BINGELY BOOKS

THE PERFECT CAKE
The Editors of America's Test Kitchen
Penguin Random House

Creating the perfect cake is not a bad skill to have under your belt (or you may have a friend who wants to showcase his/her skills). The Editor's of America's Test Kitchen have created the ultimate guide to classical, modern and whimsical cakes. These creations are definitely those that are Instagram worthy and
perfect for whatever brunch you might be thinking of hosting when friends come over.

In addition to a dizzying array of cakes that are available - cupcakes are included! Cake education also introduces you to topics that incorporate mix-and-match layer cakes, frostings, and fillings. Essentially, whatever cake you have been dreaming of creating and/or eating can be found in this book.

With Spring Holidays as well as functions with friends and family that are particular to your group, you'll find that this cookbook is an essential for all of your baking needs.

LED ZEPPELIN: ALL THE ALBUMS, ALL THE SONGS
Martin Popoff
Voyageur Press

This coffee table book focusing on all things Led Zeppelin, breaks down their music track-by-track, album-by album with all the details and secrets that fans of the band will truly enjoy.

Enthusiasts will enjoy hearing the roots of the band's creation which was formed with two London studio musicians at the top of their game and two bar-band musicians that would ultimately create the legendary group that would also set the formula for modern rock 'n' roll bands as we know it today.

The four members created 9 studio albums with 81 tracks that were a complex mix of blues, psychedelia, rock, folk, and country.

Martin Popoff, a respected veteran music journalist takes us on an indepth look at the band from their creation, the recording process, historical context and an introductory essay into each song that explores the intricacies of each song.

Fans will enjoy learning about song details that include running time, instruments played, engineers and studios.

THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Chris Bohjalian
Random House LLC

One night can change your life and Chris Bohjalian's novel focuses on a flight  attendant who wakes up in the wrong hotel,
in the wrong bed with a dead man and she has no clue what happened and how she got there!

We're introduced to flight attendant, Cassandra Bowden who has had a number of hangovers and blackout moments. When she wakes up in Dubai next to a man that she finds to be dead, she doesn't know what to do but try to go back to her life as if it didn't happen.

Cassandra lies and joins her team to get back to the airport, lies to her team as they continue to travel to Paris and again when she arrived in NYC with the FBI inquiring about what happened. With so many lies, Cassandra can't come clean with the truth and begins to wonder what really happened. Did she kill him or did someone else? 

The thriller focuses on life at forty thousand feet and focuses on memory, alcohol, the consequences of addiction and ultimately murder far from home.

Read more from the March Issue and see Bingely Books in mag.

SPRING AWAKENING WITH ASHLEY BUSCH

It's been quite a winter! Thankfully, March reminds us that our dreams of sunny days and rising temperatures is closer to being a reality. This month's covergirl is one of our new faves, Ashley Busch - US Polo player, Global Brand Ambassador of U.S. Polo Assn, Wilhelmina model and wife of NASCAR's Kurt Busch! Our shoot incorporates Spring's must haves and we get the scoop on playing polo, hanging out with Ashley and seeing what she's up to.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What does it take to be a polo player?

ASHLEY BUSCH: It takes a few things to be a good polo player. Of course, previous riding experience is always an advantage. To me, the most important skill is to have good hand-eye coordination. Also, the skill of the pony is just as important as the skill of the player.

AM: Are there things that people don't realize in terms of coordinating the mallet and riding?

AB: Most people do not realize that when we are riding we are standing up in the stirrups 90% of the time. In order to hit the ball it takes hand eye coordination. How far it goes has a lot to do with timing of where your horse is and where your mallet is in relation to the ball.

AM: What are your favorite plays?

AB: There are not really any set plays or off sides in polo. Any player can go anywhere on the field. Typically, I play number 1 or number 2 and those positions are the ones that do most of the scoring which are my favorite plays of course!

AM: What has been your favorite match that you have played in?

AB: My favorite match was the 12 Goal tournament I won with my dad at the International Polo Club.

AM: How has the Polo season been and what races are you looking forward to this year?

AB: Polo season has been great so far. I played my first tournament in January and we got to the finals where we only lost by one goal. The second tournament I played in February, we won
by 2 goals. So, I would say this season has been a success!

I look forward to all of the races whether I'm there or watching on TV. I get really into each race because each track is different and it’s fun to see how everything transpires. One of my favorite
trips is the west coast swing that we are on right now. From Vegas to Phoenix to LA. Some other tracks that I love are Bristol in Tennessee, Talladega, and Sonoma.

AM: As this month's cover girl of Athleisure Mag for the kickoff to our Spring Issue, what is it about this time of year that you find exciting?

AB: I am someone that has always gravitated towards warm weather. I love that the flowers are starting to bloom and everything is warming up. I look at springtime as an opportunity to do some spring cleaning and really hone in on my goals for the year. It’s a reboot in my opinion!

AM: The Spring is definitely a great time to add new pieces to your closet - what are some of your favorite spring must-haves that you love in your closet or will be adding to soon?

AB: With all the fashion weeks coming to an end, a lot of designers start putting out their spring lines, which I am always excited to see what new prints and styles are featured. I especially enjoy it because I am a designer myself and look forward to seeing what they come up with and what is trending. As far as new pieces, I am a sucker for a good pair of jeans that can be worn from day to night and I am always looking for fun shoes to mix it up!

AM: You do a lot of traveling and with NASCAR season starting back up, how do you juggle your calendar versus your days on the track to support your husband?

AB: The key for us is basically just looking ahead and scheduling everything accordingly. Some races I inevitably miss because I am playing polo. Regardless, though, we are both very supportive of each other and we make it work! 

AM: With such a busy schedule, great skincare is essential to ensure that you always look like you have a well-rested glow - what beauty products do you swear by?

AB: I typically do not wear much makeup, mainly because I am always on the go. Some of my go-to products are the La Mer oil-infused lotion to hydrate and smooth my skin. I also love Drunk Elephant's day and night serums to help balance out my skin tone. I use the Elta MD tinted moisturizer almost every day, especially when I have a polo match. It provides nice, even coverage, but more importantly has SPF to prevent wrinkles. When traveling, I always carry the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist! I use it whenever I feel like my skin needs a little boost of hydration.

AM: The last time we chatted with you, you were working on your swim line, how is that going and what can you tell us about it?

AB: We are still in the creative process of my swim line and ironing out all of the details. What I can tell you is that 10% of the proceeds will go to charity, as philanthropy has always been a major part of my life. I will be posting updates on my social media as we progress and am shooting to launch this summer!

AM: When you're not training for your next polo match, designing your line, in a photoshoot or hanging out with Kurt, what can we find you doing when you're taking time for yourself?

AB: In my spare time, I am most likely spending time with friends and family. I also really enjoy being at home just relaxing with my dogs.

AM: When you're home, where can we find you shopping, grabbing cocktails and a drink and do you have a workout studio that you enjoy going to?

AB: My go-to store to shop is Intermix. I also love to check out local boutiques in the area. In Charlotte, Kurt and I enjoy going to Sushi at the Lake for dinner and drinks. In Florida, HMF is a super cool spot. Most of the time, Kurt and I will cook dinner together at the house though.

When I am in Florida, I train at the International Polo Club with polo trainers. In Charlotte, we have a personal trainer who comes to our house to workout. I also like to take aerial silk classes at Air-fit Charlotte.

AM: What charities or philanthropies do you give your time to?

AB: Children's National Medical Center in DC. Capital Hospice Care. Cancer Research and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Local Humane Societies.

We shot Ashley Busch in Brooklyn at the 1 

Hotel Brooklyn Bridge which has great views of Manhattan and is in a neighborhood with a number of options to enjoy. We chatted with General Manager, Cornelia Samara to find out why this property is one that you should get to know as we continue into the Spring and Summer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about 1 Hotels in terms of the family of properties within this group and what one can expect when staying here generally?

CORNELIA SAMARA: We currently have 1 Hotels open in South Beach, Manhattan, and most recently, here in Brooklyn. Soon guests will be able to get closer to nature in Cabo; Sanya, China; West Hollywood and Sunnyvale. While every property is unique in its design and offerings, you can always expect a home away from home, with thoughtful service and personal touches. Every 1 Hotel is designed to celebrate nature and bring touches of the outdoors inside.

AM: Are there different personalities that 1 Hotels represents depending on the city/community?

CS: Definitely. Each 1 Hotels property is directly influenced and inspired by their local surroundings – the natural landmarks it sits on or beside, as well as the community it is part of. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, for example, is inspired by the industrial history of the Brooklyn waterfront, and its design takes cues from the park it sits upon.

AM: Specifically, tell us about 1 Hotels Brooklyn Bridge - when did it open, what is the atmosphere?

CS: We opened our doors to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in February 2017, making us just recently 1 Tree Ring year old. The atmosphere at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is first and foremost welcoming, and it has a special balance of energy, liveliness in the midst of tranquility.

AM: What makes the Brooklyn location one that is great for business travel, business meetings, vacations and staycations?

CS: Much like Brooklyn itself, what you can experience at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is very diverse in its offerings. We operate 6 different outlets that can cater to just about every traveler, with a spa providing treatments to relax and re-energize, a rooftop pool & bar that
is calm by day and energetic by night, a lobby lounge and café that are both great for settling in with a good book or hunkering down to get work done, visit The Osprey for an elevated dining experience, or Brooklyn Heights Social club for unparalleled views and an unmatched cocktail list.

AM: What amenities are offered by the hotel and what are the touches that are specific to this hotel?

CS: -Bamford Haybarn Spa

-24 hour Field House fitness center

-Seasonal rooftop bar and pool

-Full Service Restaurant, The Osprey, with seasonal outdoor seating

-Brooklyn Heights Social Club, a bar on the 10th floor with stunning views of NYC skyline

-Neighbors café located in the lobby

-24 hour in-room dining

-Complimentary Tesla electric house car

-Filtered water taps in guest rooms

-Location on Brooklyn Bridge Park

We put a great deal of effort into bringing nature into our public spaces and guest rooms. It’s important that people feel at one with nature even when they aren’t able to actually get outside.

For example, each guest room will have green elements like living green moss, small trees or even hanging gardens.

AM: The public areas are so welcoming, who designed this hotel and what was the thought process behind the design?

CS: The hotel was thoughtfully designed by INC Architecture & Design, guided by a specific vision from our founder, Barry Sternlicht, and our design team. From the beginning, we knew we wanted our guests, community and visitors to feel at home and close to nature. We like
to think of our lobby a place to gather, where you can find locals and guests busy at work or socializing with friends.

AM: We saw that you offer car services to the area - why is this an amenity that was added and tell us more about it?

CS: We do offer a complimentary Tesla house car for our guests, to whisk them away to destinations within 3 miles of the hotel with low-impact (it’s electric!) We chose an electric car to be our house car because it minimizes our contribution to air pollution and also gives our
guests the chance to see that electric vehicles can be true replacements for gasoline powered vehicles. We hope it encourages them to take measure to reduce their own carbon footprints when they head home.

AM: What can we look forward to for the Spring and the Summer that is offered at the Brooklyn Bridge location?

CS: -New seasonal menus items made with market-fresh ingredients throughout our food and beverage outlets and our in-room dining menu

-Our seasonal rooftop bar and pool will reopen in the spring

-Exciting outdoor programming from our partners at Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

AM: What do locals have the ability to enjoy whether they are staying as guests or just wish to stop by?

CS: -They can always expect warm and welcoming greeting from our team

-They can always expect amazing cuisine with ingredients locally sourced from their own communities

-Unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge

-Locals are always welcome to get comfortable and work from our lobby lounge

-Special offers from the hotel and our outlets, extended specifically to our neighbors and local community

AM: Tell us about your commitment to wellness as we saw the yoga mats in the room and we know you have a gym as well.

CS: It’s important to us to encourage our guests to take care of themselves both physically and mentally. We can only put our best foot forward in taking care of the planet when we also take care of ourselves. We hope the yoga mats remind guests the importance of taking a moment each day to get centered and focused in their mind and spirit. We offer Mind & Movement programming to help create experiences that allow guests to do this.

AM: Two of our favorite places are rooftops and spas and we know you have both, tell us about this.

CS: You are definitely not alone in that! There are few things better than an amazing view or being pampered. While our service definitely sets us apart, there’s no question that our views are taken to the next level on our rooftop. At Bamford Haybarn Spa, the commitment to holistic treatments and organic ingredients is a major differentiator.

Read more from the March Issue and see Spring Awakening with Ashley Busch in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | OBE, OUR BODY ELECTRIC

For the past few weeks, we have enjoyed streaming obè to workout when we can't hit the gym or when we're traveling. We're obsessed with the vibrant pops of color that remind us of aerobic workouts a la Jane Fonda and Olivia Newton John's, 'Let's Get Physical' song. 

Founded by Mark Mullett and Ashley Mills (both formerly with Creative Artists Agency), they believed in an on-the-go fitness platform based on the belief that incredible fitness talent and experiences should not be limited to a privileged few in NYC or LA. Both embrace a love of fitness from Mark's need to motivate and change up the workout. Ashley's need to work out came from finding a way to combat the stress of her job, while also turning to yoga to ease her psoriatic arthritis.

"obé finally provides you with a workout to look forward to.  Every morning we bring the boutique fitness experience straight to your living room from our electric, light filled studio in New York City has to offer. Where else can you wake up 5 minutes before a class, sweat it out like you’re in your own music video, and leave sore, but smiling ready to conquer the day?"

On average, there are 8 hours of LIVE programming every day, which is 16 classes! They are focused on making magic every morning across the country, 7 days a week. By sweating it out first thing, members are motivated, energized, and teed up for a productive day. Morning is the most popular time to workout for a reason!

There is also a series of obé Express programming, which are on demand classes ranging from 8 to 15 minutes.  These are perfect as targeted add ons to members’ morning obé routine, or if they are pressed for time later in the day, but still want to fit in a fun, effective workout! 

obé launched on Friday, March 9th of this year. Workouts are web based, accessible through PC, mobile device or tablet. Many members mirror or cast up to their smart TV. Mobile apps for IOS and Android are on the near horizon allowing people to easily take obé with them throughout the day. 

Programming takes place across three verticals: SWEAT (dance cardio and circuit training) | DEFINE (body sculpting and strength training) | FLOW (yoga and restorative stretch).

Each class is full body, only 28 minutes,  and does not require any equipment!  The schedule is purposely crafted so that if you only have one specific time to workout each day, you can experience a variety of diverse modalities and instructors.  Always fresh, never boring!

A small selection of obé merchandise will be available online shortly. This will include fun post-sweat hoodies, colorful tanks, and resistance bands that are perfect for travel.  
 

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OBE OUR BODY ELECTRIC

STREAMING

www.ourbodyelectric.com

Read more from the March Issue and see Athleisure List | OBE, Our Body Electric in mag.

HANGING WITH SOLEIMA

We kicked off the month by heading uptown to a listening party for electropop Big Beat Records' artist, Soleima whose music is the perfect way to get you ready for Spring with a hip-hop and world infusion. This Danish artist chatted with us prior to her party to talk about her entry into music, her love of the collaborative scene and Copenhagen and the Scandanavian festivals that she'll be at this year!

ATHLEISURE MAG: How long have you been in music?

SOLEIMA: I kind of just grew up with music. I had been doing it forever. We had a piano and I grew up doing it with my mom as a child, since she played as well. I also played – she always took me to these music clubs where I was taught music and I grew up in an East African music environment.

AM: We’ve been listening to your music and including it in our workouts. It has this mix of hip-hop and that tribal feel to it – we are definitely fans.

S: Yes! That’s what I was introduced to and I never learned the theory behind music. It was an acoustic way of learning music and for me it was the best way to learn it. So somehow, it’s always been in my life – some sort of music.

AM: When did you realize that this was something that you wanted to do?

S: Actually, I have been doing it as a  hobby for most of my life! But then last year, I got signed and I started working on this EP with friends and we thought about putting it on SoundCloud and then we thought, let’s try to get it released. We sent it to some Danish labels and one of them wanted to release it and this was nice, but I never thought of it as a direct career opportunity. But then everything went pretty fast! I guess when an opportunity like that shows itself, you just jump on it. So I feel like it was meant to be somehow?

AM: What inspires you when you’re performing, making your videos and writing your music?

S: I guess I’m very inspired by many different things. I get super inspired by other musicians. I think there are so many great ones out there right now. People doing amazing stuff. Right now in Copenhagen – where I’m from in Denmark, the music scene is very interesting. We are a very small industry and somehow we are all friends and know each other! We work together. People have a lot of stuff going on that is really interesting. Right now, we’re inspiring and motivating each other. When someone does an amazing song or has a great project going on, we’re like – “Oh that’s so good – that’s amazing. Let’s do something together!” We just make each other better in a positive way.

I’ve always heard people talk about how in this industry when someone has something good going on that there is a feeling that there isn’t room for someone else. I’ve just never realized that in our environment in Denmark, which I think is a very healthy thing.

AM: So are you currently working on other music as well?

S: I’m working on an EP as well right now. It’s going to come out shortly.

AM: Are you doing any touring or any festival dates?

S: Yes. I am writing a lot. I was in LA for a month writing recently and I do it all the time. I have quite a few festivals. I am playing in Scandanavia, in the UK. In the UK, there will be a few shows in the Spring – a number of clubs and then over the summer, a very booked festival tour. In the fall, I am doing my own shows which is really exciting.

AM: Exciting! What’s that like concepting your own shows?

S: Actually, I will have my first 2 headlining shows in Dec. I never tried to play my own shows before. We have played quite a lot together but it’s been showcases out and about. So now, that’s such an overwhelming feeling. Because now, people are there and they bought a ticket with real fucking money and like they know the songs!

AM: So how do you keep your balance and check in with yourself through all of this?

S: That’s such a good question! How do I stay sane? Can you teach me please?

I think definitely because this is all so new, I am still in the process of learning that. With being in music, there aren’t too many in-between feelings. There are extreme highs and there are a lot of extreme lows. So one day you’re like, “wow this happened and I like it – you’re so high and then literally the day after you get some kind of boring mail and you’re like, “no – that didn’t happen anyway” and now I have to go back to life.

You know what I mean? So, it’s like a good and a bad thing – it’s very addictive and you become addicted to going into these highs and lows. It can be a bad thing because you kind of need a balance where you’re neither super excited or super depressed. So I am still learning that, but I can say that I am addicted to it already. I think it would be difficult to not be that way as well. Regarding the zen, I think I should start meditating – can you teach me!

AM: It’s a work in progress for sure. The best ones for us are meditations that are led by someone and we can sit down and start going through the process. But sometimes when we quiet our mind, those things that were really sticking out there wanting to be thought about pop in and it can be tough to push them to the side!

S: Exactly! It’s like when you go to sleep and then those thoughts pop in and it’s like – argh!

AM: We’re working on meditation, but in terms of fitness or activities in general – what do you do?

S: I’m a runner. I run a lot and I am really addicted to it – I love to do it! I listen to audiobooks and listening to them makes me so excited that I’m like, “I have to run more”.

AM: We have to try that as we’re obsessed with podcasts and that could give us the kick that we need to run.

S: Oooo I love This American Life, it’s my favorite!

AM: Yes and then Serial – love!

S: Ohhh but then S-Town that was AMAZING!

AM: Yes, so obsessed with that!

S: I was in London away from home and I was so emotional and the story was so insane. I was like how can this be real? I would run and listen to these shows and it just makes me run. If I didn’t have them, I would be bored. It’s the perfect way and it’s like free time where I can listen and do this. I’m not working out and it becomes a treat. It’s a really good trick.

AM: Absolutely. So, tonight, you have a listening party – are you excited?

S: I’m so excited and a little nervous maybe. Because I feel very honored and humble about people coming here. It's my first time doing it and I have never seen it done in Scandanavia, but I think that it is a really really good way to present an artist.

AM: So what else – what are you up to this summer even outside of music?

S: Yeah. I’m going to play a lot, which means I am going to be in Scandanavia because of the festivals. You may play Thurs and Sun then you have a few days off and then you have Fri and Sat and then 3 days off. So it’s not like you have to work everyday, but you have a couple of months where you have to stay in the same area. That’s actually nice because I have been away from Denmark a lot this year.

AM: What do you like to do in Denmark?

S: Mainly I write. That’s also where my friends are and I really really like to hang out with the when I am home. We do lots of good stuff. I deeply recommend Copenhagen as it’s a fun town.

AM: We may do a shoot there!

S: You should come during the summer as it has really good festivals. We have this festival called Rosklide. It’s like the second biggest in Europe and it’s amazing. Come for that and then stay and have a small week in Copenhagen to see stuff. Hit me up and I will give you tips!

AM: Do you prescribe to hygge?

S: I don’t know what that it is – tell me.

AM: Last year, we interviewed Meik Wiking who wrote a book about being and living a hyggelig lifestyle. Essentially, the concept is that you create an atmosphere and experience which creates a sense of comfort, well-being and togetherness. He outlines ways that one can bring it into their homes, work environment and to share with friends in order to create an optimized lifestyle. It’s about being cozy, spending time with close friends and family and
checking in with yourself.

S: I had not heard of that, but that seems like something that I would love! Send me info on this as I’d love to check it out!

Check out Soleima's latest music video "Low Life" and keep an eye out for her mini album, "Bulldog" which arrives April 6th at Big Beat Records.

PHOTO CREDITS | Dennis Morton/Big Beat Records |

Read more from the March Issue and see Hanging with Soleima in mag.

DOING IT HER WAY WITH JOY MANGANO

When we think of women that are innovative and trailblazers, Joy Mangano is one of the people that come to mind. We're honored that she sat down with us to talk about her aha moment, her ability to create functional items that make your life easier, how she maintains a fresh perspective when she is working to continue to develop great products and the importance of being a mentor to share the wealth of inspiration.

ATHLEISURE MAG: For those who have not seen the movie where Jennifer Lawrence plays you OR those who are not familiar with you, can you tell us how you went from realizing the need for one great product that brought you to HSN, to where you have now generated a number of great products and assisted those who also have great concepts that fit within our lifestyle?

JOY MANGANO: As a single mother of three, I was looking for a way to make the daily chore of mopping easier. I didn’t know much about the world of product and business, but I felt like
most mothers and wives do, not having enough time to care of their families and homes, and I wanted to try to fix that. The Miracle Mop was born from that feeling, a feeling I never gave
up on, that I could help people like me. And that belief is what kept me going, to new products, to TV retail, to HSN, to where I am today.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Do you believe that all great products come out of the need to solve a problem?

JM: 100% yes. I’ve always wondered why the ordinary things in life need to remain ordinary, if they have a chance to be better. I guess I just don’t settle for accepting things the way they are,
I focus on the way they could be, and should be, in every aspect of life. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had dreams for new ways to design something better. More color, more style,
more function. I was always inspired by the world around me.

AM: At what point did you realize that expanding from the mop was necessary to build your empire and how many products do you say that you concept and then eventually bring to market?

JM: It’s funny, but stopping at the mop was never really an option in my mind. I saw, and still see an opportunity in everything. As a child, I was always searching for a way to improve everything I could get my hands on. And that’s still true today. I’ve always had ideas about products in my head; but the success of the Miracle Mop allowed me the courage and self-belief to bring so many of them to life.

AM: What would you say the ethos of the Joy brand is and how do you continue to come up with great ideas that really become adopted into our lifestyle quickly?

JM: I believe we’re all basically the same. We have the same needs, the same wants, the same challenges and troubles. So I’m always convinced that an idea will resonate, because it always comes from a need I have; a need my customers might have too! The process really starts and
grows from there.

AM: As the Co-Founder/Style Director of Athleisure Mag, my first steamer whether I was styling projects or was going on air for HSN myself, I would bring My Little Steamer. This was my first steamer that I used for a number of years! What was the moment when you realized that you should create this as well as that it would be a great product to have in your assortment?

JM: I love that! I’m so happy to hear you love the My Little Steamer! It really is the little product that could. Like everyone in life, I just didn’t like the hassle and trouble with ironing. The big heavy board, the water spilling everywhere, the burning of your clothes and maybe even your fingers. I knew I wanted to create something light, easy and portable, unlike traditional irons, but also better. And we did it – in just minutes you can steam something and you’re out the door looking flawless. That immediate reaction is what makes it such a great product.

AM: How do you know that a product is not only a hit but is worthy of bearing your name or being a part of your empire?

JM: I believe in everything I put my name on, I create products that I personally have a need for, so if I like it and believe in it, then I know there’s a real chance that my customers will too.

AM: How important is giving back to those as a mentor and to direct them toward being strong and savvy business women?

JM: I believe in the American Dream because I’m living it! And I know, no matter who you are or where you’re from, if you are smart and brave and have a little luck, you can find your own success. But I also know that getting started can be very scary – there’s no roadmap, no
step-by-step guide that tells you how to make your dream a reality, especially in the world of bringing new ideas to life. That’s why I started my foundation, The Joy Mangano Foundation, as way to help women get started both in their personal and business lives by empowering them
and providing tools that they might not have access to.

AM: Closet organizing, home maintenance, travel clothing prep etc are some of the core pieces that are in your collection, what else should we keep on our radar for future appearances on HSN.

JM: I don’t want to spoil anything, but I have a few new products rolling out that I have been working on!

AM: What advice do you give women who are looking to bring that one idea to market in a mass way when they may not have the resources (financially, contacts etc) to do so - but they still believe that this is something that needs to be in the world?

JM: You must believe in yourself and your ideas in order for anyone else to believe them. It starts with you – no one else will push you forward. I’d also recommend they check out my foundation, which is partnered with Rising Tide Capital, a brilliant non-profit organization that, for the past 10 years has been working to empower many first-time entrepreneurs and single mothers to use their creativity and talents so they too can build businesses that transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

AM: What philanthropy/charities do you give your time to?

JM: I have the honor of being a part of the UN Women Champions for Innovation. I’m so proud to be a part of an amazing group of women who promote UN Women’s activities that support
women’s and girl’s opportunities in areas related to innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. It’s important to raise awareness about the barriers that women and girls face in these industries and I’m so happy I can be a part of the change.

AM: You have 100s of inventions under your belt - what keeps you engaged in inventing and presenting new concepts?

JM: I try to have a fresh perspective waking up every day. I think it’s important no matter what you do, to take a step back and look at things in a different light. It keeps you engaged and
sometimes sparks thoughts and ideas which is how I keep inventing new concepts and products.

PHOTOS COURTESY | JOY MANGANO

Read more from the March Issue and see Doing it Her Way with Joy Mangano in mag.

WHERE TO WATCH THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TONIGHT

It all comes to tonight! In our March Issue, we had a number of March Madness oriented content from going to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as well as checking in with a number of ESPN analysts to see who they are rooting for, who they think will win and what they have been enjoying this season in terms of style, beauty and tech! Where will you watch the NCAA March Madness Tournament Game which starts tonight at 9pm with Villanova versus University of Michigan? If you're here in NYC, we have a few ideas!

Watch the National Championship Game at Atwood Sports Bar and Lounge which will be sharing the game on 15 of their HDTVs as well as offering specials that include: A Shot and a Beer ($8), Pitchers of Bud Light ($12), Fully Loaded Tator Tots Skillet ($25), Mozzarella Sticks Plate ($25), 20 Wings ($30), Bucket of Fries & Chicken Tenders ($30), Bucket of Bud Light + 20 Wings ($40), 24 Beers + Bottle of Fireball ($300) and Bottle of Don Julio, Jack Daniels, Jameson or Ketel One ($350).

Treadwell Park Downtown (where we shot our Oct 2017 cover with Food Networks Jaymee Sire) is a great place to grab a number of savory comfort foods, playing games at communal tables and getting your own Crowlers to take home to continue the good vibes. We also love that if the private room is available, you can rent it out so that you and your crew can have a private viewing party just for yourselves while taking in the game! Call ahead to see if its an option to take the experience to the next level!

One of our favorite places to enjoy meeting up with friends is The Ainsworth which has a number of locations in the NYC, Hoboken and the Hamptons. There are a number of TVs that you can take in the game and then menu is pretty fantastic as there is something for everyone from comfort foods to those that are healthier in nature! In addition, the craft beverages take a twist off of classics that will allow you to continue cheering throughout the game! 

Catch up on the March Issue.

ON THE ROAD WITH BUICK

It seems like snow has been an interesting challenge over the past few weeks and this month, Athleisure Mag editors decided to take a roadtrip to Vermont courtesy of our friends at BUICK to try out the BUICK Regal TourX, a crossover that has the dynamics of a car while having the versatility of a SUV.

The 5 hour drive to Woodstock, Vermont allowed us to enjoy a number of luxury amenities that included OnStar access, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (essential for doing laptop work and
keeping our phones connected when we started to get into spotty coverage areas), plenty of USB ports, SiriusXM Radio (we loved Lithium, the Pearl Jam and Beatles channels), and navigation that kept us aware of accident areas and re-routing us as needed.

We're all about storage as we had a bit of equipment with us from camera gear, outfits for the slopes, snacks and more. The cargo space was quite substantial and as we drove into the night,
the illumination of key areas on the dashboard was a great way to keep areas lit.

While in Vermont, we stayed at the Woodstock Inn + Resort, which was a quaint resort that provides easy access to Woodstock Inn Nordic Center (we took the opportunity to go Snowshoeing), as well as a number of other mountain resorts such as Killington Ski Resort. Our room had a fireplace, as well which was a homey touch and there were attendants available to
start the fire if needed. In our downtime, we took advantage of our stay at the Woodstock Inn enjoying fine dining at the properties' Red Rooster and Richardson's Tavern, which had a
number of savory comfort foods and well-made cocktails. We also enjoyed our fill of basketball games as we're in the midst of March Madness!

There were a number of common areas with fireplaces that continued the woodsy vibe of this resort from the lobby, cozy nooks as well as a library that gave guests a number of places to connect with friends, family and other guests. We dove into chapters of Re-Engineering Humanity over hot toddies.

We explored the town of Woodstock, which had a number of churches, historical sites and covered bridges that highlighted the New England town.

When we added the trip to our calendar, we knew that we wanted to explore a few areas and decided to make a pit stop on our way home. Interestingly enough when we crossed Vermont's state line into Massachusetts, we saw the exit for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. With March being the month of one of college's biggest tournament's, NCAA March Madness we decided that we had to make a stop here.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is in honor of Dr. James Naismith, a physical educator who invented the game at the age of 30 in 1891. He wrote the original basketball rule book and founded the University of Kansas basketball program. He was the first Kansas Jayhawks' Coach (1898 - 1907) as well as the school's Athletic Director (1919 - 1937). Prior to his death, he saw the game become an official Olympic event in the summer games of 1936, the birth of the National Invitation Tournament (1938) and the NCAA Tournament (1939). At his tenure at Kansas, he would coach Phog Allen who later became the coach for Kansas for 39 seasons. He would also coach Adolph Rupp and Dean Smith.

This building is home to more than 300 inductees and has over 40,000 square feet of basketball history from NCAA teams, NBA, interactive exhibits and live clinics. Visitors can see signed memorabilia, sneakers, plaques, uniforms and more that have a place in Hardwood History.

It was a great weekend checking out the car, snow sports and paying homage to the inception and heritage of basketball.

Read more from the Mar Issue and On the Road with Buick in mag.

MARCH MADNESS

MICHAEL EAVES | ESPN SportsCenter Anchor

ADAM SCHEFTER | ESPN NFL Insider

BETH MOWINS | ESPN Play-by-Play Announcer NFL + Women's College Sports

JAY WILLIAMS | ESPN College Basketball Analyst

Read more from the Mar Issue and see March Madness in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

ALTERED CARBON
Netflix Original

Altered Carbon takes us 350 years into the future in this science fiction series created by Laeta Kalogridis that is based on a novel of the same name by English author Richard K. Morgan.

Set in the year 2384, people's memories have been decanted into "cortical stacks", storage devices of alien design which have
been reverse engineered, duplicated en masse, and surgically inserted into the vertebrae at the back of the neck. Physical bodies, called "sleeves", are disposable vessels that can accept any "stack". We meet Takeshi Kovacs (Joel Kinnaman), a political operative with mercenary skills (the
sole soldier survivor of those defeated in an uprising against the new world order 250 years prior) who wakes up 250 years after the termination of his previous sleeve. He is given the choice to either spend the rest of time in prison for his crimes, or to help solve the murder of Laurens Bancroft (James Purefoy), one of the wealthiest men of the settled worlds.

SLOW BURN
Slate Plus

We know about The Watergate Scandal whether you watched it take over media outlets in real time, you have seen documentaries going through what took
place or you have watched movies that focus on this topic directly or indirectly. Slate's eight episode podcast miniseries, Slow Burn looks at the political scandal hosted by Leon Neyfakh by looking at intricate details that you may have missed that include various players beyond the main ones as it took place step by step.

GOOD TIME
Amazon

Connie Nikas (Robert Pattinson) forcibly removes his developmentally disabled brother Nick (Ben Safdie) from a therapy session. The two rob a New York City bank for $65,000. In the getaway car, a dye pack explodes in a money bag, causing the driver to crash. Connie and Nick flee on foot, washing the dye from their clothes in a restaurant restroom. Stopped by police, Nick panics and runs; Nick is arrested while Connie escapes.

Throughout the movie, attempts at making a bail bond and paying for it are made, as well as breaking his brother out of the hospital after being beaten up in jail - only to find that he grabbed the wrong man and finding a way to secure funds to get him out ensue. The caper brings a number of interactions with a seedy underworld in an effort for Connie to get his brother Nick back.

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

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JUST ADD SAUCE
America's Test Kitchen

We've been fans of America's Test Kitchen for a about a year now! You may know them from their TV show and now you can recreate their meals. In this cookbook, they focus on over 175 modern sauces as this is one of the essential and most creative elements of any meal!

These sauces include those for vegetables, drizzling on steak, curries, and stir-frying noodles. With just a few of these elements, your dishes will take on new flavors and interest in your meals.

With the power of creating these simple
sauces, there are also 100 recipes that you can pair them with. Sauces include dressings for salad, herb sauces, Teriyaki Stir-Fry sauces, molés, relishes, yogurt sauces, curries and more.

A home cook's must, this cookbook will bring a new life to preparing fresh made
meals or even giving leftovers a twist that makes it a favorite dish for a second night in a row!

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RECIPES FROM AN ITALIAN BUTCHER
Phaidon
The Silver Spoon Kitchen

We're in that time of year where comfort food is very much so on our minds as we continue through the winter and get teased with spring (and sometimes summer)
weather. The team at The Silver Spoon Kitchen shares an array of savory and authentic dishes that ensure that you will be able to make a number of mouth watering
Italian meat dishes that are perfect for roastng, stewing and braising no matter the occassion.

Not only will you enjoy being introduced to new dishes, but with over 150 illustrations, you're also taken on a tour of Italy as well. Your vegetarian friends don't need to feel left out as in addition to meat focused dishes, there are side dishes that are veggie based which become the perfect pairing for any meal. This book also includes tips that focus on American, British and Italian cuts of meat.

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CLODAGH LIFE-ENHANCING DESIGN
G Arts
Clodagh

Clodagh is known for her timeless and responsible design. She has helmed a number of award-winning, commercial and residential projects, including Miraval Resort and Spas, W Hotels, and Equinox Fitness Clubs.

A Clodagh designed space is a serene and indulgent experience. Her design aesthetic is based in that although clutter undermines serenity; however, minimalism shouldn't be self-denying. Ultimately, her style can be defined as "life-enhancing minimalism".

As a believer in integrative medicine, she embraces both ancient and cutting edge methods in an effort to comfort not only the body but also the soul. Her design practice incorporates Feng Shui (she is an early adopter). In addition, she includes chromatherapy and biophilia into her projects as she believes that good design supports well-being and transforms people's
lives.

With international acclaim, Clodagh Design projects and products are illustrated to showcase her life's work.

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Read more from the Feb Issue and see Bingely Books in mag.

IN THE ORANGE WITH ELLEN LATHAM

We've walked by a number of Orangetheory Fitness studios here in NYC, as well as other locations across the country. Known for their interval training and having the data accessible for accountability as well as to create positive competition, we were thrilled to have an opportunity to talk to its founder Ellen Latham. We wanted to find out more about her motivation behind the creation of the studio, empowering others and how she gives back.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and were you always interested in being an entrepreneur?

ELLEN LATHAM: Before Orangetheory, I owned a pilates studio and my members were very frustrated. Pilates was giving them some fantastic core strength, but was not hitting their metabolism, so I opened a studio with a solution I called ‘Ellen’s Ultimate Workout’ that included cardio and strength training. A year later I was approached to franchise it and that’s how Orangetheory developed.

AM: What was the aha moment that made you realize that Orangetheory Fitness was something you wanted to create and what was the process like in realizing that this was something that should become a national chain?

EL: The members at my pilates studio were complaining it wasn’t affecting their metabolism. They were taking cycling classes, boot camps and working out at the gym and nothing was working. I wanted to find the best way to coach people in fitness. That’s why I committed to growing Orangetheory into something everyone can experience and enjoy.

AM: Tell us about HIIT and why you feel it is beneficial for everyone?

EL: Interval training is the most efficient way to increase calorie burn. At Orangetheory, we’ve made it very simple with our endurance, strength and power routines that push members to work harder in bite-size intervals to produce afterburn. Our members burn up to 20 percent more calories the first 24 hours after a workout.

AM: How important is it to motivate whether you're in the gym or outside of it?

EL: The coaches at Orangetheory focus on being inspiring and coaching with language that encourages people and makes them successful. This positive reinforcement, inside and outside
the gym, is the key to success at Orangetheory.

AM: What recent successes have taken place at Orangetheory and what should we keep our eye out for?

EL: 2017 was amazing for Orangetheory Fitness. We opened our first studio in Tokyo, Japan, which was a tremendous success for our international endeavors. We’ve also taken our technology to the next level and passed the 800-mark for the number of open studios.

Our primary goals for 2018 are to continue to open 5 to 6 studios a week and to continue bringing our fitness professionals to the next level. We’ve hired a clinical exercise physiologist
and have plans to build a lab at the corporate office to prove Orangetheory not only gives you more daily energy, but can extend your life. As always, I plan to continue to be an intentional
learner and work on being a better version of myself.

AM: When did you realize that in addition to giving people the keys to a great body, that you also wanted to empower others through motivational speaking and what do you enjoy about this portion of your work?

EL: I’ve always tried to connect with members beyond the physical benefits of a workout by speaking to the mind and spirit. I enjoy the motivational opportunities that public speaking provides.

AM: Are there charities/philanthropies that you give your time to?

EL: Orangetheory has raised more than $2 million dollars for Augie's Quest (ALS). We hope to raise this amount to $3 million dollars in 2018. Personally, I’ve been involved with Women in Distress and children's hospital fundraisers.

Read more from the Feb Issue and see In the Orange with Ellen Latham in mag.

FLY BRYAN FLY

Just days after the Super Bowl, we got some time on the calendar to talk with NFL Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LII Champion, Bryan Braman! Coming off of so much excitement playing a game that he loves while also taking in the moment of a great success, we were impressed by his humble nature and his focus on hard work, having a goal and being a leader that his teammates can connect with.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We know that the last few days have been crazy for you and really appreciate you coming by to chat with us - how has it been knowing that you're a Super Bowl Champion?

BRYAN BRAMAN: It's been crazy and I'm just taking it all in right now! 

AM: We have to ask, you have really great hair and the perfect man bun - you have to spill how you take care of it as a number of readers were asking us in preparation of this interview!

BB: I don't really - it just grows. I don't really trim it although recently I just cut the dead ends off. I don't use any special shampoos. I have tried things that people have recommended, but nothing has really stuck. Honestly, most of the time I don't brush it - I just woke up like that and get up and go. I shower, rinse it out real good and then go afterwards.

I actually had an undercut and so all of the sides and the back were a different length and I wasn't able to pull it up. But now it's at a length that I can actually pull it up and it stays for a little bit and then it falls out. Hopefully, those parts will grow out a little bit more. I didn't want to cut them off and the undercut started getting jagged and crooked so I just stuck it out to grow it out.

AM: When did you know that you wanted to play football?

BB: A long time ago - I was probably 6 or 7 years old. I knew I was going to play in the NFL when I was 13.

AM: What was your journey to get to the Eagles?

BB: Starting from me entering the NFL, I played for the Houston Texans for 3 years and my rookie deal was coming to an end and at that time, I was a restrictive free agent so they owned all the rights to me and we just didn't agree on a contract and they ended up releasing me. From there, I was able to get in with Philly back in 2014. So I played with them in '14, '15, '16 and then similar situation, they allowed my contract to expire and from there I took some time off and then the New Orleans Saints called and they let me play for 2 preseason games and they liked me and wanted to bring me back. But due to an injury that I sustained to my shoulder, they didn't feel comfortable bringing me in. Philadelphia ended up calling me a few weeks after that and the rest is history.

AM: That's exciting, we're sure that was stressful when you were in between teams, but then to come back to this team must have been great! The Philadelphia Eagles is our Style Director's second favorite team as she is a major Indianapolis Colts fan since it's her hometown!

BB: Oh really that's cool. How do you feel about Frank Reich (Super Bowl LII Offensive Coordinator for the Eagles who was just hired as the Head Coach for the Indianapolis Colts)?

AM: Really good actually! It was a little weird when Josh McDaniels (Offensive Coordinator and Quaterbacks Coach for the New England Patriots)  was announced as the coach for the Colts as it didn't seem to make sense and then of course within hours of the announcement, he decided to stay.

BB: I thought it was strange that they pulled out. That took me by surprise. But Frank's a good guy though, I think he will do well! He'll be really good for the team.

AM: We think so too and we're excited to see what he does.

What do you think it is about your energy that your teammates embrace you so much and that the fans do as well? Many times people know very specific positions and those who are on Special Teams (the position that he plays) are not always as known - what makes you so memorable? Is it your humble nature?
 
BB: I don't know if it's that or moreso the passion that I play in the game. If you were to ask anybody, "Does Bryan love the game of football?" I'm sure that you would get a yes everytime. I just feel that the passion and the love of the game is something that has really carried me and that you can see that in my play style and the way that I run on the field and the way that I try to hit people, the way that I pace on the sideline - I love it - I love the game.

AM: What are your workouts like in the regular season versus off season?

BB: There's a difference between building strength and maintaining strength. Offseason leading up to the season, I really just use as much of that time as possible to get as strong, as fast and as physical as possible. Then during the season, you just want to maintain that.  

The biggest difference more or less, would be the weight, the intensity, the regularity etc. So, lifting everyday in the off season compared to lifting twice a week during the season. Just try to keep that extra off your body, the rehab of making sure that the joints and the muscles are all firing and working properly. Definitely intensity is the biggest difference for regular season  and off season.

AM: What was your mental focus like coming into the Championships and then transitioning into playing Super Bowl LII in terms of just having that mindset to prepare for the game?

BB: For me, it was about not making it anything bigger than it actually is. 

AM: Wait - so you had no nerves when you walked out? It was just another game for you.

BB: Yeah. I mean you could feel the energy and the biggest thing was that for the amount of time, especially for the Super Bowl, compared to a regular season game, the amount of time you spend pre-game and half time it's all extended. So by the time you're at the end of the game, you're looking at an extra hour and a half of time that's in there that you wouldn't have for a regular game. You can really get burned out during those times with your energy or you peak too high too early or at the wrong time. It can throw your game off so I just remembered that whole time that I kept repeating to myself, "take it easy - take it easy, you've got time - you've got time - you've got time." I just tried to keep as calm as possible. I would think about it, take it all in, look at the stadium, see all the fans and everything that they did with it. It was incredible!

AM: It was such a good game!

So, you're a snappy dresser especially when you're rocking suits. We've checked out your Instagram - what's your personal style and what are your favorite brands?

BB: Thank you - I just have to see it on the hanger. If it's something that I like and I can see it then it doesn't matter about the brand. The fit obviously when I put it on has to be right or I'm not wearing it. I'm not about beauty is pain. I want to be nice and comfortable and I feel like I look my best when I am. I don't really have too many brands but I do like Alberto for jeans. I like G-Star they're pretty savvy for me and I love their jeans. Being a Swedish brand, they have taller lengths that just fits me right as I just can't walk into Macy's and find a pair of Levi's that fit you like that. Shirt wise, I wear a lot of v-necks - H&M Has a lot of the long line tees - TopMan has this as well. 

AM: What do you do in your personal time? 

BB: I spend time with my girls. I have two daughters. I like firearms so I worked as an armor for a little while and have a nice little collection of rifles and handguns that I like to spend time with. I enjoy the fire range, hunting, hog hunt - I'm an outdoorsy guy. I like to snowboard, fish - anytime outside is something that I like to do quite a bit.

AM: Are you catching any of the Olympics that's going on right now?

BB: So, figure skating has always been my favorite to watch. Back when Scott Hamilton was doing back flips - that's what got me. I mean this guys just did a backflip on iceskates - NO WAY!!! I would be in my living room like, "gymnastics on ice!" It was great and I was hooked ever since. It would just be something that I would do with my mom. 

We'd channel surf and see ice skating and watch it together. One of the restaurants we'd go to would have figure skating on and we'd catch it there. This year, I haven't watched it as intently as I'd usually do.

AM: How do you give back in terms of charities and philanthropies that you are apart of?

BB: So I have a pretty interesting story. I feel like sharing that with people and being able to let them know that it doesn't matter how down you feel or out you feel - you have to keep pushing and keep your eye on the prize. Never falter as it's easier to give up than to push forward. But the reward for pushing forward will always be greater then any risk! That's big time!

AM: Knowing your backstory and how you came through this process to be where you are and to be so humble and zen, you never know the turns that will come along but if you manifest your reality - thats what's going to happen!

BB: Predicted destiny - manifest destiny!

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Fly Bryan Fly in mag.

TECH REALITY CHECK WITH JON FORTT

This month's cover is graced by another one of our faves, CNBC's Jon Fortt who we see everyday as Co-host of Squawk Alley where, he shares his insight on what's going on with startups as well as tech companies. In addition to rocking an array of menswear that is transitional winter/spring style, he shares with us how he got into the industry from journalism to broadcasting, his approach to his work and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us your background and how you got into broadcasting and ultimately to CNBC?

JON FORTT: I’m kind of an accidental broadcast guy. It was never a big goal of mine to get on TV. I actually started out working for newspapers as a print reporter. There was a national newspaper chain called Knight Ridder and they had this amazing scholarship for aspiring journalists and media businesspeople from ethnic minority groups. Every year, they’d pick four high school students to win a financial award, and more important, summer internships during college. Unfortunately, Knight Ridder doesn’t exist anymore, and there aren’t enough programs like the one they had.

Anyway, I worked for a Knight Ridder paper called the Lexington Herald-Leader after college, then got a job in Silicon Valley at the San Jose Mercury News just before the dot-com bust. I eventually made the move to magazines, editing at Time Inc.’s Business 2.0 and writing for Fortune. That’s where CNBC found me. They’d have me on every now and then to talk about Apple, which had become my specialty. Back in 2010, they decided they wanted to take a chance on a new correspondent, and fortunately, I was it.

AM: We know that you enjoy talking about tech companies, startups, products and services. What is it about technology that makes you so passionate and do you have a specific topic within it that you really enjoy focusing on?

JF: That’s a cool question, because I don’t think anyone’s asked me in that way before. It’s a little bit of an accident of timing that I’m into technology, I think. I got out of high school in 1994, the same year the web browser was born, and I think that has a lot to do with it. I got to the college newspaper and we were suddenly facing this question of what we were going to do about the web. Some of us started learning HTML, and built the first website for the paper. (I don’t think I had much to do with the final product, but it was fun to learn.) Not long after that, the paper got its first digital camera, which was seriously high-tech back then. It could only shoot black-and-white photos, and the resolution was really bad, but it was about 10 times faster to get a photo shot and processed compared to the darkroom. It became clear pretty quickly that technology was going to be the edge I would need in my career to get things done faster and at higher quality. That’s what I like covering most, I guess – the way seemingly small ideas can completely change the way we get things done.

AM: When we're watching CNBC, you talk about a range of companies and startups - and you have a fresh and fair approach to present it to those of varying levels of understanding - how important is it to make these topics relatable to a wide, as well as a niche audience?

JF: Maybe it’s the writer in me, and maybe it’s the time I spent doing tech reviews. I try to remember that there’s no excuse for making the audience feel dumb. Our audience is smart, but a big portion of our viewers aren’t into all of the jargon – they’re people managing stock portfolios preparing for retirement, or retirees trying to understand the forces that are affecting the stocks they own. The temptation is always to match the wonkiness of the guests we have on – economists and investment managers – to sort of prove that I can go toe-to-toe in the conversation. But I think it’s always important to remember why I’m there: as a representative of the viewer.

THIS PG | HANRO Luis Zip Jacket, Cotton Sporty Vneck Tee + Living Lounge Pant |

AM: We love the Fortt Knox Podcast. How did it come about and what is its mission? What are some of the challenges that live interviews bring?

JF: Thanks! The Fortt Knox Podcast was born because I felt like I was leaving too much good stuff on the cutting room floor. I mean, sometimes a Fortune 500 CEO is willing to spend an hour with me, and I’ve got five minutes of live air time. Depending on what’s happening in the news, maybe I’ve got to ask about the company’s stock price, or something political – if that’s what’s moving markets that day, it’s what you’ve gotta do on CNBC. That’s a third of the live interview time, gone. Why not record a longer interview, and offer it up to people who want to go deeper?

The mission? There’s a line I say to introduce each episode, and I think it sums things up: “We’re going to learn how the very best climbed to the top, and pull out lessons along the way.” The stuff I do live on CNBC is mostly for investors and fans of the public markets who want to understand where to put their long-term dollars. Fortt Knox is for people who want insight into building their careers, who want to understand how high-achieving people get things done.

At the same time, because I’m a little crazy, I decided it would be cool to do a live streaming show, Fortt Knox Live.  That’s also weekly, and a CNBC producer, Evan Falk, works closely with me on it. The mission behind that is to answer the question, "What are the best ways to manage your time and money in a culture where tech is taking over?"

AM: Walk us through what it is like to prepare as a Co-Anchor for Squawk Alley and for your podcast Fortt Knox? Wow, what does your day look like when you're preparing for Squawk Alley and then when you're getting ready for your show?

JF: It’s sometimes a bit nuts. I get up in the morning at 6 or 6:30, and I immediately check my phone (iPhone X at the moment) for headlines and indications of how stocks are likely to begin trading that day. I look for emails from the producers about changes to the guests and timing of the show. I copy that over into a folder I keep in the cloud in Microsoft OneNote. (See, I’m not a total Apple guy.) Eventually, I walk to the train, about a mile and a half, and catch New Jersey Transit to Hoboken and then a PATH train to World Trade Center. I’m really conscious of all the spots where I will and won’t have Internet access, because I’m compiling my research for Squawk Alley the whole way. I walk from World Trade to the New York Stock Exchange in Lower Manhattan, where we broadcast the show live from the floor.

After Squawk Alley ends at noon, I might head up to the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square to record a Fortt Knox Podcast interview, or on Wednesday to stream Fortt Knox Live. From the Nasdaq I’ll make my way to CNBC headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. I finish the in-office day there. I might be editing the audio for the podcast, which I produce and edit myself, or I might be planning the next Fortt Knox Live with Evan. Or I might be pouring over stats and trying to figure out how to boost the distribution and quality of both the podcast and live show. Sometimes that bleeds over into time at home, too. But I try to get home by 6, in time for dinner with my wife and two boys, who are 7 and 9. I like to give them a hug goodbye in the morning, have dinner with them and get them ready for bed if at all possible. That means bringing Fortt Knox work home sometimes, but ideally the kids don’t see too much of it. I try not to pull out my phone much in the evening. One of the upsides of technology is that it helps us to be more flexible in where and when we work. Of course, that can backfire if we use it to overwork ourselves, but it can also give us more time with family if we can work it right.

AM: What's your hectic time of year in terms of covering tech and startups?

JF: I used to say it was the springtime, but now, with Fortt Knox, there is no slower season. If things are getting slow, it means I need to step up my game in booking guests.

AM: What are your impressions on the state of the crypto asset ecosystem? Do you have any recommendations for people interested in the space?

JF: I’m not one to give in-depth investment advice – that’s my colleague Jim Cramer’s gig – but I’ll say this: if you’re doing it right, investing is a game of skill, not a game of chance. You shouldn’t put your money into anything unless you believe you have a decent idea of what makes its value go up and down. I see a lot of people putting money into cryptocurrencies who have no idea what’s making prices move. Some people say, “If you just put 1% of your net worth into cryptocurrencies, it’s OK.” But let’s be real, if 1% of your net worth is $2,000, and you buy some Bitcoin and it doubles, you’re either going to sell it and say, “that was fun,” or you’re going to be tempted to start chasing it and put $10,000 in. Hey, unless your 401(k) is fully funded with the match, you have 6 months’ worth of expenses saved in cash, you're carrying zero student loans and you're not carrying a balance on any credit cards, don't even think about putting more than a couple hundred bucks into cryptocurrencies. It'll distract you from more important uses of your money and time. That’s the advice I’d give family, anyway.

AM: We love that you call it like you see it. How does your approach to journalism best bring out the story? How have you adapted with new media and distribution platforms along the way?

JF: After a certain period of time, with certain subjects, I think the audience gives a journalist permission to offer what I’d call “informed analysis.” How’s that different from opinion? Well, everyone’s entitled to their opinion, right? Informed analysis is different. You get to deliver analysis when people understand that you have a bit of background in the subject, and you can give historical context for why something is likely to happen, or why a product or strategy is important or risky or not. I try to be careful about that, but I think the “call it like you see it” approach is important in today’s journalism, when some executives or companies might be trying to put up a smokescreen or overhype technologies. The key is that the analysis be informed.

AM: Who are some of your favorite interviews so far on-air? Who are some people you’d love to have a session with?

JF: Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, is fun because he has this unique approach to leadership. He doesn’t take the drill sergeant approach, or the admit-no-faults approach that’s popular in some circles of leadership today. He’s thoughtful. Jeff Bezos was great too, but it’s been too long. I’d love to have him back. It’s also been a few years since I last talked to Mark Zuckerberg on air. Now would be a great time for him to sit down with me again. Subtle, no?
 

AM: What would you tell those that are interested in getting into broadcasting and podcasts? Anything to add with tech-specific shows particularly?

JF: The great and horrible thing about getting into media right now is, you no longer have to ask for permission. If you’re really passionate about telling people’s stories and about sharing knowledge, you can just do it. If you have a broadband connection, a PC and a phone, you have everything you need to start showing the world what you can do. So whenever young people tell me they’re interested in getting into media, I’m like, “Show me what you’ve done.” Don’t tell me, show me. And I’m not looking for top quality necessarily, but I’m looking for drive and evidence that this person is getting better. Often, young people can’t show we much they’ve done. And that tells me you’re not truly passionate about media, you maybe just like watching videos. There’s a difference.

With tech-specific shows – it’s just like anything else you’re interested in. Be a voracious student of the area you care about, hone your craft as far as how you write, and speak, and present information, and you’ll be surprised how far you’ll go.

AM: When you're not on air, what can we find you doing?

JF: I’ve become something of an amateur photographer lately. I shoot with a Sony A7ii, a full-frame camera I got from an eBay auction a year and a half ago. (The secret with those auctions is to use a sniper program like Gixen.) I just recently put together the newsletter for my youngest son’s elementary school PTA. It was 12 pages, full color, far too elaborate.

AM: How do you maintain balance between your schedule from being on air, hosting events and your family?

JF: I try to limit the business dinners and do lunches instead. Then there’s the whole being home for dinner thing. I read the kids a Bible story, read to them from a book (right now we’re in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, powering through C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia series). I tend to be the parent who primarily handles bigger projects like book reports, speeches and science projects. My philosophy is, if I make specific commitments at home the way I do at work, I have to move other things to make them happen.

AM: What's your personal style on air and how does that differ when you're running errands or out on the town?

JF: I’m one of those guys who knows what I like, but I wouldn’t say I qualify as someone who’s deep into fashion. If I’m just going to be around the house, it’s sweats or the same athletic gear I wear to work out. If I’m going out, I’m one for dressy jeans, a button-down and layers. Lately I’m into more details, collars and cuffs, and quality stitching. It’s the nice thing about being an adult who’s not growing anymore and being able to maintain a pretty constant weight. Quality stuff lasts. Some of my favorite pieces are more than 10 years old. I’ve got a couple of leather jackets that I picked up in Italy on our honeymoon 11 years ago.

AM: What fitness studios do you go to?

JF: I know this is sacrilege, but I don’t do fitness studios. CNBC has a free gym at headquarters, and when I’m doing what I should, I get in there two or three times a week for some time on the bike and a few weights. My staple now that I’m over 40 is body weight exercises – pushups, pullups, planks, squats, lunges – that sort of thing. At home I’ve got resistance bands, which are great for promoting flexibility and muscle elasticity. I get the fitness studio thing - the camaraderie, the motivation - but it's not my thing. The last gym I went to was a Gold's in Silicon Valley. I went at 5 a.m. with the old people and bodybuilders, and it was a cool $15 a month. Very business-like. Come to think of it, if I were single I’d feel differently, but at this point I’m not trying to meet new people at the gym, you know?

AM: What are three must-haves that you take with you to work daily?

JF: I’m not going to count my phone, because that’s a gimmie. I’ve got to have my Anker portable battery, because there’s no way any phone can get me through a full day on a single charge. I always carry my Tascam DR-40 with two XLR mics for podcast recording. And I’ve got a pair of JLab Audio Epic2 Bluetooth earbuds.

AM: What's currently on your playlist?

JF: I’m all over the place. I’m still bumping A Tribe Called Quest’s last album, and I have a mild obsession with Dua Lipa’s New Rules – particularly that spot in the chorus where the rhythm shifts from 3-2 to a standard back beat. X Ambassadors are the most underrated alternative band out there… “Love Songs Drug Songs,” and “Unconsolable” get heavy rotation from me. And of course real hip-hop from The Roots, Mos Def, Nas… I don’t touch the new mumble rap stuff.

AM: What charities/organizations do you support?

JF: We’re longtime supporters of World Vision and Children International, and over the past five years, we’ve stepped up our giving to International Justice Mission. IJM is a pretty phenomenal organization that goes into communities around the world and works to free slaves. Their work includes victims of human trafficking, the fishing industry, brick-making operations... you name it. They work with local law enforcement to not only liberate people, but also bring criminals to justice through the courts.

AM: If you weren't working in your current field, what you be doing?  

JF: I thought about taking a year off after college and trying to make it as a singer/songwriter. I’m glad I didn’t have to resort to that. In high school, I took architecture classes and thought I might do that for a while. Whatever I’d be doing, it would probably have to involve bringing creative concepts to life using technology.

Jon's shoot took place in the Hudson Yards and Hell's Kitchen neighborhoods, which are two hot areas in the city on the west side in midtown. Throughout the shoot, we showcased luxury living at Sky, which is developed by The Moinian Group. We wanted to know more about why this property has had so much buzz due to its location, amenities and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the concept behind Sky Residences?

THE MOINIAN GROUP: The largest residential tower in the country, Sky debuted in January, 2016. With an abundance of resort-like amenities and services, Sky was designed to provide the ultimate luxury experience for its residents. The 71-story building, which offers studio to two-bedroom homes, sits at the nexus of two thriving neighborhoods – Hell’s Kitchen and Hudson Yards – allowing residents to immerse themselves in best-in-class services while experiencing one of Manhattan’s most vibrant, growing communities.   

AM: Who developed this property?

TMG: Leading NYC developers, The Moinian Group are the development team behind Sky. The Moinian Group is one of the top national real estate entities to develop, own and operate properties across every category including office, hotel, retail, condos and rental apartments. The team's portfolio of 20 million square feet spans across many major cities including New York, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. Bold New York handles the leasing for the building.
 
AM: Who created the interior design?

TMG: The stunning interiors at Sky were designed by celebrated architecture and design firm, Rockwell Group. Founded by award-winning visionary David Rockwell, Rockwell Group was also responsible for spearheading all of the building’s design features.  

AM: What amenities are offered?

TMG: Sky leads by example in luxury residential living, featuring a myriad of world-class amenities including including an outdoor deck with two zero-edge pools; a private park; full-service spa with nail salon; professional-sized basketball court designed by Carmelo Anthony; water club with Turkish hammam; indoor/outdoor yoga spaces; billiards lounge and café; two libraries with fireplaces; a Spot Canine Club; and a 10,000 square foot fitness floor. The building also features world-renowned artwork by Yayoi Kusama, including a larger than life, carved bronze pumpkin in the building’s infinity loop motor court, as well as the two Kusama “Infinity Net” paintings in the building’s David Rockwell - designed lobby. Sky also features Gunther Forg’s Lead Paintings.

AM: What bespoke services are offered?

TMG: Sky offers a 24-hour doorman, valet services, on-site lifestyle concierge service by Luxury Attaché, Spot Canine Club, exclusive events, in-house room service from LifeCafe and a full-service spa with an adjoining nail salon and massage studio.

AM: Tell us about LifeTime Athletic at Sky.

TMG: LifeTime Athletic at Sky - NYC's premier health and fitness club - features an unparalleled array of amenities and services. Residents can enjoy four fitness studios with offerings such as Pilates, Yoga and Cycle in addition to a full range of group fitness classes. The 70,000 square foot space also offers LifeSpa, LifeCafe, expansive indoor lap pool, spacious locker rooms with lavish amenities and towel services. LifeTime provides an ease of access to all residents, allowing them to take an elevator straight into the fitness club and enter through the residence entrance.

AM: Tell us about the neighborhood.

TMG: Sky is positioned right in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, the home to many of NYC’s famed theaters and award-winning restaurants. Residents are also in close proximity to the iconic Highline and West Chelsea’s renowned art galleries. The booming Hudson Yards District, set just a few blocks from Sky, will soon feature brand new office towers along with more than 100 new luxury shops and restaurants.  

AM: What is next to Sky?

TMG: The retail space next to the Sky residences is curated by the Moinian Group. This past year The Moinian Group created Sky Art, a nonprofit art center founded by Frahm & Frahm and The Moinian Group that featured exhibited work from Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. The artist's latest collection, I <3 John Giorno, was designed as a tribute to American poet and activist, John Giorno. The location, now named Sky Space, has been transformed into a premier event venue fit with high ceilings and glass curtain walls.  

AM: How can people contact you?

TMG: For more information visit liveatsky.com, email us at hello@liveatsky.com, or call our leasing office at 212.588.0042.

PROPERTY PHOTOS COURTESY | THE MOINIAN GROUP

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Tech Reality Check with Jon Fortt in mag.

AT THE BODY ELECTRIC

We're constantly talking about a number of trends in style, beauty, wellness and more. This month, we chatted with Celebrity Piercer and owner, Brian Keith Thompson of the famed Body Electric, which is Hollywood's destination for tattoos, body piercing and jewelry! We wanted to know more about trends that are taking place in body piercing, how he came into the business, who he has worked on (Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone are just a few as well as who he'd love to include within his client list. We also want to know what we should look for, as those that may be getting piercings at their local studio.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us how you got into the world of piercing?

BRIAN KEITH THOMPSON: That’s actually a funny story. I was getting tattooed at Body Electric and, after five years of frequenting the place, it came up for sale and I bought it. I needed a job, so I started piercing. I didn’t realize I would actually fall in love with it and actually be good at it; I was just doing it to kind of pass the time and get the respect of the fellow employees by having something other to do than just make money and run the business.
And the better I got at it, the more I loved it; the more I loved it, the better I got at it.

AM: What is Body Electric, when did it start, what services are offered there?

BKT: Body Electric was started March 16, 1992 by a tattoo artist from Switzerland. I became the proprietor on June 11, 2006. I’ve owned it for 11 years. The services we offer are tattoo, body piercing, and jewelry sales. We don’t do anything other than those three things.

AM: Why is Body Electric such a destination that has a number of celebrities flocking to it?

BKT: I ask myself that question every day. I think it has to do with a lot of different things: (a) it’s been around for a long time, so it's kind of a pillar in the Hollywood tattoo community; (b) consistency and trust: like any business—be it a restaurant, retail story, tattoo-piercing studio—
you need to have consistency. And that consistency needs to be maintained month after month, year after year. And you need to maintain trust with your clients. If your clients trust you and you can maintain that trust, you can maintain your business and you will be there year after year. If you erode that trust, it’s just a matter of time before you’re closing your doors for good.

AM: We’re always talking about trends. Are there trends in piercing we should keep an eye out for as we continue into 2018?

BKT: Yes. Multiple dainty constellation-style piercings decorating the ears is very in right now—multiple locations, but doing it small, dainty, and with taste. Also, I think that asymmetry is going to continue to be a very popular trend. A lot of my clients aren’t wearing the same earring in both the first holes of their lobes. I’m seeing this a lot more. I’ve been an advocate for asymmetry for quite some time and I love to see that it’s catching on and people are embracing it, because you can have two different looks: your left ear has one look, your right has another. To me, that’s really cool to have that change of pace.

AM: For those who are looking to get their piercing done that won’t do so at Body Electric, what should be looked for in terms of sanitary work spaces and processes?

BKT: Start researching online. If you find a studio that doesn’t have a website, that’s the first red flag. If you find a studio that has a sprinkle of bad reviews, but the majority of them are good, that’s not a reflection on the studio. It’s usually a reflection on the clients.

If you see a lot of five-star reviews and then one star and then a fifteen fivestar reviews and another one-star, those are probably a specific client's attitude problem or just their taste—not liking the particular studio. You can’t make everyone happy all the time. (And why would you want to?).

If you see a studio that has nothing but two- and three-star reviews, one after another, and people are just voicing their concerns, that is a sign that maybe you should investigate further. Maybe walk into the establishment. If you walk in and it looks cluttered, it doesn’t smell good, the floor looks dingy, the employees look like they are really pissed and they don’t want to help you, just turn around and go find somewhere else. You will regret it if you don’t.

A clear sign of a functioning, good business is the employees are happy. If you walk in and everybody is miserable, that’s the sign of all signs. You’ll get a gut feeling. You’ll know when you’re in the right location. Everyone has a different taste and style. A studio that you like, someone else may not like. It doesn’t mean that you’re wrong or they’re right. It’s just your taste—you like this particular studio and that’s fine, too. But definitely look at the website. Find a piercer or a tattoo artist that likes your style.

Look at their portfolio. Do they do the style of work that you like? Do you see it in their portfolio? If they just tell you that they do a certain style of work and they’re good at it, that’s not enough. Somebody who is really good at a particular craft is going to have photos of that craft and if they’re doing it well, they are going to have multiple, different options for you to look at. A true professional is going to have this photo evidence readily available.

Not all artists use printed-out portfolios anymore. I don’t even have one. It’s mostly digital now. My portfolio is my Instagram. And that's okay. So just check their Instagram out. If you see things you like and you see that they can handle it, that's the best way to go forward, I think.

AM: Is there any recovery or upkeep that needs to be kept in mind after piercing a body part?

BKT: Absolutely. There’s months of aftercare and keep-up. I’ve said many times that getting a piercing is an instant gratification, but it can take months—sometimes up to a year—to heal a specific body part. And you have to have this in mind when you get pierced. “Do I have the time to care for this? Do I have the maturity to care for this? Do I have the patience for it?" All
of these factors in and sometimes it can be a "slow boat to China," but if you're patient and thorough, you can heal it and move on.

“... I think that asymmetry is going to continue to be a very popular trend. A lot of my clients aren’t wearing the same earring in both the first holes of
their lobes. I’m seeing this a lot more. I’ve been an advocate for asymmetry for quite some time and I love to see that it is catching on and people are
embracing it ...”

— Brian Keith Thompkins

I would also say that if you're starting to get pierced, start with no more than three at a time. Heal those successfully and then move on. Doing too much too soon can just add to the problems that you may have healing. 

AM: What celebrities have you worked on and who would you like to work on that you’ve not yet done so at this point?

BKT: I worked on Jennifer Lawrence multiple times, Emma Stone, FKA Twigs comes in quite often. I’ve done multiple piercings on her. I’ve pierced Beyoncé numerous times. I just recently pierced Adele. That was really cool. Those are a few of the celebrities I’ve been lucky enough to work with.

I was watching Saturday Night Live this past Saturday and Natalie Portman was hosting. I was losing it when she did that rap. There are a few close-ups of her and...funny, that's how much I
think about work... I'm watching this at home and thinking, "Wow, I'd like to pierce her ear.” I don’t know if that sounds weird or not, but sometimes I do that. I just see an ear and I think “Wow, that’s a really great look. I’d like to pierce that.” I told my girlfriend that I hope I get to pierce Natalie Portman.

Read more from the Feb Issue and see At the Body Electric in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | COMFORT FOODS

Read more from the Feb Issue and see The Art of the Snack | Comfort Foods in mag.

READY ON SET WITH FABIANA PASCALI

If you haven't watched FX's American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, now may be the time as there are a number of our favorite actors in this Ryan Murphy series. We caught up with Fabiana Pascali who plays the role of the Female Senior Designer to the house of Versace. Fabiana had some common ground with the great designer, shares how she prepared for her role, let's us in on her favorite spots as well as what it's like to be Creative Director of her line, Thinking Panties! Continue reading to find out about this dynamic show and make sure to catch up on this series as we find ourselves talking about it to a number of our friends who are looking for a new show to embrace.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you get into acting and what was the moment that took place that made you realize it was for you?

FABIANA PASCALI: As a child, I was quite the creative extrovert. It was always easy for me to get into character and give my family fictional performances. During middle school and high school, I was always involved in theatre. It was only after quitting dentistry school at 19 that I got offered to audition in an all-girls music group. I made the cut and joined the group! It was then I knew showbiz would be part of my life.

AM: Tell us about shows/movies that you have been in?

FP: Most of my career is based in hosting and commercial work, with shows airing at to local, national, and international community. I’ve had the pleasure of more than twenty years doing
what I love.

AM: You are currently in American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace where you play the role of “Female Senior Designer” that worked with Gianni in the House of Versace, and who was also one of the right hands of Donatella! How did this part get offered to you, what was the process of getting this part and how did you prepare for this role?

FP: My theatrical agent, Jaime Ferrar, called saying he had a high-profile audition I should read for. Casting was looking someone to play an Italian designer. That’s all we knew. I had no idea what show it was or what it was about, let alone who were the actors involved! Looking back, the secrecy surrounding the audition was tight!

Preparing for the role was a bit different, given I knew little about the character or what I was reading for. I rehearsed, read the description of the character, and dressed by my gut instinct.

AM: In playing this character, you already had connections to the subject matter as you are a Creative Director of Thinking Panties, you're half Italian and your husband came from the same province as Gianni - how did that assist you in taking on this character?

FP: As you said there a number of commonalities with my character. When I booked the job and learned more about the character, I laughed because who they were describing was me! Speaking Italian didn’t hurt either! It gave me an insight into how to best approach the character. It’s much easier to bring a character to life when you can get inside their head!

AM: Tell us what it was like to film this TV show especially working beside Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin and Edgar Ramirez?

FP: It was a phenomenal experience to be part of a series of this magnitude. What can I say?! Seeing my name on the call sheet along these giants makes one feel accomplished!

Most of my scenes were alongside Penelope [Cruz], who plays the role of ‘Donatella Versace’, which was a bit humbling. When Ricky [Martin] was playing ‘Antonio D’Amico’ (lover to Gianni Versace), he completely blew me away! All of them are completely cool-headed professionals that were an absolute pleasure to work with and learn from!

AM: Were you a fan of Versace prior to coming into this program and how was it to be immersed within this opulent world?

FP: Absolutely! I have always been a huge fan of Versace!

AM: The world of Versace is a different lifestyle than most everyone experiences.

FP: The fashion world is worlds away from everyday life. The life of Versace, the man and the brand, is an experience onto itself. You’re taking a world that’s in the limelight yet veiled from
prying eyes, then translating that into a show. In a way, it’s imitation of Versace. Talk about poetic.

AM: Tell us about Thinking Panties!

FP: I founded Thinking Panties in 2011 as a line of underwear with a fun concept for the creative type who wants to personalize everything. All you need is a marker and your imagination! The
idea was to give someone’s inner artist a chance to flourish and even be a fun gift to give someone.

You can find get a pair direct from www.thinkingpanties.com

AM: Where are your favorite spots to work out, grab a drink and eat and to shop in LA?

FP: I enjoy hiking in the mountains, with some go-to trails in the Arroyo Seco between LA and Pasadena, as well as those in Hollywood and Griffith Park. I love the feeling of releasing endorphins, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the warmth of sunrays touching my skin.

When it comes to the restaurant experience, I’m pretty biased (lol). Of course, I prefer Italian and Argentinean foods. If you’re going out for Italian, try Bestia in the Arts District, Terroni in Downtown, Eatalian in Culver City. For Argentinean, Carlitos Gardel near West Hollywood, Malbec and 1810 Argentinean in Pasadena.

To grab a drink I head over to visit my cousin Guillermo Zapata, owner of SUR Restaurant & Lounge, in West Hollywood.

Where do I shop? Everywhere, really! I always find great pieces of wardrobe at Anthropologie and Free People. There are a bunch of different boutiques and department stores around town I frequent. There are just too many to list!

AM: What is your personal style when you're running around LA, heading out to brunch and when you're heading out to meet your agent/go on a casting/do a table read?

FP: I love wearing a good pair of jeans and nice t-shirts/blouse with a leather jacket on top. Depending on the occasion, I’ll throw on boots, pumps, or Converse. I keep my color palette fairly neutral.

AM: What projects do you have coming up that you can tell us about?

FP: I’m currently focused on new design projects. A big part of me is always coming up with ideas in my design studio and seeing where it naturally progresses. There’s some hearsay on going back to TV hosting, which I would love to do.

AM: What ways do you give back to the community or provide philanthropy?

FP: For every pair of Thinking Panties purchased, I give another pair to women in need. Much like Tom’s shoes, who matches a pair for every pair purchased. I provide these to local shelters,
women’s organizations, and missions.

I also donate monthly to institutions such as St. Judes Children’s Hospital, Food for the Poor, Wounded Warriors, and Operation Smile.

I believe just a little help given with love can make a difference. If we all did a little, it would add up to a big change!

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Ready On Set with Fabiana Pascali in mag.

A CONVERSATION WITH QUEER EYE'S TAN FRANCE

We're in an age where some of our favorite shows like Roseanne, Will & Grace, One Day at a Time and more are getting revivals and reboots to be embraced by a new audience as well as to create a sense of nostalgia. Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is getting this treatment with Queer Eye on Netflix with a new Fab5 and new city! We chatted with Tan France, who focuses on the stylish transformation on the show, about being in the cast, his background and some of his favorites.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about how you came to the fashion industry?

TAN FRANCE: I grew up around my grandfather, who owned a denim factory and was always fascinated by it. I decided to go to fashion college, against my parents will, but ended up getting a job in fashion straight out of college. However, I knew I wanted to run my own company one day, so I decided to learn as many aspects of retail operations before starting my own companies, Kingdom & State and Rachel Parcell Inc.

AM: We know that you're the creator or Kingdom & State, the Co-Creator of Rachel Parcell Inc, as well as lead designer of both. How did this come about and are you still with them?

TF: I created K&S 8 years ago, and for the first 3 years I was the only employee. I designed and ran the business alone. However, after the third year, wholesale sales really picked up, so I could hire enough employees to grow the business further. Then, in 2015, my friend Rachel Parcell wanted to start a clothing brand and asked me to partner with her. It was an immediate success, as Rachel is a major US blogger. However, vI left the company at the start of 2017, so I could focus on my new job, as one of the Fab5 on Queer Eye.

AM: With NYFW coming up, what shows will you be attending and what brands are you always excited about seeing in terms of their collections?

TF: Victoria Beckham. Sally LaPointe. Alexander Wang. These are some of my very favorites, but with the press tour for Queer Eye in full swing, I won’t be able to attend shows this season.

AM: Awards Season is in full swing - what do you feel the trend has been so far during the shows and what do you hope to continue or to emerge?

TF: I LOVED the fact that everyone wore black at the Golden Globes, for a great cause. For the Oscars, I hope to see great whites and blacks, but some stunning jewel tones too.

AM: Prior to joining "Queer Eye" had you seen the original show and who was your favorite guy on the show?

TF: I hadn’t seen the American version, I had only seen the UK version. It was a great show, but after I got the audition for QE, I watched the American version online and LOVED what Carson was all about.

AM: What was the process like in auditioning for this show?

TF: It was actually quite easy for me. I came in at the very last moment, just before the audition process closed. I’d never auditioned for TV before, as I never planned on being in entertainment, so I went to the audition wanting nothing more than to make friends….I came away from it with both friends and a show!

AM: What are the similarities to the original show and what is different in this show for those that are familiar or may not be familiar with the show?

TF: The similarities are that we still have a Fab5 and that the show is highly entertaining. The differences: We are a more diverse cast, and we’re now in a position to talk about every aspect of our lives. Nothing is off the table, which is the best part of this show. We are much more accessible.

AM: Did you have the chance to connect with Carson about the show or if not - what would you have wanted to know?

TF: I did. With social media being at our finger tips, I hear from him via IG and we’ve met many times in person. He couldn’t be more supportive, which I’m so grateful for.

AM: When "Queer Eye for the Straight Eye" came out, it felt like it was important to showcase the fact that gay culture existed and was a fiber within the American fabric of who we are. Years later, what is Queer Eye aiming to do in terms of the social commentary and beyond the lifestyle makeovers that take place?

TF: We’re not coming into this saying that gay men are better than other people, we’re saying that we 5 men specialize in these areas, and want to show you how to make the best of what and who you currently are, with the things that are accessible to you. We also want you to get to know who we are, not just as gay men, but as men who are partners, husbands and fathers -Your equals.

AM: How was it doing these makeovers in Atlanta and what was one of the most impactful episodes for you?

TF: I’m so glad we shot in the South. It makes for a more entertaining show, to have the people we help have opposing views to ours. To shoot in NY or LA, with mostly liberals, wouldn’t have been anywhere near as impactful. The most impactful for us was the Cop episode and the coming out episode, for obvious reasons.

AM: For men and women, what are 3 spring trends we should add to our closets?

TF: For men: Pattern play, Corduroy, and Mid-rise/high-waisted pants. For women: Spring Suede, Deconstructed Tailoring, and Mom jeans.

AM: Checks and pastels can be daunting for people - how can this be incorporated into our look as we move into warmer temperatures?

TF: Layer them under light outer layers to break up some of the print, or use those options in an accessory, as opposed to apparel itself.

AM: How do we know when a color may not be our best color?

TF: That’s a tough one and hard to give one, definitive answer on. Go with colors that compliment your skin tone. If you have redness to your skin, avoid red/oranges. If you have tan/olive skin, you have the freedom to play with color more. If in doubt, stick with mostly neutrals and make the pop of color an accent color only.

AM: What projects are you working on that we should keep an eye out for?

TF: I’m currently focused on QE, and getting through this wonderful press tour,

AM: Where are you based and in that city, where could we find you working out, grabbing a drink/bite to eat and where do you shop?

TF: I live in Salt Lake City. I work out at The Gym, I don’t drink, but for coffee I stick with Blue Copper Coffee. I love to eat sushi and Indian food and my favorite place to show out here is Fashion Place Mall.
 

Read more from the Feb Issue and see A Conversation with Queer Eye's Tan France in mag.

A MOMENT WITH KAYLA BRIANNA

We love chatting with those that have a few plates spinning while they take on the world, but remember to keep family first as well! Singer, Model and Actress, Kayla Brianna talks about how entertainment was a family affair (her father is Kenny Smith, who not only played in the NBA but is a sports analyst and Emmy Award winner for Inside the NBA on TNT), what it's like for her to be on tour right now, what she's focused on or 2018 and how she balances her time.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It seems like being in entertainment is a part of the family business. Tell us more about your family and how you got into performing?

KAYLA BRIANNA: Growing up music was always in my family. My grandfather, Gerry Goffin is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and my grandmother sang background for Ray Charles. I started off in girls groups and eventually went solo and landed a deal with Interscope Records.

AM: You have collaborated with a number of artists, what is it like and who would you like to work with?

KB: Each song is different. Working with London On Da Track, we recorded in Atlanta until around 3 a.m. each night. Just being in a creative space is a great feeling. I’d love to work with Drake, 6lack, Sabrina, Claudio Pharrell and H.E.R.

AM: How's touring and what do you do prior to and after performances?

KB: Tour life is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of hours driving and you kind of just sleep when you can. Usually we have a performance and then in the morning drive to the next city and do it all over again. Before each performance I'll say a prayer to calm me down and then after, we celebrate!

AM: Will we see you on the stage during festival season?

KB: Hopefully I’ll be performing at some of the parties at Coachella. I performed at the Galore party last year.

AM: Tell us about your style for your shows versus how we would see you running errands or going out to brunch.

KB: For my shows, I’m SUPER full out and doing the most and then when I’m at home you can usually see me in leggings and Nike’s and oversized sweaters, lol.

AM: When you're home, where do you go out and eat, shop and work out?

KB: When I want to go out and eat I love Catch, COD, and of course, In-N-Out. I love to shop at the Americana and when I want to get an intense workout in, I’ll either do Barry’s Bootcamp or Pilates.

AM: What are you focused on in 2018?

KB: I’m excited to release my EP this year and get more into my acting career. I booked a role on This Is Us this season so I’m excited to keep it going.

AM: Tell us about your upcoming album!

KB: My EP will release this year, London On Da Track produced it and I’m just excited for people to get more of an idea what my sound is.

AM: How do you give of your time?

KB: Every year I work with Feed the Children during All-Star Weekend. My family and I host an event and giveaway food, clothes and toiletries.

AM: How can we find out what you're up to? 

KB: Make sure to check out my music on Apple Music and Spotify! Also my social handle across platforms is @kaylabrianna.

PHOTO CREDIT | Marcus Ezell

Read more from the Feb Issue and see A Moment with Kayla Brianna in mag.

AWARDS SEASON | OSCARS RED CARPET

NICOLE KIDMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY Steve Granitz/Getty Images | STYLIST ___ | ARMANI PRIVE Gown | CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Shoes | FRED LEIGHTON Jewelry | OMEGA Watch |

The Red Carpet for the Oscars didn't disappoint. There was glamour, color, nudes/neutrals and of course a lot of bling. As always, we're sharing some of our favorites.  We will continue to update the looks in terms of the stylist, pieces and how to get the look. Are favorites are throughout this post.

LAURA DERN | PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Mazur/WireImage | STYLIST Cristina Ehrlich | CALVIN KLEIN BY APPOINTMENT Dress | SWAROVSKI Jewelry | ___ Shoes | ___ Watch |

CHADWICK BOSEMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Mazur/WireImage | STYLIST Ashley Weston | GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE Suit | DAVID YURMAN Jewelry | 

BETTY GABRIEL | PHOTOGRAPHY David Frasier/REX Shutterstock | STYLIST ___ | TONY WARD COUTURE Gown | 

LINDSEY VONN/Team USA PyeongChang Bronze Medalist Winter Olympian | PHOTOGRAPHY Frazer Harrison/Getty Images | STYLIST ___ | CHRISTIAN SIRIANO Dress | BULGARI Jewelry | GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Shoes | ROLEX Watch | PRADA Clutch | 

ALLISON JANNEY/Oscar 2018 Winner - Best Supporting Actress | PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Mazur/Wire Images | STYLIST Tara Swennen | REEM ACRA Dress | FOREVER MARK Jewelry | JIMMY CHOO Shoes | ROGER VIVIER Clutch | 

JANE FONDA | PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Mazur/Wire Images | STYLIST Tanya Gill | 44 FRANCOIS PREMIER/Balmain's Couture Capsule Collection White Beaded Dress | CHOPARD Jewelry | SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Shoes | PERRIN PARRIS Clutch | 

AWARDS SEASON | OSCARS 2018

It's Hollywood's biggest night to honor the creativity of so many that have made films that have inspired us and kept us buzzing. Whether you watch for the awards or for the red carpet action, we're pretty excited to see what will take place tonight! As always, we enjoy seeing how many of our predictions become winners.

As usual, we will update throughout the night. Names in BOLD ITALICIZED reflect the winner that we correctly guessed, ITALICIZED reflects nominations that we guessed but are not correct and finally BOLD means winners that we did not guess. 

We'll be watching E! Live From the Red Carpet leading up to the big night this evening which is hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and airs tonight live, on ABC.

BEST PICTURE

“Call Me by Your Name”
“Darkest Hour”
“Dunkirk”
“Get Out”
“Lady Bird”
“Phantom Thread”
“The Post”
“The Shape of Water”
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

LEAD ACTOR

Timothée Chalamet, “Call Me by Your Name”
Daniel Day-Lewis, “Phantom Thread”
Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out”
Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”
Denzel Washington, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.”

LEAD ACTRESS

Sally Hawkins, “The Shape of Water”
Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Margot Robbie, “I, Tonya”
Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird” 
Meryl Streep, "The Post"

SUPPORTING ACTOR

Willem Dafoe, “The Florida Project”
Woody Harrelson, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Richard Jenkins, “The Shape of Water”
Christopher Plummer, “All the Money in the World”
Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Mary J. Blige, “Mudbound”
Allison Janney, “I, Tonya”
Lesley Manville, “Phantom Thread”
Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird”
Octavia Spencer, “The Shape of Water”

DIRECTOR

"Dunkirk," Christopher Nolan
“Get Out,” Jordan Peele
"Lady Bird," Greta Gerwig
“Phantom Thread,” Paul Thomas Anderson
“The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro

ANIMATED FEATURE

“The Boss Baby,” Tom McGrath, Ramsey Ann Naito
“The Breadwinner,” Nora Twomey, Anthony Leo
“Coco,” Lee Unkrich, Darla K. Anderson
“Ferdinand,” Carlos Saldanha
“Loving Vincent,” Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman, Sean Bobbitt, Ivan Mactaggart, Hugh Welchman

ANIMATED SHORT

“Dear Basketball,” Glen Keane, Kobe Bryant
“Garden Party,” Victor Caire, Gabriel Grapperon
“Lou,” Dave Mullins, Dana Murray
“Negative Space,” Max Porter, Ru Kuwahata
“Revolting Rhymes,” Jakob Schuh, Jan Lachauer

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

“Call Me by Your Name,” James Ivory
“The Disaster Artist,” Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber
“Logan,” Scott Frank & James Mangold and Michael Green
“Molly’s Game,” Aaron Sorkin
“Mudbound,” Virgil Williams and Dee Rees

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

“The Big Sick,” Emily V. Gordon & Kumail Nanjiani
“Get Out,” Jordan Peele
“Lady Bird,” Greta Gerwig
“The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Martin McDonagh

CINEMATOGRAPHY

“Blade Runner 2049,” Roger Deakins
“Darkest Hour,” Bruno Delbonnel
“Dunkirk,” Hoyte van Hoytema
"Mudbound." Rachel Morrison
“The Shape of Water,” Dan Laustsen

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

“Abacus: Small Enough to Jail,” Steve James, Mark Mitten, Julie Goldman
“Faces Places,” JR, Agnès Varda, Rosalie Varda
“Icarus,” Bryan Fogel, Dan Cogan
“Last Men in Aleppo,” Feras Fayyad, Kareem Abeed, Soren Steen Jepersen
“Strong Island,” Yance Ford, Joslyn Barnes

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

“Edith+Eddie,” Laura Checkoway, Thomas Lee Wright
“Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405,” Frank Stiefel
“Heroin(e),” Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Kerrin Sheldon
“Knife Skills,” Thomas Lennon
“Traffic Stop,” Kate Davis, David Heilbroner

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

“DeKalb Elementary,” Reed Van Dyk
“The Eleven O’Clock,” Derin Seale, Josh Lawson
“My Nephew Emmett,” Kevin Wilson, Jr.
“The Silent Child,” Chris Overton, Rachel Shenton
“Watu Wote/All of Us,” Katja Benrath, Tobias Rosen

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

“A Fantastic Woman” (Chile)
“The Insult” (Lebanon)
“Loveless” (Russia)
“On Body and Soul (Hungary)
“The Square” (Sweden)

FILM EDITING

“Baby Driver,” Jonathan Amos, Paul Machliss
“Dunkirk,” Lee Smith
“I, Tonya,” Tatiana S. Riegel
“The Shape of Water,” Sidney Wolinsky
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Jon Gregory

SOUND EDITING

“Baby Driver,” Julian Slater
“Blade Runner 2049,” Mark Mangini, Theo Green
“Dunkirk,” Alex Gibson, Richard King
“The Shape of Water,” Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Ren Klyce, Matthew Wood

SOUND MIXING

“Baby Driver,” Mary H. Ellis, Julian Slater, Tim Cavagin
“Blade Runner 2049,” Mac Ruth, Ron Bartlett, Doug Hephill
“Dunkirk,” Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landaker, Gary A. Rizzo
“The Shape of Water,” Glen Gauthier, Christian Cooke, Brad Zoern
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Stuart Wilson, Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick

PRODUCTION DESIGN

“Beauty and the Beast,” Sarah Greenwood; Katie Spencer
“Blade Runner 2049,” Dennis Gassner, Alessandra Querzola
“Darkest Hour,” Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer
“Dunkirk,” Nathan Crowley, Gary Fettis
“The Shape of Water,” Paul D. Austerberry, Jeffrey A. Melvin, Shane Vieau

ORIGINAL SCORE

“Dunkirk,” Hans Zimmer
“Phantom Thread,” Jonny Greenwood
“The Shape of Water,” Alexandre Desplat
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” John Williams
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Carter Burwell

ORIGINAL SONG

“Mighty River” from “Mudbound,” Mary J. Blige
“Mystery of Love” from “Call Me by Your Name,” Sufjan Stevens
“Remember Me” from “Coco,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
“Stand Up for Something” from “Marshall,” Diane Warren, Common
“This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman,” Benj Pasek, Justin Paul

MAKEUP AND HAIR

“Darkest Hour,” Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski, Lucy Sibbick
“Victoria and Abdul,” Daniel Phillips and Lou Sheppard
“Wonder,” Arjen Tuiten

COSTUME DESIGN

“Beauty and the Beast,” Jacqueline Durran
“Darkest Hour,” Jacqueline Durran
“Phantom Thread,” Mark Bridges
“The Shape of Water,” Luis Sequeira
“Victoria and Abdul,” Consolata Boyle

VISUAL EFFECTS

“Blade Runner 2049,” John Nelson, Paul Lambert, Richard R. Hoover, Gerd Nefzer
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner, Dan Sudick
“Kong: Skull Island,” Stephen Rosenbaum, Jeff White, Scott Benza, Mike Meinardus
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,”  Ben Morris, Mike Mulholland, Chris Corbould, Neal Scanlan
“War for the Planet of the Apes,” Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett, Joel Whist