Author: Emil Lazarian

The Moody Vegan is your one-stop shop for vegan desserts in East Hollywood!

Looking for a new vegan dessert plug in East Hollywood? An Armenian woman-owned vegan bakery, The Moody Vegan, will open in the former space of The Gray Zebra this summer!

The Moody Vegan got its start in 2020 as a cottage bakery operating out of owner Melany Nazarian’s home. Nazarian and her husband delivered matcha crinkle cookies, lemon olive oil cakes, coffee cakes, and other baked goods to customers around the LA area until expanding to a food truck in September of 2022. But not even a month into operation, the Moody Vegan food truck unfortunately got damaged in an accident. Although fans were devastated, The Moody Vegan was working behind the scenes to secure a brick-and-mortar location.

“After the unfortunate event with the truck, I wanted to find a way to put myself out there again. Since we were not in operation for long with the truck, I feel like a lot of people who were interested in visiting never got the chance to. I missed interacting with customers and hearing about and seeing how my desserts made their moods better. I miss the reactions from non-vegans, ‘I can’t believe it’s vegan!’ A brick-and-mortar has always been a dream of mine, but now it’s coming to fruition,” Nazarian told VegOut.

This new space allows The Moody Vegan to expand offerings. Of course, they’ll be serving all of their fan-favorite items like vegan cookies, coffee cake, banana bread, blondies, and refreshing iced teas. In addition, the bakery will serve their namesake a la mode menu items—called Mood Swings. New items to grace the menu include fruit smoothies, protein smoothies, milkshakes, Armenian espresso, and savory dishes in the realm of breakfast burritos, loaded fries, and avocado toast.

The Moody Vegan will open in East Hollywood on the corner of Sunset and Normandie, in the former space of two vegan establishments—The Gray Zebra and Gegen. “I’m excited to join the community in East Hollywood and hope the area welcomes us kindly. I’m excited for the opportunity to continue keeping the space 100% vegan, but by introducing a new concept,” shared Nazarian.

Opening details are still in the works, but The Moody Vegan aims to soft open next month. Once they get a feel for what works for the customers and area, they will set official hours and continue to expand their menu. For more information, follow @themoodyvegan on Instagram.

https://vegoutmag.com/news/woman-owned-vegan-bakery-moody-vegan/

Azerbaijan’s authoritarian president, Ilham Aliyev, is an unlikely champion for the victims of French colonialism.

But as chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), that is precisely how he is positioning himself. 

Of course, he has his own grievances against France, namely Paris’ allegedly pro-Armenian stance in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace talks that have followed the Second Karabakh War of 2020.

In a speech on July 5 at the Ministerial Meeting of the NAM Coordinating Bureau in Baku, Aliyev criticized France at length and said some NAM members are still suffering from its continuing practice of “neocolonialism.”

NAM was established during the Cold War as a forum for states not formally aligned with or against the major power blocs of the time. It now has 120 members and is the largest congregation of states worldwide, after the United Nations. Azerbaijan joined NAM in 2011 and has been chairing it since 2019.

“Azerbaijan is very much concerned by the rising tendency towards neo-colonialism. NAM, which was created as a result of the decolonization process, should vigorously combat this shameful legacy of the past and contribute to its full elimination,” Aliyev said in his speech. “French-administered territories outside Europe are nasty remains of the French colonial empire.”

He then backed Comoros’ claim of sovereignty over the French-administered Island of Mayotte and appeared to support the independence movement in New Caledonia. 

He said France’s colonial-era atrocities in Algeria amounted to “genocide”, echoing a claim made in 2011 by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Azerbaijan’s closest ally, Turkey. Paris does not accept the claim. 

Aliyev called on France to “apologize for its colonial past and bloody colonial crimes and acts of genocide against NAM member countries in Africa, South-East Asia and other places.”

France needs to do so now more than ever in the aftermath of unrest in the country following the killing of an Algerian teen, he said. 

Aliyev visited Algeria in November 2022 and paid a visit to the Martyrs’ Memorial, which was built to commemorate Algerians who died fighting against French imperial rule. He said then that “France conducted a terrible war against the Algerian people for more than 130 years which resulted in the deaths of more than one and a half million Algerians,” but stopped short of using the word “genocide.” 

Azerbaijan has long been critical of France over its pro-Armenian stance in the Karabakh conflict, especially during the peace process that followed the 2020 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

In a television interview in October 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron blamed Azerbaijan for launching “a terrible war” against Armenia in 2020 and again “attacking” the latter in September 2022. In response, the Azerbaijani president said that France should have no place in mediation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

“I had the opportunity to communicate quite closely with President [Jacques] Chirac, President [Nicolas] Sarkozy and President [Francois] Hollande, and our relations were quite balanced, quite friendly,” he said at an October 14 CIS summit meeting in Astana. “We always perceived the activities of previous French presidents, despite, of course, a certain factor of the Armenian diaspora in France, as balanced. However, the current French leadership has effectively crossed out all this.”

France was one of three mediating countries comprising the OSCE Minsk Group for the settlement of the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict that was set up in the mid-1990s. The format still exists on paper but has not been active since the 2020 war.

Most recently, on July 7, France’s Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna reaffirmed her country’s support for an international mechanism guaranteeing the rights and securities of Karabakh Armenians in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process in a phone call with her Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan. 

The Azerbaijani president and his government, meanwhile, find the French stance hypocritical given France’s history of colonialism and “neocolonialism.” 

“Unfortunately, France is trying to impose the same ill practice in the region of the South Caucasus by supporting Armenian separatism in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and by means of geopolitical rivalry, foreign military presence and colonial policy of ‘Orientalism,'” Aliyev argued in his July 5 speech. 

Words: Miles Holder

Last week, I had the incredible honour of travelling to Armenia to attend the inaugural Yerevan Fashion Week. Not only was I fortunate enough to witness this momentous event, but I also had the privilege of serving as a jury member for the prestigious Fashion Scout Armenia Award.

Fashion Scout Armenia is an exceptional opportunity that aims to illuminate the extraordinary talent of emerging Armenian fashion designers on a global stage. In collaboration with the esteemed Fashion and Design Chamber of Armenia (FDC Armenia), our task was to evaluate the collections of Armenian fashion students, recent graduates, and emerging designers, determining which among them were ready to take the next step in their careers. Let me tell you, this was no easy feat given the remarkably high level of talent on display.

The stakes were high, as the prizes for Fashion Scout Armenia ranged from a three-month internship at a renowned fashion atelier in Florence, a sponsored study trip to London Fashion Week in September 2023, exclusive one-on-one mentoring sessions with Fashion Scout experts, and the opportunity to be featured on Fashion Scout and FDC Armenia’s esteemed media channels. With such incredible rewards at stake, it became apparent from the outset that each designer brought their own unique flair and showcased remarkable potential which might one day gain them a coveted spot on the Yerevan Fashion Week schedule.

Now, let’s delve into a captivating rundown of the Fashion Scout Armenia collections we were fortunate enough to witness, along with my personal thoughts and, of course, the much-anticipated announcement of the winners.

MM2NINE’s “Lost Memory” collection drew inspiration from Armenia’s magnificent architectural legacy and the country’s traditional costume, the Taraz. This captivating collection transcended time, weaving a narrative that celebrated ancestral heritage while showcasing the prowess of modern craftsmanship. The inclusion of horned headpieces paid homage to the iconic Afrikyan’s Club Building, which once graced the heart of Yerevan. Through these striking elements, MM2NINE provocatively explored the intertwined nature of shared histories and the often-controversial removal of historic relics to pave the way for a dynamic and ever-evolving culture.

While rooted in history, the collection seamlessly integrated modern corsetry, innovative material choices, and the vision of a young and talented designer. These elements elevated “Lost Memory” to a contemporary stage, creating a captivating fusion of past and present that left a lasting impression.

Gayane Ghazaryan’s collection was a testament to the fusion of Armenian architecture and avant-garde fashion. Inspired by the captivating colours and architectural elements of traditional stone buildings, Ghazaryan skilfully incorporated these influences into her colour scheme, creating a visually striking collection. However, it was her ability to draw inspiration from more contemporary surroundings that truly set her apart. One of her designs paid homage to the Karen Demirtchian Sport/Concert Complex, infusing a modern edge into the collection.

One notable aspect of Ghazaryan’s collection was the use of sheer sleeves and trousers, which added a touch of ethereal elegance and further contributed to its contemporary vibe. While Ghazaryan’s talent and creativity suggest a potential future in haute couture, the underlying evidence of strong ready-to-wear contemporary design skills was unmistakable. The combination of innovative construction, attention to detail, and a modern aesthetic make Ghazaryan a designer to watch in the world of fashion.

Knarik Karapetyan unveiled one of the more contemporary collections which captivated the audience as her models confidently strode down the runway. It was evident that Karapetyan had a clear vision of her target audience, showcasing immense potential to attract a devoted customer base. Her brand, aptly named Boldness, truly lived up to its name, with a vibrant colour palette and striking silhouettes that commanded attention.

What set Karapetyan’s collection apart was its high level of customizability. The clothing pieces were designed to be adaptable, allowing individuals to personalize their looks. Additionally, the ingenious incorporation of handbags that seamlessly integrated with the garments added a touch of ingenuity and practicality to the collection.

We eagerly anticipate what Karapetyan has in store for the future, as her talent and ability to push boundaries are undeniable.

Lucciana Karabajakian, the founder of the brand Lily and Orchid, has already achieved significant success in the real world, and her expertise is evident in her latest collection. Through the utilisation of various techniques, her collection showcases versatility, sustainability, and above all, relevance. Additionally, her incorporation of felt-work adds a notable artistic touch to the collection, while her distinctive skirt woven belts demonstrate her keen eye for styling and attention to detail.

I would say that her designs show potential in the real world, had I not scrolled down Lily and Orchid’s Instagram to find already sold-out designs! Either way, we are eagerly anticipating her future endeavours as a designer, and look forward to witnessing her continuous growth in the industry.

Alla Dawson has seamlessly incorporated captivating storytelling into her avant-garde collection under her brand, Admery. The brand’s Instagram showcased a previously handmade dress, highlighting her evident design expertise.

Her collection, titled “Dove from Sevan,” draws inspiration from the mystical history of the Hayravank monastery. The collection narrates the tale of Abbot Hovhan, who transformed thousands of Armenians into doves, allowing them to soar towards freedom. By employing a variety of techniques and materials, this avant-garde collection presents a mesmerising spectacle, demonstrating a range of versatile skills applicable to a myriad of applications within the fashion industry.

Anahit Khalatyan’s brand Tihana serves as a valuable example from which larger brands can draw inspiration. By utilizing solely recycled denim, which she sources from her friends, Tihana has successfully crafted a collection that truly aligns with the elusive sustainable objective that so few brands genuinely fulfil. Demonstrating a diverse range of styles and employing various techniques, the collection features an array of garments, including jackets, trousers, and even a headpiece.

Anahit Khalatyan establishes that sustainable fashion need not be monotonous; most importantly, she showcases that with skill, sustainability can harmoniously exist in the world of high fashion an exciting prospect for a world desperately in need of bold thinkers.

Nana Metajanyan, the visionary behind the esteemed brand Alenkie, showcased her exceptional talent in her upcycled collection. Employing a diverse range of techniques, Metajanyan breathed new life into old creations. One particular standout piece that captured everyone’s attention was the striking two-tone trench coat. Through the clever use of illustration and patchwork, the collection exuded a playful yet rebellious edge, making it a perfect fit for fashion-forward individuals who exude confidence.

Sustainability was at the core of Metajanyan’s collection. To add a touch of ingenuity, models adorned headdresses constructed from pull tabs sourced from tinned drinks, further emphasizing the brand’s commitment to eco-consciousness. This creative move added a unique and unexpected element to the runway presentation.
Alenkie has already established a strong vision and a distinct aesthetic. With each collection, the brand can continue to evolve and captivate and it will be an exciting journey to witness as Alenkie grows and cements its place in the fashion industry.

Mari Airapetyan, the talented designer behind Mariko Design, emerged as the grand prize winner with her exceptional collection that seamlessly melded elements from the past and tradition with a contemporary twist. The boldness of her collection was evident in the expertly crafted shorts, jackets, dresses, accessories, and printed shirts that graced the runway. It was evident that Mari had invested considerable effort and research in conceptualising this remarkable range.
From the thoughtfully chosen colour palette to the carefully selected materials, every aspect of the collection paid homage to the rich fashion history of Armenia while incorporating elements of contemporary design language, striking a harmonious balance between the two. It is often said that the true essence lies in the details, and Mari’s collection exhibited an impressive range of techniques and meticulous craftsmanship.

The inaugural Fashion Scout – Yerevan Fashion Week showcased an exciting array of budding designers all of who displayed a level of talent far beyond their years. We eagerly await what lies ahead for all designers and feel assured that in their hands, Armenia’s future within the fashion world could very well be FAULTless.

The CIS is an intergovernmental organization based in Minsk, founded at the end of 1991. The aim of the institution was to create an economic and security area in order to mitigate the consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Who is in the CIS?
Founding members were the Soviet republics of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Immediately after the collapse of the USSR, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan joined. Turkmenistan has only been an associated member since 2005, Georgia only joined in 1993, but now no longer takes part in all meetings. Ukraine seceded from the CIS in 2018 in protest against the 2014 Russian occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.
Source: Federal Agency for Civic Education

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday attended the UEFA 2023 Under 21 European Championship final match between England and Spain, held at the Adjarabet Arena stadium in the Black Sea city of Batumi.

Along with the prime ministers, representatives of the Georgian and Armenian governments were also present at the match, the Government Administration said.

England defeated Spain by 1:0 and became the winner of the Championship, which was co-hosted by Georgia and Romania this year between June 21-July 8.

The matches of the UEFA U21 were played in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi, with the Georgian national team managing to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in history.