Fashion With A Purpose

A show to remember! Restored Reflection, Inc. founders Rionel Fisher and Tamela Robinson-Fischer held their 2nd Annual Fashion With A Purpose Fashion Show, which was hosted by KJLH Radio Personality Tammi Mac. This event, held at Grand Hope Park in downtown Los Angeles, began with a red carpet and was followed by a fashion show featuring designers from around the world. All proceeds from this event will benefit Restored Reflections, Inc., a non-profit that provides economic impact training, education, and community development to at-risk, inner-city youth and young adults. Continue reading to learn more about four celebrity guests: actor Dustin Harnish, model Sabrina Ann Frontino, actor Chris Levine, and actor Christian McClure, and why Restored Reflections Inc is important to them.

A Talk of Peace With Belle Scar

The war in Ukraine is far from over. We spoke with advocate for Ukraine, UK Based music artist, Belle Scar about her recent single “Kyiv in my heart”. This song and music video not only features Ukrainian Artists, but also depicts the horror and destruction the ongoing war in Ukraine causes. We highly suggest you stream “Kyiv in my heart” to gain insight into the importance of advocacy and staying connected with Ukrainians, even if they are an ocean away. The 16 Ukrainian artists featured in “Kyiv in my heart” tells a story, and each creation is compelling as the next. If that isn’t enough, Belle Scar’s vocals mixed with the work of a choir are sure to leave you with chills. Please continue reading below for more information about Belle Scar and her new single!

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 44SAMANTHA COLÓNJuly 11, 2022music artist, Musicians, Ukraine, Art, artist, Advocating, advocacy work, peace, end war, Kyiv, war, stopwar, change, hope, future, russia, AmericaComment

How Protests Differ in the Past to the Present

Protesting has been an incredibly effective way of expression in the United States since the first amendment. Although, over the past couple of decades, this method of proclamation has decreased in efficiency and value, why is this?

Learning That Less is More with Sustainable Fashion Brand KZ_K Studio

KZ_K Studio is a New York City based ready-to-wear luxury fashion brand that everyone should know about. This brand focuses on slow fashion, local production, limited quantities along with minimal and multifunctional designs. We spoke with Karolina Zmarlak, who is the co-founder, designer, and creative director of the brand. She immigrated from communist Poland in the 90's. With limited resources, she had only a few items, but they were made with the utmost quality by local craftspeople. This led to her appreciation for the less is more mentality which she instills in the KZ_K Studio brand. The newest Warm Cycle (or Spring Collection) incorporates various sustainable fabrics including cupro, plant dyed organic cotton, and recycled polyester. Continue reading below to learn more about KZ_K Studio and the beautiful multi-functional pieces they create through sustainable practices!

SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 44Sophie LaSalaJuly 6, 2022fashion, fashion industry, designers, sustainable, ecofriendly, New York, new york cityComment

Caitlin Shorey is Taking 2022 By Storm

Caitlin Shorey is an incredible young Pennsylvania based actress that you should know about. She has quickly made a name for herself with buzzworthy roles in television and film. Caitlin has taken 2022 by storm! She made her television debut as the younger version of Clare Abshire in the new HBO limited series, The Time Traveler's Wife, adapted by Audrey Niffenegger's novel and later this year, will make her feature film debut in Mr. Harrigan's Phone, Netflix's film adaptation of the short story by Stephen King. Caitlin’s dedication extends beyond her accomplishments as an actress. She is passionate about philanthropy and is committed to giving back. Since 2018, she has been supporting Inheritance of Hope, sparked by her mother being diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer. In June 2021, she sang to her mom for the last time at a virtual cabaret. Caitlin continues to raise money and awareness so IOH can serve many more families. You will want to continue reading below to learn more about Caitlin Shorey!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 44Sophie LaSalaJuly 5, 2022kids, cancer, family and friends, family support, actress, child actorComment

Advocating for Equality with European Actor Yohann Chopin

Yohann Chopin is a multi-lingual European actor and producer that should be on your radar. Impressively, he speaks four languages French, his mother tongue, along with Italian, Spanish, and Swedish! He has experience acting in both the French and Italian film industry. He began his career as a producer and later transitioned to acting. Yohann has taken on various roles including Simon Bastelica in the Italian series Rosy Abate: La Serie and Jaubert in French series Versailles. Additionally, he starred in the films Mare di grano in 2018 and Creators: The Past in 2019. Currently, he is working on the French feature film Dissonance where he will play Jérôme Castaing. Beyond his many achievements as an actor and producer, Yohann is passionate about women’s rights and giving back. Since 2013, he has worked as a volunteer for the UN Women French committee and continues to advocate for the rights and equality of women. To learn more about the multi-talented Yohann Chopin, continue reading below!

Abortion Importance in the United States

In 1970, Jane Roe (a false name used for her privacy) challenged a Texas law that had made abortion illegal. Identifying that state laws took away her rights as an American by the fourteenth amendment. The outcome of this event was that the Supreme Court, at the at time, determined that women have the constitutional right to choose to have an abortion, vs the right being determined by individual states.

Throughout history in the United States, most cisgender men in politics have had the final say on what women can do with their own lives, including what they can wear, how they can act, and what they are allowed to do with their own anatomy. So, it isn’t shocking that they are trying to take over the ability for women to decide if they want to get an abortion.

Roe v. Wade was the protective barrier for women in this country, and with it overturned the United States has already criminalized abortion in at least five states so far, Politico, while over eight trigger laws are set to be applied in the oncoming future.

Pain Behavior - Rising to the Top

During this time of Pride Month, we honor LGBTQ+ artists like Pain Behavior and their gifted musical abilities. Pain Behavior is a musician who creates songs with depth and meaning, as well as a grim edge. Pain Behavior recently released the song Heavy Light, which premiered on May 20th and is a moving tribute to both life and human connection. They also have several other songs, including Warrior, which, like its name, has a powerful story to tell. They discuss the sorrow as well as the inspiration of someone they once loved in a destructive way. Pain Behavior's commitment to pride doesn't stop there. They also took part in the annual Venice Pride event, where they performed and re-iterated their support. Pain Behavior is on the rise, and we're excited to see what they do next. Please read on to learn more about Pain Behavior and their musical path, as well as the inspiration and stories behind their songs, Heavy Light and Warrior, and their opinions on the importance of Venice pride.

SafeUp with Harry and The Chicks

Say hello to Harry and The Chicks! This UK-based music group is dropping music with a moving and all too familiar message behind it. Harry and The Chicks’s new single “Snakes in The Streets” depicts their experiences with street harassment from stalkers and cat-callers alike. Her outspoken and informative tone when addressing these topics is refreshing and reminds women everywhere that they are not alone in their experiences. But most importantly, that men should do better and steer clear of predatory behavior. You will love Harry and The Chicks just as much as we do! If you are interested in their newest single, “Snakes in The Streets,” their work with SafeUp, an app that keeps women safe, or their upcoming projects — “Miss Oblivious”, please continue reading the interview below!

Do The Work With Jake Satow

Get used to California-based actor Jake Satow because he is here to stay! You may know Jake from his roles in the HULU miniseries “The Dropout” or “Gaslit,” a political thriller based on the Watergate scandal. Jake’s talent radiates off the T.V screen and has earned him parts opposite actors like William H. Macy and Amanda Seyfried. Not only is Jake taking over the entertainment industry one role at a time, but he is also heavily involved in humanitarian work. Currently, Jake works with the Ronald McDonald House, where he prepares and delivers food to sick children. If you are interested in his work with the Ronald McDonald House, his latest roles, or his next steps in the industry, please continue reading below!

Summer Sustainability: Simple and Fun Ways to Serve the Planet This Season

Summer is the best time for enjoying the great outdoors. However, you can’t take that fun in the sun for granted. Scientists warn that we only have 11 short years remaining to stave off dire climate change consequences, and stopping the destruction requires everyone to do their part. Here are 10 simple and fun ways to serve the planet this season.

Articles, zIssue 44Cora GoldJune 22, 2022summer, Sustainability, save the planet, climate change, environment, Garden, #farmersmarketComment

HAQ-NI- Paving the Way for Reinvention

On this Juneteenth long weekend we celebrate, Haqikah and Naima Abdullah — trendsetters, sisters, and entrepreneurs. These sisters are paving the way for reinvention. HAQ-NI, based in New York City, is transforming the traditional and simpler options for hijabs into something luxurious, high-quality, and fashionable. These hijabs are reimagining traditional scarves and empowering Muslim women by providing them with unique and stylish hijabs that allows them to feel both beautiful and confident. Their impact does not end there, as sustainability is an important aspect of their business, and making long-lasting scarves is a top priority. They are changing the game in fashion, and we can't wait to see what they do next. Please read our exclusive interview below with co-founders Haqikah and Naima Abdullah to learn more about HAQ-NI.

Ali Fumiko Whitney- Learning To Love Her Heritage

Ali Fumiko Whitney is an inspirational American actress of Japanese, English, and Scottish ancestry who has appeared in films such as "The Road Dance," "Snow Valley," and, most recently, "The Islander." Ali currently resides in New York City but previously lived in Los Angeles, where she attended UCLA and studied theater. Ali may be busy working on projects, but that doesn't stop her from volunteering for Harlem Village Academies and supporting environmentally friendly brands. She also works with non-profit organizations such as CAPE to give Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders a voice and empower them in entertainment and media. Her dedication to embracing her culture does not end there; she also enjoys Asian cuisine and, despite being gluten free, is able to find a variety of delicious meals and healthier alternatives. Read on to learn more about Ali Fumiko Whitney, her roles in "The Road Dance," "Snow Valley," and "The Islander," as well as to learn more about the nonprofit and volunteer organizations she has worked with.

Livia De Paolis - So Much More Than a Triple Threat

Livia De Paolis is a rockstar in production. Despite the fact that her family owned De Paolis I.N.C.I.R, a Rome studio, she has built a name for herself taking on many aspects of the entertainment industry. She oversees all elements of production — including screenwriting, directing, producing, and acting. Livia has established herself in a number of locations, including Italy, New York, and, most recently, London. In New York City, she focused her work on contemporary theater and produced the feature film Emoticon and the short film Awestruck. Livia has recently returned to London, where she is promoting her new feature film, "The Lost Girls," which will be released on June 17h. If her journey couldn't get any more impressive, she has also worked with non-profit organizations such as the 52nd Street Project and hopes to work with more in the future. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Livia’s upbringing, short films, humanitarian work, and love for theater.

Eli Zavala - Marching to the Beat of Her Own Drum

Eli Zavala is a Latinx actress, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur based in New York City. Eli is a woman of many talents and passions. Her journey into film began after she graduated from law school where she decided to change her career path and discovered her passion for the film industry. Eli is an accomplished actress who has taken on many roles, including her star role in the feature film Still the Earth Moves directed by Pablo Chavarría Gutierrez. Most recently, Eli shines bright in the lead role of her short film El Carrito. Beyond her dedication as an actress and producer, she is devoted to the importance of great storytelling that challenge creative boundaries while emphasizing the importance of diversity and fair representation of minorities on screens across the globe. She founded La Filmadora, a home for storytellers of underrepresented backgrounds and works as a creative executive at Splinter Pictures, a NYC based film production company focused on creating highly artistic and character-driven stories. Furthermore, Eli has embraced the position of chairwoman of Cinematográfica y Escénica de México a LatAm, non for profit with the mission of bringing better representation and fighting misrepresentations of minorities on the screen. Continue reading below to learn more about Eli and her remarkable strides as multitalented media entrepreneur.

zIssue 44, SWAC: InfluencerSophie LaSalaJune 14, 2022latinx, Latin American, representation, acting, actress, Actress, producer, #mexicoComment

COVER - Haley Kalil - Smart Girl Summer

Haley Kalil is having a Smart Girl Summer, and we should all join her! As a New York City-based model and scientist, Haley Kalil is breaking barriers and building new standards that empower women in STEM. Haley does not shy away from having it all and does not let society limit her abilities. Currently, she is the CEO of The Nerd Herd, which is a brand at the intersection of beauty and science. Haley acknowledges the double standard between women and men in the STEM field. It is normalized and widely accepted for a man to flaunt their body on the internet without their work being discredited, but we can not say the same for women. However, The Nerd Herd’s mission is to create that safe space for women, educate them on STEM, and make women feel sexy in the process. This is 2022, and women no longer have to choose between being conservative and not being taken seriously in their careers, and Haley is at the forefront of that movement. If you love Haley as much as we do, and want to hear about her advocacy with Black Girls Code, and her journey from STEM to Modeling, please continue reading below!