Visual.Curiosity

VC interviews Robyn Chalmers aka Fashionista 514

There is a certain je-ne-sais-quoi rocking the fashion world and style bloggers are writing themselves up to VIP status. Once reserved for the celebrity-star and magazine editor elite; pop fashion bloggers from all around the world are gaining star power within the industry, and are being invited to sit along with fashion’s in-crowd. Major designers are now looking to catch the wave and test the surfability of fashion’s new generation bloggers, so scoot over and make room for our very own Fashionista514.

Sidenote: All this blogging hoopla is in thanks to the original fashion blogger Scott Schuman aka the The Satorialist. He is acclaimed to starting this huge influx of style blogging craziness.

VC interview with Fashionista514

I was staring at those 4 inch heels and wondered if this was a regular everyday thing. So I asked and she said; “I never wear heels below 4 inches.” And then I thought to myself, “Okay I’m not the only one she towers over…”

“Fashion is personal. Fashion is whatever suits your lifestyle”~ Fashionista514

VisualCuriosity (VC) I know you’re originally a make-up artist, but what gave you the idea to launch Fashionista514? What is Fashionista514 all about and what are you trying to do ?

Fashionista514 (F514) Well at the beginning it was just for personal satisfaction. Spur of the moment type thing. Late in the summer I realized that my blog started to get attention and I was getting positive feedback from a lot of people, then I started the facebook fan page and things just picked up from there. After one year I’ve decided to take it to the next level. I’m off to New York this weekend for a blogging conference, so its pretty serious, but also I’ll be spending the weekend over there with my hubbie : ) It is Valentine’s weekend afterall!

*First Pug interruption: 3 pugs going at and it’s not a pretty picture. Quite the noisy bunch these poopin horny pugs*

F514 – This one’s a bitch..super protective of her toys!

F514 I have contracts with other blogs to run social media activities. I support local fashion designers and I want to share my opinions of what I honestly find really cool. If I’m not feeling something then I won’t write about it; straight up. I decide what goes on the blog.

VC – It seems like you are just a tad bit in love with fashion So it makes sense that you are trying to make something happen with your blog. What do you think about the fashion scene here in the city? Would you consider it a fashiony type town?

F514 – I think Montreal is very fashionable, but in a different way. Its not like Europe at all, there is definitely more of an urban style here, and in Canada in general . Montreal is really good with trendiness but at the same time we make it our own. I find Toronto a bit more on the conservative side and there is more of a corporate feeling. I think fashion here is just a part of people’s lives in general, and its not so much about brands either. Fashion is very accessible in Montreal.

F514 – Sometimes it could be a bit out there, because of the people that live here. Montreal is a party city and there is a strong artsy influence in this town, hence the cool wackiness.

VC – Since you’re the expert, if you could only go to 1 boutique or store in the city to fulfill your fashion needs, where would you go and why? And for the dudes?

F514 – Just one?! Okay okay, favourite places to go to are on rue de la Montagne and Sherbrooke. Mon Amour Boutique. Holt Renfrew in the DVF section.. She’s a designer in her 40s. The dresses just fit me so well…but of course with any designer label they are quite pricey so its only for special occasions

For more afforadable fashion, I prefer Forever 21

For the dudes; right off St. Laurent there is a small boutique called DUO. They have some slick clothing. I also really like the John Varvatos look for guys! Very sleek but stylishly comfortable. For some reason I think with Menswear they focus more on textures and quality, and as a result it becomes more luxurious…

VC – Last but not least, where do you see Fashionista514 by the end of the year or for that matter the next couple years ?

F514 – Not sure, I just hope it keeps going in the right direction and continues to grow. I’ll be putting a lot of time into my work and at the end, if the blog is widely recognized then I’ll start moving to bigger and cooler things as I continue with my goals. I really can’t believe I get paid for doing what I do!!! It is really hard to believe.

At first, I wanted to work with a fashion magazine, but now since I’m getting my own contracts….you know it’s a just a sweet feeling.

VC – Well I’m sure you are headed in the right direction. Appreciate your time Robyn. Have a great Valentine’s Day weekend!

I’m currently working on a few projects, and thought I shed some light on one I’ve been working on the last little bit. The project is called “Western Perspective” and it focuses on the under-reported everyday aspects of the Islamic faith; a side that is pretty much ignored by mainstream media.

On a side note, almost all forms of western media report extreme cases of people participating in unfathomable acts of terror and labelling them Muslim extremists. I might be walking a fine line to some, but why even use the word Muslim? Alright they might claim to be of the Islamic faith in their misconstrued minds, but by carelessly labelling them as Muslims instigates fear and paranoia. Sorry to tell you folks but this is exactly what these people want, and unfortunately the majority of people are caught in this web of nonsense. It doesn’t really matter what religion you belong to, and to put it frankly, if you are an extreme nut job then you are an extreme nut job regardless of your religion.

I was reading Brent Foster’s blog and ran into a video link about a photographer/teacher named Dave LaBelle that he posted. After watching the video clip I then started to re-think my own position and reflect on the few things I’ve learnt this year. I always knew that life as a photographer/photojournalist would be difficult and that it would require a lot of mental strength, determination and motivation. I underestimated these three and my expectations have gotten me into trouble. We have to accept that there will be times where you might feel hopeless, where you feel your work just isn’t good enough, but from my own experiences this is when you need to push yourself the most. You need to push yourself regardless, even if you don’t want to be pushed.

My first year working in the industry has taught me many things, but at the same time it dampened my spirits and at times hindered my aspirations. Things didn’t seem so rosy at one point and my goals as a photographer/photojournalist were proving to be more difficult than I ever expected. I’ve chosen a tough gig to follow folks, it’s pretty cut-throat and competitively fierce.

Before returning to Canada I thought things would fall into place quite easily, and figured that I could make things happen within a year, maybe even quicker it was my country after all, my comfort zone. Oh boy was I wrong. It’s taking a lot more time to develop and build something meaningful and my youthful optimism has once again gotten the best of me and led me to some disappointment.

After a few years of trying to integrate into a new country, I found myself again in a similar situation, but this time trying to re-integrate myself into my own country. The latter in my case proving to be more difficult. I knew my surroundings, and my environment was frighteningly familiar, but even among the familiarity there were other aspects of life happening before me that added to the growing puzzle. Moving away from a fairly solid structure in France to pursue my long-term goals of becoming a photographer/photojournalist was an easy decision to make and it made a lot of sense to start at home. It didn’t really matter if I had no structure upon my return, I wasn’t in school, I didn’t have a job, my family was in Winnipeg, and my friends were scattered in other cities across the world. We all make choices that make us or break us, and over time I was just mentally fatigued. Now with the year ending I do feel a tad bit wiser, and even though I got side-tracked a bitter reality check was required to get me back on the right path.

This video clip has reminded me of why I came back home in the first place. Mr. LaBelle has many things to teach and offer us; as photographers and as people, so watch the clip and absorb what you can. In my experiences thus far, I found that surrounding yourself with good people, people you can learn from, people who genuinely want to help you, support you, and share their knowledge can make a world of a difference. You’ll come out of it with a better mindset, your vision and goals would be clearer, and overall, you’ll become a better person. And this is what it’s all about my friends, we all strive to be better than we are today and we’ll all eventually learn these things on our own.

Keep capturing those moments!!!!

Caught by surprise, we at Phototerra Studio just came to realize a few weeks ago that our beloved head photographer Michael Greenberg was selected as one of the top 10 wedding photographers in Canada. Sorry I don’t mean to boast, but my boss, mentor turned friend has earned “cream of the crop” status in Canada. Aren’t I one lucky son of a gun to be alongside one of the best in the industry!?

Here’s the press release; make sure to check out the other studios too! Top 10 in Canada

I took a train down to Toronto yesterday for an old buddy’s wedding, and let me tell you, he was the last guy I thought would tie the knot. It blows my mind; either way congrats to the fellow.

Aside from this lovey dovey endeavour, I think I’ll start my day off with a stroll in the distillery district. Picked up “Where” magazine the Toronto edition and its pretty much identical to the Paris edition I freelanced for, but I ain’t no trendy go-getter so no big whoop for me. Hmmm….now that I think of it, I’m staying in the distillery district; apparently it’s a happening place and I’m ready to stroll among the dog walkers…Hmmmmm, no it is not true, it’s just a big coincidence….a very big coincidence

..the people who have inspired us throughout our lives…Today I remember an old friend of mine; a fellow photographer, traveller and activist, Gabian Devin James. He was an inspiration to me and influenced the direction of my life greatly. While I was stuck behind classroom walls, he was out in the world trying to make a difference.

We grew up in the same neighbourhood, went to the same elementary school and high school, and attended the same university. Although we didn’t truly cross paths till the summer of 2003 in Montréal, it was only then, I realized how much we had in common.

Obituary

GIBRAN DEVIN JAMES (published on September 12, 2006)

GIBRAN DEVIN JAMES May 24, 1979 – September 8, 2006 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our loving son and brother, Devin James. He leaves to mourn his beloved mother Bebi; father Jagat (Charles); brother Tony; sister-in-law Shanta; and nephew Rashad. Devin will be sadly missed by his grandma Gourie (Duxin) and numerous aunts and uncles in Canada, USA, and the Caribbean including Budzo (Laila), Sally (Crown), Shireen (Leslie), Salim (Zally), Roy (Zebbie), Leila (Matt), Buddy (Gale), Anand (Joan), Rohini (Henry), Indira (Nigel), Prem (Data), Rohan (Lata), Naren (Hannah), Gayatri, Sattie (Richard), and Seeta (Baney). His many cousins, especially those nearest to him, will forever cherish his pleasant company.

Devin was predeceased by his maternal grandmother and grandfather, Zaroon and Latiff Jabar; aunt Dolly; and his paternal grandfather Reuben James. Our loving Devin graduated from Red River College (Diploma in Information Systems Technology with Honours) and the University of Manitoba (Bachelor of Commerce Honours).

Though his life was short, he touched many lives. He volunteered his services in Vietnam and Bangladesh, providing IT expertise to uplift the lives of those less fortunate. His heart was pure and his body was strong. With his quiet, reserved demeanour, our thoughtful, caring and compassionate son and brother looked at the world as a global family. Race, religion ethnicity and social status never influenced nor diminished his desire to give of himself.

Sincere thanks to all our friends, relatives and neighbours who provided us their unwavering love and support during these difficult times. Devin, we will forever love you and will miss you tremendously. You will always be in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. May Allah bless your soul and give you a peaceful resting place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus. INNAA LILLAAHI WA INNAA ILAYHI-RAAJI- UUN Verily from Allah (ST) we came and to Him we are returning

I was suprised to learn today that Canada has the largest Tamil population outside Sri Lanka; up to 400,000 Tamil people as of 2009. This mere fact has helped me understand why the Tamil Canadian community has turned to our government for help. But as Canadians, do we have a role in this dilemma? We definitely should be defending our fellow Canadians, but is it our duty to act on behalf of our citizens in their native countries during a human crisis, especially when the crimes being committed are claimed to be genocide? So far our current government has put the issue aside. These are some tough questions that need to be addressed, and further analysis will be required to figure out where we should draw the line.

People like Vijayannmar and Kalpana have been tirelessly trying to get the government to intervene in Sri Lanka.