14th Annual "Day of The Dead" Festival at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

 

THE 14th ANNUAL “DIA DE LOS MUERTOS” FESTIVAL At Hollywood Forever CeMetery

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund
Photo of Saul Hernandez by D. Young Wolff

The 14th annual "Dia de Los Muertos" at Hollywood Forever Cemetery took place last Saturday, November 2nd, from noon until midnight.

Day of the Dead headliner Saul Hernandez

The mainstage headliner featured vocalist and former lead singer of the bands Caifanes and Jaguares, Saul Hernandez.

Saul Hernandez creates music that reflects the present and is rooted in the most telluric past. His music is more than a concert, it is a ritual.
The theme for this year celebration was El Magico Mundo de Los Alebrijes - The Magical World of Alebrijes.

 

Alebrijes were brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures. The first alebrijes, along with use of the term, originated with Pedro Linares. After dreaming of the creatures while sick in the 1930s, he began to create what he saw in cardboard and paper mache. Today Alebrijes are a vibrant part of the culture of Oaxaca.

Dance performances by Aztec Ritual Dancers

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is home to the oldest memorial park in Hollywood, since it opened in 1899. It is located on 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, and it is the only cemetery in the country, which opens its gates and welcomes its surrounding community to commemorate El Dia de Los Muertos.

The historical roots of this celebration go back to the pre-Hispanic cultures of Meso-America of the indigenous people, especially the Nahua, and others native to Mexico more than 3000 years.

Performance by Andrea Zuniga

Indigenous people believed that the souls did not die, that they continued to live in Mictlan (Place of death) a special place for them to finally rest.

On the Day of the Dead, tradition holds that the dead return to earth to visit their living relatives. It is also believed that even if these relatives can’t see them, they can feel them.

It’s a way to come to terms with our mortality and become aware of the cycle of life and death.

         

Debut appearance Ceci Bastida

Grave altar nr. 50 S. Spencer

         

 

The Nestle Abuelita and NESCAFE Cafe de Olla booth.

ember        





THE 14th ANNUAL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL Featured:

A vibrant traditional procession in the home of Hollywood's Immortals with traditional Aztec blessings and Regional Musical- Dance group dedications. Musical performances by Saul Hernandez, Ceci Bastida, Andrea Zuniga Buyepongo, Chicano Batman and Quitapenas. 100+ Altars created by members of the community to their   ancestors and loved ones. 100's of Aztec Ritual Dancers in full costume A new third stage featuring music and theatrical performances An Art Exhibition in the Cathedral Mausoleum A costume contest for the best dressed Calaca (skeleton) A children’s arts project area presented by LACMA (The Los Angeles County Museum of Art) Arts and Crafts vendors Food vendors from around Los Angeles  Stilt Cirque, winners of costume contest won $ 500

On stage, altar  nr.43 won $3000 prize money for best traditional altar grave

                                  

Presentation of Altar winners - The judges selected the best altar of each of the   following categories: Theme of Alebrijes, Traditional Altar, Contemporary Altar - the best of each category won $3,000.   Cathedral Mausoleum Art Exhibit curated by Luis Villanueva. For the complete list of altar  and costumes winners: www.ladayofthedead.com

L.A. Fashion Week: iiJin's Spring 2014 debut of "The Glamourous Life" to 80's tunes

Hollywood, CA (West Hollywood Today)

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund

 

iiJin made Spring 2014 debut of their “The Glamorous Life” collection in front of a packed house of celebrities, fashion buyers, entertainment industry executives and media at Hollywood’s Club Avalon during LA Fashion Week. LA Fashion Week lasted the whole month of October.

Kimberly Caldwell from
"American Idol"

“American Idol” stars and recording artists Kimberly Caldwell, Elliott Yamin and Blake Lewis, celebrity director and choreographer Brian Friedman and actress and model Jonna Walsh - did all dance down the runway to 80’s best well-known tunes for  iiJin’s latest collection of Spring 2014.

 "The same garments we see on the runway tonight will be sold at iiJin flagship store opening at 116 South Robertson in West Hollywood, at the end of November this year" said iiJin creative director June Lee.


iiJin creative director June Lee and
president Cassian Lau will open up a
 flagship store on 116 S. Robertson
in the end of Nov

 

The 80’s inspired fashion show “The Glamorous Life” featured a special live performance by “American Idol” Kimberly Caldwell who performed her original song “Doin’ Me Right” and the 80’s rock anthem “I Hate Myself For Loving You” by Joan Jett. 
Danni G. from the famed "nouveau cirque" troupe Lucent Dossier Experience, opened up the show, and DJ Kid Fish scored the runway show with the greatest hits from the 80’s. 

The Spring 2014 collection is an influence by some of pop culture’s biggest icons such as Michael Jackson, Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, whose music and fashion have transcended the 1980’s and have stood the test of time.

iiJin Spring 2014 fashion

Signature pieces included floral print bustier, skinny jeans and dresses, sequined neon lounge pants and tops and biker chic rock n roll attire. 

iiJin models danced
the runway to 80's tunes

 

 


iiJin’s “The Glamorous Life” fashion also featured cartoon characters and graffiti work by famed visual artist Cassian Lau combined with sassy slogans that pop against bold and bright colored crop tops, tank tops, T-shirts and hoodies.

The footwear collection featured sequined neon low top dress shoes, sparkle see- through Oxford shoes and candy colored patent PU velcro high tops for the women, all with iiJin’s signature invisible wedge adding
an extra 2.5 inches.

iiJin’s signature invisible
wedge



For the men, iiJin presented a rock n roll collection of quilted patent low tops, silver matt croco kicks and studded super high tops, for unleashing your inner rock-star.                                     

Neon colors for spring

Industry guests, buyers, media and celebrity experienced the 80's era with all five senses, and were encouraged to dress that time era too.
Pre-reception began where attendees enjoyed a retro 80’s themed candy bar from Sweet! Hollywood, and hors d’ oeuvres & desserts catered by Avalon. Cocktails were provided by Monster Energy drinks and Russian Standard Vodka.

Russian Standard vodka cocktails

Celebrity makeup artist Manna Kadar provided 80's makeovers for guests to take photos in the 80’s themed photo booth sponsored by Fun Captured Photo booth.

Floral top and shorts

 

Luxury skincare brand ATZEN gifted products from their latest line, and  Shelia G’s Brownie Brittle gifted their brownies. Other sponsor: MyTime.com ‪to make it easy to see real-time availability and book appointments with thousands of local businesses.
                          


Black vegan leather jacket
and pants

Styling for the show was handled by Jodi Freeman of JOLI Image Consulting, hair and makeup artistry was created by the team at Manna Kadar Cosmetics.

Event production & show choreography: Trueheart Events. www.iiJin.com  

Inspiration from 80's
Cindy Lauper

 

Nespresso launched its 6th & largest flagship in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, CA (West Hollywood Today)

Photos and facts by Karen Ostlund

Beverly Hills Council Member William W. Brien (L)
presented
 city proclamation to
Frederic Levy, President, Nespresso USA

Nespresso, the worldwide pioneer in premium portioned coffee launched its sixth and largest U.S. Flagship Boutique in Beverly Hills, on 320 North Beverly Drive last Wednesday.

The new location is the second of two Flagship Boutiques to open on the West Coast following the successful opening of a San Francisco Boutique in December 2012. 

The new Nespresso Boutique is located in the heart of the Beverly Hills shopping district and is designed to be a reflection of the neighborhood's refined yet relaxed way of life.

Nespresso Sommelier Andrea Robinson
and Canadian composer David Foster

                    






"We are absolutely thrilled to continue to grow the Ultimate Coffee Experience in the West Coast with our newest Boutique in Beverly Hills, our second to open in California this year and our largest in the U.S. to-date," said Frederic Levy, President, Nespresso USA. "The stunning Boutique in Beverly Hills is our latest commitment to growth not just in California, but throughout the region and across the U.S. - As the demand for superior coffee continues to rise in the U.S., Nespresso is looking to increase its presence in key markets and solidify our position as a leader in the single-serve coffee industry."

left, Jean-Marc Duvoisin, Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Nespresso S.A.,
 composer David Foster, Tim Gunn and Frederic Levy, President, Nespresso USA

Nespresso's success is built on the highest quality Grand Cru coffees, sourced from 1-2 percent of the world's top coffee beans, smart and innovative machines, and personalized customer service.










The 7,500 square-feet Boutique will surprise customers and Club Members with its contemporary, stylish and relaxed surroundings.

The Raw bar at the opening, shrimp,
 crab, mussels, lobster claws, oysters, tuna tartar & ceviche

Visitors can sip and savor delicious hot and iced premium Espresso and Espresso-based beverages, enjoy a menu of light bites, sample the exquisite 21 Grand Cru coffees, discover and purchase Nespresso's easy-to-use machines, browse the various selections of accessories, and receive unmatched customer service from specially trained Nespresso Baristas and Boutique Specialists.
              

Cappuccino and wine pairing -
 put together by Andrea Robinson

Inspired by the casual elegance that defines the chic Southern California lifestyle, the Boutique's design aesthetic celebrates the Beverly Hills way of life – sun, style, and sophistication.

Seared Diver scallops

Key areas of the Beverly Hills Boutique include:

The Boutique Bar: Serving the premium 21 Grand Cru coffees, as hot and iced Espressos and Espresso-based beverages like Cappuccinos, and Lattes, as well as a light breakfast and lunch menu of sweet and savory fare.

The Patio: True to the Southern California style the Boutique features a 16-seat outdoor patio offering visitors a chance to enjoy the Southern California sun while savoring their Nespresso beverage.

The Atrium: A floor to ceiling atrium in the middle of the Boutique features two 13 foot cacti introducing an element of nature to the Boutique.

The Discovery Ring: Offering guests the opportunity to discover all aspects of the brand and its products: from the wide choice of innovative Nespresso machines that deliver the barista experience at home, to the latest collection of purposefully-designed accessories, all in a dynamic yet warm atmosphere. The space also allows for private tutorial sessions with Boutique Specialists.

David Foster by piano had the guests remember his songs

The Beverly Hills Boutique was designed by Italian architect Aldo Parisotto and Futurebrand Paris.
The Nespresso Boutique's facade is constructed with golden backlit glass panels inspired by a Mondrian composition.





The loft-like interior spans one floor, and features both indoor and outdoor seating, accommodating over 90 guests.

Singer Michael Johns

Continuity is achieved with uninterrupted wood flooring and distinct oak and rosewood finishes. Greenery and natural light streaming through the front windows, and a floor-to-ceiling atrium add additional elements of nature to create an inviting environment.The contemporary ceiling has different heights to create the illusion of separate intimate spaces throughout the Boutique.

The Beverly Hills Boutique is the latest indication of the brand's continued growth and its commitment to expanding its U.S. presence. Nespresso announced adding 350 new jobs to California, a key market for the brand, over the next three years. The newest location joins U.S. Flagship Boutique locations in New York, Miami, Boston, and San Francisco.

Specialty cocktails based on coffee

For over 25 years, Nespresso has redefined the way millions of people enjoy their Espresso coffee and has grown into one of the most recognized brands in the world of coffee.

www.nespresso.com

 

Fashion Week LA: 1st Annual "Driven by Design L.A." Spring 2014 Collections

Los  Angeles, CA  (West Hollywood Today)

Photos & facts by Karen Ostlund

Guitarist Malina Moye performed opening act

The “Driven By Design L.A.” producing team are consisting of Alumni from the Fashion Institute of Fashion Design & Merchandising (FIDM).             The team hosted a pre-design experience at L.A. Mart downtown Los Angeles, to kick off Los Angeles October fashion month of runway shows.

 Below is a review of the Spring/Summer 2014 Collections of Rocky Gathercole,  Thai Nguyen, Dena Burton, BK Phillips, Felio Siby, Paul Bennett, Karilta Designs and Sara Horne.  All of these designers were placed in the spotlight of the 1^st season of Driven by Design L.A. -  and  it's all about - Your Style, The Life, Driven By Design. 
Driven By Design L.A. Spring 2014 Collections runway shows opened up with SONY Music artist Malina Moye and “For The Stars Fashion House” designer Rocky Gathercole.   "For The Stars Fashion House" had a grand opening October 19th, located on 7556 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood.

 

 

 

Rocky Gathercole fashion

Rocky Gathercole is a fashion designer from Parsay City, Philippines. He started designing at a young age when Vicente Arcaina took him to Saudi Arabia for his first job into the fashion industry.  After that period of time and guidance of his mentor, Rocky decided move to Dubai in 1992 where he started designing for “Calash Haute Couture.”  

After designing for Calash Haute couture, he created his own designs and used his name Rocky Gathercole to built his empire with an amazing aesthetic and a strong sense of the importance of “individuality.”  Gathercole’s aesthetic was based on avant-garde ideas and a unusual sense of being different and unique as his “schizophrenic” exciting work.


    

Rocky Gathercole haute couture
Spring 2014

 Guitarist Malina Moye is a pioneer among the new generation of lead guitarists, and is the first left-handed female player to be included on the legendary Fender Guitars impressive roster of endorsees and to also join the critically acclaimed 2012 Experience Hendrix tour.

The songstress was also featured in the UK documentary "Stratmaster: The Greatest Guitar Story Ever Told,” and Guitar World Magazine dubbed her the "female Jimi Hendrix" and one of the top 10 female guitarists to know." Malina has just completed her new record ROCK N ROLL BABY with the first single K-yotic featuring Bootsy Collins, released this July, distributed by Red Distribution, a division on SONY Music Entertainment.

Thai Nguyen Spring 2014 Haute Couture

 

 

Thai Nguyen fashion

 

 

 

 

 

                                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THAI NGUYEN  (Tie-Win), fashion designer & stylist who graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in 2002. Following graduation, he earned the title of associate designer for BCBG Max Azria, which he held through 2004. Known for his convertible evening gown creations on the TV show, Thai was a finalist on Bravos Launch My Line. Thai was also a fashion designer/contributor on RuPauls Drag Race Season 2 and is currently working with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Adrienne Maloof and Brandi Glanville. ThaiNguyenCollections.com

Brian BK Phillips Spring 2014

Los Angeles based fashion designer Brian “BK” Phillips draws inspiration from life’s adventures.

His 2014 Spring Summer collection is in full effect on the runway this season. In 2010, BK Phillips Designs launched to vast community in the television and film to selling is collection in specialty apparel boutiques across the country.

 BK Phillips also
for men

BK Phillips pairs fashion with function; designs that allow for movement, comfort, and the incorporation of useful details, while connecting a feel of the past with his utilitarian blast of the future.  A self-taught designer and natural creative in many mediums, BK stormed into fashion design after years of making his own clothing.  He has styled and designed for Grammy-nominated R&B artists Mary Mary, slam poet and rap artist Watsky, international British electronic DJs the EC Twins, and American recording artist Divinity Roxx.  He has worked with actors and talent such as Debbie Allen, Keith David, Lorenzo Lamas, Lily Tomlin, and Sally Kirkland.  Also, he has assisted celebrity stylist Luke Storey.

Dena Burton fashion
Spring 2014

 Dena Burton Collection -  Dena shares that her Spring/Summer 2014 collection is sexy, smart and carefree. 

Dena Burton

(DenaBurton.com) Her styles have been worned by casting director Robi Reed and her collections have been shown at Smashbox Fashion Week LA , San Francisco Fashion week and Miami Fashion Week. 

 

 

 

 

 

 It’s all about the trendsetter experience. The woman that wears Dena Burton's collection is serious about business. The designer places her focus on showing off her favorite DBC apparel in the French Riveria, Italy and evening yacht mixers in Nice.

 

 

FELIO SIBY Spring 2014 Collection for men,
(center) Dominique Siby

 

Dominique Siby, the creative force behind luxury brand FELIO SIBY, discovered his dream of being a high-end fashion designer in the small central African country of Gabon. However he is poised to become an international fashion staple ranking amongst Dolce & Gabana, Lanvin, Prada and others in that fashionable category.  

FELIO SIBY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                

The FELIO SIBY Collection consists of handmade shirts, jeans  and duffle bags made of exotic skins, cashmeres, and fine cottons, targeting the upscale gentlemen who wants to look good, be comfortable and not look like the carbon copy of other men.

Paula Bennett's crocket dresses spring 2014

Crochet Fashion by Paula Bennett  has been putting together creative and unique couture crochet designs transcending it into an elegant art form. Every item Crochet Fashion designs transforms from a simple fabric to a beautiful work of art. Paula's spring 2014 collection represents Beauty of the body. These designs can be confidently worn to make your body sexy and with couture look and feel because each piece is one of a kind.

 

Karlita jewelry design on
the runway

 Karlita Design by Karla Lopez begin her venture in 2003 when she opened up boutique/gallery in Los Angeles called “Blue Chips”. Several years later in 2005 she began her own jewelry line designing for stores and individual clients. “I uniquely design for each piece carefully contemplating the women that will adorn themselves with my pieces with the intention of creating strength and energy that can get sucked away by everyday life I have enjoyed creating elaborate jewelry pieces for some of my clients (Stana Katic, Erykah Badu, Billy Corgan). Karlita Designs uses limited edition designs that feature very rare semi-precious gemstones, made to raw elegance and inner sensuality in women.

Karlita designs ear-rings and necklaces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Sara Horne Jewelry was born out of a love for fashion, art, and culture. Sara has been making jewelry since an early age and studied painting in college.  While working in retail it was clear that jewelry was a bigger part of Sara’s lifestyle, and took over. Sara Horne Jewelry started growing in Lake Tahoe, California, and most recently relocated to Venice, CA. Her pieces are made from a dynamic supply of materials ranging from Turquoise to bone.  Found in most of her pieces is leather, which gives each, piece a soft, wearable and worn quality.  Most important is that each piece becomes a part of your lifestyle.

Sara Horn jewelry design

Sara Horn
jewelry design

 

The Executive Producers of 1^st season of Driven by Design L.A. were: Lela Christine and Lori A. Neal.

 Ice Cream Sundae Divas

Official partners were: L.A. Mart  unveiling Maker City/Magic Box, PORSCHE , Diamond Interior L.A.

Saffron Spot ice-cream

Other sponsors:
Fab Five Lifestyle Magazine, Perrier,  Ice Cream Sundae Divas, Saffron Spot, Coffee Bean & Jalisco Mobile Taco Grill.

Beauty partners were Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics and Brambila Salon.                                              

 

 

 

Napoleon Perdis cosmetics did touch-ups on guests

 

                                                                    

Chicken tacos by Jalisco Mobile Taco Grill
 

          

Napoleon Perdis has transformed the faces and lives of women for over 20 years.The Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy staff presented the beauty looks on the Driven by Design L.A. runway shows. 

 

2^nd season of Driven by Design L.A. is scheduled for March 2014.   www.drivenbydesignla.com