Bode Magazine February 2021 by BODE Magazine

FEBRUARY 2021

From Korea to Venezuela and Everywhere in Between

CELEBRATION

OF WORLDLY TALENT

the

Spring Awakening

THE

BECOMING A fresh start and coming to be

ISSUE

Photographer: Lauren Schulz Model: Ploy Stylist: Paul Versace Makeup: Elle James Agency: Precision Mgmt Blazer: Mossman Necklace: SHAG

FLÂNEUR

Pants: Saint Laurent Boots: Louis Vuitton

Dress: Meshki Shoes: Zara

MAGAZINE

On the Cover Photographer: Antonio Ajam Model: Mariam Habach

Flâneur

10 Fernweh 14 Manuela Álvarez 22 Anouk Yve Bos 30 Belén Hostalet 36 Purity & Grace 40 Mariam Habach 50 BODE Style 60 Dark Romance 66 Kelsea Olivia 74 Modern Taste 80 Marimekko 88 Kelianne Stankus 94 Belle Âme 98 Jarry Lee 106 Allison Kimball 112 Striking Gold 117 Love in Color

What’s

INSI DE

Editor-in-Chief: Heather Marie Combs Creative Director: Kaylon Hardman Digital Media Director: Ashley Nicole Combs

February 2021

Sales Director: Carson McCall Modern Taste, page 74 7

EMPOWERING WOMEN. REVOLUTIONIZING TRADITION. PERFECT EXECUTION.

www.marinaraphael.com | (@marinaraphaelofficial

EDITOR’S

letter

“When a project is too focused on the end result, there is little room for serendipity or happy accidents.”

oming into the limitless possibilities and choices of a new era, these collection of words have continued to take up residence in my mind. Really honing in on my passion for simple living and home refurbishing over the course of last year, I was inspired by an array of choice words displayed in the perfect coffee table book, “This is Home” by Natalie Walton. An homage to the art of simple living. A lot of last year was spent discovering, albeit under less than desirable conditions, your sense of self and the importance of self-love and personal growth. Of course, a lifestyle choice of this caliber is going to remain intact even as we enter a new year with new resolutions. Resolutions — a word, held with much contempt as well as empowerment. The bottom line I discovered throughout the course of this book is that homes that have a strong sense of identity — different than having a strong “look” — belong to people who have a clear sense of who they are and what they want. “Few spaces look their best when first finished, they benefit from the layers that come with life,” said Walton. Which leads me to this Issue — February 2021 — and Bode Magazine’s ninth edition. “The Becoming Issue,” as we have titled it, is blooming with nuances of “coming to be.” A fresh start to be fearless, fun, and to continue adding to the many layers we are blessed to develop in our lifetime. And what is more representative of this blossoming sentiment, incorporated into every handpicked collection of art seen in each page, than Spring’s distinguishing detail — blooming florets, aka the flower. It has become undeniably obvious to me that the destination is no more important than the journey itself. That the future is no more important than the present and how we choose to influence this precious time, because if the events of this past year has taught us anything, it is that life is never certain. And in that uncertainty is where we are truly tested, and in that aspect, thrive. So as we welcome Spring and travel around the world in this issue to uncover and to be inspired by the stories of those fully bloomed and still blossoming, appreciate the journey that not only led you here, but where you currently are. Embrace the idea of coming to be and what is meant for you will always make its way into your life.

Heather Marie Combs Editor-in-Chief

Leather Jacket Shirt: Zara Leather Pants: Zara Floral Turtleneck: H&M 10

fernweh [ferin-vay] • German (n.) an ache for distant places; missing places you’ve never been. “ C r a v i n g f o r Tr a v e l . ”

Photographer: Yelssing Espinoza Model: Kayley France Stylist: Anthony Bermudez Hair & Makeup: Evy Edelman Using Oribe and Face Atelier Sweater: Rick Owens Earrings: Deborah James

Floral Dress: H&M

Denim Shirt: J.Crew Maxi Skirt: CP Shades Belt: Ralph Lauren Hat: Universal Shoes: Nine West

Photographer: Manny Roman Styling & Makeup: Gloria Johnson Earrings: Dannjio Bracelets: Dannjio Top: Ericson Davidson Black Leather Jumpsuit: Bershka

Sky’s Limit the

Manuela Álvarez

with

Model and dreamer, Manuela Álvarez is making waves in the fashion industry with her unique look and outlook on life. From Medellín, Colombia this gem is much like her hometown — a once small, under-the-radar locale, but today, a modern and vibrant, must-see city. Independent, charismatic, and determined to make a difference in the way women see themselves, this beauty is not determined by societal standards. When doors closed for Álvarez she pushed windows open, paving a way for herself in an industry she once thought was not for her, but was destined to join. By Ashley Dawson Earrings: Dylanlex Black Bodysuit: Nookie

Colombian now modern-day Californian, Manuela Álvarez graduated college with a degree in business, but from a young age it was clear that she had a passion for the fashion industry and a possible career path in it. Beginning her journey studying Retail Merchandising & Product Development, it was not long before the now model strayed to the road less traveled. “Although it was a great experience I knew I wanted to do something bigger,” begins the artist, “and I realized how much I loved being in front of the camera.” Álvarez moved to Miami, completed her degree, and dove head first into pursuing her modeling career.

“I want my audience to know that everything happens the way it’s meant to,” encourages the model. “Trust the process and always be grateful for your own unique journey. The universe is always working in your favor and no matter how long it takes you to get where you want to be, you are capable of getting there if you truly believe in yourself and the power of your dreams.” Her journey, however, was not without its hindrances. “My journey in the fashion and entertainment industry has been full of obstacles,” reveals Álvarez, “but those obstacles have shaped me into the woman I am today, which I am very grateful for.” Graduating college in 2018, the model began attending various open calls in Miami. Facing the archaic beauty conventions often seen in this industry, due to her body shape, industry professionals were not warm and welcoming at first. “My Latina curves didn’t meet the industry standards,” smirked the vibrant beauty gesturing down her beautiful silhouette, “and after a year of adjusting my body to try to fit in, I began to think maybe a career as a model just wasn’t for me.” After a short time the young model began to battle an eating disorder and the unhealthy habits caused her to remove herself from modeling and rather reflect on her purpose and sense of self. Finding solace in these words, Álvarez focused on the road to recovery: “Don’t change so people will like you; be yourself and the right people will love you.”

Adopting self-care practices and taking the time to fully recover, as fate would have it, Álvarez came across the opportunity for Sports Illustrated Swim’s online Swim Search for girls. “What caught my attention most was the diversity of the models that were featured in the magazine,” shares the model; “and after seeing Danielle Herrington’s cover that year, I was inspired to accept myself for who I am, to own my curves, and to believe that I could get there as well.” Álvarez entered the competition to break the barriers in the industry that keep so many from chasing their dreams, while inspiring others to do the same. After a year long process, Álvarez was chosen as one of the top six girls to be featured in the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swim issue. “This was definitely a huge dream come true and by far one of the most memorable experiences of my career,” exclaims the model. “Even though the journey hasn’t been easy and I’ve faced a lot of rejection, I’ve never stopped believing in myself and my potential.” Álvarez is intentional to never compare herself to anyone else and to never give up no matter how long it takes. Living by these words, “the best thing we can do as individuals is to embrace ourselves for who we are and what we have to offer. The industry is shifting, especially now due to the pandemic, and we are in an era where the topics of body positivity and self-acceptance are being normalized,” states the model. According to Álvarez, fashion designers and brands are now embracing peoples uniqueness in their campaigns, catalogues, websites, and advertisements. “That is something extremely special,” heartens the model. Immersing in the freedom and spontaneity that comes with being a model, “I love being able to meet and work alongside such unique, wonderful, creative groups of people that come together to create beautiful works of art,” shares Álvarez. Of course, when it comes to her own success, the model believes that authenticity and being yourself are the most important components of what she does. “Living a genuine, healthy lifestyle is very important in order to experience true happiness in life, no matter what career path you choose,” states the model. Álvarez believes, in a similar vein, that it’s important to use social media as a tool to promote and interact with others and with content that aligns with our values, and to share things that are meaningful and that resonate with you.

Gold Bracelets: Dannjio Gold Layer Choker: Dylanlex Corset Bra: Ericson Davidson

Earrings: Dannjio Black Dress: Galia Lahav

“Be gentle with yourself because life is about the journey, not the destination.”

s are the demands of her job, Manuela has to constantly be on top of her inner and physical health in order to feel her best in front of the camera, taking the time and energy every day to remain grounded as an individual. “I definitely prioritize my ‘real life’ over posting content on social media,” continues the model, “and I remain authentic and grounded by staying connected with nature, my culture, and where I come from.” A born Libra, balance is a key factor in her life, so Álvarez is drawn to staying active, meditating, reading, and making sure she prioritizes her mental health over everything else. Unashamed and unapologetic for taking the time needed to reflect on her own and to protect her energy, Álvarez encourages everyone to “be gentle with yourself because life is about the journey, not the destination.” Eager to learn more about the many travels that can accompany the lifestyle and job of a working model, being from Colombia, the model reveals that there is a lot that women in the States can learn from beauty and fashion in her culture. “We are definitely very feminine and like to take care of our physical and mental health,” enlightens Álvarez. “Every year when I go home for the holidays I like to take time to visit my dermatologist and get my facials, massages, and practice a lot of self-care.” Noting that Colombian women are “powerful, strong, spicy, and flirty,” they also have a colorful sense of fashion that represents just that. “My mood definitely determines my daily style,” says the model, “but I would say that I always opt for street wear that is ‘comfy-chic’. When it comes to beauty I always like to be natural. On the days I am not on set I usually wear my hair and face natural, with a touch of mascara, brow gel, and Aquaphor.” Granted, Álvarez has been on a travel hiatus as of late, as well as on less sets due to the limitations of the pandemic, so the way she creates and works has definitely changed over the last year. “It’s safe to say quarantine has been a challenging time for us all,” admits the model, “but being able to sit with myself in isolation during this time has helped me find my purpose as a human being.” Creatively, this time has offered her a different perspective on the direction she wants to take her career. “I have learned so much during this time, but one of the most important things I’ve learned is to embrace change and take risks. 2021 is going to be a magical year. I’ve never felt more aligned with my purpose and I know this year is going to bring many opportunities to accomplish more goals and dreams. Stay tuned!”

Earrings: Dannjio Dress: Bronxandbanco Boots: Shoedazzle

Objects

OF DESIRE

Whether you are scrolling through Instagram to imbue your look with streamlined freshness or to indulge in thoughtfully sourced investment pieces, Anouk Yvette Bos — aka Anouk Yve — covers just that and still something more. Here, she talks about her burgeoning ceramics career, how to take heed of decorating a home and her journey to the ‘real me’. By Heather Marie Combs

Photographer: Alina Krasieva 23

inding home in the Northern region of The Netherlands, known for its impressive array of museums, among many distinctions, it seems fitting that ceramics artist and selfmade entrepreneur, Anouk Bos set up shop. Residing and traveling through some of the world’s most desirable destinations — London, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Glasgow, Newport Beach — Bos was sure to pick up a thing or two. A self-proclaimed “detailist” (not to be confused with perfectionist), this artist is deemed both passionate and creative. Originally a brand strategist, now a fully branded platform, her journey began with a clear goal: “working in fashion and journalism.” Landing a position at one of the largest bag companies in Europe at the age of 22, Bos worked her way up to marketing manager, responsible for five bag brands and two corporate brands. After five years, the visionary quit her job to start her own business: a fashion blog collective. “It was the time fashion blogs started to become booming,” begins the professional, “most of the brands now say, ‘you were the first influencer agency in The Netherlands’. That was in 2010. I was a pioneer. I launched my own blog in 2012.” Leaving the blog collective in 2015, Bos discovered the influence of Instagram. “Everybody was on Instagram. As was I,” reminisced the artist. “I had my network, knew all the girls, and attended fashion weeks.” However, the real turning point was when the media mogul decided to sell her wardrobe to focus on building a small capsule wardrobe of quality, toned down, neutral and minimal pieces. The first photo showcasing her “new me”, her real self, garnished much engagement. “That was in 2018, so again I was a pioneer as there weren’t many other girls focusing on slow fashion back then. I just followed what was logical to do for me and it turned out there were groups of women wanting the same thing: a practical stylish wardrobe,” acknowledged Bos. Leading to what we know and follow today as Anouk Yve, Bos has established a platform all about personal, timeless style, ceramics and a new and exciting project to be rolled out in 2021. Descended from a family of artists, mainly painters, Bos always knew she wanted to immerse in something other than painting, “that became ceramics as a hobby to balance out my online screen time with offline craftsmanship,” reveals the artist. “First I did it to relax myself, to set my mind somewhere else.” Growing up in the middle of nature in a region

called Drenthe, known for the “hunebedden”, these dolmen were created by peasant tribes 5000 years ago. “Fifty-four of these graves have stood the test of time,” admired Bos. “Each passage grave is a tomb made from enormous, solid stones. The stones were left behind after the penultimate ice age and weigh up to 40 tons each. They found old pottery in the graves. This is where my love for stones, pottery and ceramics actually began. The fascination of something so old, but still so tangible is something that drives me. It also inspired me in my work. For instance, I work with a saw dust oven where you smoke out ceramics and decorate the objects with leaves and grasses from this region. I have learned that I love to create organically shaped objects. Whenever I try to be more masculine or with harder lines I end up smashing my pieces and start over. Everything I make is shaped by my hands and the palm of my thumb to create organic lines.” Practicing ceramics for over three years now, Bos continues to gain knowledge from two very talented women who have been practicing themselves since the 80’s. Not seeking “perfection” in her ceramic objects, “it is about contrast isn’t it?” questions Bos. “Everything in life is. I think it’s so nice to embrace the imperfections. For instance, I have scoliosis myself, and the odd thing is, when I create a woman’s figure her spine is always a bit curved. Embrace your imperfections.” Even her coveted style displays contrast as she is drawn to the combination of masculine and feminine styles; but what about her home? “I live in the middle of a nature preserve with a big lake just in front of our house and bird species you wouldn’t find anywhere else in The Netherlands,” describes the artist. “So we built the house with nature in mind. The kitchen is the most important, so that had to be built higher to overlook the lakes and sunset while I’m cooking. Then you go one level down to the living room which feels more tucked away in the garden, almost like a sitting pit. The beating heart of the house is the salon/hallway which is seven meters high and from there you can see the kitchen and other rooms via a large indoor window. Nature helped us design our home. Living in Scandinavian cities highly influenced my interior design taste, but I sometimes find Scandinavian brands too clean, so I mix it up with midcentury pieces. The wood is more burned and I love the warmth it adds to neutrals like grey, off-white and beige.”

Getting back to the business at hand, we had to inquire the plans Bos has for her evolving platform. “My business goals are very aligned with my personal goals in life and that is to feel grateful and appreciative,” states the artist. “We live in a society where we want more and more and more. Slow down, and look at what you have. Reinvent. When working on my new project I don’t envision that I want to become a millionaire. I envision me working from home whilst still being able to pick my kids up from school. Thus: I envision a perfect life/work balance and to me that’s more important than anything.” If she is unapologetic for anything, it is for “living the life I live.” “Stay true to yourself. Always,” further encourages the artist. “I only take on jobs that truly match my personality. I learned to trust my gut feeling, it never disappoints me. And it will never disappoint you either. There is a certain power in saying ‘no’. I’m sometimes more proud of myself by saying no, than saying yes.” Saying a vague “yes” to our biggest question: will Anouk Yve take her platform from ceramics to apparel? “That’s a great question,” hints Bos, “because I’m currently working on a new project. I have a large network and yes, I am working on something at the moment, self-supported. So stay tuned. I’m launching in the summer of 2021 and it’s something cool.”

ot attracted to seasonal trends often displayed in the fashion circuit, Bos sets herself apart from other visionaries with her focus on “the longterm feeling.” Viewing interior design as she does her fashion, as a lifestyle, “the neutrals you’ll find in my closet you’ll find in my home and vice versa. The stuff I wear is built on making me feel good, and so is my interior.” Noting the importance of personifying your living space with carefully selected objects, Bos advocates the significance of exploration and investment. “A table looks so much more chic with a cool and unique object or collectible on it.” For those less inclined with the knowledge for interior design, the artist believes the key component for constructing a space is to begin with a blank slate. “Remove everything you have and reread the room,” begins Bos. “Sometimes even a different shade curtain in combination with a different color wall can do the trick. Also, think differently. Are you looking for a certain sideboard but cannot find the right one? Design it yourself with the help of a local manufacturer. I did that and it will give your home something truly special.” Having to touch on the ever-sensitive subject: building a home with a significant other, Bos laughs as she reminisces on her very experience. “Jos, my partner, is letting me be, but I recently redid his ‘man cave’. It’s beautiful now with a big reupholstered 70’s couch, a cool danish 50’s high-board, brutalist tables, etc., but is it still a ‘man cave’?” laughs the artist. “He likes it, but feels the urge to add the occasional self-build Lego car and that’s of course all fine.”

“My business goals are very aligned with my personal goals in life and that is to feel grateful and appreciative.”

When

Passions

UN I TE

New to the entrepreneurship world is modern-day, self-made woman, travel influencer and fashion designer, Belén Hostalet, who just launched her eco-friendly luxury activewear brand — Manola. Based in world class Barcelona, this media maven discusses how she was able to blend her passions and her pastimes together to create something for everyone. By Sydnie Cutler

Photographer: Georgina Millet 31

ounder and creative director, Belén Hostalet, was not seeking popularity, yet her aesthetically pleasing online content captivated a growing audience around the world. From a young age, Hostalet had a love for fashion, but life charted her to different territories before she reached her latest destination of international fashion designer. The road to success started when she began posting her travel photography and modelesque selfies on leading social platform, Instagram. “It was very natural,” explains Hostalet. “I wasn’t really looking for any attention. I started posting my images while I was traveling, always mixing a little bit of fashion in between, I was 22 at the time” she laughs as she reminisces the evolvement of her style over the years. Admittedly, gaining popularity was at first intimidating for this influencer, who coined herself as a bit shy when first garnering recognition. “What did it mean? What should I do with that? What’s the future for these?” she further questioned with an infectious grin. However, all paths merged triumphantly when this young entrepreneur and economics major realized, “the future was creating something of my own, and since that time I always looked for many things to create. Until finally now, six years later.”

Manola’s mission is to make all women feel splendid in their own skin, to be the best version of themselves and to build a community of powerful souls. “Our aim was creating pieces for every woman, so every one of our pieces are designed to suit everybody and to make them feel confident,” beams the designer. This clothing line offers a stylish take on fusing fashion and sport, while keeping the environment eco-friendly. Hostalet’s primary goal for her label is to allow every woman to express their individuality. “[The Manola girl] is loyal and likes to spend time with friends. She can be both a university girl or a young mom who appreciates a classic and fashionable piece,” heartens Hostalet before she continues. “I could say she is also an entrepreneur, an ambitious woman who will always try the hardest to achieve her goals and also help her loved ones to achieve theirs. She loves traveling, she loves being informed, she cares about nature and a better world. She reads, she writes, she meditates, she knows the importance of being in peace with oneself.” Having every woman in mind, Hostalet launched her first collection.

“Our aim was creating pieces for every woman, so every one of our pieces are designed to suit everybody and to make them feel confident.”

Always having a love for the arts, it was her mom that influenced her love for fashion. “My mom always paid so much attention to every detail and taught me so many things,” admires Hostalet. Growing up, the now designer also had an admiration for sports. “Sports has been a part of my life since I was seventeen,” shares the influencer, “and I decided I wanted to be the best version of myself. I discovered how good [sports] made me feel physically, but also and most importantly, mentally.” Once Hostalet had her mind set, she went on a quest to find the right athleisure wear. It was then she realized the only athletic clothing brands that she could find were monopolized by major European corporations. Every individual has their own methodology for approaching a problem, Hostalet’s solution was to develop and formulate her own unique and sustainable athleisure clothing line, which incorporated her classic and minimalistic style. Enter Manola — not just a fashion brand, but a healing movement that aims to spread happiness and wellness to its community. “I believe less is more” says Hostalet. “We also wanted to translate this in Manola too. Our pieces are very versatile, and you can use them as we say: ‘from lunge to brunch’. Minimal, but classic cuts you can combine in your everyday life.”

“For our first collection we wanted to create the basics everyone needs, but with a twist,” shares the designer. “Our essentials, as we wanted, can be both used at the gym and outside of it with a pair of jeans or a blazer. We wanted comfortable, classic pieces, but at the same time make them look beautiful and have recognizable shapes.” Hostalet also knew that for her first featured collection she wanted to stay neutral with basic colors. “We didn’t want to produce many different color-ways” she explains. “We opted for a basic black, our signature ‘Avorio’, which is a flattering off-white — the first thing that comes to mind with white is ‘NO’, but we promise it’s SO GOOD — and our signature ‘Riad’, this color looks amazing on every skin tone. It’s playful, it’s young, fresh and super easy to combine.” Incorporating her Spanish roots within the brand, it is beautifully evident that Manola is also about identity and culture. The origin of the name “Manola” exemplifies how Hostalet pays attention to every detail, just like her mom. “‘Manola’ comes from a very Spanish name, which is ‘Manuela’,” shares the designer. “Many cities in the north say ‘Manola’ instead of ‘Manuela’, and so we fell in love with the name, the pronunciation and the origin: Spain. And that it also included the word ‘ola’, which means ‘wave’ in Spanish.”

“I put a lot of effort and love in everything I do, I do it from my heart.”

he name is as flowing as the subtle simplicity of each garment highlighted on the Manola website. “We love our traditions” states Hostalet as she touches on the obvious Spanish nuances displayed in each design and style. “Our fashion matters. Since we have really good materials and really good manufacturers, we love a good old classic, but high-quality item, which we believe Manola is all about. Of course, different countries have different necessities. Australian people are buying shorts and we are buying long tights, but since we’ve started with a CORE collection, meaning it’s all about basics, all of our customers are looking for these kinds of styles.” Manola will be incorporating more colors and many new styles for their next line. Investing in technology for materials and diving into more of a green brand, “we are still learning, but for us sustainability is what we believe in,” states the designer. “I see Manola with a big range of products, providing everything to every type of women.” Hostalet shows great appreciation for all of the support over the years. “I put a lot of effort and love in everything I do, I do it from my heart,” shares the designer-influencer. “It feels amazing when you build a beautiful community who shares the same values. I just want to say thank you for always supporting me and now Manola, which is an extension of me and my world.” 35

& Purity Grace

Photographer: Ryan Wheatley Hair and Makeup: Milly Dowsett Model: Frances Richardson Stylist: Phoebe Kelly Blazer: Mano Linen Skirt: Steele 36

Top: Arnsdorf Earrings: Vintage

Crochet Top: Sass and Bide One Piece Swimsuit: Steele Bracelet: Zöe Chicco

Dress: Steele Boots: Alias Mae Bracelet: Marc Jacobs

N aturally Grounded and Focused:

conversation with a

A woman of undeniable passion and discipline, Mariam Habach won the crown of Miss Venezuela in 2015 and has yet to stop moving. Whether it is sharing her authentic life with her followers online or finishing her studies, this global beauty always has her eyes on the prize — and with a consistent path, regardless of all the acquired expectations, Habach will never not fight for what she wants.

ueen By Jessica Gandy

Photographer and Art Director: Antonio Ajam Stylist: Charlie Rincon-Rodriguez Hair and Makeup: Luigi Chamorro Dress: Club L London 41

enezuela often makes headlines for less than ideal reasons. While it may be true that the country is facing extreme difficulties, there is still beauty and hope amongst its shores and countrymen. Not only does the country boast divine natural sites like Angel Falls and Parque Nacional Morrocoy, but there is a wealth of culture and pride that adds to the country’s allure. An example of that is each year Venezuela has a strong nominee representing the country at Miss Universe. With mesmerizing green eyes and porcelain blonde locks, Mariam Habach represented Venezuela in the world’s most prestigious pageant in 2016. Her exposure on the global stage launched her modeling career and propelled her move to the United States. Trading one beach for another, Habach now resides in vibrant Miami where she continues to model. Habach’s 2015 Miss Venezuela win was distinguished by the gorgeous gowns she competed in. The role model stunned judges and viewers in her Reina Encantada del Mar gown, loosely translated to ‘enchanted queen of the ocean’, designed by Nidal Nouaihed, who is known for his pageant-worthy extravagance. Inspired by the ocean goddess Yemaya, Habach’s look flooded the stage with over 120 meters of organza and hundreds of pearls and crystals which served to mimic the powerful elegance of the ocean. Habach, of Syrian and Italian heritage, from Lara, Venezuela, was later crowned by her predecessor Mariana Jiménez while donning a beautiful snow white, long sleeved evening gown that was carefully decorated with geometric square and rectangle rhinestones along the outer edges. The off-the-shoulder neckline gave a nod to Habach’s personal style of classical silhouettes, but the gown was fitting of a modern pageant queen as it was a two-piece ensemble.

Now a descendant of the reigning title holders, Habach is thrilled about how the pageant scene is evolving. Especially seeing more natural looks across the circuit, which is something that she advocates for through her social media. She is also proud to witness more diverse contestants having the opportunity to have their moment in the spotlight. To her, pageants used to be all about cookie-cutter perfection with one contestant mirroring the next and one winner resembling another, but now the industry has grown and created more opportunities for all young women. “Pageants are giving more people a chance to enter into the industry and fulfill their dreams. Perfection isn’t the goal [anymore], it is now realness,” shares Habach. Her advice for the next girl who wants to wear the crown? “Enjoy what you do and fight for what you want.” Much like the changes taking place in the pageant industry, Habach tries to remain as authentic and real as she can through her social media platforms. Scrolling through her Instagram feed, her followers are able to see the beauty queen and her life through Habach’s eyes. Her page is approachable because her posts are not overly curated or heavily edited. Her feed is filled with incredibly enviable photos of her experiences, but aside from her professional photos — which are to die for — the posts she shares are of her everyday life. Habach is intentional to balance her off-screen and on-screen life, believing that your social media should parallel your real-world experiences. On the other hand, she is fully aware that social media’s purpose is to show glimpses of your life and not the entire thing. “It is very important to have emotional balance and tranquility. That [should] always be your life goal and we should all strive for that,” encourages Habach.

“Enjoy what you do and fight for what you want.”

Habach has always had her eyes on the crown jewel of Tierra de Garcia. The now title holder has been participating in beauty competitions her entire life and modeling since the age of five. Watching former contestants as a young girl, Habach was inspired to follow in their footsteps and drawn to the power and responsibility of a national reign. “It is all about the responsibility that comes with wearing the crown on your head and the name of your country on your chest,” shares Habach. “[It is] not easy, but you have to know how to carry it so that everything is as positive as possible.”

Unlike other beauty queens, Habach is a queen that promotes realness and that is what makes her 1.1 million followers connect with her. Like Princess Diana, she wears the crown, but remains grounded and connected to her audience. A real woman’s insta queen — yet another title she can add to her resume. “I only share my day to day without filters and au naturale, so people identify with me,” shares Habach. She champions people being true to themselves and hopes that her online efforts help others feel comfortable in their own skin as well.

he tenacious former pageant queen climbed her way to the top and was able to use that platform to launch her career into the fashion industry in her own right. Winning the competition blew open the doors for her to start modeling. With each experience more memorable than the last, from parades to photographs, Habach has a catalogue in her mind of each experience and they all hold a special place in her heart. Every day as a model and a title holder brings new and exciting opportunities to her life, yet she somehow makes her hectic lifestyle seem effortless. “I always try to lead a normal life, somewhere between doing my thing, studying, and working to always improve myself. Being a model, influencer, and former beauty queen are all just highlights on the reel of my life,” shares the influencer. Having sacrificed a lot to be in the position she is now, Habach remains ever grateful for her experiences, but she does have plans to make modeling more of a hobby in the future and turn her attention to the next mountain she wants to climb — finishing her studies.

“I always try to lead a normal life, somewhere between doing my thing, studying, and working to always improve myself.”

Shirt and Pants: Zara

Naturally, fashion has always been an important aspect of Habach’s life. Describing her personal style as classic and elegant, the former beauty queen tends to play it safe and prefers to stay in her own fashion lane. Leaning towards neutral colors, more often of darker shades, Habach is intentional to stay away from bold prints. “Very rarely do I dare to change or dress differently or leave my comfort zone,” states the title holder. When she does take risks, it is rare and only under the most necessary conditions. Black pants and silk, strappy tops that are as effortlessly beautiful during the day as they are at night are her tried and true outfits of choice. However, she is known to splurge on an accessory or two. Like most of us, jewelry, shoes, and purses are her guilty pleasure. Keeping her makeup styling just as minimal as her outfit choices, a good concealer, a swipe of mascara, and a nude lip is all she needs to feel confident to take on the day. Although, she does love to accentuate her striking green eyes, so she will take any opportunity to make them standout.

Hat: Jacquemus Skirt: ASOS Design

abach is handling the heaviness of the pandemic by keeping her mind’s eye on her next goal. This year the beauty queen plans to trade in her tiara for a graduating cap and gown. Deciding on her next profession, we can expect her next title to be DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) or LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). Either, being a perfectly natural fit for a beauty queen who wants every person to feel as beautiful as she does, inside and out. Aside from her pending graduation, Habach is riding the pandemic waves the best way she knows how — in the moment, but focused on her goals. “Let’s not be impatient with what we want,” concludes Habach, “patience is good, but sometimes we plan, and it is useless because there are better plans for us. We should live day to day, enjoying the surroundings and appreciating the little things. Family will always be our strength and we should always embrace and take care of our loved ones. Let’s fight for our dreams.”

Dress: A Design

“Let’s not be impatient with what we want. We should live day to day enjoying the surroundings and appreciating the little things.”

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Creative Director: Sunyuul Yie Photographer: Jinwoo Park Model: Hoerin Jeong Stylist: Pillsung Lee Hair & Makeup: Eunju

Divine T I M I N G Solidifying its place on the must-have lists of top influencers and flooding global street style with its anything, but ordinary designs, Korean label — Yuul Yie — is celebrating ten years of divine timing. To commemorate the milestone, Yuul Yie is taking us on a journey of reflection through the traveler’s dream, in line with Korean culture, to the euphoric stage of Utopia in triumph of the final destination — the warm and enrapturing sunset. By Heather Marie Combs

Accessory THE

report

021 Spring / Summer YIENAE [이:내] _ reflection

Yuul Yie RiRi Half Moon Shoulder Bag in Green Tea

Aflé Bijoux Sparkle Adinkrahene Bracelet

An embossed croc lady bag shaded in warm brown hues – like cognac or chocolate – swiftly become your go-to. A pop of pastel color can be refreshing when paired with a power player handbag, but a light touch of gold adornments can make for a charismatic statement.

Yuul Yie Jeanne Bag Oak Brown Croc Yuul Yie Kimmy Mules in Ice Blue with Red Brown Gradation

Preparing for her second act, CEO and creative director, Sunyuul Yie, has pulled out all the stops to celebrate her decade-long anniversary. Beginning the journey themed around the notion of Wanderlust and the Traveler’s Dream, this featured collection centers around the final chapter of the traveler’s journey where she faces the final destination – Utopia.

“I

don’t particularly think about how one’s culture can have an impact on design,” begins Yie. “However, I do believe that it’s inevitable for the designs to not be affected by my surroundings. Korean culture and its environment are so normal to me since I was born here and raised in a typical Korean household. Although I definitely think I lived a life of fantasy and imagination because the world I have always envisioned was like a fantasy.” A genius imagination no doubt nuanced in each product debuted by this heart and sole of modern footwear. Always with a yearning for the world she has never encountered, the designer is in tune with her five senses — sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell — never responding to things that are not stimulating. Emerging from the uneasy mentality brought on by the pandemic that swept the world, Yie had the vision to remind people that “we are all travelers of life and to stay hopeful during these uncertain times by changing your perspectives to see the positive.” Further encouraging the world, the creative director continued, “We introduced tarot cards in the collection’s visuals to allow people to imagine selecting a card from a deck and seeing a hopeful message. ‘Traveler’ in the

collection symbolizes every individual, even myself. I just simply wanted to talk about our dreams and to stay hopeful.” Sensitive to the paths of current “contemporary” brands today, Yie was not satisfied with the direction being taken. “[Contemporary brands] were starting to become way too sensitive to trends and were only focusing on what people were looking for rather than following their own vision and mission. I wanted to focus more on the essence of the brand and follow what Yuul Yie is good at, and eventually, gain recognition for what we are passionate for and the things we achieve on our own perspective and beliefs,” revealed Yie. “Therefore, for SS21, we focused on the exploration to reflect on the label’s homeland and origin – South Korea,” continued the creative director. “This collection finds many of its inspiration driven from its roots in traditional Korean garments and cultural influences. Yuul Yie’s newest addition to the sculptural heels, ‘BuChae Heel’, for example, is inspired by a popular traditional accessory of the Korean aristocrat class. The shape, pattern, and the colors of the ‘BuChae Heel’ highlight and reimagine a festive and glamorous celebration of the ancient Korean aristocrats. Visualizing color palettes that well match traditional Korean dress Hanbok, this campaign experiments with its signature design trait of color-blocking in washed-out, pastel colors that are inspired by oriental color palettes.”

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“I hope we all learn to be honest about who we really are to others rather than trying to live a life fulfilling what others would like to see in us and in our social media.”

Beautifully honing in on the fast paced fashion displayed in Korean culture, Yuul Yie is first to acknowledge the fearless mindsets of their fellow enthusiasts when it comes to accepting changes.

ontributing to “more and more brands starting to build their own brand with its own personality.” Leading the conversation to the value of “value”, Yie was specific to include this message: “I hope [women in this era] understand who they really are, what type of trends they should absorb and adapt to, and understand what changes they should accept into their lives among these rapid changes. I hope we all learn to be honest about who we really are to others rather than trying to live a life fulfilling what others would like to see in us and in our social media.”

Circling back to the latest released collection, as the name suggests, the SS21 campaign is an exploration to reflect the label’s homeland. Asking Yie to further reflect on her last ten years of Yuul Yie, she had this to say: “My life revolved around work and honestly, I don’t know how the time flew. There were moments where I was swayed by different ideas and opinions, experienced despair, disappointment, and abandonments, yet I still put in my best effort in order to build a strong brand identity. I didn’t want to be swayed by factors and environments around me. This part is something I would like to praise myself for regardless of the brand’s success or failure. One of the goals of mine is to create a boutique hotel called ‘Villa de Yuul Yie’, in addition to a collection of ceramic designs — such as objects, vases, etc. — under the name of Yuul Yie. I actually have been trying to learn the foundation of ceramics and have been creating them on my own.” 53

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y all things Korea ced b n cu n e ltu n nflu g a a e r r i o m re, K ents d al n n a o i n a t i d d tr ager y and sen tra tim a y im m e rea

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eels — signature of ral h u Yuu t p l- Y e commemorati cul h s T . i ve c rks the a o l dem y to life in an explor lec ati lit nta

Ins pir n e o s t a lgic d of vi s u a l ize d

oubt no d are s to e — aim n tion. tio reflec of on

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Yuul Yie Estelle Mules in White and Multi Gradation

Yuul Yie Fata Lime Croc Bag

Aflé Bijoux OBAA PA Necklace

Yuul Yie Drum Bag in Black

Then.

NOW. Tomorrow Warm, gentle strays of colors mirror the shimmering reflection of a perfect, enrapturing sunset across a tranquil flow of water calling for an eerie, nostalgic feeling. Geometric heel shapes resemble the shape of a fan or bu-chae, while translucent mules are adorned with majestic gem details celebrating ancient Korean aristocrats. Inspired by jip-sin (the traditional shoe of the working class) the ‘Puffy Platforms’ reinterpret the traditional by exaggerating the overvolumized pleated details for an enhanced contemporary appeal.

Yuul Yie Ari Flip-Flop Sandal in White with Black Gradation

Yuul Yie Paige Flatform Sneaker Slides in Black

Yuul Yie Fata Lime Croc Bag

Yuul Yie Iowa Mules in Mint and Gold

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REFLECTION Inspired and influenced by all things Korean culture, the sculptural heels — signature of Yuul-Yie — are no doubt nostalgic of traditional Korean garments and trademarks. The commemorative collection aims to visualize dreamy imagery and sentimentality to life in an exploration of reflection.

“We are all travelers of life. Stay hopeful during these uncertain times by changing your perspectives to see the positive.”

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U T O P I A

Where you find Utopia, you find yourself confronted by magnificent rays of colors reminiscent of the vast warmth and splendor observed during the golden hours, so called yie-nae, of the Korean homeland.

YIE

Spring / Summer YIENAE [이:내] _ reflection

Yuul Yie Poise Mules in Pale Lemon and Stone Grey

Yuul Yie Night Drum Bucket Bag in Baby Yellow

Yuul Yie Ari Flip-Flop Sandal in Pale Lemon, Ash Pink, Lavender Blue

The

TREASURE trove Yuul Yie Odette Flip-Flop Feather Sandals in Black

Subdued pastel tones exemplifies the beautiful sunset experienced by the traveler at the final stage of their journey — Utopia.

Aflé Bijoux MENSO Earrings

Yuul Yie Papaya Ople Bag

Against a neutral color palette, extraordinary ornaments — crystals, pearls, and ethereal feathers — strike a perfect balance between class and extravagance becoming the perfect complement to a special evening curation.

Yuul Yie Drum Bag in Beige

Yuul Yie Yvette Mules in Mint

Photographer: Lisa Viertel Model, Hair, Makeup & Styling: Emely Borsody Agency: Linda Models

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www.woera.co | visit us at: @woeraofficial

BO O M WHERE

OW ERS

“Stop and smell the roses” — a timeless collection of words heard throughout most of our lives, but how often is it actually put into practice? CEO and floral designer of East Olivia Creative — Kelsea Olivia — has built a budding career in masterfully creating art through her vibrant visual presentations of floral arrangements in celebration of evanescent beauty. Kelsea believes that beauty is not a luxury, but a human right and her innovative approach to design and alluring passion for florals are the perfect accent to set the tone for Spring. By Ashley Nicole Combs

“So who am I?” Kelsea asks with a blushing smile, “in three words I am: community, beauty and of course, flowers!”

California native, now living in the fast-paced heart of New York City, Kelsea has spent her life surrounded by a canvas of art and natural beauty. One of her favorite decorative pieces that resides in her home reads “live on coffee and flowers”, a perfect sentiment to describe this hardworking designer. Constantly inspired by just walking out the door of her town-home, “there is always something fresh and exciting being offered and the palette of colors is the stuff of dreams,” beams Kelsea. From museums, to street fashion, to simply taking a ride on the subway to visit the local flower shops, there is so much life, color, and texture to experience in day to day life. All of these, oftentimes overlooked, adventures are thoughtfully expressed into the meticulously curated designs she and her team creates. Learning about entrepreneurship from her (late) mother at an early age, this mostly self-taught designer deems her passed down business expertise as the key that blossomed the beginning of her professional journey. Having many incredible mentors along the way, it was not until her position at BHLDN / Anthroplogie that she actively became involved in floral styling and discovered her true passion for crafting a visual that can evoke sentimental, nostalgic, or even inspirational feelings to the beholder. Kelsea’s diverse experiences in retail through prop styling, botanical/floral design, content creation for social media, and event planning, all encouraged the creation of East Olivia Creative. Founded six years ago, East Olivia (EO) is an innovative, women-led creative agency that specializes in creative production and event styling with a mastery in breathtaking large scale floral art installations. Much like styling an outfit or designing the interior of a home, assembling the perfect floral arrangement is a gift. Wether you want to set a soothing, calming mood or create a colorful, eye-catching bouquet for your kitchen table, we can all agree that much like constructing the perfect outfit for the day, visiting your local flower shop with so many beautiful choices can at times feel overwhelming. Now before you give in to temptation and let anxiety take over, Kelsea shares with us her go to tips for creating a simple arrangement to perfectly accent any space. “One of my favorite, foolproof ways to make any flowers look lovely in your home is to select a few different bunches of blooms in complimentary colors and then put each bunch in its own vase, but cluster the vases near one another. You can do many of these little clusters with just a few bunches if you have varying size vases, bud vases, etc. Pro tip — layer uneven numbers of vases in varying heights. Three is always a great number to start with!”

Every floret offers its own unique nuances that set it apart from the others around it. Kelsea and the EO team celebrate the originality of each blooms little quirks, transforming them into an art piece that is so lovely and one-of-a-kind. One characteristic this designer is most unapologetic for is her passion for beauty — “I think sometimes people can see it as superficial or frivolous, but if you have ever crafted a bouquet for a bride or filled a swimming pool with fresh florals or created a living art piece in front of the Flatiron Building in NYC (like we have)... you know that beauty and flowers are powerful,” exclaims Kelsea. When the EO team begins the process of constructing a custom floral set, they embrace each arrangement as an exciting opportunity to play and bring forth new and imaginative ideas. Each commissioned piece is made authentic to the client through choice of charming florals, bright silhouettes of color, and additions of complimentary accent pieces. “The art of styling can be intrinsic or curated,” shares Kelsea. “When we are working with fresh florals especially, there is a bit of bending nature to fit your needs, but also some acceptance of what was created from the earth and honoring that design in itself. So when it comes to styling for a shoot or a real-life space, or even my own home, it is undoubtedly an art form.” As seen with many businesses, the flourishing floral industry was not sheltered from the unexpected impact of the pandemic that overtook the world last year. With the massive shut downs came the sudden halt of East Olivia Creative’s in-person events. “We realized that in order to keep our doors open, our employees employed and our floral colleagues going, we needed to pivot and quickly,” exclaims Kelsea; “and that is how Forever Florals was born!” 69

passionate advocate of spreading positivity and all around good vibes, during a time of fear and uncertainty, Kelsea found a way to continue sharing beauty and light to this world via blooms. The East Olivia Forever Floral Shop is an online marketplace that virtually invites people to purchase delightfully beautiful, dried and preserved floral bouquets that, if taken care of properly, can adorn any space across the globe for over a year. While the floral industry has a long way to go to be truly sustainable, the designers at EO are driven by the desire to make ephemeral beauty everlasting. And if we take time to reflect on the many things 2020 has taught us, one prominent lesson would be that sometimes we just need to slow down and stop to smell the roses.

“Oh, and never forget… everyone loves to receive flowers!”

With creative connections walking down every avenue of NYC, street wear style has always been a go to inspiration for this floral designer. “Getting dressed is the first creative thing I do each day and I can’t imagine where my designs would be without fashion,” shares Kelsea. As you can expect from a leading lady like Kelsea, her style is inspired by other admirable and independent designers, such as Mara Hoffman, Little Tienda, Nikki Chasin, Christine Aclay, and that is just to name a few. Embracing a unique approach to design with Forever Floral, Kelsea has graced each custom bouquet with the name of a specific person that has had an impact on her life. This is evident in the most recent Valentine’s Day Collection including arrangements inspired by model Tess Holliday, writer Alex Elle and artist Morgan Harper Nichols —

“these magnificent women doing extraordinary work in their respective fields personified in flowers,” admires Kelsea. It is quite an empowering message and accolade.

We of course had to ask this polished floral designer, who spends her days surrounded by countless gorgeous arrays of flowers, what floret has she been loving at the moment. And being that we are in the season of celebrating love, Kelsea confesses that currently she has returned to her deep adoration for the timeless red rose — specifically being drawn to the bright red “Nina” and the soft “Quicksand” rose. However, picking out her favorite floral season was not as easy. “Wow this is such a hard one,” laughs Kelsea, “but I think I would have to choose the end of Winter. This is when I begin to see Icelandic Poppies reappear at the flower market and damn, they are just stunners! Their petals are so thin you might think that they are made from tissue paper rather than grown from the ground.” As this new year continues to move forward, Kelsea Olivia will continue pouring love into her blossoming Forever Floral Shop, as well as one day resuming her visual storytelling through the art of beautifully curated floral installations. And as our conversation with the delightful floral designer comes to a close, she would like to leave us with these parting words — “It has been a tough time for everyone, and as dark as some days can be there is an equal capacity for light. We all have an impact on the community around us and small acts of kindness can mean the world to someone else. Act on that notion every day and you’ll see your influence take shape.”

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Photographer: Chantelle Kemkemian Model: Alexandra Fabiancsics Makeup: Kelly Bowman Hair: Carly Van Der Meer

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M O D E R N TA S T E

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

70 ICONIC Infinite PRINTS

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Year after year Finnish lifestyle design house, Marimekko, has been blazing the world with their unrestrictive prints and abstract designs bringing large-scale patterns and vibrant colors to life. Renowned for its art of unparalleled printmaking, Marimekko is proudly turning 70 years young. Stepping into the role of anti-fast fashion at an early age, even in its mature years, this fashion pillar will never conform to what is trending, but merely will utilize the spirit and aesthetic of the times to inspire timeless pieces. To say you can expect what they are going to do next would be the understatement of the season. By Ashley Nicole Combs

o how does an innovative brand like Marimekko — known for releasing anything from clothing to accessories to ceramics and bedding — celebrate 70 years of creating over 3,500 designs? Well, first we need to go back to the beginning. Starting with a dress in 1951. Marimekko, Finnish for “Mari’s dress,” was created as a presentation for women daring enough to express who they truly are through their choice of attire. This can be thanks to visionary and visual genius, Armi Ratia, founder and creative director of Marimekko. With a unique ability to recognize artistic talent, Ratia has cultivated a culture of unbound creativity and empowerment that celebrates an irresistible charm of perfect imperfections. Through the art of printmaking, the founder has redefined the industry by combining fashion and handbags, as well as home decor, to change one’s attitude into a unified expression of joyful living. “I really don’t sell clothes. I sell a way of living. They are designs, not fashions. I sell an idea rather than dresses,” said Ratia.

common question for any brand is how to stay relevant. Since Marimekko’s inception, the mission has remained the same: to empower people to be happy as they are through bold prints and colors. And their philosophy follows in similar suit, rooted in timelessness, “we want our designs to last from one generation to the next,” shares Maaranen. This takes us back to our first question, how does an innovative brand like Marimekko celebrate 70 years of creating?

Striped, checked and floral patterns encompass the label’s rich and vibrant artistic legacy. “Since the beginning, large-scale patterns and the overlapping of vibrant colors have been the hallmarks of Marimekko’s designs,” shares Satu Maaranen, head designer for ready-to-wear bags and accessories. A graduate from Aalto University School of Arts for fashion design and architecture, Maaranen has worked for the likes of French brand Petit Bateau and the Chinese Exception de Mixmind. Designing freelance for Marimekko since 2010, in addition to acquiring the Grand Prix at the prestigious Hyeres Fashion Festival in 2013, Maaranen was the perfect fit for the position of head designer of ready-to-wear. “In three words, I would say that Marimekko is bold, playful and timeless,” heartens the designer. “Armi Ratia once said that Marimekko could have been anything: jazz, an icecream shop or a flower shop. This, to me, is the biggest takeaway – Marimekko is wonderfully unrestrictive. It’s a lifestyle all about artistic expression, joy and unbound creativity.”

One design, endless interpretations. This statement best expresses the concept behind Co-created — a total of four limited edition collections. As part of the anniversary year, Marimekko sent out invitations for interesting and unique creatives from around the world to incorporate their own personal talents and expertise with the mission to freely reinterpret the iconic designs over the last 70 years. This idea was born out of a desire to introduce a new vision from their perspective that best highlights the essence of Marimekko. To debut the first Co-created collection, the label chose Finnish award-winning designer’s, Antti Kekki and Matts Bjolin. As graphic designers, they were the perfect pair to bring the next edge of something never before seen to Marimekko. Together, the designers merged a vision of contrasting and unanticipated ideas with a collage technique that ensued into the collections carefully arranged spirited ensembles. In the creation of the first capsule - The Art of Printmaking - the duo approached designing the collaboration items as they would any other graphic layout. “The result is a fascinating juxtaposition of archive prints, textures and even hidden messages!” beams Maaranen. Antti and Matts focus on combining the classic ‘Maija Isola’ prints, dated back to 1964, with unforgettable quotes from founder and trendsetter, Armi Ratia. As well as utilizing archived photographs from the past three decades into a contemporary — heritage meets the future — inspired collage. From this capsule we are graced with both ready-to-wear and homeware items that feature clever patchwork and new distinct printing techniques, such as velvet flocking and embroidering, portrayed in unique and unpredictable ways.

Greatly impacted by its Finnish roots, the Helsinki based printing label is heavily influenced by Nordic nature, as nuanced in the recurring patterns themed throughout each print design. “Finn’s have a very strong connection to nature,” reveals Maaranen, “enjoying silliness and tranquility are something us Finns are quite good at.” Living in a world that is always evolving, a

In recent collections, the design team at Marimekko have been incorporating new and efficient ways to replace conventional materials with more sustainable, eco-friendly elements. Antti and Matts continued this practice in the first capsule of Co-created by entailing a series of tops and sneakers in their ready-to-wear items that are composed with a recycled sole material.

“I really don’t sell clothes. I sell a way of living. They are designs, not fashions. I sell an idea rather than dresses.” — Armi Ratia

“Marimekko is wonderfully unrestrictive. It’s a lifestyle all about artistic expression, joy and unbound creativity.”

rogressing with their idiomatic interpretation of the essence of Marimekko’s legacy, the duo moved forward with the idea of collaging through the use of purposeful and playful shapes and energetic colors as seen in the easy-to-approach mugs, plates, trays and home textiles. To pay tribute to the beauty that is Armi Ratia, the designers shared a few hidden messages that best express the heart and dedication of Marimekko’s iconic founder. As to not give too much away, we will leave you in anticipation with just one collection of words: “There is one responsibility — Beauty. There is one reality — Dream. There is one strength — Love.” Be sure to visit the first edition of Co-created to see what other messages lay hidden in their additional items. With the launch of the next three capsules fast approaching, Marimekko is working diligently to continue sharing with the world fresh and new interpretations of the 70-year old legacy

that remains true to their core value of creative printmaking. You can expect to see the release of the second edition in April. However, Maaranen excitingly tells us that the most anticipated launch will be in May, the birth month of Marimekko, with the publishing of a beautiful art book comprised of Marimekko and Thames & Hudson, written by Laird Borelli-Persson. And as we begin to welcome the colorful bloom of Spring we will most likely find head designer Maaranen wearing her absolute favorite silk dress ‘Juureni’ from the upcoming Summer/Spring 2021 collection. The relaxed silhouette and delightful play on detail through the use of standout bows is something she believes will exude feelings of timelessness and warmth to perfectly set the tone of the season. Leaving us with some words to live by, Maaranen encourages us all to “just be yourself and dream big — that will take you far!” And after 70 years, it is safe to say that this lifestyle design house is no where near Finnished.

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NEVER STOP

There is almost no better song to describe the fun-loving Kelianne Stankus than Ke$ha’s 2009 party hit, Tik Tok. Of course, this multi-hyphenate entrepreneur is known for her success on the social media platform that shares the same moniker, but the similarities go even deeper. Stankus is not out at all hours of the night living it up, but her life does seem like a party. And with all of the accomplishments she has got under her belt — there are plenty of mornings where she wakes up feeling like Diddy. By Jessica Gandy

with

elianne Stankus

he party mainly never stops for Stankus because she has got her finger on the pulse of everything in the entertainment industry. Actually, calling her an “entertainer” just would not do her justice. The gymnast-philanthropist-singer-songwriter-dancer-actressinfluencer-Tik Tok starlet knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry; so she did. “I truly believe that anything and everything is possible,” begins Stankus. “Work hard, stay focused and persevere no matter what obstacles come your way. And most importantly, love and be passionate about what you do.” The modern day, self-made woman has won national awards for her gymnastic endeavors, appeared on the Ellen show, and amassed a mere 7 million followers across her social media platform, all before the age of 25. Most people her age would struggle to navigate through the industry. People who rise to fame as quickly as Stankus tend to fall for their own hype, but this blonde beauty has been able to stay level headed through all of the change and has remained grounded in the midst of the wilderness that is fame. Professional, loyal and fearless, “this industry is a good fit for me because I am super confident and secure with myself and who I am,” states the influencer. “As long as I share that with the world, I don’t have to worry about anything. I am in this for the long haul and I will continue to do my best and stay grounded, reliable, responsible and professional.” Grateful for her upbringing and selective with her inner circle, staying close to her family and friends has helped Stankus to keep her eye on the prize — to succeed. With the new generation of young women entering the social media scene, the seasoned starlet is proud to see that more and more women are really savvy to the business side of the industry. “Don’t let people take advantage of you,” advises Stankus, “stay true to who you are.”

songs being such a hit, we are sure fans are vying for more. A long-time passion for Stankus, we can confirm more solo projects will definitely be coming to the fore. “I grew up in a very musical family. I am excited to be on the next part of my musical journey, writing and creating my own original music,” shares Stankus. Making the most of an uncertain situation, quarantine has proven pretty good for the multi-talented, multi-faceted artist. Immersing herself in creating content and making her own mark in this industry, Stankus, like most of us, has also learned to not take the little things for granted. Going to be thinking back to this time in history for more than the global pandemic, Stankus is also newly engaged to the love of her life, Chase Mattson. He popped the question with a gorgeous cushion cut ring, with a delicate halo and a pave diamond band. The couple is picture perfect, but all eyes will be on Stankus during the wedding, so she is spending tons of time looking for the ideal wedding gown. Like all other Covid brides Stankus has been “pinning” non-stop. With so many options, this soon-to-be bride has no idea where she will land, but one thing is for sure — she is going to try them all on!

“No matter who you are or where you are from, we are all in this together. Things are going to turn around this year, things are getting better.”

At the moment, this media maven is focused on her music career. Having just released new music with heart throbs Tayler Holder and Nate Wyatt, aka The Trio, their voices truly complement each other so well. They may not be a band, but with their Christmas

When it comes to her everyday fashion, Stankus does not need Pinterest. She loves to be fun with fashion, but most importantly she wants to just look good and feel better in whatever she wears. Finding inspiration for her looks anywhere — from movies and music to scrolling through her Instagram feed — in true quarantine fashion, her go to outfit right now is her favorite pair of cozy joggers that she can dress up or down. Pair that with a bold eye and a good swipe of voluminous mascara and she is ready to take on whatever the day throws her way. Stankus’ journey thus far has been a dream come true and she is ready to tackle the next project, and maybe even add a new hyphenation to her incredible list of credentials. Unapologetically loving and kind, she would like to say these words: “No matter who you are or where you are from, we are all in this together. Things are going to turn around this year, things are getting better.”

“I grew up in a very musical family. I am excited to be on the next part of my musical journey, writing and creating my own original music.”

Photographer: Dominik Zagarovsky Model: Yala

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It is one of those inspiring tales. A crafty girl procures coveted journalist job at BuzzFeed, then finds herself on the other side of the screen pursuing her passion for the art of content creation and storytelling. So how did the multitalented artist — Jarry Lee — achieve her ascendence to the top? Lee talks to Bode about the arts that fueled her life’s path, being a creative chameleon, and the shifting of diversity in a less than conventional industry. By Ashley Dawson

ctress. Model. Musician. Modern-day influencer. Jarry Lee, small she may be, wears a lot of hats in her professional and personal life; and she has no intention of slowing down. Formerly the deputy editor at media hub, BuzzFeed, the social media maven has made a name for herself in the art and entertainment scene amassing over 850,000 followers across her various platforms and channels. Bode got the chance to sit down with Lee to talk about influencing during quarantine and how she has been able to build such a massive brand for herself from the ground up. In three words Jarry Lee is a “driven, creative chameleon” — able to adapt to every artistic situation and style needed in order to spread her message and create content. “I’ve been passionate about many areas of the arts and that is what has fueled my life path,” begins the artist. Lee is a full time model, actress, musician and social media influencer with a following that is to be envied. Based in New York city and an NYU alum, the creative grew up between Wales, England and Connecticut. “I was a deputy editor at BuzzFeed for three and a half years covering books and culture and now I live with my boyfriend and our Bengal cat ‘Potato’, who has his own Instagram account (@potatobengal),” smiles Lee with a swipe through her furry companion’s feed. Finding relief and solace amongst the chaos of her professions, the model enjoys long distance running, playing classical piano, painting, cooking, and baking for her food blog (@cookingwithjarry), proving even more that Lee is an artist who wears dozens, if not hundreds, of hats. Of course, the biggest chapeau that Lee wears is that of an entertainer. Never considering the entertainment industry as an accessible career path, she noted moments of her childhood observing the scarcity of Asian models, or people who looked like her, in television and film. “Thankfully the industry has begun to change

and has become more representative and accepting of diversity in the past few years,” acknowledges the actress, “but there is still a long way to go.” With her ever-growing global recognition and flourishing online community, Lee portrays humble gratitude saying, “I hope that my career inspires my audience to pursue their passions, and that it reminds them that they are not limited to conventional career paths.” For Lee, her journey to the spotlight had its debut during her first encounter in the professional acting scene in New York City. “I had written a play for a playwriting festival in prep school, and also took a few acting classes that I enjoyed in the past,” reminisced the actress, “so when I was experiencing a creative rut in 2017 I decided to explore New York City’s acting scene out of curiosity.” With a quick start in commercial work, the actress soon after added modeling to her repertoire first walking in New York Fashion Week in honor of the #MeToo Movement. “It started as a hobby on the side for fun,” admits Lee with a beholden smile, “but when I began booking more and more shoots with bigger brands, I left my job at BuzzFeed and my career in media to pursue it full time and haven’t looked back since.” Having worked a lot of gigs and garnered great exposure, the actress also noticed her followers climb as her career took off. Proving she is much more than just a pretty face, Lee has also been asked to curate digital content for an array of brands, and even recently found herself back into producing music. Known by many for her social media prowess, Lee is the first to admit that the benefits of digital media know no bounds. “Social media has made it easier and more accessible than ever before to create one’s own career path,” states the modern-day influencer. “There is no better time to explore your passions and interests with the self-marketing and networking opportunities that social media provides — for free!”

“I hope that my career inspires my audience to pursue their passions, and that it reminds them that they are not limited to conventional career paths.”

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Photographer: Antonio Jefferson

“I don’t believe it’s possible to be genuinely happy if you are not genuine to yourself.”

any industries have shown transformation in positive ways to become more inclusive and empowering, encouraging young women to pursue leadership positions and entrepreneurship. “So, my advice,” begins Lee, “is that if your dream job doesn’t exist, you can create it.” A passionate advocate for non-traditional career paths, Lee encourages others to not be afraid of the uncertainty of it all – “if you are determined and hard-working, the rewards will likely outweigh any risk.” “I feel very fortunate to be my own boss,” shares Lee, “and I love defining my own schedule and choosing which projects to take on. I think the freedom to pursue only what I’m interested in and excited about is incredibly empowering. I truly love every piece of work that I do and I feel more creatively energized every day.” Needless to say, with hundreds of thousands of eyes watching her every moment, Lee takes her position on authenticity and health very seriously. “I don’t believe it’s possible to be genuinely happy if you are not genuine to yourself,” claims Lee. Living for herself

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and not others, the content creator casts her online persona as a brand rather than a reflection of herself. “I’m happy people are interested in following along on my journey, but at the end of the day, my lifestyle is for me.” Touching on her personal value that good health and staying grounded are essential to what she does, Lee surrounds herself with friends and loved ones who have known and supported her throughout her many life changes. Following along for more than a look into her life, Lee is also watched for her impeccable fashion sense and her drive to express herself. “To me, fashion is a form of self-expression and it can truly be an art form at its best,” admires the model. “My personal style is all about big statement pieces, especially statement jewelry,” Lee continues, “and I look for interesting structure, textures, bold patterns, fringe, flowy fabrics, tulle, and dramatic shoulder silhouettes. I like when clothes surprise me!” Believing that fashion should delight, Lee opts for the more playful, less serious approach to wearable self-expression.

Photographer: Balthier Corfi

Photographer: Devin Cruz

Photographer: Rutvik Katuri

f course, no fashion conversation is complete without pausing to take a look at beauty and makeup. Lee’s cannot-be-without beauty item is Glossier’s Boy Brow and she definitely airs on the side of a bold eye over a bold lip. “Eye shadows are fun to play with and layer,” states the model, “and I love creating editorial eye looks.” Her knowledge of makeup application and knack for styling has come in handy as of late, seeing as shooting with photographers has had its challenges for models and artists everywhere during the pandemic. For Lee, becoming her own photographer during this time was a must. “I rarely work with photographers directly anymore and instead have learned to shoot myself,” shares the artist. “I’ve become much more self-sufficient.” Finding and embracing the positives of the last year’s quarantine, the creator invested in professional lighting and photography equipment, even a green screen, and used her time to further hone her skills. “I hope to continue learning and growing those skills,” continues Lee, “and now I often work as my own photographer, videographer, hair/makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, and set designer, in addition to being the model or actor.” Further fueling her ambition, no matter the challenges dealt, Lee is inspired by the frenetic energy of her home in NYC. “It’s amazing to be surrounded by people who are just as hungry to achieve their dreams as I am.” As if her resume was not quite big enough, the model and actress is keen on adding designer and founder to her notable titles, revealing to us her big plans to launch her own jewelry brand, PSYCHO KITSCH, in 2021; while also working on writing and recording new music to be released on Spotify. A cause close to her heart, the media mogul also plans to continue supporting wildlife and art organizations whenever she can. “I hope I’m able to volunteer at animal shelters again once the pandemic is over,” stated Lee before finishing our conversation with these final words: “[I am most unapologetic for] myself. I embrace and love who I am and I don’t live with any past regrets because I love where I am today. And if there is one thing you take away from this interview, it really should be that my cat, Potato, is the cutest thing in the world and you should immediately follow him on Instagram.”

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spirit Embracing Entrepreneurial

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Allison Kimball

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Your resident curly maned, girl-next-door, Massachusetts born model, influencer, podcast host and author — Allison Kimball — is no stranger in working her creative magic and succeeding in any task she sets her mind to. Achieving her success with determination and ambition, coining herself as glowing, mindful and adventurous, this multi-talented artist never forgets her humble beginnings nor every experience and possibility that has graced her path. Thriving on an array of opportunities she has somehow always managed to remain true to herself. By Charlene Simone Foreman

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pending most of her adult life in the fashion industry was not in model and entrepreneur, Allison Kimball’s, original plan. Kimball adores the great outdoors and never in her wildest dreams did she believe in the glitz and glamour that has become her life. Aside from the worldwide attention, this venture has brought the media host an incredible trailblazing career and she has immersed herself into every inch of what the industry has to offer. Open to providing her personal advice and experience to her devoted community, “life shouldn’t be taken all that seriously,” encourages Kimball, “and fulfillment isn’t that far out of our reach.” Admitting she was not the most “girly” girl during her pre-teen years, her exposure to the fashion industry further developed those traits in her life today. The more experience she gained and the more opportunities she received working with big productions that involved added luxuries — hair styling, makeup, and plenty of clothes available in the wardrobe — the model found a new love for fashion. “I got really involved after this and chased my dreams at 100% ever since. My journey in this industry has been so wonderful! I love being a model, and I love that my podcast has now allowed me to expand deeper into the media industry. As soon as I came up with the idea of a podcast, there wasn’t a doubt in my brain that this was right for me.”

a minimal. “I like to keep it natural, so the less the better,” reveals the model. “Aquaphor for my lips and a full coverage spot concealer for small spots on my face.” However, if the occasion arises, Kimball vies for the hooded eye look over a bold lip, preferably a smokey eye perfectly paired with a natural gloss. With an appetite for modeling and inspiring others, this influencer has recently taken on the role of podcast host, adding to her already impressive repertoire and further expanding her range as a creative within the media realm. Her podcast — The Spiked Kombucha Podcast — was something that took form organically. “One day, I got the idea that I could be a podcast host, then I just pursued it fully after that,” shares the model. “It is the perfect opportunity to share the parts of me that often get overlooked from photoshoots or social media in general. This allows me to expand my outlook and for people to really get to know me.” The abundance of inspiration for each episode can hit at any strange time and that keeps the organic energy flowing. “I never try and force an episode,” continues Kimball, “because I want it to flow as naturally as possible. I want everyone to feel how genuine and passionate I am about the topics being spoken about.” Since the start of her podcast, her following has expanded to great lengths and has allowed the model a space to speak with various inspirational guests along the way who all have the same motivation and passion for the chosen topics. As if that was not enough, we now have to add author into the mix. “My book will be released in early 2021,” reveals Kimball, “and it will hold all the missing pieces and small details I leave out in my podcast. They will fit together like a puzzle, and the rest will all make sense after reading it.”

“I like clothes that make me happy and that I can picture myself making good memories in.”

With an infectious energy and a positive outlook, Kimball notes her one true meaning for fashion, which is “doing whatever the heck you want.” When it comes to her own wardrobe, the model describes her sense of style as casual, consisting of beachy, island themed pieces. “My favorite item of clothing to wear is definitely a bathing suit,” smiles the influencer as she runs her hand through her effortless curls. “My ideal outside look would be a bathing suit with some shorts and a tank. I love having a ‘surfer girl’ vibe, and that is definitely the style I am most comfortable in.” Further noting how her clothes keep her in a good mood, “I like clothes that make me happy and that I can picture myself making good memories in. So even with my outfits, I like to set myself up for success every day.” It is a refreshing way of thinking as we all can sometimes lose sight of the purpose and joys that clothing can bring to our lives. More than ever, Kimball values comfortability in clothing, one of her favorite pieces being a pair of grey 1980s style pants that belonged to her mother, “which I stole,” admits the model with a grin. Wearing the pants on different occasions — whether in a warm or cool climate — dressed up or down, with heels and a stylish top or with a simple t-shirt and a pair of flip flops, evokes a comfy, relaxed vibe throughout the day. In similar suit to her effortless, laid-back style, Kimball aims to keep her usage of makeup to

Even with the harsh expectations of the media and the fashion industry, Kimball feels “pretty rock-solid” in who she is. Always staying true to herself, she believes “expectations” are only difficult if you hold yourself to them. “Once you realize that the only way these expectations can get to you is if you succumb to them, life gets a lot easier when you don’t give yourself those labels and stressors,” states the model. To ensure this same positive energy is translated through her social media and throughout her career, Kimball holds it together by delivering strong determination and perseverance. She keeps herself motivated by following a healthy lifestyle inside and out, dedicated to being her best self, and makes a living encouraging the world to do the same. With a new generation of people entering the social media scene, Kimball is proud to see the industry evolving in a beautiful way. “I have witnessed so much more inclusion, diversity and acceptance over the past few years alone,” admires the model.

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“[My advice] is to be completely yourself, no matter what. Just because you aren’t accepted somewhere doesn’t mean you won’t be loved and cherished elsewhere.” With the current pandemic, it has been an emotional rollercoaster ride for everyone. But it has drawn us all to think outside of the proverbial box and reflect on how we can keep ourselves proactive and progressive. “During quarantine, this time allowed me to immensely slow down and I was able to discover a lot more about myself and who I am as a person,” heartens Kimball. “I have learned to not label anything out of my control. If there is something that would frustrate me off the bat, I wouldn’t give it tons of energy. I would just accept what was at hand and move forward with the good things in front of me in the moment. I’ve learned that it is important to always look on the bright side of things, and always look to see what is positive in the current situations. I think I have become overall much more mindful and aware during quarantine.” Patiently waiting to get back to traveling and exploring again, we can all likely agree that when things slightly return to normality, we will also be taking that ultimate holiday trip. The future looks bright for your favorite girlnext-door, Allison Kimball, as she has set out to achieve her goals and there is much more happening on the horizon than what meets the eye. There are no boundaries as to how Kimball operates as a model, a podcast host and a talented author, as she follows the beat of her own drum and embraces her passion and enthusiasm within her achievements. With greatness and gratitude, Kimball remains confident in her beliefs and values and will continue to exude a strong work ethic as a respected and dedicated creator, aiming to evolve and to reach for the stars, always.

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Dress: Gustavo Arango

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Gold STRIKING

Photographer: Nolan Rivera Model: Paola Rodriguez with G Models PR Agency Makeup: Raul Otero Hair: Paola Bracho Stylist: Claudia Madrid Gold Pleated Top: Cult Gaia from Olivia Boutique Accessories: Paola Teresa

Terracotta Top: Rejina Pyo Accessories: Paola Teresa

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B L I N G B A R . C O M . A U

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Photographer: Angel Luis Garcia Model: Estefania Soto Torres, Miss Universe Puerto Rico Production: GRP worldgroup Production Assistant: Dennis Giovanni Carbonell Stylist: Claudia Madrid Makeup: Griselle Rosario Hair: Orlando Kethziel Santana Flower Design: Noel Cruz Prop Stylist: Alberto Valdes

COLOR love in

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Dress: Gustavo Arango Jewelry: Lido Jewelers

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Celebrating Independent Women Revolutionizing Tradition Inspired By Akan Culture

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