LEFAIR Magazine’s Fall 2017 Issue Launch Party

Written By: Editorial Assistant Jaye Younkin

Tucked between McGarry, S. Alameda, and E. 14th in Downtown Los Angeles is celebrity photographer Ben Cope’s rustic studio. It was in this artist’s sanctuary that LEFAIR Magazine celebrated the launch of its Fall 2017 issue featuring the stunning singer/actress Victoria Justice on the cover. In our interview with Ben, he said, “For me, it’s a dance. You dance with your subject and you end up with an image.” It was amazing to see where the dancing happens, in his spacious two-story studio with rough wood-accented kitchen and bar and gleaming white glam area. With the magazine cover projected on the floor-to-ceiling backdrop, and string lights adding a sparkly glow, we were all ready to enjoy the night the LEFAIR way – trendy, sexy, and beautiful with an edge.

Outside the door stood our handsome security guard David Madison alongside Kalen Aradia who was checking our guests in wearing a beautiful coral colored dress with a low back. One of the first people to arrive at the party was model/actress Danielle Ruiz who confidently embraced our Lingerie Noir theme inspired by a spread in the Fall issue. Danielle said she consulted with girlfriends over which lingerie set to wear, ultimately choosing Rachel Marus’ leopard lace “Ansel” set that was the perfect shade of taupe for her skin tone. I wore Seven ‘til Midnight’s Red Bow Bra set, and both of us made sure fashion editorial photographer Kevin Jara captured us together, especially in front of our step-and-repeat backdrop (as did many other guests in order to get the perfect Instagram worthy shot) featuring the logos of our amazing sponsors.

We were also lucky enough to be able to enjoy wearing lingerie from Jane Woolrich, Katherine Hamilton, and Gossard that were effortlessly worn by models and others on the LEFAIR team. Jane Woolrich provided lacy silk nightgowns in pastel pink and black, perfect for a mysteriously sexy, yet soft look. The luxurious Katherine Hamilton lingerie arrived in distinctive black boxes filled with delicate white and teal silk sets of bras, underwear, high waisted briefs, and suspender belts — the whole package. In contrast, the lingerie that Gossard shared attracted women who wanted to make a bolder statement with bright colors, supportive push-up bras, and sheer panties and thongs. The selection to round out our Lingerie Noir theme was spectacular.

While choosing the perfect set of lingerie to wear, our models were completely entranced by Smashbox‘s 3D lipstick printer which combined beauty and technology in order to print a lipstick kiss and our signature logo onto a hand held mirror– a feature that was part of their #BeLegendary lipstick collection launch.

Capturing impromptu moments was Matt Goldstein, NYC/LA based photographer, who probably got more than a few spontaneous photos of people taking shots and toasting our new issue. Those drinks were expertly mixed by our quick and talented bartender, Sam Bakke, who was busy all night tending to the line of people ready to party. We also had kegs of Boomtown Brewery’s “rustic with a modern twist” beer and SOTO, which means “outside” in Japanese, provided sake, a drink made from fermented rice. Also refreshing was a selection of Social Sparkling Wines provided in three crisp flavors — hibiscus cucumber, pink grapefruit ginger, and toasted coconut almond, all delicious and unique sparkling beverages.

If you just popped over to the party after a long day at work, Monster Energy drinks were on hand for a quick pick-me-up so you could enjoy the evening to the fullest. And in the background, talented DJ’s Balthazar Getty and Le Youth kept everyone moving.

As if the alcohol varieties weren’t enough of a party favor, we also had samples of popular Dr. Norms high-quality cannabis edibles. With a jar full of marijuana-laced chocolate chip cookies, guests were either storing some in their purses for later or munching on one in real time; good thing we had a variety of snacks at the bar including Chocoveda chakra chocolate truffles which were both spiritual and sweet at the same time. We also offered Sprig’s canned beverages that contained 45 mg of THC — something you don’t “drink” every day. And, Ocean Grown Extracts handed out their special variety of concentrated cannabis vape pens and miniature starter kits. Most people who took a puff said the inhalation was the smoothest they’d ever experienced. Being the responsible adults that we are, those who drove to the studio grabbed these party favors to go and said, “I need to drive home tonight! Saving this for later!”

While the party was at its peak, the lady of the night and face of our Fall 2017 issue, Victoria Justice, arrived looking beautiful in bright red lipstick and posing with the magazine to show how proud she was to be featured. She said, “It was so nice to do the interview with my sister [Maddy Grace], that’s not something we get to do a lot.” Although Maddy couldn’t make it to the launch party, we loved her presence in the combined photoshoot and interview that showed off her talent for modeling — a career she is currently pursuing.

By the end of the night, it felt like people weren’t really ready to go home with overdrawn goodbyes and long lingering in the doorway. After all the hard work that went into creating our Fall 2017 issue, it was so nice to finally celebrate with new faces, as well as with the people who helped make it happen. With the string lights still hung and probably a waft of weed still in the air at the studio (sorry not sorry, Ben), we’ve already transitioned into focusing on our Winter 2017 issue and we know you’re excited for that too.