Life as an Intern at O Mag: Pt2

So I’ve given you the background of my leap of faith to becoming an unpaid intern in the fashion department at O, The Oprah Magazine. Now comes a breakdown of my three months.

It’s not all glamour, but it has its moments of glam. It’s not all about pretty packaged gifts, but it does include being around pretty things we wish were gifts. Being an intern has moments of paging through amazing magazines I’d never heard of for references, but also making copies of them. Drinking smooth and delicious coffee while picking the brains of industry leaders, but also picking up that coffee, skinny dark hot chocolate, skinny single latte and full cream chai latte for the industry leaders. 

The role of intern is not too small nor is it too big, it’s not child’s play while all the same time everything any lover of life’s gorgeous things dreams of as child. An intern is all that and so much more. I was a sponge soaking up the information as well as being a fresh set of eyes; imparting whatever knowledge I had accumulated in my life leading up to the moments of creativity.

And so I’ll paint the picture, of my life as an intern, as part of a team creating gorgeous pictures, in a few short strokes of my keyboard.

In Part two of the intern chronicles, I’ll tell you a little about first day and first shoot.

First Day:

The first day was mainly a briefing session with The Robyn, Fashion Editor, and The Luisa, fashion assistant, notepad and pen in hand (even though I wished I had a mini recorder for all the info flying around), I soaked it all up. All I needed to know about my responsibilities for the next 3 months, what needed to be done, how it would be done etc.

At the end of each day, we would have a ‘what have I learnt today’ session where I would share my learning’s from the day. The first day went by very quickly and I knew I’d made the right decision – this was a world I knew very little about. As much as I have ‘acceptable’ personal style, conveying the language and conversation of fashion is something else all together. Robyn honestly is a Goddess when it comes to the world of fashion and style and not a single moment with her is wasted.

Later in the week we were going to have a shoot with actress Terry Pheto for the 'local star in local fashion' feature, and so the preparations began. Luisa and I would mission to find beautiful garments, to grace the gorgeous Ms. Pheto for the shoot. Excitement. This part of the job is called sourcing. Working to the brief and getting everything needed for the shoot. The first week on the job also introduced me my first ‘Storegasm ‘

First Shoot:

Starstruck. That’s the only way to describe the first shoot. All through the week I had enjoyed dropping Terry’s name while picking up dresses, shoes, accessories from various stores and designers for the shoot. My excitement could not be contained. My first shoot! With award winning actress, model and Face of L'Oréal, Terry Pheto! Yes, yes, thank you ma’am!

We were photographing Terry for the Real People feauture for the Success issue of O magazine and she was dressed by amazing South African designers Thula Sindi, Gavin Rajah and Stefania Morland to name a few.

The starstruck moment had to end though as I’m not there to just stand around and listen while Robyn chats with the star. While L'Oréal make up artists Sylvie took her of the make up, work had to be done. 

Clothes to be arranged and steamed, coffee to be bought and had, recording the items to be shot for credits, model to be undressed, dressed & clamped. On set, you need to constantly be on your toes. No time to just stand around.

Can I just mention how gorgeous Terry is. Every shot was perfect and had it’s own personality coupled with the outfit. She has the most beautiful face, arresting smile, and curvy, well-toned real woman body, tall and just stunning. Add to this, she’s funny, witty and she has this thing about that makes you feel acknowledged when she talk to you. I could go on, but I think I’ll keep my girl crush to myself.

I also gained a lot of respect for photographer, Anthony Friend. The man knows how to get the best out of the ‘subject’ and completely compliments the needs of client. I love the way he knows how to direct people and it isn’t the same for every one – this is a skill required as much being able to capture an image, I say.

Check out the August issue of O magazine for the shoot. OUT NOW!!

Life as an Intern at O Mag: Pt1

Life as an intern

As you know, I’ve recently completed my internship at O, The Oprah Magazine as a fashion intern, working with superwoman, fashion extraordinaire and style goddess Robyn Cooke and her assistant the hands on, crafty, wickedly hilarious Luisa Rodrigues. 

In case you missed it, there was a whole drum roll, trumpet and taa daaa.

The Robyn

The Luisa

                              

How it all began…

A few months ago I quit my cushy advertising job in search of that ever illusive ‘ what I want to do with my life. ‘ Project. This may not have been the smartest move considering I didn’t exactly have a new plan and I had just moved to new city. In any case, bad decisions aside, I needed to feel passionate about something, I needed to try something new, I needed to be challenged, I needed to find out what I’m made of in a situation unfamiliar to me and yes, you guessed it, I needed to get out of my comfort zone.

Long story short, seeing as I’m an online fiend; I’d found and fallen in love with Robyn’s blog, and a few months ago had actually emailed her to send my kudos, she’d replied with her thanks and that was that. Literally weeks later Robyn tweeted that she was going through a mountain of C.V.’s and doing interviews to find an intern. A friend encouraged me to send in my details, to which I responded that I couldn’t actually afford not to be paid for 3 months. In the end, I decided that I did need to take the plunge and send Robyn my C.V. and motivation to be her intern and mentee. The interview was great and I was just blown away by what an amazing soul she is. By the end of the week, I was contacted and she offered me the position. The ride was about to begin.

Financially it was difficult, and my bank is not happy with me. Friends helped out where they could and I am forever grateful for their kindness, encouragement and support.

I learnt a lot about fashion, the language and conversation of communication through what we wear, how to war it, how to accentuate your positives and hide the imperfections. Learnt the importance of relationships with designers, stores, fashion pr agencies and the magazine, the creativity of telling a story in still images and problem. There were life lessons and my self confidence had it’s ups and downs. All in all, an incredible experience I would not take back for anything in the world I am a better person for it

Seeing as this is long enough, I’ll separate this intro from the actual meaty bit of life as an intern… Part 2, soon come.

Scream Tuesday: It's a rant

*Warning: This is a rant post*


What a start to Tuesday! It's been one heck of a day and we've only just hit noon. 

Of course, I'm somewhat of a secretive person so I won't divulge too many details, but just enough for me to feel like I've had my scream session and I feel better. 6 things messing with my mojo today. (I figure 6 is the devils number, so I'll limit myself to that)

1. Woke up with the most horrible anxiety this morning. My tummy in knots followed by involuntary jaw clenching that has not subsided even though I tried to persuade with chewy sweets. Niks, fokol, nada. Can't even enjoy my morning chai latte. 
2. In an attempt to send an ex (who is supposed to be a friend) a blackberry message, I realise he has removed me from his friends list. Ohkay, maybe he forgot his BB password and his contacts were deleted, I tell myself. Plan b - to send him a facebook message. Oh my hat, what is this 'Add as Friend' box I see on his profile? What on earth does this mean? I catch my breathe and onto plan C - twitter, thanks to ubertwitter, I quickly confirm my biggest fear. In not so big letters at the bottom of the page ' xxxx is not following you'. The travesty. I get that he is my ex, but uhm, we've been friends longer than we were even together! We've cried, we've laughed, we've fought, we've loved, we've hated, we've pulled each other through the most incredible hangovers, some moments of depression and been cheerleaders for each other, we've hidden from the rest of the world together, we've managed our differences of opinion, we've imparted the knowledge to each other of our different paths and we've had a fun ride. Now this? I cannot understand, I can't even begin to fathom the reason he would do such a thing. But here's the worst part - why am I so bothered? Well, duh, brightspark - I care about him and our friendship and I'm not in the slightest way afraid to admit that. Clearly though, I don't mean the same to him. Plan D comes in and I call him to give him the opportunity to explain this horrid mistake, this technical glitch that could not be his doing, this interweb and blackberry error that is not his fault. Of all the excuses I'd played out in my head, this one I did not expect! "It's not just you I'm removing." Huh? Dumbfounded me laps it up and listens for 20 minutes,(20 mins MTN will be glad to charge me for) how he's on a mission to be social network free. Really? Seriously? Within 5 minutes of the call being ended he's changed his facebook profile picture, updated his status twice, tweeted, and followed 3 new people on twitter. Ohkay then. I guess that's the end of that friendship. Would have preferred - ' I don't want to be your friend'
3. I've spent 2 hours of my precious time focusing on Number 2 on this list. Could I pretend just for a few hours that I indeed have a life and more important things to pursue - LIKE A JOB!
4. Yep, I'm jobless. Recently completed my 3 month internship with O magazine; it was a great journey and I've walked away with so many fashion and life lessons I truly am proud of myself for taking the leap of faith. I promise to dedicate a post on 'Life as an intern' soon. For now though, I'm broke, I'm bored and I have no freaking idea what to do. 
5. I've sent my C.V. (why is a C.V. still relevant?) and I've made the follow up (read: stalker) phone calls and to no avail. I know I'm not pathetic, but it is the fact that I'm trying to get into completely different industries to what I studied or have experience in. I really really don't want to go back to advertising, but my bank balance is thirsty. I promised myself I wouldn't do anything just for the money, but it seems that I will have to earn my salary from what I'm good at and was once passionate about. Maybe the love will come back. Either way, I put myself here, I will get myself out. 
6. I may need to move back to my daddy's house in Joburg if this current situation doesn't change. 

Quirkville

Not the greatest picture, my apologies... had to make sure I didn't spill my delicious cocktail. I have my priorities right after all - however, I digress.

Any one who knows or has met me, will attest to the fact that I love almost anything quirky by way of accessories. From earrings of platters of sushi, money, sink plugs and even real chappies bubblegum to handbags made out of newspaper and *almost* everything in between; I do love interesting items. Accessories with a difference, creative and original, with a certain 'je ne sais quoi', if you will, all find a happy place in my villa of quirk.

So of course this Marie biscuit broche thingy caught my eye. Seeing it made me all warm and fuzzy; the same feeling I would get from a marshmallow and marie sarmie.

The lady wearing it wouldn't tell me where she got it, but now I'm inspired! Either to find it, or have 'my quirk guy' make it for me. Wonder what other foods could we use?

[Insert evil laugh bwuahahaaahaha]

Quirkville makes me happy

Creative Activist: Max Mogale

The latest instalment of 'Creative Activist' feature goes to all round nice guy, with a smile that lights up a room, and an eye that captures the soul of street culture - Max Mogale, who, according to his bio is just a guy who 'takes photos', and that 'everything else is a distraction'. The 26-year-old Cape Town based photographer from Bloemfontein gives us a peek into his heart, mind, brokedom, and on being a guerilla grapher.

1. Who is Max?

Max is a young, black male who just lives in Cape Town and happens to take photos

2. When did photography become a love?  

I never really knew I was a photographer until other people told me my pics were good. I just always saw it as a picture being a representative of my minds eye

3. How would you describe being creative?

I'm not sure there's really a description to being creative. It's such a broad subject. I think its all subjective (or is it objective? Always confuse these two) really. Cause at the end of the day what you produce is a reflection of how you see the world. Sometimes people like it, and some times they don't.


4.What do you think people take from your work?


Well I've been told all kinds of things about what people take from my work. But mostly I've heard that I am able to capture people in a light that they never saw themselves under. Basically people say I make them look pretty.


5. What do you think of the industry in Cape Town


It's cool. I've been lucky enough to "rise through the ranks" quicker than most other people. Not to say I'm running shit, just to say a lot of people know about my work which I never would have expected to happen so fast. Generally a photographer takes a while to get a name for himself. I, by the grace of a higher power, managed to kinda skip that.

6. You had an exhibition at a park last year, why?

It was kinda interesting. Well I had decided since the year was about to be over I wanted to have an exhibition but I wasn't too sure how to go about it without actually having to pay a lot of money. So what I decided was to print my pictures out and do a guerrilla exhibition. I invited all who wanted to see to a Picnic/Exhibition and asked everybody to bring their picnic goods. I chose a massive tree at De Waal Park and decided to hang all my pictures from the branches, that way it was fun, free and people got to hang out outside. Overall I think it was a great success

7. Why are you The Guerilla-Grapher?   

 
Well when I started taking photography seriously I didn't really know what all the rules where with regards to shooting in public places. And being in Cape Town, I realised that it's really hard to shoot anywhere without any permission. So I used to just do it anyway. But guerrilla like. So I would go somewhere and if there were cops or anything I'd hang back till they left. I would shoot as much as I could and then I would leave. I was like a fine mist, you could see me but you couldn't exactly touch me. Hahahaha!

8. Most memorable experiences since you started? 

 
O wow, so many things - being kicked out of places for not being allowed there, almost being arrested, Co.Lab, being broke. Actually being broke has to be the most memorable. Haha!

9.If you weren’t a photographer, what else would you do? 

Not too sure hey. I've done all kinds of jobs in my life. I used to be a door to door salesman, a call centre agent, a packer at a Pick n Pay, one of those guys who sprays perfumes in department stores, and even a backstage manager for events. I only did those jobs because a) I was broke and b) I just wanted to know what it feels like to do a job you NEVER wanna do again. And I'm also almost finished getting a degree in Marketing from UNISA. SO I'd probably be doing something like that

10. What are the low lights of what you do? 

Being broke cause there's no salary at the end of the month. Hands down!

11. How do people perceive your photography?  

Apparently more well then I thought. When I first got into this I didn't do it for the money. I still don't really. But there are people out there who are willing to pay top dollar for a good photograph. And I have no problem with that.

12. Wish list of the things you'd like to do with your work?

Well one of my first wishes is coming true. I'm moving into my own photography studio soon. At the moment that is keeping me happy enough. Although I really would love to do a travelling exhibition around the world to show people my work. That would be great

The end

We love Max. Check out some reviews and interviews by others who love The Guerrilla Grapher on : Studio 83, One Small Seed, Between 10 and 5, Fairlady magazine,75, design times, Pink Lyte and Mosaic! :)


Or stalk him: www.guerrillagrapher.co.za
www.twitter.com/maxmatshane

Music @ Vaudeville: FreshlyGround

I'd like...

Okay, maybe I hadn't wanted to believe it before, but I do love me some Freshlyground; from the days of Nomvula. That song, particularly, touched something deep inside of me - it is about the loss of her mother when she was a child, the emotions of it all, how her father tried to be strong. My mother passed away when I was 14, and to this day, I'm still dealing (kinda) with the pain. 

Side note:

I don't really know much about the band - and I'd like to keep it that way - they make beautiful music and I'm happy with that. I have a problem with probing into an artist's story, background etc; their craft is their story in my mind and heart. 


Back to the show:

Friends and I got some free tickets to attend Freshlyground show at Vaudeville on Sunday 27 June. I was excited for most of the week leading up to the event and it truly was the highlight of June. We arrived at around 9pm, as the ticket stated that as being start time, and we were looking forward to a fun and 'early' night. Alas, the band only came on at 11pm. We weren't impressed, but forgave them anyway. 

The Band:

The whole band is full of energy, love, spirit, and from the first seconds to the end of encore, their passion is consistent. There were two guitarists, a drummer, violinist, who also sings, flute, keyboard, and trumpet and, as I said, they make beautiful music! Other than Zolani, I have no idea the names or roles of the other band members. I'm proudly ignorant on this one. 

Zolani - lead singer -was wearing a very cute bubbly black dress with thin straps (I think), butterfly bedazzled black tights, well worn black all stars and the most interesting cropped jacket made of wire, and there was a string of wire butterflies hanging from her belt. Clearly this girl loves butterflies. 

Trackist:

I can't remember the song they opened with because I was jumping up and down with pleasure that after so many years of support and not having seen them live, I was about to experience an amazing evening with FG. 

'Baba wabatwana bam' - was the second song, vernac story titled 'father of my children'. After that, followed 'Zithande', which 'love yourself. I'd heard this song once or twice before, but had no idea of the title. It's too happy go lucky for me, but I do enjoy the message of self love. Inspired by Mozambique, the next track was ' Moto' which is featured in their fourth album, the recently released 'Radio Africa'. Before they started, we were taught the chorus so we could sing along, it was fun, and I appreciated how much the band engaged with audience. 


An instrumental session, which felt like an intriguing and mysterious journey, was a great sugeu while the vocalists relaxed for a bit after which Zolani's voice truly blew me away on the popular song 'Butterfly'. 
We were then kept on the story of love for the seventh song 'Genie of love' and were quizzed on 'What kind of thing do you fall in then fall out of' as an intro

Leading into 'Potbelly', Zolani told a stroy of 'ibompie' - an ice lolly in bag. I never liked the song, but now understanding the story behind it, I like it. 
She says that as a chubby kid, she was nicknamed "ibompie" because she was a cute little round child. She must have been so adorable.
I love that she loves her full bodied self and she probably inspires little girls to love themselves the way they are. 
Potbelly is really a feel good song, with lyrics like this, you have to agree: 
'Fat thighs, flabby arms, potbellies that give good loving, summer love in the winter time, still gives good loving…'. 
The final two songs were 'fire is slow' from new album, which sounded very familiar, and then the old favourite, Doobeedoo to leave the crowds on a high. Of course, as with any good show, we screamed for an encore. The lively band ran back on stage and left us with a fun rendition of 'Waka waka', one of the official World Cup anthems. Thankfully Shakira didn't show up. 


Finally:
Even though it's big, Vaudeville has an awesome intimate feel to it and the sound is good, which is not always high on the priority of most venues in Cape Town. One day I would like to attend one of their dinner theatre events - have heard great things about the nights. 


Freshlyground have a fan in me forever; their music speaks of the truths of life: fun, happiness, sadness, love, loss, experience, travel, beauty, emotion, and living. Blessings.


Thanks to these seven energetic individuals having fun together on stage for a memorable Sunday night (Monday morning really)
At first I was annoyed it took until close to midnight for the show to start, but the wait was well worth it.


Unfortunately they didn't belt out the tearjerker song 'Nomvula', nor did they grace me with the most beautiful love song ever 'I'd Like', so when I got home I listened to them over and over and imagined they did it live, just for me. 

LIVE in Berlin!!!

Before you watch, let me tell you the story preceding this little embarrassing act.

About 2 years ago, while on my globetrotting job, Ben (fellow traveler) and I went to visit a friend in Berlin. At about 3am, we stumbled along to catch a bus to our hotel. Slightly inebriated and a little chilly, I got bored waiting at the bus stop, so I decided to entertain myself with the playlist on my ipod.

The results.... Can you guess the song?

I've learnt to laugh at myself.

Thank me later: Old Spice

No, we aren't giving kudo's to Drake's new album. (I can't believe I even know that)


We are, however, thanking the lad from the new Old Spice commercials, as well as the creators.
Brilliant script, hilarious, well shot and just down right what every girl needs!


Watch, enjoy, and thank me later





AND...





Happiness. Agree?

Whisky / Whiskey? Whatever.

Recently I've found myself enjoying the robust taste of good whiskey - enjoyed neat, on the rocks, with lemonade, with pure mango juice - and the one I'm loving at the moment is so yummy. Smooth, full of life, potent and just delicious. I tremble at the taste because it is just that good.

Which one, you ask? 

It's The Balvenie,  Single malt scotch whisky Doublewood (matured in two distinct oak casks) - unfortunately the quality comes with quite the price tag. Retailing at around R550 per 750ml bottle. 






The point of this post, however, is not the alcohol, but rather this really awesome notebook created by Here Design

I want it. I want it. I want it. 


Not only for its beauty, but also because the art follows function. The notebook allows drinkers to document their whisky journey. Yay. 

Source: Found on Miss Moss's post appreciating Here Design site

Puma Unity at Studio One CT

Recently Puma held an exhibition with New York based visual artist Kehinde Wiley as part of their campaign called Legends Of Unity.

The launch, which was held on the June 24, was a classy affair. I got there quite late due to being bound to bed by the evil virus called the flu, but I didn’t miss too much. Anyway, for a Cape Town event, on a cold night, it was very well attended. The crowd was an interesting mix of different people from the ‘right’ circles, the ‘not so right, but okay’ circles and the rest of us who just go along to experience creativity and beauty.  DJ Kenzhero graced us with his skill on the music front, Liquid Chefs kept the drinks a flow and of course Kehinde’s original portraits of African soccer on African print background were riveting, beautiful and not overwhelmingly interesting – as in, us of lay terms and without our guru status when it comes to art could enjoy and even have a conversation about the pieces.

The artwork is a marriage of portraits, art, and fashion with an African touch.  www.kehindewiley.com

Thomas from 5fm interviewing Kehinde

My highlight for the night though, was the sight of God’s gift to women; the oh so tall, dark chocolate, oh so gorgeous Djimon Honsoou. If the name doesn’t immediately send imagery to your mind, think of that hotness from Blood Diamond. Aaah. It’s coming to you now isn’t it.  Let me burst the bubble. He’s married, to the ex Mrs. Russel Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons. (I don’t know why she hasn’t taken his surname.)

The exhibition ran until July 3 – it was wonderful while it lasted.

source

Good on Puma for taking advantage of the World Cup.