Bode Magazine June 2019

FALL 2019

JUNE 2019

OUR “DRESS CODE”

is shifting and these days anything goes

the

GLOBAL

NEW MOOD

starring model, entrepreneur and It girl

MARA TEIGEN “be un-apologetically YOU always…”

The rise of crisp whites and sculpted brights from Russia to Ukraine to New York & Australia

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

Cover Story Photographer: Emma Isabella Holley Cover model: Mara Teigen

Our “dress code” is shifting and these days it seems anything goes. When fashion is the leading form of expression, judgment has been banned and individuals are being praised for dressing for themselves, becoming beacons of inspiration.

In this Issue I have the pleasure of interviewing a talented womenswear designer, among many, from the architectural and cultural country of Ukraine.

Its capital, Kiev, features the gold-domed St. Sophia’s Cathedral with 11th-century mosaics and frescoes, intricate detail and architectural inspirations at every corner. What intrigued me was the reality that the common details and knowledge of the evolving fashion eras were not accessible to the unwavering and innovative creatives of a country like Ukraine.

At that moment it became clear to me that we are fortunate enough to indulge and thrive in the most prosperous and privileged nation, as some may say the world’s premier fashion destination. We are at the helm of the fashion industry.

In this Issue, I invite all of you to join us in visiting the fashion and designs of true artisans, pioneers of innovation like Svitlana, paying homage to their heritage and introducing us to a unique style of design with a signature that chimes with contemporary culture. Fashion is Global and each atelier and label featured is beautifully illustrated with historical notes, evoking the story of how artisans from all over the world are creating objects of desire that will endure because of their meticulous craftsmanship, superior quality and timeless design appeal.

Make like an artist and get inspired.

Xx, Heather Marie Combs Editor-In-Chief

P2-6 Editorial Photographer: Crystal Flores P2-3 Model: Emily Shriner P4-5 Model: Brittany Hoffner

Make like an artist and get inspired

WHAT’S

INSIDE

GLOBAL

ISSUE

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State of Mind Mara Teigen RASARIO Masculine Muse Chloe Lecareux Carlo Sestini Mariam Seddiq Play Nice BEVZA Charli Burrowes Izabella Angus AMUR Lina Tesch Russian Doll Golden Hour Minimal Effect

Editor In Chief: Heather Marie Combs Creative Director: Kaylon Hardman Sales/Advertising: Caroline Penland 7

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State of Mind Photographer: Manny Roman Model: Heidy De la Rosa Agency: IMG Models Worldwide Penthouse Suite at InterContinental Times Square

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MARA TEIGEN Piercing blue eyes, coveted cheek bones and the perfect french girl pout, meet model and entrepreneur, Mara Teigen. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it is her genuine, strong and inspiring beauty that has captured the hearts of the fashion world.

By Heather Marie Combs

As if straight out of the ‘50s, this angelic beauty brings timeless, classic allure to today’s modern era.

The twenty-four year old model, signed with The Lions Los Angeles, was born in the hills of Denver, Colorado. After a childhood in Las Vegas, the young entrepreneur now resides in the home of the Sunset Strip - West Hollywood, California.

Curious by nature, the blue eyed beauty reminisced on her summers spent camping and discovering her love for the outdoors, “Nature is the most healing and important thing to me,” exposed Teigen.

More than her striking looks, irresistible personality and apparently effortless style, Teigen is building an empire from the ground up, earning her success on her own terms. “Ziin Beauty is my startup skincare and cosmetics line. This is something that I have always been obsessed with ever since I can remember,” shared the makeup maven. With a natural talent friends and family can’t help, but covet, Teigen seems to have the natural know how.

“It is something that I love and have so many ideas about. It is one hundred percent my passion, and I cannot wait to share it with the world. It is a cosmetics line about confidence, self-care and lifting each other up so we all can feel and look our best.”

Her approach to fashion touches a lot on minimalism and a classic femininity. “My style and fashion sense is always changing. The more I am growing and learning the more my style changes.

I find that the less clothing I have, the happier I am,” grinned the influencer. “I am super into vintage aesthetics so my closet consists of vintage Levis jeans, a few plain tees and tanks, oversized blazers, tiny purses and of course some floral dresses to show my femininity. I like to keep things very classy and understand, there’s a time and a place for everything. I also have many friends with their own lines so I love supporting and wearing their brands,” expressed Teigen.

Photographer: Emma Isabella Holley

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Transcending model-of-the-moment status, Teigen has gained the admiration of many by simply sharing what she loves, and it is her demographic that inspires her the most. “I love that my demographic is mostly FEMALE. That means the world to me and inspires me to keep producing feminine content and challenges me to make choices with them in mind so I can be someone they look up to. I also love how things are changing and diversity is becoming more acceptable. I understand that everyone has their own interest and style in terms of fashion and beauty and I love watching the industry evolve and seeing people truly being themselves,” admired the influencer.

Exposed to the world, she practices authenticity, confidence and is the first to acknowledge that fashion should have no judgement. “Everyone has their own style.

No one is right or wrong. I absolutely love when people express themselves. The best advice I have ever been given is to just do and wear what makes you happy and not to care what other people think - to be unapologetically YOU always,” said Teigen.

Even more impactful, Teigen’s leading-lady-status is built on this core value: “I am always very authentic and I wouldn’t want people to have an idea of me that isn’t true. So I make a conscious effort to always be truthful and only put something out there that is genuine. I think this is very important when it comes to the internet and social media because there are always people that are out to get you.

I think if you are genuinely yourself then who cares what people think.”

With a natural ease, an inspiring confidence and an all too irresistible smolder, we were eager to explore her allure and uncover the secret of her beauty and fashion go-to’s: “I have been loving the natural ‘no makeup-makeup look’ - a bronzy eye, concealed under eyes, bronzer, blush and my all time favorite Bobbi Brown ‘Nude’ lip liner.”

Accompanied by “some flattering vintage Levis, a simple black or white tank top, some gold hoops and a neutral colored blazer. I will wear this during the day with some sneakers, and some little heels at night,” revealed Teigen.

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A woman of determination and strength, proving to retain that elusive status, relevance, Teigen intends to continue building her empire. “My main focus and priority right now is Ziin Beauty. This is what the next chapter of my life is going to be all about and you can definitely expect some amazing things to be coming your way soon!�

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Intended for the beautiful moments, Russain fashion label - RASARIO - pays tribute to femininity and sexuality with opulent bows, bustier dresses and that perfect tailor-made fit.

By Jessica Grace Booker

R

ASARIO

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The evening has begun to wind down into a delicious breeze, and the once-clandestine stars are daring to make their appearance in the night sky. The energy of the room is still abuzz as you find yourself surrounded by friends and family united in blithe celebration. You capture the attention of your contemporaries with your poise, everyone is beaming; but perhaps not as well as your own ensemble. From the “second-skin” feel of the tailored fit to the saturation of the print, you can’t help but feel positively regal with each step; and others take notice as well. Your dress becomes a natural extension of your own charisma and confidence, flattering every unique aspect of your feminine figure, giving you permission to shine as an individual who encompasses every aspect of womanhood.

You are a vision.

But the question is, WHO are you wearing?

If Moscow-based visionary designer Rasida Lakoba has any say, you would be donning a piece from her luxe label RASARIO. The Russian designer has been digging deep into explorations of fit and femininity in pursuit of producing pieces that speak to the highest levels of womanhood. Since 2012, the atelier has embodied the culmination of revelry, refinedness, and revelation as the brand seeks to amplify every woman’s quintessential beauty, making women feel most confident and most like themselves.

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The line dares to galvanize the feminine spirit, that it might allow for every day and occasion to feel like a party. When asked about her philosophy, Lakoba revealed, “The art of making a huge celebration, gathering friends and family and showing up in a stunning, gorgeous look at the same time that is what our lives should really consist of !” If her success is any indication, the fashion world agrees.

A native of scenic Abkhazia, one thing is immediately clear, Lakoba listens. She listens to the lilting cadence of the stories that women tell with their bodies, their hands, eyes, or even the careful movement of their neck. She listens to her clients all across the world and allows their demands to play out in the commissions she fulfills across international markets. But her listening also makes her among the more savvy players in women’s fashion today. “I had no mentoring or specialized experience before I started RASARIO,” reflected a pensive, but grateful Lakoba.

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Only a mastermind can translate inspiration from the colors of her motherland and famous artists such as Nicholas Roerich into statement pieces that speak to a woman’s own beauty and story. The grounded designer has also rooted her collection in the “legendary bustier dress” (released with every new line), which gives her the creative license to then take exceptional, but calculated risks with big pay-offs for those who endeavor to wear RASARIO. One cannot simply listen to these stories of women and dedicate their lives to outfitting them while speaking directly to their souls through fashion, and not also be about the business of uplifting women. Her entrepreneurial approach to fashion speaks to this as RASARIO is clearly intended to make space for women to arrive exactly as they are - daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, professionals, girlfriends; and to step into the oft forgotten role of Queen.

While not rooted in conventional design education, the designer has been intentional about learning everything regarding dress construction and the production process.

Merging the artistic nuance with the methodological demands of her brand, she has shaped her perspective regarding fashion as a business. “It’s more business to me than anything else,” expressed the couture connoisseur.

She spends a good amount of time listening to the market and meeting the demands of increasingly globalized trends.

“RASARIO is a fashion business, not fashion aiming to become a business one day,” posits the creative, and it is her very commitment to this notion that has allowed this fashion business in particular to gain so much notoriety.

It appears that Lakoba is also a practitioner of patience, as she waits for timing to play out just right. This can be seen not only in her partnerships with A-list celebrity stylists, but also with the incorporation of stylistic elements that, introduced at another moment in the brand’s lifespan, might otherwise have been ill-received. Specifically, Lakoba mentioned the use of an animalistic print that the line had not considered before. “Time came though,” she noted, “and this idea seamlessly matched the whole artistic concept.” Similarly, the concept of the large, opulent bow that she referred to as a “literal anachronism” at one point in time, is now such a staple for her United States audience that it’s absence would be inconceivable. Seems the RASARIO owner is just as patient with divulging her next steps as she prefers to “keep all the information regarding our future collections a secret.” The suspense might kill us, but we all know that it will be well worth the wait!

Lakoba deepens her definition of what it means to be a “RASARIO woman” with every design, “And I dare to hope that I create it right,” she challenged herself. When a woman feels her most beautiful in one of her dresses, then she is free from competition with others and allowed to truly be joyous.

That is what empowerment is made of and for that, we salute her.

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MASCULINE MUSE Photographer: Katie Sudekova Model: Gytis Gedvilas

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The French model, influencer and designer shares her love of simplicity, the iconic Lauren Hutton and creating Bleu de Vous.

By: Errin Taylor Maye With her perfected French girl pout, porcelain skin and effortlessly tousled waves, the model and influencer’s over one hundred and twenty-five thousand Instagram followers live vicariously through her. From documenting her jet-setting excursions to Indonesia to her French bohemian chic, Coachella style, Chloe Lecareux is stunning, free-spirited and très magnifique.

Between Paris, London and Mauritius, Chloe is showing no signs of slowing down.

The twenty-four-year-old will tell anyone this all happened by chance, “I was really young when I started modeling. It happened by accident! I was fifteen years old, waiting for my friend in front of the restroom when a scout asked me: ‘how old are you?’ I was thinking that it was the security of the club so I pretended I was eighteen. After that, I moved to Paris to give it a try while I was studying styling on the side. In the beginning, it was only a money job, but it became a full-time job really quickly. I don’t regret anything, it was the perfect way to get other opportunities. However, I’m really grateful for where I am now and I wouldn’t go back to full-time modeling,” shared the now designer.

The Très Magnifique

Chloe Lecareux

With a helping hand from Instagram, Chloe utilizes the platform’s visibility to share opinions and ideas. Those ideas have flourished to turn the model and influencer into a public figure and, more notably, an entrepreneur.

Lately, eco-friendly fashion has been etched in designer and consumer minds finding sustainable alternatives to save the planet. At the height of building a brand, Chloe can now add sustainable fashion activist to her résumé. With the creation of the ‘Brooke Denim Jacket’, made from recycled plastic bottles, Bleu de Vous has established itself as a brand to watch.

With fans like Kylie Jenner, Bleu de Vous offers pieces from silky wrap dresses to cut-out one-pieces, incorporating Chloe’s own French chic style, and personal inspirations, “I wish I was born in the 70s and 80s. All my inspirations are from Lauren Hutton, Romy Schneider, Ursula Andress and vintage Sports Illustrated,” shared the fashion connoisseur.

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Before launching the Mauritius-based company, Chloe knew she wanted to have a brand of her own. At age sixteen, she turned her dreams into a reality while attending The École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de La Mode in Paris.

“When the opportunity came to create my own pieces, I jumped on it,” she recalled. “It’s like the dream of a little girl becoming a reality. My brain is constantly creating new ideas and patterns.”

Inspired and obsessed with vintage photography and style, the French simplicity is what truly inspires the designer.

“I think fashion in France is way more simple. Women are effortlessly chic, while in America more is more.”

Chloe continues to credit metropolitan New York City and London to fueling the world’s melting pot of personality, “It’s like watching a rainbow, everyone looks so different from each other, it’s really inspiring.” At the end of the day, Chloe works to remain true to herself, her true style, and personal mantra: “Be yourself and trust the journey.”

Spoken like a true Frenchwoman.

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“Be yourself and trust the journey.”

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CARLO SESTINI

By Heather Marie Combs

In and out of top Ateliers and jet-setting across Europe, the menswear maven unveils all things luxury lifestyle and fashion. The twenty-five year old model and digital influencer is proof that like style’s never-ceasing need to evolve, an enthusiast in fashion never ceases to innovate.

No longer are the gatekeepers of the fashion industry defined by decades of apparel design experience or years behind the pages of high-end magazines.

Today marks the reigns of the fashion world in the hands of digital influencers and social media trendsetters like Carlo Sestini, a dapper man always with one hand in luxury and one hand in fashion.

No stranger to the insecurities endured in young adulthood, the advocate encourages his following to feel comfortable in their own skin and to banish the Chiseled features. judgement of others. “I also value being able to use my That suave debonair. platform for great things,” A stylish humanitarian expressed the influencer, “such advocating personal style as promoting charities or sending positive messages to my audience, and a healthy lifestyle. where in a social media driven world sometimes the messages For Italian native aren’t always positive.”

Carlo Sestini life is anything, but ordinary.

Based in London, the sculpted socialite grew up in Florence and moved to Switzerland to compete for skiing in Italy - the start to his other passion, fitness. “Most people don’t know that I used to ski professionally for Italy. My favorite past time is going to the gym. It makes me feel so much better both physically and mentally and makes me much more productive,” revealed Sestini.

With that effortless ‘cool guy’ persona, the polished fashion connoisseur has always been passionate about this ever-changing and illustrious industry.

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“I love getting dressed up and sharing content on my social media, slowly it transformed from a hobby of mine into a career,” heartened the jet-setter.

In an often considered female-centric industry, the masculine trailblazer noticed and encouraged the element of self-expression in this personal and influential art of style. “Fashion allows you to present yourself in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable. I think with social media the number of male influencers are growing steadily, however I don’t find it a challenge, as I stay true to my own style, personality and content. I just love what I do! With social media I believe gender doesn’t matter anymore and everyone has their own voice,” shared the Italian entrepreneur.

Photographer: Siermonde The Look: Canali

In some ways, the category “male influencer” is an unexplored market providing an array of unique opportunities and experiences. His advice? “Stay true to your own personal style while also having fun with fashion and be kind.” It is that raw, honest authenticity and humble kindness that will distinguish yourself from others. More than a trendsetter, Sestini is an influencer expertly crafting a signature of classic and masculine with the perfect touch of formal.

The world traveller finds inspiration for his personal style from each newly explored destination. “I recently

went to Hong Kong and was so inspired by the fashion there. I feel they are quite ahead of the game and have their own distinct aesthetic which is very cool and eclectic. I tend not to follow trends, I more stick to classic masculine silhouettes,” he revealed.

Keeping his handsome fate close to his designer belt, Sestini made light of some exciting projects on the horizons of his already less the conventional life, “and I cannot wait to announce them,” teased the menswear maven. “You’ll have to stay tuned!”

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DOWN UNDER influence of m a r i a m.seddiq

From Down Under to the South of France and back again, Australian designer looks back on childhood and a European excursion that led to a luxury brand.

By Errin Taylor Maye Photographer: Jeremy Choh @ Jane Artist Management Stylist: Liv Rahme HMUA: Ania Milczarczyk Model: Beti @ Chic Management

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Both ready-to-wear and bespoke, Australian private sales atelier m a r i a m.seddiq has grasped intricate design aesthetics comprised of sculpted tailoring, dramatic drapery, and masterful hand embellishment. For five years, the Seddiq brand has left a lasting impression on the industry, as well as clients, crafting each individual piece by hand, ensuring to retain their Australian integrity. During an in-depth interview, need-to-know designer Mariam Seddiq discusses how her background, a love for painting, and Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie inspires her and her self-made label. “I love that our clients get to experience the whole process when they come in for their private shopping appointment or to make custom orders; from sketches to dresses in progress, to our showroom with all our products.”

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia and having both parents from Kabul, Afghanistan, gives Seddiq that perfect “bit of flavor,” as seen sewn and stitched into each crafted piece. “The richness in handicraft I saw in my first visit to Afghanistan last year was extraordinary.

Painting and art is a huge thing for me,” exposed Seddiq, “As I started with art first then it translated into fashion when I was 16. This is thanks to my uncle, whom I grew up with and is an insanely talented artist.”

Photographer: Jeremy Choh @ Jane Artist Management Stylist: Liv Rahme HMUA: Kristin Brett @ Work Agency Model: Hannah Miller @ Chic Management

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Photographer: Julian Rinaldi Stylist: Liv Rahme HMUA: Chloe Langford @ DLM Models: Ellie & Niamh @ IMG Models Sydney

While reminiscing back to her childhood, Seddiq explains the one connection between fashion and individuality. Having a mother dress Seddiq and her sister, four years younger, as one may call “bookends,” will say the moment having scarred her, understands the importance of dressing different personalities; and that form of motivation is instilled in the brand.

“I think individuality is super important.

Knowing what you love and what you like and not being afraid of this. Expressing it and developing this is key. Fashion to me means diversity. It is an expression and I believe nowadays anything goes. Fashion makes everyone feel good and I love making my clients feel amazing with every piece.”

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With much appreciation to Italian luxury brand – Accademia Italiana - Arte Moda Design (University in Florence) – Seddiq’s taste for highend fashion, curiosity about fabrication, draping, and unique techniques was kicked into high gear.

“It was a great opportunity to further my skills, but also to observe the European culture and fashion, as well as, absorb the art and history.”

From creating a sonic buzz across Europe (she has a cocktail named after her in Monaco at Hotel Hermitage), the French architecture is what has truly inspired the Seddiq brand to take on more structured risks. “I am inspired by, I would say, architecture. It really gets me. Dubai is sci-fi and new. I always like a mix of old and new. Structured and drape. That balanced mix gives everything flavor.”

Structured and strong, the Seddiq brand mirrors its pieces after influentially strong women. From the founder’s mother, Mary Seddiq, to Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – the brand’s very first muse for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia New Gen collection – even dark poetry and beautiful photography speaks to the strength and mood in every woman. “My collections are more of a ‘mood’ rather than a concept or inspiration. The entire collection needs to carry out this mood at the moment. [During the runway show] The model needs to morph into this mood when walking for me. I want the girls to march with fierce eyes, no arms or hips. It’s quite powerful,” exposed the designer.

For the upcoming seasons, the latest Seddiq collection is currently the new direction of the Aussie native label. With signature blazer cuts, liquid metallics, masterful pieces and a unique collaboration with an abstract artist, creating one-off pieces, Seddiq has essentially designed prized selections of beautifully tailored suits for their clients to personally create. Tailored to one’s individual taste, environment, and flair, Seddiq’s structured pieces fuse the founder’s own obsession with Marlene Dietrich and Daphne Guinness in layered boss suits. “We have built a client base that loves unique pieces as opposed to commercially-mass produced pieces. So we want to build an element of dream and fantasy. That old school vibe in the modern world and the art of my structural couture pieces.”

Want more? Surprise, the m a r i a m.seddiq brand is expected to land and launch in the United States later this year.

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Photographer: Julian Rinaldi Stylist: Liv Rahme HMUA: Chloe Langford @ DLM Models: Ellie & Niamh @ IMG Models Sydney

Photographer: Julian Rinaldi Stylist: Liv Rahme HMUA: Chloe Langford @ DLM Models: Niamh @ IMG Models Sydney

Photographer: Jeremy Choh @ Jane Artist Management Stylist: Liv Rahme HMUA: Ania Milczarczyk Models: Natalie Sole @ Chic Management 64

Photographer: Julian Rinaldi Stylist: Liv Rahme HMUA: Chloe Langford @ DLM Models: Ellie & Niamh @ IMG Models Sydney

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PLAY NICE Photographer: Crystal Flores Models: Brittany Hoffner, Emily Shriner

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Earrings: Manuel Sanchez

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Minimalistic brand

– BEVZA –

promotes elegance, sophistication, and a new vision for women of the world

By Errin Taylor Maye

BY UKRAINIAN INFLUENCE 70

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lot can happen in six years.

For BEVZA founder Svitlana Bevza, the fashion label has garnered worldwide attention, but just as any up-and-coming brand entering the scene, it started small. Launched as an atelier in 2006, the Kyiv, Ukraine native’s local label, eventually and successfully, entered international exhibitions by 2012. With a minimalistic approach, this Ukrainian label has solidified its own bid as a leading powerhouse.

The thirty-six-year-old entrepreneur and mother pays homage to her heritage, drawing inspiration from her first leading lady, her mother. At a very young age, four-year-old Svitlana sketched her own “fashion house,” “Literally two houses drawn with models and with wardrobes inside,” reminisced the now designer. What started out as a dream for what would later become Bevza spawned an interest into motivation; and a young Svitlana was forced to be resourceful. “[Ukraine] was pretty closed off from all the information abroad.

All that we had were some foreign magazines or video clips of celebrities, so our style and the style of our mothers formed in a pretty specific way because of the deficit of foreign clothing. That is why it may be interesting to the other worlds because my style preference is formed by what I saw in those times.”

it is – long or short, in the summer or winter, evening dress or casual – in every collection. White has become the main color in the label, very popular.”

Praising key roles played by her mother, specific details informing style in Ukraine is noticeable in the label’s own design processes. “We had a bag, for instance, four or five seasons ago, which was literally like a bag from a supermarket. So, the inspiration is taken from the things that are so regular to the world, but that in our country was a deficit and made some value. There are also some hidden things in Bevza that go to Ukrainian roots. There is a great culture that was forgotten. It was hidden away.

Now Ukrainians are starting to remember ethnical things and wearing it.”

Their signature item, the white dress.

Pure, angelic, and a clean slate.

Inspired by figures and life events close to home, Svitlana did all that she could to establish herself as a designer. Marking her spot in history, Bevza became the first Ukrainian designers to win Vogue’s International Talent contest. Fully aware of the great potential on the road ahead, Svitlana realized taking the label abroad was the best way to go.

From Vogue recognition to New York Fashion Week, the journey to establishing Bevza in the eyes of international media only confirmed the brand’s powerful influence. Built on elegance, Bevza gravitates toward styles that are not only wearable and feminine, but sophisticated. For Svitlana, hype and noise tend to surround the industry and the Ukrainian designer is rebooting ‘80’s and 90’s minimalistic pieces, silhouettes, and trends. “There are so many details that I use in Bevza, just remembering what women wore in Ukraine in the late ‘80s and ‘90s.”

Their signature item, the white dress. Pure, angelic, and a clean slate. “We always do this item whatever

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Debuting Bevza’s 2019 Spring/ Summer collection, Svitlana dedicated the designs to her newborn daughter. Arriving just in time for the collection’s inception, her daughter inspired the most feminine of all Bevza collections. While vacationing in Greece with her family, the new mother intrigued over the Mediterranean Sea, seashells and mussels, translating the collection into something more than just nautical accessories and shell bras to accent dresses, tops, and swimsuits; but rather a more powerful metaphor. “The shell keeps something inside. Be it, a pearl. Every woman, to me, is kind of a pearl.

She is precious. There must be something inside the dress, some soul. So, I based this collection around that philosophy.”

Svitlana places past and present Ukrainian women at the forefront of her inspirational tactics. “[Ukrainians] love to dress up and they love to look sophisticated. America is always bright and open minded, which I love, but countries that surround Ukraine are more conservative in styling, I think.

As for the next collection, and the main thing in whatever I do, I’m trying to create things that can live a long life.” Investing in quality pieces is what Svitlana understands being the end result for female consumers.

“There are a lot of now classic silhouettes that are easily combined with other pieces from the wardrobe, and yet they have some sophisticated signature details, be it a very high-quality dress or trench coat that can be here in a year, or in five years, based on relevance and style,” exposed the designer.

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Bevza has established itself as a sustainable luxury brand, even known to reuse stalks of fabrics and recycled plastic in collections, “I think that there is so much overproduction in our world,” expressed Svitlana. “I am always against fast life, fast food, and fast fashion.”

On the latest fur band, Bevza has done away with animal harm and introduced an alternative take, “We launched the signature theme as fur coats, like buffers – there is no fur or feather inside – they are designed as iconic fur coats, classic from the ‘80s and ‘90s. We are very active in Ukraine against the fur farm movement and we promote very conscious ways to use fashion.”

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“Fashion to me means possibility. Being elegant is much more than the ability to be dressed in a minimalistic way. It is a way of life, and it is an attitude,” encouraged Svitlana. “How you treat your family and friends, how you act and how you talk…

Elegance is something that is forgotten. And in a good way, for me, it must come outside. So, we promote elegance as a way of life.”

Sophisticated, elegant, and sustainable are just the ways to describe this Ukrainian brand, but what Svitlana has built over the years has become a beacon of promise. For Bevza, the possibilities are endless and international eyes are watching.

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AUSSIE ARTISTRY

Australian artist Charli Burrowes discusses her latest film, what truly inspires her day-to-day creations and finding creative freedom amid societal gatekeepers

By Errin Taylor Maye

“I find my inspiration in Wes Anderson films, black and white movies, Paris, old movie posters and the art direction of 1940s vogue and 1960s playboys,” explains twenty-eight year old Charli Burrowes artist, film maker and all-around creative. The Brisbane native, having been raised in what she describes as the “country,” but to us in the states being the Australian Outback, spent her childhood reading and watching 80s VHS tapes via her mother’s video store. Clearly Burrowes was destined to make art, “I had a little art shed outside to make a mess in,” laughed the Brisbanite.

While many discovered inner artistic abilities later in life, for Burrowes it began as early as preschool.

“When I was five, I went to an art gallery with my preschool and got a little bit lost for a while on my own,” reminisced the artist. “When my teachers finally found me, in front of a large complicated piece, they asked where I’d been and I told them quite happily ‘I’d been in the painting’, then proceeded to list everything I’d done there – in detail. My teachers must have thought I was bonkers – wild little imagination.

I always loved finding stories in artwork.”

As an artist, creative and bona fide storyteller in the age of digital space and Instagram, Burrowes has solidified a loyal cult following since her debut exhibition. Her most recent film, Bloom Girl, 80

premiered amongst multiple cinemas, each cultivating a crowd of more than two-hundred collectors and fans, including the likes of Kerrie Hess, Yorke and Feki, with tickets sold out in just twenty minutes – a film she describes as being “the middle finger to corporate film studios and society”.

As a female director, the production has been deemed an emotive piece of work from collectors and fans alike.

With its global reveal, digitally as any hustling millennial would, Bloom Girl takes place in a dreamlike state. Filmed and produced in Italy – with a production team of just five and a shoe-string budget – Burrowes successfully raised funds through the sales of her previous artwork collections, selling out in less than a week. “We live in an age where the traditional gatekeepers are being pulled down,” Burrowes noted.

“You don’t need a movie studio to make a film. If you have an audience – even a small one – it’s enough of a reason to try.”

Gaining freedom and giving gatekeepers that middle-finger, Burrowes – being a film school drop-out – has since made it a mission to tell the story of Bloom Girl and future works in a truly authentic and unique way. Her latest work being strictly black and white, mirroring her love for the classics, “My pieces are all in black and white, because of the black and white films I watched when I was little.”

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“I have always had a passion for film,” exposed the female director. “I love the idea of timeless pieces that feel old world and the stories behind them. The little films I make about art, that’s where I get to be colorful.” Art becomes personal, tangible pieces evoking feeling to whomever becomes the beholder, Burrowes understands that art affects viewers in a variety of ways, including her own works. “It’s quite overwhelming sometimes. People send me long beautiful letters and messages about how the work has affected them. And that means more to me than anything else.”

Looking toward the future of digital work and forward to sharing it all with her online community, the Aussie creative wants to bring her love of film and filmmaking to the world of Instagram for those that want to be a part of something real. “I started doing film and screenwriting courses at university, but they told us we’d be lucky if 1 out of 200 got a job in the industry, and the chances of ever seeing your own work on a big screen were one-in-a-million,” Burrowes addressed.

Seeing this as a tough break, it was not the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a new journey.

“I started making short 1-2 minute films on Instagram to tell the stories behind the artwork I was creating; but the films started getting longer and longer, to the point where I went, well, fuck it, can we bring them to the big screen? I feel like the inspiration behind the work is just as important as the art itself.”

We are truly watching art unfold.

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Behind the scenes with CHARLI BODE Magazine: What does fashion mean to you?

Charli Burrowes: Everything! It’s self-expression at its best.

BM: Describe your personal style: Does your artistic endeavors play a role in your fashion?

CB: Absolutely. I’m always going through phases – at the moment it’s a bit Courtney Love meets Bardot.

Probably because my next series is inspired by those two women. I tend to wear what I’m working on.

BM: Native to Australia, have you noticed any differences in art and fashion amongst the different countries?

CB: Only that fashion here is very slick and less colorful at the moment, and fashion in Europe is booming with color.

BM:What is your go to fashion look? Beauty look?

CB: Big thick lashes and a honey brown lip, teased up do and black velvet bow. A little Bardot.

BM:: What is next for Charli Burrowes?

CB: A book. Hopefully out by the end of the year!

The sophisticated style setter and Aussie native shares the fashion insider’s secret of dress from cultural immersion to vintage infusions.

By Jessica Grace Booker Twenty-three year-old fashion influencer Izi Angus might currently be preparing for winter in her native Brisbane, Australia, but this stylist’s foray in to all-things-fashion is quickly heating up! And how could her momentum be stopped when it appears to be rooted in such genuine gratitude as hers?

From landing a job at the original Princess Polly store to the enviable amounts of international travel, one can sense just how grateful Izi is for the exciting opportunities she’s received and is earning her success on her own terms.

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Keenly in touch with her ever-evolving sense of style, Angus draws from some of the world’s finest fashion mecca’s, truly speaking directly to her own penchant for vintage infusions in her outfitting. Distinctive interpretations of classically feminine silhouettes grace her Instagram feed, where her appreciation of curated vintage elements comes to the fore. She’s a learned fashionista who will be the first to admit that inspiration can come from anywhere. “I feel like you always have to be on the look out: sometimes inspiration is in a pile of clothes on ‘that chair’ in your room,” she mused. From “that chair” in your bedroom to runways to breezy coastlines, it is Angus’s hyper-vigilance that allows her to condense the array of inspiration into a wonderfully accessible need-to-know style.

“I love creating looks when I’m overseas with pieces I pick up along the way,” revealed the style savant.

No matter which corner of the earth Angus might find herself, this beauty remains true to her styling process. “I’m big on lips and thick brows,” notes the self-professed natural makeup lover, “So the rest I like to keep simple.” Her minimalist process gives way to outfits that speak for themselves as she masterfully marries negative space to more “busy areas” through accessorizing. A scroll through her Instagram will demonstrate just that as she is unafraid of textures, asymmetry, layers, or patterns; but her commitment to finding the most outstanding fit will continue to guarantee that she turns heads, no matter the function. “My priority when styling my looks is that it suits my body shape and makes me feel good,” exposed Angus, which speaks to the versatility of her choices and her dedication to making sure that each piece is worth its investment.

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Perhaps it is this very versatility that allows Angus the confidence to be open to the oft-times dizzying international influence she is exposed to. While rightly lauding the expansive opportunities for expression presented

by New York City’s massive scene, Angus finds herself weighing the influence of the Big Apple and Japan.

“I found Japan to be up there as well, and the vintage in Japan is beyond incredible,” admired Angus when asked about the most fashion-forward place she’s come to experience.

Her attention to details such as these has allowed her to pivot from simply being interested in fashion to actually being at the helm of Brisbane’s fashion scene. “When it went from wearing the clothes I used to make myself, to brands wanting me to wear their clothes,” Angus realized that the legitimacy of her platform was positioning her to demonstrate the possibilities for other young people with similar aspirations; but don’t be mistaken, Angus didn’t simply luck into this platform. Her work ethic and dedication are extremely clear by the copious amounts of engagement and real-time research she conducts all over the world. Whether she’s drawing inspiration from

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old-town Havana, revisiting her brief childhood home in London, or vacationing in Bali, the stylists cultural immersion emboldens her to experiment, and often.

Simultaneously, we learned that Angus takes comfort in her own organization and readiness, a direct result of her “OCD playing its part,” she laughed.

Her risk-and-readiness approach has yielded some of our favorite looks, which seem to be equal parts wayward whimsy, classic monochromatism, and athletic detail. So what is next for the rookie-aged starlet with the coveted style? Angus hopes that it will indeed be “something big”, but doesn’t appear too pressed. Perhaps because she is using her rapidly-growing Instagram platform to drive inspiration amongst her peers? Or maybe she is certain that her unrelenting momentum will propel her to new heights? Or maybe she’s excited for new fashion fodder as she plans her next round of travel? “I’m looking at another Euro Summer, New York again at the the end of the year, and the beautiful Western Australia for Christmas,” shared Angus, which guarantees that the Down Under has much greatness in store.

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New York City Brand

Takes on ‘Less Is More’

and Sustainability Seriously AMUR leads the design industry with a playful aesthetic, simultaneously protecting nature

By Errin Taylor Maye

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Born in New York City from a concept and philosophy that great style does not have to come at the expense of our environment, AMUR – A Mindful Use of Resources – leads the design industry with a playful aesthetic balancing beauty and good intentions.

Taking heed of those inspirations, AMUR’s favorite trend right now: sustainability. “We aim for sustainability to be the new normal. There are so many ways to approach it and every aspect has an equally important role in the bigger picture of making fashion in a better way.”

Known for feminine silhouettes, floral prints and bold colors, AMUR strives to combine two things – the reflection of the world around us and the expression of our individual selves. More than just fashion, the New York label is a lifestyle, drawing inspiration from the designs of William Morris to the artwork of Paul Klee and Claude Monet, and even to Bali in the 1970s and architect Luis Barragan. Founded by Mitchell Hops, CEO of JS Group, inspiration for these sustainable game-changers boils down to what is speaking to the AMUR team during a particular moment in time.

Since the launch of the brand’s first collection in Spring 2017, AMUR has followed a solid approach to design: focusing on fabric, “All materials are sourced with an eye toward environmental good, whether organic and natural fabrics, reclaimed fibers that conserve material resources, or trims made by artisan collectives in the developing world. While it’s an evolving process, one we’re continually striving to improve, each piece in the collection embodies a singular philosophy: that mindful living will always be in style. It’s an approach that’s woven into our very name. AMUR believes nature is the ultimate luxury. The interplay between creativity and the environment is essential to the brand’s world view.”

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From Brides to Vogue to Marie Claire, and almost every high-profile fashion magazine on the shelves, the AMUR founder’s journey to luxury sustainability branched from personal experiences, in turn, leading to making better choices for the brand and the customer. Opting for eco-friendly beauty products – cue Kourtney Kardashian – the everyday AMUR customer is incorporating environmentally friendly efforts into their day-to-day lives, changing the types of food they eat and buying more sustainable clothes.

“Working in the fashion industry made us aware that the small changes made in our personal lives could have a much larger impact if better practices were implemented in our work lives,” shared the label.

Launching an eco-friendly brand has its challenges, “‘What style would this look good in?’ or ‘Is this fabric special enough?’ We have to dig deeper and ask things like ‘Where is the content of this fabric sourced from?’ and ‘Can this be developed organically or with regenerated yarns?’– information about our materials that usually would have gone unquestioned. Because of these extra obstacles, there is also an additional challenge of finding fabrics that are special enough and add something new to the collection.”

Looking to the future, the AMUR Pre-Fall 2019 collection drew inspiration from the works of Mexican architect and engineer, Luis Barragan. “The bold pops of colors that can be found in Casa Luis Barragan located in Mexico City, obviously translated in our color block looks from the season and mixed in a more feminine way in our signature print pieces. Something to also note about this collection is we explored the use of viscose in a bigger way.”

Introducing new categories of knitwear, outwear, and tailored pieces, AMUR continues to keep the environment in mind, “The viscose fiber we use is always sustainably sourced and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified from either the Austrian company, Lenzing, or the German company Enka.

This type of viscose broadens the types of materials we are able to use, and therefore, also broadens the type of product we are able to offer.”

Looking forward to upcoming AMUR collections, the team continues to keep the customer at the forefront asking: “What coat does she have in her closet?

What kind of suit is she wearing?”

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LINA

TESCH

They say, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and for photographer and art director Lina Tesch her eye is as sharp as they come.

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ehind the muted colors, ethereal subjects and sexy and subtle pieces, it is evident that whether the world is ready or not, Lina Tesch is taking over and this is just the warm up.

Currently living and creating in Berlin, Tesch’s creative abilities have stretched far beyond country borders. With more than two-hundred thousand Instagram followers, admiration and praise have come far and wide as developing creators flock to catch a glimpse of what Tesch is working up behind-the-scenes.

In 2018, Tesch debuted her prized portraits at the Galeries Lafayette in Berlin. Over the course of a three-week display, recipient of rave reviews, could curator be the latest endeavor?

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BM: What do you value most about your platform as a public figure?

LT: I think it’s great to be able to inspire other young photographers, not just photography wise, but also in other areas that are important to me. It seems like my platform as a public figure gives me more power to state what’s important for me on shoots, like not using fur or exotic skins on photos.

BM: What is next for Lina Tesch?

LT: I have had the privilege of being able to work very successfully in Germany in recent years and would now like to focus more on international productions and to network even more with other artists worldwide. Having an agency in the US is something I would like to achieve this year.

BODE Magazine: Tell us about you and your first experience with photography: Lina Tesch: I was born in Hamburg, Germany and I grew up during the early days of social networks and photography was my medium to express myself there.

First I took pictures of me, then of friends, and as I got better and people liked my style it opened a door into professional photography. As a daughter of a stylist, I actually always wanted to study fashion design and I still always have an eye on the styling on my shoots - especially as I do the art direction on most of those shoots, too.

BM: Where do you seek inspiration for your photographs?

LT: I read a lot of magazines and I have an addiction for photography books. I get inspired by the work of artists from the fashion business such as photographers, hair stylists, make-up artists and models with a strong character; but also by artists from different fields, such as painters, musicians or sculptors. I love to travel, seeing other cultures and landscapes for sure always has a huge impact on my photography.

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BM: What does fashion mean to you?

LT: Fashion allows one to express one’s personality or mood. That is true for both my personal style and my style of photography.

BM: Based in Germany, have you noticed any differences in photography style compared to the other countries?

LT: There is a difference in how people work based on where they live (America vs. Europe) - there’s even a difference within Europe itself. For example, I really like the Scandinavian photography and its minimalism even if it’s not my personal style of photography, it inspires me a lot. Even though I live in Germany at the moment I get mostly inspired by the style of American photographers – I like the strong, self determined, powerful nature of some U.S. artists and I can imagine living and working in New York in the future.

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Russian Doll Photographer: @fefefoto Also photos: @tricky_beaver Makeup & Hair: @bykanova_katerina Model: @lanaleroy Dresses: @katesofficial

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GOLDEN HOUR Photographer: Olya Helga Model: Yana Puninskya Hair & Makeup: Anastasia Vavina Dress: Sasha Tori

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MINIMAL EFFECT Photographer: Scott Kelly Model: Manon Reiz

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4521 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 1911 Highway 17N, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

(704) 532-9041 (843) 606-2558

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