Bode Magazine August 2020

AUGUST 2020

the season’s

heart

WARMING Fashion

Golden days of

SUM MER AG U E DA

L O P E Z

The Model & Mother :

The courage to say “no” and a never ending adventure

Jacket & Shirt: Viktoria Woods Ring: Allegra Allure

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Photographer: Carmen Rose Stylist: Christine Pegg Hair: Alex Newman Hair: Lauren Mackellar Makeup: Sophia Pafitis Model: Samira with Precision Mgmt Necklace: Allegra Allure

& A B O V E

B E Y O N D

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Shirt: Viktoria Woods 5

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BODE MAGAZINE

What’s

INSIDE

AUG UST 2020

Cover Story Photographer: Nolan Rivera Model: Agueda Lopez

2 Above & Beyond 10 A Hot Summer’s Night 16 ROTATE Birger Christensen 24 ACACIA 32 Femme Fabulous 38 Verge Girl 46 Adrift 50 Tezza 56 Sam Dameshek 66 Tacha John 72 Agueda Lopez 84 Miista 90 Montce Swim 98 Pure Perfections 104 Untold Told 110 Olivia Deeble 118 Vitamin Sea 122 Martin Jensen 130 Saving Face

Editor-in-Chief: Heather Marie Combs Creative Director: Kaylon Hardman Editor and Digital Media Director: Errin Taylor Maye

ROTATE Birger Christensen, Page 16

Director of Sales: Caroline Penland 7

EMPOWERING WOMEN. REVOLUTIONIZING TRADITION. PERFECT EXECUTION.

www.marinaraphael.com | (@marinaraphaelofficial 8

Editor’s

Miista, Page 84

LETTER

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Whether it was to motivate a new beginning, grinding to tackle back-burner tasks or your next big break — even to take a step back to just smell the proverbial roses — one notion was at the core of your purpose, and that was you.

“Iso-lutions” were made amidst the mandated months of social distance, and as we are in the height of the heart-warming season, I dub this summer the “Summer of Self-love.” The last six months having been labeled “The Great Pause,” out of the darkness, we as a publication aimed to promote light, believing that we will emerge even stronger. With a new-found focus on loving yourself, imagine what you can now do for others?

s we begin to emerge from the confines of isolation, it has been a welcoming breath of fresh air — to feel the “virtual” support across the world, all in promotion of one big movement: self-love.

While the heat of the season brings welcomed happiness and intentional time for “off-duty” endeavors, it is also a time devoted to leisure and good times with loved ones.

While I am all about the go get ‘em attitude, I do also think it is important to take some time off to focus on yourself.

As we begin to settle into the foreseeable new “normal,” let’s not forget the practices we learned and that became our saving grace amongst the same four walls.

As you feel the sun against your skin and you happily strut out into the warm air in the season’s nova-esque must-have styles, this issue will have you ready for the great escape. An advocate for self-love and authenticity, Agueda Lopez — our August cover story and seasoned Miami-based model — joined us in beautiful Puerto Rico, setting the scene for the entirety of this issue. Whether it be across the waters for the full off-duty experience or just around the corner for your own stay-cation, take in the sun, sand, and embrace the brave new world for yourself and do it in style.

Heather Marie Combs Editor-in-Chief

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Suit: Magali Pascal Jewelry: Fairley Jewellery

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HOT summer’s

NIGHT

Photographer: Delphine Dobbelaere Model: Anastasia Yakhnina Makeup: Flora Dickie Stylist: Remy Bernhardt White Bridal Top: Harta Swim Bottoms: Wanderlust Swim Jewelry: Fairley Jewellery 11

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Golden Dress: Flook

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Denmark’s

Dynamic Duo A MODEST STORY OF C R E AT I V I T Y

They say “two is better than one,” a statement that rings true for Copenhagen’s co-designers Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimarsdottir.

Taking the world by storm, the co-founders of label ROTATE Birger Christensen, have combined the best creative sides of themselves, filling a self-proclaimed wardrobe gap, launching an affordable fashion line for the lovers of bold and sexy designs.

By Addison Guyette

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ehind the enticing dresses, being welcomed by “It girls” around the world are mastermind mavens, Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimarsdottir. Though the two leading ladies share the same title as creative director and co-founder of ROTATE the label, their humble roots and origins into the fashion industry contrast upon comparison. Jeanette entered the industry working as a model agent, while Icelandic Thora studied fashion in London. The two began their intertwined journey when fate placed them together as editors for the same fashion magazine. It was there that they conceptualized the label that would eventually come into existence. “Fashion was always a love affair for us,” revealed the designers. “We were both drawn to styling and putting together outfits from a young age. Things really took off for us when we worked together at the same fashion magazine, and we would often be photographed together attending the same shows. We kind of have a similar look even though we are so different.”

Denise Christensen at Birger Christensen (a concept store in Copenhagen). We knew we wanted to make precisely the type of dresses we felt were missing from our wardrobe.” A relationship contributing to half of the label namesake, we were eager to uncover the other half of today’s need-to-know label name. “There’s no deeper meaning behind the name,” smiled the influencers, “we just loved it, and we love to see so many out there who are making it rotate.”

“ROTATE is all about short, sexy, and bold,” beams the designers. “We love a dramatic and short silhouette with defined shoulders, maybe a deep neckline, puffy shoulders.

Materials and prints should be eye-catching.” Drawing inspiration from Old Hollywood and the rarefied glamour of the 1940’s and 50’s, ROTATE accomplishes bringing past fashion into the evolving present. “We’ve achieved so much, we just hope people will continue to love the clothes we make,” humbly shared the girls.

“Women in the States could probably learn to bike in heels. It’s tricky, but doable!”

Today, it is almost impossible to confine oneself to a single label.

Titles such as fashion designers and entrepreneurs are now often associated with the Gen-Z occupation of “influencer.” Although a thriving part of today’s online community, these style savvy ladies have maintained the ability to keep their focus on their passion for fashion despite the pressure to use their influential platform for promotion of themselves as individuals. Instead the pair does not “think too much about [being influencers], we are not celebrities that get recognized in the streets,” express the stylists. “We’ve both taken the decision not to share too many details from our personal lives. We still like to post family things on Instagram, but only up to a certain point.

There’s always the pressure to constantly create and shoot exciting outfits, but that’s what we love.”

While determining the philosophies behind their designs, the pair strived to create bold, sexy, and dramatic silhouettes, but at an obtainable price point. “It was a dream for us ever since we started working together, but the idea really took shape when we discussed this possibility with

Making designs for the masses, Thora and Jeanette were equally pleasantly surprised by the international success of their label.

Originated and headquartered in Copenhagen, the duo attributes their casual approach to party wear to their Danish roots, saying, “Many of our dresses will also work with a pair of sneakers or sandals on a summer day, but pair them with heels and you’re ready to go out.” On the other hand, with a reputation of bold, sexy and exciting, it is no surprise that American women in particular have taken to the designs in abundance, a pattern of success that shows no signs of stagnation. Virtually visiting the stylish ladies, we were curious to see what women in the States can learn from Danish culture. “Women in the States could probably learn to bike in heels. It’s tricky, but doable!” laughs the designers, “but there are so many things we could learn from American women, maybe believing in yourself and what you’re worth. There are so many powerful women in the US that come from a modest background but believe in themselves and achieve so much.”

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ith an array of must-have dresses emerging from each ROTATE collection, the Tracy dress currently holds a special place in Jeanette’s heart. “It’s a maxi dress with a corseted mid-waist, and a deep V neckline. It’s so flattering, and I wear it with sandals and an oversized tote bag to the beach or the farmer’s market.” On the contrary, Thora opts for a bit more flare, currently coveting the Alison dress. “It has shoulder pads for added drama and is short, but made in a flowy fabric. It’s so perfect with combat boots for everyday use.” Gravitating towards yellow and blue this season, the ladies are looking forward to bringing out their vegan leather pieces in bright blue and burgundy when the leaves begin to change; again, never apologizing for the daring hemlines. “Shorter is always better,” state the designers. Flourishing not only through their personal style coveted in the realm of social media, but also through their expert eye in the bold realm of womenswear, the ladies share the same advice for success: “Do what you love and believe in your instinct.

We’ve had so many second thoughts about the brand before launching, but we believed in our ideas and it paid off.”

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“ROTATE is all about short, sexy, and bold.”

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SO PH IST ICA TION SWIMWEAR

Beloved for its renowned beaches, breathtaking sunrises and sensational sunsets, we traveled to Hawaiian island - Maui - to dive deeper into sophisticated swimwear label, ACACIA. Temperatures are definitely rising after eleven successful years as founder and creative director, Naomi Acacia Newirth, continues to impress, offering “an array of silhouettes that makes each woman feel most beautiful, effortlessly themselves and confident in their own skin.” Influenced by her own life in Maui and her travels abroad, Newirth designs for the masses, ensuring “each piece fits and flatters each individual contour.”

By Gillian Rabin

The “Je Ne Sais Quoi” of

ACACIA

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“Mother, Entrepreneur, [and] Maui.”

The three words that best describe the heart, the mind, and the soul behind Acacia founder - Naomi Acacia Newirth. “At home on Maui in Haiku,” you can find this creative powerhouse “raising [her] two boys, hiking to nearby waterfalls,” and designing “swim and ready-to-wear inspired by the je ne sais quoi of the women who raised us.” Brought up by the sea and initially drawn to swimwear stemming from her disappointment in the industry’s offerings, Newirth has since revitalized the unofficial summer uniform for women.

“I was drawn to swimwear because I could not find flattering swimwear. It was missing from the industry and all I could find were bikinis with too much fabric and sag,” states Newirth. “As Maui girls, we wanted our bikinis to be small and form-fitting. We wanted a mix of low Italian cuts, with minimal Brazilian coverage — so, I fused the two together.”

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Armed with a signature style and a personal flair on her label’s name, Naomi Acacia Newirth launched swimwear pillar, Acacia, in 2010.

“Maui is my home and where I dreamt up Acacia,” reveals Newirth of her humble beginnings. “I sewed my first few samples out of my teeny studio in Makawao that I then took to Bali to replicate, and produced my first run in 2006. Girlfriends would swing by my studio to pick out suits,” Newirth smiles as she continues. “The beginning was a beautiful and fun process with a lot of hard work and late nights. I was 20 at the time and very determined.” It is no surprise that Newirth was so driven, inventive, and inspired at such a young age as she “grew up in a creative household.” “My mother worked with vintage textiles and started a beautiful pillow collection while also teaching kindergarten at the Waldorf school I attended. She now has an online home goods store (clothandgoods.com) and is an interior designer.” Newirth’s mother not only served as a figurehead for the mom-trepreneur lifestyle that Newirth found herself reaching for, but continues to work alongside her daughter from time to time.

“She has always been my inspiration and I value her opinion and style. It felt like a natural progression for me to design prints and create a fashion brand.”

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owever, not long after launching her label, Newirth was faced with another opportunity that she could not let slip away. So she put her own dream on pause to further curate her craft. The creative traveled around the world’s coasts, landing in Indonesia “to design alongside the owner of a well-established brand I had always admired.” Exposed to new cultures and “the details of nature,” Newirth “soon learned that working for someone else was not” the life for her. The designer goes on to reveal that the experience “just fueled my fire in pushing to create my dream, which did not come easy.” The travels abroad enabled Newirth to uncover more of the world’s natural beauty, but it was her “Maui roots [that] have influenced Acacia tremendously since day one,” beams the designer. Being raised by her creative mother amid the ocean-lined, tropical island, Newirth’s inspiration “has always been steeped in nature, heritage, and the awe of femininity.” With Maui’s “close community,” Newirth’s work emboldens the modern woman to “slow down, love your natural beauty, and dress with comfort.” Acacia embraces “more of a relaxed look. I love when you can grab something that can easily translate from day to night with just some small accessory adjustments.”

That close community connection that Maui offers is the feeling that Newirth strives to solidify within her own label. “That’s what it really all comes back to for me,” expresses the designer, “connecting with women and encouraging them to feel beautiful in their own skin. Creating beautiful things that women really want to wear. I started Acacia to design for my closet, to design things that I love. Now as I mature, my style has become more refined and I enjoy creating timeless pieces for women of all ages.” Acacia may be for women of all ages, but Newirth designs “for uninhibited and uncontrived women;” to embody a feeling, “the same feeling that you get when slipping on a one-piece that fits just right.” Staying true to the notion that a garment can be empowering to an individual, Newirth designs for effortless confidence. “I design for my closet, for my friends’ closets, for my mother’s closet. Women that are looking for quality over quantity, and simplicity. I want women to feel beautiful, feminine, confident,” the entrepreneur adds, “and I believe it’s important to feel all of these feelings prior to dressing — your clothing should only complement these feelings!”

Though the opted color palettes displayed in Acacia’s latest collection are inspired by Newirth’s travels abroad and the nature she encountered in the South of France, the collection embodies the “cascading cliffs overlooking the clear blue Mediterranean Sea.” Offering much more than nostalgic, naturesque nuances, the collection also lends “quality pieces that can be worn throughout many seasons to build a forever wardrobe.” A forever wardrobe that not only adorns “a combination of tropical and classic prints that complement each

other, so there is something for everyone,” but “contributes to developing a more ecological brand, as [Acacia’s] pieces can be worn for many years.” Acacia combines “crochet with our recycled swim material” to create a signature look without a signature carbon footprint. “Trends come and go,” expresses the founder, “but designing for a timeless wardrobe, our pieces never lose their allure.”

As a second-time new mother, Newirth is mimicking the current fashion change that has evolved with the global pandemic: a striking combination of “comfort and function.” Lucky for the women of the world and Newirth’s new birth, Acacia “always designs for comfort, while not forfeiting style.” Opting for herself, the Ivy One Piece, the designer is “really loving one-pieces and how they hug and hold my curves. But, I am loving all of our linen pieces and our Fox Biker Shorts. Easy, comfy, lounge pieces are perfect for my current, slower-paced lifestyle.”

Her lifestyle may be “slower-paced” with the arrival of her second child, but Newirth and her namesake label, Acacia, have no intention of slowing down their momentum. “We are constantly evolving and changing as we grow and mature, and I am excited to see some new ideas come to life that we are not ready to share just yet,” teases the designer with a sly grin.

“One thing you can expect from us, is that we have been working to be more and more sustainable. We’re currently using recycled fabrics and organic natural fibers, as well as recycled and biodegradable packaging.” As a mother, creator, entrepreneur, and lover of nature, Newirth understands that “staying true to your vision,” creating “success from doing what you love,” and “keeping to what [you] know is true” can all be achieved while working “towards reducing our carbon footprint.”

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FABULOUS F E M M E

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Photographer: Rex Yu Hair Stylist: Lisa-Marie Powell Makeup: Anthony Merante Stylist: Tawni Nicole Model: Daria Korchina, with Premier Model Management and Elite Model Management LA Dress: Linh Nguyen Trench: ZARA

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Teddy: Saturday the Label Skirt: Linh Nguyen 34

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Top & Pants: ZARA 36

Crop Top & Pants: ZARA Oversized White Top: J Crew Shoes: Sam Edelman 37

PUSHING PA S T

Verge The

of

Greatness with the

DIONYSSIOU SISTERS

E-commerce fashion moguls, Natalia and Daniella Dionyssiou, are the heart and soul behind It-girl approved online fashion retailer Verge Girl. Their sisterly bond, acute eye for design, and passion for affordable fashion have helped them to stand above and beyond their competitors.

By Jessica Gandy

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“Wear what you love

and wear what makes you feel

comfortable and confident.”

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ynamic design duo, Natalia and Daniella, have always been passionate about fashion. For them, fashion is a family tradition as the girls were raised by designers, manufacturers, and the owner’s of a men’s retail store. From a young age, the sisters were immersed in the world of fashion. “Our mum would give us free reign of choosing our clothes and styling ourselves. Fashion is freedom for us and being able to express your personality and feelings through clothing is priceless,” says Natalia.

In 2007, Natalia and Daniella, respectively 17-years-old and 19-years-old at the time, opened their first boutique in Brisbane.

Their passion then was the same as it is today: to provide affordable and cool clothing to empowered, stylish young women, but with a particular edge. Due to popular demand for their products, the girls quickly outgrew their brick-and-mortar store. Not ready to stop providing reasonably priced style to confident women, the young visionaries went digital.

Resulting in the birth of Verge Girl.

Verge Girl embodies the personal aesthetics of both sisters. Natalia’s style being more feminine and vintage. Daniella focusing more on structured pieces that evoke a tomboy swag. The balance that the sisters struck is nothing short of divine. Daniella says, “wear what you love and wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Don’t be concerned about what is ‘trendy’. Dressing to suit your body shape is important, but if you love what you wear you will automatically feel good.” Verge Girl allows women to do just that. With a plethora of options for every woman who knows what she wants, the online boutique is the perfect way to pass the extra hours of today’s new “normal” downtime.

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illennial one-stop-shop, Verge Girl is for the modern woman who knows who she is and is ready to tell the world, but at a reasonable rate. Natalia and Daniella’s styles are approachable, yet elevated and trendy, but not kitschy. Their widely followed Instagram account is the epitome of their clothing playful, but also functional in the most desired ways. “My go-to piece is probably one of my colored knits and vintage jeans,” reveals Daniella. “We have heaps of these amazing multicolored knits and cardigans that I live in and we sell heaps of vintage jeans and tees too which is always a go-to for me.” On the other hand, “I live in vintage slip dresses,” shares Natalia, “and I have been wearing our VG Switch Up Knit Top on repeat paired over the top of my slips.”

Not only do they have women around the globe vying for their carefully curated pieces, but also today’s biggest fashion muses and pop stars, with modern icons like Gigi Hadid and Ariana Grande wearing the Dionyssiou sisters’ label creating their own unique looks. “The Verge Girl is young and fun,” says Natalia. “She wants to make her own way. She loves travel and friends and she stands up for what she believes in. Freedom and style are always on her mind.” “We are not designing for others to sell our product,” adds Daniella, “but curating our product for the people we feel we truly understand and that is our own customers.” As if their dedication to helping their customer’s feel good about being a Verge Girl is not enough, Natalia and Daniella have also showed their compassion since the beginning, providing a portion of their profits to charitable organizations close to their hearts, such as Sunrise Cambodia, The Australian Red Cross, Mercy Ships, Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation, and Mission Pawsible.

So how did two young girls sweep the world off their feet? Natalia and Daniella believe that being able to work together is truly the key to their success. “Working together as sisters has always been amazing for us. In the beginning when we were feeling our way around and getting on our feet we knew we had each other’s backs and support 100%.

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s we grew, our strengths and roles became more defined and we very much are in our own lanes now,” expresses the duo. Daniella is the organized, business mind behind the operations which allows the brand to grow consistently. While Natalia’s creativity and ability to drift and float through the design process is a catalyst for the art they produce. “It is this juxtaposition not only in design, but in business that has allowed us the success we currently have,” beams Natalia. As each has their own particular strength, they are leaders in different spaces, but ultimately their love for one another is the bond that makes them so dynamic. It is all work and all play for these sisters because they get to create together.

Natalia and Daniella have personally grown as exponentially as their brand - which grew over 1000% in the first year. Natalia is now married and soon to be a mother of two. In her spare time, she can be found renovating her family’s Paddington home. Daniella, a new homeowner herself, is navigating the world finding inspiration to color it, and in her free time, hosts dinner parties for friends to fill it. Seven years ago, they embarked on their adventure and it has proven to be a worthwhile ride providing them with their dream lives. As our conversation came to a close, the sisters were kind enough to offer their best advice: stay focused with your vision in mind and to not get distracted by what others appear to be doing. They say, “we are unapologetic about the fact that we are young women loving what we do and killing it in the online fashion industry.”

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Photographer: Lauren Schulz Model: Abbey Stockwell with Precision MGMT Shorts: Highrack, Honey

A D R I F T

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PRODUCTION & PHOTOGRAPHY RENTAL STUDIO IN EAST WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN NYC THISISWAVERLY.COM | @THISISWAVERLY | STUDIO@THISISWAVERLY.COM 75 STEWART AVE, UNIT 300, BROOKLYN, NY 11237 49

read all About it

Tezza Tezza,

She’s an internet sensation and modern day influencer, yes — but Tessa Barton, aka Tezza, is putting her own stamp on the industry as an entrepreneur and exquisitely dressed power house. From her trademark collage kit to her exclusive vintage frames to her array of capsule collections, InstaStyle hard cover, and her infamous the Tezza App, this is a woman who means business.

By Heather Marie Combs

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ix feet tall and thriving in more than just the digital realm, creative director and entrepreneur, Tezza, has acquired quite the army, being authentically herself always: “creative, ambitious, and messy.”

Beautifully towering in the room, for more than just her height, this flourishing influencer has had a love affair with fashion since her first teen year. “Fashion has always been about expression for me,” began Tezza. “I have been six feet tall for as long as I remember. I often felt out of place and awkward, but I remember the first time I put together an outfit, I think I was thirteen or so, I finally felt like ME! I then got into photography soon after and it was like a perfect marriage. Being able to capture amazing clothing and create a story behind it through a photograph really sparked my passion to bring me to where I am now.”

the mundane, to give them the tools or inspiration to be the artist themselves and to achieve the art of life.” Open and candid about her own moments falling prey to the internet trap of condensed content and easy repeats, she realized early on that you will not last in this business if you are not authentic and true to yourself. “I have been doing this for over ten years and trust me,” begins Tezza with a wave of her perfectly accessorized hand, “I have tried being something I am not and it is not sustainable, it is not fun, and what is the point? I think we live in a time where people can see right through you if you aren’t actually being yourself. Don’t get me wrong, the pressure is real, but I am lucky to work with people who know me and love me and that is so great because I can lean on them when I need to and they keep me balanced.”

Originally a native of the nature-rich terrains of Utah, the media maven has spent the last few years in the concrete jungle, basking in the melting pot mecca that is New York City; but not even the city can contain her. “From the streets of Paris full of immaculate women who are perfectly pressed and chic, to Milan full of a lot of color and attitude, to Japan’s attention to detail and edgy flare, there is so much to see and take in,” beams the content creator. “I think the reason I love New York so much is because it really is a melting pot of what I see when I travel.

Everyone is here from all over the world and it really allows you to be whoever you want to be.”

A rockstar in the fashion world, and as it turns out in real life, the New Yorker can be seen playing in a band when not running her growing empire. “I still write and play music, but there is nothing like performing for thousands of people and pouring your heart out on a stage,” reminisces Tezza. “No matter how my style evolves I will always have a little rock-n-roll flare that I can’t get rid of. Living in NYC is probably the most inspiring place to live when it comes to fashion. Walking the streets you are constantly seeing amazing humans and feeling inspired by their confidence and fashion choices.

I often see new trends or ideas that I bring into my looks when styling.”

Recognized for her many successful ventures spinning off of the By Tezza brand, launching her own app is a feat not many would take on. “It’s definitely been a labor of love,” laughs the Tezza App founder. Offering to her followers and fellow content creators, the unique opportunity to elevate your iPhone photos and videos with a pop of fresh presets and simple editing tools, the Tezza App aims to help Insta-graphers establish the photography aesthetic tried and true by Tezza herself. “I studied photography in school and had been growing my following around my unique photography style and aesthetic. As an artist, it can sometimes feel like you’re giving up all of your secrets when you let people in on your life’s work. But years ago, someone taught me and I took that knowledge and grew it and passed it on to someone else who took that and did the same, so I was always open to helping other creatives as I truly feel it’s the best way to grow as an artist. In the boom of social media, I realized how difficult it was to find editing apps that really helped you curate and find your brand identity through photography, so my husband Cole and I set out to build an app. He built the entire first version of our app. It took over a year of late nights working after our other jobs testing different ideas and presets. Then finally one day we figured it out! It was magic, I’ll never forget it! Since then we have been able to support millions of artists and give them a platform to help support their creative journey, which is our biggest goal as a brand — to help others achieve the art of life. With close to 10 million downloads and an amazing community, the Tezza App is just getting started! We have lots of new video and editing features on the way. It’s an amazing space to be in and I feel so grateful to be in it.”

“You can make anything into an outfit with a few good accessories.”

Carving out an impressive career, we were eager to uncover her secret to success. Noting first the need to follow your idea and stick to it, a calling card — or motto if you will — is another must. “Early on I decided on a brand motto that I have stuck to, The Art of Life,” shares the entrepreneur.

“In everything I do, everything I create, my overall goal is to inspire the inner creator in everyone, to see the beauty in

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enerously offering the Tezza experience to her loyal community and more, her touch in the fashion world spans far past the digital screen and can be seen on the walls of your home and of course in your wardrobe. “We currently sell a home product, called the Collage kit,” shares Tezza, “which is curated images to turn your space into a work of art. But this year we are going to be working with not only other amazing artists, but also expanding into more art for your home, it’s going to be beautiful.” In addition to her coveted capsule collabs with brands like Aldo and Inspr, the influencer recently launched her limited edition accessories line, Tezza Eyewear, releasing vintage custom frames perfect to soak up the summer rays. “I think the perfect beginning and the perfect ending to any outfit is a pair of sunglasses,” says the content creator. “Accessories have always been my go-to when styling an outfit, so sunglasses were the perfect place to start.” Now on their second collection, “All of the frames are inspired by women in my life who have inspired me through their fashion sense or their expression in their art. To name a few in the collection… ‘The Patty’ are frames inspired by my iconic grandmother who was not only a musician, but a woman who wore sequins to the grocery store, who was strong and intelligent, and who I always hoped to be like.

‘The Stevie’ frames are inspired by my queen Stevie Nicks who changed my life forever through her music and rock-nroll spirit.” According to Tezza, if you are going to invest in

fashion, invest in accessories. “You can make anything into an outfit with a few good accessories.” Surely an exclusively

by Tezza apparel collection is coming next? “My lips are sealed,” grinned the creative director.

As our conversation with the style savvy content creator comes to a close, one thing is clear, this professional heavy hitter is far from slowing down. Allowing us a snapshot into her unconventional life, this self-made, hardworking woman is unapologetic for “My height!” she beams with pride.

“I am six feet tall and unafraid to wear heels that make me the tallest person in the room.” Keeping it real on all accounts, Tezza left us with these words: “Feel the fear and do it anyway. Whatever is holding you back from doing what you love or following your dream, rememberer this. It is the one thing that has brought me to where I am today. Being unafraid to ask the questions, to be loud, to send the email, to make the call. You are in control and you can do it.” Do it she did, and as we heed her advice for bravely pursuing your desired path, she was gracious enough to also offer her passing words to the next entrepreneur: “Just start and don’t stop. The amount of ideas I had that have now turned into successful ventures began as failures. You have to stick to it even when it doesn’t succeed to your initial expectations.

Success takes time and failing is a part of the process. Trust yourself, trust the process, and don’t give up.”

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ONE

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RIDE 56

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with

Sam Dameshek Sam Dameshek is a photographer, entrepreneur, and creative director born and raised in sunny California. His cheeky personality shines through his photography, and he sat down with Bode to share a glimpse of the real “Sam” and a snapshot into his life’s work.

By Jessica Gandy

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“That guy?” “I don’t know, some loser,” Dameshek laughs with an infectious smile as he answers our first question in our much-anticipated one-on-one.

Dameshek’s Instagram bio reads, “I failed photography in high school,” and it sums him up pretty well. Like him, it is blunt, sarcastic, and funny. The photographer’s honesty and ability to poke a little fun at himself is part of what draws people to him. At only 21-years-old, the tattooed, beachy blonde has paved his own way in Hollywood, and around the world, with his camera in tow.

Whatever may have happened in high school was obviously not representative of Dameshek’s abilities and potential as a photographer and creator as he has always had an artist’s spirit. Dameshek has been telling stories through his camera lens for most of his life and while he says that he took up photography at just 15 years old, his then hobby had been a longstanding interest of his from an even younger age. “I’ve obsessed over clothes since the 3rd grade and found myself taking photos of my friends since middle school,” shares Dameshek. “For a while I thought my passion came out of nowhere, but it definitely had been prevalent in various ways throughout my childhood.”

While you can find him shooting the likes of today’s biggest Instagirls - like Alexis Ren, maybe you’ve heard of her - he is most interested in ensuring that his work captures the feelings of his subject.

It has become common knowledge that Dameshek’s camera rarely leaves his side so that he is always able to get the perfect shot at any moment. “I want my audience to feel like they are viewing natural, intimate moments from a fly on the wall perspective,” says the creator. Pushing against the norm of most photographers who create overly produced and posed photographs, in his eyes, artists today control too much of what end-users see. Dameshek believes consumers are viewing work solely through the artist’s lens because artists do not let the energy of the subjects stand alone. “I feel this invisible wall in a lot of peoples work where things just don’t feel real,” notes the photographer. “If anything in an image feels fabricated or overly posed, I won’t be able to emotionally resonate with it,” and neither will his audience.

Like the proverbial moth to a flame, we were eager to uncover if this artist has taken a muse. Dameshek says, “If I’m being honest, I haven’t found my muse yet. I’ve worked with a variety of people that inspire me, [but for me] there’s not really one thing that triggers inspiration. It’s a mix of a person’s physical and non-physical vibe that I become infatuated with.” The photographer has been able to capture some of the world’s most interesting people and done so in the most idyllic places. Those experiences keep Dameshek evolving and always thinking about his next opportunity. “Six words: one hell of a fucking ride,” shares the photographer candidly as he tells us about a day in his life. “Being around people who were once untouchable idols, and shooting in the worlds most beautiful places is an excitement I can’t put into words. This being said, all the excitement comes with an immense amount of pressure and stress. Nothing good comes easy. When I’m back home everyday consists of desk work, shooting, meetings, plotting, and a lot of fun because happiness is critical.

Definitely a rollercoaster.”

“Stay nice.

Stay true.

Stay grounded.

This will take you so far.”

Not exclusive to any one concept, Dameshek’s subjects vary from cars to fashion to landscape and everything in between. Enjoying capturing the candid, natural moments, the mood of his photos remain constant. “I’ve always been compelled to capture feelings and people. I literally can’t not capture energy, if I don’t have a camera on me I’ll go crazy,” shares Dameshek with a shake of his head and another cheeky smile. Offering nothing short of a wide range, each Dameshek image remains warm and approachable. “Inspiration can be very subjective,” states the photographer. “Sometimes I’ll hear a song that makes me feel something I want to capture. Sometimes, I’ll watch an old film and see attributes of the cinematography I can apply to my work.”

Hand in hand, photography is often tied to, if not influenced by, fashion which just so happens to be another interest for Dameshek; that, and teaching his craft. Using fashion as another avenue for creative release, he is co-founder of Wish Me Luck, an online, LA-based clothing store with pieces designed by himself and his best friend Alex Ordonez.

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is personal style influences everything that he does. “I’d like to say my style is timeless and fairly simple,” reveals Dameshek. “I’ve really outgrown anything flashy or anything with a ton of logos or graphics. I definitely couldn’t live without a pair of tailored, black trousers and my YSL boots. That combo has never failed me.” Acknowledging the impact of his personal fashion taste and the way the industry moves on the direction of his lens, “It’s extremely important to stay up to date [with the fashion circuit],” states the creator. “The best way to do this is to not only be aware of the way things are moving, but to also study the underdogs in the industry. The up and comers not receiving enough recognition seem to always be on top of the next big thing.”

Circling back to yet another one of his many passions, Dameshek is sure to dedicate time to mentor other artists through his business - Sam Dameshek Academy. Teaching other entrepreneurs everything from branding, to pricing themselves, to key industry secrets, he is happy to give his best advice away for free. “Be a good human being always,” encourages the photographer. “Do not let vice, ego, or the dishonesty of other people [mess] with your motive. Stay nice. Stay true.

Stay grounded. This will take you so far.”

Much like the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended most of Dameshek’s daily life. What sets this photographer apart though is that he has kept a positive mentality throughout the entire ordeal.

“The quarantine never bothered me,” shares Dameshek. “It feels like a weird chapter and every weird chapter has its purpose.

We choose to let things hurt us or grow us. I think the time at home without distraction really forced me to evaluate my work and find new business opportunities I didn’t see before. Overall, I’m appreciative of the growth this time has given me.” True to our one-on-one experience, the photographer is unapologetic for being himself, “like me or don’t,” he says. Coming out with a tangible body of work and a number of other things in the future, Dameshek concludes our conversation with good vibes and humility saying, “thanks for making it this far in the interview.”

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QUALITY. MODERN ELEGANCE. INTELLIGENT DESIGNS www.gregory.net.nz

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Passionate self-love advocate and online style and beauty influencer - Tacha John - is making a name for herself in the world of fashion and digital media, accumulating a growing following and self-starting her own business reflecting her authentic sense of self and her unstoppable creativity.

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inutes outside of D.C. in Northern Virginia is where you will find Tacha John’s humble abode and at-home stomping ground. The self-made internet personality, who grew up in the digital age of MySpace and Tumblr, is now on the path to creating a legacy for herself in today’s world of YouTube and Instagram, and doing so all from the comfort of her East Coast home. “I always loved to stay on top of trends and would spend hours searching the internet for tips and tricks to clear up my acne and the best curly hair products to try to tame my fro,” shares Tacha. It is her authentic voice and natural openness that draws close to eighty thousand followers to her welcoming Instagram page, where she tries to maintain that honest air about who she is online. “I think about my core message a lot,” expresses the influencer, “and at the heart of it is a desire to encourage my audience to practice self-love and acceptance, and to create a lifestyle that they’re unequivocally proud of.”

other’s perceptions of ourselves creep into our minds and take up space. We were eager to uncover how authentic media maven, Tacha, balances her daily life and the constant social “pinging” of apps and media. “I’ve always been a private person,” reveals the influencer, “so being online challenges me to open up and embrace vulnerability. But, to be completely honest, I don’t let what I do online affect my personal life too much.” This intentional separation of off-screen versus on-screen life helps keep the young personality grounded in the public eye.

Granted, Tacha’s day-to-day routine of waking up, getting to work, and pumping out content online has done wonders for her career and creative journey. Despite the negatives that can come with a large social media presence, Tacha says that she would not have the job that she does without it. “I know it gets a bad rep a lot of the time, but social media is amazing,” admits the content creator, “especially if you use it mindfully and you’re careful to follow people and accounts that uplift you rather than trigger you or make you feel like you aren’t enough.”

This type of positive thinking and mindful self-care is what Tacha preaches and practices every day, believing that social media is not inherently negative in and of itself; we simply have practices that make using it a negative experience. Indeed, her positivity, humility, and mindful online tactics all work together to keep the artist in a balanced state where she can stay true to herself. She happily blames this coveted inner peace on her upbringing, revealing that her parents raised her to be hardworking and humble. “The more milestones I cross in this industry the more humility I feel,” says Tacha.

“Honestly, I don’t find it hard to stay true to myself. I make a conscious effort to move with integrity and sometimes that means I need a break from social media. And when those feelings come up, I do my best to honor them because I never want this job to become a chore or something I resent. I want to continue to do it in a way that feels right to me.”

“At the heart of it is a desire to encourage my audience to practice self-love and acceptance.”

Tacha has created just that for herself in the fashion and beauty industries. The true power of social media can be seen in the root of her success, and her relentless entry into the industry via content creation and online media with strength and perseverance.

“I had to stick my foot in the door of the fashion industry and pry it open,” says Tacha with a confident smile, “because I started out really focused on beauty.

So, when I started sharing more fashion content online, it didn’t always perform as well as the beauty content did which was a little discouraging; but I kept at it and eventually my fashion posts started to pick up a lot of steam.” With her fashion content garnering more attention, Tacha started to play more with her outfits and styling, saying it was a really fun and unique way to find her personal style and look. “I find that when I dress in a way that feels authentic to me, versus following what all the cool girls are doing, not only do I feel more confident, but it also translates better on camera.” Knowing what she knows now, and having knocked down as many doors as she has, Tacha’s best advice to others in the industry is to stay consistent and authentic.

Now, with all of this online success comes a huge weight of responsibility and sometimes stress. We all know the feeling of spending too much time online and letting

One major pursuit that feels right to Tacha is traveling.

The creator has spent a lot of time immersing herself in other countries and cultures, like South Africa, uncovering that women in the States can learn so much about color and boldness from their sense of style.

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“Be bold!” Tacha encourages. “I remember seeing women [in South Africa] adorned in bright colors and patterns and it was beautiful. I think we’re far more minimalistic here and it’s always fun to switch it up.” This bold love of unique style is what makes Tacha so successful as a style influencer; she is not afraid to try on eye-catching colors or construct daring ensembles. Just as her goal is to stay true to herself mentally, the authentic advocate also makes it a point to stay true to herself physically. About four years ago the creator made the switch to an all-natural hair style, and we wanted to know more about this milestone decision: “I was so tired of feeling at odds with my hair — always fighting it to lay flat and straight and frizz-free,” expresses Tacha. “So, I decided to finally dedicate some time to learning it and finding the right products and techniques that would keep it healthy. There were many bad hair days, and there still are, but overall, it’s been a huge source of confidence for me. Embracing my natural hair also meant embracing all the parts of myself that I didn’t necessarily like. It’s been a true practice of self-love and acceptance.

Thankfully, negative comments and reactions are few and far between now, but when they come up, I usually ignore them. Sometimes I wish I’d clap back but it never feels good when I do so I just keep it moving.”

Of course, we also wanted to know more about the natural beauty’s own sense of style when it comes to how she dresses, and what she sees in the future for the fashion industry as a whole. The influencer says that her style is classic, simple, and comfortable. “I love timeless fashion and I’m always inspired by the easy-going style of the 90’s,” states Tacha.

You will most likely see her in a good pair of jeans, a white blouse, and some large gold hoops. Digging a little deeper, her beauty counter and wardrobe will never be caught without a facial serum and a good denim jacket. As far as the future of fashion? Well, Tacha makes an effort every day to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle, believing that eco-friendly fashion is the future of clothing. “I do my best to practice sustainability in ways that really work for my lifestyle,” reveals Tacha, “like swapping out single use plastic household items for reusable items, or switching from pads and tampons to a menstrual cup.” The influencer, looked to for her beauty tips and style, is very selective when buying, and if shopping from fast fashion retailers, does so mindfully and purposefully. “I try to only buy what I know I’ll love and re-wear for years to come,” shares Tacha, “and I’m also big on thrifting.”

When it comes to the future, Tacha has big plans. Secretly, she would love to find a way to meld her college major, International Development, with her fashion and content creation online. The influencer is further looking forward to even more content creation, including a bigger push on her YouTube channel and social media accounts. Her lasting words: “Always do what feels right.”

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“Always do what feels right.”

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SUN, SAND, & THE SPANISH COAST

with Agueda Lopez From a childhood filled with magazine clippings of supermodels and runway shows, to living out that very dream today, life for Spanish model, wife, and mother - Agueda Lopez - is anything short of worldwide experiences.

Aside from her knockout social media presence, Lopez chats with Bode to talk quarantine, life, and the future of work, proving that she is much more than the glamazon that meets the eye.

By Errin Taylor Maye

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Photographer: Nolan Rivera Styling: Claudia Madrid Hair & Makeup: Raiza Montes Casting Director: Manny Roman Dress: Ecliptica Atelier Accessories: Harold Cabrera

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gueda Lopez is taking the latest ventures of quarantine better than most. With her two children, and a pop star husband, days have been calm, at times rambunctious, but nothing short of memorable. Nowadays, “off-duty” may have lasted longer than planned, but Lopez does not seem to mind. Finding a place to chat, with faded giggles in the background, Lopez fills us in on what her current household is up to. “It varies quite a bit. Somedays I’m in mom mode — waking my kids up, taking them to school, doing homework, and cooking for them — and somedays I’m waking up in Paris getting glammed up for the runway.

I can honestly say I love both of these worlds and they compliment each other,” shares the model. Oh, and she is often accompanied by her eight-year-old daughter Mikaela, while attending said fashion shows. The girl loves fashion. Wonder where she gets it from?

Though Lopez has not been on a photoshoot set for what seems like forever, the model flexes her creative muscles with the help of her husband and an iPhone.

Like many celebrities, Lopez has turned the current 5-month long lockdown into an at-home retreat using the time to reflect and evolve. “Social media has allowed me to reach people in all parts of the world that I would’ve never gotten close to otherwise. Followers from far away countries, fashion designers that are not that known but are incredibly talented, great job opportunities, etc. On the other hand, I try to follow people that positively influence me,” says Lopez as our conversation deepens on what the model has learned over the years. Continuing, “My family is my equator and that’s where I get my strength from. They give me the peace I need.” Between relaxing by the pool and gallivanting on the sands of Miami Beach, Lopez has defined her own definition of peace.

and she instantly fell in love. Her most memorable job was in Jamaica. “Wow, now that was the first photo shoot I did outside of my native Spain,” reminisces Lopez. “An experience I’ll never forget.” With an admiration for travel, the Spanish model has experienced many amazing adventures, and beautiful places. “I do love the discipline and the way things are structured in Europe, but I’m happy anywhere I go. I’ve travelled quite a bit to beautiful places like Singapore and Dubai, but my favorite will always be Paris.

It never ceases to impress me and I’m just in love with that city. If it is beaches we are talking about, my favorite is Exuma, Bahamas. It’s tough to just name one place,” further expresses Lopez. “My career has allowed me to travel and live in different places, with different cultures and languages. It’s a never ending adventure. The journey from beauty queen to model and public figure has been filled with amazing experiences, challenges, and memories that I’ll never forget and hope to share with my kids in the near future.” The one message she continues to relay to her children, as well as reminding herself, is definitely one of strength.

“If you have a dream, fight for it without caring what other people think.”

“If you have a dream, fight for it without caring what other people think.”

Fashion has been running in Lopez’s veins for as long as she can remember. “I always loved the world of fashion.

My childhood was filled with magazine clippings of supermodels and runway shows,” recalls Lopez as we bond over such similarities. For Lopez, it was a simple question that gave the model the idea to pursue the realities, beyond the magazine clippings. At the age of twelve, Lopez — then a ballet dancer — took up the chance of making her dreams come true. Little by little, Lopez started booking small jobs — the ones that her mom would approve of —

Taking a peek at Lopez’s Instagram, it is easy to see that the model and flourishing influencer centers her content around authenticity, motherhood and natural island beauty. Lopez ensures her content displays the importance of incorporating a genuine and healthy lifestyle, promoting it in the fashion and modeling world, and with her favorite brands that match the same methods and message in living. “Living a healthy lifestyle is not only important for me, but I want to set a positive example for my kids,” shares Lopez. In her house, meals include traditional Spanish food (from Lopez’s native Spain). “I always teach them about all the food groups and express how important it is to use organic products,” continues Lopez. While working out has fizzled out for many, others have become quite creative when it comes to a homemade gym. As a model, Lopez’s makeshift workouts (as well as her gorgeous, toned physique) have become the envy of many. On social media, it is quite hard to miss.

“Exercising is part of my daily routine and [my children] see that. In the last couple of months, because of the pandemic, I’m training at home. They not only see me, but sometimes join me even if it is just doing a few jumping jacks with us. If a person doesn’t feel good with their lifestyle, they wont be able to project confidence.

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n the fashion world, unfortunately to meet expectations, women put their health at risk because of a poor diet,” expresses Lopez.

By using her platform for good, the mother and model pushes herself — as well as her content — to be a positive example for others. Although 2020 has been a challenging year for all, Lopez’s main hope is to complete the goals she had envisioned for this year, spreading that same hope for the rest of us.

As an influencer, one thing we did get into, circles the notion of “celebrity”. From being photographed on the red carpet to front row at fashion week to cruising around town with her husband — “Despacito” singer, Luis Fonsi — tabloids have become second-nature to Lopez. When asked how she remains authentic and grounded, the model responds, “I don’t really pay too much attention to what’s published or written about me. My real life and inner peace is more important than anything else. I read things that are not necessarily true about me, but I brush them off, good or bad. Those things don’t phase me.” Lopez is unapologetically real, and it is no doubt a

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Swimwear: La Gotta Swimwear

breathe of fresh air. The model strives to be more than her given titles, but to be seen as a loving, caring, and strong human being, known, “for saying what I really think and standing up for what I believe in. I’m very transparent and honest.”

As we wrap up our one-on-one, Lopez shares a bit of advice to uplift her followers, readers and as well as myself: “Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ if something doesn’t feel right. Keep fighting for your dreams even if the world feels a little upside down.

Find your inner balance and keep dreaming.”

Swimwear: La Gotta Swimwear Accessories: Harold Cabrera

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Dress: Stella Nolasco Accessories: Harold Cabrera 81

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to the world, W I T H L OV E F R O M G A L I C I A

Founder and head designer of international shoe brand with humble roots, Miista, Laura Villasenin discusses how she utilized the equilibrium of her existence to inspire her life’s work.

By Jessica Gandy

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urrently, Villasenin can be found in her favorite buttery soft, hand woven sandals perusing the internet and antique shops for rare furniture finds and other unique homewares in London; but the designer’s roots are not of origin to London town. Villasenin was born in Galicia, an autonomous community on the North Western coast of Spain. Galicia avowals everything from breathtaking beaches to dramatic cliffs and the semi-secret hideaway is rich in tradition and culture.

The ideal birthplace for an artist like Laura Villasenin.

The beautiful juxtaposition of the land of 1000 rivers influenced the designer’s own perspective on style.

An obvious homage to her rural Spanish heritage, Miista is a women’s footwear brand that balances creativity, function, and quality. “Miista brings together opposites in deliberate juxtaposition,” expresses Villasenin; “it embodies an elegant balance in the unusual through an informed marriage of design, material, and craft.” The designer created a brand that perfectly parallels her own life experiences. “To start with I grew up in Galicia,” begins the creator, “but before long my eyes grew too wide.

“We design for people who want something that is interesting and well made. For someone who not only sees beautiful design, but the craftsmanship that goes into it.”

I packed up and moved to London’s East - Hackney - looking to perfect my craft and by 2010 I felt I was ready to start my own label. [We] have been designing shoes from our East London studio ever since.” Miista is a little Galician, a little British, and entirely original – just like Villasenin.

Designing from London, Villasenin’s intention is to be playful with different shapes and materials creating affordable and high-quality shoes. “We design for people who want something that is interesting and well made. For someone who not only sees beautiful design, but the craftsmanship that goes into it,” states Villasenin. The shoes are a must have for anyone with a versatile wardrobe. Each shoe is perfect for a night out in Mallorca, but also a day full of shopping on Oxford Street. “That’s the best part about Miista shoes,” beams Villasenin. “They’re elegant enough to put the humble jeans and shirt together, but will elevate the look when you pair them, for example, with a silk shirt and a nice tailored jacket.”

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oted as a key component to the success of the brand, and to Villasenin’s signature pieces, is the skilled shoemaking community of Alicante, Spain. Since the 19th century, that community has been crafting quality shoes and Villasenin has been able to uphold that tradition through Miista. Now Alicante exports their craftsmanship globally. Despite having a global presence herself, Villasenin is intentional to ensure that Miista stays true to its core.

Their entire team is relentlessly transparent because Villasenin wants every customer to know the people, the process, and the political views behind the brand. Saying, “It was more than just about the shoes from the beginning.

We want you to be aware of what you are buying into. We’re a shoe brand, but we feature articles covering themes way beyond design. We want to create more of a platform for open conversation and transparency.” Villasenin prides herself on ensuring that her customers feel good when they wear her

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designs. The shoes espouse a quiet, but powerful statement, securing the Miista wearer is empowered, strong, and intentional.

Next for Miista is a natural extension of the brand. “We constantly seek to experiment with techniques, embracing an ever-yearning desire to explore fabric capabilities and textures. Prepare yourself for a range of amazing new shapes and boots hopefully to become our new classic,” reveals Villasenin. Pushing even further out of her range, the designer wants Miista to offer structured leather bags and outfit an entire “Miista” woman - from head to squared toe.

“It’s nice to give a proper backdrop for them in a form of trousers, coats and beautiful knit topped with handmade accessories. We’re working on Miista womenswear that shares the same DNA as our leather goods,” states the founder, “designed in London, handcrafted in Spain. Elegant, but pushing that design envelope.” To the world, with love, you do not want to miista-thing.

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with MONTCE SWIM From nostalgic summer prints to bold colors and patterns, the designer of Montce Swim stays on top of covet-worthy beach looks so you don’t have to. Each season the swimwear label releases a multitude of colorful and flattering bikinis, sleek one-pieces, and stand-alone accessories that work in perfect harmony to leave any and all women loving their “beach bodies” every summer. Founder and designer Alexandra Grief talks all things Montce, her path to that fancied fit, and what is on the horizon.

By Ashley Dawson

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hen asked to describe herself in three words, this beachwear boss immediately gushes “mom, designer, and details.”

For the busy fashion designer and mom on the go, it’s all in the details, saying her secret to designing swimwear for women is staying in tune with “the little details and fixes, making sure the suit is laying just right.” This dedication to the fine details and drawn to life near the sea, designing swimwear was a natural fit for the Florida native. “The brand started in 2009,” shares Grief. “I had always wanted to start a swim line and had played with ideas while traveling.” The sun-kissed notion really took its first steps on a walk through Central Park.

Not long after, the designer packed her bags and returned to south Florida, lending to what is now Montce Swim.

something they like and feel great in. I just want women to feel cute and their absolute best.”

The designer’s current favorite — The “Kayla” top.

“It just makes me feel the most confident right now,” shares the designer, “and it has a lot of cute prints and textures to it. I love to pair it with the high rise or ‘lulu’ bottom most right now.” Indeed, Montce swimwear prides themselves on offering a huge range of fabrics and styles, garnering the coveted reputation of a well-rounded swimwear company. “We have styles that are more revealing,” shares Grief, “and then we have that same material or print in a one-piece or a high-rise bottom with added coverage. We try to make suits in a wide range of styles for the same girl for different occasions.” Further noting, if you are tanning on the beach or on the great escape trip with loved ones and friends, there is a solid set or mixed and matched piece at Montce for you.

“I focus on fit and flattery because it’s a bikini and it’s the most important part.”

“I love swim,” beams Grief.

“I grew up surfing and traveling to places where I would surf and I think the surf industry itself really inspired me too. Old school Roxy campaigns were a whole vibe.” Always acknowledging that certain elements of fit and flattery were missing in the swimwear market, Grief had a strong desire to fill that gap. Offering a beautiful take on effortless femininity through the line’s nostalgic prints and quality fabrics, the designer stays true to her likes, opting for prints that she herself is drawn to. As if that is not enough, “I focus on fit and flattery because it’s a bikini and it’s the most important part,” she grins with a knowing shrug. Of course, no woman would deny this simple fact, as we all spend countless hours to spruce up our beach looks with that “perfect” bikini that complements our curves, bodies, and natural shapes, no matter the style.

Designing for all women, “there are different key styles for different body types and we offer a lot of sizing and options to fit everyone,” reveals the designer, “in addition to a wide range of designs so every woman can find

Viewed as her “never ending fashion project,” this swimwear savant has no plans of slowing down, however, we all have to indulge in an “off-duty” day (or two). For Grief, her days are spent “working from home and hanging out with family, but I can’t wait to travel again as soon as I can.” Eagerly looking forward to the label’s upcoming holiday release, a lilac sparkle design is on the horizon, “coming just in time for the holidays and New Year’s Eve. We’re also adding a wider range of XL sizes and XXL,” reveals Grief, “in addition to offering swimwear for kids and more active wear too!”

In the heat of Summer, the drive to vamp up your bikini and one-piece game is in high tides and the quality and fit of Montce swimwear speaks for itself — no doubt a testament to the love and effort stitched into every piece destined to hit the sand and soak up the summer heat.

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BEAUTY

Photographer: Chantelle Kemkemian Assistant: Blake Azar Model: Madeleine Hunt with FiveTwenty Management Model: Bruna Lapinska with Bella Model Management Hair & Makeup: Rachelle Facelo Assistant: Jizelle Angelique Stylist: Rebecca Alonzo

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Photographer: Konstantin Kryukovskiy Model: Polina with Rush Models Makeup: Svetlana Sokolova 105

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Dress: Love Republic Hat: Zara 107

Denim Shirt: Zara Lingerie: Victoria’s Secret 108

Denim Jacket & Trousers: Love Republic 109

If you have yet to hear of Olivia Deeble, you are clearly not from Australia. The 17-year-old, beloved Aussie actress will soon be a worldwide name when Secret Society of Second Born Royals airs on Disney+ this September. The forming fashionista comes from a long succession of acting royalty, not entirely unlike her character, Roxana, in Disney’s latest movie.

While the actress continues to carry on her family’s entertainment legacy, Olivia Deeble is carving her own career on her own terms.

By Gillian Rabin

Photographer: Julian Rinaldi Makeup: Lisa Fulginiti Stylist: Zakk Allan Blue Pantsuit: KITX

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Carrying on the Legacy

Black Dress: Nookie Black Top: KITX

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he is the woman everyone will be talking about.

Young actress and digital media sensation, Olivia Deeble, grew up surrounded by the art of acting. Her grandfather is Reg Gorman, legendary Vaudevillian actor; her grandmother is actress Judith Roberts; and her mother, Kate Gorman, is an actress, writer, producer, and director. Despite her family’s prominence in Australian entertainment, Olivia’s pursuit for a profession in performance developed as a natural fit, never as a conditioned obligation to follow in the family footsteps.

“I come from a family of actors,” Deeble disclosed.

“Growing up surrounded by the industry of both theatre and film, it all felt natural and my calling.” Immersed in the successes of her artistic family, Deeble gained an unwavering confidence in her ability to achieve her dreams; a natural knack for creativity and expression best seen in her work on-screen and in her new IGTV series, “How I Became an Actor. ” “Acting has always been my passion and my first love,” Deeble shared. “I started working professionally at a young age.” And like many aspiring actors, she began her career by taking any job that came along.

However, after gaining wellearned clout and respect for her talents, the young artist has become more delineating in the projects she takes on, focusing more on varied projects that interest her.

themselves with school crushes and pop quizzes, Olivia secured a 3-year contract with Home and Away, Australia’s highest-rated drama. At 16, Olivia left the acclaimed show to begin filming Disney’s Secret Society of Second Born Royals in Canada. “I play Roxana, a princess with super powers!”

Deeble beams. “It’s a great film and I can’t wait for it to be released. I enjoyed sending this entitled, rich princess on a journey of discovery and of caring for others… while saving the world at the same time.” Needless to say, the fair-faced artist has had quite the acting feast, and shows no sign of slowing down. Her success, however, is grounded in natural talent and training. “I do lots of backstory work: building the character, making good strong choices, and finding my connection and truth in every scene and line,” states Deeble. Honing her craft enables the actress to avoid the crumbs of career opportunities and really make a meal of her talents.

But, what exactly is on the plate for an actress each day? “A typical day starts early,” Deeble begins.

Making exercise a priority, the artist will try to squeeze a workout in before or after her call time.

“When I arrive, I’d buy my coffee from a cafe nearby and walk into makeup. I have a very bad habit of falling asleep in the makeup chair. Sometimes, the makeup artist would spray me with water to wake me up!” the actress laughs, revealing her pearly whites, as she reminisces her time on set. Between scenes, the multi-talented student will complete school work, on the path to earn her high school degree this November.

“I share enough for people to see who I am without knowing everything about me.”

Diving further into her first taste of life on-screen, it is no random occurrence that Deeble’s debut in the industry was at age 11, and not a day sooner. “My mum made me wait to start auditioning until I was 11,” reminisced Deeble. “She wanted me to have a normal childhood,” continues the actress. “She also had a feeling that the moment she let me go for it, something was going to happen.” A mother’s intuition is rarely, if ever, wrong: “She was right!” the Disney star laughs. “I got my first lead role in a TV series, Little Lunch, at age 11.”

This was Deeble’s first professional project and an award-winning show.

Deeble’s time at Little Lunch was only the appetizer to her career thus far. At 13, while her peers were busying

With each working day consisting of different scenes, the day-to-day workload varies, but the end of Deeble’s days are very consistent. “I take a bath, eat dinner, and then learn lines.” The young actress is certainly “driven, passionate, and growing,” but she does know the importance of balancing work with life. “On the weekends, I like to see friends and give myself a break. However, currently in lockdown,” the actress adds, “I spend my time in my room doing school work, writing, and watching movies.” The teen’s use of her time sounds very normal, until you consider her upcoming film premiere. “Publicity has now started for the Disney film and I am really excited to have that to focus on.”

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o doubt becoming a need-to-know on-screen sensation, Deeble’s recognizability skyrocketed after her television appearances in Australia.

The “celebrity” that accompanies a prosperous performing profession may be overwhelming for some and runs the risk of procuring inauthenticity with the surge of social media putting even greater pressure on aspiring artists to brand themselves. But Deeble has not found it hard to stay true to herself. “No one is really telling me what to do and I get to play with so many different styles. It’s all me and I post about what I want and what I am feeling at the time,” divulges the artist. “I certainly don’t bare all [on social media]... I share enough for people to see who I am without knowing everything about me.”

With a loving and supportive family unit behind her, Deeble has managed to keep her head level in the shadows of the limelight. “My parents’ main mission has been keeping my feet on the ground, [having] good mental health, and making the most of opportunities while being safe,” appreciates the actress. And while her multi-talented mother may not always agree with everything her daughter posts or says, the mother-daughter duo keep an open line of communication to discuss the “possible ramifications” of sharing on social media.

From her pursuit of acting to her newfound passion for fashion, Deeble is quite active on her Instagram and provides content for 232,000 followers and counting. Beyond the aforementioned IGTV series that episodically enumerates how Deeble became an actor, the content creator delves into her distinct and developing taste for designs. “Benji, my stylist and publicist, is really good at understanding me and what I like,” the model maintains. “[He] introduces me to new things, say we have an event coming up, and if I discover a new label that I love, I will reach out to them and try to connect… or, of course, I just buy it!”

While Deeble’s covet-worthy Insta feed may feature her as a seasoned model and fashionista, her intrigue with fashion was cultivated after her success as an actor. “My interest in fashion began a bit later in my mid-teens when I was surrounded with people who were interested in clothing, [and] when I began to do red carpets and photoshoots for acting publicity.” An increase in fashion information sparked Deeble’s fashion inspiration: “I became… slightly obsessed as I worked out what my style was, and it is always changing,” insinuates the influencer. “I still have a lot to learn and be exposed to from the fashion industry, but it is a huge interest of mine and I love clothes.”

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eeble’s desire to “empower young women” is furthered by her interests in acting and fashion, as well as her ability to share these facets of her life on social media. After all, Deeble is still a teenager: “I live on my socials!!” the actress quips. “It has been great to promote what I‘m working on at the time and team up with brands I love. I’ve really enjoyed the exploration of what I’m into and what I stand for,” clarifies the artist. “I’ve changed my page and it has grown and progressed as what I’m into has changed… Especially in relation to art, fashion, and how I wish to portray myself.”

Adjusting to the world’s new “normal”, Deeble is “looking forward to going to some big international fashion events,” further cultivating relationships internationally. Maybe even broadening her craft to Paris, pursuing her dreams of working on French films. But writing, producing, and learning more about fashion are all still on the table for Deeble as she prepares for the bright future ahead of her, armed with her favorite pair of overalls, her mascara, and her lip gloss.

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Photographer: Dasha Parker Model: Austria Ulloa with Select Model Miami Stylist: Anthony Bermudez Makeup & Hair: Nika Dernis Dress: MANGO

Sea Vitamin

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Earrings: Deborah James 120

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APPETITE for

entertainment with DJ

MARTIN JENSEN Taking a seat with the prominent Danish DJ and music producer Martin Jensen to talk about all things music and new projects in the pipeline. In truth, music has always been a pivotal art form that entertains people, but there is much more on the table for Martin Jensen.

By Charlene Foreman

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s captivating as his infectious Danish smile, “happy and good vibes” are the three words the musical creator uses to describe himself.

At 28 years of age, Jensen has already achieved so much in his professional career and his journey is no where near slowing down. With over ten years of experience, producing mixes of tropical house dance music, it is the pure joy displayed in his craft that keeps listeners coming back for more. “I had this conversation this morning with someone actually,” starts Jensen as we asked his thoughts on the pending taste of a DJ to listeners, “I always say you just have to try these things!

If you don’t jump you will never land and sometimes you have to jump into some new stuff, it doesn’t matter if it’s some new music, or a new restaurant or taking a risk, you have to try sometimes.”

Possessing an exuberance of energy and a buzz of hunger to produce music, talk about having an appetite for entertainment. “I have always been interested in talking to people and I’m a very big extrovert,” begins the creator.

“I always like to be surrounded by people, so I thought why not make this into my full-time job where I could entertain. I think the idea that you could entertain without singing or having to learn to play every instrument to perfection was what appealed to me; you can have this vibe or energy and bring that to an audience through playing music.” Working with his dedicated team, Jensen has been fortunate to play some incredible shows throughout his journey, such as the memorable last show of his “Me, Myself, Online” concept. It was there that the artist brought a sense of uniqueness to his fans as the idea was based on performing solo shows in a variety of unusual locations due to our current pandemic.

As his career advances, Jensen has had the pleasure of collaborating with renowned musicians all over the world, most recently, Brazilian artist ALOK and American artist Jason Derulo - who just completed a collaboration on ALOK’s track “Don’t cry for me”. Bringing together creative rhythms, melodies and lyrics, Jensen brought something unique to the table which the audience appreciates. Respecting current times of mandated social distance, the track was created remotely, but that did not stop the creators from producing something epic. “During Corona times it’s been really difficult as artists cannot see each other,” admits Jensen, “to sit down with songwriters, get some vibes and build in instruments and melodies with lyrics, that is how I like to hold down those tracks. Coming up with new songs when so many people say everything has been done, I’m like ‘no it’s not, there is still plenty to go!’” laughed the visionary.

On and off the spotlight, Jensen takes a relaxed approach and is all about comfort in regards to his fashion and style, plus his girlfriend Natasha is always keeping him in check. Ensuring her man is always looking good and suggesting brands that would appeal to his look, “It’s different every time,” says Jensen. “Sometimes it’s more casual, sometimes it’s laid-back jeans, other times it’s my favorite sneakers or we keep it stripped-back. I recently wore an Oakley super shiny silver tracksuit during the finale of the ‘Me, Myself, Online’ shows because it was so comfortable, but also eye catching.” With an evolving style, and the help of Natasha, we had to know… “As an essential [wardrobe piece], that would have to be my Björn Borg underwear!” smirked the DJ.

“I’m happy and feel good about what I’m doing so wherever my life takes me, that is what I share.”

With the fortunate opportunity to travel as an international artist, Jensen practices an open mind, immersing himself in the culture of each destination. “It’s always great to visit new cultures as you’re always learning and growing this way,” expresses the positive vibed Danish. “Instead of just sitting and doing nothing or only playing in your own country, you get to learn from other people which is something I really enjoy because you can get to know the music, or entertainment, scenes from a different perspective as well, and then bring that knowledge home. To teach about different views on shows and how operations work within the industry is a positive thing.”

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Living a life on stage, oftentimes means the eyes continue to follow you off-stage. And with the rise of social media, the expectations can even be daunting, but not for Jensen.

“To be honest, it comes quite naturally to me as I think my profiles and feeds are pretty grounded,” shares the DJ. “I don’t feel the need to show off, to be honest that isn’t what the audiences want and it also just isn’t what I do. Of course, I can post about my travels, my life, my home, but I don’t want to flash those every day. I’m happy and feel good about what I’m doing so wherever my life takes me, that is what I share.”

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urther cultivating and expanding his creative endeavors, it seems Jensen is cheating on his soundboard with sterling pots, opening his own spot, Domingo Taco Bar in Copenhagen. Just think, the Scandinavian feel for architecture, innovative taste for fashion, style, and the exciting buzz of the city, you can only imagine where Jensen gets his inspiration. “A lot of my time and energy has been going into [the restaurant] as we only opened nine weeks ago,” beams Jensen. “It’s like 300m away from my home, I’m super proud of it and it’s also another way I can be creative doing something new and work across everything from designing to the menus. I think this could also be the one thing people don’t know about me as it’s a new side to me and a new chapter I’m excited for.”

Juggling his music career and exploring his new role as a restauranteur, Jensen still makes the time to kick back and travel to explore different destinations.

One of his favorite places to visit is the Maldives, the location for music video “I Could Get Used To This”. With clear light blue seas, tranquil sounds of the waves, sun-kissed sandy white beaches and mai-tai cocktails, why wouldn’t this be his favorite destination?

Maybe our next holiday destination for 2021.

Entertaining people is something Jensen finds engaging and motivates his continued journey.

Throughout the conversation you can sense the creator is happy to share his talent with his growing community, offering his tried and true advice to anyone starting out: “keep on fighting, keep on going, even if people say you suck – keep on trying!” Jensen is willing to challenge himself, make mistakes and learn from others as it helps him to grow. A positive force spreading “feel-good” and upbeat notes, Jensen believes no artist should apologize for anything they put their name to.

Celebrate your achievements and be proud of what you do.

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S A V I N G

F A C E Photographer: Marie-Louise Collins Model: Eden with Wild Management Makeup: Eugenia Hair: Amy Nguyen

VOTED AS THE #1 MOST PREFERRED BRAND BY RETAILERS 4 YEARS IN A ROW THE ICONIC BUJUKAN COLLECTION | GABRIELNY.COM

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