GLAM Life Blog

T-Vice Resan Album Listening Party

Posted on: Friday, May 17, 2013

As you’ve probably gathered by now, we love being Haitian. Knowing our history? Check. Speaking creole? Check. Eating (and even kind of cooking) Haitian cuisine? Double check. Staying up to date with the konpa/kompa/compas world? Not so much.

Yesterday Maika and I were discussing how we wanted to listen to more popular Haitian music when we serendipitously saw online that T-Vice’s new album Resan was coming out that very day and that they invited all media to attend their album listening party. Seeing it as a sign from the musical gods, we decided to attend.

Our first ever listening party, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect but after a slow start, the press conference began and lead singer Roberto Martino discussed the inspiration behind Resan and then the journalists had a chance to ask questions.

When it was our turn, Maika had Roberto, Eddy Viau, and Guy Francois all give their takes on how T-Vice uses their music to reach out to first-generation Americans like us who may not be as familiar with Haitian culture and ways to encourage young Haitians abroad to get excited about their homeland and even, I daresay, visit. Check out their exchange below:

We’ve listened to the album and we’re impressed. Two thumbs up!

My personal favorites were “Ma Cherie Je T’aime” (my all-time favorite T-Vice song “Toi et Moi” was actually written by the same member Olivier Duret), the title track “Resan”, and “Lage Bonm Nan” from kanaval.

Oh, and don’t fret if you missed T-Vice this past Thursday. The band will be busy all weekend long promoting their newest sounds and you’ll have a few more opportunities to see them perform live:

Friday May 17: Doubletree Airport Hotel
Saturday, May 18: Turks & Caicos (and if you don’t see yourself going all the way over to another country but still need a dose of compas, head over to the Fifteenth Annual Haitian Compas Festival at Bayfront Park)
Sunday, May 19: FIU North Campus AND Revolution Live FLL
Monday, May 20: Café Iguana Pines

Check out the T-Vice Facebook page for more details.

Guy Francois Jr. the Vice-Consul of Cultural Affairs and Tourism for Haiti and T-Vice Maestro Reynaldo

Me with T-Vice Manager (and mother of Roberto and Reynoldo) Jessie Al-Khal— the ultimate “momager”?

Who are your favorite Haitian music artists? Any favorite songs?

Studying Abroad in Spain: Final Adventures

Posted on: Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Hola, peeps!

I’m officially back in the US, but I wanted to share my final adventures in Madrid.

My last day consisted of a very thorough and free teeth cleaning, courtesy of the health care provider of my study abroad program and Spain’s socialist ways.

Look at those beauties! And our teeth, too!

Later on in the afternoon, I went souvenir shopping in “La Tienda de Souvenirs,” which means the souvenir store in English, with a friend to buy some lovely and typical recuerdos from Spain and bring them back home.

Super close by to the store, however, is El Real Jardin Botanico which was BEAUTIFUL. (And that’s saying something considering the fact that I hate nature and most things that don’t take place indoors). The garden consists of exhibits, different giant gardens, and “flower of the month” related events. How cute, right?

That same night I also went to Cafe Kino, the smallest theater in Spain, to watch “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” with some friends. Cafe Kino has a grand total of 12 seats but a giant screen, which made for a pretty fun ambiance. The cafe has some of the yummiest snacks I’ve had in Spain.

Sign Outside of Cafe Kino. Que guay

Mmm… Red velvet cupcake with white chocolate on the inside.

I was even able to visit some more museums, (which was no easy feat considering the metro strikes that took place Wednesday and Thursday) but I needed to make the best out of my final 24 hours, and I did just that!

What would you do on your last day abroad? Let me know in the comments!

XOXO,

Jessica

Carla Silva – Fashion Designer & Philanthropist

Posted on: Monday, May 13, 2013

For the next few weeks we will be showcasing some amazing Haitian and African fashion designers. Allow us to introduce our first artist, Carla Silva!

An Angolan fashion designer working with fashion for over 21 years, Carla Silva attended the Visual Arts Course at the Antonio Arroyo School in Portugal, having finished the distance-learning course in Fashion Design. Carla Silva has further developed her creative talents with style and glamour creating truly unique designs using a combination of African (her origin), and European fabrics. Her designs have been showcased in different projects and events in Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Ghana, EUA and Portugal to name a few. She has shop-galleries in Angola and Mozambique to develop her brand.

____________

GLB: What is your latest project?

CS: [I’m] finalizing my new collection: “THE TANGO PASSION”: African Fabrics adapted to the Argentine Passion Dance.

GLB: Where do you get inspiration?

CS: My trips along my Africa (West, Eastern, and Southern Africa). My land, has so [many amazing] sounds, colors and smells which I want to transmit in all my collections.

GLB: How did you get started in fashion design?

CS: 21 years ago with some wedding dresses. My friends felt [that they were] so good and invited me to extend [sic].

GLB: We love the message behind United Colors of Fashion (UCOF) and its idea of “fashion for humanity”— what could be better than supporting gifted underprivileged fashion designers and providing financial assistance to those living with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia, or paralysis in South Africa and Asia? How did you become involved in this movement?

CS: When Ciano Clerjuste invited me [to become a part of UCOF], I immediately answered: YES. As an African citizen, I am aware of all the diseases that are killing our people and [leaving] our children without families. Fashion, with its Power and Media support, must be one important player [in bringing awareness]. UCOF is making miracles in Africa, so we need to be with them.

GLB: What are some obstacles that you’ve faced? How have you overcome them?

CS: Every day I face new challenges, because doing Fashion based in Africa isn’t easy: logistic issues, fabrics, prices and support, are a few concerns. African designers need to have passion and [tenacity] to proceed with their dreams.

GLB: What is one tip that you would give anyone to live a marvelous life?

CS: Fight for your dreams. Nothing can be achieved without work, but success is so good!

Check out more of Carla’s beautiful designs:

Closing One Chapter to Begin Another

Posted on: Thursday, May 9, 2013

This past Saturday I graduated from college with my degree in women’s studies!

Everyone always says how undergrad flies by and I finally understand.

One day, I’m a senior graduating from high school, looking in the wrong camera and the next, well… I’m a senior, graduating from college, looking in the wrong camera.

Just in case you were wondering what was going on underneath the gown:

Dress: Duro Olowu for JCPenney || Shoes: Stolen (thanks Sandy!) || Necklace: H&M

I truly feel like the world is my oyster.

Honey Shine Hats Off Luncheon

Posted on: Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending Honey Shine Inc.’s 11th Annual Hats Off Luncheon at Jungle Island. Honey Shine members, or Lady Bugs, pulled out their best hats and came to support the mentoring program.

This year’s theme was “Peace, Love, Honeyshine” and the entire venue was decorated in retro chic 60′s decor and bright colors. Honey Shine mentees, or Honey Bugs as they’re called, were all made up and ready for their big show.

Honey Bugs having fun!

I manage the social media for Honey Shine, and in addition to sending out tweets and helping out where I could, I also interviewed Louis Aguirre of DECO Drive and WSVN TV FOX 7 and Honey Bugs Yolanda and Quanthavia who helped host and MC the event.

1. Quanthavia, me, and Yolanda after our interview. | 2. Over 600 guests attended this year’s Hats Off Luncheon! | 3. Tracy Wilson Mourning thanked everyone for coming out and making the event a major success.

4. Honey Bugs performed during the Honey Bug Showcase portion of the luncheon. | 5. Quanthavia, Yolanda, and Louis Aguirre took care of their host and MC duties! | 6. Honey Bugs wrapped up the showcase with handwritten poster boards declaring their love for Honey Shine.

It’s always an experience hearing Tracy talk about Honey Shine, how she’s grown as an individual, and the impact that the mentoring program has on the lives of these young girls. She’s an amazing orator and really knows how to connect with her audience.

I have to give a special thank you to my sister Maritza who helped make my job just a little bit easier. She was definitely a trooper throughout the day!

Sweater: H&M || Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft || Belt: Old || Skirt: Forever 21 || Shoes: Target (Mossimo)

Our day wouldn’t be complete without some silliness!

Earrings: Target || Dress: Asos || Bracelet: Old || Shoes: Target (xhilaration)

I feel so honored to have played a role in this event. It’s crazy to think that not too long ago, I was a recent college grad with no job prospects and I was driving myself crazy trying to figure out my next step. My how things have changed — blessed doesn’t even begin to describe it!

<3 Maika

T-Vice Resan Album Listening Party

Posted on: Friday, May 17, 2013

Studying Abroad in Spain: Final Adventures

Posted on: Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Carla Silva – Fashion Designer & Philanthropist

Posted on: Monday, May 13, 2013

Closing One Chapter to Begin Another

Posted on: Thursday, May 9, 2013

Honey Shine Hats Off Luncheon

Posted on: Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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