Astonish Magazine

ISSUE ZERO

A

ASTONISH SPRING 2011

FASHION & ART MAGAZINE

THE GODDESS WITHIN ISSUE ZERO | SPRING 2011

Cover photo | ALEXANDRA GORYACHEVA

Table of Contents 9 Circus Stroke Written by Megan Williams Photography by Dolfinol Camuch 18 Shipwreck Photography by Helene Ngoc Anh Nguyen 27 Bitch is the New Black Written by Barbara Elaine 29 Mickey’s Girlfriend Photography by Helene Ngoc Anh Nguyen 35 Back to Black Written by Megan Williams Photography by Magnus Österhult 43 Transmission Written by Jamie Taylor Photography by Alvin Nguyen 53 Hate Them or Love Them Written by Jon Ray 55 Be Victorian Photography by Marie-Louise Cadosch 61 Lovelies Symposium Written by Tamara Madison 63 Whisper of the Fall Photography by Ekaterina Belinskaya 69 Power of the Paradox Written by Jenny Baker 71 Wildhearted Photography by Kitty Gallannaugh 77 Welly Girls Written by Megan Williams Photography by Magnus Österhult 89 Girls of Acropolis Written by Julio Torres 91 New Nomad Photography by Tima Sergeev 99 Dreamers in Reality Written by Abbey Barker 101 Self Portrait Photography by Sabine Fischer 107 Goddess Within Written by Jenny Baker Photography by Alexandra Goryacheva

ASTONISH magazine

Editor-In-Chief | Forvana Etonne Assistant to the Editor-In-Chief | Kristina Stolting Editor-At-Large | Jenny Baker Assistant to Editor-At-Large | Jamie Taylor Fashion Editor | Kelly Shouey Art Director | Kat Devers Copy Editor | Michael Polce Fashion Contributors Dennell Lucero | Christine Yun | Paula Newlands Writers Jon Ray | Barbara Elaine| Julio Torres | Tamara Madison | Megan Williams | Abbey Barker

Business CEO & Founder | Ryan C Assistant to the CEO | Myrelle Nario Vice President Business Operations Brandon Leong Marketing & Advertising Director | Wanda Lee Marketing & Advertising Coordinator Carlos Prado Promotions Marina Chang & Erica Pitnick

No part of the publication may be produced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

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From the Desk of: CEO & Founder The Ancient Greeks believed that nothing comes from nothing. Physicists believed that energy cannot be created nor destroyed. But as artists, we believe otherwise. Our artistic souls break apart the laws of physics and create an energy so powerful that it spurs the creation of something out of nothing.

This something is called ASTONISH. The very pages of this issue are brought to life by the energy of the artists and writers - an energy fueled by dreams, ambitions, and artistic expression.

Through their works, these individuals show us what it means to astonish.

Nowadays magazines have become way too commercialized. Art and creativity dies. The imagination becomes dull. There is no thought-provoking imagery that inspires. ASTONISH is not that magazine. It is a movement.

The dreamers, the visual geniuses, the fashion barometers, the talented, the provocateurs, the cultural catalysts, the visionaries, and the goddesses are called upon to create fashion and art masterpieces without inhibitions.

French artist and Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne once said “With an apple, I shall astonish Paris.” I say we take an apple, blend it with our favorite vodka, let the creative juices flow, and astonish the world with our artistic souls.

Prepare to Astonish.

Ryan C. CEO & Founder

From the Desk Of: Jenny Baker Every editor daydreams about her idea of the perfect publication. She takes a sip of her coffee, and for just a second allows her mind to wonder past the upcoming deadlines into the fantasy realm of “what if.”

What if she got to write without regulation?

What if she could create without constrictions?

What would she produce?

Something smart.

Something sophisticated.

Something sassy.

Something untouched and untarnished by corporate demands and thoughtless popular tastes.

Something that provokes dialogue, toys with truth and never underestimates her readers.

This is what would come from my desk. This is ASTONISH. What is “The Goddess Within”? I saw her today while sitting on the subway. The floozy waved goodbye to her artful lover, blowing kisses feverishly.

I could tell she was a cat lady by the way she wore her hair: wiry and wild. Her eyes were kind and old, and she wore pink peep toe pumps with pink fish net hose. This hot pink ensemble was paired with a candy apple red coat like the colors could not clash. Pearls sat on dainty ears that heard nothing of the whispers concerning her outlandish outfit.

But it was not her outward appearance that gave it away. It was how she stood with her shoulders pinned back and chin up, her stunning stance and perfect posture. The subway car her stage, she pulled all focus.

This was her inner goddess.

Issue Zero takes a look at what it means to be a woman in contemporary society. We observe the different roles that she plays and attempt to define the modern lady. There is a certain intangible but magnetic force that emits from within her to create an addictive aura.

Who is this goddess?

Discover her with us.

Jenny Baker Editor-At-Large

CONTRIBUTORS Jon wants Oompa Loompas to perform choreographed dances in formation as he walks.

‘Astonish’ - striking a match, then tossing it on a puddle of gasoline. His inner goddess is a figure skater on a summer lake, taking Gold for drowning head over heels.

Julio is a writer and essayist with an interest in art, literature and film. He lives in New York City and reminds us that Cezanne once said “With an apple I will astonish Paris!”. He proclaims his admiration for Sofia Coppola, whom if not a goddess, has certainly managed to astonish.

Megan Williams loves to nerd-out on a regular basis,with a pot of tea and a stack of graphic novels. She thinks ‘astonish’ is where magic, inspiration and creativity meet. And it was after reading Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola, that she learned to embrace her (wild) inner goddess.

Tamara is a globe travelling apparel designer and fashion stylist who has also found her passion in writing. She believes ‘to astonish’ is to astound, to pierce visually, emotionally and intellectually. When considering goddesses, she sees Queen Nefertiti as a great goddess, a lady of all women.

Jaime defines ‘astonish’ as doing what is necessary in order to prove yourself and to stand out. Her inner goddess is her confidence, positive attitude and adaptable states of mind that have helped her to grow through life.

Barbara believes in unicorns, red lipstick, true love, horror movies, female CEOs, cupcakes, and a cure for cancer. She thinks ‘astonish’ is like the smile from the first time you fell in love.

Her inner goddess is that voice in the back of her head screaming at her to run not just one more, but two more miles because she can.

Abbey loves fall, Manhattan, the color black, and things that smell like vanilla. She believes ‘to astonish’ is to amaze, change, motivate.

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C ST IR A Pr elu R C de T O U o K S E

T

he life of a woman can feel like a circus act at times. Not only are women expected to be friends, mothers, wives, students and accomplished career women they are expected to do it with the style and grace of an acrobat. In heels. Oh, and with perfect hair.

Celebrities and fashion designers alike have taken the concept of women’s fashion as spectacle and entertainment to the extreme. However, in the real world there are few women who aspire to obtain Lady GaGa-esque heights of fashion. Instead, most women find themselves stuck between two opposing urges. On the one hand, we would like to draw attention, entertain and attract – but on the other hand, we do not want too much attention, and we certainly do not want to be obvious about it.

ways, magazines and streetstyle blogs. You would have to be living under a rock to not notice the surge of color popping up everywhere lately.

Could the recent explosion of vivid hues convert even the most devoted color-phobes?

Fashionistas everywhere will tell you that wearing colors can be tricky, and is oftentimes best left to the experts.

Although wearing color can be intimidating, getting it right can give you the confidence of a lion tamer.

Whether you have Cirque du Soleil aspirations or not, you must admit that there is something admirable about a woman who can juggle all the responsibilities of modern life and still manage to look good doing it. But how can one cultivate the colorful, mysterious allure of a snake charmer without looking like a clown?

Take inspiration from the Big Enter the all-black solution. A Top’s glory days when women black ensemble has long been were dazzling audiences with the go-to uniform for women their fashion, finesse and darwho want to feel empowered ing bravery. Sounds familiar, and timelessly chic. However, doesn’t it? black can get a little, well, boring.

Consider a vibrant, graphic anLuckily, a refreshing new trend imal print to take you from day has been showing up on the run- to night with effortless ease.

Whether you are brave enough to pull off a head-to-toe look is up to your discretion, but even a leopard print accessory can make a big impact.

Don’t have time to think about matching tops and bottoms?

A romper is the modern answer to business casual, combining the ease of a dress with the comfort of pants. Look for a romper with a loose silhouette and a defined waist to keep the look feminine. Simply throw on some bangles and sky-high heels, and you are ready to wow the world.

Channel your inner ring leader and show you mean big business with a tight chignon, structured vintage inspired jacket and color-saturated lips to match. Red is the easiest way to make a bold fashionforward statement, especially when paired with a subtle neutral beige.

Escape wardrobe ennui by pairing a quirky jewel-toned color-blocked shirt with matching eyeshadow for a effortless yet put-together look.

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CIRCUS STROKE Photographer: Dolfinol Camuch Model: Michaela Kohlerova Makeup & Hair: Marketa Sindlerova

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shipwreck photographer:

Helene Ngoc Anh Nguyen

Denisa mokra hair: Aneta & Denisa Mokra model: anezka k. (jarvo mngt) other models: monika K., Tessy S., Zora S. makeup:

BITCH IS THE NEW BLACK

By Barbara Elaine

E

very season, various fashion outlets report that some idealized color is the “new black,” essentially meaning that this is the basic color that will look good and can go with any ensemble. And as trends evolve and fashion changes, the classic black remains the base that everyone tries to change. Fortunately, the five represented images display a combination of insecure boldness, monochrome fashion, an obsession with youth to keep black and white as the classic dominatrix in fashion iconography.

The demeanor of the girls all reserves a paradox of bold insecurity. With fierce facial glares and little direct eye contact, the models portray a strong dominate face. And yet their slightly insecure body posture communicates an almost defensive, protective stance—as if the models are revealing a flippant attitude to match their disheveled fashion. The hair styling especially radiates an apathetic vibe as if no attention at all was placed in styling the long layers.

But the strong exterior is only a defensive shield to hide the troubling reality that everything around is broken. The “PROUD” girl in polka dot underwear and legwarmers highlights this as

she clutches to what looks to be a straightening iron. She wants electricity, both figuratively and literally; you can see the unplugged cord. And yet in her own delusional way, she straightens away without the heat that is essential to styling.

Thus is the fashion, providing the appearance of boldness in solids because their world is incapable of color.

The notion of monochrome fashion specifically utilizes a neutral base and mixes in alternating all black and all white garments with the opposite contrasting accessories. Just as Monochrome photos reveal the two basic colors in tones and shade, the fashion follows suit. The mix of black suspenders with white accented hearts adds to the depth of the ruffled white shirt. And while not all of the images are captured in black and white, even the colored images have a grunge that adds a dimension of gray on top.

With black strappy caged heels and white peeps toe platforms, even the shoes mute the photos and put the emphasis on depth.

By trying to incorporate fresh and different mixes of the basics black and white in stripes, zebra leggings, ruffles and animal imagery, the basic tones stand apart and pop out in a rugged-

ness not normally associated with black and white.

Fashion is eternally obsessed with youth, feeling young, and/ or evoking childhood imagery.

Cat mask, mouse ears, zebra leggings. Welcome to the domesticated jungle. Just as our love for animals was the greatest when we were young enough to be amused by the novel concept of circus parades and zoobooks, the fashion tries to revive our fresh perspective with animal imagery. Mickey Mouse images pop to remind us of our childhood love of cartoons and the ears extend a fashion trend to wear our imaginary youth. The reminiscing is parallel in all the images as you almost feel you are viewing 20-something models trying to portray the likeness of 5 year olds with top hats, Willie Wonka glasses, mouse ears, cage and masks. You can never be young enough, and the trend extends to exploit models to be younger, waifish, and with the appearance of apathy towards everyone but their own interests.

Perhaps when it comes to the greatest overall impression of these images one key thing stands in mind, “Bitch” is the new black.

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MICKEY’S GIRLFRIEND

photographer | Styling | Hair:

HELENE NGOC ANH NGUYEN Le Hong Nga Model: Tereza K. (Studio 91) Make-up:

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BACK TO BLACK

BY MEGAN WILLIAMS

D

on’t be afraid of blending into the background with a colorless ensemble. All black needn’t be the fall-back plan for lazy wardrobe days. Rockstars and celebrities alike have long been aware that a certain je ne c’est quoi sex appeal can be skillfully executed with a paired down color pallet. When done right, there is something so tough, yet undeniably feminine about an all-black look.

It’s easy to escape wardrobe doldrum by incorporating some unexpected texture into your look. Choose quintessentially classic, understated pieces and then make them your own by incorporating playful touches in the accessories.

Bring sequins into the mix for some eye-catching sparkle or a chunky, studded belt for rock-star edginess. Incorporating iridescent metallics, either in jewelry or textiles, is an easy way to give depth and subtle luster.

We can’t all have Debbie Harrie cheek bones, but we can certainly be inspired by her feline-esque maquillage and cooler-than-ice attitude. Keep the focus on the eyes with a strong brow, natural skin and pouty, pale lips. Pair a dramatic, graphic cat-eye with a well-worn, buttery black leather motorcycle jacket to solidify the rebellious-vixen vibe.

Black and white never looked sexier.

Photographer: Magnus Österhult Model: Nadja Kratschmer (On 1 Models) Makeup: Claudia Fisher (Style House)

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A PRELUDE TO

TRANSMISSION

by Jamie Taylor

We all perform.

It’s what we do for each other all the time, deliberately or unintentionally.

It’s a way of telling about ourselves in the hope of being recognized as what we’d like to be.

- Richard Avedon

F

rom the beginning, Dior’s new look gave women a new sense of identity in society. They were able to be perceived as independent beings, sauntering through their day with a mysterious power that shined from within. We all know the rags to riches story in regards to what the Dior house did for women’s fashion; soft, rounded shoulders, cinched waistlines and full A - line skirts gave women not only a new identity, but also a new ambition of opulence.

Fresh, clean and polished intentions were what started her on the journey for unique character. With her newfound aura and hands on hips, she would show the world what she was truly made of, but along the way, certain changes became necessary for survival in today’s society. Amidst historical events, the Bianca Jaggers, the Twiggys and countless celebrity rehabs; the perceived identity of a woman has no doubt undergone its waxes and wanes under the scrutiny of celebrity media and social norms. Though, there is something innate inside her that remains unchanged to this day: a feeling that dates back to the first glimpse she caught of herself in the mirror wearing her new Dior suit? Or was it the heightened sense of confidence that she felt when she became conscious of how others watched her as she passed them by?

Despite the inelegant positions that today’s woman finds herself in, it is that innate element that ushered in a new world of enlightenment so long ago that remains unchanging. And because of this, the woman of today has adapted and remained flexible as an evolutionary precaution against obstacles that she saw advancing on the horizon, under her watchful eye.

At times, mere outward appearances render her un-ladylike and unkempt, but beneath these actions is a congenital element that keeps her strong.

Appearing graceless and stiff are simply the avenues of performance that she has used to stay afloat, while her attitude and inner confidence is what keeps her strong as she sets off into the abyss of our world.

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TRANSMISSION ALVIN NGUYEN RACHEL COOK (Elite Models) MUA/Hair: ERIN SKIPLEY Stylist: ALVIN STILLWELL Photographer:

Model:

Hate Them or Love Them,

they are

BEAUTIFUL

By Jon Ray

Modern day poet, Derrick Brown, gives us what might be the best answer to the question of feminine beauty:

The mathematical equivalent of a woman’s beauty is directly relational to the amount or degree that other women hate her.

These women are hated.

They are hated because they are adored without rumination.

They are hated because they effortlessly exude a flawless confidence.

They are hated because they are threatening.

They are hated for their perceived perfection.

They are hated because they make ready-to-wear clothing look like it was custom tailored just for them.

They are hated because their hair falls faultlessly over their faces.

They are hated because they set their own trends.

They are hated for the way jewels lay across their impeccable collar bones.

They are hated because they have never been a slave to fashion—no, quite the opposite.

They are hated because they are muses.

They are hated because they make it all look so easy.

But, these women are also loved.

They are loved because they have to work harder to be taken seriously.

They are loved because the way they look is hardly effortless.

They are loved because they are so often made into scapegoats, yet they persevere.

They are loved because they are not perfect.

They are loved because they spend hours inside dressing rooms.

They are loved because they use a curling iron with the same precision a sculptor uses a riffler.

They are loved for their creativity.

They are loved because beauty is a curse—they are misunderstood.

They are loved because they are innovative and forward thinking.

They are loved because they inspire us.

They are loved because it never was and never will be easy.

Yes, these women are hated.

But, that hatred is often misguided, stemmed from jealousy.

These women are, as everyone gets from time to time, lonely.

They are objectified in the worst ways.

Yet, they are just as eager to be noticed for their brains, education, and sparkling personalities as anyone else might be.

They are smart.

They are driven.

They are playful.

They are insecure.

They are funny.

For all of their imperfections, they are loved.

They are beautiful.

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be

Victorian Photographer:

MARIE-LOUISE CADOSCH

LILITH AMRAD Hair: OLIVIER KUNTZMANN Models: YASSINE SEYDI | LARA HAUSER Costumes: BEHIND THE MASK Makeup:

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A

re we a projection of what we want people to publically see in theory? Or, do we exude our independent styles and freedom of creative expression? These pondering questions are what one may ask in trying to determine her place in the world today. But, through historical changes in fashion and society, her position touches all beyond her reach.

The timeline of feminine progression has undoubtedly transitioned greatly over time. However, the decree of what beauty is and what it can be varies distinctly and should not be solely defined by one group. In this diverse bubble of life, we’ve seen silhouettes such as the Gibson Girls of the 1900s and Flapper Girls of the ‘20s develop into curved beauties of the ‘50s and fast forward into the androgynous thinly adored girls of the present day.

From females with naturally sunkissed skin or a lustrous mane to what some cultures call height perfection, they also have humanistic tendencies. And, with those tendencies, comes flaws. But, believe it or not, there’s beauty that lies within them.

The Lovelies Symposium

BY TAMARA MADISON

The modern woman of today comprehends the notion of being different and is not shaken by the stares of the world. Despite the debated status quo, she embraces her imperfections because that’s what makes her beautiful. Although her countenance reveals excerpts of an intimate story her personality is not defined by how she wears her version of the LBD (Little Black Dress).

Her strong gait is seen by the daily lens of everyone in her path, yet she doesn’t know how deeply her company positively affects others.

With open palms to give, she feels the air on the sweet sounds of nature. She’s able to touch her body, aware of her sensibility. Her arms evoke a woman who takes comfort in knowledge about new values acquired and old values inherited.

She may be a student, CEO, teacher, a metropolitan—of supposed average character but has sovereignty in her stylish throne of society. This contemporary woman is unconventional: she wants to be supported in her choices without being overthrown and re-

spected without being spoken to in an inferior manner. Passions and aspirations are guided by the neces sity of having aspirations are guided by the necessity of having balance in her lifestyle, which is her brain food for survival.

There are times when she reflects on the paths and bridges that were built by her predecessors. Visions of the Georgia O’Keeffe, Naomi Sims, Anna Bayle, or rather the Empress Theodora of her day truly affects her and are just a few women who impacted her perspective on feminism, beauty, or art in some way.

Her sartorial style has subtle intentions, yet she manages to infuse your soul like the vigour of a perfect scent. Even when she’s not present, somehow you’ve already been infected by her savvy attitude on life.

Who is this inspiring female, you ask? Well, she’s in you, and she’s in me; the sexy and lively sophisticate standing her ground. She’s the beauty leader and modern woman of today.

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WHISPER OF THE FALL

Photographer: EKATERINA BELINSKAYA Model: KATERINA K MUA/Hair: EKATERINA EFIMOVA Assistants: ANNA BOGUSH, NADIYA KITAEVA

POWER

of the

PARADOX PARADOX

BY JENNY BAKER

I’m a bitch, I’m a lover I’m a child, I’m a mother I’m a sinner, I’m a saint I do not feel ashamed I’m a bitch, I’m a tease I’m a goddess on my knees When you hurt, when you suffer I’m your angel undercover I’ve been numb, I’m revived Can’t say I’m not alive You know I wouldn’t want it any other way

I

still believe that no one describes the modern woman much better than Merideth Brooks. This song may have been a one hit wonder, but it is one that will survive the test of time and flippant trends. Why? Because so many women can relate to the woman that she describes. Torn between selfish and aiming to please, this woman teeters. The line she walks requires a dainty step and strong balance. Tiptoeing the edge between reckless and reason, she finds herself in limbo. While her equilibrium may be flailing, her poised posture reveals nothing of struggle. She is stuck. Some people feel sorry for her. She does not. She knows it means one thing: Power.

Today, women can be both a lady and a gentleman in society. We are allowed to showcase our hard and soft energies, to nurture and dictate.

Therein lies the power of our femininity. Feel sorry for us?

Never. What is there that the right combination of beauty, intelligence and charm cannot

buy? Nothing. When I look at Kitty’s girls, I am reminded of the power we hold in our paradox of roles. While the girls are delicate and fragile, the makeup on their faces is strong, unyielding. Tough leather jackets and playful pastel rompers; these women get to cross the lines between what is traditionally masculine and feminine.

No longer confined to one sector of life, women are free to span the boundaries of worldly affairs. She is a homemaker, CEO, doctor, lawyer, fashionista, bachelor[ette]. She is allowed to be vulnerable, allowed to worried, allowed to cry. She is allowed to lead, boss, bitch and bite. Young, but wise, there is a power in that lack of repression if she embraces it. Men are not allowed to expose their softer energies. This lack of balance can be unnerving. It is therein that she conquers, and her wardrobe describes the role the world lets her choose everyday. Her inner goddess is a shape shifter who knows no bounds.

She is envied, she is wanted, she is hated, she is loved, and in all things, she is present.

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WILDHEARTED Photographer: Kitty Gallannaugh Models: Lucie Nontha, JJ, Jenny Fisher (Models1) Makeup Artist: Jess Heath

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WELLY

GIRLS

BY Megan Williams

E

very city has its own unique atmosphere that only surfaces at night. An unremarkable, quiet alley during the day can suddenly transform into a luminescent, neon haven swarming with beautiful beings and booming bass. Girls like gazelles, teetering precariously in sky-high heels and abbreviated skirts huddle together, eyeing the competition suspiciously. The air feels thick with anticipation and possibilities.

If you plan on roaming the city streets at night in the near future, consider adopting a more streetsavvy approach and take a cue from the girls who prefer Dr. Martins to Louboutins.

Master the art of urban camouflage by pairing a heavy, smokey eye with cool nude lipstick. Tousled, devil-may-care hair and rosy, dewey skin keep things from getting too serious. Gritty, black acid wash seems particularly appropriate for blending in to the grey concrete background. Don’t blend in too much though; be sure to incorporate traffic-stopping red into your look.

Swap your heels for a pair of blood red, kick-ass boots and be prepared for whatever may cross your path. The look could almost be called tomboy if it weren’t so sexy. There’s something rockstar about pairing a barely-there little thing of a dress with chunky boots and pair of vintage sunglasses.

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photographer:

models:

Magnus Ă–sterhult

Amy Pennington | Zoey Granger | Lydia Zanetti

THE GIRLS OF

ACROPOLIS (...or The Maidens of New York)

By Julio Torres

U

pon seeing the Acropolis, Elsie de Wolf famously remarked, “Beige! Just my color.” Elsie was a turn of the century New York socialite, and is credited with being the first professional interior designer.

She made it her life mission to rebel against the dark and dreary Victorian décor that was the norm of the time. Elsie brought light into people’s homes.

Before that, though, Elsie blended in the background as an unremarkable actress and a plain child.

She would say that the reason she dressed well was because she was born an ugly girl. In many ways, Elsie saw her success as a form of defiance—against her surroundings, the norms of the time and her own nature.

But for every Elsie, there are thousands of bright women that go by unnoticed. Even today, women still earn less than their male counterparts. A recent study by Heidi Grant Halvorson, Ph.D. stipulates that the reason for today’s inequality might stem from the way boys and girls are raised. Girls tend to require less discipline than boys, and are told they are smart and clever. Boys tend to misbehave and are told that if only they paid attention, and if only they tried harder, they would be able to excel.

As a result, Halvorson suggests, men view their abilities as malleable. Girls, on the other hand, see their abilities as innate and inflexible; they are either good for something, or they are not. Their potential is set in stone.

Furthermore, challenging one’s nature is a form of rebellion—something widely seen as masculine.

Plain-looking Elsie made a life out of the pursuit of beauty. It is easy to imagine her stumbling across the Acropolis, wearing a hat, perhaps with a fan in hand. When Elsie gazed up to the Maidens of Caryatids, she faced figures that, in many ways, were her opposite. The Maidens are tall and beautiful, but they are stoic, immutable and one with their background. They are trapped in their role as pillars.

Yet there is a redeeming irony in their solidity. Their robes drape with such freedom and ease that defies the fact that they’re stone.

New York is filled with bright girls.

They come from all over the world in pursuit of success. Across the city, it seems like they are borrowing a few things from the Maidens at the Acropolis. Their hair is getting longer, the tones are getting earthier, the shapes are less fitted—their softness rebelling against the rigid iron and stone of their surroundings. Consciously or not, these are symbols of some kind of defiance. A challenge to the city, our times, perhaps their own nature. Their newfound light and softness take after Elsie, who once said, “I was a rebel in an ugly world.”

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new

NOMAD photographer

Tima Sergeev

Dasha Shestakova models: Lupikina Elizaveta Saparniyazova Ylia Burchik Natalia Sinichenko Ksenia Terehova Elena (Select Deluxe) director: Sergey Emelyanov

designer clothes:

DREAMERS Fashion Is Full Of Flaws There Is No Such Thing As The Perfect Show

IN M

REALITY

any women today feel themselves looking for something – whether it is the right person to spend their life with, the perfect job, or that one pair of shoes – we are all in the midst of reaching a goal. Regardless of what we are looking to find, we are guaranteed various amounts of struggle in our quest. In these photographs, the models seem to be searching for something too, and like the rest of us, cannot seem to find it just yet. Thankfully, there is beauty in imperfection and there is growth in mistakes.

By Abbey Barker

tion is tangible, thus holding a standard that seems impossible to meet. In society’s mirror, one cannot be beautiful unless they possess size zero bodies, flawless skin, and dress like a mannequin in a Saks 5th Avenue window.

Nothing happens without first a dream. All plans, all ideas, all expressions are dreams before they become realities.

It is when we make the decision for our dreams to transcend the mind that we truly stand out. Plans almost always never work the way we want them to, but when we perseFashion is full of flaws – there vere despite the harsh realities is no such thing as “the per- of life and carry ourselves with fect show,” and designers are dignity and pride, we become always searching for ways to beautiful; thus, defeating socimake their collections even ety’s plans for our lives. better than the last. Impossible as it is to be perfect, society Fashion is always changing: seems to think that perfec- it is always trying to express

more and dig deeper. It is finding new silhouettes, growing as an art, and becoming more daring. It explores social issues and personal conflicts.

Fashion is the tangible, wearable expression of what goes on below the surface of our lives. Designers create an image in their minds of what they want to express, and in that process of self-discovery and artistic expression they make the ideas in their minds a reality by creating clothing that expresses life.

True beauty and style not only challenges us to be imperfect, but almost requires it.

When the world’s definitions of beautiful get in the way of how we know we should see ourselves, it is time to take a stand to discover the goddess within. Falling down is okay as long as you get back up again.

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SELFPORTRAIT Sabine Fischer

The Goddess

Within

BY JENNY BAKER

19 Year Old Alexandra Goryacheva

Finds the Goddess Within All Women

Every Woman is a Goddess.

The Beauty lives inside of us, and I want to show everyone that ‘The Goddess Within’ is a truth.

- Alexandra Goryacheva

I

t is shocking to find such an eloquent thought could emerge from a youthful mind. What is more shocking is her ability to captivate the world with her images. Such wisdom and talent is rarely seen in someone of her age.

Alexandra Goryacheva believes that there is a goddess within all individuals, and as a photographer, she felt it her responsibility to channel that goddess in her photographs.

Her photographs command a striking contrast in color, vibrancy, and energy. The images from the other artists that precede Alexandra’s feature represent real women in society today. They are vulnerable, strong, flexible, and embody the different roles women play. In each of the women photographed, a goddess exists within them. This vibrant energy lives within each of those women, and Alexandra captures her without error. How does such a young photographer undergo this feat?

Astonish had the opportunity to speak with the artist about her passion for photography, future aspirations, and her definition of ‘The Goddess Within.’

When we asked Alexandra what sparked her interest in photography, she said “If someone asked my parents to describe me as a child, they would say that I were a small, atomic reactor of nonstop creativity and fantasy. I was always drawing and painting everywhere.”

To her parent’s dismay, her favorite canvases were the walls in her freshly renewed house. The day she learned to write her name, she added her signature to all of

her paintings. At a very early age, she understood the importance of leaving her mark in the world.

In an attempt to salvage their home, her father took her into his office where he had a PowerMac with a 21-inch monitor. This was the day she discovered Adobe Photoshop. She was allowed to play with the mouse, and began drawing her house paintings on the computer. In her mind, it was a “magical mouse” and her new favorite hobby.

She was given her first camera when she turned twelve. It was an Olympus digital camera, and forever changed her life. “I made a shoot of everybody and everything,” Alexandra said. She went to bed and woke up with her camera every day. At sixteen, her parents upgraded her to a Canon 5D. She explained that this was the day she became a photographer.

She was “a small girl with a real big camera.”

From that day forward, Alexandra set out to discover everything she could about photography. “Someone described photography as the ability to write with light,” she explained. “Just imagine, we photographers are drawing with reflected light. More or less light and we get different pictures.” The challenge to use light in order to paint a wonderful image of her subjects is what Alexandra considers the most challenging, but most inspiring part of her work. She uses light to bring truth to her subjects. “The most important goal for me is to show the beauty in each person.”

When asked what drew her to fashion, she responded, “I belong to a new generation to which fashion is a style of life. Fashion is a very powerful tool for a young generation to express themselves to society.” She went on to explain that through fashion one can really distinguish which part of society someone belongs. It communicates profession, personality, and taste. Fashion is a reflection of the individual and can be used to enhance the meaning of a photograph and bring about the truth Alexandra seeks.

She has helped bring out the beauty within. Alexandra always works with her mother’s creative team. Her mother is a professional makeup artist, stylist, and freelance photographer. “What she can do with models before they come in front of a camera is just a miracle!” Alexandra explained.

It may surprise most to discover the model featured on the cover is only thirteen years old! These images are the result of a mother-daughter collaborative masterpiece. Together they bring us the goddess.

Astonish was curious to know how Alexandra defined the goddess she created. Her answer was nothing short of astonishing. “‘The Goddess Within’ is a woman on her path to becoming the woman that she was meant to be from the beginning: wise, intuitive, compassionate and feminine.” Who is the goddess in you?

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Photographer: Alexandra Goryacheva Model: Paula B Makeup Artist: Iryna Goryacheva Hairstylists: Alexandra & Iryna Goryacheva Studio: Visage2Photography

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ISSUE ONE LOVE LUST DESIRE FALL 2011 coming soon...