our creative extended family part II

who she is: Aliya-Jasmine Sovani

what she does: hosts MTV News, kick-ass interviewer and maker of amazing things in philanthropy

Hermann & Audrey: What’s inspiring you lately?
AJ: Vampires.

Hermann & Audrey: If I say “great design” what’s the first thing you think of?
AJ: Furniture in a great room.

Hermann & Audrey: What is a trend in fashion/art/culture that you really connect to?
AJ: Right now it is the MadMen fixation; in Art: 50’s style advertising; Fashion: Jackie O. dresses, purses, sunglasses, and jewellry; Culture: Social world of wining, dining, and appreciating the arts that is re-emerging.
I think society going through this recession has made us appreciate movies, music, photography, the ballet, etc…all over again. The outburst of borderline offensive media that is attempting to redefine social norms has reconnected people to an appreciation for refinement. The MadMen show defines all of that…not to mention vodka martinis and manhattan’s!

Hermann & Audrey: What would people find surprising about you?
AJ: I swallow my gum, don’t believe in soul mates, draw cartoons, love heavy metal, think Stephen Harper is hot, get anxiety when car windows are locked, and swear my dog tries to pronounce English words.

Hermann & Audrey: What’s the best thing about your job?
AJ: The ability to be genuinely curious about people, I feel blessed every day for that…plus, all the free clothes are pretty good too.

Hermann & Audrey: What’s your passion outside of work?
AJ: curiosity drives me, and social change inspires me. Watching FOOD INC or Sharkwater…and trying to make a difference! Haha. Sounds ridiculous but its true. There is a whole new generation here that actually give a f**k and are an army for making sh*t happen.

Hermann & Audrey: Who are you without MTV?
AJ: The kid from the Never Ending Story. Bay City Rollers have a song called Hot Child in the City! “Running wild and looking pretty”. I’m a girl with a dream to change the world and some days I feel invincible.

Hermann & Audrey: Trend Watching, any tips?
AJ: Watch MTV News! Weekdays at 6:30pm & 11:30pm. We can make you cool…trust me, I used to eat lunch in my school washroom.

Below a shoot with Aliya-Jasmine and Johnny Hockin for Naked Eye magazine, shot by Steve Carty Photographer ©

excerpt image from Jalani Morgan’s safety glasses series, see the Opti-Collective post http://www.blog.hermannaudrey.com/2009/10/14/the-opti-collective/