QP FASHION MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2020

QP
DECEMBER 2020
FASHION and lifestyle MAGAZINE
BARBARA & ALESKA GENESIS & MICHELL
CASTELLANOS
AZUAJE
BY EDSON SMITTER

TEAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ
SENIOR EDITOR
ALEXANDRA BONNET
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
YASMINE KATEB
FASHION EDITOR
SHARON JANE
SENIOR DIRECTOR
OF SELECTED PROJECTS
FASHION STYLISTS
CLAUDIA LOMBARDO
MICHELLE WU
CARA GORDON
KATHRYN GOSIK
HANNAH KERRI
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
CONTENT CREATORS
JUSTINE DUCLAUX
SHANNEN TIERNEY
MATT KOGER
ALEXANDRA BONNET
SHARON JANE
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
No matter the holiday you are celebrating, it’s important to remember that there is always
a light on the other side!!
2020 has been very chaotic to say the least but as we ring in the New Year, let’s think
about the good that came out, however small it may be! Now is the time to find that
Holiday cheer and remind those you care about that you love them. Singing, dance, sleep,
eat…whatever it is, do it and ENJOY! Here at QP, we wish you all a blessed holiday and
despite the pandemic, wishing you all a marvelous 2021 filled with love, joy, and success!
For our last issue of this year, we are so excited to share with you some amazing
editorials which includes fashion pieces, interviews, and more. Our cover with the gorgeous
Castellanos Azuaje sisters will make your jaw drop alongside interviews with Cara
Gordon and Kathryn Gosik who are amazing and talented stylists. These are just to name
a few so stay tuned and make sure to check out the full issue!
Happy Holiday.
Stay Happy. Stay Safe. Stay Loving.
ALEXANDRA BONNET & JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ
Senior Editor & Editor-in-Chief
QPmag
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COVER
TALENTS: GENESIS ALESKA @aleskagenesis &
MICHELL ROXANA @michellroxana &
BARBARA @c.bstefani
ART DIRECTION: ELIZABETH LUGO @elizabethmua &
CLAUDIA FERNANDES
PHOTOGRAPHER: EDSON SMITTER @edsmitter
WARDROBE STYLIST: HASSNI CAINA @styledbyhassni
STYLIST´s assistants: NICOLE MENDOZA @marienicole19 &
PAOLA BACALAO @paobacalao
MAKEUP artistS: LUCIA ALBUIN & LARISSA SANDOVAL & HAROL PRADO
HAIR STYLISTS: CAROLINA FANUCCHI & SILDI HAIR
production: ELIZABETH LUGO @elizabethmua
production ASSISTANTS: IVONY HERNANDEZ & MIGUEL DITROLIO
rETOUCHER: JESUS MARCANO
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IN THIS ISSUE
8-13 |
14-25 |
26-39 |
40-49 |
50-61 |
62-77 |
78-93 |
EDITORIAL: KILLING ME SOFTLY
EDITORIAL: DITA E LABRA
COVER: CASTELLANOS AZUAJE SISTERS
EDITORIAL: WILD BEAUTY
EDITORIAL: BLINDING LIGHTS
INTERVIEW: KATHRYN GOSNIK & CARA GORDON
EDITORIAL: DJELLZA
SUBMISSIONS
hello@qpmag.com
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BELLO MEDIA GROUP
@BELLOmediaGroup
8285 Sunset Blvd, Suite 01
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046
www.qpmag.com
hello@QPMAG.com
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Dress NAKED TIGER
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KILLING
ME SOFTLY
PHOTOGRAPHER: SONNY MATSON @sonnychaotic
MODEL: BIANCA RICHARDS @bianca_richards
AGENCY: BOUNTY LA @_bountyla
wardrobe STYLIST: CHERIE NOEL @cherienoel
HAIR & Makeup: JETON MULLALIU @iamjetonfashion
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Dress
NAKED TIGER
Heels
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
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Black Suit ZARA
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Top
ALL SAINTS
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DITA E
LABRA
PHOTOGRAPHER: JAMIE CHARLES @jaycedoeswork
MODEL: LAURA @laura.iva
AGENCY: CAROLINE GLEASON MANAGEMENT @cgmmodels
wardrobe STYLIST: JAMIE CHARLES @jaycedoeswork
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HAIR AND Makeup ARTIST: LAUREN CARNY @_makeupandhairbylulu_
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Shirt
NANUSHKA
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Bodysuit
ALL SAINTS
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Top
ALICE + OLIVIA
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COVER
ALESKA GENESIS & MICHELL & BARBARA
CASTELLANOS
AZUAJE
Interview by ALEXANDRA BONNET @alexbonnetwrites
TALENTS: GENESIS ALESKA @aleskagenesis &
MICHELL ROXANA @michellroxana &
BARBARA @c.bstefani
ART DIRECTION: ELIZABETH LUGO @elizabethmua &
CLAUDIA FERNANDES
PHOTOGRAPHER: EDSON SMITTER @edsmitter
WARDROBE STYLIST: HASSNI CAINA @styledbyhassni
STYLIST´s assistants: NICOLE MENDOZA @marienicole19 &
PAOLA BACALAO @paobacalao
MAKEUP artistS: LUCIA ALBUIN & LARISSA SANDOVAL & HAROL PRADO
HAIR STYLISTS: CAROLINA FANUCCHI & SILDI HAIR
production: ELIZABETH LUGO @elizabethmua
production ASSISTANTS: IVONY HERNANDEZ & MIGUEL DITROLIO
rETOUCHER: JESUS MARCANO
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Dress ROBERTO CAVALLI
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GENESIS
ALESKA
When did you decide to launch your
swimwear brand and what inspired
you to do so?
It was 2 years ago, I was at my home seeing the
sunset from the terrace. At that moment I decided
to bring something cool and different inspired by
the colors of the sunset of the places that I love the
most.
If you could describe your
brand in 3 words, what would
they be?
Fresh, sexy, and sport.
What are the top components
you must pay attention to when
launching a swimwear brand?
The three key factors are the
fabrics, the colors, and the
shapes.
If you could describe
yourself as one of your
swimsuits, which one would
you pick and why?
I would choose the “Malibu”
one. Pink and baby blue are my favorite colors, I
love the sunset in California. I love the sand and
the beach over there. I think it perfectly describes
me, I am a surfer girl.
In a world where people are still body shaming
etc, how do you show acceptance and promote it
too?
I show it and promote it through my brand, where
“My mom
has taught
me the
values of life,
and to never
give up.”
one of the good things of the designs is that they
can fit any type of body shape, you do not have to
be super fit or slim. Neoprene has the advantage of
conforming to your body, and that's the way to
promote it.
What does fashion mean to you?
At this time, it is a lifestyle.
Who has been your biggest
supporter(s) in life up until
now? What lessons have they
taught you?
Definitely my mom. She has
taught me the values of life, and
to never give up.
If you could be any designer
for a day, who would you pick
and why?
CHANEL, that's where all the
cardinal points meet. It is chic,
sexy, unique, stylish, … It is the
reference and statement on the
industry. Definitely my mom.
She has taught me the values of
life, and to never give up.
Any secret hobby most people do not know you
have?
I build LEGOs.
What do you hope for in the New Year?
That everyone remains safe and healthy.
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BARBARA
What was your favorite part of
working at the Palm House?
Sharing the experience with such
talented Latina women, where they
all opened their hearts.
Do you remember the day you
booked this? Share with us how
you felt.
I don’t remember the exact day,
but I remember I was excited and
nervous. And then, when I went to
the casting and they told me that
I was without a doubt selected, it
was a great satisfaction. I cried of
happiness.
If you could go back in time
to give yourself one piece of
advice, what would it be?
Dare to do what you dream of,
with no fear of being wrong.
Who did you connect with the
most on set?
I felt a great connection with all the
girls, they are incredible people.
What do you hope your
viewers will get from watching
the show?
I hope they see the reality behind those happy
and perfect characters that are shown on social
networks.
“I’m happy
with who
I am, and
the path
that I’m
taking,
expecting
to inspire
others.”
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is relative, depends on the eyes of the one
who sees it. For me, inner beauty is the most
important, it is what you reflect.
Who is someone who has really
inspired you and why?
My parents. They have
undoubtedly been my driving force
and an example that with constant
dedication you can achieve what
you dream of.
Tell us what motivates you to work
hard every day.
The satisfaction of proving myself
that I can do anything, that dreams
are possible.
If you could be anyone else for one
day, who would you choose and
why?
I wouldn’t be anybody else, I would
be me. Trying to meet your goals is
an everyday job. I’m happy with
who I am, and the path that I’m
taking, expecting to inspire others.
What will 2021 be like?
It will be full of surprises, new
goals and projects to fulfill, I guess everyone will be
driven by the hope of restoring the normal way
of doing things even with the pandemic, realizing
that together we can win this.
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Dress ROBERTO CAVALLI

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MICHELL
ROXANA
T
ell us more about your children’s book
coming out soon.
My new book talks about the pollution on
Earth and how this is affecting life on this
planet and what we can do to start a change on
this matter.
What inspired you to write it?
When I became Miss Earth Venezuela, I
started to be more conscious about how we
treat the planet we live in, and I
realize that the best way to stop this
is by changing the mind of future
generations.
Share with us your favorite
moment in creating it.
The moment when I saw the first
draft. Also, when the first copy
was in my hands and I could
see that this was getting real.
Tell us what you hope this book
will do for kids who read it.
I hope that this book can put
a seed on the kids´ minds, and
they can have an opinion and
become more conscious about their
planet, and if they want to
enjoy it in the future they
could be the grain on the sand
that promotes the change.
Have you always known you wanted to be
a writer?
More than being a writer, I always knew that
I wanted to do something that could improve
our society for the common good of humanity.
“I always
knew that
I wanted
to do
something
that could
improve our
society.”
When you are not writing, what do you like to
do?
I love to exercise. Running and biking helps me
to think, to relax, to enjoy the air and nature.
Growing up, what role did books play in who you
are today?
Books gave me the criteria to discern about life, and
how knowledge is the most powerful tool that we
have to fulfill our goals.
How would you describe your
fashion?
Modern, fresh, chic but
comfortable, I like to be the
example that you can be
dressed with what fits you best,
regarding the style on vogue and
still be you and be up to date with
fashion at the same time.
Something between classic and
modern, as well as youthful.
What is your purpose?
You can be whatever you want
if you work hard and have a
constant plan and maintain
it. Also, you can have many
aspects in your life that can collide
without sacrificing one or
another.
New Year’s Resolutions?
Publish my book, inspire others to be the best
version of themselves, being the best version of
myself. I would also love to be the host of a TV
show, as well as being a statement on fashion and
lifestyle.
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Dress ROBERTO CAVALLI
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WILD
BEAUTY
PHOTOGRAPHER: KENT AVERY @kentaveryphoto
MODEL: CAITLYN MWENIFUMBO @bby_cai
AGENCY: THE INDUSTRY MODEL MANAGEMENT LA @theindustryla
wardrobe STYLIST: HANNAH KERRI @hannahkerrri
hair and Makeup ARTIST: KESHA @keshabyme
location: DECLAN @5thletter
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Dress FOREVER 21
Earrings PANGEA KALIVIRGA
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SHORE
DREAMS
PHOTOGRAPHER: KENT AVERY @kentaveryphoto
MODEL: CAITLYN MWENIFUMBO @bby_cai
AGENCY: THE INDUSTRY MODEL MANAGEMENT LA @theindustryla
wardrobe STYLIST: HANNAH KERRI @hannahkerrri
HAIR AND Makeup ARTIST: KESHA @keshabyme
LOCATION: DECLAN @5thletter
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Dress LEXI
Boots MIU MIU
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Dress LEXI
Corset LILAH GARMENTS
Earrings STUDIO BALOGE
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Dress LEXI
Corset LILAH GARMENTS
Earrings STUDIO BALOGE
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Lingerie GUESS
Shoes MARCIANO
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Top REVOLVE
Skirt NASTY GAL
Earrings SOKO
White Silky Shirt
AMATERAS
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Dress NOW PR
PRIVATE LABEL
Earrings NOA
Rings
LADA LEGINA
Heels
CHARLES DAVID SHOES
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BLINDING
LIGHTS
PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS MARTIN @bychrismartin
MODEL: MARI FONSECA @marianne_fonseca
AGENCY: NEXT MANAGEMENT @nextmodels
wardrobe STYLIST: MICHELLE WU @michellewustylist
Makeup ARTIST: TEAL DRUDA @tealmuah
HAIR STYLIST: LEA JOURNO @leajournosalon
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Dress STELLO
Heels SHOEDAZZLE
Ring LADA LEGINA
Necklace
ELLIE VAIL JEWELRY
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Dress NANA JACQUELINE
Earrings & Rings SHY SIREN
Gloves LILITH VIPER
Boots
CHARLES DAVID SHOES
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Dress NATHALIE KARAM
Earrings MISAHARA
Rings SHY SIREN
Gloves LILITH VIPER
Bag RUBEUS MILANO
Heels
CHARLES DAVID SHOES
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Blazer & Pants KARIGAM
Crop Top LILITH VIPER
Choker ARIEL TAUB
Earrings LADA LEGINA
Rings MAISON LOUELLA
Heels CHARLES DAVID SHOES
Swimsuit SUPERDOWN
Earrings VINTAGE
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INTERVIEW
KATHRYN
GOSIK &
CARA
GORDON
THE FUTURE
OF FASHION
Introduction by RYAN MICHAELS @ryanmichaelsss
Meet Cara Gordon and Kathryn Gosik, Los Angeles’ newest
styling duo. The two complement each other’s strengths:
bending any style or gender into something undeniable,
sensual, and potent. They are electric in their creativity
while sophisticated in their attitude.
PHOTOGRAPHER: GEORGOS KARAMANUS @geogoskaramanus
WARDROBE STYLISTs: KATHRYN GOSIK @kathryngosik &
CARA GORDON @cara_gordon
MAKEUP artist: ASHLEN @glamxashlen
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T-Shirt & Tights VETEMENTS
Sunglasses VERSACE
KAT
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PHOTOGRAPHER: MEGAN BATSON @megbatphoto
MODEL: ALLI MARTINEZ @allimartinez
AGENCY: WILHELMINA LOS ANGELES @wilhelminalosangeles
CARA
Bra HONEY BIRDETTE
Jacket GUESS
Sunglasses GUCCI
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KATHRYN GOSIK &
CARA GORDON
Gordon started at Condé Nast and W Mag before moving to Los Angeles,
working closely with the likes of Janelle Monáe, Selena Gomez and Katy Perry.
Gosik comes from a music background, spending time at Warner Bros
Records and in management, before her 2019 pivot to styling.
Gordon’s style is often recklessly expressive: vivid colors, varied silhouettes
and a distinct sexiness. Gosik is just as bold with her colors while aiming at
an effortless, composed kind of cool, something that has translated well
to her professional athlete clientele and rappers alike.
Recently, Gordon and Gosik were signed to The Wall Group, propelling
them to a new level in the styling world. We can’t wait to see what
they do next, but we do know it’ll be good.
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What are the benefits of working as a
duo?
Kat: So many, but having an extra
set of eyes is definitely up there. Cara
will see the art we are making from a different
perspective than I sometimes do, getting me out of
my comfort zone, and vice versa. We both bring
different elements to the table, Cara is a pro at
editorial work, whereas I am more fluent in street
style, and we both meet in the middle.
Cara: They say the more the merrier and that
definitely applies to styling as well. Kat opens
my eyes to a lot of concepts creatively that I
wouldn’t think twice about and vice versa. She is
constantly motivating me to be better.
Additionally, no one understands what we are
going through more than each other and I’m so
grateful for that. Two heads are better than one
and together we are truly unstoppable.
What inspires your personal style?
Kat: I think the coolest thing is when a girl looks
sexy without showing too much skin. I would say
I’m more drawn towards androgynous pieces, it
is not unlikely to find me shopping in the men’s
section for myself. I like to look put together but
also effortless.
Cara: Anything that makes you think twice
and deviates from the norm. I don’t really take
trends into consideration. I’m drawn to anything
larger than life, polarizing, youthful, and unique.
I have a deep satisfaction knowing no one else can
emulate my style successfully. It is truly one of a
kind.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Kat: Hmm… it’s not easy for me to pinpoint one
thing or moment and say: “There. That’s my
inspiration”. I think moving through life,
experiencing art, watching music videos,
walking around the streets of Los Angeles, traveling,
I draw inspiration that way. Usually late at night
I get bursts of creativity, and I’ll be on my laptop
emailing designers and putting together mood
boards until I can’t keep my eyes open anymore.
Cara: Before fashion, it was figure skating so I
inevitably draw a lot of my inspiration from
skating costumes (especially for music videos
and editorial). I ironically try not to look to other
people too much because I think it fails to be
original if you do. I’m inspired by technology,
astronomy, robotics, books, art, love, music, the
whimsy of fantasy and romance. I certainly
consider myself a romantic. I’m inspired by
anything that makes me feel something. If it doesn’t,
I don’t want it.
What advice do you have for aspiring stylists?
Kat: It may sound corny, but always remember
that no one else is you and that’s your superpower.
I feel as though there’s an unspoken competition
among stylists in LA, but really the only person
you should be in competition with is yourself. I try
to outdo myself on every new project and always
give 110%. When stylists come to me for questions
or advice, I have no problem helping them, you can
give someone else the recipe, but the sauce won’t
taste the same. Stay in your own lane, have a clear
vision and goal, put your head down, and work,
the reward will reveal itself.
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Bra HONEY BIRDETTE
Jacket GUESS
Sunglasses GUCCI
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T-Shirt & Tights VETEMENTS
Sunglasses VERSACE
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Cara: No one makes it overnight so putting
yourself out there is invaluable. There is something
to gain from every internship, assistant job, shoot,
and so forth. I live by the quote “put your heart on
a platter and let people stab it.” In short, it means
to never hold back. Do it all. Wear your heart on
your sleeve. What if it can turn out better than you
can imagine?
What are your career goals?
Kat: I worked in music management for 5 years
before getting into styling, though always had
an interest in fashion. My boss at the time
knew it was a passion, so he would send me to
photoshoots with clients to be his eyes on set. I vividly
remember watching the stylists do their jobs and
thinking, “Wow, I want to do that”. I started
helping some friends who are performers with their
looks for shoots and events and really developed my
interest in the field. After interning with a couple of
stylists and learning the fundamentals of the job,
I found a stylist who gave me a chance in a more
creative role, and I assisted him before breaking off
and working with my own clients. It has been a
lot of learning along the way, but I feel so fulfilled
with the sense that this is God’s plan for me.
Cara: I’ve known my entire life I’d work in
fashion. That was never a question for me.
After graduating, I moved to New York City and
worked at DuJour, Marie Claire, Brides and W
magazines then went on to assist former British
Vogue editor Bronwyn Cosgrave. Bronwyn told
me she saw me as a stylist based in Los Angeles
and that stuck with me. However, working under
Alexandra Mandelkorn was really my
introduction to the celebrity styling world and my
shove to move to Los Angeles full-time. It was scary
at the beginning to make the commitment to be
self-employed and show up for myself but taking
the plunge was the best thing that ever happened
to me.
What are your favorite designers/brands?
Kat: As much as I love designers, I’m not
really a ‘designer girl’. I believe clothing is how you
wear something and you can make a $20 shirt
look as dope as a $2,000 top. Buuuuttt…. I do love
Balenciaga, YSL, Helmut Lang, Heron Preston...
some Off-White is cool, and who doesn’t love
vintage Chanel and Versace? I’m also into
Sally LaPointe, Jacquemus, y/Project, Maisie Wisen
is dope, AREA, Unravel, Saks Potts, Mugler, 1017
ALYX 9SM…. the list goes on. I love where fashion
is at right now. I love the unexpected collaborations
that are happening more often than not nowadays
- NBA x Louis Vuitton?? Yes, please!
Cara: This changes all the time but currently
Olivier Rousteing of Balmain, Jeremy Scott of
Moschino, Hedi Slimane of Celine, Alexander
McQueen, LaQuan Smith, and Christian Cowan.
Anyone who understands the times (past present
and future), uses their power and influence for the
better, isn’t afraid to be fun (and sexy of course),
and morphs the scope of trends through their own
creative lens.
What is the biggest misconception about working
as a fashion stylist?
Kat: Biggest misconception is definitely that we
always have a bunch of clothes sitting at home
waiting to be styled. Yes, we have our kits; but
when a client calls me an hour before an event
thinking I have a rack just ready and waiting for
this moment, that's not the case. Just like any
artist, stylists take pride in their work and I
never give less than my absolute best, never put
something out that I’m not proud of. When I’m
given a project, I am sourcing items all over LA
and the world for that specific project, which can
take over a week. There are so many moving parts
to styling, you have to be extremely organized and
really love it because it's not easy.
Cara: My friend Victor Vaughns (who is now
at WWD) and I would joke that people not in
the industry think we just throw Prada bags
around all day but working in fashion takes a
lot more grit and relentlessness than that. It’s
really a fight but is worth every second of that fight.
Kat: “I never give less than my
absolute best, never put something
out that I’m not proud of.”
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Black Suit HELMUT LANG
Necklace SHAY JEWELRY
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Dress VETEMENTS
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Sweatsuit BALENCIAGA
Sunglasses FENTY
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Cara: “I have a deep satisfaction
knowing no one else can emulate
my style successfully.
It is truly one of a kind.”
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Dress THE ATTICO
Dress SUPERDOWN
Earrings VINTAGE
Heels ALDO
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DJELLZA
PHOTOGRAPHER: MAYK AZZATO @mayk_azzato
MODEL: DJELLZA @gugidjellza
PRODUCTION: FRANCESCA BONO AZZATO @thecreatives
assistants: FLORIAN SCHÖWALD & NIKLAS WINKLER
Dress SUPERDOWN
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Pants Suit
JOHN MADDOX
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Dress SUPERDOWN
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Dress SUPERDOWN
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Fur Coat YASAMIN D´JOUR
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Top SUPERDOWN
Pants SUPERDOWN
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Fur Coat
YASAMIN D´JOUR
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Dress SUPERDOWN
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DECEMBER 2020
MARI
FONSECA
FASHION and lifestyle MAGAZINE
BY CHRIS MARTIN