mandarins, Freesia, Bergamot, Vanilla and Lemon makes this a must have for the summertime. Pure romance…

So ladies make sure you pick up your summer fragrances soon, I guarantee you will feel feminine, playful, and irresistible.

Ladies please believe that somewhere, there is someone that is thinking of you. The creative thinking of two women has been a blessing to our shoe game.  While many of us have been tapping into our inner wardrobe stylist to reinvent our look daily, sisters Nadia & Patricia Marci have been helping women around the world bring a stylish vigor to their new and forgotten shoes. Erica Giuliani shoe accessories are just what every woman is asking for and we didn’t even know it.

Erica Giuliani, named after the late daughter and niece of Nadia & Patricia is definitely heaven sent. While both on maternity leave, Nadia and Patricia came up with a brilliant idea. In the midst of borrowing a pair of Nadia’s boots, Patricia thought it be better if she cit off the belt around the ankle, Nadia was against this idea of course. It was then that Patricia had a thought, “wouldn’t it be great if you can simply remove the belt and put it back on?” Six months later the ladies had designed, manufactured, and opened up an on line store.

As I browse the trendy shoe accessories on http://www.ericagiuliani.com all I could think about were the shoes that I have disregarded or did away with.  But, the opportunity to adorn them now with dainty shoe clips or straps that breathe life into any pair of pumps or booties is priceless.  I was especially delighted when I came across the heel rings. If you’ve pranced down a New York City block in a stiletto I’m almost positive you have sunk your heal into a crack in the pavement. Although our good ole shoe repairperson is capable at times, there is a chance that your shoe heel is at a point of no return.  Ripped leather on a heel or unsaved suede now has a chance to see the light again. Heel rings are a perfect way to hide such damage or simply turn a plain Jane formal.

Nadia & Patricia remain inspired by today’s trends that grace the catwalks. With consideration to the fit of most women the ladies have created a plethora of options for every season.  From heel chains to fur covers there are many style options suitable for any woman anywhere. To ensure quality and comfort the accessory design concepts are sent to shoe artisans in Italy to be technically finalized. Erica Giuliani is a Canadian based company, however there are a few US boutiques that carry their accessories.

Hey XI Beauties…. It’s almost June in NYC and it doesn’t exactly feel like summer. Our weather has been flakier than a biscuit, but rest assured guys the warm weather is near! With the sun comes lots of fun! Whether your at the beach, by the pool, at a bbq or sipping a latte at an outdoor cafe, your hair’s gotta be as hot as your outfit.

I’ve got a few suggestions that will spruce up your summer time sexy at any length!  Humidity friendly products that help control frizz while enhancing shine and some recommendations that will help keep your hair healthy during these summer months.

If your a long haired honey keep your layers long. Long layers give you the versatility of pulling your hair back into a simple ponytail which is not only a classic style but also keeps you cool.

Ponytails look great on just about anyone and can be pulled to the side, wrapped around into a messy bun or a sleek chignon. Add a few hair accessories like jeweled pins, clips, a ponytail holder or chop sticks and you have a simple yet stylish look. Goddess braids have been the rage all this year too, so don’t be afraid to get creative with them.

If you’re a mid length mama you’ve got the best of both worlds. You’re cool because you don’t have a lot of hair, if any, on your neck, but yet it can still be pulled up which can give a more formal look.

Hot rollers, magnet rollers or bendable rods can be used to give a tousled effect which is sexy yet effortless. Headbands and hair scarves look great on medium lengths, especially when you get creative with them. There are many different styles of accessories to choose from so make sure you try a few.

If you’re short and sassy, this is just for you! Whether it’s a pixie, a real close crop or the very trendy boy cut, summer is a great season for short hair. It can go from neatly curled to slicked straight to textured, or it can simply be worn naturally curly. It’s cool, sexy and the daily maintenance is a breeze. Jeweled bobby pins and clips jazz up short hair and look awesome with a cocktail dress. So be playful and have fun with it ladies!

If you’re a curly girly and don’t normally wear your hair straight, whether it’s silkened or not, natural hair has a tendency to be a little dry so make sure you moisturize, moisturize and moisturize! Curl enhancing products are great, they accentuate the hair’s natural curl and leave it feeling soft and manageable. Twisting and twirling it around a few magnetic rollers or rods at night will take your natural curl to whole new level. Add a jeweled accessory or small flower to the side and your ready! Beautiful, soft sexy curls! RAIN OR SHINE!

Keeping the hair healthy during the summer months, regardless of what the length of it is, can get a little tricky…especially if your trying to keep it straight when the humidity wants to keep it frizzy. Taking some extra precautions not only protect your hair from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, but to keep it moisturized as well as frizz free is very important. Dry brittle hair breaks easily, so it is essential for the hair to be hydrated from the inside out, so make sure you drink plenty of water. Try to stay away from hot tools. I know it’s hard because we all wanna control the “fuzz” that the humidity brings but flat irons, curling irons, hot combs and blow dryers will damage the hair if used excessively. If you ABSOLUTELY have to use any of them be sure to protect the hair.

When the weather heats up we may have to get a little creative. A new twist on a classic style that can easily morph into another, a totally new haircut, trying out a few styling products or jazzing it up wit hair accessories. Whichever style or product you choose don’t afraid to be creative and have fun with it! Have a great sexy summer and remember “Hair is the ULTIMATE accessory!”

For all of my summer bunnies, here is a short list of some great products for your respective warm weather hair needs…enjoy!

Thermal heat protectants: Fhi hot sauce $13. Chi 44 iron guard thermal protectant spray $12.

Frizz control: Bedhead Some Like It Hot heat & humidity resistant serum $12. Curls Goddess Glazes for all hair types $14. *I recommend this product for natural hair

Sun protectant: Redken color extend sun solar screen SPF 12 $16.

Natural curl enhancers: Curls milkshake for fine hair $18. soufflé for medium density $16. Whipped cream for thick kinky textured curls $17. Kinky curly curling custard $17.

I LOVE to hear from you guys please leave your comments, questions and if you wanna just say hi! Email me: giftofgab@ximagonline.com

The RJM group is a full-service luxury brand development firm and showroom. The RJM group’s roster of brands are displayed in its chic mid—town showroom and represented in prestigious retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York.  I flipped through RJM’s Fall 2010 brand listing in hopes of finding a favorite and realized that was a challenge in itself. RJM’s roster includes Adriana Castro (whose bag can be found in the Sex in the City II movie trailer), Beirn (love this line), Cocotay (beautiful vintage reproduction jewelry) and H Williams (shoes!!). Rita Overzat, RJM’s founder, has an impressive resume and has held executive-level positions with fashion heavyweights such as Helen Sorel, Badgley Mischka and Trussardi. In 2007, Rita took her product development, branding and design talents to the next level with Beirn, her handbag and accessory line.

XI Magazine had the pleasure of touring the RJM showroom and chatting with the amazing Rita Overzat and her lovely team.

XI Magazine: The RJM showroom is quite impressive! The pieces in here are just gorgeous. From the beautiful snakeskin bags to the vintage jewelry, there’s such a great selection. What do you think distinguishes RJM from a traditional showroom or branding company?

RJM: RJM prides itself on being a destination showroom. Buyers  truly enjoy coming to the showroom because it is a relaxing environment and they can look through the collections with ease. What really stands out about the RJM Group is the designers which are housed here. All designers are completely unique to each other, not one designer competes with another.  Because of this, each collection is a success each season. We also pride ourselves on providing personal attention to each designer. For example, one designer might need help with pricing and finding a new factory while another may need help with trend forecasting. The RJM Group is happy to offer all these services to all of our designers.

XI Magazine: How important is one’s “brand” as well as building and marketing that brand for survival in the infamous fashion business?

RJM: RJM is a branding company, but we focus more on strategically positioning our designers. For example, just because a retailer wants to pick up a collection does not mean it is the right opportunity for the designer in terms of long term growth. RJM is clear with all our clients in communicating the message that the growth of a successful brand does not happen overnight. It is important to build an infrastructure and a long lasting relationship with each retailer.

XI Magazine: I had the pleasure of meeting a few members of the RJM team last year and a few others today. They dispel the cold cruel persona associated with those in the fashion industry. Definitely some of the nicest ladies I have met. Has it been challenging to thrive in an environment which many perceive as cutthroat?

RJM: It has not been challenging in the least. We all do what we do best and what we enjoy. We definitely do not have the “fashionista” attitude.  Everyone at RJM prides themselves on their work ethic and integrity. Because of this we have made long lasting relationships within the industry.

XI Magazine: Rita, you have been in the fashion business for many years and worn many hats. What are your three most valuable lessons learned?

Rita Overzat: The three most valuable things I have learned during my career are:

1)      Absorb every piece of information you can.

2)      Be humble.

3)      Your integrity is all you have.

XI Magazine: Now let’s switch gears a bit. RJM is such a success. What inspired you to launch Beirn?

Rita Overzat: I launched Beirn because my daughters thought it would be a fun idea to turn my passion into a family business.  With the designers I represent, I turn their artistic vision into something that is marketable to the public. I am very cautious not to change their vision. However, with Beirn it is solely based on me and my two daughters’ point of view.

XI Magazine: I was drawn to Beirn at first sight. I adore snakeskin and python, which makes me quite biased with Beirn handbags and accessories. It’s the perfect blend on my favorite animal skins and a vibrant color palette, which I love. What is your inspiration for the line?

Rita Overzat: The inspiration comes from our travels around the world, especially Bali. My mother was a gorgeous well-dressed woman so I have used some of her old vintage pieces for inspiration as well.

XI Magazine: What’s it like to work with your daughters? Is it a collaborative effort or does everyone focus on a specific part of the Beirn brand?

Rita Overzat: It is a wonderful experience working with my daughters. All three of us have an individual style that translates to our designs. All three of us collaboratively work on all aspects of the business. I am the CEO of the company. Ali manages a lot of the financial operations and Jenna is head of the sales team.

XI Magazine: What’s in store for Beirn? Would you ever branch out into jewelry or clothing?

Rita Overzat: We plan to launch men’s, home and beach collections.

There’s a lot in store for RJM and Beirn. Keep them on your radar.

The week after I met with RJM, Beirn had a sample sale. We all know how much I love a great sample sale and the thought of a hot snakeskin or python bag was just icing on the cake! When I arrived I fell in love with two bags. After some serious internal deliberations, I decided on one. To my surprise, Rita was generous enough to give me the bag I selected. I don’t know many people I can genuinely call sweet, helpful, and knows her stuff but she is definitely one of them. 

Thanks Rita and RJM!

Well, we’ve discussed about the number of ethnic women gracing the covers of major magazines globally until time and time again…well, XI Fly ladies and gents, we may be making a little headway.

From StyleList.com: Arrivederci, Seventeen!

The next “America’s Next Top Model” winner will be saying, “Ciao!” to the cover of Italian Vogue instead.

The CW reality competition is ending its long-standing relationship with Seventeen, the network has announced. For the past four years, Tyra Banks and company’s top-model picks — such as most recent winner Krista White — have received a pack of fabulous gets including a CoverGirl ad and a six-page fashion spread in the teen fashion-and-beauty bible.

Jay Manuel, an “ANTM” judge, announced the magazine switch when the CW unveiled its fall program lineup this week. “It’s so major and makes the pressure huge,” Manuel told the New York Post’s PopWrap.

Ann Shoket, editor-in-chief of Seventeen, confirmed that the mag was out for the upcoming “ANTM” cycle 15. “‘ANTM’ has been a fantastic friend with benefits — but we both thought it was time to start seeing other people,” she told WWD.

Did Seventeen tire of the relationship or did new “ANTM” judge and Vogue Editor-at-Large, Andre Leon Talley, wield some influence to get the winners a new place to pose?

No one is saying, but we’re betting the 25-year-old White, whom Talley predicted was destined for an “international career,” would love to be saying “formaggio” to longtime Italian Vogue cover photographer Steven Meisel.

One thing’s for sure: Talley’s “dreckitude” watch on the “ANTM” panel has invigorated the competition, which posted some of its best Wednesday-night ratings for the recent cycle 14 finale.

Although I am happy that Krista will be covering Vogue Italia, I hope that it’s not just their “Black Issue.”  But isn’t it quite a conundrum that “America’s Next Top Model” will be on a major Italian magazine, and not an American mag?