Afi vol 2 issue 3 by afi magazine

VOL.2 ISSUE 3

afi MAG

VOL.2 ISSUE 3

Contents EDITORIALS “Welcome” By Polina Petukhova P.22 “Femmes Fatales” By John Williams P.30 “Sensual Morning” By Jude P P.38 “No Way” By Julie Meme P.46 “An Intimate Afternoon” By Meera Fox P.52 “Wicked Games” By Riccardo Torri P.58 “My Heart in Ivana” By Boris Kocis P.64 “Lace Dreams” By Charles Farrah P.70 “Flirt” By Aaron and Elizabeth Vovk P.78 “Loyalty” By Lakshik Perera P.104

INTERVIEWS For Your Eyes Only - Viviana Ross P.04 Madame Methven - Kaila Methven P.84

STYLE Find your new love affair P.18

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Contributors

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Aaron and Elizabeth Vovk, Boris Kocis, Conrad Lee, Charles Farrah, Fifi Robinson, Jacob Cobb, Jerome K, John Williams, Joseph Archell Vergara, Julie Meme, Jude P, Lakshik Perera, Nina Pang, Meera Fox, The O.X. Project, Polina Petukhova, Riccardo Torri, Tim Bracey, Virginia Hodges

VOL.2 ISSUE 3

editor's Note

ON THE COVER Photographer: CONRAD LEE @conradleephotography | Model: VIVIANA ROSS @iamvivianaross represented by ALACARTE MODELS MANAGEMENT @alacartemodels.off | Wardrobe Stylist: STEF CARTER @future_bloom | Hair and Makeup: EMILY BURRILL @ mbe_mua| Special thanks to Nomy Khan @ nomykhanofficial and DoubleTree by Hilton London-Marble Arch @doubletree

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Hi all and welcome to vol2 issue3! Im not sure why but it certainly felt like ages since our last issue, but perhaps it’s because I have been so eager to release this exciting issue! In addition to the gorgeous editorial stories and images, I’m particularly thrilled to formally announce a new member to our editor team! Introducing Stef Carter- fashionista, style hunter, trend forecaster – Stef is an up and coming fashion stylist and blogger, ready to give you the top wardrobe advice and suggestions! With both a financial and styling background, Stef is not only a mastermind into fashion marketing and branding, but also a real Picasso of a stylist. After leaving her career in financial services, Stef ventured into the world of fashion styling with a mission to inspire and infuse confidence into people with Individualised fashion. Having worked with Stef on several shoots, I can tell you that she has the most lively bubbly personality. She’s always brought masses of joy (as well as tons of outfits and accessories) to a shoot, so I’m super eager to work with her on more future issues of Afi. You will already get to see some of her work in this issue and get a taste of her styling from our cover editorial with model and actress Viviana Ross. Stef will be scouting out designers and brands for future interview features, so be sure to follow her work at www.futurebloom.org and @future_bloom and get in touch! Lastly, I has the pleasure to interview Kaila Methven. Not only is she an incredible couture lingerie designer, she is also a phenomenal business women with great stories to tell. I honestly can say it was one of the most inspiring interviews I have done. So do take my word for it and have a read on page 84! I hope you enjoy this issue and happy Valentine’s Day!

Copyright ©. All rights reserved. No content within this publication is to be reproduced in any form without explicit written permission from afi magazine. Opinions and views of contributors are their own and not necessarily those of the publishers. Afi magazine reserves the right to edit any submitted material if required and is not liable for any errors/omissions.

Conrad Lee (Editor-In-Chief) afi 3

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

VIVIANA ROSS MODEL & ACTRESS

Photographer: CONRAD LEE @conradleephotography | Model: VIVIANA ROSS @iamvivianaross represented by ALACARTE MODELS MANAGEMENT @ alacartemodels.off | Wardrobe Stylist: STEF CARTER @future_bloom | Hair and Makeup: EMILY BURRILL @mbe_mua| Special thanks to Nomy Khan @nomykhanofficial and DoubleTree by Hilton London-Marble Arch @doubletree

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Blazer: Teatum Jones, Lia Bra: Bluebella, Karolina suspender thong: Bluebella, Cube cage Pearl Bangle: Karen Millen, Stardust earrings: Gold Philosophy, Marjorie curvy ring: Da-ie â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Flow

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Rising star, Actress, and model; Viviana Ross took a break from her busy schedule to sit with us and share her journey in the creative industry so far. with sophistication and a mix of hollywood glamour, Viviana channels her inner bond girl for this issue’s cover editorial. Can you tell us about your upbringing? In 1994 my parents moved from Romania to Dublin where I was born and raised. I lived there for 7 years and then we moved to Germany where I grew up. I’m very proud to say I’m Romanian but I feel connected to Germany the most. I also speak all 3 languages which is pretty useful as I’m moving a lot. A lot of people, when I tell them how I grew up, think it must have been very difficult but I‘ve never seen it like that, ever. I believe that moving that often and always having a chance to start over again and break out of the “routine“ of a “normal“ life is what makes me so much more mature than other people at the age of 22, mature in a playful way of course. I took every experience and made the best out of it. I’m so happy that my parents showed me so many different ways of living. There were moment when we didn’t have anything and there were moments where the word “no“ when I asked for something didn’t exist, and it’s the best life I could’ve wished for, it was challenging but never difficult. What made you decide to pursuit an acting career? Does your family have an acting background? Like my parents said, I was born a performer. I used to dance and sing at every opportunity. I started as a lead singer of our schoolband where it upgraded to musicals and then theatre. I also danced for 7 years and all I know is that I wanted to be on a stage or in front of the camera. It wasn’t something that came at one

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point. it was there all the time. People around me wouldn’t have to ask, everyone knew. I made it very clear that acting is the only thing that makes me happy. Ha! You would think that it’s all about the attention you get when on stage or after shooting an amazing scene, but it’s not! It’s the journey, the working with people and being creative, being insecure about decisions you may have made and then having the confidence to express that and do it the way that only you think that character would. BOOM! No one can take that away from you, if people like it or not is just a very nice side effect. As a teenager my mom wanted to become an actress, but at that time in Romania it wasn’t a very well-seen job so instead she decided to bring joy to the people in the “delivery room“ and became a midwife. My dad is a multi-talent, he is a chef, painter, drummer and also used to be a professional dancer - let’s just say he’s a crazy Artist. Tell us a bit about the training you’ve had for acting? After I graduated from High School I went to the Munich Film Academy where I studied Screen Acting, partly English and German. What’s the proudest moment in your life so far? My proudest moment so far was the main character that I got to play in the uncut Action Movie ‘One Shot Left’, Jessica Sterling. It’s an English movie shot

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I was born a performer. I used to dance and sing at every opportunity

Blaz Pearl Tweed Jacket â&#x20AC;&#x201C; POA: Anna Aranova, Orange pants: Marc Cain, Isabella Bralet: Iris London, Gold hoops with black stone: Karen Millen

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Kajol long gown: Sonata London, Bra/brief/suspender set: Bluebella, Lace top stockings: Bluebella, Pearl drop earrings: Karen Millen, Heels: Christian Louboutin

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Kajol long gown: Sonata London, Elodie pearl bangle: Gold Philosophy, Pearl drop earrings: Karen Millen

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Rosa Gown: Sonata London , Isabella Bralet and Thong: Iris London, Caged Pearl Trillion Earrings and necklace: Gold Philosophy , Marjorie curvy and twinning rings: Da-ie – The Flow

in Germany. I’m proud because it was the first ‘big’ role I got to play and we rehearsed for over 6 months which really challenged me physically and mentally and I got to learn so much. The Director and Producer put all of their trust in me and I had a lot of pressure to do well, but it was one of the best moments of my career Tell us a bit about the movie “One shot left” that you were the lead actress in? “One Shot Left” is an uncut movie, every sentence and every movement had to be “on point”. It was funny because the take that has been chosen to be “the one“ was the most painful take. There is this big fight scene between me and Orlow (a Russian agent) and she had to throw me over a table where I would normally land on a soft mattress, but in that take.. I didn’t. I actually heard my knee pop out and back in. I was in so much pain but the adrenalin kept me going and so I finished the movie with a black and blue knee. Who are your favourite actors or actresses of all times and why? To be honest I’m not really a “FAN” of anyone, I respect and appreciate the work of many artists. I could name a few actors right now but I think I’ll have to go with Tom Hardy and almost every movie that he has starred in. I find him extremely talented, it’s the combination of danger and vulnerability that I find so magnificent.

feel like every genre would suit me in a way. But when people see and get to know me they would say action, comedy and thrillers for sure. What would be your dream role if you can be in any movie and why? I really want to play a hit woman or maybe a new version of Catwoman. I don’t know why but I had some dreams about playing these characters and I woke up thinking “Hell yeah“. It must be very competitive in the acting industry, is there anything that you do to set yourself apart from others? To be honest I believe that grit beats talent, like Angela Duckworth mentions in her book ”Grit - the power of passion and perseverance“ and also I know that I am an extremely pleasant person to work with, my character is what makes me stand out. I bring that vibe and energy with me on set and that is very important. When you get to spend so much time with so many people it can be very intense, you know. In the acting and the modelling industry of course. What attracted you to move to the UK? Was it what you expected? I would say that I wanted to experience something new. It wasn’t planned, so there were no expectations. I came on vacation with my mom in March 2017 and I never left. I just knew I had to be here and take all the opportunities to become a better actress and become a stronger me.

What’s your favourite movie quote? I don’t have a particular favourite quote. So many cool movies with memorable moments out there.

What do you find most interesting about British life?

What movie genre do you feel you are most suited in?

I love the diversity. So dynamic and creative!

The freedom, the possibility to be 100% true to yourself.

Depending on the character, I

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Black open short jacket: Joseph Ribkoff, White Pants: Joseph Ribkoff, Karolina Bra: Bluebella, Giant Citrine, garnet and yellow gold vermeil encrusted hoops: Olivia Creber, Marjorie twinning ring: Da-ie â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Flow

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I bring that vibe and energy with me on set and that is very important. afi 13

Where is your favourite place in London?

What do you like to do in your down time?

Regent Park, because it’s close to my home and when I have a very emotional day (bad or good), I just like to go there, sit on a bench, count my blessings and be grateful. It calms me down.

At the moment I’m very busy with kickboxing where I just graded for my red-white belt but of course I like to spend my free time in London with my girlfriends, I love to sing and I danced hip-hop for a very long time so now I’m trying to find some good places here where I can keep working on them skills.

You are relatively new to the model scene, how did it get started? Well I’ve already started with some modeling jobs in Dublin, when I was around 5-6 years old for stores like ‘Dunnestores’. But only a few years ago, when I moved to Munich and became 3rd at the Miss Bayernwelle contest I could actually live of some modeling jobs like, showrooms or runway shows in shopping centers, especially in Bavaria. Now I’m in London and I got ‘discovered‘ by my now model agency in front of my door, coming home from kickboxing, looking like a Tomato-face. Ha! What do you like about modelling? The thing is personally I have two fashion sides. I have days where I love to dress like a Tomboy but in a very stylish way, and there are days where I love to dress the complete opposite and wear something super girly. And what I love about modeling is that I can learn so many things about fashion and my own style. Meeting new, amazing, creative people and having fun on set is also a big plus. What would be your perfect red carpet look? Hmm... I can’t decide between a very simple Bordeaux colored strapless floor length Gown or a tight suit perfectly made to fit my body shape and my curves. You can see the conflict between my two fashion sides right?

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Does your acting experience give you an advantage in modelling? I know having acting experience is a great asset to modelling. Every picture you take, every music video and commercials have a story to tell and who can do that better than an actor? The modelling and acting industry can be a cruel world, what are your thoughts, is there anything you want to change in the world? Because of the importance of social media nowadays, and the amount of people you have influence on, I think it’s so important to keep it as real as possible and not just only talk about all the good and pretty things, but also talk about the ugly truth that almost everyone can relate to. For example every single person has experienced bullying in a way or another, by being the bully or being the one who is bullied. And I have been in both positions and it is something I really want to work with and talk about, I am already working with kids and trying to understand them and help them realize what impact they have on other people’s lives. However, there is so much more I want and can do. I would love to have the possibility to go to schools and make a change no matter how small the change is. Every step counts.

Velvet cold shoulder diamante dress: Joseph Ribkoff Cluster pearl gold bracelet: Karen Millen Caged Pearl Trillion Earrings: Gold Philosophy Marjorie twinning ring: Da-ie â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Flow

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I have days where I love to dress like a Tomboy but in a very stylish way, and there are days where I love to dress the complete opposite and wear something super girly.

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Blazer: Teatum Jones Karolina Bra: Bluebella Trillion Double Ring: Gold Philosophy Olivia Pearl Necklace: Da-ie â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Flow

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Style

Find your new

ATELIER BORDELLE

Kizette Soft Triangle Bra (£156) and Brazilian cut brief (£115)

Love affair

Great style starts with great foundations. A great set of lingerie makes you walk a bit taller, stride with confidence and bring out your strong authentic goddess. Whether you’re giving yourself a dose of self-love, or buying for someone else’s perusal there are countless style options for you to choose from.

by Stef Carter

FOR LOVE AND LEMONS

LOVEDAY LONDON

Huntera quarter cup bra (£75)

WOLF AND WHISTLE

The Miranda underwire bra (£94.75) & high waist panty (£78.11)

Ilona velvet and eyelash lace soft cup bra (£20) & brief (£13)

MAISON CLOSE

Villa Satine triangle bra (£60) & briefs (£48)

JOURNELLE

Natalia string thong ($44) & Natalia Underwire Bra ($68)

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AMAZING GRACE

Empreinte Lingerie Apolline Body in blue (£131)

CHANTAL THOMASS

THIRDLOVE Satin lace bikini in Potent Plum ($34)

Audacieuse triangle bra (£81) & Audacieuse Boxer Thong (£42)

COCO DE MER Inferno bodysuit (£275)

I.D. SARRIERI

Mystère De Minuit Longline Balconette Bra (£222) & Tulle Thong (£81)

DORA LARSEN

Amanda high apex underwire bra (£38) & high waist knicker (£27)

STUDIO PIA

Adria Longline Bra (£275) & Adria Brazilian Knicker (£132)

AGENT PROVOCATEUR Mila big brief black (£195)

E.L.F ZHOU

BELLE ET BON BON

Bordeaux Cross band bra (£180) & High waist brief (£120)

Kalina Noir Kimono (£165)

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Photographer: THE O.X. PROJECT @theoxproject, Model: ABIGAIL GROHMANN @abigailgrohmann, Wardrobe Stylist: KATHERINE ROUSONELOS @katherinerousonelos, Hair and Makeup: CHRISTIAN SEMLINGER @christiansemlinger

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