The Art Issue

GIRLS RISINGHow One Film Project Might Change

the Lives of Millions of Girls Worldwide

REVISTINGWARHOL FASHION’S POP ART MOVEMENT

THE NEXT“IT” ARTISTS

THE ART ISSUE - NOV 2013

THE ART OF BEAUTYOur Most-Wanted Beauty Products That Are Almost Too Pretty To Use

REVISTINGWARHOL FASHION’S POP ART MOVEMENT

THE ART OF BEAUTYOur Most-Wanted Beauty Products That Are Almost Too Pretty To Use

GIRLS RISINGHow One Film Project Might Change

the Lives of Millions of Girls Worldwide

THE NEXT“IT” ARTISTS

THEART

ISSUEM

EETS OBSESSIO

N MAG

AZINE n ISSUE NO. 3

n NOVEM

BER 2013

INSI

DE

MAG

AZIN

EHi-FashionMUSIC: Electropop meets performance art for Los Angeles duo, Hi-Fashion

07

Shop, Collaborate & ListenFASHION: The best upcoming holiday collaborations

10

Breaking Beauty BoundariesBEAUTY: A conversation with beauty photographer Alexander Straulino

13

Art InfluencersLOCAL: The rising art stars among DC’s most influential

14

Songs for the creative soulMUSIC: Playlist for artistic inspiration

22

A Pop Art MovementFASHION: Looks inspired Inspired by artist Andy Warhol

25

The Art of BeautyBEAUTY: 11 products that are almost too pretty to use

28

Noir & GoldBEAUTY EDITORIAL

30

Girls on the HorizonFILM: How one film project could change the future for millions of girls worldwide

39

The Best of Photo Diary: Arts EditionPHOTOS

42

5

Beyond Obsessed! MeetsObsession.com

MASTHEADSTYLEFashion’s Pop Art Movement

READ MORE ON PAGE 25 Fashion & Beauty

Fashion Director

Jenny McFarlaneManaging Beauty Editor

Susan LinneyManaging Fashion Editor

Sinta JimenezWriter

Lindsey HascherWriter

Bridget Marowski

Arts &Entertainment

Writer

Patricia CallahanWriter

Israel DaramolaWriter

Sarah MarloffWriter

Saron OlkabaWriter

Maggie Stamets

Administrative Visual Design Associate

Victoria TranMusic and A&E Promotions Mgr.

Joshua FeldmanAdvertising Director

Lisa [email protected]

Meets Obsession Media LLC1-888-588-2146

[email protected]

© 2013 Meets Obsession LLC.

All RIGHTS RESERVED. Meets Obsession magazine is

printed in the U.S.A.

Visit us online at:meetsobsession.com

Editor-in-Chief

Jacqueline Law

Prada Spring 2014 RTW

COVER CREDITS photography

Holly Burnhammakeup

Caitlyn Meyerhair

Holly Burnhammodel

Leanne Hyer

Electropop Meets Performance

Art In Hi-Fashion

The music duo, Hi-Fashion, is taking Manhattan by storm. Comprised of band mates Jen DM and Rick Gradone, Hi-Fashion has a flair for the avant-garde.

by Sarah Marloff

7

8 | Meets Obsession Magazine The Art Issue

DM and Gradone first met at a gay bar where Gradone flirted with DM, thinking she was a man. Despite this mishap, the two became fast friends and eventually forged their band.

Since then, Hi-Fashion has been in high demand due to the airing of their music video for the single, “I’m Not Madonna.” Gossip blogger, Perez Hilton posted the video and suddenly, Gradon and DM were “getting invitations all over the place.”

“The response has been incredible,” said Gradone.

Hi-Fashion, as described by DM, is an “electro pop explosion that combines big analog beats with world sounds” to create a wild dance party. The band hopes to play huge shows all over the world and continue making incredible videos.

“My husky soulful voice and hard-hitting raps along with Rick’s stratospheric falsettos makes for a pretty unique sound,” says DM. “We want to promote the idea of fun for everyone.”

While DM and Gradone hail from New York, Hi-Fashion is based in Los Angeles where the pair has top-secret day jobs. “In an alternate universe, we are both full-time astrophysicists

doing experiments on time travel devices,” DM hints. “But its all super top secret and we can’t really talk about it other than that.”

Like the band, Gradone himself is big on theatrics.

His work as a part-time hairdresser on fashion shoots–includ-ing Victoria Secret shows–inspired him to write “Semi-Permanent,” a one-man show about being (you guessed it) a hairdresser. He performed the piece in the New York Fringe Festival in 2007 and won the title of “Outstanding Solo Show.”

Hailing from New York, and living in LA has supplied the duo with a love of fashion. They originally named themselves Hi-Fashion $5.99. “It was based on a crappy clothing store in L.A. because we loved the idea that anyone thought High Fashion could cost $5.99,” said DM.

“Then a lawyer told us we should change the price for legal reasons and we became Hi-Fashion $9.99 upon the urging of an astrologer.”

The pair soon dropped the price tag when they realized the irony they needed was already in the name.

“We’ve become a lot more expensive since then so it’s kind of

“It was based on a crappy clothing store in L.A. because we loved the idea that anyone thought High Fashion could cost $5.99.”

like when you go to a really expensive store there are no price tags,” sums up DM.

So what are their must-have fashion items? Unsurprisingly, their choices and reasons for selecting them are a bit far out. Gra-done cites his mouse ears and Rick

Owens men’s skirt, while DM’s is fond of her Nick Cave Sound-suit and “anything unwearable by Gareth Pugh.”

She also admits to liking comfortable shoes because some-times her feet hurt from stomping on stage.

As far as their music career goes, they agree that everyday has been a highlight. Their latest album, “You Are Gorgeous,” which was funded by a campaign on Kickstarter, was released this past July and is now available on iTunes.

Also, for their fans, they want them to know that cinnamon should be used as often as possible in cooking “because it helps regulate [the] body’s natural insulin production.” n

.................................................Photos by Kate Reeder


eBay

x CFDA

November 11Carrying around a USB

cable can be such a hassle, but with this

stylish accessory your phone will never go uncharged again. These customized tech bracelets, de-

signed by Mara Hoff-man, Michael Bastian,

MILLY by Michelle Smith, Rachel Zoe and Shipley & Halmos, are

the perfect holiday present for any tech

savvy fashionista.

Starbucks

x Alice + Olivia

November 12Who doesn’t want their coffee cup to look like

a ballerina? Following in the footsteps of Christian Siriano,

Jonathan Adler, Rodarte and Charlotte Ronson,

Starbucks has now teamed up with Alice + Olivia’s Stacey Bendet

to create a limited edition mug and Bearista, perfect

for any your stylish and girly girlfriends.

Jay Z

x Barneys

November 20 Only Jay-Z and

Barney’s could launch a collection called “A New York Holiday.” The BNY SCC Gallery Collection features collaborations

with top designers like Balmain, Proenza Schouler, Lanvin and Balenciaga, and is

curated by Mr. Carter to create a truly over the

top collaboration. Leather backpack,

anyone?

Isabel Marant

x H&M

November 14H&M collaborations are

so popular that there are now rules for how

to shop the collections. Following in the

footsteps of Matthew Williamson, Marni,

and Versace, this chic French brand is

bringing all of their favorites to their

collaboration. Filled with slouchy boots, chunky

sweaters, and tribal prints, this collection is expected to go fast, so

get online early.

shop,

COLLABORATE

and Listen

Estee Lauder

xDerek Lam

by Lindsey Hascher

11


Alexa Chung

xEyeko

January 2014No one can rock a

cat-eye quite like Alexa Chung, which is why

she has teamed up with the perfect company to make her classic look

more accessible to her fans. Launching on the Eyeko website this month and in Sephora

stores this January, anyone with an eyeliner obsession has to check

out this collection.

Banana Republic

x L’Wren Scott

December 5Nicole Kidman, Amy

Adams, Penelope Cruz and even Michelle

Obama are huge fans of L’Wren Scott’s designs,

so it is no surprise that Banana Republic teamed up with her to

create a holiday collection. As Mick

Jagger’s girlfriend and one of Hollywood’s

top stylists, this queen of couture created a “modern collegiate” collection full of ele-

gant prints and festive sequins, perfect for any

holiday party.

Estee Lauder

xDerek Lam

January 2014Estee Lauder has been

Derek Lam’s go-to source for beauty for the last eight seasons of runway shows, so it makes perfect sense

that they have teamed up for a limited-edition collection. The collec-tion is a navy Derek

Lam clutch filled with 5 runway-ready products, perfect for day or night. Can you say win-win?

Goop

xMichael Kors

TBD First Stella, now Michael Kors. Gwyneth Paltrow is bringing her A-game with this amazing col-lection for the holiday

season. Paltrow is mak-ing her weekly collabo-rations on her lifestyle website, Goop, a must.

And with friends like hers, we have a feeling the best is yet to come.

Your Guide to the Best

Collaborations of the

Holiday Season Isabel Marant

x H&M

eBay

x CFDA

13

BREAKING BEAUTYBOUNDARIESA Conversation With Beauty Photographer Alexander Straulinoby Sinta Jimenez

Fashion photographer Alexander Straulino turns beauty into art with his stunning, vivid photography. Focusing mostly on beauty shots, his work transforms the human form into close-up, provocative works of art.

Meets Obsession: Describe your signature/aesthetic that you try to incorporate into each of your works?

Alexander Straulino: I try to create a timeless piece. One you can look at for a few years… You lose your-self if you travel with trends. I really adore the ‘40s Harper’s Bazaar. This is what I describe as timeless, it’s more like a classic way of approaching photog-raphy.

MO: For anyone who’s interested in pursuing fashion photography, what is the number one thing they need to know?

Alexander Straulino: Stay away from trends! It’s fun-ny. A couple months ago, an assistant of mine quit and he asked me, ‘Alex, what should I shoot now, what do people want to see?’

I think the biggest mistake you can do is think of what they want to see instead of what you want to show. You have to train your technique and art, then later on you can play, but it takes a while. Shoot for yourself and see what comes out of you, show your person-ality.

MO: What or who is currently inspiring you?

Alexander Straulino: I like Terry Richardson as a character, though not his kind of photography. I like the 20s, 30s, and 40s, when the first magazines came out. ManRay. I try to keep away from taking my inspi-ration from actual magazines, I collect photobooks.

MO: If time were not an issue, whose portrait would you love to photograph?

Alexander Straulino: I would love to [photograph} Picasso. n

.................................................© Alexander Straulino


influencers

Photo: M

arshall Johnson


We’re on a quest to find the next “it” artist. So, who better to ask than a few of the District’s most prominent and well-versed art influencers?

Armed with a wealth of knowledge, the following trailblazers, all of who are curating, creating, organizing and leading the pack in DC’s art scene, share who are among their favorite rising artists.

Consider yourself in the know.

Kristin Guiter

Principle, KKG Arts + Culture Communications

Kristin’s Rising Artist Pick

Caitlin Teal Price

“ Caitlin is an incredibly talented photographer who has a studio in

Shaw and is currently presenting work in upcoming exhibitions at Heiner

Contemporary and the 10th anniversary Transformer auction. Caitlin creates

beautiful landscapes, but I love her photography of people the most. She has

an extraordinary way of truly seeing people and connecting with her subjects

through the lens of the camera. In a recent series called “Washed Up,” Caitlin

captures the essences of sunbathers, revealing their distinctive personalities

through thoughtful details.

Caitlin Teal PriceWashed Up Series, Pink Bikini

© 2008 Caitlin Teal Pricecaitlintealprice.com

Photo: M

arshall Johnson


Photo: V

ictoria F. Gaitán

Jessika Dené Tarr,Artwork from Relentless Coil zine© Jessika Dené Tarrjessikatarr.com

Victoria F. Gaitán

Artist victoriafgaitan.com

Victoria’s Rising Artist Pick

Jessika Dené Tarr

“Jessika's work combines elements of illustration, graphic novel

and fine art. It has a healthy whack of fluid lines, and my personal favorite;

beautiful humans, more often than not, in not so beautiful situations or

interpretations. She balances the light with the dark deftly and often with a

subtle, cheeky humor. ”

Jessika Dené TarrGoat Priest

© Jessika Dené Tarrjessikatarr.com

Photo: V

ictoria F. Gaitán

17


Victoria Reis

Co-Founder, Executive & Artistic Director of Transformer

transformerdc.org

Victoria’s Rising Artist Picks

Colin Kloecker &Shanai Matteson

“ Colin Kloecker & Shanai Matteson of Works Progress in Minneapolis, MN are doing incredible work to “create artistic platforms for people to engage, connect,

converse and create with/in their neighborhoods and communities, across

creative and culture boundaries.” They are part of a new model of how artists

are working that I think we will see more of in the next year.”

Chakraphan Rangaratna (TANG), Untitled 1, 7.25” X 5.25”Ink, Spray Paint, & Gouache on Found Paper

© 2008 TANG. Courtesy of Transformer

Courtesy P

hoto18 | Meets Obsession Magazine The Art Issue

“ My Barbarian - (Malik Gaines, Jade Gordon, and Alexandro Segade). Based both in NYC and LA, My Barbarian has already

been performing and exhibiting internationally since they started working together in 2000, but these are rising stars whom I think we’ll be hearing a lot about in coming years.”

“ There are [also] so many incredible artists emerging within DC’s cultural community. I’m very proud of the growing

roster of artists Transformer has been inviting to be part of our FlatFile program… There is an incredibly strong mix of

works in the FlatFiles by DC artists like: Bonner Sale, Eames Armstrong, Matt Hollis, Victor Koroma, Jenny Walton, Tang,

and many many others!”

Works Progress, A Public Thing, 2011 © Zoe Prinds-Flash | worksprogress.org

Bonner Sale, What Lovers Eye Never Sees, 11” X 15”, Gouache And Pencil On Reeves. © 2013 Bonner Sale. Courtesy of Transformer | bonnersale.com

B. StanleyExecutive Director for

the DC Arts Center dcartscenter.org

B. Stanley’s Artist Pick

Noelle K. Tan

“Noelle K. Tan, a photographer who works mostly with black and white photography. Noelle had a solo exhibition at DCAC’s art gallery back in 2005, and I still cannot forget those images till

this day. The amount of talent and craft that she is capable of still strikes me.”

“Her process and the way she approaches her medium is something very different, while being

very progressive and unexpected at the same time. Noelle’s photography pushes the realm of photography to the point where it doesn’t even

look like photography.”


Noelle K. Tan, Untitled, 20” x 16,” silver gelatin print © 2013 Noelle K. Tan

Photo: K

ate Reeder

Philippa Hughes

Chief Creative Contrarian, The Pink Line Projectpinklineproject.com

Philippa’s Rising Artist Pick

OliviaRodriguez

“ I love Olivia’s work because she sees beauty in the decay and detritus of the natural world and turns those things

into exquisite objects that you just can’t stop looking at. She is a keen observer

and her work is true to the details of the unnoticed yet essential workings of an

inner life that we don’t seem to notice anymore.”

Olivia Rodriguez, Sweet Erection (detail), 2012mixed media, 22” x 13” x 12” Photo: Trevor Young

oliviarodriguez.net

Olivia RodriguezTrails

2011mixed media

5” x 9” x 5” Photo:

Trevor Young

Photo: K

ate Reeder


by Maggie Stamets

We’ve all been there before: the dreadful creative block.

No matter what you’re trying to create—that way past due art school project, writing a short story, or painting something just for the hell of it—getting into the creative mindset can sometimes prove to be nearly impossible.

If even after trying all of your usual fool-proof methods, like staring at a blank sheet of paper and waiting for a big idea to suddenly come to you, or indulging in your self-prescribed Glaucoma “medication,” and still nothing comes to you—give these songs a try to unleash your creative spirit!

For the creative soul


energize If you’re creating something physical like a sculpture or bust, or even imagining your next dance choreography, you’ll needs songs that will energize and inspire! Give these invigorating songs a listen to get your mojo flowing.

Come Into My Head KimbraThis song perfectly captures the manic and intensity of how frustrating a creative brain block can be. The general awesomeness of this piece will definitely call forward your hidden creative side.

No StoryTimeSmallpoolsLift your sculptor’s block blues and throw some fun back into your creative process with this catchy little ditty.

Today’s Supernatural Animal collectiveA slightly obscure song that will make you want to nail some stuff together. Furniture making, anyone?

paint

For you paint-nerds, illustrators and sketch-artists, these songs are perfect for creating your next fine art master-piece.

Number 9Moon HoochIf Jackson Pollock were alive today, this song would be his artistic anthem. No other song is more perfect for going crazy and rubbing some colors on a canvas while dancing in your underwear.

QuesadillaWalk The MoonPlug in your best head-phones and crank up this song while sitting at your drafting table. By the end of the song, your hand will have drawn something that will surprise even you.

Trouble Blues Sam CookeIf this smooth-like-butta song won’t make you want to light a cigarette and create something beautiful and sexy, we just don’t know what will.

write Writers block is a daily struggle for anyone trying to make a living off the written word. No matter what you are trying to write, turn up these tunes to get you in the zone.

It All Feels Right Washed OutThis psychedelic song will stimulate you and promise to take your mind off your work long enough to let a stroke of genius make its way into your mind.

FitzpleasureAlt-JThe frequent changes in the song make it complicated, yet not hard to follow, but still full of loops, twists and turns, just like any great story.

Fly Trapped in a Jar Modest MouseThis song is just fast-paced enough to throw some en-ergy into your writing and liven up the most rigorous creative process: getting started.

relax and focus Mushaboom (Postal Service Remix) FeistThe remix is 3 parts dance beats, 3 parts synthpop, 4 parts magical and all parts awesome. You’ll have your creative juices flowing in no time!


{sweater} River Island Green Unfastened Cardigan, $40, riverisland.com {pant} McQ By Alexander McQueen Faux Leather Front Skinny Trouser, $285, farfetch.com {shirt} Equipment Reese Plaid Silk Blouse, $395, matchesfashion.com {scarf} ISSA White/Red Andy Border Printed Silk Scarf, $205, stylebop.com {necklace} ANGIE Shanelle Spike Necklace, $20, swell.com {shoes} Dorothy Perkins Bronx Black Leather Cut Out Boot, $119, dorothyperkins.com, {ring} Noir Jewelry Pow Ring, $65, shopbop.com

A s a leading figure in the Pop Art movement,

Andy Warhol shook the world with his iconic

works of art. His pieces explored the relation-

ship between artistic expression, celebrity

culture, and advertisements that boomed in the ‘60s.

Warhol’s works incorporated many forms of media,

including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography,

silk screening, sculpture, and film.

His career skyrocketed when he began experimenting

with reproductions based on advertisements, newspa-

per headlines, and other mass-produced images from

American popular culture such as superhero comics,

Campbell’s soup tins, and Coca Cola bottles. In ‘62, he

began his portraits of Marilyn Monroe; other subjects

given similar treatment included Jackie O and Elvis

Presley, to name a few.

Having debuted his work in Glamour magazine in 1949

and then working as a professional illustrator for Harp-

er’s Bazaar, his foray into fashion was very influential,

proving that art and fashion could exist together.

Fast forward to present day and fashion is still having a

love affair with the iconic artist. Dior recently revealed

clutches and bags emblazoned with Warhol’s quirky

gilded-shoe designs from his fashion illustration days

and countless others, season after season, have re-

vealed collections inspired by his artworks.

Warhol’s Pop Art conjures up an eclectic mix of colors

and textures - there are no limits here. Bold graphics,

tessellated repeats, abstract shapes, stylized animal

prints and florals all feature in the modern Pop Art trend.

The key is to have fun with color, so like Warhol, let

loose, be bold and walk tall with our three daring looks.

A POP ART MOVEMENT

Bright Pops of Color, Bold

Graphic Design and Tessellated

Repeats Meets Fashion Inspired

by Artist Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987) Self-Portrait, 1967

Acrylic and silkscreen on canvas, Detroit Institute of Arts,

Founders Society Purchase, Friends of Modern Art Fund ©

2012 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. /

Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Prada Spring 2014 RTW

25

by Jenny McFarlane

25


{dress} Topshop Fun Leopard Print Tunic Dress, $90, topshop.com {bracelet} Hermès Mini Etriviere 4 Tours Bracelet, $435, usa.hermes.com { jacket} Topshop Boxy Leather Biker Jacket, $370, topshop.com {scarf} Sole Society Polka Dot Infinity Scarf, $25, solesociety.com {necklace} MDKN Necklace - Pow, $60, modekungen.se {shoes} Forever 12 Rock ‘n’ Roll High-Tops, $40, forever21.com

27

{ jacket} Orange Unfastened Blazer, $90, riverisland.com {pant} Sass and Bide Songbird Relaxed Pant, $250, sassandbide.com {shoes} Art’s Desire Flat in Blue, $29, modcloth.com {top} Moschino Cheap & Chic Vintage Pop Art Top, $650, farfetch.com {necklace} ASOS Lights Pow Necklace, $26, asos.com {bracelet} Red Comic Print Square Tile Bracelet, $6, riverisland.com

Takashi Murakami for Shu UemuraShu Uemura has teamed up with contemporary Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to decorate their special collection for the 2013 holiday season. This beautifully designed palette includes seven iridescent eye shadow shades as well as a pretty

pink cheek stain.

shuuemura-usa.com $69

PRODUCTS THAT

ARE ALMOST TOO

PRETTY TO USE

11

Make Aether PaletteAs with an artist’s old-fashioned palette, you can play with these colors to create dimension, texture, and one-of-a-kindfinishes, using your eyelids as your canvas.

ahalife.com $40

Korres Cheek ButterCreamy, hydrating and antioxidant-infused, this cheek tint blends beautifully into your skin, giving you just as much flush as you’d like. Each shade has a differently designed pot, all with a nod to the brand’sGreek heritage.

sephora.com $25

There are few material things that are

as beautiful to

us as beauty products.

The feel of a soothing lip balm, the

smell of a fragrant body wash—small

joys that are certainly minor in the

grand scheme of things, but serve as

lovely pick-me-ups during the many

moments of my day. There are also

those products that are almost like

works of art themselves.

Lipsticks, palettes, perfumes and soaps

that are so appealingly packaged, you

almost don’t want to

touch them. “For

display only,” we sometimes think.

These 11 exquisite ite

ms are cosmetic

works of art, at least in our opinion. From

a cube-shaped eye shadow palette to a

fashion-designer-decorated mascara,

the following pieces are wonderfully

creative eye candy, as well as solid

beauty products (should you chose to

use them).

by Susan Linney


THE ART OF BEAUTY

Gucci GuiltyGucci’s golden, glass-and-metal bottle is like a piece of perfumed treasure. The scent is fruity and floral, with a rich amber base and notes of citrus, black pepper and patchouli.sephora.com $75

Kjaer Weiss Lip TintAll of the items in Kjaer Weiss’s all-natural makeup line are uniquely designed, encased in shiny silver that bares the KW logo. The lip tints’ swivel opening makes fingertip application easy, and the Sensuous Plum shade is perfect for fall and winter

kjaerweis.com $48

Diptyque Hourglass DiffuserWe’ll always be candle lovers (in part, because of how pretty they are), but a recent near-miss flame fiasco has me turning to diffusers as of late. So I was thrilled when I found Diptyque’s new hourglass-shaped scent dispensers, which used no heat or battery-power—you just turn the gorgeous glass over when needed, and your favorite Diptyque scent is slowly released.

diptyqueparis.com $145

Soap & Paper Factory Solid PerfumeSolid perfumes are the best when it comes to easy transportation of scent (especially if you travel a lot), and S&P has a wealth of fragrances to choose from. We love this Balsam Fig tin, with its green, woodsy color tone and cool illusion of texture.

soapandpaperfactory.com $18

Anna Sui LipstickAnna Sui’s cosmetics are as artfully designed as her clothes. Highly pigmented and super smooth, this rich red glides on easily and looks as lovely as the flower that tops the product’s black metal tube.

b-glowing.com $30

Lancôme X Alber Elbaz Limited Edition “Show” Mascara LineAdorably decorated by Alber Elbaz, artistic designer for the fashion line Lanvin, this high intensity mascara creates lashes that are bold and dramatic—like the entire limited-edition

line itself.

sephora.com $27

Stila Masterpiece SeriesThis beautiful “book” includes three artist-inspired eye and cheek palettes — The Minimalist, The Impressionist, and The Modernist. Each “volume” contains three eye shadow shades and one cheek stain. The set also includes easy-to-use makeup tips from Sarah Lucero, Stila’s Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry.

stilacosmetics.com $39

Lip Shit Lip BalmJust because Blue-Q’s balm is a bit low brow doesn’t mean the packaging isn’t artistic. The designs are wonderfully cheeky, and the straightforward nature of these potent lip soothers make them awesome conversation starters. “Excuse me, would you like some Lip Shit?”

fab.com $20 for pack of 3

almost don’t want to

touch them. “For

display only,” we sometimes think.

These 11 exquisite ite

ms are cosmetic

works of art, at least in our opinion. From

a cube-shaped eye shadow palette to a

fashion-designer-decorated mascara,

the following pieces are wonderfully

creative eye candy, as well as solid

beauty products (should you chose to

use them).

29


photography Holly Burnham

makeupCaitlyn Meyer

hair Holly Burnham

modelLeanne Hyer








39


ON THEHORIZON

The recent documentary, “Girls Ris-ing,” tackles the job of trying to an-swer that question.

And with a lineup of nine inspiring girls, nine gifted writers telling their sto-ries, nine acclaimed actress narrating, an all-star cast of production workers and an Academy Award nominee director, the film might actually be enough to ignite some change.

Director Richard Robbins, formerly of ABC News and PBS’ “Frontline,” cleared some

time in his schedule in order to talk with Meets Obsession about the eight years he spent working on this documentary, his role as a male director in a story about women, and what we can all do to make a difference.

It was an early Tuesday morning when Robbins picked up his cell phone and apologized.

On the way to his Los Angeles office, he was still sitting in traffic.

What if education could put an end to poverty?

It’s a big IF, and an even bigger question (not to mention, task) to tackle. But what if it could?

Specifically, what if educating girls all over the world could actually change the human experience as we know it?

by Sarah Marloff

GIRLS

........................................................PHOTO: GIRL RISING © 2013


Meets Obsession: How did you become the director of “Girls Rising?”

Richard Robbins: Well, originally our little documentary company [The Documentary Group] was asked to look into global poverty issues for a client who wanted to make a film on ending global poverty.

While I focused a lot on politics during my time at ABC, the topic was new to me. So I dove in; started [educating] myself about the issues. And I kept coming across these remark-able studies about girls’ education. The numbers continued to show what a difference it made. At first I thought it was just new to me because it was all new to me, but I quickly realized the numbers actually hadn’t penetrated the public.

At the time my daughter was a year old, and I kept asking myself, ‘What will the world look like for our children?’ I knew I wanted to do something. The global poverty research ended but I couldn’t get it out of my head. Until finally I was like, ok, I guess I’m doing this.

MO: So, your daughter helped inspire you to make this film. How old is she now?

RR: Actually, she turned nine just last week [early in Octo-ber]. I’ve been working on this project for a long time. The issue was much less visible six-seven years ago. But some remarkable events brought it into the general consciousness and we’re lucky enough to be riding a wave.

Girls’ education is where global warming was 15 years ago. People are paying attention now.

MO: Besides being a film eight years in the making, why does “Girls Rising” stand out among other documenta-ries?

RR: There are two things that were really crucial to me when we were making this movie.

I knew it wasn’t enough to just make this film. For all the mon-ey we were trying to raise there had to be a campaign beside it. It’s common practice in the documentary world to stay small and humble. You’re cautioned against being too ambitious, or biting off more than you can chew. We took the opposite approach. If I had just made the film it would not have been enough, and if this issue doesn’t deserve it – what does?

10x10 – our global campaign to educate and empower girls – was the part that has really truly paid off.

My other goal was to make a film where the girls did not ap-pear as victims. I wanted the audience to feel inspired and amazed by them. I mean, as human beings they have enor-mous potential.

So often, documentaries focus on differences.

For example, when we show kids going to school in Cambo-dia, the audience tends to notice what’s different, but what’s really important is to notice how much they’re just like us.

We tried really hard to make a film that wasn’t just a bunch of white people going into to a poor country and feeling sorry for the people there. We had to be constantly vigilant to keep

from falling into that trap. Having the writers, who came from the same countries as our girls, were essential to the story.

MO: An all-star cast of actresses, including Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, Anne Hathaway, Salma Hayek, and Alicia Keys narrate the film. How did you go about sign-ing these stars?

RR: Well, it’s actually pretty unscientific. We had a long wish-list of actresses based on their talent with voice-over work as well as their interest in the issue. From there we started putting out inquiries, which is basically a combination of wild ambition and relentlessness.

For a lot of actresses it’s about getting on their radar and also getting their management behind it. And of course, signing the first star is the hardest.

MO: So, who was the first to sign on for the project?

RR: Meryl Streep. And once she was in we started getting a lot more interest. Starting with an A-lister really helped the cause. [Streep narrates the part of Ethiopia’s Azmera].

Also, some of our character always had clear voices in my head. Specifically, Wadley from Haiti she always had a certain voice– I don’t know why. [That voice belongs to Cate Blanch-ett who is Wadley’s narrator.]

MO: Did you meet with all nine girls in the film?

RR: Between the entire team, we met all the girls. But I don’t think any one person on our team met with all the girls. I met all but two of them.

I knew it was going to be difficult – as a middle-aged Amer-ican to get the girls to connect with me. Actually, I was like the only man on the crew everyone else in the field were women. The writers [all of which whom were female] were the essential bridges. We wanted them to work very closely with the girls.

MO: Interesting. To be honest, when I learned that a man was the director of “Girls Rising,” I was pretty skeptical. So how would you respond to the criticism that a movie for and about women should be directed by one?

RR: It was definitely a liability, having me as the director, especially when we were first fundraising. But, in a way, as a male director, I do think I brought something to this project.

It’s important that there are strong male role models in the film, and in life. The greater issue of girls’ education can’t be tackled without men and it means a lot that there are great fathers and brothers in the film. It’s almost bigger than that.

MO: As a director and a man, why do you feel like this film needed to be made?

RR: Clearly, there’s a sort of moral, rights based altruistic reason for why every girl-woman has the right to education. If you don’t already believe that, then this film isn’t going to change your mind. The movie’s more compelling argument is that time and time again educating girls really seems to work in ending poverty. It’s an argument for advocacy.

ON THE HORIZONGIRLS

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We’re saying we know this works and there’s a history that proves it. This isn’t a problem like the AIDS epidemic or global warming where we’re searching for a solution. We already have an answer.

Not to say it isn’t tremendously hard to do, but we know what good schools and good teachers look like. And that’s the message behind “Girls Rising.” We’ve made progress and we’ve seen it work over and over again. It’s just not enough. And that’s our argument: ‘More! We need more of that.’

On a human level, people are so desperate to be told that something works. We’ve been culturally brainwashed that these problems are unsolvable. So we let ourselves get in the mindset that it’s too big for any of us to do something about it. I think that message – that there is something we can do – is really powerful.

MO: Why should people see this movie?

RR: Luckily, I think it’s a good movie just on its own merit. Engaging and entertaining- it’s an enjoyable way to spend an hour and a half. And we tried really hard not to make it a downer. And it’s a hugely important issue. The movie really crystallizes the issue.

As an audience member I think you can go from people who care and do nothing to people who do something. I’ve seen it over and over again. A few weeks after our Atlanta screening we – 10x10 – received a check in the mail for $460. These two kids who’d seen the movie were so inspired to do some-thing they had a bake sale and sent us the profits.

There are a ton of good reasons, but the movie leaves you

with a great feeling.

MO: What was your biggest takeaway from this project?

RR: Wow, that’s the first time I’ve been asked that question. I came away with this feeling... this belief in the community of man. I know – it sounds trite, but it’s so easy for us to fall into nationalism. People kept asking us why we weren’t focusing on girls in America and why we didn’t think American girls were more important.

There are so many things we could all be doing, but aren’t be-cause of barriers that don’t really exist. There’s nothing sep-arating us from each other – other than miles and language – but we’re all people. Before this film I thought it would be hard to make connections with people different from me, but it wasn’t.

I don’t know how you talk about the family of man without sounding like a new age hippy. But I know that if you tell your-self that those people are different and far away it enforces these barriers that separate us.

But as my producer, Martha Adams, always called me I was always the “reluctant enthusiast”. She, however, was the op-posite and enthusiastic from the jump.

I hope this film continues to have a life in this world – there’s a lot more to do and I want to keep it moving. n

........................................................PHOTO: GIRL RISING © 2013

Heineken Mural Project at Blind Whino Arts Club The Heineken Mural Project VIP Launch Event was held at DC’s newest venue, Blind Whino, an old church that was converted into a venue for all things art, including exhib-its, classes, workshops, and of course, parties. The venue alone is a work of art. Its exterior is decorated with a bright, abstract mural, and inside the 25,000 square ft space, each room features walls covered in modern artwork by leading graffiti and street artists.

Photos: Woolif Fotog

Arts EditionTHE BEST OF PHOTO DIARY

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Nuit Blanche at The Wonder Bread FactoryArt took the forefront of the nightlife scene at DC’s Art All Night Festival. Over a dozen venues in the Shaw District participated in the annual free art extravaganza filled with exhibits, live art, music and parties– including one grandiose event held by Art Soiree Productions, AFDC, Eighty Eight DC, SPAIN arts & culture, Art All Night and Cultural Tourism DC at the Wonder Bread Factory.

Photos: Darque Room Images

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