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The Kids Play Dress Up…The Student Show at Midwest Fashion Week!


So it’s time for Midwest Fashion Week again in Indianapolis. In the past, we’ve had really mixed experiences, but this year we decided to go into it with an open mind. That being said, why should we expect anything less than we would see on a runway anywhere else if the Midwest fashion industry wants to be taken seriously. While this is a young community in Indianapolis, one of which we are supportive, the reality is real artists have the same level of passion, drive, commitment and determination whether they’re living in Wanamaker, Prague or Milan. No excuses.

Tonight was the Emergence Fashion Show, displaying the works of student designers from the Midwest. We didn’t really know what to expect when we were invited by Ian Stikeleather. When we arrived, we immediately ran into several prominent faces in the local fashion community who we have come to call close friends. We chatted it up with Kaitlin Elyse who showed her newest designs from her T. Party line Saturday night at the Blu Martini. We were so impressed with Kaitlin’s recent show that we’re currently in the process of figuring out what we want to order. What was the theme of her show? Haters. Love it! We also ran into local fashion designer extraordinaire Nikki Blaine and photographer Polina Oscherov who we recently did a shoot. Amy Beers and Nightlights TV were also in attendance taping the entire event, interviewing designers and local celebrities in the fashion community as well as modeling herself on the runway. We chatted it up with Berny Martin, developer and producer of Midwest Fashion Week as well as well respected fashion designer of Catou, who was laid back and hilarious, proudly talking about this week’s events. We have to commend Berny on exposing Indy to some style and fashion we wouldn’t have witnessed without him. Nikki Sutton, famed local stylist and architectural designer…Wow!!! Absolutely gorgeous. We hadn’t had the opportunity to meet her before and we were so impressed. Definitely someone we hope to get to know better. Later, Nikki introduced us to Spanish bridal designer Antonio Fermin and his guest, decorator and socialite Julie Oliver. These two were so much fun, and we ended up laughing late into the night with them accompanied by Nikki Blaine and photographer Abdul-Shaheed Aaron, as we closed down the new Bazbeaux.

But onto the good stuff. The show. We were lucky enough to be seated front row center right next to Denisha Greene of Mode Magazine, who entertained us the entire evening. And here’s what we thought…first of all, we understand you’re students and we commend you for putting your stuff out there and taking the chance to have everyone watch you, but we’re firm believers you should never put something out there that you can’t stand behind. No matter how little time you had to prepare, the numerous pins and unsewn hems were embarrassing. And in reality, it made three designers stand out above all of the rest.

Obviously this isn’t a contest, but if it were Jennifer Spriggs would have come in third…but a very close third to second place. Her pieces didn’t even look like student pieces. They were sellable and intriguing and seemed to come from a very private place. These clothes, unlike many of those seen from the other designers, made the female models look attractive. Most designers had at least one good piece, but Spriggs, from Cincinnati, had a uniformity and a theme that was mysterious and alluring to the eye. Definitely someone to follow in the future.

Second place would go to Lorry Plasterer from Indiana University. Ok, this girl hand dyes her pieces and when you get up close, the detail is immaculate. Even the inside of the pieces were ornate and precise. One model wore a wool jacket that looked more like burlap but was incredibly soft and wearable. “Don’t you just love this material?” she said, behind cute, dark rimmed glasses. Not only are her designs playful, creative and eye-catching, they made the models look amazingly beautiful and besides Lorry, the models themselves were even excited talking about the pieces. She appeared so genuine and passionate about her art, which she seemed more like to us, an artist not a designer, that we are definitely intrigued to see more. And we also thought she’d be a blast to take out some night. So Lorry, there’s you’re invitation!

And of course first place. Now, before, like always, we’re criticized for picking favorites for various reasons, let us just say the reason we’re picking this designer is because their show was originally created, styled appropriately and the designer’s personality made us want to see more. Once we were home and we looked at their website, FLC International, we were even more impressed, reading the story behind their process and being able to see their designs as a entirely actualized business. Fred Schwier from Indiana University. This kid is so incredibly realized that his show completely flowed. Before we even came to the Emergence show we had been told to look for his pieces. Several male models walked out in these amazing Bermuda shorts, with material from Ghana, resembling Miss Celie’s One Size Fits All pants from The Color Purple, in a way that made us itching to have several pairs to wear to all of our events this summer. He also makes these amazing grey shirts, baseball hats and pants. In the last two years, we’ve had the opportunity to interview tons of celebrities on the rise and meet people from all over the world that when we were in their presence we realized they were going to be the next big thing. This kid…is the next big thing. Watch out!

We were incredibly impressed with the echelon of the models in this year’s show and wanted to give a special shout out to Ebony Smith who told us she’ll be leaving Indy sometime in the near future to move out west. We think this is a great idea for her as we stood in awe, yet again, as we stared at her incredible physique and facial structure. The girl is incredible.

We especially wanted to comment that we were absolutely intrigued by Emily Nyberg, one of the models who resembled a mix between Grace Kelly and Elaine Irwin. She walked the runway with an incredibly, confident signature walk we’ve never seen and even when she fell, yes…she fell, she just kept on walking. Amazing. Several people we talked to about Emily mentioned they felt she was too short for true runway and while this may be true, one of dear friends, Marissa Hobson, the newest supermodel and representative of Pantene, measures in at less than 5’4. A word of advice from the guys who interact on a daily basis with beautiful women all over the world…hit it fast out of Indiana! It’s your time to make it big in the big leagues. Contact us if you want any help…we have, well maybe a few contacts…Trust us folks…this girl is the next big thing!

We were incredibly impressed with the student show this year, especially the organization thanks to Ian Stikeleather and Berny Martin. We wish all the students the best of luck…oh and Fred…we were serious about that offer!

We can’t wait until Saturday to see the fashion show at the Gala event. Prepare to see us as we put our own spin on “Black Tie”. And then it’s on to Nashville for the boys of raannt to see Kelly Cutrone, Christian Siriano, Betsey Johnson, Gustavo Cadile and Traver Rains formerly of Heatherette for Nashville Fashion Week.

Eyes Open…We’re Watching!

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Heiwa…Prayers for Japan…Stop For One Moment…

Today…as you go about your day, saving lives, serving coffee, teaching children, gossiping, designing clothes, cutting hair, dispensing medication, walking dogs, making love, eating fast food, sneezing, writing blogs, road raging, cussing, commenting…stop for one moment, close your eyes and say a few positive words for the people of Japan. And may our words carry a tune across the oceans and lift their spirits so they may not feel so alone in this devastation. And may we realize that this may be Mother Nature’s way of teaching us to walk a little slower, breathe a little deeper, love a little longer…and find the truth and gratitude in our days before they are quickly over. Be true to who you are because it could literally all be over in one…quick…second…Heiwa
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Heiwa


To Donate to The American Red Cross to Aid Japan go HERE!

Eyes Open, We Should All Be Watching!
Please comment below with words of love and peace!

*Photo by Chris Almarinez

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War…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNG_ZjJsN9g]

Eyes Open…We’re Watching!

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the TRUTH…

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Character Assassination. That is what we have received in the last 24 hours since our post was published. We have been called trashy, juvenile, unprofessional, mean spirited, mean hearted, ugly, fat, unsexy, bastards, uncaring, tactless, lacking confidence, 16-year old girls, childish, having a personal vendetta, berating, immature, mean girls…the list goes on and on and on.

This comment was posted this morning. “I’m also incredibly sorry that my post aggravated your passion to blindly defend your ego and continue to personally attack and vilify Amy.” Really? Where have we personally attacked her? Where have we vilified her?

We maintain that we have never, as an operating business, attacked someone’s personal character. Can you say the same? It was a decision we made when we originally started raannt. What we have witnessed in the last 24 hours is bullying. The same form of bullying that is occurring in our schools pushing kids towards depression, isolation and suicide. And we will not tolerate it. This has now become so much bigger than we EVER intended. Thousands of views. Positive and negative responses. Comments bordering on threatening and intimidating. If our readers would like to take a deeper look into who is making these comments, especially one of the most recent bashing comments, you will find something very interesting and maybe understand on a deeper level why they are so heartfully invested.

But the real comments came in the last 24 hours from the people we don’t even know. People who are afraid to be themselves, walk the halls of their schools or talk to people in a bar setting. They are the adults and kids who are terrified of living…because of these kinds of biased comments. And what did they say?

Thank you. Thank you for standing up against bigotry, closed minded people and exposing the truth. And like we said before, that is why we do what we do. To live vibrantly and allow everyone to have a good time. And that’s what we did…we exposed the truth.

We exposed the truth not because we’re hurt. To be quite honest, we could give a rat’s ass if we worked for Metromix. Sure, we were excited when we were first asked. But in our opinion, our interactions, which we have displayed by the emails exchanged, the lack of response regarding our assignments and job offer and a lack of follow-through, made us realize this was maybe not a good fit for us. We even asked a friend who worked for the publication if their experience was the same and they said it was not so we were confused. We had discussed writing a letter to the editor in charge, explaining our experiences and what had occurred but just decided months ago to allow the whole thing to drop.

Until Thursday when we posted our interview of Mike Ruiz…world famous photographer who has worked with almost every celebrity and is literally at the top of his game. Upon posting it, Amy Bartner; online editor for Metromix, which she states in taking responsibility for the email, etc, tweets…

AmyBartner @theboysofraannt Where are the things to do? I just wish I had a warning before I went there at work! #nsfw.

We responded…

theboysofraannt @AmyBartner there is absolutely nothing about our site that is #nsfw

To which she responded…

AmyBartner @theboysofraannt Oh, wow, I hope you’re right about that. I don’t know why I got so embarrassed when my boss saw my screen, then!

We responded…

theboysofraannt @AmyBartner well not sure who you would be embarrassed by a photograph by a world reknown fashion photographer.

To which ANOTHER member of the Metromix clan stated…

I think it’s the lack of pants that are #nsfw. Don’t think @AmyBartner was dissing the talented photog

To which we responded…

actually…if you look closely he’s wearing a speedo. Just don’t read our site. That way we’ll never embarrass you

And they responded….

Again, it’s not the photo itself we were talking about. It’s viewing it at work that was the point of the discussion.

REALLY??? Because that photograph, check it out on our Mike Ruiz interview…it’s the leading photograph, could be found as an ad campaign in ANY fashion magazine. But it didn’t matter. Within minutes, Ms. Bartner had stopped following the boys of raannt on Twitter and a few minutes later we received the email. It was obviously personal. And the reality is, there are many people out there who won’t read a site if it is #nsfw…Not Safe For Work.

So we grabbed a Metromix and looked through it. Wow…they advertise almost every Strip Club in town and even have a half page ad with a barely dressed woman dancing on a pole. Is that safe for work? Because #nsfw or Not Safe For Work is defined as sexually explicit material, which we deliberately do not post on our blog. In fact, on one interview, we even gave a warning regarding the WRITTEN nature of it’s content, not the pictures. The fact that both members of the Metromix staff stated this is inaccurate and incorrect and in our opinion damaging to our reputation. And in our opinion obviously…it was personal. Look at the timing and the facts.

We have presented facts. We have presented THE TRUTH. That a leading, local publication which focuses on social reviews and dictating what is socially relevant in Indianapolis apparently believes that half naked women on a strip pole is safe for work, but a man in a speedo pulling his tee shirt down over it is not, based on the Twitter and email interactions we have received. But of course, we’re not buying ad space or maybe we would be treated different. We just don’t know because we still have yet to be given an answer.

The reason we posted it to begin with was because Ms. Bartner lit the fire. We felt it was important to expose who is deciding what should be highlighted as socially relevant in this town and who is deciding who writes about those things. If our readers want to continue to read the Metromix and use it as a social reference, by all means, read it. We do. We won’t lie. But we read it with a keen eye now knowing that what we are reading is filtered. We know this, because we were filtered. We were asked to remove a link to a publication that had printed an interview, they had requested, of us. We were asked to remove our own interview?

So, in our opinion, this was personal from the very beginning. But not for us. If you think for one second that we would stand at the back of the bus and take this kind of shit and not respond…you OBVIOUSLY don’t know us very well. In our opinion, printing incorrect information about us which would make someone not go to our site is unprofessional and lacks class…especially as an editor. Especially as an editor!!!

And we’re sure we’ll continue to receive nasty comments about how we’re fat and ugly and trashy blah, blah blah. But please realize this is bullying, which this town is obviously allowing. And that…is definitely not sexy.

And while everyone wants to commend Amy for taking responsibility for the email, let us tell you how we would have responded.

“Wow…we didn’t realize you wanted to work so bad for raannt. We’re really sorry we made a comment about your site that wasn’t true. If you can prove otherwise we’ll take it down immediately. It’s never our intention to hurt anyone. Do you want to get together and talk about it?”

And anyone who knows us knows that is the TRUTH!

By the way, since you don’t know my mother let me fill you in on a little secret. She would have loved being pulled into this. And what she would have told you, Robert S., is that not standing up for what is wrong and exposing the truth at any length is trashy and lacks class. She did not appreciate silence or those who refused to defend themselves. She would have said that the lack of response to what has been said was weak. “John F. Kennedy would have never have acted that way.” She was fond of saying!

To our readers, we suggest…support the bullying and the hatred or support the love…it’s your choice!

But like we said before…if you don’t like our blog…DON’T FUCKIN READ IT!!!

Eyes Open…We’re Watching!

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hate is NOT sexy!!! Join the LOVE TRAIN!!!

This very long post goes to all of you beautiful, gay, kids out there that are just trying to find your place! Almost exactly three years ago my mother died in a hospital bed while I held her hand. “I’m just a bag of soul” she was fond of saying, so I tried hard to not attach myself to her lifeless body seconds after she was gone. But as I looked down at her, one thing became extremely clear. We are here but for a moment.

My mom loved Bob Dylan and Neil Young. She loved to dance in the kitchen to Janet Jackson and Shirley Manson from Garbage. She saw every movie that came out and always hosted an Oscar party. She was hands down one of the most stylish women I have ever known and would quickly but cheerfully correct you if you mispronounced a designer. “Honey, I think you mean Ralph Lauren, not Ralph Loren.”

When she was 15 her stepfather caught several boys from her school outside her window watching her change. The police who were called asked my mom if she wore tight sweaters to school to entice the boys. She never wore a tight sweater again…until she was 51 and got sober. “Life is too short to care what other people have to say. If they want to look, let them look.” And look they did because at the time she began wearing almost all black, v-neck shirts she measured in as a cup size F. “I’ve been embarrassed all my life. I just don’t care anymore.” She would laugh.

She could talk for hours about Hilary Clinton politics, Angela Davis and the Black Panther Coalition just as much as she could recite lines from Out of Africa and Singing in the Rain. She loved Chanel. Mac Cosmetics. Michael Kors women’s cologne. Kids. Life…Me. And because of all of that, she passed on to me a vibrancy for living unlike any other. She inspired me, by all that she did with her life…but mostly by the dreams she never fulfilled, to live a life of unbelievable imagination, creativity and a desire for more!

And that, my dears, is what raannt is all about. Vibrancy for living to your fullest potential, honestly, without any bullshit!. Loving yourself enough to not give a FUCK what anyone else has to say. Being willing to not stand at the back of the bus. Willing to defend yourself if someone treats you wrong. Challenging anyone who compromises your chance at a truly sexy life.

Today we received this text from a dear friend. “Love that you guys are not afraid to be yourself!! Love it love it!! Promise you the only way you will stand above the rest is to not worry what others think!!” So true. Last week, we wanted to stir up a little controversy and have some fun. We do not interview celebrities to brag about it but to ask the questions others want to know. But why shouldn’t we brag about it? It’s fun. We live a fucking fun ass life.

But the reality is it has been an uphill battle the entire way since we started raannt. Why??? Because of the three little clues we gave you on Friday. Three reasons why this city, Indianapolis, will never be sexy. And you can hate us and you can judge us, we don’t care…but know this. What we write is always the truth. Someone on Friday said we were “social revolutionaries”! Well…the revolution has begun. To those negative people that called us Mean Girls and assumed this was a Burn Book…get ready because the revolution has just begun. We won’t stop until Indianapolis is seething sexiness. We will challenge every last one of you to ooze it from your pores and make this city so unbelievable you’ll want to sweat every night listening to the deep beats of local DJ’s, talk for weeks about the macaroni and cheese at Usual Suspects. Whisper about that last date where you kissed under the blanket on the lawn at the IMA while watching Casablanca. Yes Indy…you have it in you, but you have to demand it!!!

We firmly believe in sexiness, obviously. Confidence and self-acceptance. The reality that a 400 pound woman can be just as beautiful, sexual, sensual and desired as a size 0. The reality that color has no place accept to define fifty shades of amazing. The reality that gay is straight and straight is gay and none of it makes any kind of sense anyway and LOVE is the only thing that matters in the end. We believe that women AND men, should rise to the top of whatever they want to be; DJ’s, doctors, rappers, comics, parents…and yes, even porn stars. We believe, we believe, we believe…mostly, in the truth. Because the truth shall set you free…you see. And the truth, is that Indianapolis will NEVER be sexy, until it stops allowing political and social closemindedness, endorsing unoriginal thieves and allows everyone the same opportunities. Yes…the truth!

So…onto the show.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b24YF3DPiWM]
1. DOINGITINDYDUDES

Boring. Lacking Substance. No originality. Opportunists. Grocery store openings? Hipster Scene Reviewers? We don’t think so. Remember, they are “social media” so they have put themselves out there for us to review. These guys could bore a stamp off a 10 year postcard, as could the top 5 things they suggest for people to do in Indy. How they EVER got a spot on Fox 59 is unreal to us…and please don’t claim that we’re jealous because we wouldn’t accept a show in Indiana anyway. Anyone that knows us intimately knows we would love a local radio show 1-2 times a month and a national television show. Hell the one gay host we have in Indy won’t even come out in public.

Oh, we’re bitter right? That’s what you’re thinking? Hmmmm…They claim they started in October of 2010. Let’s read an email we sent them on 12-10-10 after their first spot on Fox 59.

Our names are Peter and Alex and we saw you on Fox 59…We’re kind of surprised we hadn’t already heard of you. Anyway, we do something similar to what you’re doing but we
focus pretty much directly on the nightlife, bar/social scene. We’ve learned in the year and a half that we’ve been doing this that it’s much better to collaborate than to step on
each other’s toes bc Indy is pretty small so we thought we would just extend a hand and see if you guys ever wanted to meet up for drinks and see if we could come up with
some ideas on how to work together or collaborate in any way. If not, that’s cool but we just thought we’d ask. Probably like you, the idea for us started simply and we really just
do it for fun, but now it has become a huge part of our lives and probably the part we enjoy the most, so we love connecting with other like minds and really making Indy as great as a
city as possible! Just let us know…

Peter and Alex
the boys of raannt

No response as of yet. And we don’t expect one, either. But hell, we tried. Hey, we’re just trying to improve this city and work together…You can expect our parody shortly on our YouTube channel…because dear raannters…in doingitindylicious…you’ve entered the congregation of The Church of the Corny! Get rid of them. Do you really think Kim Kardashian is going to go duck pin bowling when she comes here for the Superbowl? For Christ sake!

2. AMY BARTNER AND METROMIX

God! Isn’t she cute? So cute that you’d trust her right? We did. Actually, let’s take a look back. Hmmm…well, we contacted Amy on 4-19-10 about the possibility of writing something for them. Amy responded the very same day.

Hi, Peter! You’ve been on our radar for a while now and we’ve been meaning to contact you. We’re totally interested in something….we just don’t know what at this point. Amanda said she’ll get back to you soon! (But if you don’t hear back in a week, feel free to e-mail again!)
Thanks for contacting us and we look forward to working with you! 🙂
Amy

Never heard from her until 6-2-10

I know, I know. I suck for taking so long to get in contact with you. I’m
not totally sure what our plans for partnership with you both will be in the
future, but I do know that I want to feature you as local celebrities in our
Pride issue coming out next week. Can you come in to answer a few questions
and get your photo taken on Monday? Actually, the questions can be e-mailed
— might be easier for your schedule.

Let me know if we can do this!!

Thanks, and I look forward to meeting you guys!

Amy

OHHHH…Did we mention that we’re gay??? We did? Did we mention that our first porn star interview came out almost a year before and she and her “boss” Amanda Kingsbury were aware of this? Let’s look further…On 6-7-10 we responded to her request for a meeting with our schedules and agreed to meet at Midtown on Tuesday to discuss our writing for Metromix. Remember Amanda…you said you could write it off because you still needed to write about Midtown. Still waiting for that one. By the way, we feel it’s professional courtesy when you request a meeting for you or your corporation to pick up the tab, we always do. Anyway, we discussed our working for Metromix and writing a Page Six Gossip column and Amanda said she would look at her budget to see what she could pay us but she would definitely be having us write for them. That…sounds a little bit like a verbal business contract. OHHH…but wait Amanda, you emailed 2 days later with an actual writing assignment!!! A Playboy event? Like as in Playboy magazine? Like as in nudie pics? Wait…isn’t that #nsfw? Not safe for work. I know Amy likes that term because she used it on Twitter to describe our blog.

Ok, boys, this is how it works for the test assignment…
XXXX is from Playboy; he’s the (very nice) person you need to contact/ask for when you get to Ice Ultra Lounge on June 11 (around 8 p.m. – the party probably starts around 9 p.m)
I didn’t ask for any special consideration besides making sure you got in/got access – including an interview with the Playmate host. Please give us something fun and Page-6ish by the end of the day Sunday. E-mail it to me and Amy. We’ll have a photographer on site so don’t worry about photos.
Thanks & have fun!
Great to meet you last night…hope this is the start of a beautiful friendship.

Anyway…this is getting boring, but let’s just look at a few more emails…

Hey, guys!! Hope you had a good weekend…good seeing Alex on Saturday! I’m
assuming he recovered more than I did for Saturday night! 🙂 …I passed out
at 10 (worthless!).
Just wondering if you got a chance to send in your first column? I thought
we were hoping to start that this week! And I can’t remember what name we
landed on…Alex and I threw around a few on Saturday morning. Just let me
know what you’d prefer!
Thanks, guys!

Amy

Hahaha…such a funny girl. Wait!!! Does that sound like we’re actually working for Metromix? It did to us. But we still hadn’t heard from Amanda, about our pay scale? Hmmm…Well…something happened because first we got sent to Taste of Tango, which was closed down? Then they sent us to Whiskey Business where we stood out like walking gay rainbows at a strip mall bar, which is what it was. And then we sent an email on 10-14-10

Good Afternoon
We’ve tried to reach you several times and have still not had any luck. We’re just wondering if you have any plans for us in the future and if so can we set up a meeting to discuss. If not then we’re interested in what changed and why.
Thank you
Peter and Alex

Sorry it’s been difficult for you to reach us! I’ve only gotten one e-mail in the last few weeks, so I hope I’m not just not receiving anything from you. We’d love to meet to talk about your work with Metromix, and I know Amanda talked to you about times you’re available for lunch/a meeting. Can we meet the week of Nov. 8? What time’s good for you guys that week?
Thanks,
Amy

After that a few emails have been exchanged but…no lunch. So you want to come to us about airing our professional complaints or wounded pride??? Uhhhh…No! We’re just stating our opinion and displaying facts about what happened because we feel it is important in defending our character, especially since 8 months ago these ladies were offering us assignments, excited to work with us and now were…#nsfw…NOT SAFE FOR WORK???

AND THEN…The best of the best…The email….which she claimed Friday after we posted it without her name and the Metromix title. We’re assuming, because we would have, you knew we were going to post it on Monday anyway so why everyone’s going nut crazy like you did something honorable is a joke. In our opinion, you knew you were nailed.

Hi Peter and Alex,
Hope all is well. When I went to your blog today, I noticed the link to Metromix Indianapolis on the right rail. We appreciate the link, but raannt’s content doesn’t jive with the content Metromix produces. I’m hoping you can remove it.
Thanks!
Amy

You are one confusing lady, dearest Amy. I think not only did it seem like we were jiving but you choreographed the jive? Not even a response on why we don’t “jive”? Not here…before, you should have addressed it before, in a professional manner. Or were you just pissed that I challenged you on Twitter? Ohhhhh…but we’re liars, mean girls and assholes right? Based on the comments we’ve received? Yeah, right. Well burn this one…if Indianapolis continues to support a newspaper that has issues with raannt being not safe for work bc of a picture of one of the world’s most famous photographers, Mike Ruiz, in a speedo, but pays it’s bills by endorsing strip clubs, including a half page ad for Dancer’s, then Indy is trashy…not sexy. And we love strip clubs. Hell Amy, since you guys love them so much, how bout we meet up at Club Rio and discuss these issues. We’ll even buy you a lap dance! There’s your prize!

3. THE INDIANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday we posted this picture of Indiana Republican State Representative Jud McMillin who voted for the gay marriage ban. OHHHH…did we mention that he has a secret past including photographs he texted of himself masturbating while using a dildo on himself? Now that would be a porn star interview we would LOVE to get!!!Wait…is this one of the people you were referring to when you called us Mean Girls who had produced a Burn Book??? You support this guy? Really?

Bil Browning, Founder and Editor in Chief of The Bilerico Project, wrote an amazing and integral look into the life of this young man. It reads like a Jackie Collins/James Patterson bestseller and we love it!!! A Tale of Glass Houses and Rocks.

And then, ridiculous Dan Burton introduces the Marriage Protection Act of 2011…making it even harder for us to register at Crate and Barrel! Damn, he’s just pissed because nobody’s texting him nudie shots! Look…we’re not stopping until all 70 representatives who voted for this dated and bigoted bill are exposed and ridiculed! And we look at this two ways…you’re either with us or against us on this one. We don’t even want to hear about your excuses. It’s 2011 and that is way to late in the game for us to sit and entertain dated gay jokes about fudge packing and lesbian dinosaurs. Too late to hear excuses about why marriage is a thing of tradition and church. The time is NOW! It’s time for a change!!! It’s time for Indiana to finally fess up, make a change and GET SEXY!!!! That won’t happen until everyone is accepted. And to the gay community…that means working together “as a community” and supporting one another not tearing each other apart. We need to be unified for the common good and support one another!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSGXe-x-E9g]
So, there you have it…just a few small changes that need to be made. We’re not asking for a lot. We just want to have a fun time. We want to dance late into the night, make love, eat lots of pizza and chocolate. We just want our fair share. We want to be entertained, not bored. We want to hold hands, not hold up our fists. And if you don’t like our blog…DON’T FUCKIN READ IT!!! We want love, love, love…did you hear us?? We said LOVE…LOVE…LOVE!!!!
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Ohhh…and from here on out…we’re only doing interviews!
Eyes Open, We’re Watching!

*the statements in this article and any article related to the above subjects is solely our opinion and the opinion of Peter, Alex and raannt.

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Guess Who??? the NOT sexy list!!!! Teaser!


This ain’t our first time at the rodeo! When we started our venture, we coined the phrase “Eyes Open, We’re Watching”, but some people have apparently forgotten our motto. Maybe it’s that Indy doesn’t really know what to do with us; after all we’ve interviewed dozens of international celebrities and have several A-list interviews on the way, we speak daily to supermodels, Grammy winning artists, actors and television stars. Our wedding is going to be a who’s who of pop culture celebutante. And never once have we done this in a callous or arrogant way. If you’ve done business with us, you know we are humble, professional and true to our word. And rarely have we taken any payout for what we do(which is about to change), so you know, unlike others, what we review and support is the truth and straight from our hearts! But for some reason people are afraid of us. Obviously, there are a few people who think we’re dumb and trivial and assume we’ll just lay down. Are you kidding? We’ve been schooled by the best. And while we’re in talks with a major television company about a reality show simply titled The Boyz and have retained the services of an entertainment attorney, one thing is certain…from the boys of raannt…expect the unexpected!

All week we’ve been giving clues to our message “Indy will never be SEXY because…” And maybe you still don’t know what we’re implying. On Monday, we’ll give a detailed report on what needs to change before this city has a chance. First, we wanted to give our readers and “fans” a chance to play a game of Guess Who, to see if you know exactly what is keeping this town from being sexy.

While you’re putting your thoughts together from the clues below, please listen to the video message we’d like to send out to our three anti-sexy constituents…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgKIqSwej-E]

Here are your three clues to the top three reasons why Indy will never be sexy!

THIRD PLACE…

SECOND PLACE…
Five…Four…Three…Two…One!

FIRST PLACE…AND LEAST SEXIEST!

an excerpt from an email we received today.

Hi Peter and Alex,

Hope all is well. When I went to your blog today, I noticed the link to (mystery publication) on the right rail. We appreciate the link, but raannt’s content doesn’t jive with the content (mystery publication) produces. I’m hoping you can remove it.

Thanks!

Interestingly enough…the very same person who sent the email had previously spotlighted us positively in the publication, requested and had a meeting with us to write a column for said publication, gave us 3 assignments(which we completed) for said publication and NOW we don’t JIVE with what they produce? Hmmmm…sounds personal. And not very sexy! Since our presentation of interview types and posts has been the same even months before they requested us, we can only wonder what’s changed?

Like we said…RODEO!

If you’d like to make a guess we’ll be giving out some prizes to those with the correct answers. Comment below to play the game!

Have a great weekend!

Eyes open…We’re Watching!

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Mike Ruiz…Getting Better with Age!!!


Mike Ruiz. Fashion and celebrity photographer on the level of famed Annie Lebowitz. Model. Actor. Judge on America’s Next Top Model and RuPaul’s Drag Race. Director. Reality television star on LOGO’s The A-List: New York. And of course, sex symbol. His website MIKE RUIZ PHOTOGRAPHY is a self-proclaimed dissertation on the art of all that is beautiful and sexy. And although this man wears many hats and has a job title more suiting of “Pop Star Icon”, one thing is certain. He has earned his way to the top. And now, looking down, with his illustrious eyes and hidden, sensual smirk, he’s realized…that it only gets so much better with age.

1. You have been a model, actor, photographer, judge and now reality television star. If asked to define your career title, what would you say?
Pop Culture Consultant/ Creative Director/ Executive Producer

2. How did your career as a photographer begin?
I got a camera as a gift in 1993.

3. It seems that there isn’t anyone you haven’t photographed. Who has been your single favorite person to photograph? Who haven’t you interviewed that you would still love to interview?
I love them all. It’s really impossible to single anyone out. I’d love to work with Cher.

4. Can you explain to us the movement called “the Q scene” of which you support.
I’m not sure exactly what that means but according to my Wikipedia page, I am a prominent member and supporter of it. I’m guessing that it means that I support many organizations whose goals are the betterment of the LGBT community.

5. What makes someone sexy?
What makes someone sexy is confidence (and ripped abs!!!)

6. What is the sexiest city in the world?
Paris.

7. Sexiest hotel in the world?
The Lake Palace in Udaipur, India.


8. Sexiest place to photograph?
Anywhere in India.

9. Sexiest place to kiss?
On the lips!

10. You were recently a member of LOGO television’s The A List: New York. What was the best and worst experience of being part of this cast?
It was all good. I wouldn’t have done it if I thought there would be anything bad about doing it.


11. When traveling, what are five things you always have in your bag?
Kiehls Silkgroom, Kiehls Cross Terrain UV Protector, Kiehls Photo-Age Corrector, my Canon 5D, my iPad.

12. You are in a serious relationship and have a family. Tell us about your partner and your family.
Martin is an amazing human being and father. He has 2 beautiful children that I adore.


13. In many of your photographs, the Kathy Griffin portraits for example, your subjects look sexier and more gorgeous than they have ever looked before. What is your secret to bringing out the best qualities in your subjects.
It’s a combination of many things but it boils down to being a manifestation of my ideals and fanatasies.

14. You are an incredibly sexy man. What are three secrets you would tell men so they look sexy and confident every day?
Eat well, get’s 8 hours of sleep and choose to love life.

15. What about the same advice for women?
All the same stuff and a push up bra!

16. If you could only listen to three CD’s or musicians for the rest of your life, who would you listen to?
Booty Luv. Rupaul introduced me to them and I can’t do cardio without listening to them on my iPod.

17. Does it get better with age?
It get’s SOOOOO much better with age. I have never been so at peace with who I am and it allows me to be available in ways that held me back when I was younger.


18. What are three things that we wouldn’t know by looking at you?
That I have 7 or 8 injuries ranging from shattered disks to a dislocated shoulder.

Thanks buddy!

AND for all of our exciting news, updates and stirrings…
Please Follow us on Twitter HERE
and
Like our Facebook Fan Page HERE

Eyes Open…We’re Watching!

All photographs by Mike Ruiz courtesy of Mike Ruiz.

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Lady Gaga’s Manifesto of Mother Monster…Video for a Millenium!!!

For the last month, we’ve gone back and forth over the Britney vs. Gaga battle, but since the release of her video, Lady Gaga has been the standout winner! Seriously, this video will one day be comparable to the likes of Thriller, Vogue and other music genius’ who are willing to take risks and push the boundaries and limits. Not to mention we love the many references to Madonna. We at the raannt offices don’t believe Gaga sits in a room somewhere, meditating and defining a new religion of Gaga-ism. Quite the contrary. We think she’s probably sitting back in a comfy chair somewhere, laughing with her friends and dreaming up ways to be as strange as possible. And we’re all the audience to this incredible performance artist! Props Miss Gaga…your video looks amazing as does your body. Our favorite moments…4:11, 5:17 and 6:00. And although the beginning is outstanding, the 3 seconds at 3:57 define Miss Gaga as absolute rock star royalty!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV1FrqwZyKw]

Eyes Open…We’re Watching!

Photo by Nick Knight
Video borrowed from VEVO on YouTube

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RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3…Q & A With the Girls!!!

We have loved RuPaul’s Drag Race since it first hit the air! We have had the privilege of interviewing contestants such as Ongina and Drag Race Season 2 winner Tyra Sanchez! And each season just gets better and better. This season the prize package is even dreamier with a $75,000 cash prize, lifetime supply of Kryolan makeup and the headlining role in the LOGO/Absolut sponsored Drag Race Tour. So in preparing to dig our heels deep into another season, we thought it would be fun to contact our friends over at LOGO TV and ask the girls from this season a few questions! We also asked Jason, the gorgeous Pit Crew boy a few questions too! Now that the season is well under way and we all know these queens a little bit better, let’s find out exactly what they think is HOT!!!

OUR QUESTIONS
1. Paris Hilton coin the phrase “that’s hot” and Christian Soriano coin the phrase “that’s fierce,” when you get famous, what would your phrase be and what would it mean?

2. If you were up to lip-sync for your life, what is something you would do that no other contestant has done before?

3. What is your #1 beauty tip that you would give to a real women to improve their look?

SHANGELA

1. 2011 is the Year of the ‘Loo – Halleloo, that is! I’ve been saying this for years and it makes me super happy to see how it’s been embraced by everyone from fans of the show from Johnny Weir to even Kimora Lee Simmons! HALLELOO is an accent word that gives that extra “oomph” to a moment similar to “werq” and “okay.” It just makes me feel good to say it. “The Los Angeles Times” included it in its Top 10 Most Memorable Words from Reality TV … smack dab between “Prostitution Whore” and “GTL”!

2. I’ve been on the lip sync chopping block in the first episode of seasons 2 and 3, so some may think they’ve seen every trick that Shangela has to give, but when the stage lights dim and there’s no one but you, Ru and the judges, some of the most creative moments on stage can happen completely unplanned. So if I’m ever in the bottom two again, get ready for an unforgettable experience, baby because in that moment, you really do feel like it’s live or die.

3. I love real women. They tell me that I came out of one (shout out, Mama Deb). I think women are beautiful, naturally. So, if you can believe this coming from a drag queen, my message is less is more. My mom is a military veteran. She never wore much makeup, if any at all, and I think she’s one of the most beautiful people in the whole world. Beauty comes from inside and is measured by how much you love yourself, and how much you share that love with others.

CARMEN CARRERA

1. I am definitely a product of my surroundings and my way of speaking and some of the things I say have often been influenced by the club circuit that I belong to. One of the phrases that really stuck was “Pay It”. It’s basically an abbreviation of “Pay it no mind”. For example, “I have a hangover from going out last night and I start work in 30 min. Oh pay it, I’m gonna call out.” You can also use it like this: “She walked right passed me and didn’t even say hi, she paid it.”

2. If I had to lip sync, I’d probably get on top of the judges table and crawl on similar to how JLo did in the “I’m Glad” video which had a “Flashdance” theme. So hot!

3. For most women, I think, it’s extremely important to really learn how to do the best eye make up for their eye shape. I’ve worked in retail cosmetics and a lot of women don’t know how to bring out their eyes. That or they only know one technique, which a lot of the times, isn’t even the right one for them. Take the time to learn about your eye shape and which technique will give you that mesmerizing gaze. You’d be surprised at how you can captivate someone by just looking into their eyes! Very powerful.

STACY LAYNE MATTHEWS

1. My phrase would be “BE A LADY” because no matter what situation we are thrown in or what struggle we are faced with, we must always remember to have class and appreciate who we are as entertainers as well as human beings.

2. I would grab a micro phone as sing the song myself. Show them what true talent is.

3. I would have to say to them to make sure that their face is BLENDED and everything is the right color for the skin tone. BLEND BLEND BLEND!

RAJA

1. God, there are so many! I’m not really into any one specifically. I
could have an entire glossary of “isms”! guess you’re just going to
have to keep watching to find a favorite rajaism!

2. If I had to lip synch for my life I’d probably be the first queen to distract the other queen by using my bionic legs and do a full helicopter move above her head and land in the splits! yup! That’s what I would do for sure!

3. I think women can always use a pair of false lashes! Anything that frames the eyes can have an alluring effect including sexy birkhas.

YARA SOFIA

1. “ECHA’ PA’ LANTE” WHICH MEANS KEEP ON MOVING AND DON’T LOOK BACK!

2. NO SHADE, BUT I HATE LIP-SYNC FOR YOUR LIFE MOMENTS. IT’S LIKE BEGGING.

3. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND THE MOST IMPORTANT – BE UNIQUE. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT!

DELTA WORK

1. MODED! The perfect response to a situation, person, place or thing that is completely the opposite of what you planned or expected especially when everyone, but you notices first.

2. WHETHER IN COMPETITION OR FOR A LIVE AUDIENCE, EVERY LIP SYNC IS A “LIP SYNC FOR YOUR LIFE.” I ALWAYS STRIVE TO KNOW THE LYRICS, THE BREATHS AND THE NUANCE: THE GOAL IS TO TREAT IT LIKE AN ART FORM.

3. SKINCARE IS THE BASIS OF ANY BEAUTY REGIMEN. FOR REAL WOMEN, DAILY COSMETIC USE SHOULD BE USED TO SHOWCASE THE FEATURES NOT OUTSHINE THEM.


INDIA FERRAH

1. “Stinky Dinky Poo.” It would mean what you are wearing (hair,outfit,perfume,makeup,etc) is not cute at all and honestly, it’s really stinky dinky poo!!!! Why’s everything got to be hot or fierce? Why can’t we say it stinks like dinky poo!

2. I would TURN THE PARTY and perform my heart out! I would never attack another queen. That is TACKY and unprofessional! I am confident in myself and don’t need to try and destroy the other girl’s chance of staying by attacking them!

3. I would say start out with an amazing base foundation. It’s just like a house. You have to have a good base to build on and if you get a really good base foundation, it can change your look completely!

MANILA LUZON

1. What do you mean when I get famous? I am already famous! I’m a contestant on the international hit reality television show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” I’m at Gaga fame status. Ha! My phrase would be “Gag!,” but you got to first give a fierce snap before you say it! Try it! {snap} GAG! Didn’t that feel good?

2. I’m going to have to one-up Mimi Imfurst’s picking up India. So in my lip-sync for my life, I’m going to cook a seven-course meal on stage for the judges while lip-syncing to the song “Eat It” by Weird Al Yankovic!

3. Asian genes! Don’t got none? Well, give your children a chance and reproduce with a hot Asian dude!

ALEXIS MATEO

1. It would be “the jig is up.” I always use this when I discover something or when something is revealed to me. It is so much fun to say it and I got all my friends saying it too!

2. If I lip-sync for my life, I will actually Lip-sync. I will not do a crazy stuff like a circus person or fight or try to get the attention from a judge. I will actually lip-sync.

3. Take care of your SMILE. A beautiful smile belongs with a beautiful person. You can tell a lot form a person just looking at the smile.

MARIAH

1. “GET YOUR LIFE!” Means go for it, bitch!

2. I would get the judges to form a chorus line with me!

3 SMILE!

OUR PIT CREW QUESTIONS:

1. How did they get picked for the pit crew?

2. What are the 2 things that set apart a drag superstar from any other drag queen?


JASON

1. My “Pit Crew” story is quite a lengthy one, but I was teaching a hip hop dance class in Hollywood and one of the students in the class was a friend of a talent producer on the show. She found me on Facebook and asked if I would be interested in auditioning for the show. I was a little puzzled when I got the call because I was familiar with the show, but I had never seen or heard of the Pit Crew before, but nonetheless, I was thrilled that she took the time to seek me out so I agreed. She put me in contact with the talent producer and I went in for the audition. The funny thing is that we had to reschedule the audition several times due to other obligations and on the last day I finally made it in. I had no idea what to expect. The audition consisted of me dancing full out in my skivvies for the camera which I had no problem doing. It was just so different from any other audition I had ever gone on. Weeks passed and I totally forgot I had even auditioned then BAM! I get a random call from the producers saying I was booked! True Story. The rest is history.

2. The difference between someone who is a drag queen and someone who is a drag superstar is an obvious one. Anyone can learn the tricks of the trade and acquire the tools to become a drag queen. But what I’ve learned from watching these talented ladies is that it takes passion , heart, sheer genius, talent and HUGE roll of duct tape to be a Drag Superstar! But seriously, a drag superstar is flawless in her reality. From the way she carries herself, to the presence she commands on stage a drag superstar is anything but average. The beauty they emanate and the jaw dropping star power they ooze effortlessly cannot be taught or learned. They just have “IT” . For a drag superstar it’s not about just playing “dress up ” it’s about living the persona and committing 200% . That’s the true difference.

Well…there you have it! Next up is our interview with world renown photographer and often special guest judge on Rupaul’s Drag Race, Mike Ruiz!

Til then, Eyes Open…We’re Watching!