THE
SPRING
FASHION ISSUE
XXI
MASTHEAD
PUBLISHER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SENIOR EDITOR + DESIGNER SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER JUNIOR PHOTOGRAPHER SENIOR JOURNALIST JUNIOR JOURNALIST
BLASINA SALAM NICHOLE JONES RAPHAEL BAKER NICHOLAS WARE M.A. SALAM MOONI S.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS STELLA REED PHILIP REICHWEIN RON HILL JESSIE DEE LUANA SAM JAY WIGGS ADRIENNE ANDERSON HELEN SULEYMANOVA CONTRIBUTING WRITER FARAH AKBAR
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EDITOR’S NOTE “Even in a personal sense, after all, art is an intensified life. By art one is more deeply satisfied and more rapidly used up. It engraves on the countenance of its servant the traces of imaginary and intellectual adventures, and even if he has outwardly existed in cloistral tranquility, it leads in the long term to over-fastidiousness, overrefinement, nervous fatigue, and over-stimulation, such as can seldom result from a life of the most extravagant passions and pleasures.” ― Thomas Mann, Death in Venice and Other Tales
Besos,
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CON TENTS
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THE ART OF LOOKING GOOD
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DISGUISE
12
FLY CITIZEN
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BLOW
16
THIS THING GOES POW!
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SANSA
24
´ MELANGE
74
MEET THE REBEL
32
BRIT
82
PRINTEMPS
40
COMO SER APUESTO
90
A FLORAL WONDERLAND
FASHION.BEAUTY.CULTURE.ART
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THE
OF
ART
LOOKING
GOOD
Words by M.A. Salam Photos by Nick Ware 6 | ESTELA
Atlanta, Georgia: a city historically caught in the crucible between traditional and progressive ideas. West Midtown: a few city blocks that act as a spearhead for the burgeoning movement that aims to reinterpret Atlanta as a mecca for emerging industry and edgy art. It’s a perfect location for The Tough Boot & Co. Vintage store.
We met with Luis Toache, owner and curator of Tough Boot at his shop, a delightful mĂŠlange between classical masculinity and 21st century style. With the polished wooden floors and the scent of curated leather in the air, it seems the sort of place Ernest Hemingway would frequent between benders. ESTELA | 7
How long have you been in business? In the fashion business? We started this business about four years ago. But we’ve been preparing for the business around seven years. Before I did this, I had an art consultant firm for about fifteen years. Basically we supplied and consulted art styles for commercials projects; hotels, law firms, lobbies, etc. We consulted what type of art was needed, we sourced the art to hotels like the Ritz Carlton and various restaurants from New York, Texas, Florida and Georgia. But while I was doing that, I was always thinking about my own store. I see fashion as an extension, as an expression of your personality. Which is what art is. Traveling through Europe I found myself always interested in vintage fashion, always interested in shops and boutiques where I can see new things. So I started collecting theses items and, little by little, I came to the realization that I needed to do something with it. What drew you to vintage clothing? When I was younger, I used to go to this vintage shop in Mexico. They had all kinds of different things, old stuff from the 1940’s and ‘50s. I used to go there and just look around for hours. And one day I went to the shop and it was closed. Just gone. And I always wanted to go back to that shop and see what was new. When I came to the States about twentyfive years ago, I found another vintage shop, here, in Atlanta and I experienced the same feeling; like I was going to find something new. And I kept going back to that shop, hoping I would find something amazing. It became kind of like an addiction (laughs). I used to dream that I went back to that shop in Mexico and they would have a secret room and I was the only one who knew about this secret room and I’d find this amazing treasure of vintage items. And
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that feeling that I had in my dream, that’s the feeling I want my customers to have when they walk in my store. That feeling of finding something secret and special. What brought you to America? School. My parents sent me here for college. My life has always been art. Being an artist and being in the art world, you always try to find different forms of expression. What did you study in school? Art History. Do you have a favorite vintage period? I love, love, the 1940’s and 1950’s Italian fashion. It’s very casual. If you think right before the second world war, Italy had a pretty strong center of fashion. But as the country deteriorated, people kept their sense of fashion and made it work with the elements they had. So by the end of the 40’s you had this kind of hybrid where people would wear a dress shirt with casual pants or a mismatched pants with a blazer. That’s when the idea of the blazer came about. Before people generally wore suits, but here come the Italians with all these different colors and textures blending together. I think it’s a great era. Impressive. Has art history influenced what you do now? I always thought there was more to fashion than just liking something. It’s definitely one of the strongest and most personal forms of expression. Because what’s inside reflects in every single piece that you put on your body. It doesn’t happen by accident.
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I agree. Just by looking at me, people don’t often think I write for a fashion magazine, because I’m more of a dressed down, t-shirt and jeans kind of guy. But I do recognize fashion as an art form and a force in culture. But this is perfect for me.
certain way and someone else dressing a completely different way?
I believe there’s a difference between style and fashion. Everybody has a style. You don’t have to be fashionable to have a style.
I have a ton of stuff. I love vintage ties. I have a couple of vintage 1960’s Pierre Cardin skinny ties that I wear all the time. I have a Bellstaff jacket from the 60’s that is my all time favorite for the fall and winter. I’m always trying to incorporate vintage into my wardrobe.
So how do you define style? Style is what makes you, you. Like you said, you like to dress down. But that’s your style. You don’t have to wear a tie, you don’t have to have a suit or wear a blazer to have a style. Some people have the most uncommon and the most original style without it being my style, but I still recognize it. You have your own style. You curate it yourself. You picked out those shoes you’re wearing (laughs) Unless someone else did. Yeah, they were a gift. Okay, but you decided to wear them, maybe I don’t know the reason but you have a reason why. I love Adidas, that’s why I picked these shoes. Yeah? Well, that’s one thing! You picked your jeans, you picked your jacket. We are adults and we pick what we like and there is a reason why we like it. The fact that I may not understand why someone else might like something doesn’t make it any less of a style. Does that makes sense? Perfect sense. That sounds like the thought process of an artist. Those are the things I think everyday. I sit around and I start thinking why? Why do people dress a certain way? What is the difference between me dressing a
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Is there a favorite piece of vintage that you like to wear?
I’m learning a lot! (Laughs) One of things I want to share with people is information on what to do with vintage because many people think it’s not for them. But vintage is just another piece of clothing that has survived and has a good enough structure that has withstood the test of time. So it’s something that is still fashionable and on top of that it has collected all this history and all this patina and is still wearable. Your store has a unique feel to it. Comfortable and worn-in, but still modern. We are definitely very conscious of the customer’s experience. That is part of the value of my product and services. It is not only about that unique piece you’re going to find, it’s also about the feeling the customer gets when they come in, how you’re going to be treated. And you’re going to find something you like.
This what The Tough Boot & Co. offers: one of a kind clothing items that come with a sense of personality. He provides patrons not only with a reservoir of knowledge but a skilled eye and practiced hand with which to apply it. The classical Man isn’t extinct; he just moved to West Midtown.
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FC ITIZE LYN Words by Farah Akbar Photos by Stella Reed Styled by Digital Fashion Group
Fly Citizen is an up and coming label based out of Atlanta by way of Miami. Every season, designer Flyy takes a woman to be his muse and designs a collection as if it is personally made for her. This season’s muse was none other than Rihanna. What about Rihanna drew Flyy to her? “Rihanna shows sexiness through her attitude. She doesn’t care about what others say. Every muse has to be unique and remarkable in her own way to make the cut as a Fly Citizen.” So what exactly is a Fly Citizen? “Citizen of Fly Nation; Living here but not from here,” explains lead designer. “This is what fits the bill for any Fly Citizen: she’s bold, stands out, and knows exactly who she is. What is interesting about Flyy is that he is not into only dressing skinny women. In fact, he believes all women deserve to be admired at least once and clothes allow for that happen. Even though his designs are what attracts us to his work, Flyy understands that having a fashion line is not just about designing great clothes, it’s also treating your fashion line like a business. “My aim is not just to be a designer, it’s also to be a great brand.” There are a few components of making a good brand, according to Flyy: dedicating energy to a certain collection, finding your aesthetic, knowing your demographic, and finding your muse. As Flyy moves forward in his career, he doesn’t forget about the kids who want to be designers and encourages them to follow these rules to make their own great brands. Flyy hopes to get on the big stage during New York Fashion Week one day soon. “Setting a plan and having a clear vision” makes Flyy’s creativity possible. As his creativity takes him toward bigger opportunities every year (like working with Nicki Minaj). It seems like every project that he is a part, inches him closer to his Fashion Week goal. 12 | ESTELA
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Fashion Editor Bl
asina Salam
Photographer
Nick Ware
Model Sierra Hill
Top, hat, & stockings EXPERTSDISAGREE | Chain H&M
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Visor Stylist’s Own Chain H&M Top & shorts EXPERTSDISAGREE Shoes Aldo
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Earrings Topshop Chain H&M Top & shorts EXPERTSDISAGREE Shoes Shoedazzle
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Chain H&M Hat, top & shorts EXPERTSDISAGREE Shoes Shoedazzle
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´ MELA
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Photographer Philip Reichwein | Makeup Artists Vanessa Harrer & Auguste Karsokaite | Models Steffi Gee & Julia Mena
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BRIT
Photographer Ron Hill | Makeup Artist & Hairstylist Sherilynn Marilyn | Wardrobe Stylist Myah Clemens | Model Brit Kemp ESTELA | 33
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COMO SER
APUESTO
Photographer Ron Hill Model Luis Toache ESTELA | 41
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DISGUISE
Photographer Luana Sam | Makeup Artist Paula-Roderick-Voisembert | Model Olivia Z. (Maggie Agency)
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All H&M
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Blazer Vintage Shirt Vanheusen Trousers Maje 50 | ESTELA
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Shirt 21 Men T-shirt H&M Trousers ASOS| 53 ESTELA
All H&M
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L BOW BY RAPHAEL BAKER Makeup Artist Ibadiah Nelson Hairstylist Brandy Andrews Wardrobe Stylist Joi Adams Model Sara Naomi (Ursula Wiedmann Models)
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Bodysuit & Fanny Pack American Apparel Jacket Urban Renewal Shoes Raf Simmons
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Bodysuit & Skirt American Apparel Hat Urban Outfitters Shoes Fenty x PUMA
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Dress Forever 21 Jacket & Shoes ZARA
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Bra American Apparel Jeans Unif Shorts Moschino Shoes Adidas
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Shirt, Shorts & Jackets Acne Socks American Apparel Shoes Aldo
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SANSA
Photographer & Makeup Artist Jessie Dee Hairstylist Laura Reynolds Model Kelly Castellanos (BMG Models) All Fashion by Forema Boutique 66 | ESTELA
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MEET THE
REBEL Photographer Jay Wiggs Makeup Artist & Hairstylist J. Denelle Wardrobe Stylist Olashade Olabisi Model Corbin Lyles (Click Models)
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Shirt Levis Top Zara Jeans A&F
Top Danpol Blazer Lew Magram Jeans Gap Shoes Calvin Klein
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Top ASOS Jeans Zara Shoes Converse
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PRINTEMPS
Photographer Adrienne Anderson Creative Director & Fashion Stylist Janelle Lafond Makeup Artist Tina Roberts Hairstylist Autumn Rodriguez Model Abigail (Wilhelmina NY)
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Top Forever 21 Romper Nasty Gal Socks H&M Shoes BCBG Max Azria Bag GUESS
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Hat & Sweater H&M Earrings Vintage Bag Nila Anthony
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Cape Kelly Reed’s Boutique Top Love J Sunglasses Agaci
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Dress Love Nation Necklace H&M Bangles Nine West
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Shoes Charlotte Russe Socks Ozone for Nasty Gal
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FLORAL WONDERLAND Photographer Helen Suleymanova Retoucher Igor Mokhovyk Makeup Artist Liana Klementeva Wardrobe Stylist CherNika Model Irma Gerasimenko
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M I W S THE
E U S S
I
JUNE 2016
Submissions opening Thursday, May 5th. Email your concepts, mood boards, and fashion editorials to: submit@estelamag.com ESTELA | 99
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