Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success and Happiness: A Look Behind the Scenes at UNVOGUE Magazine

Today, at the brand new Dex New York Studio (224 West 30th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues), I had the unique opportunity to watch the beginnings of a photo shoot for a unique new, bi-monthly online magazine called UNVOGUE http://www.unvogue.com/, and get some one-on-one time with the people who really make it happen, including the charming Editor-n-Chief K. Tyson Perez, and Dexter Phillips, founder of Dex NY Studio. It was really an unusual, all-access opportunity for some of the industry's top fashion bloggers and online press to check out a new publication that is definitely going place.

Tyson Perez, a Parsons-trained celebrity fashion stylist says the concept of UNVOGUE was born after last season's Fashion Week. Perez says he was completely turned off by the bad behavior and exclusivity of the tents. "I couldn't stand the anger and the bickering, and the push to be in the front row," he explains. "What does this say to my generation (he's 30) and younger generations? So the stylist gathered a talented team, and decided to target the 15-26 year old crowd who is interested in fashion, but not into the rigid, status-quo. What kind of magazine is UNVOGUE? Well, as the name suggests, it's not trying to be "Anna's" mag. It will provide information about fashion, cultural issues, music, and entertainment (and, beauty/wellness was my suggestion for a needed addition). The vibe is fresh, the attitude, almost communal in it's open-ness. With humor and style," the magazine offers reader interaction, and encourages suggestions for future content (when was the last time you found anyone at Vogue asking what do you want to see or wear?").

Talking to Tyson, you get the feeling that his new venture just has to succeed. He's intelligent, and very, very genuine about his efforts. he needn't worry--it seems that UNVOGUE is on everyone's radar. And, although the demographic is young, I didn't find it unwelcoming or exclusionary for those over a certain age. The models are gorgeous, the photography, creative and pleasing. But UNVOGUE is the anti-Vogue, as described in the Editor's opening letter: "“A magazine that dictates your every fashion move is UNVOGUE. An editor who tells you what you must have to be apart of the “In” crowd is so UNVOGUE. If you are clearing out your closet every six months because a journalist or stylist said to, that is soo UNVOGUE… A magazine that realizes that its readers are of many races, sizes, colors, religions, economic backgrounds and that they too would love to see themselves represented in the pages they dash to purchase is so UNVOUGE."

And what do UNVOGUE readers want? Hip, young designers such as Mal Sirrah and Malan Breton, and other designers catering to wardrobe budgets ranging from anywhere from $200 to $2000 for a single piece, to $5000-$10,000 for a total look. While the pages are filled with pricey duds and accessories, there are some modestly priced pieces, too. UNVOGUE doesn't mean "poor." The magazine "suggests" a look, but never tries to insist that it's a "must-have."
Do you want a taste of UNVOGUE, too? You can read the first issue online at: http://www.unvogue.com/ You'll find the website user-friendly, with some interesting touches. The first issue is small, but there is still plenty to enjoy. Since it's an online publication, it's eco-friendly. Once you've finished reading and re-reading it at your leisure, you don't have to dump it in the recycle bin, so you're saving time, and trees, too.

I wasn't going to be able to stay for the actual photo shoot, but when I asked what was in store for future issues I was told: "bigger and better." So here is a glimpse of what you might expect to see in the next issue of UNVOGUE, at least:

After speaking to Tyson, I got a chance to chat with Dexter Philips. The spacious, Dex New York Studio is 7th Avenue's newest 6000 sq. ft. production studio for editorial and commercial photography (a music video was shot there just last week). The space has a 805 sq. ft. photo gallery, 16.5 ft. ceiling, on-site equipment rental, client area and studio lounge, beauty atrium with natural lighting, access to hair and make-up artists, pro make-up studio and styling stations, wardrobe equipment and dressing area, Mac computer station, extensive music library and Wi-Fi access. The full service salon is open to the public and I promise: sitting in the spacious makeup studio, you can't help but feel like you're a star or model, preparing to be runway-ready

and there's a brand new Dex line of cosmetics, too. Launching this Spring, the all natural minerals makeup line is unique. Instead of just the usual, "natural" and "earthy" colors, Dex's line takes runway trends and transforms them into trendy cosmetics with the same benefits as traditional minerals makeup. The cream foundation is antioxidant and anti-aging properties, and SPF 15. The pressed foundation has SPF 8. A bunch of loose powder minerals eye colors are intense and colorful, with hues ranging from purple to hot pink. You can see some of the lip gloss pots in the photo, too. To the right in the photo above you can see a light-reflecting Shimmer Lotion, a sheer liquid that gives skin a pretty glow, and it has SPF 20. An all natural, sunless tanner is also a plus in the line. The AdviceSisters will be giving you a more thorough review and a "sneak peek" at the entire product line in an upcoming What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review column, so watch for it.

Of course, these cosmetics were used on the models for the UNVOGUE Shoot. Here is makeup artist (and Production Manager) Alice An, with model Topacio. According to An, the UNVOGUE issue that this shoot was for is The "Pink" Issue, and the look was pink, clean and fresh. Naturally, pink was used on the models, including a clear, bright, sheer pink blush that looks universally flattering.

Amanda models the finished look. Hair Stylist Naomi Borto said the look for the hair was young, loose waves, not too serious, and just a bit "teenagerish." Echoline F-1-2 was used for shine and to protect hair against heat styling. I also noticed some Matrix product being used (for shine and control) as well.