New York City personifies energy, fashion-forward thinking, and unparalleled access to the world’s most coveted art and design. Illuminating the scene is the launch of the new NYC Jewelry and Vintage Show (NYCJAVS), a dynamic monthly pop-up event that will transform the Metropolitan Pavilion into a treasure trove of vintage jewelry, fashion, art objects, accessories, and watches. The highly anticipated event kicks off on October 26, 2024, continuing monthly with upcoming dates on November 29-30 and December 13-14, 2024, and January 25, 2025. Each showing promises a unique, fresh experience for collectors, enthusiasts, and those eager to explore the world of vintage design.
Stepping into the NYC Jewelry and Vintage Show is stepping into another era—one where craftsmanship, originality, and history take center stage. Upon entering the Metropolitan Pavilion, guests are surrounded by curated collections from vendors across the United States. Each hand-selects their finest offerings of vintage fashion and accessories. Whether a seasoned collector seeking a rarity, a fashion aficionado looking for inspiration, or someone curious about art, NYCJAVS immerses one in a world of creativity. The show’s thoughtfully curated selection promises something for everyone, from exquisite Victorian and Edwardian rings and necklaces to retro designer fashion. Each piece tells its own story, inviting attendees to admire beauty while learning about craftsmanship and personal journey behind each piece. More than a marketplace— the NYC Jewelry and Vintage Show is a community event, bringing together passionate collectors and creatives who understand the value of preserving and celebrating the past.
Konstantinos Leoussis, Founder of NYCJAVS and parent company, KIL Promotions, emphasizes the importance of creating an experience that resonates on a personal level. “The NYC Jewelry and Vintage Show is designed to be an unforgettable journey through vintage fashion and jewelry,” Konstantinos explains. “We want our visitors to discover pieces that speak to them, pieces that are as unique as they are. The show is about bringing people together to celebrate fashion and style that endures decades.”
Held monthly at the Metropolitan Pavilion, located in Chelsea’s thriving art and fashion district, NYCJAVS promises to be a regular highlight for those who value high-quality vintage finds. The accessible location and recurring schedule make it easy for attendees to return time and time again, always discovering new treasures and engaging with vendors who are as passionate about their pieces as the people who buy them. Each show will offer a fresh selection, offering a new and exciting experience with each visit, allowing the fashion-forward to refresh their wardrobes and jewelry collections with exclusive vintage finds. With a unique opportunity to engage directly with vendors, personal connections forged at NYCJAVS are as valuable as the jewels themselves— an enriching experience that goes beyond shopping. For many, the event is a chance to learn about the cultural and historical significance of the pieces on display, sparking new interests in vintage design and inspiring personal style choices that are rooted in the past while resonating with modern sensibility and style.
The NYCJAVS team provides an accessible, inclusive, and engaging atmosphere where anyone—from long-time collectors to the artsy curious—can find something they love. Ultimately, the show is a celebration of timeless design, offering a place where past and present merge seamlessly, and where the next great addition to your wardrobe or collection is waiting to be discovered.
As the opening date of October 26 approaches, anticipation for the new NYC Jewelry and Vintage Show grows. Future dates, including November 29-30, December 13-14, and January 25, will bring fresh excitement and ever-changing collections, giving ample opportunity to return and rediscover. Immerse in the world of vintage fashion and jewelry, build connections with like-minded enthusiasts. For exhibitor registration, visit https://www.nycjavs.com/apply-as-a-vendor.
Levi’s Launches New Global Campaign Featuring Beyoncé
The Levi’s brand today announced a new campaign with global icon Beyoncé. Following the release of “LEVII’S JEANS” — a beloved track from “COWBOY CARTER,” the critically acclaimed album exploring and redefining Americana — Beyoncé steps into the role of protagonist in “REIIMAGINE,” a campaign inspired by the legacy of the Levi’s brand and the forward-thinking vision of one of the most influential figures of modern culture, reaffirming the brand’s enduring place at the center of culture.
“The Levi’s brand has and always will be the unofficial uniform for those moving forward in the pursuit of better. We believe a key part of that is continuously breaking and building the codes of culture” Post this
Drawing inspiration from Beyoncé’s innovative approach to art, culture, and storytelling, the campaign reimagines classic Levi’s looks and films. In a series of chapters, the new campaign reinterprets several of the Levi’s brand’s most iconic advertisements, bringing them into the modern era through the transformative vision of celebrated filmmaker Melina Matsoukas. The first film — inspired by “Launderette,” the 1985 ad that famously reignited “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” on the Billboard charts — places Beyoncé center stage and celebrates the Levi’s brand’s heritage as a canvas for self-expression, worn by changemakers and icons alike.
“My song ‘LEVII’S JEANS’ celebrates what I believe is the ultimate Americana uniform — something we all wear with pride,” said Beyoncé. “I am honored to work with Levi’s to create quintessential American iconography. Denim on denim has often been seen through a male lens, so this reimagining campaign, which celebrates the iconic female perspective, is important to me. I look forward to exploring innovative ways for our visions to align in empowering women and honoring their strength.”
“The Levi’s brand has and always will be the unofficial uniform for those moving forward in the pursuit of better. We believe a key part of that is continuously breaking and building the codes of culture,” said Kenny Mitchell, global chief marketing officer of the Levi’s brand at Levi Strauss & Co. “In collaboration with Beyoncé, we explore the power of reimagination through this campaign, helping us to connect with our fans in new ways and supporting the growth of our women’s business as the definitive denim lifestyle brand.”
The fully integrated campaign — which will include television, out-of-home, digital, social media, print, brand activations and exclusive products — kicked off with digital projections in key markets like San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Paris, London and Berlin, creating buzz and giving fans a sneak peek into the campaign to come. On September 30, high-impact out-of-home is launching around the world to inaugurate the Levi’s and Beyoncé campaign.
The first film was brought to life through the lens of Marcell Rév, an Emmy Award-winning cinematographer. Outside of the immersive visual world of the film, the Levi’s brand worked with photographer Mason Poole, who captured a collection of timeless campaign imagery, adding to the canon of incredible photography of icons in Levi’s jeans, from Marlon Brando to Marilyn Monroe — and now Beyoncé. The campaign was conceived in creative partnership with TBWA\Chiat\Day LA and produced by de la revolućion/PRETTYBIRD.
To see the latest content from the global campaign and to stay up to date on the campaign, visit levi.com and follow @levis on Instagram and TikTok. The full version of the film can be found on YouTube.
To mark the 20th anniversary of U2’s critically-acclaimed eight-time Grammy-winning album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, Interscope Records today announce the release of a shadow album titled How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb, which includes new, unreleased songs discovered in the archive of the original album recording sessions. Set for a standalone release on November 29, the first songs to be made available from How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb are ‘Country Mile’ and ‘Picture Of You (X + W)’, listen here. Watch lyric videos here.
To further celebrate the anniversary of this seminal album, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb has now been remastered for the first time, a process which saw the band go back to the vault to revisit those early ‘00s recording sessions, a period of intense creativity for U2 in the studio, as well as a time of deep personal and artistic reflection following the passing of Bono’s father Bob in 2001. This special 20th anniversary edition – out November 22 – will include the bonus track ‘Fast Cars’. See below for a complete list of formats. How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (Re-Assemble Edition) – featuring both How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb + How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb – will be available as a dual digital availableNovember 22.
The Edge said of How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb – “The sessions for ‘How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb’ were such a creative period for the band, we were exploring so many song ideas in the studio. We were inspired to revisit our early music influences, and it was a time of deep personal introspection for Bono who was attempting to process – dismantle – the death of his father.
For this anniversary edition I went into my personal archive to see if there were any unreleased gems and I hit the jackpot. We chose ten that really spoke to us. Although at the time we left these songs to one side, with the benefit of hindsight we recognize that our initial instincts about them being contenders for the album were right, we were onto something.
What you’re getting on this shadow album is that raw energy of discovery, the visceral impact of the music, a sonic narrative, a moment in time, the exploration and interaction of four musicians playing together in a room… this is the pure U2 drop.”
How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb is a collection of ten songs taken from the original recording sessions for ‘How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb’ – U2’s critically acclaimed, eight-time Grammy winning album – recently rediscovered in the band’s archive and now released for the first time as a standalone album. This shadow album includes new, never-before-heard or previously released songs – ‘Treason’, ‘Evidence Of Life’, ‘Country Mile’ and ‘Happiness’; plus a song called ‘Luckiest Man In The World’ – familiar to fans under its working title ‘Mercy’, an early demo of which was leaked online almost 20 years ago – which now gets its official release; as well as five newly remastered songs – ‘Picture Of You (X+W)’, ‘I Don’t Wanna See You Smile’, ‘Are We Gonna Wait Forever?’, ‘Theme From The Batman’ and ‘All Because Of You 2’ – all collected together for the first time to mark the 20th anniversary of ‘How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb’.
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb is U2’s eleventh studio album. Released by Island Records / Interscope on November 22, it went to No. 1 in 34 countries around the world, including Ireland, the UK, and the US. Described by Bono at the time as “our first rock album”, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb was recorded at the band’s studio in Hanover Quay, Dublin and the South of France, and produced by Steve Lilywhite, with additional production from Chris Thomas, Flood, Jacknife Lee, Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, Nellee Hooper and Carl Glanville. The 11 tracks included the songs ‘Vertigo’ and ‘Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own’, both of which debuted at No. 1 in the UK charts, the first time a U2 album produced two charts topping singles. How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb and its singles won a total of eight Grammy Awards, sweeping all of the categories in which the band were nominated, with ‘Vertigo’ alone winning three in 2005, including Best Rock Song. The band were the night’s big winners in 2006, taking home the Grammy for Album of the Year, as well as Song of the Year for ‘Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own’ and Best Rock Song for ‘City of Blinding Lights’, with Steve Lilywhite also winning Producer of the Year.
Click here – or visit U2.com – for a detailed list of formats and tracklistings.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER GORDON DURICH AND DIRECTOR JOE MCDOUGALL SET TO RELEASE “Thou Art That: The Sayed Sabrina Story”
A DOCUMENTARY
An exciting new untold documentary chronicling one of America’s greatest unsigned music artists will introduce even more followers to the force known as Sayed Sabrina.
“Sabrina,” is a powerhouse independent singer, musician, and songwriter, based in Los Angeles. Her album “Thou Art That” – her most recent and the one of which she is most proud, also autobiographical. Sabrina says, “I’ve incorporated the styles that have become a part of me and am blessed and extremely grateful for the brilliantly talented people on this project. Together we created something very special”. Sabrina is so excited about going back into the studio this year to create another stellar project.
The recording features tracks that are both personal and profound. Take “The Pedestrian,” a whimsical song that speaks to Sabrina’s position as a non-driver in L.A. A captivating and fun animated video illustrates the message. This and other tracks are included in the documentary “Thou Art That: The Sayed Sabrina Story.”
Raised by a Muslim father and a Catholic mother, Sabrina reveals we “practiced music, not religion” at home. Later, she was homeless, survived the streets of Hollywood, and was a punk rocker. A teenage mother who was kicked out of her home, she experienced some other extremes, such as juvenile hall, through no fault of her own. Sabrina turned her life around with her rare and remarkable talent, Sabrina’s voice is unlike any other, thrilling her audiences across the globe, her sound has been compared to Shakira, with Janis Joplin sprinkled in for good measure. Her first love is performing, Sabrina has played on the same bill as B.B. King, Los Lobos, Jimmy Cliff, Dr. John, Leon Russell, and Tower of Power, to name a few.
The short documentary came about after Gordon Durich wrote a story about Sabrina and the recording “Thou Art That” for The Hollywood Times.
“Thou Art That: The Sayed Sabrina Story”, delves into the fascinating history of Sayed Sabrina’s trajectory, from her humble beginnings to her music to becoming a global sensation. Offering a unique perspective on the creative process, her personal struggles, passions, and triumphs of overcoming all odds.
Gordon says, “Thou Art That: The Sayed Sabrina Story,” “was a labor of love that has taken years to bring to life. I am thrilled to share her incredible story with the world and shine a light on the talented individual who carved her own path in music. After interviewing Sabrina for what seemed like hours, I was left with the feeling her story was just begging to be told, in more than just words. It had a documentary written all over it, at the very least a biography, so I brought in acclaimed Director Joe McDougall and veteran Producer and Editor Rick Pratt, and the rest is history.”
The documentary is being submitted to film festivals and other outlets nationally and internationally.
“Thou Art That,” The Sayed Sabrina Story running time is close to 24 minutes, and is in color.
A must-see documentary that reveals a success story that will uplift your mind and spirit, just as Sayed Sabrina’s music has always done.
Join the conversation: # “Thou Art That, The Sayed Sabrina Story” #Sayed Sabrina
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer Joe McDougall – Director Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor
The average length of a music documentary is between 20 and 40 minutes, why did you choose this time for this video?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
It was long enough to cover highlights and depth of the story.
How did you get this footage, and is there more if you wanted to lengthen this video?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Documentary combined footage, animated archival, video of concerts, and performing singing at concerts. Sabrina’s daughter Sadie was very instrumental in getting us footage and outlining the whole documentary. There was a lot more footage, but we would have had to pay for song use from other various artists.
Talk about the technical aspects of this documentary.
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
They have software they can use now to convert original footage. Also, it uses just the original content in the film. Original footage makes the film look more authentic. So, not a whole lot of converting old footage. We used Topaz; an AI program used to convert film.
What type of studio did you work out of?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
ES Audio. She recorded her own album and wanted to record with the same engineer she usually records with Donny Baker.
What type of cameras did you use?
Joe McDougall – Director:
Cameras I used were the Canon Black Magic 3000 and the Canon 5D, Mark 4.
Was there a DP involved with this project?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Yes, our very gifted director took care of that – Joe McDougall.
Is there a mission statement to this documentary?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Yes, for young people and women to follow their talents and calling. To empower people, show resilience, determination, and not to wind up dead or in jail.
Are there charities that you would want to target from this documentary?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Union Rescue Mission LA, Interface Children and Family Services, and any charity that would be relevant to Sayed Sabrina’s story.
Was it at all scripted or story boarded?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
We already had everything scripted and ready with the questions; we covered everything. It ended up becoming a conversation between the interviewer and the artist. It was two women connecting and conversation rather than just a Q&A.
Joe McDougall – Director:
We certainly had a strong idea of what we wanted and the direction we wanted to go in. Usually, documentaries have a strong outline rather than a traditional or theatrical script. Through interviews and the research process, we built the story.
How did the editing process go?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
There wasn’t a storyboard followed, so I ordered it in a certain way, sequencing the film and cutting out unnecessary parts so there wouldn’t be repetition. Going back to clips of her past would have been good, but there wasn’t much found, so there were limitations in finding videos that were a visual representation of her story. So, we got exactly what was possible.
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
The process was standard in this age of remote work. I received the footage and the initial cutdown from the first editor who worked on it. I made an initial assembly of just the content of Sabrina’s interview – no b-roll. I posted the rough cut on Vimeo, where it was reviewed by Sabrina’s team. I’d get notes and then proceed with making new cuts. This process continued for the remainder of the editing. For b-roll, I requested as much live performance footage as possible as well as still photos of her, (current and from her childhood.) This was all done digitally, using Vimeo, Google Drive, etc.
This documentary is so uplifting; was there a downside?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
In filming, not exactly, but there were a lot of sad parts to her story. She had it very hard, but she turned it into something so positive. It portrays her as independent instead of being more commercial. Not becoming another sell-out for record label. Her successes are so vast that she opened for BB King before he passed; she has lots to be proud of. We trimmed more of the negative stuff out because we wanted to keep it uplifting so Sabrina could explain why she is the way she is now.
Joe McDougall – Director:
There weren’t any downsides, but when telling a story about someone like Sabrina and her life’s journey, there were definitely some emotional moments during our process.
The depiction of Sayed Sabrina is one of uplifting her life; is that what you set out to do?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Yes, her resilience needs to be shared with all and change people’s lives.
Joe McDougall – Director:
Her story is so unique; her challenges growing up, realizing her dreams and passion within an industry that is considered one of the most demanding, she pushed through whatever she faced with respect and great spirit. It reflects to the audience that great things come from great challenges.
How did this documentary evolve?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Publicist Jodi Jackson got the story for Sayed Sabrina in the Hollywood Times portal in 2023. I wrote that story; it appeared in the Hollywood Times in 2023. After I heard about Sayed Sabrina’s plight, I just had to dive in deeper into her story and decided to do this documentary. Sabrina is very strong; she is a natural performer. She has two sides, the sides off stage and the side on stage. She loves to perform, so doing this documentary was a blessing.
How many hours did it take to film?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
The actual interviews with Sayed Sabrina took one day in studio.
How did you make the decisions of what existing footage to use?
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
This was driven by the content of what Sabrina was saying in her interview. I would place performance footage and/or stills that pertained to the content in the sections that needed it. Initially, it was a hit-or-miss thing, but as I grew more familiar with the material, it became more refined.
Was Sayed Sabrina onboard with this documentary from the start?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Sabrina was immediately on board to share her mission and story, overcoming all the odds. She is very humble, but I felt it was in others’ best interest to know her struggles.
Was there any part of the filming where Sayed Sabrina struggled?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Talking about her past and revisiting it. Talking about being kicked out by her mom. Her father passed at an early age, and the problems that came with that and her mother. She is a very young mother and the depiction of all of that, but really, she is so strong, she was happy to see how we showed her life turn around. Sabrina also had a disability; she stuttered but was able to talk about it to help others. Usually, singers lose their stutter when they are singing. There was very little that Sabrina didn’t like; she was open to sharing her story.
Joe McDougall – Director:
Any time anyone revisits their past, especially those who have had hardships like Sabrina, there will be moments of pause and maybe even a new acceptance. Fortunately for us, Sabrina was so open and generous with her story; it was a celebration of her, her family, and her career as an artist.
Was there any part of this documentary that had to be cut for numerous reasons?
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
There was a good chunk of material that was cut. Most of it was because it was repetitive. In some cases, it was because there was no footage to cover or support the content, so to keep the flow of the piece, it was cut.
When did it get released?
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
Last month approximately, in the beginning of August.
What platforms did it get released on?
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
YouTube, Vimeo, and more to come.
How did you come across Sayed Sabrina, and why did you want to do this documentary?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
I wanted to produce this documentary, which was my idea, as I felt Sabrina had a spirited story that had to be shared with the world. Her transformative climb – from the streets, to studios and stages. And her personal triumphs, love of family, and for her followers.
How do you see Sayed Sabrina’s talent, singing, songwriting, and artistry?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
She has a God-given musical talent; she did not go to school for it and learned the drums and piano all by herself. Incredible combination to have personal songs, a writer, a great performer, and musician.
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
She is a musician who discovered her talent due to her limitations in talking with a stutter, and it was what helped her overcome that obstacle. She is very connected to the audience through her music because it is relatable, and she portrays herself through it.
How did you find this team for this documentary?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
I met Joe McDougall at an event in Lake Sherwood, where he was showing some of his brilliant photographs. He is a talented photographer. Another day, we met for coffee. I told him I was looking for a director/DP for my documentary, and he said yes. He was waiting to start on an Audrey Hepburn documentary, so he was available. Ironically, his wife was a singer as well. he was on board from the beginning. They decided to see if he would be up to the project with no budget, and he immediately said yes after hearing about it. He loved her background story.
What did you have to do with the original footage to make it work with any new technology?
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
We have software they can use now to convert original footage. Also, it uses just the original content in the film. Original footage makes the film look more authentic. So, not a whole lot of converting old footage. We used the Topaz, AI program used to convert film.
How did Producer & Editor Rick Pratt become part of it?
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
Gordon called me. He had been referred to me from a colleague that I had worked with previously. I agreed to come on-board because I enjoy documentary filmmaking as well as the fact that I’m a musician and love working on musical projects.
How did Sayed Sabrina’s family get involved?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
They were asked to participate; they asked her husband/manager Edward Marks, who also helped with the documentary. Edward is very protective of her image, so they helped a lot with the plans and the coordination.
What is your core audience of this documentary?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
“Thou Art That, The Sayed Sabrina Story” speaks to music lovers of all genres. Sabrina was influenced by and loves blues, Broadway, jazz, rock, and punk, and was prompted by everyone from Judy Garland to Kate Bush. It also will appeal to women who are independent, driven, articulate, and family oriented. Another audience is those who feel less than. It shows how personal adversity can be overcome.
Did you want to submit it for any of the short documentary film festivals?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Yes, it has been submitted to film festivals and platforms. including Vimeo, YouTube, Shortverse, and others. It has already been submitted to the Brooklyn International Film Festival, as well as California Music Video Festival, Docs and Rocks – London, and Through Women’s Eyes – Film Festivals. “In Consideration.” Fingers and toes crossed! https://www.shortverse.com
Can you all describe your process in making this documentary?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Egged on by Sabrina’s haunting voice, I dove into tons of research online, then with her inner circle, since she is private as a person and has a public persona. All was about Sabrina’s one-of-a-kind life, and work as a musician. I wanted the documentary to be more than just a talking head interview but more like a “music video” intercut with visual clips.
The film started with a very warm meeting with her. For the most part, the documentary is based on her most recent recording, “Thou Art That,” her autobiographical album, which was very personal and written and produced by her. My film was storyboarded at first but became more free from it as it evolved. I worked closely with Sabrina’s older daughter, Sadie Dean, who is a scriptwriter and musician. I was introduced to Sadie by Sabrina’s manager, Edward Marks. Sadie and I discussed the film’s structure and how it should look and feel. We were going to have interviews with others, but Sabrina was so engaging with such an electric personality both intense and a bit naughty,) we felt it was better, Sabrina, tell her own story.
Kitty Dill, journalist and writer, developed questions for Sabrina to address and were emailed to her. They met over the phone, hit it off, talked in the studio before the recording, and developed a warm chemistry.
At first, Sabrina was going to sing and play piano at her home, but it was more expedient to record her session in the nearby Glendale studio. Edward planned to have Sabrina sing and play her piano, which belonged to her dad, at her home.
I had booked ES Audio for one long Sunday, thanks to Edward with engineer Donny Baker, whom Sabrina trusted since Sabrina and Donny had recorded the record there. The next step was finding the visual – photographic – elements. Edward came up with great clips and photos of Sabrina and family for the editors to use. Rob Berson, and Rick Pratt did a fantastic job of assembling and editing a lot of material. Edward and Sabrina had final approval. A lot of going back and forth over months.
How does Sayed Sabrina’s story relate to young musicians trying to make it in the music business?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Sabrina’s story relates to young musicians as an inspiration. She tells how adversity can be turned into opportunity. Talent, whether natural, like hers, or learned, can be developed with support and perseverance. Lyrically, songwriting, or instrumentally, Sabrina had it from a very early age.
Gordon, talk about your different projects from the past and why you wanted to be a part of this documentary?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Different projects I had done in the past included “Pedaling A Dream…” a documentary about a man who had MS and collected and repaired bikes he donated to the homeless and youth, in order for them to have transportation to go to work and get around. It was such an inspiring story that it won the American Motion Picture Society Best of Competition Award at the American International Film and Video Festival in 2001. Also, a film about Hal Riddle, an actor who might have been a star, had life’s breaks come differently for him. It was selected for the West Valley Film Festival. It ran on Time Warner cable.
Joe, talk about your different projects from the past and why you wanted to be a part of this documentary?
Joe McDougall – Director:
I’ve been a photographer and filmmaker since my early teens. I’ve worked in features, documentaries, and commercials for the last 35 years. After meeting with Gordon and hearing about Sabrina, sharing our research, and then finally meeting her, it was an honor to be asked to direct and a privilege to be a part of.
Rick, talk about your different projects from the past and why you wanted to be a part of this documentary?
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
I’ve been involved in making documentaries for about 10 years. In that time, I’ve produced/edited a film called “Only in Theaters” that played in over 80 theaters nationally and internationally and made it to the Academy’s “Long List” of docs that is used to determine nominees for the Academy Award. I’ve also done two limited series for PBS SoCal – “LA Foodways”, which received an Emmy nomination, and “10 Days in Watts”, which received 5 Emmy nominations and won an Emmy. I felt that my experience would only help for this project, especially since I’ve been a musician for my entire life which helps me both finding an editing rhythm and gives me specific insights into how musicians think.
Do you think this documentary will help teenage youth get off the streets?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
For sure, anything for them to see and relate to.
Do you think this documentary will help teenage youth with mental health issues?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Sabrina confides in the viewer and listener about her very early life challenges with extreme insecurity to the point of not being able to look directly at people and stuttering. (FYI, singer Carly Simon stuttered and overcame that by singing, she’s said).
Sabrina’s mother was abusive, and her father, who died when she was very young, was not there for her support and defense. Sabrina’s father was Muslim, and Sabrina’s mom was Catholic, which bred even more instability emotionally.
Do you think this documentary will help teenage youth with unwanted pregnancies?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Abortion and unwanted pregnancies are very topical now. This documentary can help young teens to show how it’s possible to survive even if the teen does not have a stable home and support.
Do you think this documentary will help teenage youth with crime?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Homeless, Sabrina lived on the streets of Hollywood. Although she did not engage in serious crimes, she was in and out of juvenile hall: “Nothing too nefarious or naughty,” such as going to bands and desperate to hear live at clubs when she was underage.
Do you think this documentary will help runaway teenage youth?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Yes, I see it helping with those who would want to run away, but see the consequences and the outcome through Sabrina’s life.
Do you think that music can change people’s lives?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
The story of Sabrina in this documentary shows the best outcome from music changing people’s lives. Look at how independent artists like John Lydon (“The Sex Pistols”) created a radical musical movement, punk rock, which influenced thousands worldwide and made people, mostly young, more expressive, demonstrative, and not have to fit into cookie-cutter molds of music and fashion / style.
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
Yes! A thousand times, yes! It can provide an anchor for people when there’s nothing but chaos and adversity in their lives. It can also provide the inspiration to climb out of whatever dark place they may be in. And it’s always there, like a loyal friend, providing comfort and an emotional release.
What’s the best outcome since you started this documentary?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
The best outcome since I started working on my “Thou Art That…” documentary has helped me discover music that ebbs through different genres. I’ve also shared Sabrina’s story, (with her permission, of course) with family and friends, who have been affected by life upheavals, and they’ve been blown away by Sabrina’s voice. What would be your ultimate wish list for this documentary? Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
The ultimate wish list is “Thou Art That…” is shown on television, cable, and multi-platforms worldwide. Also, this is selected for film festivals worldwide and wins awards.
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor: Primarily to just get seen by her fans and maybe to help create some new ones.
Do you think in what the final product is, that you succeeded?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
I believe we’ve succeeded in showcasing Sabrina’s soul-reaching talents, and her wishes remain unique as a recording and performing artist.
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
Yes – I think it accurately presents Sabrina as the talented, inspirational person that she is.
Sayed Sabrina is a true artist and really does not like any extra accolades or praise. How do you think she sees herself in the making of this documentary?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
In a modest way, Sabrina does not feel she needs to prove anything anymore to anyone. Yet she continues to write, create, and produce even more original music. In fact, she’s working on a new album and, at press time, has announced new music. On Threads social media, Sabrina just stated “new music” for Halloween called, “The Nightmare Collection”. Topical. Sabrina’s full of surprises.
Do you think she would be comfortable in getting global attention from the success of this documentary?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
I think Sabrina can accept global attention with grace and still stay herself. In my opinion, she’s not going to sign with a major record label blindly.
Do you have any of your own examples where music has changed people’s lives that were troubled?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
Sabrina’s songs HAVE changed troubled lives, I know for a fact because that IS the feedback I’ve gotten in person from many people, including those I did not previously know. Example: The song “Ghosts” Sabrina introduces with the sound of rain, light drumsticks tapping, which replicates the sounds she heard living in the gutter. She sings, “Ghosts that lived such lonely lives, ghosts of lonely lies…”. She does not shun her homeless experience but embraces it with honesty and even humor. Wait until you hear her story about “Dorothy.”
Why do you think all the subject matter covered in this documentary is so important to discuss?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
All the subject matter covered in this documentary is so important to discuss because it addresses faith NOT in a religious way but a universal way. Sabrina says, “We practiced music, not religion, at home.”
Can you give the documentary viewers and journalists any closing thoughts?
Gordon Durich – Executive Producer:
This film is meant to be uplifting. It could have been a hard-luck story, but because Sabrina is so positive, enthusiastic, resilient, and funny, she tells her story so well. And people will relate.
Rick Pratt – Producer & Editor:
This documentary is a great introduction to Sayed Sabrina, but it’s really only the tip of the iceberg of what Sabrina has done with her life as well as her music… There’s a lot more to come!
Louis Vuitton announces two new versions of its iconic Bed Trunk, designed in collaboration with Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of the Women’s Collections, along with Pharrell Williams, Men’s Creative Director.
The Bed Trunk, created for sophisticated travelers and those who love design, features two fresh, contemporary versions. Nicolas Ghesquière’s novel interpretation of the historic Bed Trunk includes signature aesthetics from his earlier collections creating a one-of-a-kind model. Inspired by one of the historic Bed Trunks from the archives, Pharrell Williams’ interpretation reinvents the iconic design with an original twist.
Having shared one song a week since the release of lead single “Stuff I Don’t Need” ft. BANKS in July, two-time GRAMMY award-winning artist Kimbra today unveils her new album Idols & Vices (Vol. 1) in its entirety, out everywhere via Inertia / [PIAS]. LISTEN HERE.
Featuring collaborations with a host of genre-bending artists including BANKS, Dawn Richard, DRAM, Skrillex and Sahtyre, Idols & Vices (Vol. 1) is a celebration of Kimbra’s early influence of 90’s R&B, fused with the sonic stylings of contemporary pop, soul and hip hop. Executive produced by Kimbra and Taylor Graves – the album traverses the increasingly complex realm of our digital existence, as Kimbra reinvents herself alongside some of her closest friends.
Kimbra explores the disillusionment of our online era and constructs an entirely new world full of stimulus and temptation (‘Keen’ ft. DRAM), the allure of youth in our culture of celebrity worship (‘Demi God’ ft. Sahtyre), and the covert deception of online personas in recent single ‘Catch Ya In The Lie’ ft. Le’Asha, of which Kimbra shares: “I drew inspiration from catfish culture and stalkers to write this song. We can say almost anything behind digital masks until caught in the lie. It’s about reclaiming power when taken by people who seek to destroy and deceive.”
Kimbra’s latest song, ‘Honeycomb’, is a collaboration with Candy Crush Saga that invited her to play with the game’s iconic sounds to create an original track. Drawing inspiration from the Idols & Vices (Vol. 1) universe, Kimbra blended her signature style with Candified sounds to create a song that feels both nostalgic and explosive. Of its eclectic impetus, Kimbra says “I like to approach my work with a sense of curiosity and discovery— that playfulness is at the heart of my creative process. Sampling the Candy Crush sounds was a wonderful reminder of the joy and freedom that music allows.”
With a holistic approach to collaboration for this project, Kimbra enlisted New Zealand animator Greg Sharp (Childish Gambino, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Rick & Morty) to craft mid-90s anime-inspired visuals to accompany each song on the record. The otherworldly videos serve as individual episodes of the album’s overall arc, following 10 characters as they navigate through an abyss of elaborate fantasies and distractions in the search for moments of awakening.
Idols & Vices (Vol. 1) is the follow-up to Kimbra’s 2023 album A Reckoning, a 10-track project that saw the artist at her most confessional as she encourages listeners to find catharsis and connection through the songs. A Reckoning earned praise from outlets globally such as Billboard, The Guardian, Double J (Feature Album), Consequence, PAPER, The Telegraph and others, marking a distinctive new era for Kimbra.
Shortly after the release of her 2023 record, she embarked on an Australia and New Zealand tour including coveted performances at The Sydney Opera House for Vivid LIVE and Melbourne Recital Hall, with a triumphant homecoming at Auckland’s Synthony In The Domain. Most recently, Kimbra concluded a run of U.S. shows as the special guest for musical prodigy, Jacob Collier.
Idols & Vices (Vol.1) LP by Kimbra is out now via Inertia / [PIAS],
This is the third Private Office worldwide and the first in North America, Rolls-Royce’s largest global market
For the first time, North American clients can work directly with a bespoke designer to bring their commissions to life
The exclusive office supports increasing client engagement on more valuable and complex commissions
It also serves as a venue for dealers and clients to view and commission Rolls-Royce Private Collections
“Private Office New York responds directly to our North American clients’ requests for increasingly sophisticated Bespoke projects. We see a growing appetite for our world-renowned craftsmanship, technology, and design in advanced commissions. This space gives us a home in the heart of New York’s newest creative district.”
Martin Fritsches, President & CEO , Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, NA LLC
“Today’s inauguration marks a key moment for Rolls-Royce in the Americas. The studio offers clients throughout the region a slice of Rolls-Royce within easy reach. This investment addresses the rising engagement from regional clients, challenging our designers to create our most exciting and intricate commissions yet. Private Office New York brings to mind the magical environment of Goodwood, enhancing the brand experience for our clients.”
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive Officer , Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today unveiled Private Office New York, joining centers in Shanghai and Dubai. The exclusive studio, overlooking New York City’s Meatpacking District, is available by appointment to North American clients and dealers.
Bespoke customization, the hallmark of Rolls-Royce, increasingly adds value beyond a model’s starting price. Private Office New York provides an authentic setting for clients to explore design possibilities. For the first time, U.S.-based designers will help clients realize their visions, emphasizing value creation over commission volume.
As clients initiate commissions with authorized dealers, the Bespoke team determines which projects require Private Office support. Designers use physical samples to create initial concepts, sparking creative dialogue. The studio’s luxurious space, featuring authentic materials and colors, nurtures clients’ creativity.
Private Office New York will also highlight future Rolls-Royce Private Collections. These exclusive, themed collections highlight the Bespoke Collective’s artistry, with each project extending inspiring narratives through craft, design, and engineering.
The office complements local dealership experiences, exploring each client’s unique lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Designers assess requests, color palettes, and moods through formal and casual interviews. Clients can share personal items or images to infuse their personality into designs.
Housing a vast array of samples—fabrics, paints, leathers, and textiles in diverse colors and finishes—Private Office New York equips designers with cutting-edge technology to present materials, techniques, and ideas before commission finalization.
New York City, particularly Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, was chosen for its accessibility to top clients and dealers across North America. This vibrant area, known for boutiques, exclusive restaurants, and hotels, blends industrial charm with contemporary sophistication, attracting those seeking pinnacle luxury experiences.
As Rolls-Royce’s largest market for two decades, North America has seen a dramatic increase in Bespoke complexity and creativity over the past three years. Private Office New York aims to further elevate the value of each commission in this key region.
Luxury Parisian brand Gaâla is excited to unveil their collaboration with French brand Le Châle Bleu. Known for their elaborate designs and storytelling on scarves and shawls, Le Châle Bleu is founded by passionate illustrator, Ania Axenova, where each of her designs are accompanied by its own unique tale; making each piece much more than a simple scarf.
At the heart of this collaboration is The Moon Butterfly, a story of magic, endless curiosity and the courage to pursue your dreams. Available in two different colours, Noon Café Latte and Night Gold, each colourway is a testament to femininity and lightness. With two different sizes to choose from, they can be worn effortlessly in several different ways.
What truly sets Le Châle Bleu apart is its ability to turn every scarf into a wearable story. Designed with future foldings in mind, each hand-drawn illustration remains “readable” from any angle, ensuring that no matter how you style it—whether as a bandana, neck tie, hair scarf, or head scarf—the design is never upside down. The illustrations gracefully wrap around the frame, transforming the scarf into a living tale with every fold.
See more behind the process on Instagram @gaalaparis.
NBA MVP and Boston Celtics champion Jaylen Brown has officially launched his debut performance brand, 741, marking a bold new chapter in his career. In a remarkable move, Brown has turned down over $50 million in endorsement deals from major sneaker companies to pursue full ownership and creative control of his own brand. 741 is now available for pre-order at www.741performance.com, with products set to go live for sale on October 22, 2024, both online and at select retailers.
The name 741 carries a deep personal significance for Brown, rooted in his connection to numbers and their spiritual meanings. Throughout his life, the numbers 7, 4, and 1 have appeared frequently, each representing spiritual awakening, hard work, and new beginnings, respectively. Together, these numbers align with Brown’s decision to step out on faith and pursue his own path, defying industry norms to create something truly reflective of his values. Brown explains, “741 is more than just a sneaker brand—it’s a statement about independence, creativity, and ownership.”
With the launch of 741, Jaylen Brown has established a groundbreaking company that aims to achieve four unprecedented goals in the sneaker and apparel industry. First, 741 is dedicated to creating technologically advanced, performance-driven products with no compromises in design or functionality. Second, it introduces a new economic model for endorsed athletes, giving them more ownership and control over their brands. Third, 741 ensures accessibility for all households, offering high-performance products at an affordable price. Finally, the company is committed to providing career opportunities to aspiring professionals from underserved communities, opening doors in all areas of performance and fashion retail.
The creation of 741 stems from Brown’s desire to create a solution for the traditional athlete endorsement model. By launching 741, Brown has created a brand where he is self-funding, designing, and producing from the ground up. He describes the decision to turn down $50 million in offers as a necessary step toward building something lasting, stating, “The understanding of ownership and value is what’s important for the next generation of athletes. It’s time to think different and be different… create new ideas. It’s time to create more value for everyone involved, from athletes to consumers to employees and the communities that support them”.
Inspiration for launching his own brand also came from Kobe Bryant, who, before his passing, was preparing to start his own independent sneaker line. Brown, a longtime fan of Bryant, was deeply moved by his vision. “Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to 741,” says Brown, noting that the timing was right after signing one of the largest contracts in NBA history. With 741, he intends to build a legacy that transcends his NBA career, embodying his values of independence, creativity, and leadership.
Jaylen Brown also plans to revolutionize athlete endorsement deals by signing athletes directly to 741. These partnerships will offer athletes more control over their sneaker designs, tailoring products to their specific needs and style. Brown is committed to providing better financial terms and more creative freedom than traditional sneaker deals, empowering athletes to shape their brands and retain more of the profits. His goal is to shift the energy around how athletes engage with sneaker companies, focusing on true ownership and partnership.
Brown has fully immersed himself in every aspect of designing 741. Over the past two years, he has worked tirelessly, learning from industry giants and gaining hands-on experience in design while collaborating with Yeezy. This effort has resulted in sneakers and apparel that reflect his forward-thinking approach, blending performance and style with an emphasis on quality. “I’ve poured everything into designing 741, and it’s been just as challenging and rewarding as anything I’ve done on the court,” says Brown.
Accessibility is another cornerstone of 741, especially for young people and underserved communities. Brown has set a low cost rate for big kid sizes, a price point that is 40% or more below competitors. By making these premium shoes affordable, Brown is ensuring that families can purchase high-quality, stylish sneakers for their children without financial strain. “I want 741 to be a brand that gives back and makes sure kids of all walks of life can have shoes they love, without the crazy price tags,” says Brown.
Aligned with Jaylen Brown’s mission to address the wealth gap, 741 is dedicated to creating pathways for aspiring professionals from underrepresented communities. By offering exposure and career opportunities across various sectors—such as design, engineering, product development, sales, marketing, finance, and operations—Brown is positioning 741 as more than just a performance and apparel company. It serves as a platform for emerging talent to gain valuable experience and contribute to a leading brand, helping to break down barriers and create long-term economic opportunities in industries where diversity has often been lacking.
With the launch of 741, Jaylen Brown is not only redefining the boundaries of athlete-owned brands but also creating a lasting impact on the sneaker industry. His commitment to innovation, accessibility, and empowering athletes ensures that 741 is more than just a brand—it’s a movement that champions independence and creativity. As Brown’s journey continues, 741 stands as a testament to his dedication both on and off the court, and his vision to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams on their own terms.
PUMA Hoops and basketball phenom, LaMelo Ball, is back to announce the upcoming release of the MB.04 sneaker. The fourth chapter in the iconic MB signature line is a masterpiece of performance and style that’s as tough as Ball himself. To celebrate the drop, LaMelo is hitting the road on a multi-city tour across North America.
TheNorth America Melo Tour is kicking off in Charlotte, the heart of Melo-mania, today Monday, August 26th, and making stops in Atlanta (Wed, Aug 28), Miami (Thurs, Aug 29), and culminating in a grand finale in New York City (Fri, Aug 30). Throughout the tour, Melo will be engaging with local communities and youth organizations to foster community within local hoops communities via meet and greets, product giveaways, basketball skills, and drills.
The NA Melo Tour is more than just the reveal of the MB.04. It’s a celebration of LaMelo’s rise and the impact he’s made on the game. But… one sneaker wouldn’t have been enough, so he’s dropping two! Alongside the MB.04, PUMA and LaMelo are releasing a new colorway of the LaFrancé 1:1, a sneaker that encapsulates LaMelo’s unique style with a striking baby blue hue and Y2K-inspired design elements.