Red Silk Carpet #61 Feb 2021 by Shelly Jernigan Pekala

RSC#61Feb2021

On the cover Valeria Sizova Miss Multiverse 2020

INFINITY EVENTS

DIOR Rocco Leo Gaglioti

FNL

NETWORK

IDFW

International Digital Fashion Week

NIZIE

Russian Entrepreneur, Model, and Influencer Va l e r i a S i z o v a , Wo n M i s s Multiverse 2020 By Saif Rahman Sozib Q. What time do you wake up to begin your day?

I wake up at 7 am unless there's a job that starts earlier. I do enjoy early mornings and productive starts to my days. Q. What would you would never leave your home without?

Without a spare pair of comfortable shoes for driving, walking when parked far away from locations. Since I am on heels for a decent amount of time a day, I started to pay attention to giving my body a bit of break in between. Cash is also something I get when

leaving home for any emergency.

Q. My favorite travel snack is...

I always have face mist to hydrate my face, and neck, paw lip balm, and hand cream with SPF. Our face, neck, and hands are some of the first apparent parts of the body that age and get dry… I'm fanatically keeping them hydrated at all times.

I am not a fan of snacking. Being a qualified personal trainer, all I can say is where the major problem of overconsuming calories comes from. But If I have no time for a meal, I will have unsalted nuts to keep me going through the day. A bottle of water is also handy as most of the time, people are confused whether they are hungry or just thirsty.

Q. My biggest fashion pet-peeve is…

Q. The last thing I googled was…

This is something I am guilty of myself…I tend to wear my gym gear when shopping, driving, or at casual coffee catchups. I absolutely love sporty outfits and spent more money on cool joggers than heels. By the way, I never found heels that I can wear for hours with no pain or blisters; with sneakers, I can excuse my pet peeve!

I am the type of person that sometimes responds to messages with memes instead of texting. Hence the last thing I googled was 'freezing meme' to express how I feel about my dad enjoying his day, saying that it was only -24 today, and he went for a nice walk. How did I even make it all these years in Russia? I can only wonder…

Q. What do your beauty essentials include ?

Q. What if your days had one extra hour?

I would definitely be looking into doing another course, learning a new skill, or language. For example, after being a part of the Miss Multiverse TV reality show, I am searching for a public speaking trainer or a course that I can undertake to improve my public speaking technique, and work on my accent. We can never know and learn everything, but we can at least try. Q. On a typical Saturday night…

I work most of my weekends as we have shows, choreography work, and rehearsals. So, my typical 'Saturday' would be a Monday, which I usually spend cleaning the house, making plans for a week ahead, calling parents to check on them, groceries, preparing meals for a few days.

Q. What is your favorite article of clothing you like wearing most?

I ‘ve got to be honest with you. I am currently locked up in quarantine in the hotel room. I bought a couple of nice comfy pajama sets, and this is all I'm planning to wear for a few days aside from my gym wear for quick workouts—just a bit of rest from our everyday dressed-up looks after Miss Multiverse World finals. Q. What is your biggest fashion regret ?

We are all guilty of becoming a victim of fashion one day. Mine was drawing massive dark eyebrows, which never suited me. Years later, I deleted every single photo of me with that 'trending fashion look' and pretend it never happened :) Q. What do you do when you are stressed?

I get very quiet. I usually have a short inside conversation with myself to calm my

nerves, explain why I am nervous, and justify why I should calm down and handle the situation better. It always works, and I never let my stress take the worst out of me, but that, of course, comes with practice. Q. What I love most about my country is…

I love how diverse Russia is in the sense of crazy time zones difference we have all in one country; temperature coverage from -40 to +40; centuries of history you can never learn. The population of over 145 million people spread over 2 continents.

Russia is the world's largest country in total area with borders of 14 other countries. Of course, I am very proud of our rich language that sometimes makes zero sense to people for translation.

For example, we say 'Yes no probably'…would you know the translation to that phase?? Trust me, it makes perfect sense to a Russian person! Q. What is the best advice you ever got?

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was, education is the best investment in yourself. Q. If I could meet anyone living or dead, it would be.

My top 3 would be: Henry Kissinger. I started to admire his work when I began my Bachelor's Degree in Political and Sciences, majoring in Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney. Brilliant politician, diplomat, and very intelligent man. I read all his books, watched movies, followed his work, and learned a lot from his great mind. Michael Jackson. He is an absolute legend of the

music and dance industry that personally affected me and, of course, generations after generations. Emilia Clarke who had 2 brain aneurysms, and suffered from aphasia, which is a language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate that can't be cured. What type of mental and physical power she has at such a young age to go through this, not giving up, and work in the biggest Hollywood productions that require tones of the script to remember and act. Just mind-blowing. Q. Where is your favorite place to shop?

I am all about productivity, so online shopping is my favorite place to shop. I am digitally signed up for my favorite shops, so when there is a sale happening or a new collection, I can have a quick look, press a button to purchase, and get delivery to my door. How convenient!

Q. What designer made your dresses for semifinal and final?

I was fortunate enough to meet a RussianAustralian designer that created dresses that were handmade specifically for my semifinal and final Miss Multiverse events. I have been the face of this couture style brand for over a year, and you can check out some of her amazing designs at

Princely boutique and online https://www.pri ncely.com.au

Follow the website: www.missmultiverse. com Sponsor: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

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CARPET FOR

Magazine

Feb ru a ry

2021

B e s t M e d i a P a r t n e r s o f t h e Ye a r A w a r d

COVER STORY

INFINITY EVENTS

Russian Entrepreneur, Model, and Influencer Valeria Sizova Miss Multiverse 2020

SINGER Hing Zhe Lee MODEL Jessica Testardo LAURA

PHOTOGRAPHERS Louis Capizzi

DESIGNER DIOR NIZIE Kiki Wang Aldé Baran House

JOURNALIST Saif Rahman Sozib Louis Capizzi

STYLIST Eve Balbis FNL NETWORK FOUNDER FERRARI MASERATI

Rocco Leo Gaglioti

RED Silk Carpet Magazine CONCIERGE

MEDIA

GROUP

SANDRA SMITH- DOGHMI Founder and President SHELLEY PEKALA Editorial Director MIKAYLA PEKALA Editor-in-Chief C RY S TA L A T WO O D Assistant Editor in Chief DION GREER Chairman of Board of Advisers SAIF RAHMAN SOZIB International Communication Jour nalist Director LUCIA CAPRÌ Red Silk Carpet Italia Editor-in-Chief GUTHRIE BONNÉTT #ATOC Editor-in-Chief SOPHIA CIN CINFULLY DELICIOUS Editor-in-Chief LOUIS CAPIZZI International Photographer shelley@redcarpetconciergeofchicago.com

Media Council for

Red Silk Carpet We are building an exceptional Media Council to assist the Who's Who Production Guide. This council will guide new talent through their experiences and their talent.

SHELLEY JERNIGAN PEKALA ANGEL KNIGHT ATO C G U T H R I E B O N N É T T JERREE DE LUNA DION GREER G U Y A S PA G N O L I M A R C E L L A S PA G N O L O LOUIS CAPIZZI LO R E N C A LV E RT ROBERT BROOKS JR M E R L E TAY LO R JIGAR SHAH S A N TA N A C R U Z DONNA SOUSA

M U H A M M A D FAWA D N O O R I GABY HAAS AMY JO RICHARDS © Red Silk Carpet Feb 2021

VIP - EVENTS 2021 SPRING-SUMMER 2021 - HAUTE COUTURE SPRING-SUMMER 2021

BEATRICE BORROMEO - 01/25/2021 Beatrice Borromeo wore a Dior Spring-Summer 2021 blue cotton denim jumpsuit, a Dior printed silk and cotton scarf and Dior sneakers. COPYRIGHT: Dior

YUKO ARAKI - 01/25/2021 Yuko Araki wore a Dior Spring-Summer 2021 blue cotton and linen jacket with a grey light linen and cotton chambray skirt. She also wore a Dior veil and Dior sandals. COPYRIGHT: Dior

ORA YANG - 01/25/2021 Ora Yang wore a Dior Cruise 2021 striped white and blue cotton dress with a Dior belt. She also wore Dior jewelry and J’Adior slingback pumps. COPYRIGHT: Dior

MARIA BAKALOVA - 01/25/2021 Maria Bakalova wore a Dior Fall 2021 red silk georgette D-Leopard Pop blouse with red wool shorts and Dior shoes. COPYRIGHT: Dior

SARA SERRAIOCCO - 01/25/2021 Sara Serraiocco wore a Dior Fall 2021 red patent leather jumpsuit with a Dior black leather bag, Dior socks and Dior shoes. COPYRIGHT: Dior

PHOEBE DYNEVOR - 01/25/2021 Phoebe Dynevor wore a Dior black leather bustier with a white cotton shirt and black wool and silk pants. She also wore Dior shoes. COPYRIGHT: Dior

CARINA LAU - 01/25/2021 Carina Lau wore a Dior Winter 2020-2021 embroidered black tulle dress. COPYRIGHT: Dior

ERIN O’CONNOR - 01/25/2021 Erin O’Connor wore a Dior Pre Fall 2021 "Dior Mille Fleurs Pop" cotton and silk jacquard coat with a white cotton shirt and blue cotton pants. She also wore a Dior Caro black leather bag and Dior Babies red patent leather shoes. COPYRIGHT: Dior

VELOVE VEXIA - 01/25/2021 Velove Vexia wore a Dior Cruise 2021 silk shirt with a white silk skirt and a camel leather belt. She also wore a mini–Lady Dior bag and J’Adior slingback pumps. COPYRIGHT: Dior

ROSE WILLIAMS - 01/25/2021 Rose Williams wore a Spring-Summer 2021 "Dior Jardin" pattern cotton denim jacket with a "Dior Jardin" pattern cotton t-shirt and Dior Cruise 2021 blue cotton pants. COPYRIGHT: Dior

GALA GONZALEZ - 01/25/2021 Gala Gonzalez wore a Dior Cruise 2021 white cotton and silk canvas sleeveless top with white and grey large stripes and matching pants, a black Dior Caro bag and Dior sandals. She also wore a Dior Joaillerie Rose des Vents necklace. COPYRIGHT: Dior

NAIAN GONZALEZ - 01/25/2021 Naian Gonzalez wore a Dior Cruise 2021 grey silk and cotton sleeveless jacket, a printed grey cotton t-shirt and a white and grey large stripes cotton and silk skirt. COPYRIGHT: Dior

LENA MAHFOUF - 01/25/2021 Lena Mahfouf wore a Dior Cruise 2021 embroidered colored dress and J’Adior slingback pumps. COPYRIGHT: Dior

Ferrari Maserati Model: Laura Designer: Kiki Wang Photographer: Louise Capizzi

Designer Shoes: Aldé Baran House Photojournalist - Louis Capizzi - Red Silk Carpet Video Backstage Maxim Forest

“ Each model is hand manufactured in the best tradition. Raw Materialsleather, silk, suede, satin, laces… - are chosen with great care, while uppers and linings using only the best leather and hides are then hand-sewn over refined spike heels.”

Designer Kiki Wang

Designer shoe: Aldé Baran House Model: Jessica Testardo Makeup: Eve Balbis Hair Backstage Hairstyle Photojournalist -Louis Capizzi Red Silk Carpet Video backstage Maxim Forest

Designer Kiki Wang

Designer shoe Aldé Baran House Model Jessica Testardo Makeup Eve Balbis Hair Backstage Hairstyle Photojournalist Louis Capizzi, Red Silk Carpet Video backstage Maxim Forest

Designer Kiki Wang

Designer shoe Aldé Baran House Model Jessica Testardo Makeup Eve Balbis Hair Backstage Hairstyle Photojournalist Louis Capizzi, Red Silk Carpet Video backstage Maxim Forest

Designer Kiki Wang

Designer shoe: Aldé Baran House Model: Jessica Testardo Makeup: Eve Balbis Hair Backstage Hairstyle Photojournalist Louis Capizzi, Red Silk Carpet Video backstage Maxim Forest © Red Silk Carpet Feb 2021

Designer Kiki Wang

Designer shoe: Aldé Baran House Model: Jessica Testardo Makeup: Eve Balbis Hair Backstage Hairstyle Photojournalist Louis Capizzi, Red Silk Carpet Video backstage Maxim Forest

Designer Kiki Wang Designer Wang Designer shoe: Aldé BaranKiki House

Designer shoe: Baran House Model:Aldé Jessica Testardo

Model: Jessica Makeup: Eve Testardo Balbis Makeup: Eve Balbis Hair Backstage Hairstyle Hair Backstage Hairstyle Photography Louis Capizzi, Photojournalist Journalist, photographer - Red Silk Carpet Louis Capizzi, Maxim Red SilkForest Carpet Video backstage Video backstage Maxim Forest © Red Silk Carpet Feb 2021

COUTURE shooting collection Kiki Wang fashion designer and Maison Aldé Baran Designer LUXURY SHOE. In an idyllic setting within the Domaine des Oliviers de l'Estérel, one of the most exclusive properties on the Côte d'Azur. "Le manoir" a splendid residence with an exceptional view over Cannes and the Lérins Islands' bay. Seasonal Rentals, Weddings, And Events - High Standard Services. www.domaines-de-provence.com KIKI WANG - AN INTERNATIONAL FASHION MASTER Awardwinning Hollywood celebrity fashion designer. She has dressed celebrities all over the world. Has publications in numerous magazines, TV programs, and social media platforms around the world. Instagram / Facebook is Kikiwangfashion www.Kikiwangfashion.com. Aldé Baran House, AN EXCEPTIONAL WORLD AROUND LUXURY SHOES Aldé Baran, founder and designer, Italian by origin, his collections, represent excellence. A bold and sophisticated interpretation of the shoe. The perfect unusual combination of lines, colors, and exclusive materials is loaded with elegance's originality without forgetting comfort and convenience. www.maison-baran.com Photography Louis Capizzi - Journalist, Photographer - Red Silk Carpet Makeup Eve Balbis #Muse Jessica Testardo #Hair Backstage Hairstyle #Videobackstage Maxim Forest

RedSilk SilkCarpet Carpet Feb ©© Red Feb2021 2021

Malaysia Singer Hing Zhe Lee By Shelley Pekala

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the young songwriter Hing Zhe Lee has been representing southeast Asia, collaborating with big names in the music industry. Hing has been working on his craft since adolescence, but his major achievements began when he first captivated the attention of Reshma Martin, a famous Malaysian singersongwriter. Since then, he has worked with her as a guitarist and as a songwriter. He moved to Los Angeles to enhance his skill set and connect with industry members through the famous College of Music, LACM. At just 19 years old, studying in Los Angeles. Hing has made it an easy transition to working with some big names in the industry. He has written with Marko DeSantis (guitarist of Sugarcult), Brett Perry (composer for that 90's show) and Lisa Harriton

(Grammy Awardnominated songwriter), and more. This has led to Hing connecting with the world-renown songwriter Kasia Livingston (Songwriter for Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls, Jessie J, etc.). Hing and Kasia have been working together closely for over 4 years, writing the songs "Heaven," "Hate," "Stand Up," and many more, making up Hing Zhe Lee's upcoming debut album "Love, Death + Destruction." When Hing crafts a song, the legendary songwriter, Kasia, will sharpen it up. The duo works excellently together, and we are highly anticipating their future releases. Another two big and rising artists in the industry that Hing work with are Joe Ryan III (songwriter/producer who has worked with The Jacksons, Leela James, etc.) and Velia Kalypso

(Latin American singersongwriter who has performed with La Sonora Dinamita). The trio wrote the earcatching song "Go-Go" that is soon to be released but has been played live at venues around LA like Gengis Cohen, Old Towne Pub, Memorial Park, etc. Velia Kalypso performed a song written with Hing's name "Hombres De Sudor" during an opening act with La Sonora Dinamita at the Levitt Pavilion. Hing Zhe Lee has proven himself time and time again as an extraordinary and prolific musician. We are excited to hear his upcoming music, specifically his forthcoming album that'll be released in 2021! This artist shows promising signs in his career so far, and we look forward to his future as a part of the music industry.

When did you start singing?

I started singing when I was 7, my grandmother used to request songs from me, and I would sing to her. When I was 10, I was in a school choir, and then I picked up the guitar when I was 14 because I was researching Youtube about bands when I came across Metallica and thought, wow, that's cool. I want to be like that. That was when my passion for music started, like creating guitar parts and lyrics and all that kind of stuff. How did you start singing?

I had an office job before, but I did not enjoy it. I had a long, hard thought about it and discussed it with my parents. I told them I did not want to do this. I can't, and I don't like it. That is when I decided that music is for me. It has been a part of me, and it is something that I love and have a passion for writing music, playing the guitar. That's when I decided to leave everything,

I had in Malaysia to come here to pursue my musical career, and I went to school here for music. Has your family supported your dream of being an artist?

My mom used to play the violin, then she stopped. My dad will, once in a while, pull out the harmonica and play it. They have always been supportive because their son has something passionate about music and not bad stuff. What did they think when you told them you wanted to move to Los Angeles?

The timing was a little odd. The day that my parents decided I should pursue music was the day when my grandmother passed away. My father was skeptical of me going to the US to make music because of the stigma. The day that my grandmother passed away, I was devastated as I was really close to my Grandma. So, I felt the need to write something. I wanted to write a tribute to my Grandma that says I love and miss her. © Red Silk Carpet Feb 2021

My dad heard the song piece and was impressed with it. He said it was pretty good. He said he would not pretend that he understands it, but it is good and was the right decision to let me go to the US to make music. Who are your music influences?

Two of my biggest influences would be Metallica because they are the reason, I picked up the guitar, and I have always wanted to play in a rock band in a huge stadium, it's like "THE DREAM." The second would be the Taiwanese singer, Wang Lee Hom. That was my musical inspiration when I was a little kid before I picked up the guitar. I wanted to be like that, like an artist. What is your main focus right now?

Right now, I am mostly a songwriter. I write music to pitch to movies and series, I write with other local artists. Sometimes a producer needs a session singer or a guitar player. I can do that.

How has Covid affected your career?

What do you want to present to the world?

I cannot personally go out, and my band cannot meet up, so now I am doing a little bit of everything—pitching, mostly songwriting, composing, and proposing it to movies and series.

I like to show my roots through my music. I am not afraid to incorporate Chinese melodies, Indian rhythms, and even the sound of Malay Kompang into my music.

What projects do you have in development? As of now, I'm working on four folk indie songs to be pitched for an upcoming comedy movie about two brothers. I'm also working on my personal music with a producer friend who will be releasing a song within next month. What inspires you to write a song?

By anything that inspires me, I can play a video game about samurais and get inspired from there. In fact, I have written about four-five songs from a video game. Just driving down the freeway here in the US with my girlfriend, something as simple as that. Literally, anything can inspire me to write a song.

I like to blend something percussive and aggressive, traditional yet modern. That's what I feel is different compared to other artists in the US. Ever since I came to the US, I have always wanted to incorporate these sounds. When I create music, I want to show people a little piece of me that you can't see. I want to introduce the people here where I am from. I want to show all these different cultures that I grew up with, such as the Malay and Indian cultures, to blend them together to show who I am. Tell us about your band.

They are all based in LA. They are not from Malaysia and from across the globe. Our differences are big from culture and sound. © Red Silk Carpet Feb 2021

My guitarist Sebastian Jimenez is from Mexico. The way he plays is tasteful with a Mexican vibe. My bassist, Austin Ching, on the other hand, is from Hong Kong. He is trained in Jazz that adds a different element to my music. The drummer is Max Bryman, is American. Stylistically I think he and I are the most similar because we are both "metal" guys.

He understands the rhythm, and he is really good. Very versatile, and that's how our band is. What was he best moment in your career?

Being so close and working with so many big names in the industry that has written for Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Flo Rida, Cheryl Cole. All these opportunities and these people I have worked with is something that I could only dream of doing back then before I came here. What do you think about the Malaysian music scene as compared to the US?

The music scene in Malaysia feels like home. It feels like we are all in this together, as though we are a unison. We create music together, then write, and it is very like home, whereas here it is very industrialized. Of course, music is seen as creative art, but it focuses on business since it is one of the US's biggest industries. A song in Malaysia might be something close to your heart because you are passionate about

someone, whereas here, it is just numbers. The best advice was given to you? From one of my teachers in the US, "nothing is impossible because every barrier is just a hurdle. If you fall down, stand up and come back stronger. There is a point that you cannot give up and that you have to keep pushing forward. If you push hard enough, you might find something at the place you want to go. It

really resonates with me. I push my boundaries to make myself relevant in such an impossible industry because music is hard. It's coming out of nothing.

Today I may not have a song that will make you cry, but tomorrow I might come out with a song that touches you. It's such an impossible thing with music. It is literally making something out of nothing.

Gurdeep Singh Rai Tina Chandorkar P r a s h T h e v a & S u n i t Ve k a r i a H Dhami Antonio Rubel Marvin Nonis UK Ahsan Raja Shehroz Shabbir Elma Aveiro Hajar Karim Feroze Khan Zarnish Khan Anastasia Lordanidou C hir awa n Lew is - Ja l Fa shions U K Chloe Bella Armstrong Dr M Malik Masarrat Misbah Ja my -S ing er / D J Ja y K a mir a z a k a M r Fabul ous Jemelin Ar tigas Sonia Aksi Shrai Mashru Aisha Sadiq Ms.Q Parfum Nadia Ahmed

FNL NETWORK

IDFW

International Digital Fashion Week

A Conversation with FNL Network Founder Rocco Leo Gaglioti Media Co-ordination Saif Rahman Sozib Contributor Samantha Martha Rocco is the founder and President of FNL Network, a worldwide TV network that millions of people watch from all over the world. Everyone can watch it. They just need to install the app on their smart TV or smart device. Click here https://beacons.ai/f nl.network. He is also the founder of International Digital Fashion Week, the first and largest digital fashion week globally. Rocco has won many awards for his TV shows and films and has also won CEO of the year two times. He has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Taste

Awards in Hollywood, California, for his contribution to the global fashion world. Not only is Rocco just a great guy, but he is also a huge powerhouse in the fashion industry, and there is nothing that can stop him. Why did you decide to start the FNL Network?

I decided to start FNL Networks because I really wanted to create a grassroots network that wasn't run by a corporation. I think there is something to be said for grassroots and non-corporate run coronation networks and companies. People who work for FNL Network and all the projects we are involved in doing everything out of passion. We do it out of love. We don't do it because we have to do it or because of money. We do it because we have a passion for sharing our incredible content with the world. That's why I started FNL Network, to

do something different like no one else has ever done. The type of programming we have and the new things we are doing, such as International Digital Fashion Week and International Digital Fashion Week Competition, is like no other. No other company is doing what we do. We are the first, and it's an amazing feeling to work with an amazing global team. That's why I started it. Do you see the International Digital Fashion Week (IDFW) being substantial post the Covid pandemic?

International Digital Fashion Week and International Digital Fashion Week Competition are here to stay forever. It's not going anywhere. The reason why is because it's accessible to everybody. Fashion lovers and buyers can watch all the fashion films from the safety of their homes.

Designers that want to be part of IDFW will have to apply online with this link http://fnlnetwork.co m/international-digitalfashion-week/. Once they are approved by the board, the designers will get an Invitation letter and be onboarded. The IDFW channel is broadcasted on the FNL Network, which is free for anyone worldwide to watch on their smart devices. It's 100% free. So, absolutely it will be 100% sustainable. If one thing good has come from the pandemic, it's the inspiration I got to make International Digital Fashion Week the future of fashion.

Are there any designers you are excited to showcase this season?

Yes, but you can't make me choose just one. International Digital Fashion Week is the only one of its kind. We showcase hundreds of designers from all over

the world. When you watch it, it's like taking a trip around the world through fashion. You get to see the culture; you get to see the passion and see it through fashion. It's beautiful. It's a global experience from the safety and comfort of your own home. I think there are many people out there excited about it. What is your personal favorite thing to check out on the FNL Network app?

That's a great question, and no one has ever asked me that before. That's the beauty of the FNL network. I love watching all of our content, it just depends on my mood, and I get really inspired by it. Most recently, it's been International Digital Fashion Week. I really enjoy fashion and music. And there's plenty of shows to binge with over 100 designers from all over the world involved. It reminds me of my team and how amazing everyone is. Before IDFW, I watched many

City Showcase because it's like walking down memory lane for me, but I know my team agrees it's one of our favorite shows. Street Style I watch regularly see how people put their fashion together and get inspired by how people wear and put together different pieces. FNL Vintage is fun for me to watch because it brings back many years of memories that I've been in the business. I also want to let everyone know that you all can get FNL Network for free with this link https://beacons.ai/f nl.network Photo-credit: Douglas Bassett The artist for the IDFW poster is Gjorgji Despodov.

Here is a link to the promo video for IDFW https://www.yout ube.com/watch?v=GRrp kFKG-Z4

NIZIE T h e m o s t F a m o u s C r i m e a n Ta t a r Fas hi on Des i gner

Nizie Emirshah, is the brilliant Crimean Tatar mind that is behind the fashion brand NIZIE, and she's an ambitious and talented fashion designer. She skillfully intertwines the Crimean Tatar ethnic elements with avant-garde. Nizie believes that design isn't always about fashion but about searching for individuality. She has previously won a Grand Prix in the "Ethno Podium" contest. She has also shown her collection in Milan and Paris and has been invited to show her collection at New York Fashion Week and Dubai Fashion Week. NIZIE will also be

showcased in Singapore on the ASEAN International Digital Fashion week 2021. Her folklore designs of the Crimean Tatars mix ethnic allure, constructivist lines, and contemporary coloring decisions and fabrics. You can check her past collections on the FNL Network alongside her newest collection that is appearing on FNL Network's International Digital Fashion Week with this link https://beacons.ai/fnl.ne twork What inspired you the most when you were working on the collection?

I love what I do. I don't see myself anywhere else. It is very important for me to engage with art, be free, and do what I believe. I believe I can achieve great results and levels in fashion design and promote Crimean Tatar culture to a greater level. I want to do this very delicately. Sometimes people may not understand how Crimean Tatars wear their clothes, but they will produce them because they like these clothes. I will know that I have done this by myself and that it has a deep meaning.

It is very important for you that the designs are not harmful to the environment, and this collection is made of eco-friendly fabrics. Is there any specific aspect of the way you work with these fabrics?

We used natural fabrics and eco-friendly fabrics in the collection. I rejected the synthetics. Because we harm ourselves when we wear synthetics, we harm nature by using many different fabrics. It was important for me to use eco-friendly fabrics, but since this sector has not grown much, I couldn't find all the fabrics I needed. Therefore, we have both eco-friendly and natural fabrics. We ordered the fabrics from China. It is not inexpensive to find them and bring them here to Russia. Also, the costs are higher when

producing something experimental—a lot of work done for the implementation of this collection. Besides, we have created a special ethnicpatterned fabric for this collection. Such a fabric has been made for the first time. For a long time, I was dreaming of bringing Crimean Tatar rug patterns into fabric. I've never seen that anywhere before. Nobody is interested in doing it at the time. But we did this. It is a unique fabric, and it has very old ornaments on it. The ornament itself is a rhombus, symbolizing a woman's belly. There is a child in the belly, and thorns symbolizing protection around the rhombus. And in fact, all these show that the lineage will continue.

How important is it to preserve old ethnic motifs in modern clothing?

I think it has meaning. Who are we without our traditions and our past? We have a culture, characteristics, and history. They live in ourselves. And our characteristics should be expressed in some way – through clothing, accessories, music, or dance. And even if it is impossible to avoid globalization, we can at least partially protect our culture.

Media Coordination: Saif Rahman Sozib Contributor: Samantha Martha