Collective Magazine Volume 2 Issue 12 Aware by The Collective Mag

Volume 2 / Issue 12 / AWARE / JUNE 2012

Anthony Elgort, Nick Onken, Nicol Ragland

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MASTHEAD

We Made This ÂŠ Collective Magazine 2012

Editorial & Fashion Director

Eryka Clayton

eryka@thecollectivemagazine.com

Creative Direction

Beauty & A Beast info@beautyandabeast.com

Contributors

Gianni Arteaga, Kelly Brown, Steven Burton, Hassan Christopher, Anthony Elgort , Casey Geren, Anja Grassegger Vincent Lowel , Erin Mack, Nick Onken, Caroline Ramos, Tahari Roque, Sherilyn Segal, Lexi Swain, Thora, Kerrie Urban, Joanne Vo, Alexis Walker, Ise White

Editorial Submissions

submissions@thecollectivemagazine.com

Art Director

Rich Clayton

rich@thecollectivemagazine.com

General Information

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EDITORs LETTER

Dear Collective,

Leading up to this issue I was in dire need of a break! Reading my mind - as always - my soul sister Lindsay recommended a trip to Jasmine Spa & Wellness Center. Inauspiciously tucked away in the rainforest of the Cordillera Septentrional region in the Dominican Republic, it sounded like just the ticket: Without hesitation I packed a bag and booked a flight.

share with you: The state of being aware, this issue’s theme, was perfectly exemplified by the outlook and actions of our hosts, the Kara family - founders of Jasmine Spa & Wellness Center and their resultant mission to create change for good in an extremely economically depressed mountain town. Jump on over to page 41 to find out more.

The universe works in all kinds of mysterious ways. Within hours of arrival I knew that this place was not only going to serve my personal needs but also be the kind of enlightening and inspirational experience I would have to

In addition, we have some phenomenally expressive and emotionally engaging work from Nicol Ragland, alongside a thoroughly immersive and politically charged piece from Steven Burton... we hope these artist have the same profound effect on you as they did on us.

Finally, I am so proud to announce the launch of our new initiative: Black Market. Launching with an event in Pasedena, we bring together the best in interdisciplinary creative, thought and execution in a showcase of not only individual work but strictly limited edition collaborations exclusively for the Collective family. Look out for the event report online and in our next issue for more details. This is such an exciting time for the entire collective and none of it could have come about without us all taking stock and becoming completely aware of the phenomenal talents and vision that surrounds us: Here’s to you Collective!

Eryka xo

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AWARE

AwARE

a●ware |əˈwe(ə)r| adjective [ predic. ]

having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact: most people are aware of the dangers of sunbathing | I am well aware of the problem | [ with clause ] : he was aware that a problem existed | as far as I’m aware, no one has complained. • [ with adverbial ] concerned and well-informed about a particular situation or development: unless everyone becomes more environmentally aware, catastrophe is inevitable | a politically aware electorate.

a●ware●ness |əˈwe(ə)rnis|

noun

knowledge or perception of a situation or fact: we need to raise public awareness of the issue. there is a lack of awareness of the risks. • concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development: a growing environmental awareness. his political awareness developed.

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IN THIS ISSUE

is this the real life? A warped view of perfection from the uber talented Anthony Elgort

inequality of life A politically charged statement piece from Steven Burton

documenting aid

new york minute

A haunting snapshot of photojournalism from Nicol Ragland

A modern day fairytale from Nick Onken

jasmine spa

superhero academy

A brief respite that provided a jolt of inspiration for Editor Eryka Clayton

A glorious exploration of movement from Anthony Elgort, with movement direction from industry heavyweight Hassan Christopher TIP: Use the contents button to jump back to this page at any time

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contributors

steven burton

Anthony Elgort

Hassan Christopher

Born in Manchester, Steven moved to London with a degree in graphic

Influenced at a young age by the photojournalists and art

Hassan Christopher is an interdisciplinary artist with a focus in

design. Here he was scouted as a model, traveled the world and

photographers of the last century, Anthony Elgort grew up wandering

choreography. For this work he has been awarded the Lester Horton

was afforded the opportunity to work with many of the top fashion

the black and white streets of a raw downtown New York with a

Innovator award, an NACCP award and numerous nominations. He approaches

photographers. Picking up a camera for a solo trip to Tibet was the

Rolleiflex, hunting down the dynamic and visually intriguing. He has

visual art from a kinetic perspective working with elements of space,

beginning of his love for taking pictures and the experiences it

lived around the world and explored many aspects of photography, but

shape and directional energy to express the beauty of the human form in

provided. Now between NY and LA when not taking pictures you will find

his work still contains that initial curiosity and energy that gives

motion while creating a snapshot of the invisible connection between

Steven roaming the earth looking for adventure, surfing or both.

a photograph lasting power. He lives in Venice with his dog, Piglet.

thinking and moving.

stevenburtonphotography.com

elgort.com

hassanchristopher.com

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NICOL RAGLAND

DOCUMENTING AID SHOWCASING PHOTOGRAPHER NICOL RAGLAND

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documenting aid

As a documentary photographer, I’m intent on getting to the heart of an unfolding story. I focus my attention on finding the inner parameters of a community and uncovering a truth of human emotion that lives beyond facts. Working on international assignments for non-government organizations (NGOs), my intention is to capture photographs that authentically reflect reality. Traveling among third world countries, it becomes evident that quick-fix solutions are primarily useful for addressing crises, and even at that, don’t last terribly much longer than on-air press coverage. It can be challenging to attempt to document the results of even the noblest NGO efforts. While there are many variables that create this challenge, it’s clear that there is a need to shift from traditional quick-fix solutions to long term development and sustainable programs. The majority of aid organizations give through unsustainable efforts; the food, medicine, building of schools, all come with a large degree of dependency on western finances, infrastructure, foreign materials and sourcing. It’s a story without an end. During my time, traveling through third world countries, I’ve often wondered what the world would be like if the humanitarian impulse for generosity resulted in true empowerment; what if those receiving the aid became independent of the organization giving it?

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documenting aid

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documenting aid

The inspiring work of the NGO, World Neighbors, answered that question within the morality of their actions. On the forefront of making a difference, its mandate focuses on creating sustainability and self-reliance in communities and individuals, so that people can empower themselves independent of the NGO. Ultimately the NGO becomes dispensable.

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The World Neighbors approach to humanitarian aid is, without a doubt, leaving impoverished areas with a deeper understanding of not only their relationship to each other and their communities, but also with a reverence towards humanityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inextricable link to this earth of ours.

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documenting aid

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documenting aid

we’re here to help you empower yourselves

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documenting aid

I’ve photographed three international assignments for World Neighbors in three different countries: Tanzania, Indonesia and Timor-Leste. In each area, as part of the preparation, I had the privilege of participating in meetings with World Neighbors staff and local NGO partners during discussions of obstacles and successes pertinent to their efforts in the field. I heard villagers ask for more money, for bicycles and cell phones, thinking that is a byproduct of interactions with traditional organizational approaches. It was enlivening to witness the World Neighbors staff engage in diplomatic conversations as they listened to requests for material and monetary help, then respond powerfully with “we hear you but we’re here to help you empower yourselves.” The evidence of its impact is everywhere: I continually heard success stories, all reiterating evidence that the work of World Neighbors is not only relieving poverty and disease but strengthening the development of dignity, collective thinking and a very rare holistic approach to sustainability.

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documenting aid

It’s a story without an end. © Collective Magazine 2012

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documenting aid

I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but recognize how applicable the World Neighbors programs are to the conditions of the entire world. First world or third world, we are all in dire need of collective thinking, natural resource management, climate change adaptation and autonomous sustainability. My vision as a photographer is to provide an artful conduit for images that reflect the dignity and essence of humanity, to create holographic reflections that bring us together as whole. Coupling my intention along with forwarding World Neighbors efforts, I can only hope that the photographs will translate the magnitude and influence that the organization has created. World Neighbors: wn.org Nicol Ragland Photography: nicolragland.com

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ANTHONY ELGORT

Anastasia (left): Dress, Gypsy Junkies Necklace, Micha Design Tianna (right): Sweater, Margaret O’Leary Headpiece, Miss G Designs Choker Necklace, Evil Pawn Necklace, Shannon Koszyk

Photographer: ATHONY ELGORT Fashion Editor: Eryka Clayton Make Up: Caroline Ramos Next Management Hair Stylist: Vincent Lowel Next Management Assistant: J.Vo Models: Anastasia K Pinkerton | TIANNA Ford

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is this the real life?

To me it’s real,

What is real? Who have you become When you were not looking?

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is this the real life?

Tianna (left): Swimsuit, Nicolita Cover-Up Fornarina Necklace, The Passionate Collector Bracelet, Liz James Anastasia (right): Vest, Nikki Rich Swimsuit, Becca Top, Nikki Rich Bracelet, Blue Candy

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I w e n t t o s e e my s i s t e r, b u t s h e d i d n â&#x20AC;&#x2122; t l o o k a t a l l l i k e m e I tried to look behind her eyes. What would I find there? Would she waken and become me? Were we the same beneath Or had we g rown into something different? Did our habits make us different? Is reality really made up of actions? Is it really? Are you sure?

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is this the real life?

I went through the woods and over the river But as I approached the ref lection I felt confused.

Jumper, Gypsy Junkies Swimsuit, Bettinis Headpiece, Miss G Designs

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is this the real life? What did we have to do with each other? Who can you trust? What makes this time the time that is real? Can you know When the self is in flux?

Shorts, Gypsy Junkies Top, Wish

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Top, Gypsy Junkies

is this the real life?

Ring, Shannon Koszyk Necklace, Liz James

I saw her hair ,and it was not the same shade as mine I saw her lips, and they were not the same color as mine I saw her eyes, and they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look back at me I w a i t e d fo r h e r, a n d I e x pected silence --but the gawking ÂŠ Collective Magazine 2012

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is this the real life?

Vest, Gypsy Junkies Swimsuit, Culture Swimwear Necklace, Liz James Bracelet, Gypsy Global Chic

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When you dress, who do you dress for? When you awaken, who hears you?

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is this the real life?

‘Its an immediate thing’ I don’t wait for nobody

Daylight in the window is strength in a box There are no bad guys here-- who says?

Swimsuit, Culture Swimwear Top, Wish Bandana, Ban.do Necklace, Elephant Heart Necklace, Elephant Heart

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is this the real life?

T wo different skins Written upon you, inside you, before you

Tianna (background): Pants, Nikki Rich Top, Gypsy Junkies Necklace, The Passionate Collector Anastasia (foreground): Top, Gypsy Junkies Necklace, The Passionate Collector

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is this the real life? No some pre owned piece of crap thought. But immaculate perception. Leave us together in this room When you come back, what will you expect to find? Unmask again, crack on. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

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is this the real life?

Help the other out of here. I suspect the suspect intent, don’t you? If you cant see it, remember it’s always out there. It’s got to be. Don’t leave until you are sure.

Dress, Gypsy Junkies Necklace, London Manori

MORE ON THIS STORY

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STEVEN BURTON

Photographer: STEVEN BURTON | Stylist: ISE WHITE, Artists by Timothy Priano | Make Up: Sherilyn Segal, Artists by Timothy Priano Hair: Casey Geren, Artists by Timothy Priano | Assistant: Tahari roque | Model: ana, Wilhelmina

Words cannot adequately encapsulate how much we admire this woman... although they can describe the frankly terrifying consequences of (intentionally or otherwise) divulging too much information regarding her upcoming projects (an un-named, exceptionally powerful and respected organisation just happens to have a little more legal expertise than we do here at Collective towers)... so fingers crossed that 1. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get sued, and 2. We can tell you enough about her to explain just how awesome she really is. Whatever happens, when this woman is stood atop the world... you saw her here first.

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INEQUALITY

Brocade Jacket, Malgorzata Dudek

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INEQUALITY

Dress, Stephen Burrows Necklace, Laruicci

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INEQUALITY

Photography by Anthony Elgort Styled by Ise White Hair by Ben Thigpen Make up by Edward Cruz

Sheer Black Dress Over Nude Sheath, Alessandro Dell’Acqua Shoes, Sam Edelman | Stockings, Wolford Ring, Circa Sixty Three | Necklace, Laruicci | Earrings, Laruicci

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INEQUALITY

Dress, Jose Duran Fur Coat, Simonetta Ravizza Stockings, Wolford Bracelet, Circa Sixty Three Ring, Laruicci

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INEQUALITY

Ana (left): Dress, Jose Duran Model (right): Dress, Blank Silk Necklace, Laruicci

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INEQUALITY

Model (sitting): Dress, Blank Silk Jacket, Malgorzata Dudek Ana (standing): Dress, Malgorzata Dudek

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INEQUALITY

Dress, Setorii Vest, Nikki RIch Braided Bracelet, Seize the Garment Silver Interwoven Bracelet, The Passionate Collector

Dress, Blank Silk

Necklace, Seize the Garment MORE ON THIS STORY

Shoes, Plomo

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TRAVEL

Jasmine Spa Words: eryka clayton ÂŠ Collective Magazine 2012

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JASMINE SPA

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JASMINE SPA

Anis Kara is an unassuming woman: Conventionally beautiful, she works tirelessly at the Jasmins Spa & Wellness Centre to provide a truly spiritual experience for a vibrant tourist industry. You could think this typical of the dominican republic… but it is not until you talk to any of the staff, then you start to get an idea of just how grounded, motivated and giving this woman is. Not only does she provide for herself and her family, but she has made it her personal mission to provide for her entire community. It all started a few years ago with a stroll…

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JASMINE SPA

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JASMINE SPA

While vacationing at one of the beach resorts in Puerto Plata, the Kara’s took a day trip to the mountains to get a change of pace. As they walked through the countryside they saw fertility: They also met many of the locals who were predominately farmers: Unfortunately they learned that these farmers did not own their land or their homes - Instead they were paying an average of 40% of farm profits to owners as rent for the land along with a set rate for rent on the farmhouses they lived in, leaving them with barely enough to survive. Life in the rainforest always has a way of presenting additional challenges. From f loods collapsing the roads that lead to the town market, where farmers need to go to sell their produce and chickens, to the rains destroying any potential fire-wood needed for basic survival… i.e. cooking, everyday has its obstacle. So it’s an understatement to say this way of life is difficult.

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JASMINE SPA

This devastating reality lead the Kara’s to realize their true purpose in the Dominican. Before the end of their trip they bought a house and 40 acres of rainforest on Tubagua Mountain. With mamma Anis’ expertise as a Licensed Massage Therapist and the local talent, the idea for Jasmine Spa & Wellness Center was born. The center has now become everything from a day spa for vacationers staying at the beach resorts to a long-stay retreat for city rats, like yours truly, in need of a recharge. The land is rich with an organic garden and fresh mountain water, both servicing the center, the on property restaurant, and the local community. The grounds are dressed with orchids, springs and natural fresh water pools. This place is nothing less than majestic. Six years after breaking ground, Jasmine Spa now supports an entire local economy, with a staff of 16, each from a different family. These employees bring home enough money to provide for their entire families beyond basic needs, thus making it possible for local farms to have greater productivity because of these added resources. There are also entrepreneurial employees like the spa manager Morena. In addition to having magic massage hands and managing the treatment therapists, she has set up a small shop in the front room of her house for the locals. There she sells basic toiletries and small gifts that otherwise could only be bought in the city, a trip most locals still can’t afford to take. But the impact doesn’t stop there.

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JASMINE SPA Many of the employees never received an education past a grade-school level; some never went to school at all. So the Kara’s have fostered a relationship with the local school, discovering that each child is required to show up with certain supplies, if they arrive without them they get sent home. The Kara’s have made it their mission to make sure each child has the supplies they need. So, if you plan to visit please bring pencils, each child is required to have 4. Jasmine Spa and Wellness Center, the perfect mind, body and soul retreat, creator of an economy, and inspiration for creating change has dramatically improved the way of life for the Tubagua Mountain community. I hope their story and state of mind helps build your awareness of your own potential impact at all moments, even when you’re on vacation. We can all change the world.

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ANTHONY ELGORT

O R E H R E P

Y M E D ACA Photographer: ANTHONY ELGORT

Fashion Editor / Stylist: Eryka clayton

Jagger Edge Stylist: alexis Walker walker Movement Director: hassan christopher Make Up Artist: lexi swain Celestine Assistant: Gianni Catalina Arteaga Models: Margaux Elite | mason Vision | Julien Vision | johanna Pinkerton

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY NEXT PAGE, THIS PAGE, PREV PAGE Johanna: Jacket, Bec & Bridge Shorts, Bec & Bridge Tri-Flail Necklace, Jagger Edge Color block Purse, Jagger Edge Julien: Pants, Unholy Matrimony Cardigan, G-Star Shoes, Energie Mason: Shirt, Unholy Matrimony Pants, Unholy Matrimony Hat, G-Star Neon Floral Iphone Case, Jagger Edge Jacket, G-Star Margaux: Tank, Bec & Bridge Pants, G-Star Belt, AMI Bracelets, Azature

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

Julien:

Shorts, Unholy Matrimony American Flag Scarf, Lancioni Shoes, Energie Mason: Sweater, Unholy Matrimony Skirt, Unholy Matrimony

Tulle bloomers, Kathryn Hynes Thigh high socks, American Apparel Vintage floral cotton bra, The Way We Wore

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

Julien:

Mason:

Margaux:

Denim Shirt, Vineyard Vines

Tank, Alkemy

Dress, Izmaylova

Striped Shirt, Signify

Pants, Vineyard Vines

Leopard Pouch w/ Flail Charm, Jagger Edge

Shorts, Alkemy

Shoes, Civic Duty

Rain Boots, Aldo

Shoes, Energie Cufflinks, Elephant Heart

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

! H S

CRA

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

! G N

BA ÂŠ Collective Magazine 2012

Julien: T-shirt, Alkemy Sweater, Alkemy Shorts, Colorfast Shoes, Energie Mason: Shorts: Unholy Matrimony Sweater, Alkemy Shoes, Civic Duty Margaux: Leather Shirt, G-Star Pants, Bec & Bridge Necklace, Azature Shoes, Liliana Johanna: Dress, G-Star Luc-ayte Spike Candle, Native Edge Shoes, Pedro Garcia

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

Gown, Toujouri Hat, G-Star

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

Julien: Pants, Unholy Matrimony Mason: Shorts, Unholy Matrimony | Shoes, Civic Duty Margaux: Dress, Bec & Bridge | White Hang Fire Key Chain (worn as accent), Jagger Edge

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

L L A W ÂŠ Collective Magazine 2012

Blouse, Bec & Bridge Pants, Claudiae Bangles, Elephant Heart Shoes, Pedro Garcia

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

Margaux: Dress, Butter by Nadia | Square wooden Bangles, Flirt

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

! G N I Z ÂŠ Collective Magazine 2012

Shirt, Bec & Bridge Blazer, G-Star Shorts, G-Star Ring, Elephant Heart Shoes, Energie

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

! M A B Dress, Ellelauri Shoes, Pazzle

Hang Fire Purse (worn as belt), Jagger Edge

T Shirt, Shelf made by Kira

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SUPERHERO ACADEMY

Top, Bec & Bridge Skirt, Line & Dot Ring (left hand), Skinny Flail Ring (right hand), Jagger Edge Bracelet, Azature Shoes, Sam Edelman

! ! M O O B