Bon Goût: Mila Victoria

Mila Victoria loves watching chick flicks and traveling. If it wasn’t for make-up and photography she would’ve been an Olympic gold medal figure skater by now.

1. How important is style/appearance to you?
As long as it represents you and you’re not fighting it, let it be! An extension of your self expression.

2. How would you describe your style?
Present. I don’t have a style. It’s whatever I’m feeling that day, what I envision myself to me in the future. Always evolving. I like change, a lot.

3. What’s your favourite item?
My combat boots. Brings me back to when I was in army cadets, haha.

4. What’s your favourite cosmetic product?
Lipstick, obviously. I don’t even know how many I own, just for myself and not including my makeup kit!

5. How would you describe your ideal partner?
The one I’m with right now – supportive, understanding, hardworking, confident, always full of surprises, open-minded, funny… and handsome! Not in that particular order, of course.

6. Does he/she have to be stylish?
Not really. Just don’t be a try hard. We all know style starts with self-confidence. As far as his style, according to him, he’s on his “Runway shit.”

7. How much time do you spend in the morning to get ready?
If I don’t have much time (which is most of the time), I throw on my riding pants, combat boots, some loose shirt and a statement jacket (my taupe, leather studdded motorcycle jacket, army tunic, etc)

8. Who is a style inspiration to you?
I have many style inspirations. Not one more than the other though. I admire people who can keep evolving with their style, or have a staple classic look and are able to maintain and carry themselves throughout all trends. I’m inspired by colours, textures, nature, animals, editorials, thinking outside the box, minimalism.. I can keep going. I follow my intuition. Anyone who is confident, is my inspiration. It is so important. Surround yourself with good people, friends. Really feel YOU. That will radiate through all material things.

Mila is a make-up artist and beauty photographer represented by Plutino Group in Canada. She was born and raised in downtown Toronto. I suspect she does stand up comedy on the side. Her blog.

Bon Goût introduces today’s tastemakers.

 

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Bon Goût: Aban Sonia

Aban Sonia (21) is NothingOriginal. Her interests range from photography to snakes, the circus, really really high shoes, stripclubs and magic carpets.

1. How did you get into the fashion, graphic design world?
I’ve been doing graphics and geek-y computer related designs since I was about 11. No school, no formal training. I mean, I could always learn more… I can never know enough. The possibilities became endless. Now I offer custom graphics, logos, and web design and layouts. I have a close friend, almost like my little sister that I work with in my design projects.

As far as being a stylist and visual art director…. I’ve been styling since I was 19. I was blessed to have an amazing network of creative friends that collaborate well together. Through friends, I’ve met new friends and worked together on new projects, and so on and so on. Its all about working hard and being able to lend a helping hand to whomever, whenever.  I’ve done a LOT of free work.. and I still do, if the project is new and exciting and will challenge me. But I think people remember that.. and it’s good for you. What you learn on-set on the job.. is crucial.. so I soaked up as much experience as I could get.

2. What’s the main thing you’re working on right now?
I do costume design and wardrobe/ fashion styling for film, commercials, runway shows, editorials, and commercial print.. I’m starting my wardrobe and prop rental studio fairly soon.. so the film and fashion world in Miami has another alternative in costume and wardrobe rental services. I am focusing on building my client list and evolving artistically.. to network with sharks and still feel free enough to be expressive.. It’s scary but I love the challenge.

I’m also launching a treasured collection of one-of-a-kind vintage finds and nick nacks that I’ve come across in my many road trips and crazy travels. Everything from clothing for men and women, to accessories, shoes, and even tid bits for the home. The Nothing Original Collection. I’m digging deep to find the gems beneath the gems and restore them, and deliver them to you in pretty packaging.
The website should be ready to go by the summer – the latest. and the launch event is during Art Basel in Miami.

3. How important is style/appearance to you?
Not too important.. it has to be a feeling more than a need to look a certain way. If you see a picture in your head and that’s what you feel like.. then put things on and take them off…trial and error until you feel like that image you see. That’s what I do every morning.. probably why I might be late if I am!

4. How would you describe your style?
“Tomboy-Chic.” I grew up with 2 little brothers.. so I’ve grown to appreciate when I can be comfortable but I always try to keep  my feminine edge. and I wear a lot of little ethnic accessories and trinklets.. I still have an uncle who lives in Pakistan and he sends me really great jewelry and fabrics.

5. What’s your favourite item?
My vintage Oscar De La Renta cropped tux jacket…. and my huge sterling silver ethnic finger ring.

6. What’s your favourite cosmetic product?
I have only like 5 things I usually wear.. my Chanel basic cover up, my Ruby Woo red lipstick by MAC, bad gal eye liner, and if no red lips, then chapstick.

7. How would you describe your favourite partner?
Easy breezy. I’m very intense.. so I need a laid back guy that will bring me back down when I get all worked up.

8. Does he/she have to be stylish?
No.. I’d actually prefer him to just be. Whatever he’s comfortable in.. and however he feels good is how I’d want him.

9. How much time do you spend in the morning to get ready?
30 minutes maybe 45 max. If you throw in a shower then maybe an hour and 15 minutes for the hair..haha.

10. Who is a style inspiration to you?
I’d be lying if I started naming people…only because its little pieces of everyone. I always see something that I like. Even if it’s absolutely horrible.. it’s ok with me. I find inspiration wherever possible. The range of people would be from Dita Von Teese to Dolly Parton..

Aban Sonia is a fashion stylist, a visual art director and a graphic designer. Born in Karachi, Pakistan she moved to London, San Diego, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia and now resides in Miami. Her collection of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, The Nothing Original Collection wil launch late 2009.

Bon Goût introduces today’s tastemakers.

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Bon Goût: Wayta Patmo

Wayta is like a chameleon. One day you’ll see her with a crazy fro and the next day she’ll be rocking a fresh Twiggy crop.

1. How important is style/appearance to you?
Appearance is very important. The thing that people always seem to forget is that we all live in “code”. You can’t be a lawyer and expect to be taken serious if you dress up like a punk-rock-star. I’m not saying that you can’t dress that way, but you have to know who you are and where you stand in life and this society.

Style is something that separated the wealthy from the poor in the old days. You had style because you could afford style. Only the upper class could wear couture and have a beautiful decorated home. Those times have changed. There are so many ways to make a good living these days that style has a diffrent meaning. Now you have style if you dress up more than others. You can also interpret “Style” in a different way. You can refer to a particular style-period, such as the Renaissance. From this point of view I don’t think style is important. You can mix if you want, as long as you know what you’re wearing.

2. How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as a mix between Gwen Stefani, Kate Moss and Pharrell, Balenciaga meets Nike. I love to combine streetwear with Haute Couture.

3. What’s your favourite item?
I don’t really have favorite items, but if I have to name one, I think I’ll have to say my Balenciaga wallet (that will soon come with a matching bag.)

4. What’s your favourite cosmetic product?
For skincare I use Shisheido and Elizabeth Arden. All of my make up is Chanel and Mac.

5. How would you describe your ideal partner ?
Romantically? I’m lost..so I’ll go for the reliable, honest, sincere and interesting guy.
Professionally? I need someone who understands my way of thinking and visualizing. I usually start with a concept and I need someone who can finish it.

6. Does she/he have to be stylish?
When I am in a relationship the only thing that matters is that the person I’m with, respects and understands my way of dressing. What he chooses to wear is fine by me, because that’s his identity. (as long they’re not briefs or REALLY ugly shoes..)
My professional partner has to work it..over the top!

7. Who is a style inspiration to you? And why? What inspires you? Who is a style icon to you?
I will have to say that Lady Gaga impresses me time and time again. I respect her for her courage and her great designing talent. I’m really blown away with how she sells herself as an image.
My inspiration is Cristobal Balenciaga. He can turn every girl into a sophisticated lady. I love his sense of style and how he toys with linings and a woman’s body. That’s why I’m very fond of the 50’s. Also Guy Bourdin, Glenn Luchford, Juergen Teller, Cassette Playa and Santagold inspire me with their fantastic work.
I have many style icons, but Audrey Heburn and Kate Moss are important ones (and for the men..Gene Kelly and Pete Doherty)

Wayta Patmo (23) is a fashion stylist who lives in The Hague, Holland. She studies Lifestyle & Design in Rotterdam. I predict a great future in fashion and as a soulsinger (yes!).

Bon Goût introduces today’s tastemakers.

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Bon Goût: Upendo Taylor

Upendo Taylor aka Tha Black Krayon is an artist extraordinaire. Always on point with his fits and as laid back as a LA-bred artist can get.

1. How important is style/appearance to you?
For me its not all that important, because I got style with out trying. But cleanliness is key, if ya hygiene is good. Ya teeth and breath is fresh and clean, that’s all that matters.

2. How would you describe your style?
My style is a of west coast swap meet ghetto life , mixed with New York contemporary street.

3. What’s your favourite item?
My studio art bag.

4. What’s your favourite cosmetic product?
I don’t use no damm cosmetics, dats some chick shit.

5. How would you describe your ideal partner ?
She has to be firm, patient, loving and open. With a nice body and smells good, im pretty shallow when it comes to girls.

6. Does she have to be stylish?
Yea I think anybody that wants to keep up with me should have a smidgen of style. Nothing over the top.

7. Who is a style inspiration to you? And why?
I don’t really look to anybody for style inspiration. Style is something that comes from within. Ill try wut ever works for me.

8. Besides your own clothes what other brands do you like?
RL Rugby, Nike, Adidas … I don’t know its really LJ All Day!

Upendo Taylor is one half of Leroy Jenkins Ltd, the fashion brand that ignores the hype, often copied, but never duplicated. (The floral patterned hoodies and fitted caps? Now you know where they originate from) He’s also art director for Grammy nominated artist Raphael Saadiq. He eats krayons for breakfast, lunch, dinner and often dreams of them too. Upendo lives in Brookyn, NY.

Bon Goût introduces today’s tastemakers.

Photos by Tone

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Bon Goût: Jennifer

Jennifer, tomboyish sexy, effortlessly cool and she knows how to put simplicity and class into practice with very low maintenance.

1. How important is style/appearance to you?
Important. but not in the sense of looking or wearing what I “should” be wearing, but in the interest of looking and feeling like the best version of myself, and comfortable. I think clothes can be a really fun way to reflect who you are. I don’t think clothes should craft who you are.

2. How would you describe your style?
Urban simplicity? Haha. Not sure how to label it really.. I wear a lot of solid colors, with clean, simple lines and detailing; but I like to add a funky element in when I can.. a lush scarf, snazzy boots, whatever strikes my fancy at the time.

3. What’s your favourite item?
I go through phases. right now my over-the-knee flat leather boots. I love them..I bought them on a whim in Miami a few years back, when I didn’t think I’d ever even get the weather to wear them. I hung on to them for a couple years, and poof I’m in NYC, and they’ve lent me through fall and into winter already.

4. What’s your favourite cosmetic product?
Rosebud lip salve. I don’t wear much else.. Usually just lip balm and I’ll coat on the mascara if I’m heading out. I like “bad gal mascara” at the moment.

5. How would you describe your ideal man?
Quick witted with a boyish smile. Loyal. A good ear for good music. Easygoing is a trait I’ve come to appreciate recently.

6. Who is a style inspiration to you? And why?
I think Ashley Olsen has a really smart chic style. Without trying hard. And Isabelle McNally and Erin Wasson, who are a bit scattered and more laid back; which is more my speed. But moreso than the celebs, I love a lot of the personal fashion bloggers too; I admire their imagination, and what they can do on a budget.

Jennifer is a web producer for a daily newspaper based in Manhattan, NYC. Having lived in Florida, Miami and Atlanta, she now spreads love the Brooklyn way.

Bon Goût introduces today’s tastemakers.

Photos by Sarah Hajjar

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Bon Goût: Mike Mancini

Mike (30 and proud!), born and raised in Jamaica, Queens NY, is a naturally happy guy who dances a lot.

1. How important is style/appearance to you?
Well I’m a salesman and marketer so my appearance is extremely important. I like to make good first impressions and be up to date whether I’m in sneakers or dress shoes. I like to turn heads and break hearts;)

2. How would you describe your style?
My style is Quantum of Solace meets The Glow in the Dark tour meets The Rat Pack. I like to always dress like I’m going some where and or getting ready to jump on stage. I’m the type of person who will get dressed up on a rainy day, because everybody usually looks like shit.

3. What’s your favourite item?
I have two favorite items actually. I have a pleather H&M coat that fits me just right and my grandfathers (R.I.P.) cheap Rolley Optic sunglasses…they look expensive and are crazy vintage. I had these college kids run-up on me one time asking can they buy them off my face.

4. What’s your favourite cosmetic product?
Soap on a rope and Nivea lotion…it will keep you from being all Ashy Larry-ish in the winter.

5. How would you describe your ideal woman?
She must be a nerd, fun, laugh at my bad jokes, flat stomach, nice ass-sets,intelligent, good breath, secure and not be a hater. I can’t stand woman who gossip and cry all the time. I come from a family of strong woman and they can’t be chumps. If my grandmother don’t like you then your not the one for me

6. Who is a style icon to you? And why?
I have two actually. I love (pause) Robert Redfords old school style because he really embodied the American Alpha-male swagger. I’m sure he’s still banging out young chicks at some film festival after-party in Canne’s.

My second choice would have to be Oleg Cassini, who was a fashion icon and noted as Jackie-O’s stylist. Oleg designed the look for the Navy and was also a playboy amongst the ladies back in the day. I actually had the chance to interview and meet him in his castle in Gramercy park. I swear the dude was like 90 with a mock neck and some white leather shoes just straight pimping it out. R.I.P. oleg!

7. What makes you so hot?
Whats my word limit? LOL

I think its truly all about your personality and making people laugh. The ladies Love a man who can make them laugh all the time. I would also say my height is quite an advantage. (6’2, ed. note)

photo by J. Guevera

Mike “Mancini” McConnell, based in Astoria, Queens NY, is the owner of Team Mancini Lifestyle and Swaggerlifestyle.com and co-founder of GAKCITY.COM.

Bon Goût introduces today’s tastemakers.