Julien-K, made up of Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh founding members of Orgy, just released a video for “Cruel Daze of Summer” which is the first major single from their latest album We’re Here With You. Fast cars and hot girls, but with nice styling and details. Of course the main thing that caught my eye was the awesome leather and chiffon dress, it looks great by day causal with hair down and with avant-garde makeup and a pseudo deathhawk! Much like this song… perfect for a summer day or the club.
There are some brands, that no matter if you have been following them since the beginning, or if you’ve just recently stumbled upon them, you just love. Playdead Cult is one of those such brands. Stu and Bean, the duo behind Playdead, have been doing T-shirts and one-of-a-kind pieces since 1999. Infusing art and music into their clothing and keeping it out of the mainstream while still being relevant. The Drum’s T-Shirt, both for men and women, is a fun design we’re digging for its simple, yet definitive style artwork by co-owner Stu. It wraps up a love for the local music scene and our love of something a little abnormal. You can find this T and much more at the boutique located in Kensington Market, make sure to say hi, as most likely Bean or Stu themselves will be at the counter.
featuring fashions by Plastik Wrap, Futurstate, Victory & Vice, Cyeoms Clothing, The Rogue and the Wolf, Guy Latulippe, Christopher Bates, and more
photographer : Adam Zivo
creative director : Pretty Deadly Stylz
fashion stylist : Pretty Deadly Stylz
makeup artist : Larissa Palaszczuk of Blonde Moxie Makeup
hair stylist : Larissa Palaszczuk of Blonde Moxie Makeup
models : Sam L. at Spot6 and Madison D. at Spot6
It’s a hot one out there and this fun and edgy parasol by Retro-a- go-go will help save those pale complexions from one nasty burn. They’re mixing old school style and fun art prints for a new twist on the classic cherry blossom standard. Picking through the designs, I’m feeling it big time for this Bettie Page print by artist Olivia. Her sweet skill with a brush capturing those oh so lovely curves just makes me swoon. Pick up this parasol for taking a stroll, hanging out at the beach, camping out, going to concerts, and more. And when you aren’t wandering the great outdoors, you can hang it on the wall for instant art! In any case this parasol is definitely something worth taking a peek at.
The Retro-a-go-go Olivia Red Devil Bettie Page Parasol is available online for $21.99 at www.retroagogo.com.
The New Rules of Attraction written by Arden Leigh
reviewed by : Jennifer Link
In December 2011, when Auxiliary contributor Arden Leigh’s first book The New Rules of Attraction came out, I picked it up right away. I however didn’t read it for a few months. I wanted to read it but also it wasn’t a top priority on my large book shelve of things to read, as I am not in a position in my life to need advice on dating and getting into a new romantic relationship. Having now read the book I realize, this isn’t just a book about seducing new romantic partners, it is so much more. Arden doesn’t just offer a guide to seduction, she offers a guide to life.
New Rules starts off with tips on polishing your persona and appearance. As a person who believes in beauty in one’s life and the value of shaping one’s appearance and style to fit their aesthetic, this chapter spoke true to me. Next she moves on to building a good social status, and taking concern and an active role in how those in your scene and social circles perceive you. Next she lays out the steps to attracting people to yourself. Then she gives advice on taking that attraction and turning it into emotional connections. The last part of New Rules gives tips on how to manage and maintain your relationship once you get there. Then lastly, she offers insight on viewing seduction as a generous and life improving act rather than a manipulative and hurtful act. She states her code of ethics and that if we are hurtful and selfish in our seductions in life, we will get results that reflect our carelessness. She advises that all people have strategies for getting what they want, whether they are conscious of it or not, and that if we choose to actively think about them, we can improve their effectiveness. Throughout the book, I felt Arden was reinforcing the things many of us already know to be true, putting them into words, and telling you the things you need to hear, that we often forget. Things that seem so simple but when stated out loud you realize might have gotten lost in the messiness of living life.
I really valued the information in this book. I feel most anyone could gain something from it too. This book teaches you how to seduce beyond the dating world, it offers advice on seducing new friends to add value and excitement to your life, it offers advice on seducing new clients and fans, it offers advice on bringing to you the people you need and want in your life. The tactics in this book have many applications. New Rules is told from a viewpoint that those in the fetish scene, a subculture, or any way of life or thought that doesn’t fit perfectly into the mainstream, will really enjoy. There were tons of great stories on Arden’s time as a professional dominatrix that I am very excited and hopeful she releases the book on her life story as a pro-domme in NYC that she promises in the book.
for more from Arden Leigh check out her advice column Ask Arden in an issue of Auxiliary Magazine
interview by : Vanity Kills
photographer : Collective Chaos Photography
models : Marlo Marquise and Elegy Ellem
The law according to Collective Chaos states that going green and staying true to your indulgent, hedonistic roots don’t necessarily have to be mutually exclusive concepts. Environmentally responsible living doesn’t confine you to a life of Birkenstocks and shapeless hemp-woven sacks. It does however force you to rethink your contribution to the local landfill. One way to put the brakes on the over-consumption madness, so prevalent in modern society, is to reduce textile waste. How, you ask? For starters, pondering your fashion purchases long and hard before plunking down the plastic for clothing that sacrifices quality, longevity, and, frankly often, originality in favor of a more attractive (read: cheap) price point. Sure, that out-of-the-box mass produced one-size-allegedly-fits-all latex mini will cost you no more than a price of a movie ticket and medium popcorn, but how many wears will you truly get out of it before it inevitably rips and begins its funeral procession to the city dump. Need I even mention that ten other girls will probably be rockin’ it too? On the same night, in the same club. No, thanks. So what’s the sexiest, most wardrobe-enhancing way to put less stress on our planet’s valuable resources? Collective Chaos’s latex pieces answer that pressing question by fleshing out the well known conservation concept of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” in the most sensuous way yet. Simply reduce the amount of filler apparel, by buying the highest quality pieces you can really shine in (figuratively and literally). Reuse by investing in exceptionally versatile garments, which can easily be styled in a thousand different ways (the V-Luptuous dress immediately springs to mind). And if you wish to part with your garb, you can easily recycle all of Collective Chaos’s 100% biodegradable, fair trade manufacturer produced latex. Sustainability has never felt so sumptuous.
What’s the best way to ease into latex for those curious, yet unfamiliar with its second-skin bodyhugging feel? Which one of your pieces would you recommend for a first time wearer?
Aliona : Wearing latex feels much more natural than you may realize. Most people are familiar with the comforting tightness of workout clothes and the sensual feel of leather. Well, if you marry the two, adding a dose of shine, sensuality, glamour, and invincibility, you might get an idea of what latex feels like. It’s impossible to describe, it needs to be experienced. My best advice for popping the latex cherry would be to, one, test your allergies, two, learn how to properly wear and take care of it, and, three, opt for spending a bit more, but on a higher quality piece, too many people get turned off by buying a cheap sample that does not fit or last.
New video from singer-songwriter Zola Jesus for “Seekir” from her 2011 album Conatus. Fun fact, Auxiliary contributor Ariana Paoletti designed the ivory patent leather pointed belt worn by Nika (aka Zola Jesus) in this video!
Phil Western is an electronic musician whose work seems to transcend genres. Perhaps best known as one half of Download with Skinny Puppy’s Cevin Key, he has founded and contributed to various other projects working alongside some of the leading musicians in the genre. With his latest release, the compilation Laborandum a collection of materials from his various project and his solo project as Phil Western, he continues to forge ahead with his own career.
photographer : Adam Campbell
interview by : Hangedman
Auxiliary Magazine’s Hangedman managed to catch Phil Western for a conversation remotely while Western was working at a venue in Vancouver. As one of the founding fathers of Subconscious Communications and one half of Skinny Puppy related projects Download and Plateau, Phil Western talks about his history, his approach to music, and his obvious passion as an audiophile himself. Having worked in electronic music all of his life, Western has also ventured into solo work, transcending the work he does with his partner Cevin Key and the various other musicians and artists he has worked with. His latest compilation Laborandum due for release soon by Rustblade in Europe, is a carefully crafted selection of related work from across the Phil Western spectrum. Western shares with us his creative method, his foundation as a musician, and even hints that there’s more of Phil Western the solo artist to come on the horizon.
It goes without saying you have a number of projects that you have founded, collaborated on, touched, etc., then there’s your solo career. Can we get a debriefing of all things Phil Western?
Phil Western : That has changed a little bit over the years, just because my motivation to do solo work was kind of born out of frustration initially. (I don’t know how to put this without offending someone), I don’t know if you’ve heard about the Floatpoint and Off and Gone records? They came out before I ever worked with Cevin Key, so I had got it in my head that I was going to do electronic music either as a collaborative situation with Dan [Handrabur] who I was working with at the time, or by myself. Then Dwayne [Goettel] and I created this label, Subconscious Records, to release a 12 inch single and then Download was created and I was brought into that fold and I was doing that for a couple of years. We were making music [as Download] and we started to get a little bit of a following, but to me it seemed like that following was entirely the result of the fact that Skinny Puppy were such a huge band.
featuring fashions by Heavy Red, Fables by Barrie, and Too Fast
photographer : Zach Rose
creative director : Jennifer Link
fashion stylist : Jennifer Link
makeup artist : Nicole Barry
hair stylist : Erin Moser and Sarah Geraci
models : Paige Carson and Samm Haney
Kent Kaliber, best known for his scene stealing run on two Emmy Award Winning seasons of the CBS series The Amazing Race, and for being one of the most photographed male models in the world of commercial alternative fashion. He has appeared as special guest at virtually every comic convention you can think of, as well as music festivals from Bamboozle to the Warped Tour. The current host of Bar Sinister every Saturday night in Hollywood, Kent is this issue’s PinUp.
photographer : Steve Prue
fashion stylist : Arden Leigh
makeup artist : Anna Victoria H. Scheumann
hair stylist : Anna Victoria H. Scheumann
model : Kent Kaliber
interview by : Arden Leigh
AUXILIARY ONLINE CONTENT
[ additional images not seen in the June/July 2012 Issue ]
Fresh off tour and back in the studio, Jay Gordon talks to Auxiliary Magazine’s Arden Leigh about Orgy’s new sound and lineup, his ever-expanding work in electronica, and how one might end up throwing a fire axe into the ceiling of a dressing room.
photographer : Nate “Igor” Smith
makeup artist : Angie Peek
interview by : Arden Leigh
Recently you’ve been touring and writing with a new line-up for Orgy, and you’ve stated publicly that you wish to revive the band’s brand (something for which I’m personally very grateful, since I have missed the band very much since my days as a star struck teenager). What about the present moment inspired you to prioritize Orgy once again, and how do you feel its brand will differ (or stay the same) from its previous incarnations?
Jay Gordon : Well I’m glad that people haven’t forgotten about the band, and that was the main motivation behind the Revival, no pun intended. [laughs] That and one of the other main reasons is my son Jax wanting to get on stage with me and see the band play live. We’d been in hibernation status, since just before he was born. Seven years. Damn! I remember making the decision to finally get a new band together after Jax said, ‘Daddy, you said you were gonna take me on tour and get on stage with the band.’ I said, ‘That’s exactly what we are gonna do, so gimme a few weeks,’ and like magic it all came together with the new lineup. I don’t believe that there is any one thing that can make you want to do something more than when your kid looks at you and asks you to do it.
As for the branding situation, I have always embraced change as far as my musical endeavors go. I may not have been on the radar this entire time, but I did a lot of genre hopping and whatnot during that period of my life. I just never felt like anything I was writing was gonna be suitable for an Orgy release, so I shifted gears and tried to mess around with different ways to approach this part of my career. It all worked out for the best though.
I think you totally intended that pun, but hey, I’m titling this interview with one of your lyrics, so we’re even. Orgy has been known not only for its music but also for its style, which has been unique among other bands in its genre. In an interview you once referred to yourself as a “fashion bitch”. How would you define your personal style now, and is there a chance we’ll see you in that white suit again?
JG : [laughs] The dreaded ‘white suit’! I don’t think I’ll be wearing that one anytime soon. As far as style goes, I love fashion today, as I did back then, only I don’t drop nearly the kind of cash on a label as I used to.
Hostess of the popular cooking show Bitchin’ Kitchen on Food Network Canada and the Cooking Channel in the US, and releasing her second cook book, Cooking for Trouble, Nadia G is heating things up with her cooking, humor, and style!
interview by : Tasha Farrington
I don’t know about all of you out there, but here at Auxiliary we like to eat. When we’re looking for something inspiring and fun to cook, we run to one cooking show, Bitchin’ Kitchen, with its super stylish creator and hostess Nadia G! Nadia Giosia is a one of a kind and refreshing take on what’s on in the land of food TV. In 2007 Bitchin’ Kitchen debuted as a three-minute online show. It was a fun and lively show mixing comedy and food. Fan’s wanted more and in 2009 a cookbook came out to satisfy the masses titled Rock Your Kitchen and Let the Boys Clean Up the Mess. Attracting attention of the networks in 2010 Bitchin’ Kitchen premiered on Food Network Canada and in 2011 brought her bitchin’ style to the Cooking Channel in the US. This year her new cookbook, Cooking for Trouble, was released and it’s about time Auxiliary caught up with this fast paced cooking goddess!
Jumping right in… what’s the process for creating the show?
Nadia G : Bitchin’ Kitchen is a comedy cooking show. So we’ll choose a theme every week, break-up brunches, rehab recipes, dysfunctional family pizza night, do all the comedy on that theme and then cook a meal that goes with it.
You’ve often said that your grandmother, mother, and aunts could rival any of the top chefs and you take a lot of inspiration from their traditions. Where else do you find inspiration with regards to cooking recipes for the show?
NG : I love to eat, so I’ll go to a restaurant and say, ‘wow, this is a really amazing brown butter sauce, wouldn’t it be fantastic with apricots.’ Just tasting food that other cooks and chefs make is always very inspiring.
It’s been a lovely summer so far, in Canada we wrapped up the July long weekend and Canada’s 145th Birthday, and in the United States we saw the July 4th with their 236th Independence day. So it’s been a weekend of bar-b-ques, drinks, and the like, I should think for many of our readers. But besides being neighbors and sharing holidays close together, what do these two great countries share? How about the amazing designers behind the new clothing line Cherry Underground! Dalia and Nayara, from both Canada and the US, are working hard on this new line and with pieces like the “We Are the Dreamers” vest it’s easy to see why this line is keeping them busy and selling out. This one-of-a-kind, hand painted jean and hand studded American flag vest, that’s so perfect for the summer season but could be layered for those colder months down the road, is awesome. It’s a hand-made to order vest, each one is unique and if you want it customized it’s only $10 extra to individualize it even further!
The “We Are The Dreamers” American Flag studded Jean Vest is available online for $89 at www.cherryunderground.etsy.com.
The Angriest Critic isn’t always angry, sometimes he is as happy as a kid in a candy store, or a kid watching a film full of superheros.
by Adam Rosina
To be fair, what follows is just a tad bit too glowing of an endorsement to fit within my own narrow definition of what an objective film review is. So perhaps it’s best to think of it as more of a congratulations to the filmmakers, a piece of free advertising, or a “blowjob made of words”. I leave such assessments to the reader. Now, onward and EXCELSIOR!!!
So you may have heard about this little indie flick called The Avengers. No? Well, a few years back, Iron Man dropped, giving us all year long shit-eating grins, reminding us how handsome and charming Robert Downey Jr. is, and teaching us that alcoholism is an endearing personality quirk (the exact opposite lesson I’ve been teaching my friends and loved ones by way of my body and broken dreams over the last decade). After the credits rolled, director John Favreau threw the fanboys a bone in the form of Samuel Jackson portraying (“Ultimate” continuity) Nick Fury, who spoke three magic, game changing words, The Avengers Initiative. The geeks went apeshit as planned, but when the film became a runaway success, so did the rest of the world, and what started as a wink to the fans became the genesis of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Over the next few years, more films were released, detailing the origins of Thor, Captain America, and the Hulk, each interlacing with one another in one of the most ambitious attempts in cinematic world-building ever seen. All this was leading up to a massive crossover event, a phenomena familiar to comic fans but utterly alien to filmgoers (not “utterly Alien”, however, but the less said about AvP, the better). But who would helm this beast? Who could deliver the insane bombast expected of a half-dozen super-beings knocking the shit out of each other onscreen without letting it devolve into a loud, idiotic Bay-esque tumor inducer?? Enter Joss “Buffy, Angel, Firefly, and every other thing you’ve ever fucking loved” Whedon. With Whedon supervising the delivery, the baby that became The Avengers was born, and came to teach us a new lesson, that month straight we smiled after Iron Man wasn’t even remotely goddamn long enough.
