SS17
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FASHION.BEAUTY.CULTURE.ART
www.estelamag.com
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MASTHEAD
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF + CREATIVE DIRECTOR SENIOR EDITOR + DESIGNER JUNIOR EDITOR SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER JUNIOR PHOTOGRAPHER SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR JUNIOR FEATURES EDITOR EDITOR
BLASINA SALAM NICHOLE JONES FAIYAZ KOLIA RAPHAEL BAKER NICHOLAS WARE M.A. SALAM MOONI S. FARAH AKBAR
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
OLGA USH WENDY TAM REINhardt kenneth FABITO GOMEZ ANDREY yaroshevich NICOLAS CANON LUNA aleksandr pershin philip reichwein valentina de meo violetta markelou
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
BYRON CORDERO
COVER IMAGE 1 PHOTOGRAPHY NICK WARE COAT AKIRA COVER IMAGE 2 PHOTOGRAPHY NICK WARE Dress avnah Choker OBIE K. CLOTHING CHOKER STERLING FOREVER SPECIAL THANKS TO NOHA HAMID OBIE K. clothing ARNY SOEJOEDI EDSON (EW AGENCY) NASTIA Cloutier-Ignatiev
Estela Magazine 2017 4 | ESTELA
EDITOR’S NOTE I hope you find this issue to be worth the long wait. It’s most definitely worth all of the work that was put into it - from your stunning submissions right down to the amazing people I was blessed to meet and work with in the process. I’m so excited about our two new cover stars Noha and Patrice. These two young ladies reminded me why I’m doing this in the first place. Spring is a time of new beginnings and we’re ready for all of it. There’s nothing more inspiring than discovering new opportunities and creating new meaningful relationships with people that share your vision. This season is also a great time to reach new spiritual heights, which I believe make for a better way of life: understanding oneself leads to more positive outcomes, which in turn benefits those around you. I stand by John Steinbeck’s genius quote! Let’s continue to inspire and create positive change through our art. xx
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ESTELA ON THE SCENE SS17 BEAUTY TRENDs BOTANICA THIS, MADAME, IS VERSAILLES! ss17 fave trend ipanema girl PACIFIC bon ton A GUEST FROM THE FUTURE avnah noha
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tu + yo the divine feminine konsuella check, please eclipse DEJA VU Meet me on auburn ave follow with style only human
GET YOUR COPIES
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ESTELA SCENE ON THE
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FW 17 NOON BY NOOR
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SCENE: NYFW FW17
ANNIESA HASIBUAN is one of the finest designers in the business. She has been brave to ardently introduce the fashions of the Indonesian culture to the West. And it is an even greater feat that her bold display of hijab on her models has only made her a hit on every runway she is featured on. Hasibuan’s FW17 collection was the perfect ending to a great week. “Elegant luxurious Muslim wear stole audiences attention during her debut show in London,” says a representative of the brand. Hasibuan’s signature look combines cutting edge patterns with premium material - this season; silks, velvet, and tweed, along with sequins, stones, pearls and lace. Her first time in New York was for Couture Fashion Week in 2015, and last year, she debuted on the official NYFW runway, her show ending with a standing ovation. This season was no exception. The bodacious music excited the audience as they waited for the first model to appear. As the lights rose, she appeared in a winter white dress with a grey hijab, The following looks were made from beautiful grey and white silks and beading. Black and gold were also key components of this collection, adding contrast and yet, still consistent with her signature style. Hasibuan has also recently been awarded for the most intricate artistic and creative couture collection, presented at the GSF Award Gala in Cannes. 12 | ESTELA
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SCENE: NYFW FW17
VERDAD Estela is very proud to be reporting the progress of LA based brand Verdad this season. In September, we covered his elegant SS17 denim presentation. The collection had only one intention: to show that the people of California have style and are just as chic as New York. His idea to take a fabric so popular in his native state and show the its beauty earned him an invitation to hold his first runway show this February at NYFW. Verdad delivered a magnificent show featuring 41 looks varying in color and fabrics. Still including denim, Verdad featured a black laminated two piece pantsuit with a black snood. Yet, he really showed the range of his craftsmanship with items like a black, grey and cream rugby dress. “For Fall 2017, Verdad is millennial driven, sleek, relatable, and above all else wearable,� says Louis Verdad. Kudos on your progress Verdad!
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SCENE: NYFW FW17
TADASHI SHOJI celebrates the elegance of the Victorian Era fused with the feminine empowerment reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s. The collection comprised of floral brocade coats and pants, along with velvet and lace dresses. This fall, revolution = elegance. “The time to express your true self is now...This is a revelation of the senses...Fall 2017 is a liberating movement,� says the designer.
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SCENE: NYFW FW17
MARCEL OSTERTAG This collection is centered around revolutionizing womanhood in the 21st century. The show took place in slow motion. Each look was presented with the recording of a young woman talking about feminism and the connotation attached of why it is okay to be a feminist. It ended with the words, “There is danger in Apathy.” Marcel Ostertag is yet another designer standing up against the political climate. The theme of the collection doesn’t take away from its elegance, however. “The harmony between tradition, modernity, extravagance and wearability were the aims, which were fulfilled,” said a representative of the label. Marcel Ostertag is German based brand and is currently sold in 28 countries in the European market.
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SCENE: NYFW FW17
HAKAN AKKAYA Hakan Akkaya FW17 collection dominates the runway with black statement pieces that truly defines the season; encapsulating edginess and feelings of the political climate right now. This collection mixes male and female garments with a total of 108 looks (58 males and 50 women). The details of the collection are of intrigue. The designer exclusively used black and white fabrics emphasizing “Sporty Couture”. “While black is dominating the collection; the zips, frill details, velvets, denim, and metallic fabrics unite in harmony with elegance,” quotes a label representative.
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SCENE: NYFW FW17
MEMERE FW17 embraces the sweetness of femininity. Designer Sarah Julia LeBlanc named the brand after her grandmother and says that the name gives a feel of antiquity that may be honoring the styles that her grandmother enjoyed. Presented at Pier 59 Studios, the collection is reminiscent of the 1920s and 30s elegance with a youthful and fresh flair, boasting soft pinks, nudes, and blacks. The models stood in their dainty looks amid white roses strewn all over the presentation area, bashfully posing while toying with roses in hand. As the brand grows, LeBlanc is looking to be housed primarily in small boutiques in the US and Paris.
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SCENE: NYFW FW17
ODAY SHAKAR
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SCENE: NYFW FW17
CHI ZHANG
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SCENE: NYFW FW17
LEANNE MARSHALL
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SCENE: NYFW FW17
ALICE + OLIVIA Words by Byron Cordero
Inspired by Salman Rushdie’s novel The Enchantress of Florence. Estela had the privilege to attend Alice + Olivia’s FW17 presentation during New York Fashion Week – each vignette acting like a chapter in this love story. Fusing the techniques found in traditional India weaving (mainly in carpets and tapestry) with the romanticism of Renaissance Florence, there was an element of longing for adventure A woman creating her own destiny in a man’s world. Stacey Bendet has created a rich wardrobe for the global woman. Comprised of an eclectic mix of pieces and a sharp color palette of reds, pinks, and jewel tones, Bendet has created a serene fantasy with notes of magic realism for this collection. Intricate gold metallic beading evokes images of Rushdie’s Akbar Empire, while a leather skirt in Botticelli’s Primavera painting is representative of Renaissance Florence. The collection juxtaposes feminine pieces like lace tops with dramatic bell sleeves, sequin and silk slip dresses, and ruffle skirts with utilitarian separates such as patent leather bombers, camo pants, boxy jackets, camo jackets, and cargo pants. A rugged elegance brought only by a globe-trotter looking for herself in a world that may not have a place for her; she is brave and creating a place for herself. Unconventional beauty. Each look embodying a woman who is both fierce and feminine. The quintessential A+O statement jackets and shirts are emblazoned with powerfully bold statements such as “Queen” and “Be The Change You Wish To See In The World,” messages Bendet feels are both representative of the book’s message and the world right now.
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GIRL,
YOU’RE BLUSHING Photographer & ART DIRECTOR NICK WARE | BEAUTY EDITOR & MAKEUP ARTIST BLASINA SALAM | MODEL EVA SHUMAKOVA (SALT MODEL & TALENT) 34 | ESTELA
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BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter - champagne pop
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NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow - Rigel
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JUST A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE PICKS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GLOW IN THIS SEASON’S HOTTEST HUE - NUDE WITH THAT PERFECT TOUCH OF PINKY BLUSH. •
MAC EXTRA DIMENSION SKINFINISH BEAMING BLUSH
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Urban decay 24/7 glideon lip pencil - gubby
ONOMIE A.C.E. Illuminating eye treatment - lovelace
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TOO FACED MELTED LIQUID LIPSTICK - DUSTY ROSE
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Urban decay NAKED LIPGLOSS - WALK OF SHAME
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Babor Cleansing CP Thermal Spray - $25 This bottle of magic has quickly become one of our favorite prep sprays for several reasons: it moisturizers and calms skin, smells super luxurious, and the best part? Absolutely no alcohol. Unlike a lot of facial sprays out there, Babor’s steers away from unfriendly chemicals so you know it’s excellent for even the most sensitive skin. It’s purely mineral based and will leave you feeling super fresh, whether you’re going au natural or all-out glam. And don’t stop at just your face, it works as a full body refresher too. We’ll be savoring this spray the most during those long, hot, sticky summer days. •
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Doctor Babor Glow Booster Bi-Phase Ampoules - $109 Serums are all the rage at the moment, and for good reason. A single drop of these formulas are packed with powerful ingredients that target most skin concerns. Combine that with plant oils and you get the best of both worlds. This little vial of liquid gold adds or enhances a natural glow and improves skin texture, making it the perfect base for makeup.
Spray on clean face, neck, and décolletage for an extra moisture boost (especially on dryer skin). While skin is still slightly damp, apply and massage Ampoule and allow skin to absorb completely.
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After cleansing skin, shake ampoules to combine contents and massage onto lightly damp skin. Top with your favorite makeup primer and begin regular makeup routine.
ALL ABOUT
BASE
A flawless face starts with a proper base; the better the skincare, the more you’ll glow (naturally). After a good scrub, try some of these treats before applying makeup or just wear them on their own.
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Onomie Powerful Priming Serum - $50 Speaking of primers and serums, we never imagined we’d get both skin saving formulas in one bottle. A true multitasking hero, this treatment merges the best of both worlds by protecting, moisturizing, nourshing, and more. The result? An instant noticeable difference in your makeup’s look and longevity.
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onomie a.c.e. illuminating eye treatment - $40 Onomie didn’t stop at their Priming Serum this eye treatment serves as a refresher before applying makeup, as well as a highlighter for that perfect, subtle gleam. Like all of their products, a small drop will perform multiple jobs to keep your skin healthy while improving your the way your makeup looks and lasts. Comes in 3 gorgeous colors for every skin tone and preference.
BOTANICA A GLITTERING GARDEN blooming with SOME of our favorite METALLIC and FLORAL ACCENTED pieces from Sterling Forever’s SS17 collection
Photographer & ART DIRECTOR NICK WARE FASHION EDITOR & MAKEUP ARTIST BLASINA SALAM HAIRSTYLIST LESLIE REID MODEL NAVIA GUTTA (CLICK MODELS ATLANTA) jewelry by sterling forever ESTELA | 37
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GOLD WILD BLOOM CHOKER
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GOLD Wild Bloom Ear Crawler
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Rose Gold Opulent Luxe Ring Rose Gold Opulent Luxe Choker Rose Velvet Tie Choker ESTELA | 43
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Gold Wild Bloom Wrap Ring Gold Wild Bloom Bracelet
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RED
TEMP TATION
Photographer PHILIP REICHWEIN MAKEUP & HAIR ARTIST SIMONE BREU MODEL NINA FREIWALD 46 | ESTELA
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THIS,
MADAME,
VERSAILLES!
Photographer Valentina De Meo MAKEUP & HAIR ARTIST Giorgia Casarotti MODEL Marina Bondar
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FACE L.A. Girl Perfecting Liquid Makeup Ivory + Aegyptia Milano Makeup Naked Skin 1 + Kryolan Paint Stick 00 Aegyptia Milano Makeup Loose Powder Wjcon Touch Up Face
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BROWS & LASHES Aegyptia Milano Makeup Acqua Color EYES Morphe Brushes Plum Palette + Make Up For Ever Acqua Cream
LIPS Urban Decay Blackmail VICE Lipstick Palette + Make Up For Ever Acqua Cream
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BRASCHI
LAQUAN SMITH
GEORGINE
HEAVY METAL 64 | ESTELA
THE BLONDS
WANDA NYLON
SIES MARJAN
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IPANEMA GIRL Photographer Fabito Gรณmez FASHION STYLIST MARIA CAMILA RUBIO MAKEUP ARTIST LINDA LODONO ARTE VIVA HAIRSTYLIST sara lodono MODEL PAULA ARANGO (INFORMA MODELS)
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Kerchief Burberry Vintage Sunglasses Miu Miu Necklace Paula Mendoza Shirt Johanna Ortiz
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Earrings Mercedes Salazar Jacket Kenzo Brooch Zara
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Kerchief HermĂŠs Shirt Salvatore Ferragamo
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Earrings Radรก Shirt Silvia Tcherassi Shorts Zara Ring Vintage Market Shoes Stella McCartney
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Earrings Vintage Market Shirt & other stories Brooch Prada Belt A.plus.C Pants Zara Shoes Jackie Smith
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Earrings Feria Puro, Bogota Kerchief Zara Blazer Pinko Shorts Asos
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Top Grazia Panty La Senza Shoes Zara Bracelet & Earrings Oparina
PACIFIC
BON TON
Photographer NICOLAS CANON LUNA FASHION STYLIST ana MARIA soto MAKEUP & HAIR ARTIST GEORGE ROMERO MODEL KEIDY GARCES ESTELA | 75
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Dress BCBG MAX AZRIA Shoes Soul2Soul Necklace & Cuff Oparina
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Dress Express Shoes Soul2Soul Socks Bambi Headband & Necklace Oparina
Sweater Diesel Pants Maria Nieto Shoes BCBG MAX AZRIA Body Chain Oparina
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Earings Oparina
Dress Alexander McQueen Earings Oparina
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A
GUEST FUTURE FROM THE
Photographer OLGA USH FASHION STYLIST LIZA TULI MAKEUP & HAIR ARTIST dayna marie MODEL larissa schot
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NO HA Our latest muse, noha hamid, is a vibrant and worldly muslim woman with a passion for travel and keen eye for style. Like all of estela’s muses, there is more TO THIS beauty than meets the eye.
Photographer NICK WARE FASHION EDITOR BLASINA SALAM FASHION STYLIST HADIYAH MAJEED MODEL NOHA HAMID
Blouse French Connection Kimono & Scarf Obie K. Clothing Pants Jennifer Lopez Scarf Vela Scarves
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Scarf Vela Scarves Jacket Obie K. Clothing Shirt TOBI Jeans Sold Shoes Bettye Muller Necklace H&M Bracelet Sterling Forever Ring Stylist’s Own
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GET TO KNOW...
Where are you from?
Who’s your hero and why?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. But my family is originally from Cairo, Egypt as well as Lebanon and Turkey.
My hero is my grandma, Eman Mourad, because she’s accomplished so much in her lifetime. She traveled all over the world since she was in high school. She graduated from Alex University and she got her masters in America from the Catholic University. After that she got her PHD in Russian language in Moscow, Russia. She was the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing in Cairo University. Also, my grandma opened a Faculty of nursing in Yemen. She was one of the first to wear hijab (head scarf) in a time where no one was wearing it or supporting her. That really shows her strength. She was a lifeguard and a champion in 8 meter diving. She raised three beautiful girls and one of them is my mother. She is a role model to me and many others.
Where’s the last place you’ve been and what did you do there? I went to Dubai and Qatar the beginning of this year. Since I like more natural scenery I didn’t think I would like those place as much since it’s very made up and man-made but they proved me wrong. I enjoyed my family’s company as they took me to the best places in Dubai and Doha, Qatar. Amazing food, great services, lots of shopping and many adventurous things to do. I would definitely visit again. Where are you heading to next?
Your favorite... I was hoping I could make a visit to Turkey at the end of this summer where my brother and sister-in-law live, as well and Egypt where a lot of my family lives. Turkey and Egypt are two of my favorite countries because of their cultures, mosques, beautiful views, delicious food, and everyone there makes you feel like family. What was your favorite trip? It’s really hard to pick one trip because there were many. But since I have to pick one, it would be my trip to Switzerland. I stayed at my cousins’. They lived in Geneva, Switzerland which is a couple miles from the border of France. We would go to day trips to France. Drive in and out of countries like it was normal. The views were picture perfect everywhere you turn.
Artist? James Arthur Song? Say You Won’t Let Go Fashion designer? Elie Saab Book? The holy book of Islam, the Quran Quote? “The best richness is the richness of the soul”
Preferred medium of art? Photography
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Scarf Vela Scarves Top TOBI Pants Zara Shoes Jeffery Campbell Choker Obie K. Jewelry Cuff H&M Ring Stylist’s Own
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HIJABI
ALOUD WORDS by BLASINA Salam
I have a bone to pick with this industry. Its blatant acceptance of Muslims in mainstream media at such an economically convenient time is not only predictable but kind of amusing. But that’s just one aspect of the perplexing time in which we live. On the one hand, we’re told that all our voices will be equally heard and our rights upheld. On the other hand, there’s still the large part of the population that labels us as terrorists and oppressors. People who, if they had their way, would strip away our basic rights. Some of them are lawmakers. All of this creates conflicting thoughts and feelings within us, within me. While it fills my heart with pride and joy to see the hijab on the biggest fashion runways and fresh, fullycovered models in high-profile ads, it still feels...wrong. So we’ve become the latest trending topic. At some point in recent months, they’ve awakened to our influence in Western culture. Figures like Ibtihaj Muhammad and Mahershala Ali who proudly proclaim their beliefs while simply being great at what they do, have captured the attention of media outlets and brands alike. In turn, they’ve opened up their arms to us but at a (literal) cost.
Even in 2017, Muslims are still encouraged to conceal this part of their identity (oftimes for their own safety) in a cloying attempt to pacify the fears of the masses. But the masses are being deceived. They’re being told that those who don’t look like them are less than them. They’re being taught that those who think different than them, are against them. How do we escape this cycle of mistrust? Understanding and sharing are the solutions; sharing ideas, sharing experiences, sharing our burdens and blessings. While my Muslim brothers and sisters and I are doing our part by using our influence to educate society on our way of life, we expect these corporations and institutions to do the same. We appreciate the acknowledgement of our lack of representation in the media, but it does not solve the issue of steadily rising hate crimes against innocent people. In the end, we’re just like you, human beings. And like all human beings, we want to be loved and accepted for who we are, not where we come from, what we wear, or how we benefit your bottom line.
“Try to understand men. If you understand each other, you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and almost always leads to love.” ― John Steinbeck ESTELA | 95
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V
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ENTER NEXT LEVEL FASHION: avnah adds SCI-FI-LIKE twists and unconventional elements to ordinary silhouettes to create other-worldLY STATEMENTS.
H FASHION BY AVNAH Photographer NICK WARE FASHION EDITOR BLASINA SALAM MODEL PATRICE CHANNER (BMG TALENT) ESTELA | 97
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TU + YO
Photographer WENDY TAM fASHION stylist SANDHYA GARG MAKEUP ARTISTs Love Notes by June & Haley Navarro HAIRstylist Love Notes by June MODELS Suzzette-Ann Simmons & Myrna Cox FASHION BY SANDHYA GARG ESTELA | 103
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THE
DIVINE
FEMININE
Photographer Reinhardt Kenneth | MODELs Karina Goncharov & Candice Halliday | FASHION BY DIANA COUTURE 110 | ESTELA
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KONSUELLA
Photographer Andrey Yaroshevich FASHION STYLIST Polina Vinogradova Hairstylist Dmitriy Puchnin MODEL Konsuella (Avant Models) ESTELA | 119
Shirt Miu Miu Jeans Marc Jcobs Dress Annette Hoffmann Boots Saint Laurent ะกhoker & Skirt Maison TT
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Coat Annette Hoffmann Choker Givenchy
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Dress Annette Hoffmann T-Shirt & Boots Saint Laurent Beret Alexander McQueen Bracelet Stylist’s Own
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Badlon Saint Laurent Dress Annette Hoffmann Belt Maison TT
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Sweater Marc Jacobs Dress Saint Laurent Boots Maison TT
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CHECK, PLEASE
Photographer Aleksandr Pershin FASHION STYLIST Natalia Korneeva MAKEUP & HAIR ARTIST Sevil Taibova MODEL PETER (TANN MODEL MANAGEMENT)
Jacket & Shoes H&M Sweater Bershka Trousers ZaraÂ
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Sweater Pull&Bear Shirt ZaraÂ
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ECLIPSE Photographer & Fashion Editor Violetta Markelou MODEL Imena De Barros (Q Models NYC) 134 | ESTELA
Jumpsuit Twin Sister
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Tuxedo Jacket Reiss Bodysuit & Pants La Perla Earrings Vintage
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Dress & Earrings Vintage
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Blazer Zara Pants Vintage Wrangler
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Kimono Vintage Hoisery Trasparenze Shoes Guiseppe Zannotti
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´ DEJA
VU Photographer OLGA USH Photo ASSISTANT ARTURO ALANIS FASHION STYLIST STEFANIYA chekalina MAKEUP ARTIST sofi chernyak HAIRSTYLIST ANDY TSENG MODEL MICHELLE VAN BIJNEN (WOMEN MANAGEMENT) FASHION BY BREELANE TOTAL LOOK JEWELRY BY THE Q JEWELRY
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MEET ME ON
AUBURN AVE
Photographer RAPHAEL BAKER FASHION EDITOR BLASINA SALAM MODEL CHERINA (FACTOR CHOSEN ATL) Top & Skirt TOBI Shoes Gianni Bini
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Dress TOBI Necklace Sterling Forever
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Top Zara Skirt TOBI Watch Lulu Shoes Public Desire
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Top, Pants, Jacket TOBI Watch Lulu Shades Sunglass Spot Shoes Gianni Bini
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Top Zara Skirt TOBI Cuff H&M Earrings & Choker Sterling Forever Shoes Gianni Bini
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Top & Skirt TOBI Duster Mistress Rocks Earrings & Choker Sterling Forever Shoes Public Desire
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FOLLOW WITH STYLE
@HANGITUPLA
My inspiration behind this look is the Embroidered Bomber Jacket trend, that we’ve seen all over the runways and fashion sites alike. It’s one street style trend that I absolutely love to see everywhere. Silky, colorful, and detailed with a sporty silhouette, the Embroidered Bomber is the perfect piece to add to your Spring wardrobe.
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Three things came to mind when putting this look together: Matilda (Leon, the Professional), Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, Amelie. They’re my inspiration and I think through wardrobe styling and costuming, I have this bad habit of referencing a lot of movies/characters even when I just put my basic #OOTD together. It could be an old t-shirt with dirty old boyfriend jeans, I most likely will reference it (Reality Bites)!
@SHIVASTYLES
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HUMAN 162 | ESTELA
Our society is stirring. It seems as if we are waking from a long and tortuous slumber. We, of the information age see our dreams and aspirations writ large and projected out into the world. Our demons as well. How do we keep from falling back into that fathomless sleep of ignorance? How do we nurture our blossoming dream of unity and equality? Nasta Cloutier-Ignatiev answers in only a way an artist can.
Interview by M.A. Salam PHOTOGRAPHY by NASTIA Cloutier-Ignatiev
Where are you from? Where do you reside? I was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and this is where I reside. Is there a Muslim community in your area? There is an enormous Muslim community in my town. Like in the United States, a lot of them come here to study. We know that this project is your reaction to Trump’s travel ban and the Quebec mosque shooting, please tell us about the moment you decided to start? Before going to bed, I usually look at the news because it is one of the only moments of the day when I have time. I decided to start this project the night I read about Trump’s travel ban for the first time and the Quebec Mosque shooting. I was angry and felt powerless. I knew I would not be able to go to sleep because that situation was bothering me. So I decided to grab my sketchbook, where I always write how I feel, and came up with my project. This is what I came up with: “In reaction to recent Trump’s Travel Ban and the deadly mosque shooting in Quebec City, I decided to photograph Muslim women like I would photograph anybody else. I don’t believe that Muslims should be treated or seen differently because of the prejudices society has labeled them with. I see them as equal like I see anybody else from any culture and religion. It is too easy to generalize a culture we don’t know. With this series of images, my goal is to break the premade ideas about Muslims and look at them as humans instead of individuals we are told to fear.“ How long have you been working on this series? I started the project the night of the shooting, the 29th of January. I’ve been working on this project for three months now. I wanted to make something quick, so I decided to divide the project into two parts. The first part took place in the week following the 29th. I decided to photograph Muslim women like I would photograph anybody else to demonstrate that the culture of an individual does not make them different. In others words, it is not because someone is not like you that they should be treated differently. ESTELA | 163
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The second part of the project took place in February. I decided to photograph Muslims with individuals from many other cultures and backgrounds. My goal with the second part is to show the beauty of diversity and that people from different backgrounds can exist together. Do you know any Muslims? How did you come to learn about Islam and its people? As a child I use to spend a lot of time with my neighbor, we practically grew up together, and she is an Indian Muslim. I did not understand religion as a kid but was fascinated by the beautiful outfits her mom would let us wear once in awhile. I started to figure out that she was from a different culture than me when I brought her fresh strawberries during Ramadan. I felt terribly sorry when her mother explained to me why she could not eat them right now. My opinion about her did not change; I just started to understand that other individuals had different religions and cultures and that it didn’t make them my friends any less, or people I should fear. Doing my project also made me learn about Islam and its people. I love discovering about individuals and their cultures. Who were your subjects? Where did you find the individuals you focused your lens on? I did not know any Muslim people personally anymore, so I’ve decided to look through social media. I found Jannat and Sarah on Instagram. I loved their sense of style and the matter that they came from two different countries. I could tell by looking at their pictures that they liked to pose in front of the camera; they were perfect for my project! What were some of the reactions you received when telling people about this project?
How many photos are in the series? There will be 4 pictures from the first part and a dozen from the second part. Has this project affected your view of Muslims in any way? I started this project because I did not have any other way of seeing Muslims than I see anybody else. After this project, I still see this community as equal to myself. However, I hope this will change others’ views of Muslims if they don’t see them as the same as everyone else. Tell us about some of the people you brought on board for this project. How did they contribute? Someone that helped me a lot is Jessy Colluci. In the second part of the shoot, I put him in charge of the styling instead of only bringing what I asked him. He brought clothing that added to the photo shoot. Were there any obstacles you were faced with during the creation process? Despite having everyone available at the same time and the weather in my hometown, I did not meet any challenges. Everyone was easy and fun to work with. What is your end goal for this project? My first goal is to show that everyone is equal and that diversity in looks, cultures, and religions is what makes us beautiful and human. My second goal is to also create images that are not only pretty, but that make a point.
The reactions that are most important to me were the ones that came from the Muslim community. They said thank you.
Discover more of Nastia’s work on her website and Instagram
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