CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN X STAR WARS

In a galaxy not so far away, Christian Louboutin who is known for not only making covet-worthy shoes but also putting his own take thematically in shoes sat down Disney and Lucasfilm to create heels for the four leading ladies of The Last Jedi - Rey, Admiral Holdo, Captain Phasma and Rose Tico.

Rose Tico

As a maintenance worker in the Resistance, her design includes utilitarian details, as told by the block heel surrounding an inner stiletto, and a sandy ribbon ankle strap reminiscent of the color of her uniform.

You can bid on these shoes from now to December 20th with benefits going to Starlight Children's Foundation, which supports critically ill children in hospitals, on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change.

Rey

This shoe features a leather wrap ankle strap inspired by the belt on her costume. The translucent straps are a nod to "her Jedi powers and the Force she embodies," the brand said in a statement. The tiny blue brass hue on the heel is a tribute to her lightsaber.

The winning bid for each of these shoes which are signed by the designer AS WELL AS the Star Wars actress isn't all that they will receive! The winner will receive an additional pair of shoes and a chance to visit Lucasfilm headquarters, tour the studio, and view a special screening of The Last Jedi in San Francisco on January 16. (travel and accommodations are not included.) The bids currently range from $2,000 to $3,250, but the packages have an estimated value of $10,000 each. There is another item that is being added to the auction on Dec 9th and will be unveiled at the movie premiere (they will be guarded by a pair of Praetorian Guards clad in glossy red armor). The shoe is inspired by the film and Louboutin's extreme Ballerina Ultima heel.

Captain Phasma

This silver style showcases sleek lines and metallic color scheme. The criss-crossing straps imitate the curves of her armor.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in theaters on December 15.

Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo

This regally plum pump is inspired by the Vice Admiral who rocks lavender hair in the film. The drapery on the shoe mimics the fabric of her costume.

BINGELY BOOKS

THE COCKTAIL GALAXY
St Martin's Griffin
Andy Heidel

There's always an excuse to celebrate
something! A new job, engagement, friends coming over and beyond. It encourages you to step up your game when people come over or if you tend to be the default bartender.

Just imagine at your next viewing party for X-Men, Agents of Shield and create beverages that merge nerd culture and
cocktails together! Not only are there a number of drinks that are offered, but it is authored and tested by Andy Heidel (he is
known for his Doctor Who Bar), the owner of The Way Station in Brooklyn, NY, a bar and music venue.

This is a fun gift and staple to have by your bar cart and will serve as a great conversation starter/ice breaker.

POWER FOOD ON THE GO
Fair Winds Press
Rens Kroes

What is the relationship between Power Food and Power Foodies? Well, Power Foodies are people that are constantly on the go from work, working out, meeting
with friends etc. In order to continue this pace in a healthy way, Rens has created a book filled with healthy options that allow you to do meal prep and to avoid having to go to other options like eateries, food trucks
etc, that can be time consuming, unhealthy or even just a waste of money/taste.

Those who are fans of Rens' approach to Power Foods will love that she has included
her focus on preparing, preserving and easily taking items along. With a number of options available, you may find that you start a trend amongst your friends to do the same.

DRINK VERMONT: BEER, WINE, AND SPIRITS OF THE GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE
Skyhorse Publishing: Brdbk Edition
Liza Gershman

Reading definitely transforms the mind! When we thought of the state of Vermont,
we thought about maple syrup as well as snowboarding but after reading Liza's book, we now know that this state is a destination for Beer, WIne and Spirits!

With 18 distilleries, nearly 50 breweries, and a dozen wineries - there are a number of drinks to enjoy year around that include hard apple cider, whiskey, and more. The book navigates what the state has to offer and introduces you to brands that you'll want to enjoy when you're in the area or perhaps
find at your local store.

We suggest that this is a giftable book as it's a bit of beverage tourism that you'll want to have handy when you make the journey or just for those that like being in the know of what regions have to offer.

Read more from the Nov Issue and see Bingely Books in mag.

GET THE FACTS | LOW BEAUTY

The world of makeup artistry is ever changing from following trends, making new ones and seeing what exists within the cosmetic and skincare industries. We had a chance to chat with Karim Orange on celebs that she has worked on, her about new line that she has collaborated with via Vapour Organic Beauty, being a Low Beauty Makeup Artist and what that means in a world where we are navigating green, non-animal tested products, sustainable as well as other products.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you became a Makeup Artist.

KARIM ORANGE:I have been a professional make up artist for over 25 years. When I was younger I always loved the beautiful girls in the magazines with makeup on. They always looked so happy. I started as an assistant to another celebrity makeup artist. We worked on over 100 videos a year in the early 90s. My big break was touring with Mary J Blige. After that I beat out 23 other make up artists for my spot at The View. This is where I received my two Emmy nominations.

AM: Who are celebrities or projects that you have worked on that we would know?

KO:  I worked on The View and with artists like Jay Z, Nas, Sean Puffy Combs,  Lauren Hill, Rosario Dawson, Goldie Hawn, Mary J. Blige, Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, The Dixie chicks, Deepak Chopra, I've even done Donald Trump's makeup. 

AM: How did Inner Orange come about (from it's name, your partnership with Vapour etc)? 

KO: Vapor Organic Beauty and I have been working together in different capacities for over five years. I have always respected them as a brand because they have always been inclusive of all shades. The name Inner Orange is of course a play on my last name. I find that orange, the color, usually makes people feel excited. The sun has hues of orange, changing leaves have beautiful tones of orange. Some amazing foods are orange. Orange makes you glow. Inner Orange is about glowing strong in whatever-you do, and the colors in the collection reflect a 'glow strong' attitude.

AM: What products are currently in Inner Orange and what are your plans for this portion of the line in terms of extending the product range? 

KO: Inner Orange currently consists of two collections. The first collection is called Spark and it's for light to medium skin-tones. It consists of peachy and soft gold neutral tones. The Crave collection consists of warm burnt orange shades and rich chocolate browns. It is more for medium to darker shades. Inner Orange will continue to develop with Vapor Organic Beauty. You will see the addition of seasonal colors and products to support the crave and spark collection, giving you more possibilities. 

You will also see additional products under the Inner Orange umbrella. The next product is a synergistic essential oil blend called Inner Orange, which will be available in January on the Inner Orange website. 
 

AM: When we talked with you at the event, you explained that you're a Low Beauty makeup artist - can you explain more about what this and misconceptions that people may have on this title/category?

KO: Over the years I have seen the words clean, green, organic, sustainable, natural all used to describe more conscious personal care products. These are the words that I have used to describe personal care products. Recently, I have thought about what it is that I do. What it is that I would like to teach women. It became a concept that I have personally coined to describe my practice which I call 'Low' Beauty. It's very easy for the average person to understand. Everyone likes things in life that are low! Low mortgage rates, low-risk activities, low pesticides in food.

Low beauty is three basic steps and rules, that I try to follow.

*As a makeup artist, I try to use the minimum amount of products to get maximum results. When I teach a woman how to do their make up I try and make it as simple as possible. If she is currently using 10 products I try to get it down to five or six. 

*I also try to introduce products with low undesirable ingredients. 

*Lastly I try to pick products with low carbon footprints. Sometimes the low carbon footprint part can have shades of grey. 

AM: How did your journey to being a Low Beauty artist come about? 

KO: My journey as a low beauty make up artist came about by trial and error. Using minimal products came about on a tour with Mary J Blige. At the time, Mary had her own makeup kit that I was using. Somehow her make up kit got left behind at the last venue. That night I had to do Mary's make up with a few products. It taught me how to be a minimalist. Also working on The View (live television), where you have no extra time for extra products, confirmed my minimalistic approach. 

The need to use products with low undesirable ingredients came about through my personal nightmare. A lipstick that I had been using every day for years sent me to the emergency room because of a sudden allergic reaction. I didn't wear lipstick for almost 10 years after this. I also started making the connection between women and autoimmune disease and what we put in our bodies. There are so many women that have reactions to something they have been using every day. The body one day says that's enough, and makes the immune system go haywire. I was lucky that my reaction happened on the outside of my body immediately. I was able to stop using the product, a lot of women are not so lucky when symptoms happen internally. 

The low carbon footprint aspect can be a bit overwhelming. While I understand that sometimes companies can't do everything right, they should still make an effort not to intentionally incorporate practices that are wrong and harm the earth or animals. They should support sustainable practices and know every element of their manufacturing. 

AM: There is a growing conversation among many about the need to transition a number of beauty products from those that are chemically based to those that have less as well as those that have not been tested on animals.

What products swaps do you suggest for mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, foundation, eyeshadow, cleansers, toners, moisturizer etc. Are there any products that you suggest that people continue to use that may not be Low Beauty oriented but are safe to use?

KO: You're trying to get me in trouble with this question (lol). I believe in education not scare tactics because I'm a magician, not a preacher. I encourage women to switch three products first - their lipstick because they eat it. Their body lotion because your skin is the biggest elimination organ in the body, and your nail polish because the nail beds are so porous and traditional nail products are so toxic.

Let's also remember that I am a makeup artist and I love makeup. I still follow the trends and products in traditional makeup. I have to relate to any woman that comes to me for a consultation. I have to understand what she is using and why.

So, if you come to me as a virgin when it comes to owning cleaner versions of beauty products, I'm going to be very gentle with my recommendations. My first step is to educate you and get you out of any lipstick that has toxic ingredients. With that being said if you're addicted to your Dior Show mascara (which I know is fabulous) I'm going to say enjoy it and tackle other things (first things first). 

Here are some of my favorite products (yes they all fall under Low Beauty lol)

Mascara: Mineral Fusion and Gabriel Cosmetics 

Eyeliner: Zuzu Luxe (they have a ton of fabulous colors and shades, for both eyeliners and lip liners). 

Lipstick: Any color you love that's nontoxic. 

Foundation: I love Vapour and Mineral Fusion in liquid formulas. (they offer so many varieties and formulations). I also like Au Naturale sticks and ZuZu Luxe for powder. 

Eyeshadow: Most mineral shadows are ok. Just make sure they are not made in a country that tests on animals. Also, try and find some that contain no FD & C Dyes. 

Cleansers, Moisturizers, Toners: Try brands like Indie Lee, Kimberly Sayer, Dr. Hascka and Even Healy. All of these brands are amazing.

Read more from the Nov issue and see Get The Facts | Low Beauty in mag.

RAF'S GAMBIT

Thanksgiving is this month and while many of us are looking forward to family, friends, food etc. This year, an extra amount of anticipation for the national holiday means the debut of NETFLIX/Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It' which begins streaming on the network for this movie turned series. Rafael V DeLeon plays Manny Garciela and we caught up with him in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: We've seen you in print campaigns and we know that you have acted in a number of shows/films, tell us about your journey in both areas.
 
RAFAEL V DELEON: Yes, I have! Well, the journey is still ongoing, but I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given so far. When I first moved to NYC, I worked the graveyard shift at a hotel. That was the bottom...I mean, “beginning” of the journey. lol
 
AM: Tell us about your role in Netflix/Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It', how long were you filming and what was the auditioning process like? 
 
RVD: I filmed scenes over the course of several months. The audition process was like any other; you go in, do your best work, and leave the room knowing you gave it your best. 

AM: In your opinion, how has 'She's Gotta Have It' been tweaked from the world it existed in 1986 to now?
 
RVD: Well for starters, in 1986, social media didn’t exist. The integration of social media and cell phones are the two biggest tweaks. Other themes like: racial inequality, gentrification, feminine empowerment, and social justice were already top-of-mind issues for Spike...back in 1986. “Been Woke” as Spike would say.    

AM: What did you know about this movie prior to auditioning and what are your thoughts on this now that you have played the part of Manny Garciela that plays the best friend of Mars Blackmon played by Hamilton's Anthony Ramos?
 
RVD: I was familiar with the project but had not seen the film prior to auditioning. I had done my research on the film and prepared accordingly though.  My thoughts now are “Whoa. What an experience!” To work with creatives at the top of their game both in-front of and behind the camera is a milestone moment for me. You find yourself surrounded by so much talent it’s awe-inspiring sometimes. 

AM: With 'She's Gotta Have It' streaming on Thanksgiving, how excited are you to be a part of this iconic series?
 
RVD: As excited as Spike was when the Yankees won the World Series in 2009. 
 
 

AM: We know that you live in Brooklyn, where are your 3 favorite places to eat, workout and to grab a beer?

RVD: 1.) Eat- I really enjoy Archie’s Pizza in Bushwick (I hope they read this). 

2.) Workout- Any playground basketball court. Always good competition there. 

3.) Grab a beer - The Rookery Bar (I REALLY hope they read this). 

AM: Do you still play basketball as we know that you played Division I at Temple?

RVD: Temple is not only Division I, but is the 5th winningest Men’s Basketball program in NCAA history behind Kentucky, Kansas, UNC, and Duke; but I digress. ;) 

I do still play! A colleague of mine has pick-up every week (shout out to DG) and gets a bunch of ex-division 1 guys together for weekly runs. 

AM: What's your personal style when you're going out to grab a drink versus when you're running errands?
 
RVD: Oh man, when I’m going out I try to dress in something that is comfortable, individualist, and on-trend. When I am running errands? Whatever is clean.  
 
AM: What roles can we see you in next?
 
RVD:I have a few opportunities in the pipeline, but nothing I can announce currently. I will just say that I am excited for what 2018 has in store.
 
AM: With Christmas around the corner, what are you doing this season and where will you spend NYE?
 
RVD: I am spending the week leading up to Christmas with my family in Prince Georges County, MD and will be traveling to Costa Rica on the 26th through the new year! 
 
AM: Tell us about charities that you are a part of? 
 
RVD: I work closely with the Make-A-Play organization, Camp Ryan, and volunteer at a middle school in my neighborhood. Lending a hand in my community is something that is very important to me.
 
AM: Is there anything else that you would like to tell us that we have not covered?

RVD: I love playing Chess, day-trading stocks, reading The Atlantic, and watching critically-acclaimed films with my Somali princess. Oh, and I still haven’t beaten a local chess-master in Union Square.

Our shoot took place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the McCarren Hotel and Pool as well as the famed The Meatball Shop. You can watch Rafael V Deleon on NETFLIX in Spike Lee's, 'She's Gotta Have It' streaming now. You can also connect with him socially. 
 
Twitter | @RafaelVDeLeon
Instagram | @RafaelVDeLeon
Facebook | /RafaelVDeLeon

We're big fans of The Meatball Shop at Athleisure Mag and it was fun to chat with their Marketing Director Natasha Miller about their history, menu, neighborhood locations and spirit.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about The Meatball Shop - what the concept behind the restaurant is, who are the co-founders, when it was created, and current as well as upcoming locations of this eatery. 

NATASHA MILLER: The co-founders are Daniel Holzman (Chef) and Michael Chernow, a pair of childhood friends who opened the first The Meatball Shop location on the Lower East Side in 2010. Since then, they’ve expanded to open locations in the Upper East Side, West Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and Williamsburg. The Meatball Shop is all about eating responsibly sourced, delicious food in a fun, hip location. 

AM: What are some of the signature dishes and cocktails that are available at The Meatball Shop? 

NM: The beauty of The Meatball Shop is that you can put together any dish you'd like! But, some of our guest's favorites combos are definitely our Classic Ball (a mix of beef and pork meat) with our Classic Tomato over Spaghetti. Our Kitchen Sink Salad is also a big hit with our guests. Our cocktail menu changes seasonally, but I’d say our Moscow Mule is pretty classic (and delicious).

AM: For those who are vegetarian, can they also enjoy the experience at The Meatball Shop? 

NM: Totally! We have vegan veggie balls that are out of this world, I like them best with our pesto, but they can be served however you’d like! We're all about cooking seasonally and are always changing up our awesome roster of veggies sides. Currently were serving sides like Roast Brussels Sprouts and Apples, Braised Kale and Tomato Soffrito, and Butternut Squash Sage Rissoto. 

AM: If you haven't done so already, can you tell us about Sidepiece? 

NM: Sidepiece is the bar connected to our Hell’s Kitchen location – you walk to the back of the restaurant, past the restrooms, through a little hallway, and you’re there! Sidepiece has a totally different cocktail menu and acts as our meatball test kitchen where we serve some super fun dishes like Pretzels Balls and Meatball Nachos, in a speakeasy-esque space. It can also be rented out for private parties too!

AM: With a number of locations in NYC, what is the thought of the aesthetic of the restaurant in relation to the location of the neighborhood that it resides in? 

NM: The aesthetic of each individual restaurant definitely changes based on the neighborhood that surrounds it. We want each location to feel like its own restaurant - the Williamsburg location, for example, is more subdued and looks lovingly worn in, while the Lower East Side shop has a poppy-feel, with a deep navy wall coated in bright white metal meat grinders. 

AM: We shot a portion of our shoot in the Williamsburg location of The Meatball Shop. What can you tell us about this particular location (when it opened, those who tend to stop in)? 

NM: We opened up our Williamsburg Shop in 2011 and it's become a stable of Bedford Ave. We get a lot of neighborhood locals for sure but as the neighborhood has changed we're also seeing a ton of tourists stop in which has been really fun. We recently started serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm – this was the first location we started doing so, and it’s been a nice change of pace.

AM: What can we expect with the upcoming holiday season in terms of events or promotions taking place at The Meatball Shops? 

NM: We’re just about to launch our latest SHUT skateboard deck design, which will be available on our website. We encourage fans of the brand to check out our other gear as well, like our Ballers sweatshirt, Ballerina Tee, and our jarred Classic Tomato Sauce- which can all be found at www.themeatballshop.com.
 

AM: What are the Co-Founders' favorite dishes at The Meatball Shop? 

NM: Michael Chernow loves a Kitchen Sink with Veggie Balls and Pesto and Daniel Holzman loves a heartier dish of Pork Meatballs with Spicy Meat Sauce over Polenta with a Family Jewel on top!

AM: Are there new dishes (whether ongoing or seasonal) that will be coming to The Meatball Shop? 

NM: We just started serving our Grilled Cheese balls in all of our locations this week – they sit like dumplings atop a layer of cream of tomato soup and are dangerously good. Right before Christmas, we will be bringing back our Jingle Jingle Balls made with venison and paired with a traditional Cumberland Sauce. We also have a killer Bread Pudding special for dessert this month!

AM: We know that you can buy The Meatball Shops' sauce and cookbook, are there other items that are available that people can purchase when they can't get to the physical locations? 

NM: We love designing merch! In addition to our sauce and cookbook, you can find our "Balls" shirts, Grinder Snapbacks, and Grinder Carhartt Beanies at all of our shops. We also carry limited quality items such as our Hedley & Bennet Aprons, "Mini Meatball" Onesizie, and (Baller)INA Pink T-Shirts that you can find in our different shops!

Read more from the Nov Issue and see Raf's Gambit in mag.

FOOTWEAR.FASHION.LIFESTYLE | SOUL DXB

There are a number of events that are taking place in the first few days of December as we begin to close out your year. From music festivals Art Basel Miami and more. Sole DXB takes place in Dubai Dec 7th - 9th and focuses on Fashion, Footwear and Lifestyle by merging a number of brands and musicians together for a fun experience. Sole DXB is helmed by Hussain Moloobhoy (began his career at Saatchi London and moves to the Middle East and joined Saatchi and Saatchi Dubai where her served as its Creative Director - he took a sabbatical to explore global designs and fashion industries which led him to create a creative agency), Joshua Cox (serves as Co-Founder of Sole DXB to create a platform to help revive culture and inspire the urban fashion industry of the region), Kris Balarite (with a focus on creative design and advertising as well as freelancing with sports brand consulting, he serves as a Co-Founder of Sole DXB and is the brand creative director for the first ever basketball concept store in the Middle East known as Conquer) and Rajat Malhotra (in addition to being a partner in the Sole DXB, Rajat established a media and telecom business where he served as a CEO as well as partnering with Sunny Rahbar as a Co-Founder of the Third Line Gallery which has allowed curated exhibitions in NYC's gallery Stellar Rays).

With their creative backgrounds, we wanted to know more about what Sole DXB is as it has taken place for a number of years and is constantly focused on specific cultures that are being presented. With its mixture of art, sports, music and footwear, we took some time to find out more about this event.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Summarize in your own words what Sole DXB is?

SOLE DXB: VERY. DOPE. A celebration of hip-hop culture that has been so integral to our lives. We're simply creating an event that we, as people, wold want to go to. Just so seems there's a lot of others like us too...

AM: What is the decision behind celebrating various cultures at various points of your event from Amercan Hip Hop one year, British Hip Hop and this year, Japanese contemporary design?

SD: Culture is global, its nuance local, our individual upbringings widespread. As partners, we all grew up across different cities all around the world, but moved to Dubai eventually. During that process, Dubai had so much to offer, but there were parts of our past lives that we missed and we didn't feel that we should have to get on a place everytime we wanted to experience it. Last year, we looked at how the scene goes down in London. For many it was the year of grime, so we brought out champions of UK sounds like Skept, Stormzy, Little Simz, and Chipmunk. The year before it was very much a look at how the orginators of hip-hop, the US, did things. So we brought in legends like Mobb Deep and DMC (of Run DMC). We consider ever event an education through experience for our consumers. This year. we've looked East, especially at the real design finesse from Japan. So we're bringing out (Fragment founder and) icon Hiroshi Fujiwara to give a talk. Then we have brands like Visvim, Wacko Maria, Neihgborhood and Undercover showcasing their wares. Beyond that, there's some real godfathers of the industry coming down - we have Mass Appeal offering an exclusive international screening of (yet to be shown) Word is Bond. And that's before we even talk music (read: Kano, Pusha T, Goldlink, IAMDDB and more ...).

AM: What are the pillars of DXB offerings that attendees come to expect regradless of the theme running within the year?

SD: The best in beats, kicks, design, food and vibes, all under a big blue sky in the sun. As Bobbito Garcia, our longterm guest and friend said, "there really is nothing else like it in the world." We pride ourselves on a humble and open atmosphere. The days are smooth, the parties are bumping.

AM: What is the Dubai Design District (d3) and why has this partnership been integral to your event?

SD: Dubai Design District is our home, and moreover, the city's destination singularly dedicated to to design. It's the chosen home for the region's growing collective of creatives, artists and designers - and an institution we are very proud to work with. We have been partnered with Dubai Design District for three years now, and recently signed a further three-year contract to mark our mutual respect, and furthermore, agreement to nurture the Middle East's creative culture together. If the last 3 years have been about building our brand and establishing a global presence, the next 3 years will be about nurturing and fostering regional talent We will serve as a platform to showcase our stories to the rest of the world and to connect our international visitors to the community here d3 are central to all of this.

AM: You have a number of amazing entertainers and brands that are participating this year, who are you excited about?

SD: NxWorries (presented by PUMA), King Push, Kano, Teyana Taylor (presented by Reebok), Goldlink, IAMDDB... We have such a variety of great performers it's difficult to pinpoint just one. But there's also the talks, the brand showcases, the art. Hiroshi Fujiwara (Fragment), Jeff Staple (Staple Design), Melody Ehsani, and Peter Bittenbender (Mass Appeal Records) are all speaking amongst others. Then we have the Nike basketball tournament in conjunction with Ball Above All. And Cadillac is hosting the regional debut of Cadillac X Warhol: Letters to Warhol. FRAME is a concept store bringing down some of Japan's leading brands. Then there's' a wealth of really exciting local brands, like amongst few and ANTHLGY doing their thing. And really, that's just the start of it There is a lot to see and do.

AM: Are you already planning next year's event and will there be future cities that you will bring this to?

SD: We are always cooking up plans. 2018 will be a madness - trust us on that!

AM: Is there anything else that you would like to tell us about DXB and how those of us who may not be attending can still be a part of this event?

SD: Follow us on Instagram @SoleDXB - you might not be there but it will definitely make you want to visit.

Read more from the Nov Issue and see Footwear.Fashion.Lifestyle Soul DXB in mag.

TURN ON THE LIGHTS

"You can't know where you are going, until you know where you have been." This quote always seems to take on more meeting when we find out the varied paths that people get to where they want to be. We sat down with Lights (Warner Bros Records) to find out how she got into the industry, her upcoming tour next year, her new Skin&Earth album, which also includes a series of comic books, her favorite travel destinations and how she defines balance as a songwriter, performer, wife and mother.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you get into the music industry – tell us a little bit about your journey.

LIGHTS: That’s a loaded question! I started out having no idea about how to get into the industry and I don’t think that anybody does. And there really isn’t one specific way to do it. I
think at the beginning, I had a pretty skewed view of how it was to be done and how it would pan out. I did music because I loved it and I started writing songs when I was 11 – I had my little
8-tracks and I started producing when I was 13. By the time I was 15, I had multiple albums of music and at that time, it was before MySpace, Peer Volume or YouTube and there was no place to put it. You actually did have to have a way in. So I enter contests like songwriting
contests, local singing contests and stuff – just to see what would happen.

Randomly, my way in came. My mom worked at Walmart. She was an employee, so you could be in the flyer. We took a picture which they selected and we had the opportunity to be in
the flyer. The photo I sent in had me with a guitar and they picked me. They came to my town and shot some pictures of me and a few other locals for the Walmart flyer. I got $30 and modeled their turtleneck – it was great. So the makeup artist said, “oh the picture that you sent in with you in the guitar – do you actually play?” I was like, “Yeah, I have a whole EP.” I was like 14 or 15 at the time. So he asked me to sing for them and I did a Mariah Carey song in the trailer and he asked me to bring the EP by his hotel, which I did and then he brought it to his friend who was in the industry that happened to be coming into the area later that summer for a
festival and he ended up becoming my manager. We worked on the music for a couple of years and then shopped it to the labels and then a couple of years later, I got a development deal with Sony and then I made some connections in the industry and 2 years after I was dropped from the development deal, I got signed to publishing which is songwriting for TV shows as well as working on my own music with sessions with other writers.

At this time MySpace came along and that’s when I was able to put my stuff up and everything changed. It wasn’t the label that launched my career but an online platform that allowed other
people to have access to me. Then Old Navy used a couple of my songs in their campaigns and that is when other people found out about me and then I got signed on from there at 19 with Warner – everything went from there!

AM: We never figured that Walmart would play into this story!

L: You never know where your break is going to come from! The most important thing is to do what you love and to take the opportunities that present themselves. You never know where it
will lead to! With that said, many people ask me what way they can get into the industry and I tell them that they have what they need right in front of them as the access is online to get your music out there!

AM: We’re beyond bummed that we missed your show here in NYC earlier this month, but what can we expect when we go to a Lights show and what kind of music is it that you are doing?

L: It’s really about putting my shows into a story arc and that’s even more imperative now with the comic that comes with the record as we will be implementing that into the next tour. It's an emotional journey and it starts out energetic as I want to make sure that everyone is comfortable and singing along. My favorite part is to see that in a show and then I like to break it down to more of an intimate tone and then end it on a high note. Set lists are always really well thought out. People should come ready to dance and ready to sing and of course there are cool lights – literally, which is really cool.

AM: What is your personal style in terms of dressing at your shows versus out and about with you and your family?

L: It’s interesting how I dress for a show isn’t too far from how I dress day to day, it’s just more amped up. It’s more extreme and over the years, I have come to know that how I dress really affects how I walk and how I am on stage. I need to feel empowered and I need to feel like a woman. It’s somewhere between Lara Croft from Tomb Raider with short shorts and big boots – I always wear big boots and big socks even in the summertime. I love a crop top that channels my whole Anime Manga face with the bright hair. I like a little spice of fantasy mixed in with a bit of a warrior.

AM: Obviously you are extremely talented, how did the comic book into this portion of your music as well?

L: I have always loved comics and have been reading them for years. I think that comics, like music is one of those forms of entertainment that all the fans want to become the creators.
Once you read comments you want to make it, you want to try it – to create the content. I have always wanted to do it and it has been a dream of mine for a long time. Part of that dream has
been wanting to see out in that world a music comic project, by a woman. It just didn’t exist and there were a few things here and there and even with dudes, it wasn’t that common. So I
wondered, when is a girl going to do this? One day I was like, “why can’t it be you – get to your computer girl!”

I shrugged off the fears of not knowing how to do it as I think that is one of the major factors that holds us back from doing what we want to do because we feel that we don’t know how
to do it. I just taught myself how to do it! I did the research, I got the books - went online and watched webinars and tutorials and I just had to start from somewhere. I have seen my dreams come true in putting this together over the last year. It’s just been amazing. I did a lot of work – I write it, draw it, render it, color it, package it and ship it! I send it to the publisher and it’s from my heart and mind and it’s so cool to see it all come together!

AM: That is so cool so do you go to Comic Con with this?

L: Yeah! I have always gone to Con as a fan and last year I was at Toronto Fan X which I have gone to for 10 years as a fan. This year, I was there as a guest with a professional pass and people were CosPlaying as my character! It was so awesome!

AM: This is so inspiring and once again, we’re bummed that we didn’t see you tour!

L: Well, when we came through the fall last year, it was a shorter set as we were supporting Paris but next Feb/March when we come through, it will be a full production experience and a
full set! It will be directly related to the comic.

AM: Obviously you travel a lot, what are some of your favorite places that you love going to?

L: Oh one of my favorite cities to go to is Amsterdam! Everywhere you look is an Instagram shot – it’s so scenic and there are flowers all over the place. It’s gorgeous and I have even more of an appreciation for it especially doing the comics – as an artist now. You have to do studies and backgrounds in art and lighting. I’ve noticed things in the environment that I would have never noticed before like the way a shadow falls – so you notice your surroundings more and Amsterdam is one of those cities that everywhere you look it’s picturesque and inspiring. Another area is Mexico – I love the beaches and it's one of my favorite places in the world.
I grew up traveling and last year, my husband and I went to Thailand and explored the jungles and then we went to Tokyo – that trip itself was a bit of a catalyst that made me really want to
do the comic and a month later I was drawing!

AM: We love Tokyo, being there really changed the way we looked at things for sure!

L: I know – when I got there I was like, “I want to do music and have it played here – how can I make this happen?” So, we have Giants in four different languages and Japanese is one of them!

AM: This holiday season, are you doing a lot of performances, will you be doing festivals for 2018?

L: Yeah it’s going to be a festival summer this year I think and our tour is 2.5 months in the spring with the festivals in the summer and then touring in the fall. The final issue of the comic comes out next month and then we will be packaging it into a graphic novel and then will tour on that in comic shops which will be some pretty cool stuff on that as well.

AM: Clearly your busy, how do you take time for yourself – are you a yogi – what do you do?

L: I do a bit of that. It’s all just balance. I’ve learned a lot over the years and still have a lot to learn about getting work done and taking time. I mean it’s not about saying I’m going to work here this week and then take time out here on this day. There was a time in my life, that I thought that was the way to do it. Instead it’s more like, today I am going to work 4-5 hours and then have dinner with my kid or spend some time tonight to do whatever. Everyday is in
front of you so you need to take the time daily you need to do the work but you need to take the time. I mean life moves and we spend so much of our time waiting for life to happen and
it’s right now and we need to enjoy it while getting stuff done.

AM: What would you like to share with Athleisure Mag’s readers that you may not have been able to share?

L: I’d say check out the album …… it’s my Opus and the greatest thing that I have done so far and I’m proud of it. Listen to the music on its own, read the comic on it’s own and then do so
together – it’s a totally augmented experience and check out the Instagram page @SkinAndEarthWorld – it’s a map of the world from within the comic and its interactive - click through the various accounts and explore the world and go to different locations and find hidden song clips. It’s just a fun way to experience the world without having to pay for anything right now.

CHANEL X PHARRELL WILLIAMS

At Colette, the famed store (which will be closing for good on Dec 20th) hosted a party celebrating Chanel's latest exclusive - Pharrell Williams' (he is also one of the ambassadors of the brand's Gabrielle handbag, walked their runway shows, appeared in a movie directed by the Creative Director) sneaker. After the party, the pop up shop will continue and Chanel plans to donate profits from the pop-up to charities that are supported by Chanel Foundation which supports women as agents of social change throughout the world. Karl Lagerfeld was on hand to debut the 1,000 euro sneakers designed by the entertainer and artist at the Parisian concept store. These shoes were in collaboration with the couture house and Adidas Originals (which is the first time that the couture house has appeared on a product made by another brand). Pharrell has worked with Adidas previously on a collaborative sneaker project as his group, N.E.R.D. released a shoe exclusively this month at ComplexCon this month — was already being offered for $10,000.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Dominique Maître

#TRIBEGOALS

As the fall continues here in the states, we can chase the sun for warmer weather and there's no better place than to head out to Bondi Beach in Australia. Here's three things you should pack when you head out for your fall travels for warmer weather.

| QUAY AUSTRALIA Camden Heights | BODY GLOVE 80's Throwback Time After Time One Piece | ADIDAS ORIGINALS Superstar | 
 

Read more from the Oct Issue and see #TribeGoals in mag.

IN STEP WITH BREA STINSON

We're about putting our best foot forward no matter what we're doing or going to. So when we had the chance to talk with Celebrity Celebrity Costume Designer, Brea Stinson whose work has been on Beyonce, TLC, Rita Ora, Willow Smith, Justin Beiber, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes and more. 

In addition to having a great eye, she has recently partnered with The Tampax and Always Radiant Collection and the HBCU Dance Corporation during Homecoming season to host the #RadiantDanceOff, a national online dance competition that officially launched earlier this month, and is exclusively open to majorette teams at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The winning HBCU dance team will receive custom uniforms designed by Brea as well as a donation of $25,000 to cover team expenses.

We took some time to find out about how she got into the business, the importance of confidence for women in the entertainment business and why she has partnered with Tampax and Always Radiant Collection during Homecoming season at HBCUs.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you get into designing and tell us who some of your celeb clients have been as well as what is the memory of the first piece that you created for a celebrity?

BREA STINSON: I've been designing as long as I can remember. From drawing cartoon characters and bubble letters on jeans in the 6th grade for $5-25 dollars a pop, to designing prom dresses for my high school friends.....I've been putting in work for some time now!

I've had the honor of working with Will Smith, Usher, Beyonce, Zayn, Missy Elliott, Justin Bieber, Rita Ora and more. 

The first celebrity piece that stands out for me is the jacket I conceptualized for Jay-Z for his "Fade to Black" ("retirement") concert at Madison Square Garden. I had been a fan of his for so long by that point. I felt like I knew all his lyrics and certain principles that were valuable to him. I was working as an assistant stylist at the time and I suggested that we use vintage tattoo art to convey a message on a cashmere blazer that we pulled for him. I selected the dagger going through the heart and it read, "death before dishonor". The look on his face when my boss revealed the jacket was priceless. He loved it! It was at that moment, I realized there was something special in these little ideas of mine. To have him embrace my concept at such a huge moment in his career was an overwhelming feeling. I'm forever grateful for that moment. 

AM: You have dressed the world's most stunning and confident women, how impactful is that on you to be around such bold women who represent the entertainment industry?

BS: It's insane!!! It fuels me. I've been blessed to work with the most talented female creative directors, dancers, producers and artists!!! Having such women of influence choose me, wear my designs and support my dream, is more than flattering. It's inspiring to be in the presence of such power and positivity. I just try to soak up all the knowledge and good energy I can. I only hope to leave them with as much as they give. 

AM: Why did you decide to partner with Tampax and Always Radiant Collection in their initiative with HBCUs? 

BS: Tampax and Always have always been my brands of choice. I come from a family of female go getters and to be honest, Tampax was the only brand I recall seeing as a child. Our relationship goes all the way back to when I was a dancer in my younger years and from then until now, Tampax has never failed me. Comfort and leak-free protection equals confidence and those qualities are things the Tampax and Always Radiant Collection embody. Also I know from personal experience and from working with my clients that it's important to feel your best in order to perform at the highest level. All these things are the reason this partnership and initiative geared towards HBCUs really spoke to me, especially given that I graduated from an HBCU, Clark Atlanta University, myself. I'd like to think, this is indeed a way to give back.

AM:  You went to Clark Atlanta University, a HBCU - how meaningful is this partnership as the competition with Tampax highlights these elite schools?

BS: Yes, I did! Our school motto is, "find a way or make one". This has stuck with me through my education and career. HBCU's have produced some of this nation’s most RADIANT achievers. So it's not only meaningful, it’s a perfect fit! 

While we won't be able to visit all the schools during this campaign, the great thing is that everyone can participate in the competition in some way. Each qualifying HBCU majorette team can enter for a chance to win $25,000 and costumes designed by me!! And, the general public can participate by casting their vote November 2 -November 15th on who they think the winning team should be. 

AM: Beyond your involvement with this contest, how important is it to bring the awareness of this study to the African American community?

BS: It's crucial. Studies have shown 4 out of 5 women avoid wearing certain clothing and or doing certain activities during that time of the month, that could be up to a week when they don’t feel like their best selves!

Tampax and Always have been steadfast in creating products with premium protection over the years. It's time to let the girls know, that they can live their best lives any day of the month and completely show up for the task at hand, feeling comfortable and confident. There's so much to be unsure about these days, so this is one less thing to stress about. This Radiant campaign celebrates that personal freedom and fearlessness. 
 
AM: How excited are you for the Radiant Tailgate taking place at Howard University? 

BS: I'm totally excited! Howard University was one of my top 3 choices. Although, I chose CAU....I've always had a love for this school. Being a part of this campaign allows me participate in the Howard University festivities and deliver a message of style and confidence that is very dear to me. 

Read more from the Oct Issue and see In Step with Brea Stinson in mag.

I MOVE ME | STEVE AOKI

This month, we attended an immersive experience with Anima Sana In Corpore Sano known as Sound Mind in a Sound Body - or better known as the 70 year old iconic Japanese brand, ASICS. This experience introduced a partnership and campaign between the sports performance brand and Grammy-nominated, DJ/producer, international entrepreneur and fitness fanatic, Steve Aoki, who serves as the face behind the I MOVE ME campaign in North America. 

The campaign allows the brand to connect with new audiences in an ever-changing fitness industry and builds upon ASICS' core philosophy. I MOVE ME aims to bring people together and inspire them to be healthy and happy through movement.

At the event in the LES, guests enjoyed a large Jump Room with 180 degree cameras tracking their movements, and of course, Aoki also showed his movements on the trampolines as well. 

The actual campaign is a sensory film that stars the DJ, set to his new Kolony track and reflects the correlation between his music and movement. In addition, their is an inclusion of energy, motivation and passion that he brings to whoever his path crosses. He also connects with other passionate people from Kinjax, Overthrow and Cobra Fitness Club. 

The campaign is shot in his home in Las Vegas, in LA and in NYC. In addition, ASICS sponsored athletes - four-time World Championship Wrestler and 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, Jordan Burroughs (U.S.) and World Champion track and field athlete and bobsledder, and three-time Olympian Lolo Jones (U.S.) intersect with the DJ as he appears during their training routines.

"I am really excited to work with ASICS, an iconic Japanese brand," says Steve Aoki. "My life is not only about music and fashion, but also fitness, nutrition and health. I'm really grateful for an opportunity to partner with an athletic brand that not only supports the same philosophy as me and allows me to infuse my DNA into the creative process, but is also aiming to inspire and encourage others." 

You can see more on the I MOVE ME campaign as well as how it will roll out socially, in stores and beyond by starting with the 90 second film.
 

Read more from the Oct Issue and see I Move Me in mag.

IN OUR BAG THE DAY WARRIOR

In the debate of the backpack, we have always been a little dubious on bringing this into your day to day style; however, our Co-Founder fell in love with this style as she literally lived out of a mini backpack that could hold her laptop, notebooks, charger and more. So, of course - this month we're giving a nod to the Day Warrior who is getting things done!

| MOLESKINE Keith Haring | WATERMELON ROAD Pineapple Mojito | COLE HAAN Loralie Wave Backpack | BAO Kombucha Mango | L'OCCITANE Shea Organic Shea Butter | APPLE iPhone X |

Read more of the Oct Issue and see In Our Bag | The Day Warrior in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | BLOODY MARYS

The perfect brunch beverage for a great weekend is the classic Bloody Mary, and of course the only way to improve on this tomato, vodka and seasoned drink is to kick it up with garnishes and seasonings that you may not have thought of to add more zip! If you're in NYC, the 21 Club is a must to enjoy this cocktail. In this month's The Art of the Snack we share a few variations to keep on your drink list.

COURTESY | 21 Club

The British Bloody Mary is a classic with the addition of English Mustard, your hot sauce of choice and of course garnished with a cucumber to add a bit of a refreshing element to this cocktail.

COURTESY | Tesco Real Food

Spicy Sriracha Bloody Mary's is the perfect way to cap off your weekend as this classic not only has sriracha but pineapple juice as well!  

COURTESY | Oh Little Foxes
 

The Chipotle Bloody Mary from The Pioneer Woman has a warm smoky taste that includes fun garnishes.

COURTESY | Chipotle Bloody Mary

Read more from the Oct Issue and see The Art of the Snack | Bloody Mary's in mag.

FROM STORM WITH LOVE

L > R Sandra Lee, John Starks, Steve Schrippa, Hannah Storm and Dan Hicks

We have been fans of Hannah Storm for years as we know her best from her work on ESPN speaking with a number of athletes across various sports, as well as her work with NBC covering Wimbledon, MLB and the Olympics. We were very excited to chat with her about the depth of her career, Brainstormin' Productions, and The Hannah Storm Foundation. We also attended her Charity Waiter Event earlier this month which included a number of her colleagues at her network, athletes, personalities, and industry leaders.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us your journey to becoming a Sports Broadcaster and how you came to ESPN, as well as what shows you've been on with the network.

HANNAH STORM: That is a very very long answer! So, I’ll try to condense it. So growing up, I was the daughter of a sports executive and we moved all around the country. When I went to Notre Dame, I came in there having been in a lot of plays and musicals in high school and was somewhat of a ham as I loved performing. I decided I would channel that into television work and because I had really grown up around sports, I decided to pursue that and that was something that women didn’t really do at that time as a career option. I started off on the radio and began at my local station. We had a little TV station at my time so I interned there for free. I think that internships are so important and I did them at TBS in Atlanta over the summer. When I was in Houston, I did an internship there for experience while I was waitressing for money. 

When I got out of college, of course no one wanted to hire me. It was just uncommon to have a woman in that field. I would have news directors tell me that their audience would not accept a woman or that their sports directors would not work with a woman. One even said that they would hire a woman over their dead body. I got a lot of those kinds of responses. My father actually said that there were a lot of radio stations and TV stations around the country, so I started answering want ads. I actually got hired by a Rock and Roll heavy metal station to be a DJ. I loved the music as well and I thought, “ok I need to get on the air.” It was a great first job in Corpus Christi, TX. I saw another want ad up in Houston and this time, it was a person that was a DJ on the weekends and then they did sports during the week! I thought, “Ah ha! That’s me – that’s my in.”. So I drove up there and waited in the lobby for the program director to leave work one day. I popped up and handed him my tape and resume in person. I got that job and I started working part-time in TV in Houston.  I went to do the Rockets and Astros halftime and pre-game and I kept sending tapes out the whole time across the country. I was literally mailing tapes and resumes out all the time and then I got hired by a station in Charlotte that was a brand new station starting up looking to be different than other stations in the market. They thought, wouldn’t it be wild to hire a woman in sports.

So I was hired there as sort of a “let’s be different” kind of thing and less than a year later, I was hired by CNN. I was the first full-time female sports anchor there. I was in a department of about 75 men. So that was quite the experience there and a great thing was that I met my husband, Dan Hicks. 

Then I went from CNN to NBC. My first assignment was Wimbledon and my second assignment was the Olympics in Barcelona – Dick Ebersol from NBC was a really late night TV watcher and I was on at 2:30am a lot (sometimes 11) and so he saw me quite a bit on the air and thought that I had a lot of potential. So after 3 years at CNN, I went to New York at NBC for 10 years and he gave me unprecedented opportunities that a woman had never had in the business. I hosted Major League Baseball, I hosted the NBA, I hosted Notre Dame football – basically every event NBC had as they had a lot at that time. Then, NBC lost a lot of their sports properties media rights and I had always wanted to do morning news.

Precipitously, they had started a new morning crew at CBS so I was on in the mornings at CBS for 6 years. CBS News had a lot of turn over and that whole morning crew was swept out, and then roughly at about 8 months later, ESPN was getting ready to launch daytime SportsCenter in the morning and you really needed to launch it with someone who had a name and an understanding of the morning show sensibility along with knowing sports. So I went back into sports at ESPN. 

I made a lot of decisions that brought me to various reasons for working where and when I did as this is just the quick version and a lot of it had to do with my children and their schedule. I always worked daytime or in the morning because of my kids. 

Now I have 2 in college and one that has 2 more years in high school. It’s gone by really fast!

AM: As a fan of your work, I like that you wear many hats from being a broadcaster, being an author and being a producer. What is Brainstormin' Productions and what was the catalyst behind creating this company?

HS: Great question. When I left CBS, and before I knew that I was going to ESPN, I had already been through a time at NBC and CBS where they were making broad business decisions for various reasons. None of them had to do with whether I was doing a good job, but it was based on things happening at a company wide basis. I think with my dad being a commissioner at the ABA and having an understanding of how things work with franchises and I have always understood how things along the way that are decided upon that are not personal. 

I wanted something that I had control over. This was important to me to be able to have something of my own and that I could create and do it in my own way and to run. It’s interesting because this was the impetus of what lead me to write my own book and I have always felt that I needed that creative outlet that I had control over and I wouldn’t wake up to find that it was gone.

So Brainstormin’ and my foundation were created when I left CBS and before I got to ESPN. My foundation and my production work were grandfathered into anywhere that I went. We started it out of my daughter’s tiny bedroom, we kicked her out of her room, and it was perfect for me as it was my first office. She slept in her sister’s bedroom and I was able to work in this closet and then it grew into my basement and now I have a cottage that we work out of which is awesome. 

We got our first big break when I was being introduced at the UpFronts to ESPN and as I was watching them do the presentation about the original 30 For 30 series. I thought that I could do that and wanted to do that! I introduced myself at ESPN to the person running 30 For 30. I asked if they had any slots left and he said he had two. 

I asked if there was anything that they didn’t have that they were desperate for. To me, this is something that I learned from my really good friend Nicholas Sparks (Bestselling Author of novels The Notebook, A Walk to Remember) which is to find out what the needs are and to fulfill those. He said that they did not have a women’s film nor a tennis film. My thoughts went to Chris Evert and Chris and Martina [Navratilova]. I ended up producing my first film Peabody Award winning 30 For 30 which was awesome and a great experience. I did several films: 9 For 9, SEC Stories, shorts, full length, etc. My first film which comes up on a different network, Epix, debuts on Nov 8th – Danica. I’m very proud of it as my films tend to be inspirational and aspirational whether they are about men or women. My last film was about Shaq and his coach Dale Brown at LSU – a relationship between two men. I’m already in discussion about more films and content across the board. It’s exciting to get into these conversations. Now that I have had a little bit of time to devote time to this it’s been a lot of fun.  

AM: What is the process behind deciding which projects are greenlit or are a fit to being included within Brainstormin' Productions?

HS: There are definitely things that I know are good stories. I pitch those up to whatever entity that I think would be a great fit. It’s the same formula I have used all along – what do you need, what are you looking for – what are you missing? What fits your sensibilities and I take the myriad of ideas I have and take them in. That makes it a great fit. I have a varied team of people that I work with and I pair various producers and editors. It’s about pairing people that are right for the project and its ongoing team building. Just putting together groups of people and projects is fun as you’re running a project, working with a network and you’re creating the whole time and always thinking about it.  Sometimes you work on something and realize that that isn’t what you want to do and you don’t want to do things unless they’re going to be good!

AM: Tell us about the Hannah Storm Foundation and why this organization is so important to you.

HS: Yes! It’s been great! I was born with a port wine stain on my left eye area and it looked like I had a black eye, and I still do when you don’t see me with makeup on. People will ask what happened to my face etc. Growing up, my parents tried all kinds of surgeries – the cold laser surgery wasn’t available then. All different methods of surgeries growing up and it was a lot – they really tried to make it look better. Now the surgeries and technologies are available, but they are not covered by insurance and is prohibitive. Kids really need 10-12 surgeries, and many are severely disfigured. We’re able to fund those surgeries with one of the best surgeons in the world and one of the inventors of the laser, a South African doctor Dr. Milton Waner, who is at the top of his field and is known worldwide. We’re able to do the surgeries in conjunction with him and it’s a specific charity, but it is very close to my heart. 

The other mission of this charity is to fund a journalist internship at my alma mater, Notre Dame. It allows students to work on a practical level by writing for our alumni publication so that when they get out of college they have online and print content. Now we’re going more into visual, but when they get out they have published work when they leave college.

AM: We're excited to attend this year's Celebrity Waiter Event which is one of your foundation's events. Why did you come up with this format for this charity event, and since you have done this for a number of years, how do you decide which Celebrity Waiters will participate and are there those that do so at each of these events?

HS: Actually, Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals kind of gave me that idea. I saw that he was doing an event in Phoenix at Morton’s and I thought what a fun concept. He got his teammates to wait tables and I thought that was really neat and we partnered with Morton’s for our first event. I asked how the Phoenix event worked and whether he thought it would be a good idea for me to do and he said to go for it. It was crazy. 

My celebrity waiters will eat and drink as much as the patrons and they have been hilarious. Mike Ditka enjoyed eating mash potatoes out of the center of the table which is one of my favorite memories from a previous event. It was hysterical and people love it. It’s just a fun and different experience and people don’t really do that. People get a kick out of it and my waiters have fun and it’s like – I’m not stuffy and I want it to be a party. 

We do a live auction and this year we’re being honored by All Sports United. It’s just really amazing and very celebratory and we’re coming together to do good. It’s a different and needed cause and we’re a global charity that people reach out from all over. We always identify a special child who will need something immediately and we have a fund in need that focuses on them. 

One year, we had a child that had something wrong with his eye and he needed immediate surgery and we set aside portions of the auction within the “funds in need” to take care of this critical surgery. A charity event impacts a number of lives and it doesn’t matter the number – just the act of doing it and that’s why we’re on this earth. We have to impact individuals and it costs a lot of money to take care of one child but we have to help – we’re their only hope! 

It’s been very gratifying and many of these children and families I may never meet! Some I have and it’s important that we know the doctor that is doing it and we are very much so on top of each case and what is taking place from the treatment plan. It helps to have such an acclaimed doctor that is a part of this as I think he is the most interesting man in the world!

AM: You’re doing so many good things and it’s amazing that you’re able to get them done! 

HS: Well I don’t know how either! It’s so busy around here – that’s all I have to say! I have an incredible business partner, Carmen Belmont. We met when our kids were in pre-school and we’re still together to this day. She believes in me and everything we have going on. I am super creative with a ton of connections. She is super practical, she line produces, she does the books – she’s over at the hospitals. She’s the nuts and bolts of what we do.

AM: We know that you are married to NBC Broadcaster, Dan Hicks. How do you balance your time when you both may me be traveling to cover similar stories such as the Olympics or when you have schedules that cause you to be apart - how do you ensure your connection?

HS: The cool thing is that he is around during the week. So that’s nice. He is here now eating lunch and we’re able to go to my daughter’s field hockey games, we can have lunch together, we have dinner when we’re both home as I love to cook. I love that time right before dinner when I’m cooking and I have a glass of wine or scotch! 

Golf is essentially on the weekends so we can hang out during the week. Right now, golf is on a hiatus so that's  nice for a couple of weeks. Then obviously we do a lot of events – so I just got back from Chicago interviewing the Mannings for a corporate event. It’s funny, there is a lot more travel now than before. Whether I’m doing corporate events, filming or doing things for ESPN – there’s travel. It’s about balancing that out while having a daughter at home and it’s about being cognizant of that. Sometimes, you just have to do it and it sucks but it’s the reality of what we do. I mean, I suppose if we were actors we’d be shooting and doing the same thing. We’re home for spurts and then we also travel quite a bit!

Read more in the Oct Issue and see From Storm with Love in mag.

THE TEXAS STAR SHINES ON CARY DEUBER

There are bonafide BRAVO Real Housewives fans at Athleisure Mag. We love the franchise as a whole and of course, we have certain cities that are favorites, but within each one there is always a few characters that we love! When Real Housewives of Dallas joined the franchise, Cary Deuber was an instant favorite and we took some time to find out more about this mom who works with her husband, enjoys her friends and gives back to others.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have enjoyed seeing you on Real Housewives of Dallas, how did you get on the show and which of the girls from the first season were you already friends with?

CARY DEUBER: I am thrilled to be an official cast member of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Dallas, which premiered on Monday, April 11th, 2016. I can’t believe we’ve come so far! I was found for the show through a friend online through social media. 

I knew Stephanie Hollman before the show, but I’m so glad to have become closer to her and the other ladies. Season 2 also brought some familiar faces with both Kameron Westcott and D’Andra Simmons who I had known for several years before Housewives.

AM: Prior to joining the show, what did you think it would be like?

CD: I had no idea what to expect! :) Honestly, I think that one really can’t KNOW what to expect until they end up in this situation, but it’s certainly been UNIQUE. I thought that it would be a great way to share my story and what I do in business with my husband as a partner. Being in the public eye as a cast member brings a lot of pressure and scrutiny, but we’ve had to learn to keep a thick skin and stay positive. I think that’s what this is all about!

AM: What is it like filming the confessionals and the Reunions?

CD: The confessionals are actually pretty bittersweet for me because on one hand, you get to crack jokes and revisit funny moments throughout the season and really narrate what was going on in your head at the time. On the other hand, you occasionally have to re-live some not so pleasant moments and talk about them all over again whether you’ve gotten past it or not. This is especially challenging when you have a disagreement with a friend or loved one, but in the same way- it is also a bit therapeutic! 

You also have to look at the Reunions as a “glass half full” situation as well. It’s great to set the story straight for things that may have been misconstrued, but it can also open wounds if you let it. With both confessionals and Reunions, the most exciting part is dressing up and speaking your truth! I will always be excited to do that. Unfortunately, at Reunions, however, you cannot wear your sweatpants underneath your ballgown like we do in confessionals! Haha!

AM: Was it a no-brainer for you to return for the second season and what do you like about being in the cast?

CD: I think that coming back for a season 2 was a great opportunity: Another chance to grow our business and also relate to others with our personal lives. What I love about being involved with Housewives is how it allows each of us to connect with other people out in the world that we would have never known otherwise. You just never know who you will cross paths with! It’s like having another job - you make connections and friends and stories that will last a lifetime.

AM: You're a working mom with a number of responsibilities in the home and you work with your husband. How are you navigating these realities?

CD: I think that it’s safe to say that I’ll be navigating these different realities for years! It’s honestly different everyday, but I love being able to wear all the different hats. I’m a wife, mom to a 5 year old, stepmom to a teenager and a 20 year old, nurse, and now, I guess a TV personality! 

There are so many other multi-tasking moms out there that can relate, and I’ve had some great mom advice and work tips from fellow nurses and health professionals that have really helped! Everyone has a special story, but we can also find ways to relate. This is why I think it’s so key to have such different personalities within the group - to reach the masses and help others feel less alone in their issues (whether they be very serious problems or 1st world problems!).

AM: How long have you been a yogi and is there a specific type of yoga you do?

CD: I have been practicing yoga for over 15 years, and I truly love it. I personally like to think of yoga as "my church" because it represents a safe place that I often retreat to for true self-reflection and soul balance. For me - yoga is just a way of life, release, and a great type of exercise! It is all about moving your body, finding a way to connect, identifying peace, and taking a little time for yourself to refresh your mind & body at the same time.

I typically gravitate towards vinyasa flow power yoga.

AM: You're very stylish - what's  your personal style at the office, when you're out and about and for charity events?

CD: What style at the office?? Haha! For work, I generally wear black scrubs, which totally save me during the day because they look neat and feel like pajamas! They also work for running quick errands during the day, as I don't  really make time to change before going out.

When I’m not at the office, though, you can typically find me in some sort of yoga gear or workout athleisure look that can transition well from the grocery store or carpool lane to the yoga studio. Lines like F.WORDS, K-DEER, Alo Yoga, and Spiritual Gangster are some of my top favorites.

Now, when it comes to charity, my husband and I typically prefer to support anonymously, but on the occasion that we attend an event, I defer to my personal stylist (my husband!) to help me out! I’m more of an everyday shopper, and he is great with special occasions. I usually gravitate toward something from Cavalli, Marc Bouwer, Herve Leger, or even a local designer here in Dallas that I love, Mackenzie Brittingham.

AM: What is your style secret weapon?

CD: My plastic surgeon and husband Dr. Mark Deuber is totally my style secret weapon! As an expert in the aesthetic field with European taste, Mark’s eye for detail and style has totally gotten me through several events when I had no clue what to wear. He will sometimes surprise me with a new dress or pair of boots without me even trying anything on! 

AM: What charities are you involved in?

CD: ConnectMed International is a group that I travel with and assist with cleft lips and palate surgeries as well as other congenital deformities or injuries. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization near and dear to our hearts. I personally have a "little sister", named Leslie. She is in third grade and has a younger brother who is 4. I have a school placement which means I go to her school to meet with her. Generally, I go every other week. We play games, draw, make each other cards or just chat. My dream for her is that she is able to achieve her goal of becoming a dentist.

After serving as a Big for 2 years, I can wholeheartedly say that my Little Sister has changed my life just as much as I have changed hers. Supporting this BBBS in makes matches like ours possible.

AM: In Dallas where should we eat, shop and get a cocktail?

CD: I love Nonna for great food and cocktails. It’s one of our family go-tos and not too far from home! Stanley Korshak, Neiman’s, and Lululemon are probably my most visited shopping spots in town. As a mom on the go, I’m usually on a tight schedule and need a place with a good variety to pick up everything I need! 

Bistro 31 always has a great cocktail menu upstairs, but I have to be completely honest… I’m really partial to Mark’s world-famous Deuber-Ritas! He should bottle that recipe and sell it!

AM:  For the holidays, what are you looking forward to and how does the Deuber family celebrate?

CD: We are all looking forward to things slowing down a bit. Our family just likes to get together and really spend time with those that matter the most. I miss my stepson so much during the year, as he’s away at college, so we all look forward to having him home with the rest of the Deuber bunch. I can’t wait for cold weather, tree decorating, and holiday SALES! 

A typical Deuber family holiday includes Mark and I actually cooking together for once, everyone around the table, and lots of thankful hearts. It’s a great opportunity to teach our little one about sharing and helping others, so we always find a special way to involve the family in giving back to those in need.
 

Read more from the Oct Issue and see The Texas Star Shines on Cary Deuber in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | Y7 STUDIO

When it comes to working out, there are as many methods as personality types which is a great way to target what makes you feel your best you. Hot yoga has been around a number of studios but time and again, we always hear about the cool vibes of Y7 Studio and with their recent launch of their newest location in Williamsburg, BK we knew we were going to get a significant workout here.

Y7 Studio combines a vinyasa yoga (which is all about flowing and repeating movements in a fluid movement) with hip hop and beats that keep you focused while sweating your butt off in a candlelit studio. It's during each movement, that you realize that your body can seriously push past its limits to stay in sync and that the moves become central to your core. 

Y7 has a number of locations that you can get your sweat on and those who attend the classes swear by their mantra of "A Tribe Called Sweat" and "We Flow Hard". 

Co-Founded by Sara Levey, Y7 has two kinds of classes which include WeFlowHard™ which is a fast paced vinyasa class while Slowburn goes deeper into your tissue and allows you to hold the poses for a longer period of time. Both allow you to have a very successful sweat as you work out in their specially infrared rooms which make you feel like you have walked into a sauna but also ensures that you will be dripping.  Music for WeFlowHard™ focuses on hip-hop and driving beats while Slowburn is more typical of yoga music and is condusive to the movements and vibe.

Although you can rent mats and towels, we suggest bringing your own as it's a good idea to have the mat that works best for you when you're doing the workouts. We definitely suggest laying a towel down on top of your mat as it definitely gets slippery.

Check your location for full amenities as all Y7 Studios have refresh spaces, but Soho has a shower while the Williamsburg location does not.

We also love that Y7 carries its own line of apparel which is great to wear when working out or after the gym. Their line includes their key phrases and definitely makes you feel like you're part of the cool set when you're entering/leaving the studio or wherever you're going next.

Most importantly, it's worth noting that the instructors really do operate on a "do what you can" mentality so as you're taken through each movement, if your body is not comfortable doing something - there are no judgments whether you pause or sit in the other pose. 

You'll find that as you move and see those around you doing so that as a beginner, you pick up what is going and and begin to get into sync with the group.

Although it's suggested that beginners should do Slowburn first, you can also go right to WeFlowHard™.
 

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Y7 STUDIO

NY

Willamsburg - 170 S 1st St
Flatiron - 25 W 23rd St, 4th Fl
Soho - 430 Broome St, 2nd Fl
Union Square - 58 E 11th St
UES - 1459 3rd Ave, 4th Fl
Lab - 262 Bowery, 4th Fl

CA
West Hollywood - 8270 Melrose Ave

Read more from the Oct Issue and see Athleisure List | Y7 Studio in mag.
 

OLYMPIC STYLE | RALPH LAUREN CLOSING UNIFORMS TEAM USA

100 days from now, the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018 will take place. Today, the United States Olympic Committee unveiled Team USA’s closing ceremony uniforms, designed by Polo Ralph Lauren, the official outfitter of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams for the sixth Olympic Games in a row.

Olympians Alex and Maia Shibutani in the 2018 Team USA Closing Ceremony Uniforms.

The uniforms worn for the closing ceremony parade are done in patriotic shades of red, white and blue, and include a white water-repellent down jacket; navy double-fleece pants with red stripe detailing, and a vintage ski-inspired sweater in a bold red, white and blue block stripe. They are accessorized, by wool gloves with a winter-inspired intarsia pattern and a matching ski hat; a graphic bandanna featuring the American flag, and brown suede mountaineering boots with red laces.

As always, Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection will be available next month in select Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren retail stores as well as Team USA Shop!

IN THE SAND WITH LAUREN

The XXIII Olympic Winter Games will take place in PyeongChang China from Feb 9th - 25th, and we're excited to talk with one of the athletes that made an appearance at the Olympic Summer games as a member of Team USA in Rio, Lauren Fendrick, American Beach Volleyball player whose teammate during the games in Brazil was Brooke Sweat in 2016. Since the games, she is currently partnered with April Ross who we interviewed last year prior to her Olympic appearance.

As we have mentioned in previous interviews with Olympic athletes, before and after the games there is a lot of work, tournaments and competitions that take place beyond what we see during the global games. 

We wanted to know more about Lauren  from how she got into the sport, how she trains (whether there is a different focus when she is preparing for her next game), what she is up to in between Olympic appearances, her goals as she prepares for Tokyo to medal, her foundation, her work with teammate April Ross, what tournaments she's apart of and her recent shoot with JOLYN.

In addition to finding out more about this powerhouse, we also wanted to know more about her partnership with JOLYN which makes swimwear that you will find her wearing when she is on the sandy court, as well as what makes this brand one that stands out in its support of athletes and models. We're getting in the sand as well as making a few notes on closet additions we need to make for our next trip.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us how you got into volleyball and what your journey was to make the decision to go pro. 

LAUREN FENDRICK: I played a tiny bit growing up down at moonlight beach (I grew up in Carlsbad) with my friend Molly during the summers, but I honestly didn't even know you could play beach volleyball for a living until I attended my first AVP qualifier in Tempe, AZ in 2003. I was instantly hooked and so determined to do everything I could do make that possibility a reality. The hardest part initially was figuring out how to structure training and finding a way to make money. I worked part-time, trained on the Beach as much as I could, picked the brains of anyone who would let me, watched the top players habits, routines, playing styles and tried to be ready for any opportunity that presented itself within and around the sport. It was a lot of hard work and I made a ton of mistakes along the way, but I fell in love with the sport so I was willing to put in extra work and find ways to get around obstacles. I am also very grateful to have had a number of great mentors, coaches, teammates and competitors to learn from. 

AM: What's your training/workout like when you are preparing for a game and when you're in the off season? 

LF: My workouts and training leading to a match generally taper slightly with volume, but not with intensity. I'll hit my speeds and weights that I normally do, but I'll do fewer reps and sets to fully activate the muscles, while limiting fatigue. In the off-season most of my focus is in the gym on getting stronger, more explosive and balanced. I also like to take time to do other things; cook, read, journal, get out in nature (we went to Yosemite a few weeks back). I'm also coaching the Stanford beach team with the all-star cast of Andrew Fuller (my husband) and Karissa Cook and I've been thinking about signing up for an improv class. 

AM: How was it preparing for the Olympics and are you in prep for the next round of Olympic trials?

LF: Preparing for the Olympics was similar in some ways (like format and teams), but very different in other ways to preparing for other matches and tournaments. In the Olympics, you have much more time to prepare everything (your strength program is at its peak, you can spend more time mentally preparing (meditation/visualization for me), more time to break down video, game plan and strategize and practice those game plans) and there is much more pressure and emphasis on this one event... the entire nation and a lot of the world is following your progress. So the pressure aspect was more than I expected and I didn't even realize I felt pressure until I had some distance after the Olympics to decompress. It's a little surreal with how much attention is paid to just this one tournament, when the actual tournament is so similar to other tournaments. I was so shocked when Matt Lauer knew who we were. Haha. 

Originally, I thought I would be done after Rio, but I feel great, I'm in some of the best shape of my life and I'm still learning and getting better, so the goal is to get back to Tokyo, implement the lessons I learned in Rio (and over the years) and medal. 

AM: We know that you and April Ross were teammates this year! What is the process like for you when you're training with new partners? 

LF: April and I had some great results this season with winning silver at World Champs being the highlight. And considering that we didn't get an off-season together and that she had to take almost 6 weeks off for a broken toe in the middle of the season makes the success even more special. I learn something different from each person I play with. April is such a mentally strong competitor and she knows how to perform even when she's not 100% physically. It's definitely something that I admire about her and look to emulate in my game. 

AM: Where can we see you playing next? 

LF: I just finished my last tournament of 2017 in China and the schedule hasn't officially come out yet, but I believe my next tournament will be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the end of February. 

AM: Tell us about your foundation and why you created it and what it does? 

LF: The foundation was created as a way to create mentorships within the beach volleyball community. I'd like to bridge the gap between youth, collegiate, aspiring pros, current pros and former pros. There is so much knowledge and beach volleyball is a community of incredible people and I believe each level has so much knowledge and wisdom and connection to share.  Beach volleyball has some of the greatest people I've ever met. The foundation is on the back burner right now, but I'm working to find ways to expand it's capabilities and reach. 

AM: When you're off season, what is your day to day like?

LF: So, typically I wake up and the first thing I do is check my pulse and oxygen saturation with this cool little device from Masimo. It sounds high tech, but having the data makes my training scheduling so much easier. Then I like to meditate and then I'll head to the gym for my workout for about 3 hours, followed by conditioning, and then I usually have some sort of sports psych, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, nutrition, journal, or visualization session and then I head to practice with the Stanford beach team. Next up is cooking dinner with my husband and prepping for the following day! I try to cook all my meals in the offseason with an emphasis on organic vegetables and pasture-raised meats or wild fish.

AM: We have stunning images of you in JOLYN Clothing - how did this shoot come about and how long have you been associated with the brand? 

LF: I've been wearing Jolyn since 2013 when Brittany Hochevar and I wore our one pieces in the AVP finals in Huntington. I had a mutual acquaintance with Tanya Gandy, one of the many rad people who work at JOLYN, and I instantly knew that this brand and their products were a perfect fit for me and beach volleyball. It's a suit that can withstand me diving around in the sand, with flattering cuts and styles and cutting edge prints And on top of all that, they use elite athletes as product testers and fit models and their suits are all made in the USA.

The photo shoot was the brain child of Mallyce Miller, the creative director at Jolyn, shot by Sarah Orbanic, hair and makeup by Lauren Urasek, and spirit animal Melissa Matheson. Honestly, they did all the hard work to make me look good and I had a blast doing it. 

AM: What are 3 power foods that you eat to have great energy that we should consider when we're about to work out?

LF: I'm all about eating whole non-processed foods!! 1) I'm currently obsessed with bone broth!! But you have to find one that has top-shelf ingredients like grass-fed beef bones and organic herbs and spices. Kitchen Witch is my go-to brand. I love making an elixir by blending the broth with a bunch of fresh herbs and aromatics. 2) I love incorporating fresh herbs and garlic into my diet (see above). When I'm traveling I'm not able to cook and the first thing I do when I get home is, make a big salad with a homemade dressing that has garlic and fresh herbs blended into it or a pesto to put over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. And 3) avocado. I even try to bring a few when I travel. It's a great healthy fat that is natural and has all the phytonutrients that come with that!

AM: With the holidays coming up, having great arms, legs and a firm butt are great in glam outfits - what exercises do you suggest that we do to have a great physique? 

LF: Get strong! There is a huge mistaken notion that building strength will add bulk! Not true! Building strength is not only healthy for your body but also your mind! I love walking through this world as a strong female and I'm proud that people on the street can pick me out as an athlete. I honestly think that the goal should be mental and physical health! I think you look your best and are your most confident self when you are putting health as a to priority and that healthy feeling becomes addictive!

AM: What is JOLYN Clothing and who is the JOLYN girl?

JOLYN: JOLYN is based out of Huntington Beach, California and creates swimwear and activewear for swim and turf, sand or surf! JOLYN  is centered around creating fun and functional products for women who inspire us. At JOLYN we believe that competitive swimwear and activewear should be fun. We make products that will stay put through your hardest practice, longest slip-n-slide, and toughest dig, while looking super cool if we do say so ourselves. The “JOLYN girl” is any girl that is getting out there and going for it. Whether you’re an elite athlete competing for a world title or someone who just enjoys the occasional splish and splash, JOLYN is the suit for you.

AM: Who is the founder of the brand and what is their backgroung?

J: JOLYN was created by a lifeguard and longtime lover of the water. There was an abundance of badass water women and an extreme lack of suits as cool as they were. JOLYN was born to solve this problem and put women in the kind of gear they deserved to be in. The suits we make now reflect the spirit of the rad girls in the water, allowing them to perform at their best and look awesome playing the sports they love.

AM: How important is living an active lifestyle to the brand?

J: At JOLYN we’re always up to something. Our company is made up of ex-college athletes, olympians, and pros. We all love to get out there, tear it up at whatever adventure or sport we’re doing currently, and not have to worry about our swimsuits falling off. Living an active lifestyle is the bread and butter of JOLYN and everything that we represent!

AM: With the holidays coming up, what are three of your favorite pieces that we should keep on our radar as we begin to gift ourselves and others?

J: In support of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, we are dedicating 25% of sales on all suits sold in the print "Careberry" to the organization Breast Cancer Angels. We also have a brand new line of Activewear launching this fall featuring new styles of leggings, shorts, sports bras and sweatpants in all new prints! A lot of research and development went into this line and we are very excited to launch it to our fans. JOLYN is constantly releasing limited edition prints throughout the year that sell out extremely fast. In order to keep our fans up-to-date, we created a text message based alert system called “Print Patrol” to send out updates when we drop new prints! 

AM: Had you previously worked with Lauren Fendrick prior to the shoot that is within this issue?

J: JOLYN Sponsored Lauren just before she went to the 2016 Rio Olympic games and that relationship has continued through her 2017 season! Being able to sponsor an elite level Olympic athlete has been really exciting for JOLYN as an up and coming brand. As our first official "JoPro," Lauren has embraced us and we couldn't be happier to have her represent JOLYN in beach volleyball globally! 

AM: Are there other ambassadors that are associated with the brand that we should know about?

J: We currently sponsor professional athletes in a variety of different sports including other beach volleyball players like Betsi Flint and Kelley Larsen, wakeboarder Nicola Butler, freestyle kayaker Brooke Hess, stand up paddle athletes like Penelope Strickland and Harriett Brown, wakesurfer Stacia Bank, and a handful of other rad water women! Our greatest Ambassadors and JoPro's call themselves leaders, professional athletes, travelers, coaches, teammates and Olympians. All lead active, awe-inspiring lifestyles and have their own unique talents, but have one a common love for the water and inspiring others.

For more information about JOYLN and those that they sponsor that you'll want to see in their next competition, check out their site. Check out more about where you can see Lauren Fendrick as well as addition Team USA Olympians for the upcoming winter (2018) and summer (2020) games here.

Read more from the Oct Issue and see In The Sand with Lauren in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG | OCT ISSUE

We are in the thick of the fall which means it's about enjoying our favorite games with friends and plenty of food and beverages. We're nearly knocking on the door of the holiday season and in the spirit of gatherings, we have a number of articles from Chef Robert Irvine who talks food and JetSmarter, Elizabeth Heiskell shares what you can bring to your friends, family and co-workers for any situation, we talk about giving back with ESPN's Hannah Storm as well sharing an editorial from her Celebrity Charity Waiter Event that took place this summer, our celebrity cover Jaymee Sire who you know from ESPN's SportsCenter: AM is now a broadcaster on Food Network with a new show that debuts Nov 8th, Iron Chef Showdown - in her shoot we share fall trends that you will definitely want to incorporate into your look and more. We also hung out with Steve Aoki as he launched ASICS' I MOVE ME campaign here in NYC complete with a Jump Room which we took full advantage. As always, we have our features that you have come to enjoy each month.

Read the Oct Issue

FIND YOUR WANDERLUST

On any given day, there is a festival taking place and although the concept may convey images of DJs, rock bands etc - there are other gatherings that also exist in this category. We learned about Wanderlust a few months ago and finally caught up with the trio to find out about their wellness-focused festivals that are four-day weekend retreats filled with yoga, meditation, live
music, speakers and outdoor activities as well as those that are single day mindful triathlons. These take place throughout the country and overseas to allow a series of people to come together as a means to become a like-minded tribe.

We found out more about these events, what's new this year and a quick snapshot of their growth.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Wanderlust launch and who are the creators of this wellness festival?

WANDERLUST: Wanderlust was founded in 2009 by three friends: Sean Hoess, Jeff Krasno and Schuyler Grant.

AM: We know that Wanderlust has operated in a number of cities, are there cities that are new to you that will have festivals in 2017/2018 - will you be in NYC anytime soon!

W: Our NYC event happened just two weeks ago at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. And we broke a Guinness World record at that event.

AM: What takes place at Wanderlust?

W: Wanderlust holds two different kinds of events—our multi-day festivals which are four-day weekend retreats combining yoga, meditation, live music, inspiring speakers and outdoor adventures for an entirely unique mindful getaway. And, our single-day “mindful triathlons” called the Wanderlust 108 which take place in public parks all over the world. The Wanderlust
108 includes a five-kilometer run (or walk), an outdoor 90-minute yoga class, and a guided meditation. New for 2017, participants can add a scheduled class such as aerial yoga, acro-yoga, hooping, walking meditation, photography or essential oils workshops, or a community yoga experience from favorite local teachers. At all Wanderlust 108 events, the Kula Marketplace will showcase local craft vendors, including clothing, jewelry, and handcrafted
items. Local and organic food vendors will be on site, as well as a retail store and juice bar collaboration between Wanderlust and Adidas housed in a 60 foot, geodesic dome.

AM: At the end of September, you will be in Tampa which was affected by Irma. How are you supporting the community and will there be any changes to the event because of the hurricane?

W: It was important to us to be of service to the local community. It’s our intention at all our events to come together as a community to lift each other up, and we wanted to help who might be in need in the local Tampa area. $1.08 of each Wanderlust 108 Tampa ticket sold in 2017 will be donated to the Tampa Bay Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. The Tampa Bay Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund (TBDisasterFund.org) is a strategic collaboration of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, Pinellas Community Foundation, United Way of Citrus County, United Way of Hernando, United Way of Pasco, and United Way Suncoast. This fund provides a trusted and reliable way to make tax-deductible donations to local storm recovery efforts. 100% of the funds collected through this effort will be directed to address immediate and mid- to long-term recovery needs through grants to select nonprofits.

AM: How many times a year do you host these festivals?

W: Wanderlust 108 first launched in New York’s Prospect Park and Atlanta’s Piedmont Park in 2014, bringing the mindful triathlon experience to over 10,000 participants. After this overwhelmingly positive response, Wanderlust 108 expanded to 17 cities in 2015, 32 cities in 2016 and now, to over 60 cities in 17 countries in 2017.

Read more from the Sept issue and see Find Your Wanderlust in mag.

ATHLEISURE HOUSE NYFW SS18

This time of year is not only about enjoying the last of summer and bringing your fall wardrobe in, but it's also about looking at upcoming fashion and new items hitting the runways at New York Fashion Week. Athleisure Mag presented its second annual Athleisure House NYFW SS18 with attendees in fashion, fitness, entertainment, influencers and media. We were pleased to unveil a project that our Co-Founders, Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith have been working on - UG|RO Ugly Romper which is a line of rompers that are for the girl on the go whether she's running errands, heading to a game, a power lunch, meeting up with her friends for brunch and going out for a night out. Wherever she's going, she's bound to shine in these looks.

This show had great support from our sponsors: Makeup Pro, Aubrey Loots - Wella Hair Professional, Kawaii Girl Cosmetics lashes, Qupid Shoes, Vera Bradley handbags and JBL headphones. Guests enjoyed Truly Sparkling, Icelandic Glacial, High Brew Coffee and Mochidoki while taking in a night on the rooftop of 50 Clinton (in the historic Lower East Side).

ATHLEISURE MAG: What are the amenities offered at 50 Clinton St?

50 CLINTON: The building’s plentiful amenities include a landscaped rooftop offering residents a private outdoor retreat with 360 degree views of the Manhattan skyline and ample space for
outdoor cooking, dining and lounging. Amenities also include a state-of-the-art fitness center, bicycle storage, and 24-hour doorman.

AM: What is the concept behind the design of the building?

50C: Issac & Stern designed exterior is comprised of intricate brick masonry and expansive windows. Inside are 37 residences designed by acclaimed interior designer Paris Forino. The elegant architecture, with an articulated red brick façade, reinvents the historic palette of both industrial and residential buildings at the turn of the century. 50 Clinton combines old-world chic with a modern European flair for an unprecedented quality of living in the neighborhood.

AM: For those that are residents, what are the neighborhood selling points?

50C: 50 Clinton Street is a boutique condominium located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side with incredible boutique shopping and great restaurants in a fresh and young area.
This is a thriving downtown neighborhood where there is strong demand for a product offering luxury at an attractive price point which is what 50 Clinton offers.

MODEL CREDITS
| 10 MGMT PG 27 Beata Komoni |
| ABBEY LYNN MODELS PG 19 Mirejah |
| MAJOR MODELS PG 15, 17 25 Sage Pineiro |
| MSA MODELS PG 18 Allegra; PG 15 22, 23 Amanda; Cover, 14, 16 20 21 Diosmary; PG 19 Keke; PG 14, 24 Malia |
| PG 14 + 26 Alanna Reece |

Read more from the Sept issue and see Athleisure House NYFW SS18 in mag.