031.5 - Embrace

COLLABORATORS

CEO & EIC Managing Editor Editor at Large Fashion PR (Mx)

Gerardo Sierra Aramara Corona Mykel C. Smith Betsabé Huidobro

Gerardo Sierra Thomas Synnamon Courtney Fields

Aramara Corona Ebone Alloway Edward Cruz

Mykel C. Smith Frida Ortega Irving Urquidi

Baxt Models U Models NYC Marilyn Agency Alien Mgmt Soul Artist Mgmt State Mgmt Muse Men

Tanya Szabo Erin Nickerson Annel Ortíz Diego Marx Eryck Amaral Federico di Palma Yannick Sako Jack Hilderhoff

mgsierra@141magazine.com corona@141magazine.com mykel@mykelcsmithcreative.com betsahh@141magazine.com

@gestosierra @thomassynnamonphotos @courttotha

@aramara_corona @absolutelyfab1 @edwardcruz

@mykel_c_smith_creative_ @fristylist @stylistirvingurquidi

https://www.theriviereagency.com/ https://www.newiconworld.com/ https://www.crawfordmodels.com/ http://www.anthm.agency/ https://www.skorpionmgmt.com/ https://www.nextmanagement.com/ https://www.umodelsnyc.com/ @tanyavszabo @elsewhere_erin @_annelortiz @diegomarxss @eryckama_ral @fe_dipa @yannicksako @jack.hilderhoff

Aguamiel Angel Farfalla Armani Exchange Balenciaga Bottega Venetta Búfalo Estelar Calvin Klein Carlton Jones Collection Caruso Cazal Comme Des Carçons Cruz del Mar Cult of Individuality Dekreta

Diego Zuñiga Dior Elvia Cruz López Epperson Falke

Fernando Alberto Atelier Fernando Rodríguez Florsheim German Ruiz Gianfranco Ferre Giuliana Joyas Happy Feet Jeanette Toscano Mx Jorge Salazar

José María Hernández Juan Worley krizia Laruicci Libertine Louis Vuitton Magnata Style Maison Margiela Manuel Tiscareno Marco Manero MAREE Moro

Nudie Jeans Palm Angels

GET IN TOUCH contacto@141magazine.com

Pattan Pierre Hardy Prada Regina Romero Roberto Cavalli Rodarte Salaises Zamarripa Smoke X Mirrors Sperry Valadez Versace Vessel Victor Sillas Vivienne Westwood

Mexico City. Year 2023. ISSUE 031.5. All Rights Reserved. Articles presented in this magazine by our collaborators do not necesarily reflect our criteria and opinion about 141 Magazine / One·Four·One Magazine. Ads, labels and graphics published in the sponsored ads were previously aproved by the sponsors and they’re responsable of what they anounce. 141 Magazine / One·Four·One Magazine is a publication legally owned by Gerardo Sierra Producciones SA de CV. Responsable Editor: Gerardo Sierra. The partial or total reproduction of the published material is totally prohibited unles allowed by the editor in a written document.

EDITOR’S NOTES

Imagine going through life thinking that you’re going to achieve X, Y & Z because those goals were part of your path and then life decides it’s time to change, not paths, but the whole blueprint... You’re now in a point where you feel like you know nothing but in the same time it’s completely familiar... Have you everlived this kind of turning point? If so, then you surely battled through the universe of embracing

If you haven’t gone through this, blessed be, but if you know what I meant, then I bet it’s been a long journey for you and you know life will never be the way it was before that turning point. The way of seeing, feeling, learning and understanding is so different that even time becomes obtuse sometimes. If you’re in this position, this issue is a tribute to your story and your journey. I invite you to remember to always EMBRACE everything you are, everything you were and let yourself be free to live and learn from your new healed and renewed slef.

Everything affects everyone, even the smallest event can change the way we consume because it modifies the whole ecosystem; life is constantly moving, changing, evolving and even when we feel like everything stops, it’s still in course... and so are we.

For this issue, all our stories come from embracing who we are, what we’re willing to become after losing our idealizations and winning it all through acceptance: surviving the pandemic, changing our channels, working on ourselves and our people. This issue is filled with hope, love and assertiveness for you, for us, for all our communities.

Editor in Chief

GERARDO SIERRA

Text

by Aramara Corona

or this fall/winter 2022-2023, Ron Poisson presented a collection for his brand Cult of Individuality that reminds us of the iconic denim and streetwear trends of the mid 2000s. Presented on a black runway that made each garment contrast with its vibrant colors, it was possible to appreciate garments such as translucent jackets in different colors like orange and black, t-shirts with yellow prints, paisley-patched bombers, combined with form-fitting denim in its characteristic blue color, tie-dye and different black resin treatments.

As the brand’s strong relationship with music is well known, this collection included tartan prints in red and yellow colors from bands like the Sex Pistols and also demonstrated their punk aesthetic with a leather jacket with 750 studs which made a huge impact on the runway. Other iconic garments were the t-shirts with the characteristic cult logo in colors such as blue, yellow, red, pink and orange; denim jacket and jeans with colored stains and floral print, but the piece that stole the show was a faux fur coat.

A focus that we can find in cult’s garments is sustainability and the charitable factor since they have integrated textiles of different materials such as T400® EcoMade and vegan leather from which a percentage of the profits are donated to Covenant House, an organization that seeks to support young people experiencing homelessness and trafficking.

More information on Cult of Individuality and secondary line titled HVMAN can be found on the brand’s website.

FIERA ROOFTOP

An exclusive and special spot located in paseo de las palmas for exquisit connoisseurs looking for the wine & dine experience.

Located at Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico City, Fiera Rooftop is a spot who everybody should visit. Illuminated with its calm warm tones, a few nights ago we had the opportunity to enjoy a lovely dinner at this rooftop, where they attend us in a marvelous way and made us feel as if we were on the other side of the world.

Specialized in Japanese food, Fiera Rooftop offers a wide variety of dishes from different styles, ingredients and also experiences. Noe, here are our recommendations if you want to visit this amazing terrace in the heart of Paseo de las Palmas in Lomas.

To begin, we tried three appetizers from their menu: edamame with truffle sauce, steamed soybean pods with Colima salt and truffle oil, decorated with a little radish to enhance the experience of this simple yet delicious dish.

These were followed by padron peppers, roasted with their homemade soy, ginger and garlic sauce. Now, we have to say that this sauce transported us straight to Kyoto with its traditional flavor�� You can find this in the menu as Hiroshito Peppers.

And if it wasn’t enough to whet your appetite, we also tried the famous and traditional known miso soup. A combination of danshi and miso paste, an entry that no doubt every Japanese foodie lover has tried at least once in their lives. If you have never tried it, we strongly recommend you to visit Fiera Rooftop for an excellent and guaranteed first impression.

After these amazing entrees, we were served two kinds of sashimi: salmon and sea bass, served with yuzu, Colima salt and cilantro sprouts, something that gives a very mexi-panesse touch to the dish.

The visual experience did not end with the lovely presentation of the sashimi, they served it with dry ice, which gave it a mysterious and intriguing appearance to the whole plate.

Experience & photos by Gerardo Sierra

We’ve arrived to the climactic moment of this experience: the hand rolls, which are a must in any Japanese restaurant.

We couldn’t help ourselves but try all six of their top rolls:

• Spicy Tuna with kiury (kirby) cucumber, so perfect you’ll wish you’d asked for two.

• Hamachi, negi and truffle: yellow tail, negi and truffle oil accompanied with soy sauce. Certainly one fancy dish.

• Hotate, which consists of hotate (fan shells) with mayo, masago and sesame oil, something really delicious that brings us a new story to tell

• Ebi tempura and Avo tempura, being shrimp tempura and avocado tempura accompanied with different sauces. Undoubtedly a combination worth returning for.

The Nigiris arrived at the table right after the hand rolls, being a visual delight on the black plate, and the brightness of the protein… GOD! That only made us want to eat yet appreciate them more. ��

• Amaki: raw meat with nikkiri sauce and a touch of wasabi.

• Salmon: Canadian salmon, yuzu, yuzukosho and Colima salt, a little bit of different places to excite your palate

• Ch��toro: medium fatty tuna with nikkiri sauce and pickled ginger. Something a little more savory for those fish connoisseurs.

• Hamachi truffle: yellow tail, truffle sparkling, tartufata and negi.

To finish this gorgeous dinner, we had three traditional makis:

• Sendai roll: inside has tempura marinated shrimp, asparagus, cucumber, scallion and on the outside has a layer of avocado, hotate tartar, masago and an exquisite serrano made mayo.

• Uramaki double dragon: tempura shrimp and white asparagus on the inside, on the outside comes with avocado slices, mango and truffle sauce, sesame, hanakatsuo and fish chips which gave a different texture to this dish.

• Uramaki double dragon veggie: consisting of tempura asparagus, blanched enoki mushroom and on the outside a mango and truffle sauce, sesame and shredded coconut.

We have already presented the entrees, rolls, makis and more… but we are the kind of people who love to wine and dine. We could’t leave Fiera Rooftop without trying their musts on cocktails, and that’s why were sharing with you their tops:

1. Golden 8: made with aged rum, a mixture of vermouths and a slight touch of vanilla, which gives that «something special» to the drink.

2. Santo: white tequila combined with agave honey with herbal and fruity notes, a spectacle for your nose and palate.

3. Tinto: combination of gin, pomegranate liqueur, red fruit mix and a touch of red wine. If you are a wine lover, you’ll love this drink.

4. Masakuro: a mezcal based cocktail, with cucumber; tropical notes and a botanical touch.

5. Sake Lychee: a cocktail based on traditional sake with lychee syrup, sweet and sour citrus.

6. Thai tea: without a doubt one of our favorite beverages in this traditional Japanese restaurant.

530 of Paseo de las Palmas, Lomas-Virreyes, Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico City

We’re very thankful for the attention granted by the whole team in Fiera Rooftop,we sure had an amazing night.

We invite you to visit this wonderful place, which not only offers delicious food but a special experience for those who know where to be and enjoy either alone, with friends, partners and more. Fiera Rooftop is open through Thursday to Saturday and we encourage you to make a reservation via instagram.

We want to give a special thanks to Ricardo Monsalve for his amazing recomendation and taking us to one of the several exquisite and selective experiences secretly hiding for you in Mexico City.

MYKEL C. SMITH

Interview by Gerardo Sierra

Art whas always had an impact in all of our lives, even if we consider ourselves out of the industry. This applies to all kinds of creative expression, but fashion is the one that no one can be excluded from. From hippies to hipsters, trendsetters to “gray” people, we’re all telling our stories through clothes, brands and accesories. We make our own brand when we ask ourselves What are we wearing today? and the answer is always depending on the message that unconsiously needs to be expressed.

141: How did you get started in the fashion industry and can you share with us how was your first approach to this world?

MCS: I am asked this question frequently. I find it difficult to answer this question because I did not take one path to get to where I am now. One way that I got started in the industry was by working with a friend who showed me the ropes of styling. After a few months, I was hired as his assistant but after a few years, he became my assistant. As a former assistant myself, I must speak on how important that role is. They are often the glue to help keep everything together but get little to no recognition. During my many early careers, I worked in a very high end hair salon at the front desk. I met many wonderful models during my tenure like Naomi Campbell. Ihadthepleasureofhangingwithherand learning more about the industry. After I left the hair salon, I worked in several modeling agencies, first as an intern. While interning, I started styling models for their portfolios. My agency at the time took notice and started representing me as a stylist and a creative director. I ventured into show production after I started styling and worked my first big show withBobMarley’sdaughter, CedellaMarley.Shehad an amazing collection called CATCH A FIRE which I worked on casting, styling, and producing the show. I originally came to New York to pursue my love of acting and dancing but ended up falling in love with fashion. I learned on this long journey called life that it does not matter where you start, but where you end up. Never give up on your dreams.

by Rico Kinnard

MCS: I have seen the industry change a lot. I am proud that at my age, I am fortunate to have an extremely young following on social media that follows my work and also keeps me up to date. The fashion industry has changed so much since I first started in the industry. I do miss the quality of the showsofpreviousdecades,butIdothinktheindustry

is making improvements. While attending Fall Fashion 2022 week events, I was pleased that the industry seemingly returned to slowly bringing back the glory days of fashion meaning using professional models on the runway that are serious about their craft. Many of the recent productions are returning to the standard of shows in Paris, London, and Milan. nyc is regaining its place on the fashion world stage again which excited me. I feel that in the necessary attempt of the fashion industry to diversify and be inclusive. The qualityofthemodelsdropped.Weexperiencedadecadeofmodels being replaced by influencers and actors who are not the same. Modeling is an art that requires discipline and technique to master. I am elated that Edward Enniful Editor Chief of British Vogue has started placing skilled models back on the cover of magazines where they belong. Fashion will always evolve and what is old will be new again. Too often I see that designers now seem to recreate old trends. It is important that we groom the next generation of artists to take risks and try to create original designs.Fashion is an art that will forever change, but will always be an essential part of our lives. I am very optimistic about where the industry is going.

141: With the current 2022 situation, how do you think the fashion industry generally has evolved?

A man with a career that has moved and inspired thousands in the fashion and the music industry.

Photo

141: Where do you stand about the new generations of Fashion Stylist born through social media and empirical learning?

MCS: Social media is a great tool if you use it the correct way. This life is not for everyone and it’s hard work but by only viewing social media you can be fooled into only seeing the finished product and thinking that anyone can do it. I have had interns who fell off after their very first project. You have to give your all to each project. I tell my artist that there are no small projects and to give every project your full passion no matter what it is paying. I have worked with some great clients that found my work on social media like artist D4M $LOAN and his manager Rasheen Farlow who has been one of the most rewarding relationships I have had in a while. I am currently working with this young rapper who loves fashion, we are teaching him how to curate his own style while keeping his visions classy. I am excited about this next generation of artists that are going to shine in the industry. He said we are elite professionals that get the job done.

The downside to social media is that many people want quick fame and are clout chasers who are in the industry for the wrong reasons. They oftentimes are not committed to the work and quit the journey early. Social media can be the greatest tool but make sure you do the work. Thankfully I have been in the industry for over 20 years and do not solely rely on getting work from social media but I do love how it has changed the industry. I met some of my most excellent fashion children off social media. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to mentor and work with some of the younger stylists who are taking over the industry. Artists such as Mickey Freeman, Raytell Bridges, Brendon Alexander, Monsieur Paris, Mike Stallings, The Style Monsters, and Altorrin McIntyre are incredible stylists and media stars who I look forward to seeing their work for decades to come. I love them. While many clients off social media may vary in quality and commitment, the next generation of stars is utilizing social media to build their brand, expand their cliental and influence the next generation of artists to come.

141: Speaking of social media, how important do you find the relationship between numbers and talent for you when choosing who to work with?

MCS: When working with a new client I do not look at the followers on their Instagram, but at whether or not they are a good fit for MCSC and do we have a cohesive vision. Our clients hire us to consult on marketing/vision which also includes boosting their social media presence. We focus on the work and credibility. People need to be cautious with booking models not off their portfolios, but on how many Instagram followers they have. This method is not a proven business model for getting the best quality product and I hope this influencer phase completely goes away. Regardless of followers and social media presence, MCSC prides ourself on quality over everything.

MCS: I hate the world trends because fashion is so subjective. I hate when I hear the word “on trend” from editors, however, I understand that that’s the buzzword that is used to stir up attention and excitement for consumers. Now, fashion is subjective and people wear what they want. The new generation is much freer with how they express themselveswhichisnotalwaystrendy.Ialwaysenjoyseeing trendsthatIusedpreviouslyberecycledandbroughttolife in a better way. Style is something that can be timeless so nothing is necessarily old.

141: Whatdoyouthinkaboutthereturnof“old”trends to the fashion industry?

SKIP x BELSTAFF x WAJONES

Photo by Rico Kinnard

This life is not for everyone and it’s hard work but by only viewing social media you can be fooled into only seeing the finished product and thinking that anyone can do it.

There are no small projects and to give every project your full passion no matter what it is paying.

Mykel

C. Smith, 2023

141: The word trend is quite subjective. How would you define it in your own words?

MCS: Designers now have more freedom to create pieces based on their identity that make powerful statements that are subjective in nature. I love the freedom that many designers have to create what they feel in their hearts.

141: Howmuchdoyouthinktheconsumerrelationshipbetween usa and Latin America has changed with the current open reach of brands through internet, social media and more?

MCS: The world has opened up so much more with different fashion weeks now thriving all over the world. Latin America has a very vast cache of beautiful talented designers, models, and stylists. Legend designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrea, and Cristobal Balenciaga are icons. You now have a younger generation like Eastban Cortazar, Carlos Campos, Sergio Davila, and Mexican Designer Ricardo Secco, Shoe Designer Edmundo Castillio, Stylist -Martha Luna, Jacinto, Models Rose Cordero, Christy Turlington are making their own way. There is so much Latin talent out here in fashion social media that now the world can witness.

141: What is the biggest comparison you notice between the type of fashion in NY and what you know from fashion in Mexico?

MCS: Well, people would think that the only collections you could show in Mexico were resort clothing but that has since changed. Mexican fashion is now about glamour and luxury just look many other countries around the world. I would love to see more luxury stores going to Mexico like Cabo where customers in Mexico can have more access to the fashion pieces they desire.

141: Are you producing any shows for the upcoming fashion week?

MCS: Well, we are doing a special event commemorating my 60th birthday and mcsc being in business for 13 years. My actual birthday was December 12th, 2022, we didn’t just want to do a boring old birthday party. So, we decided to do something more in line with what we are about and MCSC 6013 was created. I have personally been in the fashion business for many years but the actual company was conceived 13 years ago. We have gotten a great response so far and have some great partnerships coming aboard. We have partnered with The Blockchain Center, which specializes in nft’s and tech, they are really into community so it’s a perfect fit. The event is all about community, young artists, fashion, tech, food, entertainment.

We will have a small fashion presentation to open the event as it’s right before fashion week. We have my best friend and brother for many years host the event Elvis Nolasco, who is a prominent actor/ producer/director and is currently appearing in many television/ movie and theater productions as a lead actor you can catch him on the epix series Godfather of Harlem co starring with the great Forest Whitaker, Netflix series She’s got to have, tnt claws with Niecy Nash and so much more. We are blessed to have him. We also have some new designers we are introducing such as a t-shirt brand called Just Another Rich Kid, and a luxury brand called Raw Skin Trading usa. Loveton Farms is one of our sponsors who is introducing their new tequila brand, chef Shaun Longley is bringing on the food, we will also have a few performances by new artist Dwayne Moore, Jeremy Torres, and Motown legend Annette Bland my nephew dj Flashgea is spinning he has played for everyone including Fenty & Saks. We will be including an art exhibit as well. This is looking like it might take off and become an annual thing, we are beyond shocked at the response we are getting is all positive. This is going to be a great event with a studio 54, paradise garage vibe with Gotham Properties Real Estate. Models, bottles, celebs, tech, art ,performance; sounds like a great night. February 4th, 2023 will go down in history.

141: And for our last and simple question, how do you see yourself 5 years from now?

MCS: Thriving, alive, and able to live comfortably.

Mykel during NYFW FW22 as Editor-at-Large for One·Four·One Magazine w/ Altorian, Memsor Kamarake & Chad White, photographed by Courtney Fields

Pisces is the last symbol of twelfth and final astrological sign in the zodiac, illustrated as two fish connected by a cord of light. Aphrodite & Eros, Venus & Cupid, the versions behind the two gods transformed for each others’ safety and connected by love.

Every person we come across has a specific objective in our lives, some of them have more impact than others and, if we’re humble enough to let go of control, maybe we can accept our connections beyond common understanding.

Photographer: Gerardo Sierra

MUAH: Aramara Corona Models: Tanya Szabo & Erin Nickerson Wardrobe stylist: Manuel Delgado

Blouse & Skirt: German Ruiz Green dress: Juan Worley

Total Looks: Juan Worley

You’ll never be alone as I’m you and with you at all times.

Believe we’re the same in a different body and we’ll heal each other from different worlds.

The way we accept truths in our lives breaks all the possible spaces to lies and deceptions.

We’re all shades and all colors, we all love the same way and the contrasts, although different, exist in the same universe.

Photographer: Courtney Fields

Creative Director/Stylist: Mykel C. Smith

Grooming: Ebone Alloway

Assistant Stylist: Joseph Smith-Marino

Assistant Photographer: Justin Lyles

Models: Yannik & Jack Hilderholff @ State Management

HE AIN’T HEAVY, HE’S MY BROTHER

Leather Shirt & Silk Pants: Fleurette

Shirt: Roberto Cavalli

Cross Necklace & Silk Pants: Laruicci

Shoes: Vintage Prada

Vintage Leather Suit: Roberto Cavalli Necklace: Laruicci

Jacket: Rodarte

Shirt:

Glasses: Cult of Individuality

Gianfranco Ferre

Suit: krizia

Shirt: Dior

Glasses: Smoke X Mirrors

Socks: Calvin Klein

Total looks: Epperson

Shirt: Versace

Jacket: Libertine

Glasses: Smoke X Mirrors

Tunic & Pants: Carlton Jones Collection

Earring: Laruicci Shoes: Sperry

Becoming one with the NEW ME goes further than just a wish in the well. It’s with every step we take that our light becomes more devine and endearing, just as long as we allow ourselves to feel it so.

THINKING

Photographer: Gerardo Sierra

Model: Annel Ortiz

MUAH: Aramara Corona

Styling: Irving Urquidi

WISHFUL

Dress: Salaises Zamarripa

Shoes: Regina Romero

Earings: Bufalo Estelar

Short: Jeanette Toscano

Headpiece: Fernando Rodríguez Jewelry Rings: Dekreta

Top: Jeanette Toscano

Shoes: Regina Romero

Earings: Giuliana Jewelry

Dress: Elvia Cruz

Boots: Regina Romero

Bangles: Cruz del Mar

Earings:

Bangles:

Dress: Fernando Alberto Atelier

Bufalo Estelar

Cruz del Mar

Νάρκισσος was known for his beauty and his grandiosity, an exceptional hunter for the weak of heart. It’s just like what we see in social media: the fake, the real and the imaginary are all in one for us to learn a lesson in a world you’ll forget ever existed in reality.

MALIBU

REMEMBER

Photographer & stylist: Gerardo Sierra Model: Eryck Amvaral @ Soul Models

Unforgettable and unavoidable, an extension of a past you’ll soon let go.

See the truth of a world where the past becomes an illusion of a healing mind.

Different versions of oneself develops over time, in distant places and with other people. Becoming who we are in reality is a mix of all the versions we’ve been in the past, all proud pieces of a puzzle.

WHISPERERS

Model: Diego Marx @ Baxt Models

MUAH: Aramara Corona

Styling: Frida Ortega

LOUD

Photographer: Gerardo Sierra

Hand bag: Aguamiel

Suit: Angel Farfalla

Hat: Moro

Shirt: Pattan

Coat: Jorge Salazar

Pants: Victor Sillas Hand bag: Aguamiel

Coat: Stylist’s Vintage Pants: Diego Zúñiga Shirt: Caruso

Total Look: Manuel Tiscareno

Nothing more intimate than the relaxation of one’s skin and mind in the hands of welcoming people of a different world... A fresh face arriving in Manhattan through the lense of a New Jersey based photographer.

FEDERICO

Creative Director/Stylist: Mykel C. Smith

Photographer: Thomas Synnamon

Model: Federico Di Palma @ Muse Men

MEETING

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SS23

The fashion industry’s most important date of the second semester of the year with all the new and coming collections .

Editor at Large: Mykel C. Smith

Photographer: Courtney Fields Assistant Photographer: Justin Lyles

New York Fashion Week was back with designers from different parts of the globe for its SS23 edition and we had the wonderful opportunity to attend multiple runways. Represented by Mykel C. Smith as our Editor at Large and the fashion photographer Courtney Fields, assisted by Justin Lyles.

With over 100 brands presenting their spring 2023 collections during the course of six days, our Editor at Large connected with designers, appreciated the catwalks, the looks and the beautiful work of each production to bring us a complete experience in the comfort of our homes.

TODD PATRICK

NOBIS

M65 STUDIO

FRIED RICE

HOLO MARKET

SOV·ER·EIGN·TY

TOP 10 NYFW SS23

Our fashion PR (Betsabé Huidobro, Mexico) made a selection of her top 10 collections of this edition.

Photographer: Daniel Perry Studios

ANKVAS

For the Aknvas SS23 collection, creative director Christian Juul Nielsen turned to the French pantomime Pierrot Lunaire and showed us a mix of menswear, womenswear and genderless clothing. Rendered in different textures in vivid shades of lime, pink and purple, detailing in silver and black, tulle transparencies, ruffled silhouettes, and gloves.

NICHOLAS RAEFSKI

Abrand launched in 2020 and described as poststructuralist streetwear came with its SS23 collection that forms the latest part of an introspection that the designer began two seasons ago. In this collection he involves blazers, jackets and tailoring in garments that could be worn in a more conventional way as for any day of the week.

CAROLINA HERRERA

Aromantic recreation of nature and beauty for this SS23. For this collection, Wes Gordon was inspired by a book from his childhood: The Secret Garden. The collection features flowers in dramatic, sophisticated dresses in contrast to other prints in two-piece ensembles, maxi dresses, and short dresses in different materials.

LAQUAN SMITH

Apro brand highlighting the power of women’s sexuality in each of his collections, Laquan focuses on a seductive and intense way that transmits daring glamour in silhouettes perfectly pointing the curves at every step, SS23 shows us perfect asymmetrical shapes in bright and vibrant colors with litmus in transparencies along with compartment garments and multiple pockets found in skirts and low-rise cargo pants with textures such as sequin and vinyl.

LUCHEN

The digital future is shown in Luchen’s SS23 collection, a fusion of cyberspace with outer space alluding to the digital world. We see simplicity in high volumes and at the same time perfected garments in basic colors like white on black fabrics, intervention with feathers or with lots of tulle.

A.POTTS

Aaron Potts gives us queer in fashion and its different ways of wearing it. It’s all about new experiences where the artistry is expressed in an interesting way by redefining each garment. SS23 is a collection embodied in maxi garments with too much volume in colors like white, black and neon. Hats and seasonal prints highlight incredible dresses and voluminous A-cut pants.

TERRY SINGH

Expression in all its splendor with a very attractive version of the kilt in the SS23 collection of Terry Singh Menswear where pleated, plain, and asymmetrical skirts are protagonists and are perfectly suited with tuxedo jackets, jackets with cargo bags, and military print jackets.

MIRROR PALAIS

Each piece is designed to highlight the femeninity of each figure in all its splendor, as done in the 90’s. This SS23 accentuates these features even more with corsets and bustier. Collection IV shows religious references as a tribute to Marcelo Gaia’s past repressions as a teen. He brings with it seductive and daring silhouettes embodied in transparencies, satin fabrics, and denim. This is the first glimpse of the brand’s possible projection to menswear.

LUAR

Raul López is the creative mind behind Luar, a New York based brand that in its latest collection presented at NYFW had been inspired by family gatherings as a child, where sitting on the couch, he saw his aunts and uncles arrive with nylon jackets that when they took it off revealed the best they had underneath. High-end SS23, 80s and 90s in one collection accentuating shoulder pads, tailoring, asymmetrical blazers, pleated pants, trench coat dresses with long boots and balloon sleeves.

TANNER FLETCHER

Agenderless driven brand working on being identified by breaking down gender labels in fashion. This SS23 collection is pure 70s prom nostalgia, redefining garments where it fuses tailoring and queer combined with transparencies, glitter and lots of ultra glam.

MARIO LOPRETE

Loprete

Isolation is defined as having the effect of making a person feel or be alone or apart from others, and that was exactly whay most of the world lived during the pandemic of covid-19. We had the opportunity of talking with an artist who’s sculptures were created as a statement of what we lived during this turning point in our lives. He’s a plastic artist who’s project’s vision is going to talk directly to the person you where during the pandemic...

141: What were your inspirations to begin with the cement project? We know it was the pandemic, but how did it all come together?

MT: Concrete sculptures are giving me a lot of personal and professional satisfaction. How was it born? It was the result of a major investigation into my work. I was looking for thatspecialsomethingthatIfeltwasmissing. Looking back on my work over the last ten years, I understood that there was a certain semantic and semiotic logic “spoken” by my images, but the right support to enhance their message was not there. Then one day the idea came: why not put a little of me in every work of art. but really i of my own .

Formyconcretesculptures,Iusemypersonal clothing.Throughmyartisticprocessinwhich I use plaster, resin and cement, I transform these articles of clothing into artworks to hang. The intended effect is that my dna and my memory remain inside the concrete,

141: You mentioned that your inspirations for this project came from the story of Pompeii too. Why did you do this with only your clothes and not add other poeple’s? Is there a personal message in there because of this decision?

MT: I like to think that anyone who looks at my sculptures made in 2020/2022 can perceive the anguish, vulnerability, fear that everyone I have felt in the face of a global problem such as covid-19 ... under a layer of concrete there are my clothes, with which I lived this nefarious period. An introspective work, much more than a self-portrait.

141: Why cement and not materials like clay, plastic or any other kind?

MT: Reinforced concrete, concrete, was created two thousand years ago by the Romans. It tells a millenary story, full of amphitheaters, bridges and roads that have conquered the ancient and modern world.

Oil, cement and expression, the lines of art by this Italian artist from Catanzaro who’s concepts have tocuhed many souls around the globe.

Interview by Gerardo Sierra & Ceci Oaks Images courtesy of Mario

Untitled concrete sculptures, 2021

Untitled concrete sculptures, 2018

Now, concrete is synonymous with modernity. Wherever you go, you find a concrete wall: modern man is in there. From Sydney to Vancouver, from Oslo to Pretoria, this reinforced concrete is present, and it is this presence that sustains writers and allows them to express themselves. The artistic question was obvious to me: if man has brought art to the streets to make it accessible to all, why not bring the urban to galleries and museums?

141: What did you feel when you first saw your finished pieces with the clothes you wore during this time?

MT: The emotion was very strong. primarily because the first job turned out to be as I had thought and planned it and this was not obvious. then I realized that wherever the work went,afragmentofmewouldalsogo

141: What would you like to leave to people when they see this?

MT: Emotions and curiosities so that the person who looks at these sculptures becomes a kind of postmodern archaeologist, studying my work as urban artefacts.

141: Do you think people all over the world felt the same as you did or do you think that it affected us

all in different ways and how do you reflect on them?

MT: Many people have suffered loneliness and isolation, to the point of radically changing their way of relating. Resilience has unfortunately not been uniform.

141: Is there some part 2 thought for your concrete sculpures?

MT: Of course there is the evolution of the project, but revealing it now would not be appropriate. there are steps to follow and I can’t point to the end of a journey without having traveled all the way.

Untitled concrete sculpture, 2019

Mario Loprete, 2023

Emotions and curiosities so that the person who looks at these sculptures becomes a kind of postmodern archaeologist, studying my work as urban artefacts.

141: If there was only one piece you’d keep for yourself, which one would it be and why?

MT: The first obviously... it’s not simply the prototype, but it’s the artistic idea born, which was born after a lot of planning.

141: Did you think of doing this with objects other than clothes?

MT: Surely. in 2018 I made an exhibition in a museum on a beach. I collected everything that the bathers had left behind, lost and unused . I used towels, beach toys, life jackets, canoes,swimsuits,tanktops,T-shirts, slippers, shoes... I covered them with a layer of cement, stopping the time.

141: You say that sculpture is your lover, your artistic betrayal to the painting. Did this change your ways of being an artist?

MT: Yes, I feel more complete. sculpture makes you more involved in the creation of the artwork.

141: What’s coming for Mario Loprete now that everything’s almost back to normality?

MT: My only thought is to create works of art that allow me to present them in those places that have deprived me of visiting for 3 years.

I hope that an ever-increasing audience appreciates them and that my art inspires reflection.

@marioloprete /mario.loprete.5

D4M $LOAN

Interview by JAI & Mykel C. Smith

On this occasion, we had the honor of interviewing D4m $loan, an incredible artist whose voice and unique sound immediately caught our attention. His actual vision that brings together fashion and hip-hop as a personal brand is currently backed by his Creative Director Mykel C. Smith, the one who understood his concept and was able to bring that to life and to another level. Here is the complete interview of this distinctive rising artist with high energy and unforgettable project.

Every time we listen to your music, your voice is completely unique, the downs and resonance envolve our bodies in an incredible experience. So we would love to know, how did you come to discover your voice?

That was probably back around 2018 when my partner, Skiano, and I used to play off of one another when working on music in the studio. During that time, we had developed our own alter egos- the wolf and the demon. It developed organically but I wasn’t sure how people were going to respond to it. I started releasing different snippets every week and the fan response was amazing.

Your music is turning people up in the US, Latin America and other parts of the world. How do you feel about your music expanding towards new horizons? My goal has always been to take my music globally, so it means a lot to hear that people in other parts of the world are enjoying my music. I’m excited to see how it goes.

And now, a question that can be a little taboo, tons of messages are found in lyrics that can be misunderstood and taken as something unintended. What’s your position on “cancel culture” in the music industry?

I don’t believe that the hip-hop industry participates in cancel culture, but I do understand the need to take accountability. I think your job as an artist is to express your art and to push the envelope of creativity.

Your songs are strong and powerful, from melody to voice and composition. What do you want to express with your letter’s and your rhythm when you’re creating your pieces?

I have a different approach every time I get into the studio depending on the song and what I want to accomplish. I’ll sit with the beat and go off of how it makes me feel- I want a different reaction every time.

We also saw that you were on the new series, Bel Air, so How was your experience?

That was an amazing experience. When I received the message to audition for the role, I knew that this was my opportunity to showcase myself in a different way to my fans.

Creative Director/Stylist: Mykel C. Smith

Photographer: Rico Kinnard

Grooming: Ebone Alloway

Assistant Stylist: Joseph Smith Marino

Publicist: Christina Fonseca

Manager/Brand Partner: Rasheen Farlow

Labels: AWAL Music @ Sony Music

Studio: Egg Studios

The 21 yo singer, actor and artist coming to move everything on you through his creative outlets.

Bomber Jacket: Palm Angels

Shirt: Vivienne Westwood

Pants: Maison Margiela

Boots: Bottega Venetta

Would you like to act again?

Absolutely, the world can expect some more from me. I was actually filming for another role this past summer.

What kind of character would you like to be?

I mentioned that my partner and I created alter egos in our music and that was shown in some of our music videos as well. If I could be cast for any role tomorrow, I would probably enjoy playing the part of a wolf, superhero, or even a hitman- definitely an action movie. After my homecoming performance last weekend, I could also see myself in a high school or college movie as well.

How do you separate your music and acting?

Music, I’m just being myself. Acting is putting myself into a different mindset because you’re preparing to be a character and play role.

We know you are getting into a big contract, so congratulations for that. But what we really want to know is, what do you feel about it?

This is a pivotal moment in my career, and it is so much more significant because of all things that had transpired before I got here.

How do you feel about to have this huge millionaire catapult.

I’m excited to take things to the next level and give the world some Swagg in the process but I also know that this is just the beginning and there is more work to be done.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers that has helped you through your toughest moments?

Stick to the plan and keep going. You’re going to get what you’ve been praying for one day. Don’t give up.

What are your fashion choices and what designers, do you like?

I love what Demna is doing at Balenciaga. Rick Owens and Nathan Best are also some of my favorite designers.

Where do you see your style being in the future?

I’ve never been a person that followed trends. My motto is “I dress how I feel,” so that is what I do and will continue to do in the future.