7Q&A’s with Jeanie Syfu: Hair Styling Pro
Lead Stylist at NYFW, a favorite for editorial and runway work, and the face of numerous online tutorials, Jeanie is the channel through which high fashion style is made accessible to the modern woman.
The perfect addition to our creative team on the latest SS2016 Collection photo shoot, and a sought after expert in all things hair, we’ve asked Jeanie a few questions of our own.
Tell me a little about your journey to becoming a hair stylist. How did you get your start?
My big break in the industry was on Project Runway Season 3. I just locked in my position as lead stylist for Tresemme and things took off pretty quickly after that. I appeared on national TV as their spokesperson and also started leading their hair team at NYFW.
What are your top three favorite hairstyles of the moment?
I’m really into statement haircuts. Short, chic and effortless cuts that don’t require much styling. I think it looks quite feminine, strong and stylish. On longer hair, I’m drawn to hair that doesn’t look over styled. I like hair to be touchable and it has to have a natural movement. And I absolutely LOVE when a woman embraces her natural texture!
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your profession?
I love inspiring hairstylists that are just starting out in the fashion/beauty industry. Helping them develop their style and technique makes me a better artist. I have to say, its rewarding (but also a little sad) to let go when their careers take off.
What keeps you creatively inspired?
I stay inspired by the endless creative collaborations with my fashion peers. I get to work with many stylists, designers, photographers, creative directors, make up artists, and other hairstylists so I’m never bored. It’s important to keep an open mind and push your ideas with the different teams you are paired up with because you will always get a different result, we all add something different to the creative soup.
In your opinion, what’s the best hair style for beach-side lounging?
I’m into dressing hair with loads of leave in conditioner and keeping it off the face. Creating a bun, braid or slicked back/deep side part looks very chic and also controls hair on the beach. It can also protect your hair from any damage.
What are your words to live by?
I believe you attract good things in your life when you live truthfully. Intention is very powerful.
If you could recommend three places to visit to a tourist in your neighborhood, what would they be?
I have lived in Brooklyn for 14 years and I would say: 1) Brooklyn Flea Markets are amazing to go to on the weekends! Go early to get the best finds. 2) A walk around Williamsburg and Green Point for shopping, food, and good street style watching. 3) Brooklyn Museum of Art for the exhibits and inspiration.
See Jeanie’s work in our SS2016 Collection
7Q&A’s with Siren Williams
The Wanderlust Dream: a longing for a life filled with travel, of following your inner compass – and that compass points to the sea. Saltwater in your hair, blue skies up above, and the open road before you.
Siren Williams is the embodiment of that dream: a surfer, traveler, and songwriter that treats each day as an adventure. On her latest expedition, Siren packs our Lace-Up Rash Guard and gives us an inside look at her free-spirited philosophy.
You live a great part of your life on the ocean and the open road, what do you think it is about travel that captivates you?
I could sit and talk about my travels for days… I am passionate about travel because I have loved geography since I was a little girl, and I love learning new cultures. I love moving around a lot, experiencing and photographing new places, learning the local language and getting involved with local families and communities.
As a competitive surfer, you’ve clocked a lot of time on the water. What is one of your favorite memories from a day spent riding the waves?
I have so many! There’s nothing like watching a shuttle launch into space while you’re paddling out into a thick school of dolphins swimming all around your board, or being stalked by the largest bull shark you’ve ever seen in 3 ft of crystal clear water. One of my favorite memories has to be while surfing St. Andrew’s State Park and the dolphins were surfing the waves with us. A few hung around my board for a while and would jump and land on their sides, splashing me repeatedly. It was so amazing and I think they were having as much fun as we were!
How did you learn to surf, and what led you to surfing on a competitive level?
I started surfing when I was around 12 years old on Cape San Blas, Florida. I was sort of talked into giving it a try by a few of my guy friends at the time, and I’ve been surfing ever since. When I moved from the Florida Panhandle to the East Coast back in 2007, I began teaching surf lessons full time and began competing in local contests. It was in Cocoa Beach that I started competing regularly and began traveling the state for contests. I still love competition and I’ve been doing more professional longboard contests in the last several years, but I’m currently on a bit of a hiatus, as I’m finding that performance can sometimes ebb and flow.
You’ve come to call Florida home, what places would you recommend a tourist visit as a must-see in your neighborhood?
Born and raised in Florida, and growing up living in Florida’s state parks, I grew up in an environment that supported conservation of “Real Florida.” I recommend my hometown of Apalachicola, Florida, where the Cattahoochee/Apalachicola River meets the bay. St. George Island has beautiful beaches just over the bridge. The small, historic town has eclectic shopping and a great historic theater, with lots of history and culture. Apalachicola is also the oyster capital of the world. The surrounding area has caves, springs, and Native American history. Second, I would say the Florida Keys for a quiet get-away with beautiful water and sailing tours. Third, I’d recommend doing some air-boat tours on one of our small inland rivers to experience a side of Florida that most people don’t realize even exists. Beaches are always a short drive away, no matter were you stay.
As an experienced traveler, often by way of VW bus, what are your top three travel locations?
I lived in Morocco for five months and worked as a surf instructor and photographer there. There were always waves, plenty of right-hand point breaks, and the culture was amazing. Next on my list would have to be Australia. I spent one month there about ten years ago and it was really incredible how diverse it was, with rain-forest and beaches, cities on rivers, mountains, and lots of undeveloped land. The people there are absolutely amazing and really co-exist with Mother Earth in a respectful way. I’d say that the Virgin Islands are third on this list. I lived there for a while and was lucky to have a small boat at my disposal on most days, which really makes all the difference in the world. Island hopping and taking the boat to surf is really a great experience. We explored and camped on small, uninhabited islands with views that could hardly be dreamt of.
What are your words to live by?
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
Frequent traveling must cause a lot of negotiating on what items to take with you. What is the one thing you can’t leave home without?
The one thing that I always MUST have is a bikini. Even if I’m going to the middle of America, I must have swimwear! I generally pack anywhere from five to ten bikinis on average.
Shop the look at WALA SWIM.
Find more inspiration, elevated design, and aquatic couture by following our Instagram.
7 Q&A’s with sustainable manufacturing pioneer, Eurojersey:
How Sensitive® Fabrics are made of the highest quality, yet with the lowest impact on the environment.
We work intensively with this Italian fabric manufacturer for a specific material called Eurojersey Sensitive® microfiber. The technical properties of this fabric offer chlorine resistance, UV protection, extra comfort, and quick drying fibers all while being committed to eco-sustainability and the environment. It’s super versatile, drapes beautifully and offers great wearability and shape.
Eurojersey is known for being a pioneer in eco-sustainable manufacturing – what led the company to make such strides towards dedication to our environment?
Since we started our SensitivEcoSystem® project, our Company has an ambitious mission: to be as sustainable as possible. We turned all recent investments to latest generation machinery to create an efficiency advantage, with lowest environmental impact for the Sensitive® Fabrics’ production.
What integral sustainable processes are at the core of Sensitive® Fabrics’ eco-manufacturing?
The development of our vertical supply chain, with no outsourcing, enables EUROJERSEY to maintain control over the entire Sensitive® Fabrics’ production process, generating positive effects into the local economy and environment. The integrated production cycle enables the reduction of resources such as water, energy and Co2 emissions.
Eurojersey has saved 36,791,539 square meters of essential rainforest land since 2010. Can you explain how that experience came about and what the project meant to the heart of the company?
“1 meter of fabric for 1 meter of forest” was a successful project for the preservation of rainforest in Argentina, made possible in cooperation with World Land Trust, ending in 2014.
Now, since June, we are collaborating with WWF ITALY for a new and challenging project. Our three-year collaboration is dedicated to the protection of the Mediterranean Sea and its flagship species; it aims at actively protecting this ecosystem and supporting the activities promoted by WWF Italy. All our sustainable enterprises are a testament to our full commitment to preservation beyond our borders.
As the company has grown from its roots to the enterprise it is today, what is the one philosophy that has stayed with Eurojersey over time?
Since its foundation EUROJERSEY has always produced high quality fabrics in line with Italian manufacturing tradition, both in terms of technical capabilities and creativity. Underpinning the Company’s success, during these 60 years, there is a business strategy that combines quality with constant attention to innovation.
What qualities act as pros for wearing garments composed of your fabrics?
Thanks to the patented knitting structure and the high percentage of LYCRA® fiber, Sensitive® Fabrics’ features add value to garments by raising their performance and aesthetic qualities. Highly breathable, super comfortable and pleasant to wear, Sensitive® Fabrics are like a second skin. Their perfectly smooth and even surface guarantees extra bright and intense coloring. Moreover, the fabrics’ reduced thickness allows the creation of perfectly fitting, elegant garments without giving up on shape and recovery performance.
What is it about Eurojersey techniques that allow for such a wide array of colors and patterns?
EUROJERSEY is the only European Textile Company able to offer its clients full service from the early ideation phase of a collection until delivery. The company’s Creative Department develops specific trends for both solid colour and printed fabrics, with a wide range of shades, patterns and textures, and it’s now considered a trend setter in the market.
What makes these fabrics the highest quality choice for swimwear?
Sensitive® Fabrics dry very quickly and maintain impeccable shape and colours while offering maximum resistance from chlorine and sea water, as well as guaranteeing protection from UV rays. A winning solution for the best swimwear, whether for the beach or for competition.
7 Q&A’s with Claudia Cox: Underwater Photographer
But that’s not all. Claudia Cox is bodyboarder, model, stunt woman, designer, photographer, and the closest thing to a real live mermaid we’ve ever seen. She charms the Instagram world with crisp photos and videos of her underwater adventures where she can be found exploring new depths of oceanic beauty, encountering sea creatures, and taking stunning self portraits. Take a dive into the nautical fascination that is Claudia Cox through the dialogue below.
What do you think it is about the ocean that enchants and captivates you?
I was literally born on the beach. My parents had a hotel/restaurant steps from the sea that was also our home and where I was born. So, my love and fascination with the ocean came naturally. The beach was my playground, the ocean treasures were my toys, and the sea creatures were my pets. My first pet growing up was a baby penguin that we found on the beach and raised until he was old enough to join his friends. Since then, I have only lived by the sea. From Brazil to Hawaii, and every other place I go, I need to be by the sea.
Spending so much time in the water leads to some compelling encounters with aquatic animals. What is one of your most memorable experiences?
In Hawaii I’d have to say that almost every time my friends and I are diving, we get surprised by a giant pod of wild dolphins. I’ve had many encounters with them but every time is different and equally special.
The most memorable experience that I’ve had so far with marine mammals was on one of those diving days. My friend and I were waiting for the dolphins to return and swim by us, I was next to my longboard as I saw a shadow swimming towards me. I thought, “Oh no, is this a shark?” As the shadow got closer and came directly under my board I saw that it was a young monk seal! He was moving his little arms around like he was dancing and only moved away from me when my friend came closer to photograph him. The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world and is listed as endangered.
Another very cool experience I had was last summer, when I got to swim with stingrays and blacktip sharks on the island of Moorea, Tahiti. The stingrays were so friendly and large; just like spaceships flying underwater.
What has been one of the proudest moments in your diverse career of bodyboarding, modeling, design, and photography?
I know! I am still figuring out how to consolidate my numerous artistic interests into one job title! I go from one thing to another. I just recently became certified as an MUA so that I could be a one woman show on my photo shoots. I do the make up, hair, styling, and photography. Lots of my own photos are self-portraits, even underwater.
With that said my proudest moment was being able to finish my job as a stand-in on the tv show LOST which was filmed in Hawaii for 6 years! I was very proud of myself for sticking to a project from beginning to end.
What was it that drew you to Hawaii in particular? The landscape, the culture, the people?
As a child I was fascinated with the Elvis movies that were filmed here; the hula, the palm trees, and the crystal clear ocean. When I started bodyboarding and then competing in nationals it led me to Hawaii. I first came here to compete in the Women’s Bodyboard Competition at Pipeline. I came over every winter after that for a couple of months at a time until I decided to make Hawaii my home.
What are three places in Hawaii that you would say are a must-see for travelers?
We have so many beautiful islands, my favorite is called the Big Island. It has that feeling of old Hawaii, just magical.
Kauai is also very pretty. It’s called the Garden Island, with green valleys and luscious vegetation.
At Oahu island at winter time the waves get huge, like mountains made of water – especially at Waimea Bay, it’s fascinating to see.
What words or philosophy do you live by?
I have to quote Cinderella’s mother on this one:
“Have courage and be kind…. Where there is kindness there is goodness, and where there is goodness there is magic.”
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
The producers were very kind to me and let me do some stunts when I worked as a stand in on the television series LOST for the character of Kate. The stunt coordinator told me that Kate was going to be in a helicopter scene and asked if I would like to double for her, I said, “Sure!” On the day of the stunt, as we were getting ready to fly out, my stunt coordinator asked me if I wanted a harness or a seat belt? I asked what he thought and he answered, “Well, with my experience with aircrafts, if this one goes down, you don’t want to be attached.” The helicopter had no doors. In the scene, my character had to kiss the other stunt man as he jumped from the helicopter. All while I was supposed to be watching him with my head hanging out of the door and holding onto a fake baby in my arms! It was very exciting and intense, I thought to myself, “Well, so much for the girl that only came to Hawaii to surf, yet ended up doing Hollywood stunts!”
Be sure to check out Claudia’s thrilling Instagram account, you’ll feel like you’re one with the sea.
7 Q&A’s with ELLE’s Fashion Market Editor
Shilpa Prabhakar Nadella:
A Fashion Cognoscente
A sophisticated eye for design and an emboldened ethos set this distinctive aesthete apart from the rest. Hailing from the world’s number one fashion magazine, ELLE, arrives Shilpa Prabhakar Nadella – a trend expert.
Tell me a little about your journey to becoming and flourishing as one of ELLE’s top editors?
I always knew I wanted to work in magazines so my journey began during my summers in college. I was fortunate enough to have internships at Cosmo, Vogue and InStyle. My internship at InStyle landed me a full time position as a Fashion Assistant at the magazine and eventually a promotion to Assistant Fashion Editor. From there, I moved to ELLE as the Associate Market Editor and have since gone on to my current position as Market Editor.
What do you find most invigorating about your work?
The people I work with and the designers I see on a daily basis inspire me. I feel so fortunate to work in an industry filled with so much creativity and talent. I love showing our readers affordable ways to adapt runway themes.
What has been a defining moment that helped shape your career?
I don’t think there is one moment that has shaped my career. I’ve learned by mistake and also by those around me. Each boss, coworker or designer I’ve crossed paths with has taught me something memorable. The industry is continuously changing and it’s important to be adaptable.
What advice would you give to yourself five years ago?
Embrace who you are and surround yourself with people who have similar goals and values as you do.
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
I love discovering new talent. It’s an incredible experience to have the opportunity see a young designer go from showing their first collection in their apartment to a runway show on the big stage during fashion week. I also love the stories and inspiration behind each collection I see.
What’s your current state of mind?
Motivated.
How would you define your sense of style?
My style is pretty minimalist. I stick to neutral colors (black, white, grey, navy) and try to be comfortable in what I am wearing. I spend tons of time running around the city on market appointments so I try to be practical in my wardrobe. I always buy a few statement pieces each season that pair well with basics I already own. I’m a firm believer that it’s important to work with the items you own and add bits here and there.
Get to know one of ELLE‘s premier luminaries a little better by checking out her Instagram!
Photo Credit Dustin Aksland
7 Q&A’s with Renowned Editorial Stylist
Christine de Lassus: a style authority
With the aesthetic prowess to make any motif chic, Christine de Lassus masters the fashion world with elevated style. Her work frequents the pages of Flaunt, Nylon, Harper’s Bazaar Mexcio, and L’Officiel – to name a few. Multiplicities of celebrities have also been graced with her skill: including Zoe Saldana, Elizabeth Olsen, and Alicia Keys. Whether styling for editorial, beauty, or advertising, Christine de Lassus’ keen sense always knows best.
How would you define the concept of style?
A mix of good taste, elegance and a sense of daring.
How would you describe your own sense of style?
My personal style (not my work) is minimalist, no color (black, white, grey, army green), and comfortable, with always a cool slightly avant garde factor. My style in my work is more varied, as I embrace editorial themes spanning anywhere from new romantics to 80ies rock. I like to create unexpected mixes. But always chic, cool and daring.
What advice can you give for putting together a look?
Be comfortable first in yourself and in your clothes, because if you are not, you will never look stylish. Then have fun creating an outfit appropriate for the event you have to attend and don’t forget your smile is your best accessory.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Creating beautiful images and working with creative, wonderful people whether they are part of the team or clients.
What’s your motto?
Positivity, Joy, Love of Life. I also love posting my inspiration images daily on instagram. I think you can see there the expression of my spirit. @christinedelassus
Do you have a style icon?
Tilda Swinton. She is chic, unconventional and always so elegant.
What is your favorite online shop?
None, I like to browse many sites and do my research online, but then most of the times I will buy in stores as I like to try and touch.
For photographs of Christine’s varied works explore her online portfolio or enjoy her daily inspiration images on her thought provoking instagram feed.