Features: Valissa Yoe

Valissa is styled by Omar Alexander, corset by Christian Civera, and photographed by Ahmed Klink

Its hard to start a description of Valissa because you kinda have to stop and think.  This is the woman that truly does it all and does it beyond expectation.  I don't want to take away from the Q&A, but if there is one thing you take from this post, its that she is a creative burst of energy that leaves you wanting more.  I had the privilege  of assisting her on the set of Adam Barta's video shoot for his song VIP, and not a beat was missed.  Valissa covered every base, and I was thoroughly impressed with how easy she made styling a video shoot, look.

When we were deciding who we wanted to feature on our site before it launched, I knew we had to reach out to her.  Thankfully, she was able to make some time for us! With all that being said, to close out our New York Fashion Week 2010 features, here is Valissa Yoe:

SWNYC: What inspired you to be a stylist and when did you realize it was something you are good at?

SNL/HBO's Jenny Slate. photographed by Kareem Black

VY:  I've always been obsessed with making everything and everyone aesthetically pleasing. Living and breathing New York City has inspired my fashion styling. While studying fashion design at FIT, I met some of the best photographers, musician and designers NYC has to offer. The thought of making a living building with all of these talents makes my "job" not feel like a job in the slightest. The exciting lifestyle and constant hustle that comes from working for yourself always intrigued me.


SWNYC:  How would you describe your style?

VY:  Clients come to me when they want to be seen! I give them WOW! I have people asking, "who the hell is that?!?!". I love building images and custom designing performance and red carpet outfits. I also pride myself in being extremely versatile in my style depending on the client and project.

SWNYC:  Who are some of the people you have been able to dress?

VY:  Jay Sean, Ryan Leslie, Amanda Blank, Mates of States, The Fire and Reason, WWE Divas, The Real Housewives, etc, etc

SWNYC:  Who would you love to work with and why?

VY:  Kelis. Her confidence is so sexy. I love the direction her music is going. She's always on the next level which is exactly where I like to be.

SWNYC:  Tell us something about you that most people don't know about?

VY:  I now offer my services as a makeup artist and hair stylist in addition to fashion styling. It's important to be multi-talented in this economy!

SWNYC:  In the next 5 years, Valissa will be...

VY:  I will probably be doing more image consulting and art directing than styling. I have also been DJing as a duo (DJ Vida and Valissa) and working on an electro music project with Alexander Technique. Anything to travel and enjoy life! The possibilities are endless...

Photography by Adrian Buckmaster

SWNYC:  Whats your favorite place in NYC?

VY:  Rouge 58. It's a new salon/art gallery/event space in Williamsburg. It's a modular space that embraces all the arts. You can see a dope art show with djs, BBQ, have your hair cut, book a full on photo shoot, then take a stripper pole class!

Photography by Ysa Perez

Photography by Aaron Cobbett

Valissa on the set of Adam Barta's VIP video shoot.
White dress by Valissa and Christian Civera.

Valissa with The Fire and Reason front woman, Bella Saona

Valissa is photographed by Mike Townsend 

For all things Valissa Yoe, Check out these links:

http://www.valissayoe.com

http://twitter.com/VforValissa

http://vforvalissa.wordpress.com/

http://soundcloud.com/dj-valissa

Features: Omar Alexander

Feast your eyes on one of the most colorful stylists we know!  Omar Figueroa is the kind of guy that would make you do a triple take...even in NYC!  When I first moved to here two years ago, I would see him around Union Sq and a few clubs here and there, and I would think "Who is this guy with all of this hosiery??"  It was very daring, especially in the winter, but it worked!  I got to officially meet him during a photo shoot while he was working as stylist Valissa Yoe's assistant, and I was assisting the photographer, Kareem Black. As I type this, Omar's FaceBook status update is: 

"Just wrapped Michael Kors, beautiful quintessential american collection with a twist. Chanel. Iman, jourdann dunn, Andre Leon Tally. Everyones here! Just scored free MK eyewear. Getting ready to work gottex show now. Brb."

A certified style genius and sweetheart, it is definitely a treat to share this Q&A.   

Enjoy.

SWNYC:  When you decide to get your clothes ready for the day, do you ever think that you may be over the top and change your mind?

OMAR:  LMFAO! Sometimes! I'll be getting ready and be like "wait this is too much for today," and tone down a bit. Never because its too over the top though, I never cared what people thought or said about the way I dress. Sometimes the stares are fun.  Other times its more organic. I wake up, transform, and dash!

SWNYC:  Why are you more costume oriented as opposed to doing something safe and mainstream? 

OMAR:  I wouldn't say my aesthetic is costume. It's theatrical at times, conceptual, sexy, and fun! I do  use elements of costume though, and sometimes channel different eras, characters and beings. Why play it safe?? Fashion is FUN! People should have more fun with their wardrobe! Though I do have clients that prefer looks that are more simple, clean and chic, which I appreciate as well.

SWNYC:  Who have you worked with? 

OMAR:  Harper's Bazaar, Patricia Field,  Tokyo Diiva, Jonte', Cucu Diamantes, and Valissa Yoe. I also do production for Gucci, Vera Wang, Micheal Kors, Prada etc.

SWNYC:  What has been your best working experience? 

OMAR:  I was Head costume designer for five burlesque dancers in a show in Miami. I created the dresscode for the staff of the venue, the whole nine. The show debuted and was short lived because of budget gaps. The venue closed down and I was left being owed thousands in  backpay. But hey, that's the nature of the biz sometimes. Oftentimes clients don't pay, clothes get stolen, editorials don't get published, and photographers hoard photos of your work. But those are the experiences that make you stronger in this industry, so they are the best! 

    

SWNYC:  What inspires your looks?

OMAR:  Surrealism, the glamorous 80's, The Victorian era, the youthquake of the 60's, post-punk. Elsa Schiaparelli, Club kid culture, Tokyo street fashion. 

SWNYC:  Where do you see yourself in the next 2 years?

OMAR:  Who knows what the future will hold, but I hope to get my line " Nostalgia," in more stores and in further development. Currently its being sold at the Old Hollywood Moxie boutique at the LimeLight Market Place in Manhattan and in Brooklyn. 

SWNYC:  What do you love about NYC?

OMAR:  Omg! What don't I love about New York! I've been living here for 6 years and I don't see myself moving anywhere, ever! It's the epicenter of the world, and home to all things amazing! 

Omar with Isis from America's Next Top Model.

www.ByOmarAlexander.com

www.facebook.com/zenithnyc

www.twitter.com/sphinxfaceomar

Features: Seasick Mama

We present to you, Seasick Mama, a New York City based t-shirt company. They work directly with artists to produce amazing and innovative designs such as the one posted above desinged by local Artist, Alexander Binder. We are lucky to have been able to get the oppurtunity to catch up with Marial Maher, Designer/Producer, shortly after her and I became followers of each other via Twitter (gotta love it!). So with that being said, Street Walkers NYC wanted to get to the bottom of what makes Seasick Mama as innovative and popular as it is.

Here's a little Q&A we had with the fabulous Marial Maher...

SWNYC: Tell us a little bit about the concept behind Seasick Mama, and how you came across such concept?


MM: Seasick Mama focuses on apparel as an ideal canvas for promoting artists work in a contemporary, uncompromising and accessible way. I came across the concept when I was looking for a t-shirt with a Banksy image when he first started to surface. I figured I would just do it myself. (Sorry Banksy for the lost profit, I had too.) Anyways, after I printed the famous balloon image by Banksy - I started to obsess over wearing images by my favorite artists, but realize permission was greatly appreciated. I start collaborating with NYC artists - and a business was born.

SWNYC: Before Seasick Mama, what were you doing?

MM: I don't remember life before it.

SWNYC: What artist(s), thus far, that have won you over as favorite(s)?
MM: I hate this fucking question. It's like asking, "what's your favorite movie?"...hmmmm...I would have to say Anthony Lister. His recent reflection of superheroes & sex was excellent.

SWNYC: What should we expect from upcoming lines?

MM: In the next couple weeks I am going to start developing online galleries of talented artists. The medium is going to remain photography. Visitors to the site can browse through galleries and choose any image they want for a t-shirt. Open range of dozen thoughtful or pointless imagery. I am currently on the hunt for some great photographers.

SWNYC: On any given weekend, where can we usually find Marial Mahar hanging out? and which Seasick Mama Tee will we see her wearing?

MM: On the weekend, you can usually find me getting wild with my boyfriend. We spend our week working so hard - when Friday comes we are running around Soho like maniacs. It's that good ol' work hard, play harder feeling. My favorite Seasick Mama tee so far is the Three Eye Picasso tee designed by Eric Helvie. It's amazing.

SWNYC: Are you a native of NYC, if so where and why do you remain? If not where are you from and what brought you here?

MM: I like this question. Because this past weekend I was chucking firewood into a huge bonfire and my sister says, "You can take the girl out the country, but not the country out of the girl." I am originally from Rhode Island - and moved to New York City for the stimulation. I stay in New York City because it has matured me in a way no other environment could. Everyone thinks and acts differently - and there are a lot of go-getters. Please give me more.

Seasick Mama is always open to new artists and projects, you can shop for some of their amazing tees or submit your work if you're an artist on their website (We've got our eye on quite a few ourselves)...

www.seasickmama.com

Or you can always connect with them here:

http://www.seasickmama.tumblr.com/

www.twitter.com/Seasick_Mama

www.facebook.com/SeasickMama

Features: Ugo Mozie

As part of our ongoing New York Fashion Week 2010 coverage, we were able to catch up with one half of designing duo AstonMozie, Ugo Mozie, right before this crazy week began.  Having been seeing him everywhere around the city and introduced to him at a Starbucks in Union Sq last year (by equally ubiquitous designing twins Coco & Breezy), I decided to do a little research on Mr Mozie.

Not only does he have a good presence, his style is undeniable.  As you see in these pictures, the guy can pretty much do no wrong.  So when I read up on his upcoming line with his friend and business partner, Quinn Aston, I knew that I had to get him as a feature.  Nothing is more NYC then a young fashion mogul in the making.  Anyhoo, all compliments aside, here is our Q&A with Mr Mozie.

SWNYC:  How did you get started in fashion? 

UGO:  I first got started with Modeling. I booked my 1st job when I was about 14 for Sean John. I continued with that for about 2 years and realized modeling was not for me. I fell in love with the whole fashion lifestyle. I wanted to be the one making the garments, producing the shows, and calling the shots. This eventually developed into me designing and showing for New York Fashion Week.

SWNYC:  Most people fall in love with their art/work before they decide to take it serious.  When did you realize that you wanted to take it to the next level?

UGO: I knew it was time for me to take it to the next level during my first visit to New York alone when I was 16. I got to experience the city and embrace a lifestyle I had never seen before. The freedom, uniqueness, and individuality of the people here opened my eyes and definitely inspired me to make a move here. I graduated from High school early and moved to New York a year later.

SWNYC:  What inspires you?

UGO:  Im inspired by all forms of art, and my family. My 2 favorite artists are Keith Haring and Jean Michel Basquiat.

SWNYC:  How would you describe your clothes/style?

UGO: I ask myself this same question all the time. And I never came to an answer. My style is definitely the most eclectic I've ever come across. One day I can be a futuristic cowboy, and another day a Russian Mafia leader. I always tend to tell a story or convey a message through my wardrobe, whether its intentional or coincidental. 

Ugo styled Dawn Richard for Ghubar Magazine

SWNYC:  Who would you love to dress?

UGO:  Katy Perry and Soulja Boy.

SWNYC:  Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

UGO:  At the Peak of my career. I plan to have my name branded in an array of industries. Im a Powerhouse.

SWNYC:  Tell us something that most people wouldn't know.

UGO:  I have only been in New York for one year.

SWNYC:  What do you love about NYC?

UGO:  The freedom to express yourself without judgment.

AstonMozie Designs

www.astonmozie.com/

Features: Christopher Healey

Welcome Christopher Healey, Design Assistant for the Donna Karan Collection. I first met Chris this summer through Mike Milan while vacationing on Fire Island. Instantly, I noticed this guy had great taste as he walked in the house with the best of the finest labels and a pair of shades to die for! To top it all off, he had to be one of the sweetest guys I've met thus far since I've been back in NYC. So without a doubt, Street Walkers NYC couldn't wait for the chance to engage him in a little Q&A for you all to indulge in...So with that being said, Happy Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week 2010 and here's Chris...

Chris and Donna Karan

SWNYC: For people who don't know exactly what you do, in a nutshell, can you tell us what your day job is?

CH: I work in fabric development and creative direction for Donna Karan Women's Collection. I handle all of the colors within the collection. I also ensure that all of the products, licensing, shoes and knitwear are all on the same page in color and that the collection is wholly cohesive. I handle and present Donna with colors each season as well as set the mood with inspiration presentations. I also work with fabrics and print developments which entails traveling to Italy to find the latest (and greatest) fabrics. 


SWNYC: What inspires you to...inspire?
CH: I love Luxury and Labels!! I love fashion and I love New York City! This city inspires me alot, the energy and the people. I love the hustle and bustle of the city and that everyone seems to have a story and someplace to be or go[in a hurry]. This city is truly a city of dreams...I work closely with our Design Director and we collaborate on a direction and I go with it and expand on that through vintage pieces, fabric swatches and art. All of which you can find in this great city.

SWNYC: What prepared you for such a big role?

CH: Well this is my first job in the industry. I grew up in a small town in California and knew I wanted to be in fashion but being from a small town it was inaccessible and seemed like a far fetched dream. I finally decided to move to New York City and go to design school. For my internship, I was extremely persistent in working for Donna, as I felt she was my aesthetic and could relate to her design Philosophy. I worked for the Senior Creative Director and did anything and everything I could get my hands on, working my way towards becoming her assistant. So for three years, I learned what she [Senior Creative Director] knew and took in everything I could and absorbed luxury. When the Senior Creative Director left to start her own luxury kids line, the recession had hit and they decided not to hire anyone to replace her. That's when I kind of took over her responsibilities. It was all about hard work, timing and dedication.

SWNYC: You also have a side project outside of your work for Donna, what is that?

CH: Well, I have always loved animals and I have 2 min-pins at home. They are my kids and, going to the stores, I didn't really see any clothes or accessories that reflected my style so I decided to launch a luxury dog lifestyle brand called "BarkStar". Its still in the works, as my current job at Donna Karan takes up most of my time, but when I need to get away into my fantasy world I create dog clothes and accessories. Its a high end, hand made line with dog leads, collars and clothes. I'm still working on the logistics but it is slowly coming together.

SWNYC: Whats your 5 year goal?

CH: My 5 year goal is to become a Creative Director for a luxury brand. If its not for my own label then I hope to be with another big fashion house. I also want to start a non-profit organization that will spay and neuter cats and dogs in NYC for free. There are way too many animals being euthanized each year and this is a great way to keep the population low so more animals are placed in homes..

SWNYC: Tell us something that people wouldn't know about you...

CH: Wow, that's a tough one...I'm pretty much an open book and a label whore!! [he laughs]

SWNYC: And last but not least, we what to know what your favorite spot in NYC is?

CH: There is way too many to name but to name a handful, I love going to and of the beaches in the summer. I love Central Park anytime of the year. And of course, gotta love shopping on Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue! I love hanging out at Donna Karan's downtown studio as well as her apartment overlooking Central park. I also love the views of Manhattan from Lighthouse Park on Roosevelt Island and Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City's Hunter's Point. Oh, and lastly, my favorite restaurant is NoBu in the Meat Packing District.

Below you can check out the video of Donna Karan's Fall/Winter 2010/2011 Fashion Show Parts: One and Two

Fashion's Night Out @ Patricia Field's

Street Walkers NYC was invited by our friend, Seville Michelle Anastos, to her trunk show at Patricia Field's Boutique during Fashion's Night Out.  We had a blast!  It was like SWNYC feature central, with Joe Buffa, Cazwell, and of course Seville in attendance.  Cazwell spun some great songs with Amanda Lepore by his side, while everybody shopped, socialized, drank some booze (courtesy of Skyy Vodka!) and ate delicious cupcakes!

Also in attendance was James Campbell from Kimora's show, Life on the Fab Lane, and the cast from Logo's soon to be hit show, A-List: New York.  We have known Ryan Nickulas and TJ Kelly for close to a decade, but it was our first time meeting the rest of the cast.  As a whole, the guys from A-List were a treat.

To cap the night off, we were able to get face time with Ms Patricia Field herself.  A lovely lady indeed...well, its time to let the pictures do the talking!  Be sure to click on "Read More" to see more pics and to see the pics that didn't make the blog, are on our FaceBook page, under the "Event Extras" photo album:  Street Walkers NYC on Facebook.

Some of the cast of Logo's A-List: New York

Reichen Lehmkul and TJ Kelly

Features: Seville Michelle Anastos

Ms. Anastos

Meet Seville Michelle Anastos, Accessories Designer, and quite the fashion maven if we may add. She's based out of Queens, NY and has been in this game for quite some time now. She designed pieces for Alicia Keys Freedom World Tour and you can catch anyone from Ciara, to Beyonce, to the girls from Diddy-Dirty Money wearing her unique bamboo earrings wrapped in leather. Seville just recently launched a line called the Epaulet Collection which adorns any shoulder in a rocked out, glamourous, and quite fashionably-advanced kind of way. We are excited we got the chance to catch up with our Designing Diva and get down with a little Q&A...so without further ado...

SWNYC:  How did you get started with designing accessories?

SMA: I became inspired after styling a celebrity. I thought that if I were her personal stylist I would create accessories that had never been seen before. After a break in my schedule, I bought the material and began designing. I created the epaulets that launched my line in October 2009. Shortly after that, I was invited to participate in Gen Art Emerging Artist in Miami and was commissioned by Alicia Keys to create 10 epaulets. I've been at it ever since.

SWNYC:  What inspires your pieces or you to create your pieces?

Bamboo earings covered in leather.

SMA:  I experience strong internal directives and that is what I'm responding to when I design. I keep my life filled with good content; good people, music, art and great non-fiction books. I'm addicted to knowledge and Google is my favorite inanimate object. All of these influences permeate in my work.

SWNYC:  Is this something you always wanted to do, or did you want to be/do something else prior?

SMA:  I'm not sure it was ever a focal for me but accessories have always been my favorite part of dressing up. When I was a little girl I wanted to be a marine biologist. : )

SWNYC:  How has New York City played a part in your success?

SMA:  New York city has been my backdrop since forever. I'm influenced by everything about it and when you hug the city it tends to hug you back. I'm a city kid born/bred and based in Queens.

SWNYC:  What is your favorite piece/creation as of right now, and why?

SMA:  I'm loving the black earrings with chain initially created for the Patricia Field store on the Bowery.

SWNYC:  Where is your favorite spot in the city, where do you frequent or would like to more often?

SMA:  When in the mood to fall in love with New York again I hit the Lower East Side and then grab dinner at Freemans alone or with a friend. It's the perfect blend of good taste, intellect and obscurity. All of the things that are the catalyst for falling in love for me.

SWNYC:  What should we expect from Seville in the near future? What's next on the list? Apparel maybe?;-)

SMA:  I'm working on collaborations with other artists and I've written a short film that I plan on shooting soon. I have other ideas for accessories that I'll be launching in the winter. I believe that good taste must be shared.

Dawn Richardson of Diddy-Dirty Money is rocking the black bamboo earings while Kalena is sporting the Epaulet and earings.

Don't forget to check out her website, where you can see her latest and greatest designs and buy them as well. Just don't buy the epaulet with the spikes cause I'm getting that one and we can't walk around with the same piece on...okay fine you can get it but just don't wear it the same day I do...lol

http://sevillemichelleanastos.com/

Exhibit B: A Photo Series By Kareem Black

On Tuesday, September 7th, Street Walkers NYC attended Exhibit B: A Photo Series By Kareem Black.  Exclusively shot for Rouge 58 to coincide with New York Fashion Week, we were ecstatic to see what both Kareem and Rouge 58 had to offer.  We were definitely not let down.  The photographs consisted of legs and shoes in very interesting settings. According to the invite,  "Inspired by Guy Bourdin, his most favored photographer, Kareem collaborated with acclaimed stylist Harold Melvin to creatively direct seven images reminiscent of one of the greatest advertising photographers of our time."

A good time was had by all as music was spun by DJ's Valissa and Vida.  There was some light boozing, lots of socializing and delicious bite sized cheesecakes by BiteMe Cheesecake.

I was able to take shots of all of the images, the event and Kareem himself.  If you click on the"Read More" link, you will see more pictures of the event.