f
i
k
a
m
a
g
a
z
i
n
e
Fika is an online magazine produced by creative souls (aka teenagers). Fika, which means “drinking coffee usually accompanied by something sweet� in Swedish, displays a unique community of writers, photographers, fashionistas, and many more intelligent beings with a voice and a vision.
founder: michelle co-founder: lavinia online magazine editor: cristina
in this issue...
zoe
paige
euphfleure.tumblr.com m-eliorism.blogspot.co.uk
sparkietuft.tumblr.com @primapaige
lavinia
carla
umoyaa.tumblr.com @laviniawoods
cirkotik.tumblr.com @carliss16
michelle
delfina
not--mainstream--enough.tumblr.com @mcope8
lordei.tumblr.com @delfiperino
cristina
danny
nitrons.tumblr.com @criisreverte
axxepting.tumblr.com unflowinq.tumblr.com
NOVEMBER
2014
thank you: sami drasin
martin tadashi
samidrasin.com
martintadashi.com
nathalie saruhashi
michael buckner
zueladesign.com
michaelbuckner.com
gabriella gonzalez gabriellagonzalezz.tumblr.com
contents + 7 8 11 13 15 16 19 36
social media lifestyle health fashion: nyc vs. cali style i’m a barbie girl flash tattoos travel: 9 benefits from travelling tropical holidays gallery: urban outfitters bcn opening party features
22 26 28 34
morgan demeola lexxi saal allie evans melissa adames
SOCIAL MEDIA Ah, in the Empire of Social Media, there’s either a lot you miss out on if you aren’t ‘in’ on it, or a huge risk you’re taking if you enter it. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Youtube, and Instagram – you name it – they’re all the nucleus of our weaknesses or our guilty pleasures. There have been many theories as to how social networks affect teenagers, but what’s interesting is the opinion of how it affects teenagers from an actual teenager. Tumblr is the famous blogging website with 144.6 million blogs and 65.9 billion posts. Tumblr, as stated, is a place where you can “Effortlessly share anything”, but is that a good thing? Among the millions of teenagers who use Tumblr, or any other social networking site, the ability to “effortlessly share anything” must come with some limits, for example, cyber-bullying – a worldwide form of bullying on the internet. Many websites nowadays offer today’s youth the entrance to entertainment and communication with others and the numbers have rapidly grown over recent years. In the early months of 2012, according to the internet world statistics, there were 2,336 millions of beings online, and exactly a year later in early 2013, there has been an increase of about 410 million online users. Teenagers, who are completely vulnerable on the internet, get hugely affected by things said about them on these social networks, but what keeps them coming back? Oyinda, aged 14 mentions the positives about the social network Tumblr: ”The great thing about Tumblr is that you get to be part of something massive, feel like you belong. You meet people with the same interests as you and you learn so much with regards to the environment and social issues. With everyone living in different places around the world it’s a great way to learn about different cultures. Also you get to see such beautiful things on Tumblr and read such amazing things.”
WORDS: Zoe PHOTO: Sami Drasin However, when a teenager isolates themselves from society and, according to statistics, spend up to 31 hours a week upon a computer screen, they may get fooled by the media’s ‘expectations’ of a person, or be brainwashed into thinking what is the right or wrong thing to do in life. The negative side of social networking has a huge impact on young adults. People tend to say negative things online, or post things in the spur of the moment, and the problem with that is that even if you delete your account five minutes later, it’s still stored on the internet; people can still see it and start to gossip. Oyinda, aged 14 mentions the negatives about the social network Tumblr: ”The negative thing about Tumblr is that sometimes people tend to romanticize things that shouldn’t be romanticized. Occasionally, people make serious mental-health issues like selfharm seem beautiful when it isn’t. The problem is that people start to get the wrong idea of mental illness or body image. Tumblr is a form [of] media, and [the] media tend to portray perfect bodies of beautiful women. I think it warps peoples minds into thinking that they have to look this way in order to be seen as attractive.” Social media sometimes glorifies sadness and illustrates the type of bodies’ girls and boys should have. It definitely decomposes the confidence in adolescents and really demoralizes them. I think that, among all of its interesting, entertaining and partly-educational charms, it is very thought provoking and scarily brainwashing, which leads to the question; “Are teenagers happier without social media?” Pamela, aged 16: “I think it might be better without social networks; there are always people who try to bring you down; haters and people who’re judging you by everything. But I still think that we’re happier with social networks; just to talk to someone you didn’t see in a while, or people who moved away out of your city. It’s a way to talk to each other without travelling a lot.” So it seems social media/networking occupies a very special place in some teenagers hearts and seems to be a great way of exploring and experimenting. It does affect teens, greatly and badly, but they appear to observe and responsibly deal with the negative things they face.
fika magazine // 7
Lifestyle.. There is nothing I love more than a party which leads on to a sleepover. It starts off in the evening, everyone buzzing with excitement, listening to loud music, screaming at the top of our lungs, laughing, grinning, and taking silly selfies and videos. There are those spontaneous moments when the constant motion in the air is stopped for a split second because someone holds up a phone and everyone rushes to get into the photograph. The atmosphere is contagious and we’re surrounded by people we love; by people we can have the most stupid conversations with. The food table, which was once organised in an orderly fashion, is now wild and messy in the most comforting way. In parties like this we can literally forget about all the worries that had been burdening us the journey there. It’s the complete opposite of mediating or taking a nap, but has the same principal: forgetting the bad, hurtful, stressful, awkward or embarrassing things and concentrating on the now, our happiness and laughter. Eventually everyone’s bodies become tired but our eyes and mouths are awake, using up the fuel we had saved for this occasion. When the majority of the tired beings have left, we set up the blow up bed and automatically and effortlessly form a circle, chatting and gossiping about the most random topics; some serious and deep and some silly and funny. We hug our pillows to our chests and smile, whilst gently rubbing the tip of our noses on it, silently enjoy each other’s company and thankful for this moment in time when we feel we belong - with people who understand us and people who we understand ourselves. Of course then we sleep; contentment and comfort circling the air and clinging to our sleepy bodies.
WORDS: ZOE PHOTO: LAVINIA and MICHELLE
fika magazine // 8
(c) Freddy Taylor
BG: buglier.tumblr.com (c) Dom Sebastian
Staying healthy is incredibly important. Taking care of your body will link pure happiness to your mind. However, models shown as sticks & bones seem to be most of the girls goal nowadays, something that is the exact opposite of healthy. Here are some tips on gaining not the runways “perfect body”, but the perfect body. First off, EAT. No substituting cigarettes or fluids for solid food. However, be careful with what you eat. Anything processed is a no. Sugar is in almost everything, but omit most sugar from your diet. For example, switch the chocolate cupcakes for a piece of fruit. Switch the diet coke for water. A piece of dark chocolate every once in awhile never killed anybody, but be smart with that you feed yourself. Adding onto that, don’t eat big meals three times a day but also, don’t snack. Now, let me explain. Eating many small meals will enchant your metabolism versus eating huge meals three times a day. However, small meals do not mean snacks. People snack mostly out of boredom. Instead of stuffing your face with a bag of chips, try writing in a journal to keep your hands busy, drink lots of water, or brush your teeth. If you’re not hungry enough to eat an apple, then you shouldn’t be hungry enough to eat the cereal. Be active. Although weight is 80% diet, being active will always be a good thing, physically and mentally. There are many Youtubers who make tutorial videos on gaining certain muscles. Jogging and yoga are also very good ways to stay healthy and get those abs you always wanted. And for special occasions, there is always cycling which I’ve recently tried and love. Just plug in those earplugs and break some sweat. But don’t overdo it, allow your body to rest too. For additional no brainers, sleep and water. I don’t think I have to explain why I added them to this article.
Words: Lavinia
fika magazine // 11
New York vs. Cali Style That’s right, the famous comparison between NYC and LA style. The busy streets vs sunny beaches. Subway vs cars. Empire buildings and Skyscrapers vs. mansions and beach houses. NYC: Lets start with my hometown, NYC. NYC is known to be a lot more grundy with the popular use of dark colors, especially black. Black ankle boots seem to be everywhere I look along with shoulder bags to keep the metro cards safe and lots of leather (perfect for the phenomenal night life). Cali: Barbies hometown, LA is more boho/indie. Depending on where you are in California, you can either be getting a lot of whites and pale colors or lots of neons. Shirts and dresses with a nice flow is definitely popular along with cute golden sandals and beach hats. But lets not stop there, NYC and Cali also have their similarities. Awesome sunglasses, lots of rings, and floppy hats (similar to the Cali beach hat, but not exactly it). Think of Blaire (NYC) vs. Serena (Cali) from Gossip Girl. Or coffee vs. green juice.
WORDS: Lavinia PHOTO: CRISTINA
fika magazine // 13
I'm a Barbie Girl Remember back when you had your first encounter with fashion and style? For some young girls it was watching their mum get dressed, slipping on her heels and finding the perfect pair of earrings, but for the vast majority, it was when they were handed their very first Barbie. The doll has been a controversial figure due to her unrealistic body, but put that aside and owning a Barbie turns you into a personal stylist. Her never ending array of outfits is enough to inspire a little girl, and enough to set off her aspirations of being surrounded by fashion when she’s older. To any young girl, Barbie is the epitome of style and somehow her style has worked itself onto the Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear runways. Did you ever think you would be able to step out of the house in an all pink Barbie ensemble? I didn’t think so until the Italian fashion house Moschino made it possible. Their new collection was filled with Barbie pink, Barbie logos, platinum blond Barbie locks and outfits that look as though they could easily be bought on a Barbie in a box in stores. Jeremy Scott, the creative director of the brand said “Like every girl and gay boy, I loved Barbie…It’s hard not to; she’s practically perfect. Her and I share the same things: we just want to bring joy to people.” This light and fun take on fashion is something the world needs to see more of. Times like this where there is so much cultural conflict and so many world issues, fashion needs to be the antidote. Fashion doesn’t need to be intellectual, it doesn’t need to have cultural references woven between the threads, and it doesn’t need to have the problems in our world being used as the inspiration and influences behind collections. Of course this shouldn’t be eradicated as culture and heritage are what drives many brands, but there should be some sort of escape for people to go to when the world becomes too much. Fashion should act as this escape, as it lessens the burden of the world from the shoulders of individuals. Ever wondered why Barbie had so many different clothes and professions? Did you ever think that clothes are her escape? We’re getting a bit too deep and meaningful here, but who knows? It could be possible, not even Barbie is perfect. When choosing an outfit to wear, your mood strongly influences your decision. Feeling confident? Maybe you’ll reach for those black skinny jeans and top you love but never feel like you can pull off. Feeling punk rock? Grab your leather jacket and the ripped boyfriend jeans. Feeling down in the dumps? Tracksuit pants and the biggest knit jumper you can find are your new best friends. Barbie is exactly the same. Her different personas presented through her clothes are her experimentation to discover her style and herself. Every single person on the planet looks back at photos and thinks “What was I thinking, how could I wear that?” This is all part of the evolution of your personal style, because at the time that photo was taken; you loved that outfit. Going back in time to when you were dressing your Barbie’s, you would change her clothes over and over because at the time you didn’t know what you liked, because your personal style hadn’t developed yet. Barbie is a representation of fun and a lifestyle that is envied by the majority of the world. For young girls and boys, their world is idyllic. It isn’t tainted by the world’s problems because they’re too busy having fun to care. This is what Barbie represents; this is what fashion should be like: fun, charismatic, and a representation of the best you.
WORDS: PAIGE PHOTO: LEA COLOMBO
fika magazine // 15
Whenever and wherever:
Flash Tattoos
Fall is in full bloom and even on those places where the climate doesn’t really change it is important to soy on top of all the trends. Lately the boho scene has been invaded by the flash tattoos. The good thing about these accessories is that they look completely great! They have this metallic and gold shine that when you put them on they seem to glow against your skin. The tattoos are not permanent and they can be put on easily right in your home; just like the old sticker tattoos you used to wear when you were little. They last about four to six days if you try not to scrub or scratch it. And for those of you of you who worry if they are bad for your skin, do not worry they are non-toxic and completely safe. They look absolutely amazing with swimsuits and since the weather has turned somewhat cold in some places they add a bohemian edge to the look. Also the clash of the tattoo whit the fall colors look great. If you are dying to have flash tattoos you can find them online at flashtat.com
Words: Carla Photo: “ZUELA By Nathalie Saruhashi”
fika magazine // 16
9 Benefits from Travelling 1. You are out of your comfort zone: Everything is new and unknown and you are challenged to discover and explore this unfamiliar and different places. 2. You learn new things: As simple as that. Travel equals learning. The more you travel around the world, the more knowledge you obtain. 3. You embrace new cultures: This is extremely important. It may sound similar to learning but embracing new cultures shows your understanding and the respect you have for other traditions. If you are able to accept another culture and give it the same importance as yours, you show how mature and open you are about different and new opinions or ideas. 4. You are able to get away from it all: You can escape from reality. Travelling helps you to relax and cope with frustration and stress. It works as a medicine for the mind and the body. 5. You can find yourself: A lot of people decide to travel in order to meditate and re-think about their life. They ‘disconnect’ themselves from the world and listen to their heart and mind. They usually question life choices, forgive their pasts and just move on. They find who they truly are once they are in peace with themselves. 6. You become independent: This can happen if you travel alone or with a group. Either way, you have to make quick choices, locate yourself, arrive in time at places and try not to lose your train or plane. You have to take care of yourself and be focus most of the time. 7. You meet new people: This is simply amazing. While travelling, people open up and socialize more frequently. They are more willing to help others, have short conversations with strangers and enjoy with others the little things in life. Travelling brings people together. Who knows? Maybe you find the love of your life! 8. You have incredible memories: When travelling remember this, “maybe this is the last time you visit this part of the world”. Turn off your mobile phones, take your camera everywhere you go and smile for the photos. Try to enjoy every second you spend at that place. 9. You have the time of your life: You have fun and enjoy like you never did before. It is a new adventure which has to be cherished.
WORDS: DELFINA PHOTO: CRISTINA
fika magazine // 19
tropical holidays The hot sun caressing your skin, the sand slipping through your fingers, the waves lapping at your feet. This is the elation that can be experienced on an exotic holiday; your surroundings will mitigate stress and negative thoughts within your mind, completely and utterly relaxing you. It is well known that everyone loves the beach, everyone loves the atmosphere and ambience a beach environment is capable of creating; mainly because it brings us all back a feeling of nostalgia: delving into past memories of those childhood days spent playing in the water, paddling with water only up to our knees, and building sandcastles with friends. All this fun within the safe distance away of our loving parents enjoying their time of tranquility and rest. On a tropical holiday, there is tanned skin, warmth and the comfort of the promise for good food awaiting you at the beach restaurants located around the winding backstreets of the seaside towns is enough to inspire your holiday. It is (usually) reasonably priced food and of good quality, much better than you experience at home anyway. The food cooked by locally sourced chefs with locally sourced foods, all enforces a sense of sentimentality about each small village you visit. As a tourist you can pretty much make up your style and the person that you are, just by the way you hold yourself walking around the streets, whether you want to be mysterious or outgoing, the choice is up to you as you may never return to the place you have visited. The world is your oyster and you can do what you desire, requiring you have the wish to travel and experience new things. Tropical environments and wildlife can make you feel so far from home, so far away that you don’t know where home is. Waking up to the sounds of unknown tweeting birds is somewhat comforting. I think it makes me feel at home. Beaches are pure tranquility and it seems to me that everyone aspires to be there for relaxation. If you want to have a good time with good food, get on the next plane to the tropics.
WORDS: DANNY PHOTO: gabriella gonzalez
fika magazine // 21
QUESTIONS: CRISTINA IMAGES: MARTIN TADASHI
What‘s your favorite local spot in (Los Angeles) and why? Clothing wise? Food wise? My favorite local spots in LA are, look out spots on top of Mulholland, ZARA...obviously, and Cafe Gratitude...their smoothies are amazing. How would you describe yourself, using only five words? silly, energetic, creative, caring, stylish. Your blog, ((morgandemeola.com)) revolves around fashion and your sense of style. How did you reAlly get into fashion?? My interest for fashion started from a young age. I would take a note pad and draw 4 different shirts, four different pants and four different shoes and I would try to put outfits together using those options. When I was in middle school I was obsessed with magazines like Teen Vogue and Marie Clare. I had to have a new magazine every month. I have stacks of them starting from 2009 in my garage. I was just always fascinated by fashion and style. I am particularly interested with mixing high and low end designer options since it is most realistic for myself and my followers.
fika magazine // 22
connect Instagram: @morgandemeola Twitter: @morgandemeola morgandemeola.com
What is your strangest hA- and a fun time. bit or weirdest quirk? Is there anything you‘d like When I am at home I talk to my self in to share with fans that a broadway voice, which is weird be- they don’t already know cause I am not a fan of Broadway and about you? I CANT sing. Nothing really. I try to keep myself as What‘s your favorite song real as possible on social media. I never want to be that person that is comat the moment? pletely different online then in person. They know just about everything but Sober - Childish Gambino if there is something someone would How was the experience of like to know ask :) being at Digifest UK in London like? It was amazing! I have never been out of the country before so it was very exciting and I loved meeting fans from the other side of the world. Working with Digi is always a great experience fika magazine // 25
lexxi saal QUESTIONS: LAVINIA
Lexxi Saal Interview
Lexxi’s links are provided below. After contacting back and forth, I finally got to FaceTime the talented and beautiful Lexxi Sal. When she called me for facetime, I was totally caught by surprise, beginning to do Latin homework. However, I accepted right away, excited to finally do the interview I’ve been waiting to do for about a week now. On the other side of the screen was Lexxi Saul with glowing tan skin and beachy-blonde hair making her look like Ashley Tisdale (I even told her that and she laughed saying she gets that all the time). After hanging up, I felt satisfied with all of her answers and here they are: When did you start showing an interest in music?
I Starting singing at age 11 but started to become more serious with singing at age 15 which was when I started to write and produce my own music. What was your first time preforming in front a big crowd? What was that like?
My first time preforming in front on an audience was at a showroom at age 11 but the biggest I’ve done was the a tour which had 15000 people. When did you make your YouTube Channel and start posting videos of you SINGING? What was the process like?
I started posting when I was 12 and the response was cool because I didn’t know what to expect at all. The feedback I was getting was amazing and continues to be — and so I kept making more videos. Were you nervous of people from school finding the channel? I’m a very open person so I never had any fears with people from school finding out.
fika magazine // 26
How would you describe your style?
My musical style is pop R&B with a blues influence. My clothing is very is difference, changes all the time. However, if I HAD to describe it then grungy meets indie comes to mind the most. Who would you say your idols are?
Musical: Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, Bruno, Sam Smith Fashion: I dont look up to anybody specific, I just see what I like. My favorite stores are Topshop, Brandy, and Nasty Girl. What are your top 3 songs to sing in the shower?
That’s a hard one, I would have to say Stay with me by Sam Smith and Christmas songs all year round. I can’t name a third though! I’m sorry! What do you have in mind for the future?/where would you like to see your. self in a year or so?
I would love to preform in front of bigger crowds and inspiring more people with my music and Lexxi Loves (see below). Can you describe LexxiLoves.Org and what that’s all about?
Lexxi Love supports kids in foster care. I’m very passionate about it. We raise money for them, and even send them gifts. It’s a wonderful organization and we accept anyone to join! How would you describe your activeness on social networks such as Twitter and Instagram? How would a fan be able to get your attention of them?
I’m on every social media everyday, even if I’m not posting. I’m always liking and commenting on other peoples posts, and I’m constantly looking at my comments. If you can describe your fans in three words, what would those words be?
Beautiful, Loyal, very supportive Anything you would like to add?
Yes! I found out two days ago that I’m in the top 5 to preform in Jingle Ball and it’s a voting thing so you can vote for me on my website at http://officiallexxisaal.com/home
STAY CONNECTED + http://officiallexxisaal.com/home + https://www.youtube.com/user/officiallexxisaal + https://twitter.com/LexxiSaal + http://instagram.com/lexxisaal
fika magazine // 27
allie evans questions: lavinia photos: Michael Buckner
How did you get started with Youtube? I honestly can’t remember how it truly all started for me. As a kid I would force my friends to make home movies with me, so when I was a bit older and discovered youtube I think it was only natural to start posting the videos I was creating. Were you afraid with what people at school/your friends might think? At first no. It never even crossed my mind that people I knew would ever see the videos I was posting because I didn’t think anyone would be watching them. I mean I hoped people would but I didn’t think it would actually turn into what it has. When did you start to see your subscribers go up? How did that feel? The growth of my channel has been very natural. There was never this big turning point where everything changed but as I saw the numbers go up and up it made me excited and more importantly it provided a challenge to make my videos that much better. What are your other hobbies/passions? I think people assume because I post so frequently and don’t have a typical 9-5 job that making videos is my job. To some extent it definitely is but I consider it to be more of a hobby. I’ve recently started working on writing some scripted series as well as getting into a bit of acting, which I’m very excited to share with my viewers. It’s something I’m very passionate about and I hope I can take it to the next level as I continue to grow my channel and explore where I want to take my career. How would you describe your style? That’s hard because my style changes with my mood and how I want the world to view me on that particular day. I think for the most part I tend to lean towards timeless pieces. I try to make sure everything I wear has a classic element to it. Who are your idols? Emma Watson, I think she is a great example of a well put together, talented, and educated young woman. She Carries herself with class but doesn’t take herself too seriously. I’m also a huge fan of Ellen DeGeneres I think she’s very selfless and that’s always a trait that I admire in people.
fika magazine // 29
How would you describe the YouTube Community? CRAZY… I’m just kidding (kind of). No matter what industry you are in or where you go there will be good and bad people. I try to focus on my viewers because at the end of the day they are really what matters most to me. The Internet can be this big and scary place but I think there are a lot of creators who bring light to a place where there is a lot of darkness and that makes me really proud to be apart of the community. Can you give us any hints about new videos coming up soon? There are so many things I want to share. Things are going to be changing a lot in the next year on my channel. As I’ve gotten older it’s become more clear what direction I want to take my career in. I think I have my feet firmly planted in some pretty amazing projects that will take me there. What is your process when creating a new video for your channel? Despite my channel having been mainly about fashion and beauty for the past 3 years, there has always been a story telling element to my videos and I think you can really see that in my look books. I usually hear a song or see a location and suddenly this very clear vision of a video will instantly come to me and I’ll play it over and over in my head. As I’m shooting the video I can picture how it will be edited so I’ll time my movements with the song that I have playing in my mind. It’s this weird combination of things I’ve worked out over the years. What draws you to fashion beauty? I enjoy fashion and beauty because I’m huge story teller. I like to share stories through my videos. I think the way you do your hair or makeup or the way you dress can tell a story to the people around you. You can completely transform yourself to be the person you want the world to view you as for that day and that’s a really amazing concept to me. Is there anything you would like to add? Hmm this is a pretty limitless question I guess I could say pretty much anything. I’m very excited for what’s in store next year. There is this electric energy in the air for myself and the amazing team of people I have been working with. I think it’s clear to all of us that next year will be a big game changer! I want my viewers to expect the unexpected.
CONNECT Youtube: /alliemarieevans Twitter: @alliemarieevans Instagram: @alliemarieevans
fika magazine // 33
Melissa Adames
24, NYC, Visual journal
QUESTIONS: LAVINIA PHOTOS: MELISSA ADAMES How did you get started with your photography? There is no particular point where I started photography and I’m still always learning even now and trying to figure it all out. But If I had to pick, it’d probably be when I got my first camera last year and took a beginners photography class in Dumbo, Brooklyn right around this time last year as well. When did you make your instagram? when did you see your fo. llowers increasing? I downloaded Instagram about almost four years ago when the app first came out. I saw a growth in my followers once I had a cohesive style on my feed. I also took more time to edit my photos before posting them. It’s nice to see the work I put into my photos get noticed. Why do you love photography so much? What does it mean to you? Photography has become a huge part of my day to day and not even when I’m actually taking photos on my iPhone for Instagram. I see myself looking at every detail as I walk down the street and envision how it would look in a photo. It’s made me notice the little things that aren’t appreciated as much. What photography means to me is a creative outlet that I use to express my style, things I love, and capturing moments that I can all look back on when I’m feeling nostalgic (which is quite often).
fika magazine // 34
Who inspires you? Why? So many people inspire me! A lot of the people I follow on Instagram inspire me everyday when I open the app. It’s really inspiring when I meet new people with similar interests as me. It’s refreshing to find people who understand and enjoy the same things as you. I love hearing about their lives and where they come from. Instagram has connected me to so many people who I’ve never would have met or talk to had I never downloaded the app. Where are your favorite places to travel to? I absolutely love traveling! Recently I went to Mexico City to visit a good friend of mine who moved back there and it was so beautiful. I got to study abroad a few years ago in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg which was life changing. I’ve also traveled to California, Canada, and Chicago. If I had to choose, Europe was definitely my favorite place to travel to. I’d love to go back and explore more countries like Paris, London, Sweden and Italy! How does the culture of the places you travel to effect your style? When I’m traveling, visually it’s so different compared to my everyday life in New York. You can still find similarities, say when I take a photo of a building or the food I eat. I do that lots, but the difference would be is the story behind that photo. Otherwise my style stays pretty consistent. It took me a little while but I finally figured out what I like to photograph, and hope that my followers enjoy it as much as I do. CONNECT + TUMBLR: lulamelissa.tumblr.com + INSTAGRAM: @lulamelissa
fika magazine // 35
urban outfitters barcelona opening party
(Thursday, 20th of November)
photos: cristina x uoeurope
fika magazine // 36
+ dj + free photobooth + free drinks + free (fake) tattoos + “givaway”: 500€
fika magazine // 37
magazine