Featuring MK b2b Sonny Fodera, Yung Bae, Pawsa, Rochelle Jordan, and NØLL

Featuring Skrillex b2b Four Tet, Kaskade b2b John Summit, 21 Savage, Kid Cudi, Diplo b2b BLOND:ISH, Dillon Francis, Black Coffee, The Martinez Brothers, Ludacris, Bicep (Live), Giolì & Assia, Oliver Tree, Fat Joe, Gorgon City, Kayzo b2b Sullivan King, Boys Noize, Emo Nite, Netsky, Blossom, SIPPY, and More

Returning to Los Angeles After 10 Years and Celebrating the 15th Edition

HARD Events has announced the lineup for the return of HARD Summer Music Festival to the City of Angels for the first time in ten years. Taking place in Downtown Los Angeles from August 5th-6th, the milestone fifteenth edition of HARD Summer will utilize a brand new venue combination with various stages spread out across the campuses of the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Exposition Park, and BMO Stadium.

The 2023 lineup stays true to the multi-genre ethos and dedication to spotlighting emerging scenes that continue to make HARD Summer one of the most exciting festivals in the country. Fans can expect triumphant returns from those whose massive trajectories have defined HARD’s bleeding-edge curation, coupled with leading hip-hop headliners, beacons of the global underground, and scene risers du jour.

Longtime HARD fans know that the family of artists that developed around the brand in its early days have gone on to dominate the worldwide dance music conversation. To celebrate its fifteen year anniversary, the festival welcomes these titans back to the stage with a curational twist true to its creative essence. Skrillex returns to the fold with a special b2b set with production genius Four Tet following their Madison Square Garden sell-out. HARD favorite Kaskade has tapped John Summit for a multi-generational tag team of a lifetime. Diplo will continue his exploration of more esoteric strains of house set forth by his Higher Ground imprint alongside the ABRACADABRA icon BLOND:ISH.

The super-reunion of HARD alumni continues with the inimitable Boys Noize, LA’s own outrageous Dillon Francis, and the chart-topping tones of Gorgon City. 

Hip-hop and rap past and present will once again take center stage at HARD with Atlanta’s own Ludacris and NYC hero Fat Joe, along with psychedelic rap superstar Kid Cudi and the return of 21 Savage after his triumphant 2022 HARD debut. Additional live highlights include the eccentric pop act Oliver Tree and the melodic sounds of Two Feet.

Los Angeles’ longstanding history as an epicenter for underground house and techno will fly its flag at HARD Summer, joined by some of the scene’s most celebrated acts. Grammy-winning South African sensation Black Coffee leads the bill alongside Bronx icons and Cuttin’ Headz bosses The Martinez Brothers, plus a special live performance from Irish duo Bicep. Denis Sulta will bring his unpredictable flavor to the fold while Loco Dice brings the Ibiza energy. The stage will also play host to some of the industry’s most exciting rising acts like AMÉMÉ, Ben Sterling, Lauren Lane b2b Ms. Mada, ChaseWest, Azzecca, Noizu, and Nala.

In a testament to its dedication to Los Angeles, HARD has selected the city’s best to contribute to its multi-genre sounds. Emo Nite will continue their reign as revivalists of the post-punk era, while the city’s famed warehouse scene is put on display with sets from Club Tularosa and fun2bjane.

Those seeking out the heavier electronic strains will once again find their place at HARD Summer with performances by Belgian drum and bass icon Netsky, Kayzo b2b Sullivan King, and SAYMYNITTI (Nitti Gritti and SAYMYNAME) plus Kai Wachi, PEEKABOO, Alix Perez, Yellow Claw b2b Flosstradamus, Diesel, 4B b2b JSTJR, and the fast-ascending newcomers ISOxo and Knock2. The more euphoric end of the genre will be represented by Blanke, SIPPY, Luude, and Ninajirachi.

HARD Summer continues to invest in creating a comfortable experience for attendees, with this never-before-used venue complex providing the perfect canvas to expand this mission. Fans can hop on the LA Metro for an easy journey to and from the event, or taste some of the city’s most celebrated food vendors at the foot of the Coliseum Torch. HARD Summer will also be hosting a series of official afterparties at premiere venues around Los Angeles, offering a true city-side takeover.

GA and VIP tickets are currently sold out, but fans can join the waitlist via HARD Summer’s official website.

Full Lineup (A-Z)

Super Helpful Info

VENUE & DATES

LA Memorial Coliseum, Exposition Park, and BMO Stadium
3911 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Learn more about the location.

Event Hours:
August 5 & 6, 2023
2PM – 11PM

BOX OFFICE & WILL-CALL

Box Office Hours:
Saturday, August 5: 12:30PM – 10PM
Sunday, August 6: 1PM – 10PM

WEATHER

The festival will take place rain or shine. Please keep up-to-date on weather reports and plan your attire and preparations accordingly.

ZERO TOLERANCE

We have a zero-tolerance policy for drug use and possession. Police officers will be working inside and outside of the event, and all narcotics laws will be strictly enforced. Be responsible, and make smart choices.

SECURITY & ENTRY

By purchasing a ticket, you agree to submit to a thorough, TSA-style search, including emptying your pockets and bags, having all of your items examined, a full pat-down, and possibly removing your shoes. We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone.

Clear bags and hydration packs are highly encouraged.

AGES & ID

You must be 18+ to enter and 21+ for alcohol/VIP. Photo ID required.

ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF ID

• Any US government-issued driver’s license or ID card containing a photograph and date of birth
• US or foreign government-issued passport containing a photograph and date of birth
• Foreign government-issued driver’s license/ID with color photocopy of passport (Not valid for 21+ wristband. To purchase alcohol or enter VIP areas, a physical passport or US ID will be required.)
• Temporary DMV documents proving you are currently renewing a license—ONLY if accompanied by passport or expired license

UNACCEPTABLE ID

• NO School ID
• NO Consular ID
• NO Birth certificate
• NO Expired ID of any kind
• NO Photocopy of any ID (except as noted)
• NO Temporary DMV license without passport or expired license

FESTIVAL POLICIES

• NO Re-entry/ins & outs per day
• NO Camping
• NO Cash: HARD Summer is a cashless event. Credit, debit, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, and Android Pay will be accepted.
• NO Refunds or exchanges
• NO Sitting on designated dancefloor areas
• NO Moshing, crowd-surfing or stage-diving
• NO Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors
• NO Unauthorized solicitations, handbills, sampling, giveaways, etc.

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS

• YES Deodorant
• YES E-cigs/vapes
• YES Festival totems or decorated pool noodles (see Totem Guidelines)
• YES Flags/banners or handmade signs (no corporate/company-branded and no hard flagpoles)
• YES Glowsticks & glowing/illuminated costumes or jewelry
• YES Hydration packs with no more than two main compartments and one smaller compartment (must be empty upon entry) – 2.5L Hydration Packs
• YES Non-professional flash/still cameras, handheld video devices under 6” (Sony Action Cam, GoPro, etc.), and GoPro extendable poles
• YES Personal misting fan with a bottle no larger than 1.5L (must be empty upon entry)
• YES Physician-prescribed medication that is not is not expired (must show physician’s prescription and consult with a safety officer upon entry. Only bring the amount of medication needed for the duration of the festival. Prescription must match ID.)
• YES Reusable water bottles (must be empty upon entry)
• YES Small bags, single-compartment backpacks, plush backpacks, purses (maximum 12” x 12”)

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• NO Aerosol products/cans
• NO Balls or Frisbees
• NO Costumes that resemble public safety uniforms (police, swat, fire, security, or medical) in any way
• NO Drones, remote-controlled aircraft, toys
• NO Drugs or drug paraphernalia
• NO Gas masks
• NO Glass, cans, cups or coolers
• NO Helium balloons
• NO Hula hoops — including LED hoops
• NO Illegal substances
• NO Large purses, bags or backpacks (over 12” x 12”)
• NO Laser pointers and air horns
• NO LED poi and orbitals — guidelines vary per venue
• NO Markers, pens or spray paint
• NO Massagers
• NO Outside food or beverages (including alcohol and candy)
• NO Pacifiers
• NO Pets
• NO Professional photo, video, or audio recording equipment (no detachable lenses, tripods, big zooms or commercial-use rigs)
• NO Red-colored light-up wands, batons, or lightsabers
• NO Stickers, flyers
• NO Tents, large umbrellas, chairs or blankets
• NO Toy guns, water guns, slingshots
• NO Weapons of any kind (includes pocket knives, pepper spray, fireworks, etc.)
• NO Wind chairs/sofas

LOST & FOUND

Interior L&F
Location: Near main entrance
8/5 | 2:00PM – 10:00PM
8/6 | 2:00PM – 10:00PM

Exterior L&F
Location: Adjacent to Box Office
8/5 | 9:00PM – 12:00AM
8/6 | 2:00PM – 12:00AM
8/7 | 12:00PM – 2:00PM

Pre-register your device to be notified if we find one of your missing items!

The First Impression at TheFitExpo

As we made our way into TheFitExpo, we were greeted with thousands of smiling faces, ranging from vendors to fellow expo attendees. We immediately felt the high energy of the room and were eager to start exploring. 

As we curiously walked down the aisles of buzzing pop-up stands and group fitness activities, we noticed a wide variety of fitness, wellness, and skincare brands. The first aisle we came across consisted of a variety of energy drink brands. 

Clean Mind + Body Fuel

Each energy drinks booth we came across was filled with enchanting packaging and a good mission for their brand. At TheFitExpo, brands are all about living your most healthy, pure, and clean life. Each energy drink brand we encountered at TheFitExpo shared one common value–clean ingredients. It is refreshing to know brands are now taking the initiative to serve the community with healthy products that create an opportunity for longevity and a healthy lifestyle.

Every energy drink brand we chatted with had little to no sugar in their drinks, naturally occurring ingredients, no artificial colors or flavors, and stood for a great cause: empowering your mind + body. We met some new players in the energy drink game such as Eboost, 3Eenergy, Good Idea, Olipop, and some more established brands like Celsius and Reign. 

Activewear In Fashion

At TheFitExpo, there were a plethora of fashion brands in the activewear industry. Each booth consisted of their own unique style or technology that made their brand memorable. Our eye was first caught by a booth with models in futuristic-looking body suits. We felt like we had just boarded a time machine that took us to the future of wellness wardrobe. 

The brand is called Zozofit. As we spoke with the brand representatives at the booth, they  demonstrated how the product worked in synchronicity with an iPhone. Zozofit suits capture highly accurate 3D body scans and precise measurements of the individual in the suit. These measurements allow individuals to take control of their fitness journeys from the comfort of their home. Through weight loss tracking and muscle building measurements, the ZOZOSUIT gives measurements down to the ¼ of an inch. We loved discovering this innovative fitness brand!  

We discovered a beautiful booth featuring premium-quality stone bracelets and necklaces. We chatted with Jorge, the founder of the artisan-crafted handmade jewelry brand Jorge George. His energy was endearing and his jewelry pieces were stunning. Feeling good is essential to living a healthy lifestyle and his gorgeous pieces are the epitome of a confidence booster. Every piece of jewelry is made with love and has a lifetime warranty. Jorge George is truly dedicated to his passion. 

Holistic Health Takeover

We located a booth with green drink samples that peaked our interest. 

Vibrant Health  is a family operated company supplying the world’s first superfood formula. Ted Parker was quick to let us try his creation and shared the story behind the brand, and similar to every booth we visited, he had impeccable energy!

You are what you drink!  After trying a delicious sample of the healthy juice that Cubo Pods offered, we wanted one! Cubo has an out of the box (or cube in this case) way of getting things all juiced up and in your cup.  Put it next to your coffee machine, and you’re going to look forward to getting up in the morning and jump starting your day with this sweet machine!   

One of our most exciting discoveries at the show was ROOT Brands! We learned all about their mission to create an alternative natural solution for people to reach their healthiest potential. The booth and the people working it were impressive and memorable, providing us with lots of knowledge on holistic wellness. We got to look at their latest cookbook by Dr. Christina Rahm and learned more about their new beauty line featuring Anti-Aging Moisturizer.

CBD wellness is all the craze now so we found lots of brands taking a hold of the movement. 

We all know that CBD has powerful pain relieving qualities and Dr Bradley’s Pain Relief  harnesses these qualities into a easy to use serum.  Along with CBD we also found brands supporting immune health with supplements and gummies. We encountered booths for creatine gummies, mushroom gummies, herbal supplements, and women’s nutritional supplements. 

The Takeaway

After visiting as many brands as we could before the end of the event, we felt as if we had carried the loving energy we received from each booth with us for the rest of the night. Having the opportunity to meet with so many inspiring and innovative brands in the wellness industry left a lasting impact on us that deeply resonates with our core brand values at LEFAIR. 

Our brand name LEFAIR is an acronym for love, energy, faith, art, inspiration, and respect. At TheFitExpo reflected each of our own brand values through our interactions with every unique brand. The entire event inspired great energy! Learn more at www.thefitexpo.com  

Residents of Los Angeles are no stranger to Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails which sits on the famous corner of Sunset and North Crescent Heights Boulevard. With its elegant, casual, and inviting atmosphere curated by designer Waldo Fernandez, LEFAIR Magazine knew it would be the perfect place for us to celebrate the beginning of summer with our team, our readers, and anyone else willing to network on a Wednesday night in LA.

The space we chose to entertain our guests in was dotted with couches set up perfectly for mingling followed by an open bar in the back which was the first destination for many attendees. Herds of people waited their turn at the bar to order a drink from our amazing sponsors Karma Tequila and Soto Sake. It seemed like even if you weren’t usually into tequila, Karma Tequila was still enticing guests to try, and probably gained some tequila converters throughout the night. If tequila was still a little heavy of a drink for you, we also had Soto Sake available which is an all natural Japanese product derived from rice and mountain water that tastes good even all by itself.  Since Los Angeles is definitely more on the progressive side of healthy eating, guests loved that Soto Sake had no added sugar and was also gluten free. Throughout the night, guests maintained a pattern of going to the bar, mingling for a bit, then getting a refill and so on. As more drinks were poured, the conversations were amplified and you could hear chatting and laugher even from outside of Hyde Sunset.

While waiting in line at the bar, guests entertained themselves by talking over the music, mostly asking their friends which word they should get on their bracelets.  That’s the great thing about MyIntent, who considers themselves more of a service project than a jewelry company –  it starts conversations and allows people to dig deeper towards their truth. You pick a word that means something significant to you and it’s then stamped with stencils and a hammer onto a circular pendant that then threaded through a bracelet or necklace. Even on the website, it says “Please share why you chose this word so our artisan can put your intention into the piece.”  Whether you chose “love” or “inspire” or “creativity,” there were a lot of positive vibes radiating into the universe from Hyde Sunset that night and it’s often said that when you put out into the universe always comes back to you.

Along with the memorable tastes of Karma Vodka and Soto Sake and the MyIntent jewelry, our guests got to take home a Yantra Beauty complimentary bag and a sample of their “Reign Supreme” hair serum.  Yantra Beauty is a lifestyle brand that focuses on being all inclusive, stating they have “gone the extra mile to ensure you feeling good doesn’t adversely effect others” which includes creating products that are unisex and work on all different hair types. When shopping online, they also give customers a choice between three charities that will receive 10% of the purchase to give back to the community. “Feel good about looking good” knowing that you also contributed to making a difference in the world. The hair serum was extremely hydrating and protective, making guests wish that they got more than just a sample.

Also doing its part to change the world is swimwear and beach lifestyle apparel brand Hot as Hell which practices eco-friendly design.  Our guests got to take home Hot as Hell matches and a discount code card which was perfect to celebrate the start of summer and warm weather.  We know where they’ll be going for a fresh summer wardrobe!  Hot as Hell’s mission is “a simplistic MORE – more sensibility, more sustainability, and more attainability.”  LEFAIR loves recommending our readers brands that have amazing merchandise but also positively impact the world and respect the environment we live in.  Being conscious about how your choices affect others is the new sexy and Hot as Hell (as well as Yantra Beauty) proves that.

This summer, LEFAIR wants to encourage our readers to have smart fun and research/invest in amazing new companies that are socially and ecologically conscious.

Some of the most extraordinary thinkers and powerful minds the world has seen have been quoted on the subjects of beauty and money. Fyodor Dostoevsky words, “The world will be saved by beauty,” and George Burns’ lyrics from Cabaret “Money makes the world go round,” point to the great importance that these two forces have in our world. It’s no wonder that the strong relationship between beauty and money is so blatant and evidenced, for example, by findings from analysts at Goldman Sachs who estimate that the global beauty industry—consisting of skin care worth $24 billion; make-up, $18 billion; $38 billion of hair-care products; and $15 billion of perfumes—is growing at up to 7% a year, more than twice the rate of the developed world’s GDP.

LEFAIR Magazine was proud to be the media partner of the recent Los Angeles Beauty & Money Summit that took place on Thursday April 19th at the luxurious SLS Hotel.
Burgeoning beauty brands, investment bankers, and media platforms gathered at the summit to form partnerships, discuss industry trends, and gain insight from beauty executives and investors. It was great to see so many beauty industry entrepreneurs confidently presenting their business models to potential backers.

One of LEFAIR Magazine’s favorite presentations was from Ali Hersh Pace, Industry Manager of Beauty at Facebook. Ali spoke to the increasing impact of mobile device shopping and how to maximize sales with the Generation Z’s attention span of only 2.8 seconds (a goldfish has an average attention span of 9 seconds).
“It’s easy to block everything out when you have something here.” Ali said from the podium and held her phone to her face. “There is no periphery anymore.” The PowerPoint shuffled through words quickly on the screen, and the audience discovered that, although we usually read at round 300 words per minute, we were reading at 500 words per minute.

“That’s what happens when you have something right here.” Ali held her phone up again. “It’s so easy to block everything out and your ability to do things is actually faster. That’s why branding fast is so important.” She explained that the Generation Z customer is going to be the largest number of beauty consumers. “They’re all graduating college and they are only giving us 3 seconds of their time because they are all scrolling through 300 feet of content on fb every single day. That’s the size of the Statue of Liberty so we have to be really really thoughtful about using mobile as their storefront.”
The key takeaway for LEFAIR from the sessions we attended and the attendees we spoke with is that beauty is a vital part of our ecosystem. It’s no surprise those of us on Instagram are highly engaged, because the platform is all about our personal aesthetic, a word meaning ‘relating to perception by the senses’ from the Greek aisthētikos. Beauty and how things look, because of access to images and videos 24/7, are big business. The beauty industry recognizes that social media gives consumers access to what we find beautiful and then the ability to buy the cosmetics, beauty products or treatments, or fashion instantly. Ali said at the summit, “Our phone has now become the remote control of our lives… from ‘I am going shopping’ to ‘I am always shopping.’” Brands recognize this, which is why – the successful ones – are always on and always available. The internet and our smartphones cater to the consumer who has a short attention span and wants instant gratification. This is why the beauty industry is bigger than ever before.

LEFAIR is also always on and always available, offering current and future beauty, fashion, health, lifestyle, travel, and entertainment trends to readers who want to see it, watch it, click it, share it, experience it, and even buy it – right now.

Videographer: Josh Goodell

A line of people of all ages, races, and talents wrapped around the Pasadena Convention Center as they waited outside under the California sun radiating energy, excitement, and nervousness. We are all familiar with how audition days go from watching America’s Got Talent on our TVs at home since the show first aired in 2007, but being in this kind of environment in person was a different experience— you could feel the opportunity in the air. Once performers got through registration, they entered the main waiting area full of glam mirrors, bright lights, and AGT backdrops. This area would be their last chance to rehearse before going into an audition that could change their lives forever. If they pass a series of auditions, eventually they get to perform in front of the 2018 America’s Got Talent judges, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Mel B., and host Tyra Banks.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT — “Auditions Pasadena Civic Auditorium” — Pictured: (l-r) Howie Mandel, Mel B, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

The winner of last year’s America’s Got Talent Season 12, Darci Lynne Farmer, was just 13 years old when she won the competition and a talented ventriloquist which means she used her voice to play multiple different characters. Her young age and unique talent seemed to inspire a wide variety of contestants this year attracting people of all ages possessing any talent you can think imaginable.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT — Auditions Pasadena Civic Auditorium — Pictured: Darci Lynne — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Two sisters in particular Jamilyn and Dani of The Brand Kris touched us with their sentimental lyrics updating their brother Kris, a musician who has passed, about their current lives. When asked, they said they get their inspiration from Taylor Swift who also started out on an acoustic guitar singing vulnerably personal lyrics but there’s also a hint of similarity to the sister duo band Aly & Aj. “We used to listen to them all the time!” the girls said.

Malia Johnson traveled all the way from Hawaii to audition for AGT and definitely brought the Hawaiian spirit with her as she played her ukulele and sang original songs that she says she plays in coffee shops back home. Jade Leone however stays a little bit closer to home, saying she has performed at places like Universal Studios before but is ready to kick up the challenge a bit more. As she sings “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey, it’s hard not to wonder if she’s going to bring it in auditions as much as she brought Christmas to February.

Some of the biggest names known in the music industry right now started right where these people stand today– sweaty palmed and exhausted from rehearsing the same routine as close to perfection as possible. As paranoia sets in, contestants look around them trying to figure out where they rank in the competition because after all is said and done, there will only be one winner.

“What do you play?” asks almost every vendor at the 2018 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show. This annual event is a playground for musicians. Meandering through the booths, testing the latest technology in audio and music is a thrill for any musician. Whether you’re in a popup recording studio testing a microphone, jamming on a newly released acoustic guitar, or unexpectedly stumbling upon a rap group’s performance (Pharcyde killed it), there is a little something for everyone at NAMM.

YAMAHA showcased Genos, the most advanced Digital Workstation keyboard ever imagined. Packed with incredible sounds, enhanced DSP effects, stunningly real accompaniment Styles, and studio integration, Genos represents the new benchmark in sound, playing experience and visual appeal. Genos is a whole new type of flagship instrument, rethought from the ground up to inspire and empower songwriters to create finished compositions entirely within its intuitive and powerful environment while at the same time vastly improving the accompaniment features that live keyboard entertainers know and love. Featuring a sleek and modern design that commands attention onstage, this game changing instrument is set to elevate performance and enjoyment for professional musicians, hobbyists, and listeners alike.

Despite the Genos’ deep feature set and technical prowess, songwriters are finding it intuitive and immediate to use. Among these are Nashville A listers Beth Nielsen Chapman and Ashley Gorley.

Designed for musicians and audio professionals on the go, AKG K275, K245 and K175 are the first headphones in their class to offer a foldable design for unmatched sound quality and portability. Featuring an innovative three-axis, all-metal hinge, AKG headphones are designed to fit into tight spaces like a travel bag where other studio headphones won’t fit. All three headphone models offer best-in-class frequency response for unrivaled clarity and detail, making it easier to create mixes that translate well across different playback systems. All models feature best-in-class sensitivity and low impedance, delivering maximum output before distortion, even when playing music from lower-powered mobile devices.

Soundcraft Notepad mixers are designed for exceptional convenience and ease of use. A traditional channel strip layout provides fast and efficient access to desired channels and sends. Soundcraft Notepad mixers include professional microphone preamps with excellent audio quality for a variety of uses, XLR combination jack mic/line inputs for easy connection with professional audio gear, and 1/4″ balanced inputs for connecting keyboards, playback devices and more. Soundcraft Notepad mixers are now available from authorized HARMAN resellers worldwide. The 1.09 update is available here.

Vanguard Audio Labs is used by the likes of Courtney Fortune and Dylan Chambers. This small company was created with one goal – to give great affordable tools to make great music. In the past, members of the Vanguard Audio Labs design team have created studio microphones and monitors that are used by world-renowned artists, engineers, and producers (including Taylor Swift, Herbie Hancock, Robert Plant, Randy Bachman, Buddy Miller, Nathan Chapman, Ray Kennedy, Lady Antebellum and many others…) Vanguard Audio Labs designs and builds great, affordable recording tools. Although Vanguard Audio Labs is a new creative venture, the core team has over a century of combined experience in the music industry. Each team member is an engineer, musician, producer, and lover of all things audio. Early in their careers, they were all frustrated by the desire to own better recording tools. However, the really great microphones were overwhelmingly expensive. Vanguard Audio Labs was created to help you make music, and to bring your music to life by building superb products that won’t break your bank account.

Photography By: Rob Loud

“We’re going to try our hardest up here tonight to pull this off,” said Brandon Flowers, lead singer of The Killers. Although, he has spoken very humbly of the band recently, remarking that instead of hits, he writes “A lot of 6’s and 7’s,” The Staples Center show in Los Angeles is sold-out and their fans know every lyric. The band opened with their bass and kick drum-heavy title track, “Wonderful Wonderful” on a smoky stage. Brandon Flowers made his way down the stairs on the stage, pointing to the crowd. The stage is decorated with large light-up gender symbols and a water tower.
It’s been 11 years since the band played this venue during their tour for Sam’s Town. “We had an off night that night,” Brandon explained. “We’ve been carrying that weight around for a long time and it’s been difficult.”

“We love you!” someone burst out.

“We have every intention of lighting this mother fucker up!” exclaimed Brandon.

The visuals do not disappoint. Projections of water, the Tyson vs. Douglas fight, and clips from the music video for “Run For Cover.” Pink confetti blasted into the crowd just before the band played “Spaceman.”

“It looks like a unicorn shit all over the stage!” Brandon said.
Brandon is all smiles and a true crowd pleaser. He has intention in every movement on stage and every word he sings. Running between the keyboard and center stage, putting on a bass guitar and taking it off, he somehow manages not to sweat at all. Are you human, Brandon, or are you dancer?

Photo by Rob Loud

With 23 songs in a two hour span, the audience was treated to one new song, written on the road, just for the band’s Los Angeles fans. “We might play it tomorrow. We’ll see how it goes,” Brandon said.

“If your life is up the proverbial tree or you just need a dose of Vitamin D. There’s a place out there where gardens grown and dreams are open wide. Just climb on in, it’s not too late. I’ll point this hood towards the Golden State. Baby have you seen LA? Where The Lakers and the starlets plays. Rock and Roll and Sunset Boulevard make you feel alive… Have you ever been to Hollywood? It could do us both a lot of good.”

No one seemed to mind being the guinea pigs for this musical experiment.

Tonight Brandon is full of wisdom. “There’s a quote that I love,” he said. “There’s nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility is being superior to your former self.” Quoting Hemingway before launching into “I Can’t Stay,” a song commonly interpreted to be about Brandon’s feelings regarding leaving his wife and children while he pursues his career.
Ending the first set with, “All These Things That I’ve Done,” Brandon’s black suit and open-necked white dress shirt look as crisp as they did when he first got on stage. However, for the encore, Brandon re-appeared dressed as Elvis in a dazzling gold and rhinestone get up. The Killers closed out the night with four more tunes, including “Andy, You’re A Star,” and then, with the band’s biggest hits, “When You Were Young” and “Mr. Brightside.”

We love how cosmetics have beautiful, fun, trends like metallic beauty (which you can read all about here), glossy eyelids, and even feathered eyebrows. The spectrum of creativity is endless. Though beauty trends come and go, there’s one that is timeless: nude lips. Nude Envie, a new lipstick brand based in Los Angeles, has created every perfect shade of nude to complement one’s unique skin tone. The names of their shades are descriptive adjectives, nouns, and verbs you would associate with the color nude — Cool, Lips, Mesmerize, Naked, Pure, Radiate, and Rush. On December 2nd, we celebrated with the amazing Nude Envie team at their launch party for three new shades, Attitude, Intuition, and Timeless.

The party perfectly set the tone, held at an exquisite mansion on Delfern Drive in Beverly Hills. As we approached the entrance, we enjoyed a red carpet step-and-repeat to capture guest photos. The invitation read “elegant attire.” Guests wore long silk dresses and heels and were greeted by endless vases of pastel pink, peach, and white roses. The house was beautiful and spacious with mirrors and a long, elegant, dark wood stairway. There were five rooms where people gathered: the foyer, the dance floor, the curved bar, the gourmet kitchen, and the dessert room.

With an open bar, it was easy to grab a glass of Prosecco (or two) and socialize with the other guests at the party– makeup artists, gurus, and bloggers. The atmosphere was punctuated by music played by the DJ, and excited voices. There was a globe shaped fish tank that extended into two rooms on either side that added to the party vibe and unique feel of Nude Envie.

In the kitchen, there was magic happening. The long marble counter was covered in fresh ingredients with chefs preparing artistic, handmade sushi right before our eyes. In a connecting room, tiered desserts took up the entire dining room table. Surrounded by more fragrant roses and tapered white candles, delicate compositions of fudge, frosting, cupcakes, cookies, small parfaits, and edible lips and lipsticks, in tones of light pink and shimmering white, made it kind of okay to take a selfie with them before devouring them. They were so pretty you almost didn’t want to splurge, but once you did, there was no going back. If we could’ve smuggled out the confections in our purses without ruining them, we would have.

About halfway through the party, Nude Envie creator Isabel Madison quieted the room to make a toast and thank those who helped her along her company’s journey. “I don’t know how I got so lucky to have all of you in my life,” she said. “You’re all angels and I’m so grateful for all of you.” Isabel’s father had his own cosmetics company which allowed her to grow up immersed in beauty culture. After focusing on motherhood first and foremost, Isabel decided to make her vision a reality and create the brand. She believes that “feeling beautiful is being beautiful; confidence, sophistication, and subtleness, make us feel beautiful.”

Before heading out, we found a small library/office where a psychic gave written readings based on our personal Nude Envie lipstick print we had to make by kissing a card. It was a fun concept, but we were skeptical; how would someone know who we are based on the print made by our lips? Especially since for some of us (me), the first print didn’t turn out so flattering and had to be done a second time. Don’t ask us how, but everything the psychic wrote was accurate, describing hopes, dreams, and what makes us tick. Our lips don’t lie and it was incredible.

Nude Envie presented gift boxes to their guests with the three new shades we were celebrating, Attitude and Intuition which are lipsticks, and Timeless, a lip liner. While the other shade
s like Naked (which we used as a base in one of LEFAIR’s latest photo shoots) and Radiate are lighter with peachy tones, these new shades are mauve-y with a cranberry tone, perfect to wear during the festive holiday season. Attitude even has a pearly sheen that makes the lips appear more volumized, something that lining your lips can help with as well. The Timeless lip liner goes well with both shades and defines the edges of the lips so the color doesn’t bleed into your skin or look messy.

Despite the elegant celebration, none of it matters if the product’s cosmetic formula does not match the gorgeous product packaging and the beautifully-themed party. But I can say with confidence and first-hand experience that Nude Envie is the real deal, holding up throughout a spicy Mexican meal and margaritas with friends. I wore Attitude, expecting to look in the mirror afterwards and be embarrassed by what remained on my lips, but my lips looked so perfect it was like the lipstick and liner had just been applied.. And while I expected my lips to feel dry and flakey in the end, Nude Envie has somehow created the perfect creamy formula without being a gloss that stays put through anything. The cherry on top? They smell so good (almost makes you want to eat them), and are vegan, cruelty-free products. What could be better?

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.