Awake by anahitab

AWAKE JAN

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CONTENTS 10 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Indira Kurokawa welcomes you to our first issue

STYLISH IDLENESS

A. Niemeyer and their holiday wear

12 CONTRIBUTORS The ones we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done this issue without 14 HOT MILK... AND SUGAR... AND CINNAMON

OFF DUTY

Transition from your office to your true life

White and red for the winter

16 FLURRY FLAKES Fur, fur, fur, fur! 18 STYLISH IDLENESS A. Niemeyer and their holidaywear 42 THE DNA OF UPCOMING STARS

Be pleased to meet Francesca and Giulia Alterio

48 THE REAL THING 8

Make Up trends that will make it to your routine

FRANCESCA X FRANCESCA

Two women beyond labels

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR

Women living in layers. A complex collection of numerous women – mother, daughter, boss, wife, friend, lover – who inhabit one. Confident faces and rigid shells consistently accompany their everyday appearances. But underneath those fearless, self-assured surfaces, it resides a sophisticated set of contrasting characteristics. A multitude of identities living together, side-by-side, each serving the purpose of connecting the various parts, positions and roles they play in life. Women are indeed made out of collage of countless little girls and powerful women, all in one –reminding us that there are things in this world that just cannot be labeled. They are independent, but also search for the happily ever after; they eager for professional success, but hold dear a work-life balance; they want kids, but they want to fly around the world; they are audacious, aim at being financially self-sufficient, but they also want someone to share all this. The sky and the stars may be the limit – but… is there any limit at all?

Our inaugural issue of AWAKE is a dialogue with women who nurture stepping up and standing out: amongst those infinite layers, there is also one intimately connected with a tasteful appetite for fashion. In the following sections, we attempt to depict a little bit of their wonder world, by embarking on a journey to some fascinating stories of our friends, our icons, our readers, ourselves. We talk about careers, dreams, love, life. Everything with a delicious dose of fashion. The editorial throws open the doors of an irreverent and creative wardrobe for women who live in layers – a mixture that proves that the lack of labels (at least when it means not to pertain to one and only one group or tribe) can be elegantly reflected in an out of the ordinary way of dressing. After all, a certain measure of “beautiful mess” never goes out-fashion when it comes to women – in particular, the most appealing ones. I hope you enjoy reading this inaugural issue of AWAKE, and have as much fun as we had while idealizing and developing the magazine, made for and by women in layers, with love.

And the more we dig into these layers, the more seductively revealing women are. Contrasting facets and hordes of feelings are brought up: need for new routes; hesitating certainties; explosion of secret desires; glimpses of disappointments; pride for accomplishments; nostalgia, longing for love.

INDIRA KUROKAWA

Indira Kurokawa Editor-in-Chief Paula Bossolani Fashion and Make Up Editor Anahita Bahrami Art Director

Special Thanks to NahĂŠma Conesa Alcolea Veselka Vito De Santis Pork Pie Hatters Tie Upper Hust Fernanda Niemeyer Francesca L. Odell Francesca B. Alterio Giulia B. Alterio Leslie Rodriguez Megan Bilkie Venetia Eapen Carla Amaning Lily Lai

CONTRIBUTORS Joana P. Cardozo Joana is a Brazilian photographer based in New York whose work carries a strong cinematic aesthetic. Her colourful and abstract portraits were exhibited in New York and Chicago.

Emily Elkins Emily is a 22 year old New York based freelance editorial and commercial photographer. She is also a recent graduate of Parsons The New School of Design.

Daniel and Sam Our friends from Veselka joined our team as they went out of their way to make sure we have everything we needed to get our images.

Clarissa Montenegro Clarissa is a lawyer from Rio de Janeiro who decided to come to New York City and follow her passion: to become a make up artist. Showing a glamorous skin is her ultimate priority.

Giovanna Dal Bom Giovanna has graduated from The Make up Forever make up school and works as a freelance hair and make up artist in New York City. 13

HOT MILK... ... AND SUGAR

Cholé Ruffled Silk Crepe de Chine Top $ 695.00

HERVÉ LÉGER Bandage skirt $690

Calvin Klein Collection Pleated stretch-knit mini dress $1,495

White-on-white glamorous ensembles *

Johanna Ortiz White Cotton Poplin Off the Shoulder Tulum Top $ 550.00 Pierre Balmain White Tailored Low Cut Blazer $ 1,400.00

Zimmerman Epoque Broderie Anglaise Cotton Top $ 420.00

Chanel Spring 2016

Alexander McQueen Spring 2016

Giambattista Valli Floral garland embroidered crepe cape $ 3,347.00

Anya Hindmarch Wrigleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Imperial Spearmint Gum Elaphe CLutch $ 445.00

* Hints of red bring a splash of color

Cushnie et Ochs White Sports Mesh Flared Dress $ 1,152.00 Charlotte Olympia Dotty Suede Pumps $ 695.00

Antonio Berardi 3D Diamond Hologram Skirt $ 942.00

... WITH CINNAMON Altuzarra Spring 2016

FURRY FLAKES

GP LUXE Rabbit fur earmuffs $125.00

Cozy has never been this chic

CHLOÉ FALL 2015. READY-TO-WEAR

BURBERRY LONDON Double breasted shearling coat $3,295.00 ALTUZARRA FALL 2015, READY-TO-WEAR

CÉLINE FALL 2015. READY-TO-WEAR

STELLA McCARTNEY Faux fur coat $2,120.00

MUUBAA Shearling Trim Biker Jacket $1,584.00

MCQ ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Shearling collar cape $1,195.00 MM6 Maison Margiela Long faux shearling gloves $195.00

GUCCI Princetown fur-lined mule $995.00

DSQUARED2 Shearling jacket $4,185.00

GUCCI Belted shearling coat $9,500.00

STYLISH IDLENESS Renata Alhadeff and Fernanda Niemeyer are making us want to take more time off as an excuse to wear their clothes.

Paula Bossolani reports

n his biography, Henry Ford wrote: “when we work, we have to work. When we play, we have to play”. The fact that one of the fathers of mass production saw leisure almost as an obligation brings him straight to 2015, when infinite connectivity and globalization keeps us constantly wired and relaxation became the ultimate luxury. As we cherish our scarce vacations, the duo behind the hip Brazilian brand A. Niemeyer, Renata Alhadeff and Fernanda Niemeyer, works hard to dress us in their holiday wear: easy, well made, comfortable pieces that celebrate free time and having fun. I accurately remember the first time I heard about A. Niemeyer. It was a long weekend and I had travelled to a super exclusive beach on the coast off São Paulo with a group of friends. I noticed one of them was wearing a distinctive bathing suit, and as I brought it up, she said: “It’s A. Niemeyer. Their fabrics are fabulous and the fit is unparalleled”. As the owner of the bathing suit was Luli Papaiz, a friend with impeccable taste, I went to see it for myself. The brand’s show room in São Paulo was still small, but it was already hard to choose amongst their options. Their bathing suits are a little bigger than the tiny Brazilian usual, making them extra comfortable as they accommodate every curve. For my surprise, they offered numerous stylish loungewear pieces. I got a pair of

got a pair of pants that were constructed like a super loose pair of trousers, but were made of heavy chunky sweatpants knit. Needless to say those pants have been my uniform for long flights ever since. Fernanda told me the concept of holiday wear was always the drive behind the brand: “Renata and I get out of the city every weekend, and we had always missed a brand that offered everything for leisure time. We wanted to bring beauty, self-esteem and style to women in the most precious moments of their lives, the ones they spend surrounded by people they love, family and friends”. Every season, you know you’ll find some easy shades of beige and ivory combined with assortments of elegant, muted tones like blue, green or dark red, discreetly covering some of the softest fabrics you’ll ever cover your skin with. Their fit is loose and flattering; they cover the curves we dislike and accentuate the interesting ones. Low waists, dropped crotches on most of their pants, convenient pockets and charming details added by pleats, buttons or decorative seam lines are part of their normcore DNA. Their look is completely unpretentious, but madly elegant. The collections are cohesive and you can mix and match all of the pieces amongst each other. Another friend from my banking ages, Aline Sun, a regular at A. Niemeyer, tells me: “their fit is magical. It doesn’t matter your body type, you feel pretty and confident in their clothes”. No wonder their pieces are often spotted at the hippest weekend destinations in Brazil.

A. NIEMEYER SUMMER 2016

A. NIEMEYER . WINTER 2015

Although they had this idea in mind for as long as they can remember, the gestation of the company was a long one. Renata and Fernanda had been friends since high school, but took different paths in their college choices, as Renata studied Graphic Design and worked in film production and Fernanda got her bachelor’s in Business and worked in Finance. In 2002, the duo went to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York to study Fashion Business Management. Still in the U.S., both of them worked for Anna Sui, and continued to work together as they returned to Brazil and joined the trainee program in the French fast fashion giant C&A. In 2008, they inaugurated A. Niemeyer with smaller collections, mainly swimwear. Renata has managed the Finances while Fernanda has been responsible for Marketing and Sales. The design is shared by both of them: “it’s the one thing Renata and I are 100% committed to”, Fernanda mentions.

“Renata and I get out of the city every weekend, and we had always missed a brand that offered everything for leisure time” After a few years of selling in their show room and in multi-brand stores, in 2012 they finally had the muscle to open their first store. The warm spot in one of the most luxurious shopping malls in the country, Iguatemi São Paulo, hints at a weekend away. Light wood panels and indirect lighting kindly invite you to look through the hangers. Unfortunately, this Brazilian treasure is still sold only below the Equator. But as their accessories lines grow along with swimwear and clothes, they are developing exclusive Birkenstocks and All Stars for 2016. Hopefully they’ll take their Aladdin pants to the Hamptons, Ibiza or Côte d’Azur soon enough.

A. NIEMEYER SUMMER 2016

FRANCESCA x FRANCESCA Besides sharing the same given name, Francesca L. Odell and Francesca B. Alterio also share the power of being women far beyond the lawyer and fashionista labels Indira Kurokawa reports

The resumes of Francesca L. Odell and Francesca B. Alterio indicate the two distinct and distant environments to which they belong: while Ms. Odell inhabits the uptight and competitive corporate world, Ms. Alterio has been building her career in the alike competitive and coveted fashion industry. They are also part of different generations: Generation X (born in the 1960s and 1970s) and Millenniums (born in the 1980s and 1990s), respectively. But despite the apparent gap in realities, what stands out about them is their enthralling approach to life. Besides extraordinary curriculums – and the gorgeous given name – they share an enviable ability to transit through the most pragmatic, down-to-earth perspectives, to real enthusiastic and optimistic points of view on subjects ranging from dreams and projects, to their relation to fashion and career. As exemplary women in layers, they have much more to offer aside from being a successful lawyer and a promising fashionista – it is neither possible nor desirable to try and label any of them. And efforts in this regard would unlikely live up to their multitude of identities.

LAW

FASHION

She tells me that she does not have memories of dreaming about marriage – in her family, there was definitely no idealizing about marriage at a young age – but she perfectly remembers wanting to be a lawyer and an advocate at her young days. “The focus was on college, and doing well in school so I could get into a great college, and then doing well in college so I could go on from there.” She grew up in a fairly small town in Minnesota, an¬d has always knew that she wanted to move on and contemplate a career that was more international – although she didn’t really know what that meant at the time. When she moved to New York, she did not know many people at all, and she considers that going to law school was a real eye opener. She is indeed a very independent woman, and, as she says, not because she does not depend on others, but because she is not dependent on others for her own sense of worth.

She believes that every young girl fantasizes about love and marriage – she definitely did. And even today, she still has her moments thinking about a fairytale love story. “Fingers crossed, it will happen!” Although she has never had a specific dream about what she would become, she has always dreamt about doing something great, whatever it was. “There are many entrepreneurs in my family, and I always saw myself as one as well.”

“I have a wonderful husband, and two fabulous daughters, and a great career. We live comfortably, and are lucky to have supportive family and friends. So I do feel very fortunate.” And when asked to rank her top priorities, she does not hesitate to put family as an easy first, followed by career – and the sheer amount of time it consumes to do it well – extended family, and then friends. “When you have a job like mine, I feel like there isn’t a lot of time for the other items, but I of course take time off and travel with my family. Alone time definitely suffers at the moment!” She has an absolute hectic everyday life: “I get up early, I walk our dog, but also get some alone time to catch up on work and get ready for the day. Then I get each of the girls ready for school, and dart out the door (usually on a conference call) while my husband takes our younger daughter to school. I crank through my work day

She admits to rely on a lot of people, for different needs. But, since moving to New York in 2011, she has been learning, every day, the art of being increasingly independent, as well as feeling more self-sufficient – “even tough its hard at times, I think it makes you feel stronger.” She knows that she is young and that there is still a long way to go. And feeling very grateful for all the amazing opportunities she has had so far, both in her professional and personal lives, she continues: “I think my dreams are still the same in the sense that I still have a hunger to accomplish something meaningful and great, but my focus or understanding of what I love have shifted quite a bit.” On her top priorities, she does not hesitate to rank family as her first, followed by friends, career, travels, leisure time and time alone. And even tough a work-life balance seems to her as something hard to get, she actually believes that you do not need to go to that point. “I think it is a tricky path, and one that takes time and patience, but I think it is something that everyone should strive for. Living for work is not living.” When I ask when she realized that she has actually become an adult, she laughs and jokes: “Am I actually one? I try to run away from that notion!” But, jokes aside, it is easy to realize that this mature young lady has already 25

had the chance to experience enormous challenges in life, including the decision to move to New York and go through who she really was, and what she actually valued: “It was an opportunity to start fresh and question everything around me, which is not always easy.” She highly admires people with perseverance and determination – “I guess because these are qualities that I wish I had more of” – and she also keeps getting inspired by everyone around her, for different reasons. “I do really admire people who are unique and who have worked for what they achieved.” Needless to say, she works a hectic job, having a routine that has been being all about “work to home to work” – but she really makes efforts to try and see close friends every week: “It important to distract yourself and catch up with a good wine fuelled conversation!” And talking about challenges, she believes that the biggest ones faced today by the women of her generation relate to the pressure of having to balance their work and career with their personal life. “I think that everyone is striving for meaning, and have a life filled with things that make you feel accomplished. That includes having a family, and a lover, but also doing something that challenges you and motivates you.” Where do we find the time for both tough? “Getting disconnected a bit from technology and focusing on ourselves is also a huge problem for this generation, no wonder people are feeling time going by faster – it is because we are always connected and receiving a billion information signals every minute. Disconnect!” Her plans for the future? To open her own company, having her own business; to become more in touch with her spiritual side and take better care of her health; to be able to art direct as a freelancer. “I think I would really enjoy doing a special project and collaborating with different people.” ***

managing things like billable clients, being on a couple not-for-profit boards, mentoring some associates at the firm, and being involved in firm administration. I rush home most nights to hit the tail end of dinner, practice piano and do homework with the girls. And when they’re asleep, I log back in and work a few more hours. It seems a little nutty, but I am there for all of the important things – at home and at work. So it’s a system that works well for me!” However crazy it may seem, she categorically persuades me to believe that it is possible to find a work-life balance. How? She says that a work-life balance does not mean feeling well rested all the time, or going to the gym every day, or making sure you have time for a weekly manicure and pedicure. “I think if you have a view of work-life balance that is too idealistic, it can never be achieved. You have to be realistic about what works within the confines of the things that you prioritize.” She considers that it means being comfortable with your choices on a daily basis – in her case, prioritizing family without sacrificing success at her job. “There are many people in this world who have to make much more difficult work-life balance choices. People who work multiple jobs, who struggle to have adequate childcare, health care – I feel like it would be selfish to complain about the difficulties of balancing a family and a successful career. I’m lucky to have both.” The biggest challenges are the ones that she encounters each day, juggling conference calls so that she does not ever miss a teacher conference or doctors appointment, and doing that without disappointing colleagues or clients. “I think if I looked at it objectively, my biggest challenge is still present – I have two wonderful young girls, and my challenge is to make sure that I raise them to be sensitive, thoughtful members of society that contribute in a meaningful way.”

Francesca L. Odell is a partner based in the New York office of one of the most acclaimed international law firms in the world. Her practice is primarily cross-border, focusing on Latin America, and among her innumerous professional achievements, she was recognized by The American Lawyer as a “Dealmaker of the Year,” and is internationally distinguished as one of the best corporate lawyers practicing. In 2013, she was nominated for the “Finance Lawyer of the Year” award at the Chambers USA Women in Law Awards, and was also highlighted in Latin Lawyer’s “Women In Law” issue celebrating the most inspiring women in the Latin American legal profession. Back in her days at New York University School of Law, she had the chance to work as staff editor of the Journal of International Law & Politics.

Francesca B. Alterio received a BBA degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons The New School of Design in 2014, and currently works at studio GB65, with the creative director Giovanni Bianco, gathering clients such as Miu Miu, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Salvatore Ferragamo, to name a few. Despite her young age, she has since been adding considerable experience to her yet impressive curriculum, with internships at the accessories department of the American Vogue, as well as the marketing department of the Museum of Modern Art – MoMA. Her latest projects include the editorial and production coordination of the Gisele Bündchen Taschen book, as well as the research and art direction of the Gisele Bündchen 20th year anniversary cover and editorial in Vogue Brazil.

Her list of people that she admires most starts with her mother – “she is extremely strong, and was and is a fantastic role model. I’m really lucky to have someone so progressive to have supported me in every step of my life.” She also melts when it comes to talking about her husband: “an incredible support system and a wonderful father, in addition to being a great entrepreneur and pretty good at managing our constant construction projects!” And, of course, the list also includes her seven and five years-old girls. “I have to say, they are bright and inquisi-

Francesca L. Odell What is fashion? Fashion is empowering. More than a fun pastime, a confidence builder too. “I remember the first day I went back to work after maternity leave, and I blew out my hair and put on a dress and heels and felt human again!” Fashion magazines, publications or blogs? She flips magazines here and there, but it lacks time to actually follow fashion publications and blogs. “I rely much more on Barneys to show me what is hip at any given moment!” Dislikes about the fashion world? She worries a lot about how the fashion world idealizes uber skinny, and how it places so much stress on young ladies – especially being a mother of two little girls. Favorite Brands and Designers? “I like things that are fashionable, but not too edgy, because my style has to survive from work to kids events to evenings out … I love Stella McCartney, Vince, The Row, Catherine Malandrino, Philip Lim. I also love easy casual brands like J. Crew for simple things, or Boden for an easy slip on dress. For shoes, there is just nothing more comfortable than Manolos, and I love mine! I like Laboutins as well. 28

My bags are all over the place, including some vintage – although my current favorite was made by a friend (Joey Wolffer) – you should check her out. The stuff she carries at the Styleliner is great for the weekend and casual nights out.” Where to shop? “Usually online if I can because I don’t have a ton of free time. But I love popping into Barneys or Bergdorf if I have time.” New York? “Honestly since I got here, I’ve never wanted to leave. I love the pace, I love the energy, and I love the feel. I’m really glad I’m raising my girls here too.” Favorite places in NY? LAPPIN PAOLI: “I have gotten my hair cut at Lappin Paoli for years, by the owner, Lance. Even though I don’t live near there anymore, I would never change!” UPPER WEST SIDE: “I was always a downtown girl, but now I love the UWS too. I love my house, and all of our neighborhood places, especially the places my girls love to frequent, like Red Farm, Parm and all of the smaller places.” LITTLE OWL: “Recently Joey came to our house to make dinner for my husband’s birthday, and it was the best ever!”

tive and beautiful and daring, and I think all of that is tough in this day and age. Plus, I’m lucky – as they grow, I will get to admire them more and more every day!” Her plans for the future? To keep enjoying her job and having fun with it; to travel to amazing new places with her family; to have her daughters to be strong and confident. “Oh, and maybe a fourth thing, I want to retire one day and find a fabulous new hobby or pastime!” ***

Francesca B. Alterio What is fashion? Fashion has to be fun, a way to express yourself and your mood, and it really depends on how you are feeling. Sometimes she spends hours choosing an outfit before going to work; some days she just throws on a jeans and a sweater. “That’s why I love accessories, even in the days that you don’t really feel like dressing up, a necklace or scarf helps make the outfit.” Fashion magazine, publications or blogs? Man Repeller, Fashion Copious, Fashion Gone Rogue, Business of Fashion. “They are just good places to get updated on what’s going on in fashion.” She also likes to follow fashion related people on Instagram as a fun way to get inspired and informed. Dislikes about he fashion world? “Even tough I love fashion and it is one of my biggest passions, I think people can be very superficial, bitchy and fake. This industry needs more empathy, since there is so much purpose in fashion – making people’s life more fun and giving them a channel to express themselves!” Favorite Brands and Designers? Phoebe Philo! Stella McCartney, Cristobal Balenciaga, Mary Kate and Ashley (The Row), Miuccia Prada.

Where to shop? Celine, Acne, Reformation, Wendy Nichole, COS, ZARA, Assembly New York. “And I love shopping in vintages, I have a passion for jewelry and accessories and vintage shops have the best!” New York? “I love living in NY, it is so inspiring. There is always something going, an exhibition a concert a play. I cannot image myself living anywhere else at this moment. I think NY is perfect for the moment I am in, starting my professional life and gaining experience.” Favorite places in NY? RESTAURANTS: Bar Pitti, Cafe Morgador in Williamsburg, Russ and Daughter’s cafe, Waverly Inn, Momofuko, Roberta’s pizza, Indochine, Russos’s Vineria (italian speciality store), Parm – “tomato and mozarella pasta!” BARS: Angel’s Heaven, Rin Tin Tin, Loosie Rooge, Leadbelly MOVIE THEATERS: Angelika and Nighthawk film center. MORE: Levain bakery, INA - store, Why Not, Toby’s Estate

OFF OFF DUTY DUTY Clothes that go from long meetings to longer nights out

Fashion Editor Paula Bossolani Photographed by Joana P. Cardozo 33

Leaving Work THIS PAGE: Cashmere top (worn underneath), Mixed. Dress, Paula Bossolani. Fur, Saks Fifth Avenue. Belt, Lilly Sarti. Shoes, Daslu. Jewellry(worn throughout), modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own. OPPOSITE PAGE: Dress, Paula Bossolani. Coat, Zara. Shoes, Sarah Chofakian.

Demanding comfort food Hand-knitted peplum top and tailored blazer, Paula Bossolani. Knit pants, Coven. Shoes, Huis Clos.

Changing The Conversation Vest, Geraldino Alfaitaria. Blazer, Forum. Belt, Mixed. Wool skirt, Cori.

Recharging Batteries in the Village OPPOSITE PAGE: head band, Louis Vuitton. Silk top, Lila Deux. Tweed jacket, Mixed. Suede culottes, nu New York. Gloves, Zara. Shoes, Daslu. Pearls, editor’s own. THIS PAGE: Silk top, Equipment. Corduroy and shearling jacket, Zara. Pants, Mixed. Shoes, Sarah Chofakian. Sunglasses, model’s own.

THE DNA OF UPCOMING STARS Giulia and Francesca Brown Alterio open up the doors of their enticing lives Indira Kurokawa reports

hey belong to that intriguing group of women who wander throughout the streets of big metropolis, appropriately and exquisitely well-dressed for every occasion, lavishing attitude and youthfulness, and inciting curiosity wherever they go – mere mortals can’t help but wonder what do these unpretentiously alluring women do and where do they come from. They easily transit through diverse environments, going from low key, unnoticeable local cafés and movie theaters, to the hottest fashion shows and music festivals, bohemian rock-and-roll pubs, art exhibitions opening nights, and the exclusive Soho House. Siblings Giulia and Francesca Brown Alterio – nicknamed Giu and Keka by their family and closer friends – were born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, into a family that accumulates noteworthy accomplishments. Fernando Luiz Alterio, their father, is the chairman and CEO of Time for Fun (T4F), a Brazilian entertainment company that operates in the concerts, theaters, and art events sectors – the largest in Latin America, and the third largest in the world. Their mother, Candace Claire Brown, is a respected designer for wedding dresses and gowns, having established a successful brand amongst the Brazilian upper-class, named after her moniker, Candy Brown. After the divorce of their parents, Paula Raia – one of the most celebrated and acclaimed designers in Brazil – became their stepmother, and the mother of their two youngest brothers.

But, contrary to what may be expected from girls with the same socio-economic background, Giulia and Francesca have always been under the pressure – imposed upon them by their parents, but, especially, by themselves – to keep up with their education, projects, and hard work. “I can’t imagine how it is to live a life to get a rich husband to live happily ever after”, categorically says Giulia. “We’ve always wanted much more of life.” Despite their young age – Giulia and Francesca are twenty-four and twentythree years old, respectively – they position themselves as mature and self-confident women, who seem to have already the next steps meticulously planned beforehand. They attribute their admirable friendship to the small difference in age. “We are like twin sisters, there is this special connection between us”, Francesca tells me while sipping from a glass of Sauvignon blanc at Buvette Gastrotheque, a cozy and lively restaurant-bar-café located in West Village, where she can be often spotted. “Giu is my best friend, the one I can share everything, from the deepest concerns to my heartbroken moments.” They indeed learned how to keep the long-distance friendship since Francesca decided to move to New York in 2011 to join the BBA Strategic Design and Management at Parsons. Unlike Giulia, Francesca has always planned to live and work abroad, a goal that she has successfully achieved.

ince she established herself in New York, Francesca has been adding considerable experience to her yet impressive curriculum, with internships at the accessories department of the American Vogue, as well as the marketing department of the Museum of Modern Art – MoMA. She currently works at studio GB65, with the creative director Giovanni Bianco, who dedicates an artistic vision to the worlds of fashion, luxury, and entertainment, gathering clients such as Miu Miu, Versace, Ermenegildo Zegna, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Dsquared2, to name a few. Francesca proudly reveals her latest projects: the editorial and production coordination of the Gisele Bündchen Taschen book – the Brazilian model who has recently topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid supermodels for the ninth year running – as well as the research and art direction of the Gisele Bündchen 20th year anniversary cover and editorial in Vogue Brazil. Giulia has started to work at her mother’s atelier at the age of twenty. She confesses that she was not attracted to the fashion world at first. “I’ve always loved fashion, I was born in the middle of all creativity and incredible things that come from this [fashion] world. But, like my sister, I also used to repudiate all affectation and arrogance often attached to it.” After high school, she decided to study International Relations, an idea that was soon abandoned when she decided to accept her passion for fashion design.

From this point forward, her career found its way to the right place: after graduating from Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), Giulia started to develop her own line, branded as Candy by Candy Brown. Giulia’s dresses are designed for “young women who want to feel confident and unique, but without overspending”, she advocates, while apologizing for the loud background music – she was spending the weekend with family at her father’s farm, in the countryside of Sao Paulo. It takes a few seconds to realize how passionate Giulia is about her job: she describes in details all stages of sourcing and production of her pieces, and about her plans to start exporting to strategic countries in the near future. Her dedication certainly has paid off so far: based on the increase of sales and success achieved by her line, her mother has agreed to transfer a certain percentage of shares to Giulia, making her partner at Atelier Candy Brown Habillés. Talking to Francesca and Giulia is a delightful exercise: their stories and experiences go way beyond successful careers, to the point that it is easy to forget that these young girls still have a long path ahead. They share fascinating adventures lived across the globe, as well as behind-the-scenes curiosities of the fashion and jet set societies. They know exactly how to take advantage of being born in the center of an exciting and glamorous world, surrounded by artists, entrepreneurs, designers, and creative souls – rather than becoming just another frivolous girl, both of them managed not to let all this go to their heads. They have focused their lives in traveling, observing, learning, and opening up her minds a little bit more, every day. A lust for life is highlighted by their

humbleness before the immensity of the world: confident and aware that there are infinite possibilities beyond the walls that safeguard comfort zones, they move forward ignoring silly prejudices and breaking down barriers. And between achievements, disillusions, sweet and bitter moments, and abounding talent to build dreams, and love to spread around, Giulia and Francesca have certainly what it takes to glow along this life.

The real thing Runway make up trends applied to everyday Make Up by Clarissa Montenegro Hair by Giovanna Dal Bom

Down to Earth You may not wish to wear heavy dar eye shadow to the office, but going with the earth tones trend can give you the healthywell-rested look you might need in the end of the week. “A flawless skin is 80% of a great makeup”, Clarissa explains.

EARTH TONES

ROSY CHEEKS

You make meBlush! Of course you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to show up for a budget meeting wearing a doll-face. But after a few seasons of contouring and bare cheeks, blush is bringing your femininity back. Embrace it.

Straight Up Black Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to go a little bolder on your eyeliner.. Keep a fresh clean face throughout the rest of your face, and make a subtle statement with your glance.

Chronicles of

Love Encounters, Circumstances, & Inevitabilities

INDIRA KUROKAWA

They first met in a trip to the countryside, a group of students who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know each other, sharing a house to spend the long weekend. He was with his girlfriend; she was in love with other guy. They did not interact much, only on that day, when they bumped into each other in the kitchen, by accident, and talked about frivolities. By surprise, the smooth, flowing conversation, felt good. They had never seen each other after that trip. Until one year later, when by chance, once again, they were both walking through the same busy Avenue. And the occasion crossed their paths in that very busy Avenue. Feeling a little uncomfortable, almost disconcerted, they did not have much to talk about. Only reminiscences of that conversation in the kitchen. Struggling to disguise her embarrassment, she asked about his girlfriend. He said they were not dating anymore. She had nothing to say, they smiled at each other, kisses, good bye, it was good to see you. And then another year had gone by until the occasion decided to show up. Once again. She was still healing a broken heart, but, that night, she wanted to get over and enjoy the birthday party of her friend. On that same night, he did not have plans, and ended up joining his friend who had a birthday party to go. A pleasant surprise, they were in the same party. This time around, it just happened. Their eyes crossed and smiles were easily awaken. They forgot the uncomfortable chance meeting in the busy Avenue. They talked, laughed, exchanged numbers. And they felt that they would not wait for another year to come by. They wanted to stay together. They met on the following day. And on the next one. And in the weeks, months and years after that party. And they knew, as only a few do, how to take the best out of the occasions. They indeed were natural in the art of being happy. And to live beautiful moments together.

She has been tired of stories that seem to always find an end. But since she left New York, she has been recovering and getting her life back on track. First, rebuilding her career; little by little, opening up her heart once again. On that day, her friend invited her to go out. His cousin was throwing up a party to celebrate the anniversary of the film production company. Let’s go, weird party, weird people, let’s have some fun. She hesitated, but by chance, she finds out that her friend was invited to the same party. She decides to go with no expectations. Deep inside, she knows that the friend may have feelings for her, but, wait, I do not have anything to do with him, we are just good friends. The party goes well, I am happy to have come. They dance and laugh throughout the night. They have some dates in the following weeks and, in a few months, they are engaged. One day, he shows up saying that he has doubts. No, I cant believe it. She cries, a mixture of anger and sadness, she loses her senses and finds herself lost and with no direction. Once again. But she will not give up, and decides to move forward. He soon recovers his senses and come back. The truth is, I love you and I cannot live without you. They decide to try again, but now let’s move in together to see how it goes. In a few months, they are engaged. Once again. And this time around, it did not take long for them to say yes. Yes, happy and with no doubts, we want that this thing that feels so good to remain for the rest of our lives.

She had dated for many years in the past, but it has been a while and she is now enjoying the pleasures of her single and independent life. On that day, she went out with the same group of friends, to the same club where they used to go. From the second floor, she thought that she had seen a colleague from work and went to say hi. It was dark, she could not have a clear view, but it was not him. How shameful. They ended up having a quick chat. She felt a little bit embarrassed for the confusion – do you have lighter? He was also a little bit shy, but was kind of enjoying the confusion, a chance to talk to that girl. They exchanged numbers, and found out that they both worked in the same neighborhood. Let’s grab coffee sometime this week. She wanted to take it easy, let’s not rush things, I don’t even remember how these love dynamics work anymore. But he kept showing up, the desire to meet up kept growing inside their hearts. It makes more and more sense, I cannot miss any moment without you. He tells her that he is moving out the apartment he used to share with friends. Do you want to move in to my apartment until you find a new one? Yes, I do. They took the chance, made plans, and decided to buy an apartment together. And while deciding on the band and wedding sweet treats, they found out that she is pregnant. Please, let’s make the necessary adjustments, this dress has to fit all the happiness that lives right now inside me.