The Bowtie Memoirs: Qlix Magazine

Showing posts with label Qlix Magazine. Show all posts

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Hey, Mr. Bowtie... Where have you been?

Saturday, January 22, 2011:

Holy smokes - it has been too long, my friends! Even now, as I began to type the date, I slip and write '2010' before correcting myself and editing it back to '2011.' A whole new year? So much has happened since I last posted and I must first apologize for being away from you for so long! I can assure you that I have been busy making connections and creating new opportunities to share with you here. So, let me fill you in...

As you all know, the holidays came and went - and with them, was the one year anniversary of the very first Bowtie Memoirs post, called 'And so it begins...' It was one year ago on November 5, 2009 that I sat down and began a journey that has taken me to some of the most fantastic events in Chicago and connected me with some of the most stellar individuals I have ever had the honor of meeting. So, although a little late - please join me in wishing my baby, The Bowtie Memoirs, a very Happy 1st Birthday! Without your support, I couldn't continue to bring you the best in fashion and industry events that this city has to offer. So, a big 'THANK YOU' to you, Chicago!

In other news: I have recently began a new endeavor into the world of podcasting. Recently, I joined three fabulous women - all Chicago fashion professionals - to begin our very own podcast! Affectionately named, Speaking of Fashion, our podcast "aims to inspire communication about fashion and it's place in our every day lives." Each voice brings something different to the coffee table - featuring Rachel Yeomans (Social Engagement Consultant, publisher/editor-in-chief of TheWorkingWardrobe.com and RachelYeomans.tumblr.com), Tenisha Anderson (editor-in-chief of Qlix Magazine), Kari Skaflen (editor-in-chief of Above the Fray) and myself (Director of Runway for Agency Galatea, editor-in-chief of The Bowtie Memoirs). With such busy schedules, we record when we can - about once every few weeks - and recently we have completed two podcasts. Each is pasted below for your listening pleasure (simply click on the link):

Speaking of Fashion - Topic #1:

"Social Media & Technology in the Fashion Industry"

Speaking of Fashion - Topic #2:

"The Fashion Publishing Industry - Independent vs. Mainstream"

I certainly hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoy recording. We always welcome your feedback, as well as your suggestions for future topics. So, what are you waiting for? Join the conversation! (And, hey - check us out on Facebook, already...)

Well, my friends, I think that is it for now. I certainly appreciate the patience you offered while I took some time to re-group after the holidays. On a personal note, I would like to also thank all of my friends and family who have supported me through one of the biggest challenges of my life: quitting smoking. Today, I am proud to say, is my nineteenth day without a cigarette and I have never felt more confident, motivated and enthusiastic about the smoke-free life ahead of me. I know that, just by making the choice to quit, I have changed the course of my life. (Which I find to be pretty awesome.)

Moving forward, I urge you to keep your eyes on The Bowtie Memoirs, as I will have new, exciting event posts coming up for you very soon! (You don't want to miss my photos and insight from this past Thursday - the Fall/Winter 2012 launch of a stellar Chicago menswear line called J.Cheikh.) More to come on that tomorrow!

Until then, Chicago - stay stylish... The Bowtie is BACK!

Truly,

R.M.B.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

The Mayor's Fashion Council of Chicago Presents: The Fashion Focus Kick-Off Event at 'The W'

Monday, October 18, 2010:

After a long Monday at the Agency Galatea office, it was time to begin the madness: a week-long celebration of the fashion that our fine city has to offer. To kick-off Fashion Focus, now in it's sixth year - the Mayor's Fashion Council of Chicago held a swanky soiree at the W Chicago - Lakeshore, located on the 33rd floor in the Altitude Room. The view was brilliant - boasting cityscape views on the west side of the circular space, and offering a spectacular look at Lake Michigan from the east. I arrived early with my fabulous boss, Marie P. Anderson and we took in the scenes and the fashions that were displayed around the room. The party began to quickly fill up with the 'top dogs' of fashion and industry in attendance to begin the celebration. Many faculty from my alma mater, the Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago, had attended the event as well and it was so good to catch up with Michael Johnson, Jill Hinrichs and Karen Janko.

Justin Meister, Chicago Fashion Incubator 2010 Designer-In-Residence

Miriam Cecilia Carlson of Miriam Cecilia, Ryan M. Beshel and Marie P. Anderson:

DJ Matt Roan:

Photography by Patrick Pyszka, City of Chicago

As we sipped our 'fashion-tinis', we were treated to a stellar set of tracks spun by none other than DJ Matt Roan - one of Chicago's best DJ's (and quite the snappy dresser, if I do say.) I scanned the room and was overwhelmed with the amount of people I wanted to talk to - it was as if all my industry buds were in one place - yet so little time! I was so glad to run into James Goeke - sporting a killer emerald green leather coat - and his friend Royce Oliver, who looked dashing as well. Around another corner I spotted the wonderful Tenisha Anderson - Queen of Qlix Magazine, and Jada Russell - Head Honcho for High Style Marketing. Across the room I saw one of my mentors, Barbara Glass of InFashionChicago.com with Tracey Tarantino (Zzazz Productions) and Andrea Schwartz (External & Media Relations - Macy's North Division) - all looking lovely. Before I slid out into the cool October evening, I got a chance to give Kiran Advani (Spokesperson for the Mayor's Fashion Initiative) and Borris Powell (Owner - Borris Powell Designs) a big hug. (P.s. Kiran should get a medal for all the work she has done to keep Chicago fashion moving forward - and for being so cute.)

Tracey Tarantino, Andrea Schwartz, and Barbara Glass:

Royce Oliver, Jada Russell, and James Goeke:

Photography by Patrick Pyszka, City of Chicago

After a few more goodbyes (and am impromptu chat with adorable freelance writer, Molly Each), I hopped the elevator back down to the city streets, excited for the week ahead. After all, there were six more events in front of me and thirty two more hours in the office to tackle...

Fashion Focus was off to a strong start.

Truly,

R.M.B.

Kiran Advani, Ryan M. Beshel, and Chicago Designer Borris Powell:

Joey Grant (Publisher - Mint Male Magazine),

Josh Shores (Director of Fashion - Mint Male Magazine), and Justin Meister:

Photography by Patrick Pyszka, City of Chicago

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Qlix Is HERE (and there and everywhere).

September 22, 2010:

Over a year ago, I sat down to meet with a very motivated and talented woman, with a love for emerging fashion. (A woman after my own fashion heart.) We met at a Starbucks and she told me about a very special magazine that she was creating. This was the first time I had heard about Qlix Magazine. This creative format was one that I had never seen in any Chicago magazine - it was something fresh and exciting to our industry. Tenisha Anderson was her name, and Qlix Magazine was 'her baby'.

Time had passed, we kept in touch and then I received an invite that made me clear my evening immediately. It was the official (and very exclusive) launch party for the magazine's second issue. I arrived early at JBar with Paige Peterson and Miriam Cecilia Carlson and was warmly greeted by Jada Russell - Owner & Principal Publicist for High Style Marketing (also a great friend of Tenisha's and event planner). We sipped a cocktail, had a bite to eat and looked through Qlix while waiting to hear Tenisha speak. As stated earlier, the format is much different than other magazines. Instead of your typical format, Qlix is laid out like a series of posters and collectors cards. This allows the reader a much different experience when reading, as well as a piece of art to keep for yourself (see below).

When it was time, Barbara Glass - a very special woman, blogger and great friend - took a moment to introduce Tenisha and the magazine that she has poured her heart into. Once complete, Tenisha - publisher/editor-in-chief/founder of the mag - told us of her passionate journey from Day One to today. After tears were wiped away (by most of the crowd), the event resumed and the fabulous folks shared drinks, laughs and a bunch of hugs in celebration of this day and all the work that Tenisha has accomplished.

Barbara Glass, Tenisha Anderson & Jada Russell:

On a personal note, I want to thank Tenisha for inspiring our industry to push forward and create something that has never been done in our city. Her persistence and drive is a testament to anyone who has a dream that they hold deep inside. I am so proud of all the work that she has done - while never giving up - and I am honored to call her my friend.

Keep pushing, Tenisha!

We are all behind you.

Much love and positive energy,

RMB

Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Ryan M. Beshel & Paige Peterson: