RARE MAGAZINE

RA
R
EMAGAZINE
01

index
2...... contributors
4...... editor’s letter
7...... double trouble
19..... baby snacks
28..... vodka, jaz
40..... a parallel universe
52 ..... victor
62 ..... editor’s pick
64 ..... circular beauty
66 ..... what makes someone beautiful?
75 ..... evolution of beauty
76 ..... lukas and ellen
84 ..... bony black jackson
92 ..... your body is but a vessel
100 .... featured artist*
*artworks featured in pg. 3, 17, 39, 61,65, 83, 101
1

contributors
Magazine Designer: Minami Nakamura
Director of Photography: Minami Nakamura
Creative Director: Minami Nakamura & Soda Lindau
Editor: Catherina Pumarola & Minami Nakamura
Fashion Director: Soda Lindau
Make-Up Director: Hanna Axelsson & Catherina Pumarola
Writers: Sage O’Connor, Soda Lindau, Hanna Axelsson,
Catherina Pumarola and Minami Nakamura
Models: (instagram listed with name)
CLARA - @clarabrnaert
LUCIA - @luciablanconilsson
SODA - @sodalindau
FABRICIO - @fabricio.aches
VICTOR - @vportuguesp
YASMIN - @yasminhmz
EDUARD - @edutornerov
JAZ - @jazhasfreckles
LUKAS - @lukasberndt
ELLEN - @ellenlindkvist
NICO - @nicogar_are
CATHERINA - @catherina.pumarola
MALOU - @maloutysse
ILHEM - @ilhemmayad_
MINAMI - @cheezumochi
ALDINA - @barrelona.studio
VESSY - @pengezovavesela
Featured Artist: Eduard Tornero- @edutornerov
2

3

we are RARE m
4
Media in general has clearly had a massive impact on our
society, especially in younger generations about the way
we see and identify ourselves. It has given many unrealistic
and high expectations regards to beauty, what you should
like, and how you should behave.
We created RARE magazine out of our strong belief that
media should be representing authenticity of individuals
and realities of society.
RARE magazine is eager to change the perspectives of
beauty, trying to reflect the beauty everyone of us is
carrying inside without trying to change its origin; seeing
our uniqueness, acknowledging differences, accepting our
flaws.
We also feel strongly about sustainability, and have used
thrifted/second-hand clothes for all of our shoots.
It is our mission as a magazine to visualize these factors
through art, fashion, photography, writing, and most
importantly human beings.
RARE Magazine consists a team of women all from
different part of the world; Japan, Spain, Sweden, and the
United States.
For this reason, diversity, inclusivity, gender equality, and
realistic portrayals of people are no questions for us.

agazine...
However, we are not a magazine where we force these
factors into our magazine as most media does now just for
the “token”.
We have chosen to work with people that are close to us
and people who voluntarily participated to boost their
confidence to shine a light on their unique beauty.
We strongly felt that our models should not be
objectified, rather represented and wanted this to be an
enjoyable experience for them rather than “work.”
We had immense amount of fun and built strong bonds
with our participants, and hope that they cherished their
time with us, as we did.
We hope to make more people realise that having no
filter is the most beautiful and that you are not alone.
The different experiences each of us has gone through has
allowed us to grow as a team and individuals and
nevertheless broaden our horizons.
Our team hopes you enjoy the visuals and writing pieces
that every one of us poured our hearts into <3
Love,
Minami, Catherina, Soda, Hanna, and Sage
5

double
Models: Clara and Lucia
Stylist: Soda Lindau
Photographer: Minami Nakamura
Make-up Artist: Hanna Axelsson
Assistant: Sage O’Connor

trouble
7

8

10

13

17

Models: SODA & FABRICIO
da Lindau and Fabricio Aches
Photographer: Minami Nakamura
her: Minami Nakamura
irection: Text By: Soda Minami Lindau Nakamura and Soda Lindau
Creative Direction: Minami Nakamura & Soda Lindau

19

Baby snacks.
By: SODA LINDAU
In bed, between pillows from paradise, we laid all day. I stroke your face, from the
eyebrow to the temple, through your hair, your thick black hair. Never have I ever
tasted lips so soft, a tongue like velvet, you tasted like water on a hot September day.
The day we met you asked me for a dance, I felt the ground move under my feet, no I
said, no I cannot loose control now, now when I love myself. But then your eyes told
me you’d care in the morning, although, there and then, I didn’t understand to what
extent. Como te llamas, I replied to that, you took my number and later you took my
heart.
Time passed carelessly, and the night you asked me to meet you, I had lost the
desire to. But boredom painted my walls grey, I needed something to lighten up the
day. So into the night, down underground, through streets and crowds, there you
were again. When you smiled my heart dropped down, smashed to the ground,
through the pavement, down. Fell in love, fell out of control. Why am I afraid you’ll
crush my soul?
In the morning your body feels warm, we shape like pussel. You point to you
head, we are connected, you place your hand on my heart, I know we met in an
earlier life. We went grocery shopping together the other day, we bought sugar. You
want sugar in your coffee in the morning. One kilogram sugar, it was the best price.
Now every time I walk into my kitchen you are there, I stare at the white bag, wondering
what will finish first, us or the sugar.
You hold my hand so I don’t loose you in crowds, you kiss me with passion
every time, you want us to buy a cat. Why can’t I believe the words you tell me? Is it
me, or is it your eyes that tell lies? You let your fingernails grow, you say short nails
makes you question if you have any nails at all. You change side of me when we walk,
to keep me safe on the inside of you when cars passes. You go trough life without
hesitation, there is no fear in your eyes, not like mine. Is that why I hesitate? Because
your eyes are so calm, while I’m drowning in unknown feelings?
I want you to be my south, my north, my east, my west. My working days, my
Sunday rest. I want to be your pussel, drown in your eyes. My goodbye kiss, my first
look as a new day arise.
You sleep with your socks on, and now you sleep with your socks on in my
apartment. You told me I think only about myself, but it’s not true, I think only of you.
I felt suffocated and scared, should I run now when I still have my heart in one piece,
but then you told me, mi amor, I love you, and now one part of my heart already
belongs to you. But it’s ok this time I will make it right. Not be worried when you’re
out all night. Leave the ego and let you in, tell you stories and let our life begin.
A friend asked me how I know I want to be with you, I told her I don’t know.
But as long as I wake up next to you the way I wake up next to you now, then I know,
I’m sure. Don’t lose yourself they say, how do I avoid that when my life changed over
a day.
One month passed, you tell me you want kids with me, one month passed and
now you live with me. You leave traces after you, black hair in the sink, my blood is
warm. Look me in the eyes, you bite my lip, your hand son my hips, together me
make firework. Will the flame still burn next summer? Or when should I prepare to
die?

VODKA.
Model: JAZ
Stylist & Photographer: Soda Lindau
Makeup: Hanna Axelsson
28

Written by: Soda Lindau
The walls in old apartments can’t seem to keep the
heat, they just let it out again, like they couldn’t care
less about us shivering. Someone once told me, that if
you’re really cold, you have to pee more often. Something
about that the body needs to heat the pee, and
that takes up so much energy, it’s more simple to force
you to pee all the time instead. I don’t remember who
it was telling me this, but he or she was most certainly
right, last night I had to pee two times. When I was
lying there staring at the ceiling, with the duvet up to
my nose, squeezing myself as close as possible to the
loved one next to me, my head kept reminding me of
all of the bony people shivering, trying to sleep on the
streets. How their bladder must hurt when they’re
trying to hold it in, because it’s too cold to stand up to
go and pee. When I was a teenager, me and my friends
used to bike to the football field on Thursdays and wait
for an old, ugly man while we smoked cigarettes and
froze in our leather jackets. When he finally pulled up
in his red Volvo, we gave him cash and he gave us
excitement.
Bottles of vodka that would be, one each, although
one for everyone would have been enough. I hid mine
in my closet. I could never sleep the nights between
Thursdays and Fridays, waking up to my mother
shouting with the vodka bottle in her hand made it
impossible. Anyway.
When I was laying there in my bed, unable to relax
from the cold, I wish I had a bottle of vodka. Maybe
not a full bottle but at least the amount it takes to
warm a shivering soul. Greta told me that she sat
outside in a thin sparkling blouse on New Year’s Eve
for hours, the conversation with her big love in life had
taken long, she didn’t feel the cold, although snow lit
up the night. The vodka warmed her.
All the hungry people on the streets, those who gave
up on paying bills, those who care more about social
injustice, and those who care more for the bottle of
vodka. Do they drink to stay warm? Probably not.
Probably that’s only a benefit. But did they all become
alcoholics during the biting cold nights of January?

30

...JAZ
1. When do you feel the most beautiful?
I feel the most beautiful during summer time, I swim in the sea a lot and it helps my skin
shine!
2. What do you think is the most beautiful about your best friend?
My best friend puts her heart and soul into fighting for marginalized and vulnerable groups
throughout the world, and her willingness to take a step back and accept criticism is beautiful.
3. What gives you chills?
When I’m taking a bath and the water gets cold! :(
4. What makes you horny?
Being kissed and lightly touched on the neck ;)
5. What is your favorite organ?
Probably my skin, haha. My mom had skin cancer when I was young, so I’ve learned to take
much better care of it as I’ve gotten older. My liver is a close second!
6. What day of the year is your favorite?
I guess I don’t really have a favorite day of the year, any day that the sun is shining is a favorite
for me!
7. How do you see beauty in others?
I see beauty in others by their willingness to look at things from other perspectives that they
may not have thought of or been exposed to. I feel as though our perceptions of beauty are
somewhat warped by today’s society, so I try not to think about physical beauty too much.
8. Tell me a clothing memory.
I used to dress up with my younger brother and pretend we were famous rockstars! We’d wear
hot pink mullet wigs, ripped clothing, and choker necklaces. Its such a great memory.
jazhasfreckles’s profile picture
9. Tell me about a day you felt fabulous.
Honestly, the first memory that comes to my mind is the day I shot with you guys. I’ve never
done modeling, and I felt so out of my element. You girls gave me such great tips and filled
my head with encouraging words. It really helped bring out my confidence and I’m sure the
photos turned out better because of it! Thank you for making me feel comfortable, beautiful,
and fabulous!

39

40
Models: YASMIN & EDUARD
Photographer: Minami Nakamura
Creative Direction: Minami Nakamura
Styling & Makeup: Minami Nakamura

Still I Rise
BY MAYA ANGELOU
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
51

ViCTOR
Model: VICTOR
Photographer: Minami Nakamura
Creative Direction: Minami Nakamura and Victor Portugues
Victor caught my eye from the moment I met him because of his eclectic energy, immense
humor, and originality in and out. He has a very unique and specific taste that is his very own, in
fashion and aesthetics. His passion for fashion inspires a lot of us day by day, and we wanted to
shine a light on him for this.
1. What does fashion mean to you?
To me fashion means an imaginary world where I get to fully experiment myself and be able to
be who I want, it also gives me the power to feel confident.
2. Where does your inspiration for what you wear come from?
I have three inspirations when choosing an outfit: my mother, Lindsay Lohan and me. I
like to co create between three different styles that represent elegance (my mother) pop culture
(Lindsay Lohan) and myself, I always try to feel represented in an outfit if I do not feel like it is
100% coherent with what I try to communicate as an individual I’m not able to wear it.
3. How do you think your identity affects what you wear?
Basically in every aspect of my everyday life, as I said before I always try to feel myself when I
dress up.
4. How do you choose what to wear and how do you style yourself?
I start up dressing by the mood I have that certain day or moment, it’s also similar to my identity
presence. If you see me wearing a colorful total look I’m feeling excited and I want to conquer
the world, if I wear heels I want everybody to hear me when I’m walking. Everything that I
choose has a second meaning behind the item.
5. What is your dream?
My dream is to be able to work in an inclusive and coherent fashion industry. Maybe I ask too
much, but dreaming is free.
52

61

“RARE BEAUTY”
This beauty block is dedicated to inspiring more conscious
choices. For us beauty junkies, there are many ways to nurture
both vanity and the planet! Refill systems, recyclable packaging,
ethically harvested ingredients are just a few examples. We meet
RARE’s beauty editor and makeup artist Hanna who tells you
about her best 5 beauty tips, and her insight about sustainability
in makeup and beauty products. Welcome to a more sustainable
beauty world.
62

What are your best foundation
tricks?
I use at least two colors, for a
natural, perfect result. If you
only have one shade, it can easily
look too made up. I think it gets
too flat with a foundation. The
face is not monochrome and it
should not look like you have
a nice foundation, but that you
have beautiful skin - and it will
be more natural if you work
with more shades. I usually put
a lighter color around the eyes
and in the t-zone and a warmer
shade that frames the face. Then
of course you do not need to use
foundation everywhere. I think it
should go fast, be easy, but at the
same time look good.
5
Quick
with Make-up Artist
Hanna Axelsson
Best beauty advice you got?
Beauty is everything you
radiate, even your words and
actions. Actively choose to
look at people and situations
with love. Mentally and physically
well-being gives charisma
and radiates positivity,
which is beauty for me.
What is your signature
scent?
I am always falling back for “one
umbrella for two” by Floraiku,
its a sweet, fruity and gourmand
Blackcurrant absolute encounters
a Genmaicha Tea extract and a
Cedarwood oil to form a perfect
matching trio. A big plus is the refill
system that also is cheaper than the
first package.
A body product you
can’t live without?
Your best glow product?
To create a glow base I stay
consequent with my skincare
routine. Besides from that I
like to use cream products
only. My favourite highlighter
is from RMS, in the colour
champagne rosé or living
luminizer. PERFECTION!
Cocokind Prebiotic Sake Body
Lotion. When you use Cocokind's
Prebiotic Sake Body
Lotion, you're pumping some
good ingredients into your
skin. It's made with fatty acids
to moisturize and brightening
enzymes like fermented rice
that exfoliate dead skin cells
away. Can you say soft skin?
We can.
63

By: Hanna Axelsson
“CIRCULAR BEAUTY”
The beauty world is for many synonymous with freedom, but
freedom demands its responsibility. How do we go about
maintaining a sustainable course all the way out?
The beauty industry in recent years has given birth to a more sustainable production is easy to
see: vegan content, packaging in recycled materials and less use of the difficult-to-digest black
plastic. But what happens next? Does the journey end after the last drops of the organically
produced serum flow out through the pipette? Answer no. Of course. Just as carefully as you
build up the contents of your bathroom cabinet, the empty jars, packaging and containers
should also be broken down with care.
The company Kicks, which in other words is usually described as the Nordic region’s leading
beauty chain, conducted a survey among its customers where the results presented show that
66 percent of those surveyed do not know what belongs to cosmetic waste or how to sort it
correctly. What then is cosmetic waste? In the beauty industry, certain products are classified
as cosmetic waste because they can be environmentally hazardous and should therefore not be
thrown in household rubbish or dumped down the drain. When a product that falls into the
category is out of stock, has passed its expiration date or is not to be used, it must be returned
to a recycling center. In this way, an unnecessary imprint on the environment is reduced.
Products such as nail polish, perfume, hair spray, SPF and lipstick are included in the category
and should therefore be submitted for recycling - but how? To increase the availability of
recycling and remedy the problem, Kicks has chosen to be part of the solution by letting their
stores act as collection points for environmentally hazardous cosmetic waste.
In 2017, the beauty chain began a collaboration with Stockholm Water and Waste and has since
rolled out the initiative around Sweden. In 2020, Kicks has started five new collaborations with
municipalities, which has resulted in nine new collection points.The interest in beauty and the
consumption of beauty products continues to grow strongly, both internationally and in
Sweden. We see it as our responsibility as one of the most established players in the market to
act and work to reduce our footprint. Part of this is to educate our consumers and offer
collection of cosmetic waste, says Åsa Fredriksson Jedeskog, sustainability specialist and
responsible for the collection of cosmetic waste. We want and can be a role model for the
industry. We have both the platform and the knowledge to increase awareness and change
behaviours. Freedom under strings does not have to be that complicated.
64

65

WHAT MAKES SOMEONE
BEAUTIFUL? *Answers gathered from poll
Models: MALOU, ILHEM, and MINAMI
Photographer: Soda Lindau
Makeup Artist: Hanna Axelsson
Assistant: Catherina Pumarola
how they treat others
self confidence and willingness
to be themselves
a happy soul
bringing joy and light to
those around them
their smile / anybody who smiles!!!
authenticity
their own happiness
their personality
their heart
their eyes
66

the way their eyes twinkle when they talk about something
they really love
curiosity
their own perception
of themselves
how they move their body
open mindedness
a BIG smile
empathy
understanding how to enjoy life
their ENERGY
flirt
charisma
how they make you feel
making people
around them feel
warm and loved
originality
humour
kindness, respect and compassion
their spirit
67

evolution of beauty
Text By: Sage O’Connor
What is considered beautiful is something that is always evolving. Nearly every decade
there are different beauty standards, what is considered to be the perfect body shape, face, characteristics,
and so on. For too long, the ideal woman has been white and thin, this was the
portrayal of models in beauty magazines and on television and in films. Those who were tall, skinny,
with flawless skin, were considered the most attractive. As this excludes the majority of the world’s
population, many have fought against these ridiculous beauty standards and slowly but surely the beauty
and fashion industries have become more inclusive and began to change their mentality towards who
is beautiful, desirable, and attractive. Of course, different cultures also have different standards of beauty,
but there is a global movement where ‘everyone is beautiful’.
The term ‘diversity’ is broad and has to be looked at in many different ways. Diversity in
the fashion industry can be in terms of age, race, gender, size, and so on.
Since the beginning of fashion magazines in the 18 th century, the portrayal of women and men has
been incredibly exclusive. Since the models in magazines are idealised, a lot of women especially have
gone to unhealthy lengths to look like them. As society has shifted, there is a modern focus on loving
oneself, body confidence, inclusivity, and diversity. In short, everyone is beautiful. Attitude is more
important than looks. In order to change the world, the fashion and beauty industries need to portray a
more diverse range of models.
Looking at how the fashion industry began to shift towards inclusivity, the first turn was
in the 1960s with Kate Moss, Twiggy, and Lauren Hutton. Although not being racially diverse, they had
new looks that were radical for the modelling world. Kate Moss was short and a bit raggedy, Twiggy
had a boyish figure, and Lauren Hutton had a gap between her teeth. This has to do mostly with body
diversity which has continued with the addition of plus size models and body shapes of all kinds. Despite
features of models such as Ashley Graham and Lizzo there is still a lack of diversification in mainstream
media.
Concerning race, the industry has been even slower to progress. Although models such as
Beverley Johnson, Naomi Campbell, and Tyra Banks have graced the covers of mainstream
magazines, there are still negative sentiments felt by black models.
Black fashion models often operate as symbols or proof to signal diversity in an establishment.
Ashley Mears, an associate professor in the department of sociology at Boston University states that
‘Everyone in the fashion modelling industry is looking for such a token which takes two forms: she is
either extremely ‘exotic’ thus signalling racial difference or she is marginally different from whitephysical
markers thus signalling her proximity to whiteness’.
Oftentimes this can be said for any non-white model. The media, due to criticism, has begun to embrace
more cultures, although more often than not they go about it in the wrong way. There have been many
instances where white models or actors are used to portray ethnic roles leading to the question: why not
cast someone of that ethnicity? A well-known example of this would be Karlie Kloss’ ‘Geisha Spread’
in the March 2017 issue of Vogue. The concept of this issue was ‘diversity’ and the shoot took place in
Japan.
Instead of using Japanese models, white model Karlie Kloss was photographed dressed as a Geisha and
very much appropriating the Japanese culture which is not hers.
Throughout the past decades mainstream media has attempted to become more inclusive
and diverse due to pressure by those adopting a modern mindset. However, the industry often
goes about this in the wrong way and there are still many improvements to be made. Society is
taking steps in the right direction but there is always more we can do. So, do what you can to
further improve the fashion and modelling industries and promote self-love and confidence for
everyone! 75

LUKAS &
Photographer: Soda Lindau
Make Up: Hanna Axelsson
Stylist: Soda Lindau
Creative Direction: Soda Lindau
ELLEN
76

77

Written By: Catherina Pumarola
Stereotypes are over-generalised belief about some categories that describe us as
individuals. We constantly live with them and they do affect the way our society works.
A great example of this are gender roles.
Through history it has been somewhat “assigned” what men have to do or what women
need to do; sadly affecting the equality of genders.
In the past, men were the ones who were supposed to go and work, whereas women had to
stay at home and were described as successful if they took care of their family.
Even though now, these thoughts are somehow vanishing, it still has had an impact on the
way we choose to live our lives.
Gender should just be something which “helps” our society to identify who they are,
because we have been raised to always put a tag into things. However, no matter what your
gender choice is, whereas you describe yourself as a woman, transexual, man or
non-binary for example, should it have an impact on how you live your life.
And yes, society is slightly evolving when it comes to this issue, But it is key that
everyone chooses to contribute and especially be aware of the issues about discriminating
people because of their gender and how it can affect someone’s life.
We should contribute and support each other no matter what, We are all humans.
83

BONY
BLACK
JACKSON
84
Models: NICO, FABRICIO, VICTOR, CATHERINA
Photographer: Whole Team
Creative Direction & Stylist: Soda Lindau
Make-up Artist: Hanna Axelsson and Catherina Pumarola

Written By: Soda Lindau
He knows how to fly, or at least he think he knows. Flying,
being so high his eyes soon would sink into his brain, and
down his spine. Fearless as water, so careless the consequences
floated like oil on top. The boy who ones only lied
about accidental damage caused by the football he crashed
the window to the garage with, was now further from the
truth than ever before. Growing up with relativity liberal
parents made him try his first drug at a young age, just for
fun, just for once. But once, became once in a while, and
then once in a while rapidly made him lose control over
what was party and what was not. The days he was sober
he called his dad to joke about their road trips to grandma
when he was a kid. How his dad always shouted at him to
close the window for the AC to work properly. How every
dad on the planet says this phrase to their children, knowing
they will do the same when they become parents. His dad
didn’t know, hiding had become easier when he moved to a
different city.

your body is but a vessel
Models: Aldina Dolic herself, and one of her students Vessy
Photographer: Sage O’Connor & Minami Nakamura
Written by: Sage O’Connor
Creative Direction: Catherina Pumarola
92

Aldina Dolic is a sports instructor in
Barcelona. She owns her own Barre studio,
“Barrelona” in Gracia and for the time being
is the sole instructor. At the studio she hosts barre and
dynamic stretching classes and encourages a healthy
lifestyle and mindset. Along with this, she uses social
media to promote her message of self-love and
confidence through Instagram posts and more recently
YouTube workouts.
93

1. When did you start doing sports and why?
I started doing sports when I was 4 years old - I was practicing rhythmic gymnastics and
ballet until I was almost 9 years old, changed over to another type of dancing with the age of 10 until I was 18.
From 18 until 24 I would only exercise once a week maximum, which I don’t consider doing sports (for myself).
When I turned 24, I felt the urge that I need to change something, my lifestyle, my mindset, my body more or less -
as I felt weak and unfit -that’s where I discovered barre as the perfect workout for me as I have been struggling a lot
with giving up my childhood’s hobby ever since.
2. What is your mentality towards exercise and has your attitude about sports and
exercise shifted since you started instructing?
I work out because I love myself and my body, I love to move, I love to feel strong, and I want to do something good
for myself and my body - self-love is my motivator. This mentality didn’t really shift since I am instructing, but it
definitely did throughout the time. Before I started doing barre and being positively conscious about my body, I did
the same as many people do: workout because you want to change your body. Where actually what needed to be
changed was the mind - the mind towards working out, and bodies.
3. What prompted you to become an instructor?
Sharing is what I love. I wanted to share my passion about barre, stretching, moving. And I knew that I have the
ability of doing that, as I already was without being an instructor. While I was explaining my friends, or family how
to take care of their bodies and minds I felt inner peace and happiness - the more I instructed others to a healthier
lifestyle, the happier I was.
4. And what inspired you to start your own studio?
That was my biggest dream, since I became an instructor ... because I wanted to share what I have to share in my
own way, and not be restricted anymore by other studio owners’ rules. I wanted to create a place where people feel
safe, welcomed and home.
5. Why did you choose Barcelona?
Barcelona was even clearer than anything else in my path - Barcelona is the only city I have been to so far where I
feel at home, arrived, settled and pure bliss.
6. What is your favourite part of being a barre instructor and having your own
studio?
My favourite part is every single happy face that comes to the studio. I do it for the girls and boys who feel amazing
after the workout, who work on their goals, reach them, and let me guide them towards their goals - that makes me
most alive.
7. What is your definition of beauty?
Beauty for me is happiness, self-love and self-respect. Being happy with who you are, and
working on you, for you.
8. Has your perception on beauty changed since you started doing sports?
Definitely yes: Beauty in terms of body shape doesn’t exist anymore - it is about strength! Not skinnier legs, bigger
booty, flatter stomach etc - it is about how many repetitions can you do now, and how many were you able to do
when you started. Strength is what changed the game.
9. What would your advice be to younger girls about exercising, and how to feel good
about yourself?
To not focus on losing weight, restricting certain foods and workout because they feel guilty
that ate this or that. start focusing on your health, and how YOU actually feel - not what
society, your friend or the person you like perceives as beautiful, or in right now. Go for what
makes you happy, and if this is eating a muffin, then eat the muffin. Just don’t let your mind
bully your body, and don’t feel bad about it. Work out because you want to be stronger and
have more energy rather than anything else. And make sure that the way you choose becomes
a lifestyle and a habit, not a 2-week challenge. Because if you really want to feel the best in
your skin, consistency is the key.

Written By: Sage O’ Connor (also a student of Barrelona)
Beauty standards are not realistic. Yet what is truly beautiful, are
people who are real. What I find the most beautiful, and the most
attractive in a person is their confidence in themselves. Magazine
and beauty industry standards of what is desirable, are unattainable,
unhealthy, and exclusive. To find real beauty, one has to look within.
I grew up with comments from others such as ‘you look anorexic’,
‘you need to eat more’, and so on. At the same time, I would receive
comments being ‘you’re so perfect’, ‘how can you complain about
your body you’re so skinny’, ‘I wish my body looked like yours’.
Showing that some people had a problem with my skinny body type,
but if I ever complained, people got mad, because for a lot of people
my body type was their goal.
You’re never going to be happy by giving in to people’s opinions on
how you look. From personal experience, my goal was always to gain
weight, because of the opinions people gave me about ‘looking
anorexic’. As soon as I told people my goal, I was met with more criticism.
Again, asking why I would want to change my body,
‘everybody wants to be skinny like you’…
Accepting your body for what it is and being confident in the fact
that you are beautiful no matter what is truly important.
There is way too much attention placed and received by every human
based on their body type or the way they look in general. Someone is
always going to judge something, that’s why it’s important to not
listen to anyone but yourself. What you look like is not everything
that makes you beautiful.
Everyone’s body is different. We have different bone structures,
different body shapes, body types, metabolisms, and the list goes on.
Even if every person ate the same food, and did the same workout
every day, we would all look different. And this is what we have to
embrace.
Being different, is being unique. And being unique is what makes
you, you. As cheesy as it sounds, you have to embrace what makes
you unique whether it be your personality, or your physical
appearance, or whatever is that you love most about yourself.

*Back terrace of “Barrelona”
BARRELONA,
Carrer de l’Alzina, 5
08024 Barcelona, Spain
ig - @barrelona.studio

featured artist:
EDUARD
TORNERO
“What I find truly inspiring especially for this type of collages that I
do is the fact of blending together juxtaposed elements in this case
lately I been into looking at traditional Japanese Art. I find it really
soothing and pleasing for some way, but at the same time there’s this
Catalan artist called Antoni Tapies, he was widely well known for his
abstract paintings where he would take basic elements of daily life
and giving them room for artistic expression, so in this collages I tried
to go only through the surface and sort of mix both elements
digitally.”
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Minami Nakamura, Catherina Pumarola, Soda Lindau,
Sage O’Connor, Hanna Axelsson
BA Fashion Marketing & Communication
Level 4, 2021
Module title: 4FAMN011C - Fashion Management
Subject Coursework: CWK1
Michele Gilli and Gemma Cuadrado
Word count: 1877