LUXURY REIMAGINED
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SENIOR EDITOREDITORIAL PRODUCERS
TEAM
JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ CLAUDIA LOMBARDO MATTHEW NIENABER AREZOO JALALILETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Dear readers,
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
CONTENT CREATORS
JENNIFER CARTER ANNA VOLOS SHARON JANE ALEXANDRA BONNETAs the sweltering summer heat gives way to the vibrant colors of fall, we welcome you to the August issue of QP MAGAZINE. This month, our pages are brimming with inspiration, innovation, and the latest trends that will undoubtedly leave you captivated and ready to refresh your wardrobe.
As you flip through the pages of this August issue, remember that fashion is not just about clothes; it's about self-expression, creativity, and embracing the journey of discovering your unique style identity. So, whether you're drawn to timeless elegance or bold experimentation, may this issue serve as your guide to crafting a wardrobe that tells your story. Thank you for being a part of our fashion-forward community. As always, we remain committed to delivering the latest trends, thought-provoking features, and a celebration of the artistry that is fashion.
Stay chic, stay fabulous, and above all, stay true to yourself.
Much obliged!
JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ Editor-in-Chief QPmagIN THIS ISSUE
EDITORIAL: BARBIE PALLETE by Daria Valiguras
EDITORIAL: ATTRACTIVE UNVEILED by Arezoo Jalali
COVER: SADIE NELSON by Elm Díaz
EDITORIAL: LOOKING BACK by Alex Rosenkreuz
EDITORIAL: DOUBLE TROUBLE by Marc Evans
INTERVIEW: AZZA FAHMY JEWELLERY
EDITORIAL: DESERT MUSTANG by Glenn Nutley
ARTICLE: GENDER-NEUTRAL FASHION
EDITORIAL: STUDIO CLASSIC by Antonie Verglas www.qpmag.com hello@QPMAG.com
SUBMISSIONS
COVER
model: SADIE NELSON @sadie0xo
PHOTOGRAPHER: ELM DIAZ @elm.diaz
mua: MICHELLE V. @beautybymichellev
digital director: AJ ABBAS @theajuniverse
exectuive producer: PAUL HEYMAN @paulheyman
BARBIE PALLETE
PHOTOGRAPHER: DARIA VALIGURAS @valiguras
MODEL: BROOKE LILY BRAZELTON @brookelilybrazelton
agency: ELITE MODEL MANAGEMEN MIAMI @elitemiami
fashion stylist: DARIA VALIGURAS @valiguras
hair and makeup: NATALIIA NOSOKAS @nataliiamakeupartist
special thanks to IKON MANAGEMENT @ikonmanagement
ATTRACTIVE UNVEILED
PHOTOGRAPHER: AREZOO JALALI @arezoojalali_photography
MODEL: MAHLAGHA JABERI @mahlaghajaberi
COVER
model: SADIE NELSON @sadie0xo
PHOTOGRAPHER: ELM DIAZ @elm.diaz
mua: MICHELLE V. @beautybymichellev
digital director: AJ ABBAS @theajuniverse
exectuive producer: PAUL HEYMAN @paulheyman
SADIE NELSON
Sadie Nelson is this month’s cover model for QP Magazine, as the fashion-forward #HustleBootyTempTats supermodel continues her meteoric rise up the ladder of success in the scorching hot summer of 2023. A brilliant beauty from a small town in California who started modeling when she was only eight years old, Sadie Nelson was hand-picked to become the newest member of the #HustleBootyTempTats supermodel roster by Paul Heyman himself.
Heyman is the multi-industry disruptor who is currently at the very top of the sports entertainment universe, serving as both on-camera and behind-the-scenes “special counsel” and “wiseman” to WWE’s undisputed heavyweight champion and box office king “The Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns. In his practically non-existent spare time, Heyman is the co-founder of New York City’s hottest viral marketing firm, The Looking4Larry Agency. It’s from there that Heyman has set out to disrupt the supermodel world, and a major component in that disruption is California-based influencer and fashionista Sadie Nelson.
For this cover shoot, Heyman rented a $25,000,000 USD estate in Scottsdale, Arizona , where Sadie collaborated with noted fashion photographer Elm Diaz to
create the exclusive beautiful images you see on these pages. “ Sadie is the epitome of a fashion-forward supermodel,” Elm told QP . “She’s a natural beauty with insane curves; an understanding of the rhythm of the photographer and the shoot; and she knows how to express her message through her look. She’s poised to shoot all the way to no. 1!”
Indeed, there seems to be nothing standing in the way of the gorgeous Sadie Nelson climbing to the very top of the supermodel world. To steal the phrase Heyman made famous when he was “the advocate” for WWE and UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar , it looks like Sadie Nelson is the “Next Big Thing” in the supermodel world …
… and she’s the brand-new fashion-forward supermodel gracing the cover of QP Magazine!
LOOKING BACK
PHOTOGRAPHER: ALEX ROSENKREUZ @alexrosenkreuzphotography
MODEL: JULIA TKACH @juliyatkach
agency: REAL WOMAN AGENCY @real_woman_agency
makeup artist: VANESSA VENANCIO @vanessavenanciomua
hair stylist: JENNIFER BAKER @hairbyjenniferb
producer: MATTHEW NIENABER @matthewnienaber
DOUBLE TROUBLE
PHOTOGRAPHER: MARC EVANS @marc_evans_photography
MODELS: GIORGIA DALLA GASSA @iamgeorginadg & GIULIA DONATI @giuliadonatig
agencIES: OLYMPIA MODEL @olympiamodel & MAJOR MODELS @majormodelsmilano
DESIGNER: ANTON GIULIO GRANDE @anton_giulio_grande
HAIR AND Makeup: NEVIA VARISCO @neviavariscomakeupartist
JEWELRY: INGRID HANDMADE JEWELLERY @ingridhandmadejewellery7
AZZA FAHMY JEWELLERY
NEXT GENERATION
Having the opportunity to meet the next generation of a female found and run fine jewelry business with over 50 years of design, production and history in the industry has been one of our most enjoyable interviews to date.
Hailing from Egypt, Azza Fahmys Managing Director FATMA GHALI and Head Designer AMINA GHALI are continuing and growing the legacy their mother Azza Fahmy originally created in 1969.
Fatma and Amina, welcome to QP, we are excited to be chatting with you both. Our team is fascinated by the history of Azza Fahmy, let’s start from the beginning. Your mother, who is Azza Fahmy, initially started the business in 1969 in Egypt. What challenges as a woman did she come up against in a male-dominated industry and how did she combat them?
Our mother faced many challenges when she first began this journey, primarily because no woman with her qualifications had opted to quit a secure government job to seek a career as a jeweler. There were no institutions or courses dedicated to the art of jewelry making in Egypt at the time; only in Old Cairo's jewelry quarter, "Khan El Khalili," were there silversmiths and craftsmen who specialized in jewelry making.
She had to fight very hard to be taken seriously in a pool of men, putting in extra hours and effort to be seen as an equal and to be taken seriously. In the beginning, she had to keep her day job to support herself until she was able to expand and become dependent on jewelry making as a career.
We’re curious to learn what the day-to-day of Azza was back when you were both children. Did she leave the house every morning to go to a studio to design and create and did either of you go with her?
Every day, our mother went to work, working diligently to bring her passion to life. As a single mother, developing a company from the ground up while caring for two young daughters was not an easy task. We commend her greatly for that. Our mum is recognized for being a perfectionist and a hard worker. Not wanting to sacrifice her career for her family or vice versa, she was able to blend the two, and we became a part of her work life.
We would work with our mum as her 'little
helpers' throughout the school holidays, doing odd jobs like beading necklaces or tagging and labeling pieces, etc. If she traveled for exhibitions, we would tag along to help. We believe growing up and having these first-hand experiences shaped us into who we are today, both personally and professionally.
Both of your roles are very different within the family business. Amina, you are the Head Designer, we would love to understand your journey, when did you design your first piece of jewelry, and did your mother actively encourage you to do this?
As children, my mother asked my sister and I if we wanted to join the company. Our reaction was straightforward and simple: "Of course we do!" For as long as I can remember, she has encouraged us to pursue our dreams and passions and to hone our skills. As for my first piece of jewelry, it was a crown-inspired brass ring, which I designed while in my first year of college.
Amina, are there any designs that you did when you first started creating jewelry that are still available today?
Yes, when I initially started working with Azza Fahmy, one of my first designs was a charm bracelet with filigree-crafted charms, a signature of the brand. It is still retailing in our stores today. Amina, if you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you first started going down this route, what would it be and why would it be so important?
Rather than worrying yourself or attempting to outdo your past collections, simply follow your inspiration. Although we as designers strain and stress our systems, humans are always evolving, and our surroundings serve as a constant source of inspiration; therefore, design growth happens naturally.
Fatma, you are the CEO of Azza Fahmy, from our understanding this is a position that you
“Our mother has encouraged us to pursue our dreams and passions and to hone our skills”
have worked your way up into. What was your first role in the business and how have you managed to get to where you are today?
Because work has always been a part of our lives, it is difficult for me to remember when I first started. However, when I was in college, pursuing a BA in oil painting, my mother recommended I begin working with her parttime as I had some free time. In the year 2000, I started working part-time, largely in the sales and marketing departments, and full-time in 2004, as a junior in the marketing department and worked my way up from there.
Fatma, what does your day-to-day look like and do you have any tips you can share that help you get through your “To-Do” list with our readers?
I don't follow a set regimen, as I'm not a huge fan of repetition or routines. However, I normally get up around 7am, drop my daughter off at school, try to squeeze in a workout, before driving to work at 10am. My days at work are always changing which I like as it keeps things interesting, and I am usually home by 5 or 6 p.m. Having a phenomenal assistant is what allows me to get through my to-do list and manage my days so that I am able to accomplish as much as possible.
Regular meditation helps me be centered, focused, and productive. It also helps me identify my priorities, which is what's most important.
We saw that Azza Fahmy partnered with Balmain earlier in the year. Did you get to work alongside Olivier throughout the whole process, how long did it take and what made you decide on creating the piece that was produced?
We were fortunate to collaborate with Balmain and Olivier on this collaboration; we traveled to Paris to meet with him and talked extensively with his design team about how we both wanted the piece to appear. The design phase took three weeks, and the entire collaboration, including the launch, marketing, etc., took eight months.
They were fantastic; it was our first time working on a bust, so we had a lot of fun thinking outside the box and applying our signature techniques to a piece of jewelry that size.
The Eye of Horus Bustier was a masterpiece that memorialized the heritage of the brand’s Egyptian origins. We chose to blend the Ptolemaic Eye with Tutankhamun's Eye of Horus. We included symbols on the sides of the bust that complement the eye, such as the hand-pierced Nekhbet wings, the lotus, and the Shen symbol. The chain and scarab that hang over the back stand for protection, eternity, renewal, and rebirth. Seeing the final piece gave us a sense of pride; it truly is a wonderful tribute to our ancestors.
You have a beautiful flagship store in London in The Burlington Arcade which we’re told is a mecca of stunning timepieces. Are you planning on opening a store in Los Angeles and if so, where would you look to have this?
We have previously explored the US market; in 2019, we had a successful pop-up at the Waldorf Astoria. The United States is an important market for us, as evidenced by our online sales and the presence of US consumers at our London shop. We feel it is an excellent market for Azza Fahmy, we are also present through our agency in London and LA, therefore we are actively exploring ways to enter the US market.
Speaking of London, Azza Fahmy was whisking VIPs around the city during London Fashion Week to attend shows. What made you settle on the idea of hosting this kind of service vs having your designs on the runway?
In the past, whether it was with Preen in 2010 or Matthew Williamson in 2014–2015, we have showcased our pieces on the runways. This initiative was unlike anything we've ever done before, which is why we enjoyed it so much. We understand the stress and hassle that comes with fashion weeks, so we wanted to make this experience a little simpler for our guests, whether it’s through taking care of their transportation or by offering SOS kits that
“We have previously explored the US market in 2019, we had a succesful pop-up at the Waldorf Astoria”
AMINA´S FIRST PIECE
AFJ X BALMAINprovided refreshments and refueling in between shows. Some of those VIPs were existing friends of the brand, while others were new to the brand, so we wanted to pamper both.
Are you able to share any information on any new collections which haven’t been released as yet and if so what is the inspiration behind it?
We have numerous collections in the pipeline, but our next release will be a vibrantly bold, nature-inspired collection.
Your mother, Azza is heavily involved in the running of Azza Fahmy, what’s her role today and how does she manage to still be so relevant and integral to the brand?
Azza Fahmy remains the founder and creative director of Azza Fahmy Jewellery; her position has not changed. However, her focus has shifted in recent years to a broader role. With her many passions, she travels the globe to research and gain insights into various cultures and traditions for design inspiration; she has also established the Design Studio, The Foundation, and writes books; and so there are many different aspects that occupy her.
Supporting young women who are looking to make careers for themselves has always been at the core of Azza Fahmy. Can you share what initiatives or charities you have supported and where some of these young women are today?
In 2013, the Design Studio by Azza Fahmy (DSAF) was founded. It is the first jewelry design and making school in Egypt, and its objectives are to help individuals develop their creative skills and gain a greater comprehension of the intricate nature of jewelry making. With 80% female enrollment, many DSAF alumni have gone on to become instructors, designers, brand owners, etc., continuing the path of expanding knowledge surrounding this wonderful profession. DSAF also works directly with the community through continuous activities with the Azza Fahmy Foundation (AFF), which provides support to underprivileged and disadvantaged Egyptian adolescents with a focus on empowering women. Gloria Awori, a Ugandan student, encountered
financial difficulties that could have prevented her from continuing her studies. The school looked after her, offering her a scholarship and free housing. She was then able to return to Uganda after finishing her two years at DSAF, where she opened a small workshop and school with the goal of imparting the knowledge she had learned at the school to others. This is just one of the many success stories; both DSAF and AFF continue to work towards the goal of preserving craftsmanship and heritage.
In Los Angeles we’ve always edged on the side of bigger is better when it comes to jewelry. What’s the most extravagant piece Azza Fahmy has created to date, when was it made and how much did it sell for?
One of the most extravagant pieces I've designed has to be the Peacock Collar, an 18kt gold and sterling silver collar with intricate lace-effect wirework that replicates the intricate artistry of the peacock’s majestic tail. It sold for EGP 225,000, which was around USD 12,700 at the time of its release in 2017.
How many people do Azza Fahmy employ today, what ratio to men vs women are there and is everyone located in Egypt?
Azza Fahmy Jewellery employs 277 individuals, some of whom are located in Egypt, London, or the GCC, with a 77% male to 23% female ratio; nevertheless, women outnumber males in high management roles, with 28 women to 20 men. In addition, there are our regional outlets, London, the Azza Fahmy Foundation, and the Design Studio by Azza Fahmy.
For any of our readers who are wanting to visit Egypt, where should they visit and what are your favorite places to eat at, shop in and stay at?
Egypt has many gorgeous spots to explore; if visiting in the winter, we recommend taking a Nile cruise down to Luxor and Aswan. A visit to the Moudira hotel in Luxor, followed by tea time at the exquisite Old Cataract hotel in Aswan, where Agatha Christie once sat and found inspiration for her novels. Finally, there's the breathtaking Adrere Amellal Ecolodge in Siwa's Oasis.
“our next release will be a vibrantly bold, nature-inspired collection”
DESERT MUSTANG
PHOTOGRAPHER: GLENN NUTLEY @glennnutley
MODELs: BEC DOYLE @becdoyle_ & LANA KLEIN @_lordxlana_
car: VINTAGE MUSTANG LA @vintagemustangLA
Jacket HAUTE MONDE
Dress FOREVER 21
Boots WORTHINGTONS (VINTAGE)
Dress COMMENSE
Earrings ZARA
Boots BILLINI SHOES
Dress COMMENSE
Earrings ZARA
Vest SMOOCHES (VINTAGE)
Shorts ROXY
Heels STEVE MADDEN
Bag SVALA
Vest SMOOCHES (VINTAGE) Shorts ROXY Heels STEVE MADDEN Bag SVALA
Top ZARA Skirt COMMESE
Wedges SCHUTZ
Top ABSOLUTELY CREATIVE WORLDWIDE
Shorts LEVI´S
Boots WORTHINGTONS (VINTAGE)
Top VINTAGE
Choker ZARA
Jeans PAIGE
Mules SHU SHOP
The Evolution of GENDER-NEUTRAL FASHION
By ANNA VOLOS @anika_volos_Gender-neutral fashion is a fashion movement that challenges traditional gender stereotypes in clothing and accessories. Rather than defining style by gender, gender-neutral fashion seeks to create space for the expression of individuality and freedom of choice, regardless of gender. Let's take a look at the origins of gender-neutral fashion, as well as the key figures that stand at its foundation and support the concept.
The roots of gender-neutral fashion can be traced back through history, but it has gained greater recognition in recent decades. In the late 1960s, during the boom of the civil rights movement and feminism, the first attempts to break down gender barriers in fashion began to emerge. The hippie era brought loose silhouettes, flannel shirts, straight-cut jeans, and T-shirts that became symbols of gender-neutral clothing.
However, the true gender-neutral movement has become more popular in recent decades, especially in light of the growing interest in different gender identities and the freedom of personal expression regardless of gender.
There are many designers who are actively engaged in creating gender-neutral clothing and promoting freedom of expression through fashion. Let's take a look at a few famous examples of such designers: And, of course, the first one I will highlight is Yohji Yamamoto, a Japanese designer known for his unique and androgynous style, in which he combines elements of classic and contemporary fashion, playing with volumes, proportions and textures. Where the boundaries between feminine and masculine merge. He often uses neutral colors and silhouettes without obvious gender associations. Yamamoto often experiments with unconventional shapes and details, emphasizing an aesthetic of irregularity and understatement.
Yohji Yamamoto's main competitor and friend is Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo. She is the founder and creative director of Comme des Garçons, which is also known for its experimental and innovative approach to fashion.
Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto are considered pioneers of gender-neutral clothing and espouse the concept of limitless and free expression through fashion. Although they compete with each other on the fashion runways and in the industry, Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto also have a mutual respect and friendship. Their similar views on fashion and desire for innovation unite them in their desire to create bold and gender-neutral clothing. his is cotton that is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It is safer for the environment and for people working on farms.
Another famous designer who actively supports genderneutral fashion is Alessandro Michele, former creative director of the Gucci brand. He has introduced elements into his collections that allow clothes to be worn without reference to gender. In his work, you can see the use of pink, usually associated with femininity, in men's outfits, as well as experimentation with styles and details that blur the boundaries between traditional gender roles. In addition to well-known designers, there are also many independent brands that focus on gender-neutral fashion. They create unique and innovative collections that deviate from traditional gender stereotypes and offer a freer and more inclusive view of fashion.
For example, Rad Hourani is a Canadian designer who is known for his gender-neutral collections. He creates clothes that can be worn by both men and women, playing with minimalist shapes and lines. His work is characterized by strict silhouettes and a lack of obvious signs of belonging to a particular gender. Palomo Spain is a Spanish brand founded by Alejandro Gómez Palomo, who is known for his gender-neutral and spectacular collections. He creates clothing that explores boundaries and transcends stereotypes about male and female fashion.
Telfar Clemens is an American designer who offers gender-neutral versions of his popular Shopping Bag. His brand calls for collectivity and inclusivity through unisex designs.
Eckhaus Latta is a fashion brand founded by Michael Eckhaus and Zoe Latta. Their collections embody a gender-neutral approach, offering loose silhouettes and the use of neutral colors to create versatility and push the boundaries of gender.
No Sesso is a brand founded by Pierre David and Arnosha Moultrie-Gipps. They are known for their gender-neutral collections that play with volumes and promote inclusion and equality.
IMAGE: YOHJI YAMAMOTO - SPRING 2024 MENSWEARAlso, I want to highlight some more bright and talented designers who work in the direction of gender-neutral fashion:
Alessandro Trincone, Harris Reed, Xander Zhou, Charles Jeffrey, Rick Owens. These designers represent just a small part of the creative community that strives to create genderneutral fashion. They each have their own unique style and approach, but what they have in common is their desire to break down boundaries and acknowledge different gender identities.
women, often together, often in scenes of close contact and sometimes wearing clothes together. The CK One campaign caused a furor because it broke traditional gender stereotypes in perfume advertising. It appealed to the younger generation and emphasized equality and freedom of expression. The advertisement became a symbol of the 90's and had a significant impact on the fashion and advertising industry.
It is important to note that gender-neutral advertising became especially relevant and visible in the 90s, when a broader discussion of gender and equality began.
In conclusion, I would like to point out that genderneutral fashion is not only a stylish expression but also a force for changing ideas about fashion, gender, and self-expression. It makes an important contribution to a more equal and inclusive world, where everyone has the right to freedom of expression and style choice, regardless of their gender identity.
Furthermore, gender-neutral fashion affects the very concept of beauty and its perception in society. It breaks down beauty standards based on rigid gender divisions and allows people to abandon restrictions and seek their own definition of attractiveness. Ultimately, gender-neutral fashion encourages and inspires people to find their own style and express their individuality. It allows everyone to feel comfortable and confident in their clothing, regardless of prescribed gender restrictions. It creates a more diverse and inclusive society where everyone can be accepted and respected for who he,
Along with fashion shows, advertising campaigns have become a strong tool for promoting genderneutral fashion.
One such example is Calvin Klein's "CK One" perfume campaign, which was launched as early as 1994.
The CK One perfume ad was innovative for its time. It had a fresh and youthful approach, emphasizing gender neutrality. The ads featured young men and
“A gender-neutral fashion encourages and inspires people to find their own style and express their individuality”
Hat GLIMPSE BOUTIQUE (MIAMI BEACH)
Swimwear ANDI BAGUS
Necklaces & Earrings
STYLIST´S OWN
STUDIO CLASSIC
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANTOINE VERGLAS @antoineverglas
MODEL: MARTA LOPEZ ALAMO @martalopezalamo
wardrobe stylist: ANDREA EDELSTEIN @andreaedelstein
Hat HOUSE OF LAFAYETTE Sweater ADRIENNE VITTADINI Boots MODA OPERANDI