SUMMER FANTASY Sofie Dossi
by
Reinhardt Kenneth
XXXV
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www.estelamag.com
MASTHEAD
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF + CREATIVE DIRECTOR art director style director JUNIOR EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR EDITOR SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHER
BLASINA SALAM danielle lyn byron cordero FAIYAZ KOLIA SONAM NAIDU FARAH AKBAR RAPHAEL BAKER NICHOLAS WARE
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PHILIP ALEXANDER LARRY BERNARD ALEX POTT SARA ESPINOSA
Marcie Monfret Zuleyma Prado Daria Błahut
CONTRIBUTING WRITER ashley dawson
cover PHOTOGRAPHY REINHARDT KENNETH Muse Sofie Dossi Shot at Biagio Lombardo‘s Estate Fashion Stylist Dela Dewi Hair & MakeUp Artist Eiko Watanabe Assistants Kari Okubo & Sofia Lopez ress Philipp Tampus headpiece LeCiel Design
SPECIAL THANKS TO The Archives & Showroom Ivan Bitton Style House
ISSN 2573-6272 Estela Magazine 2020
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Every generation leaves behind a legacy. What that legacy will be is determined by the people of that generation. What legacy do you want to leave behind?” —JOHN LEWIS
I don’t know about you, but lockdown has brought out another side of me. If nothing else, it has been most beneficial for reflection and revival and that’s the main upside, the silver lining, I think we can all agree. With all the turbulence and uncertainty in our world right now, creating a fashion fantasy world for this issue was not only fitting, but also essential. While most of us are restricted from the sparkling beaches and lush landscapes we planned to visit this summer, we can at least rely on the stunning imagery created by our contributors to send our imaginations abroad. We as artists know best how to translate life’s tragedies into something beautiful and thought provoking—our cover artist Reinhardt Kenneth, together with the brilliant Sofie Dossi, did just that. Regardless of borders, restrictions, and time zones, great minds from opposite ends of the globe still connected and created virtually. Truly, I believe artists will save the world. PEACE +
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#MUSEMONDAY
THE NEW FACES OF FASHION www.estelamag.com/muse 6 | ESTELA
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EMPYREAN THOUGHTS LOST IN LAOS THE ART OF DRESSING story of seasons THE LINEUP WITH KHRYSTYANA the lineup with elyse potter peach house les quatre vents COLORS OF IDENTITY NATURAL WAVE
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EMPYREAN THOUGHTS Photographer Philipe Alexander Art Department Nilufar Yarmo Fashion Stylist Ton Aguilar Makeup Artist Sparkle Tafao Hairstylist MAURICE CORNELL Model La’Tecia Thomas Digitech Danny Calderon Studio Naked Eyes Studio Assistants Wilder Marroquin & Adam Murray Special thanks to JEN RYALL
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LOST IN
LAOS 20 | ESTELA
Photographer LARRY bARNARD
fashion stylisT Suki Lei
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model Maryah Dinane
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THE
ART OF
DRESSING Photographer Alex Pott Fashion stylist stephanie gaspodini makeup artist Bernice Mansfield hairstylist Lauren Mackellar model Nikki (vivien’s models)
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Wearable Art SAPHIRE GASKAS ESTELA | 29
Dress LEXI CLOTHING 30 | ESTELA
Shirt & Necktie STYLIST’S OWN ESTELA | 31
Wearable Art SAPHIRE GASKAS 32 | ESTELA
Dress NHI LEE DESIGNS ESTELA | 33
Dress SAFA EL SAMAD 34 | ESTELA
Dress MARDA LABEL Shoulder Piece SAPHIRE GASKAS ESTELA | 35
Wearable Art SAPHIRE GASKAS 36 | ESTELA
Dress BARDOT ESTELA | 37
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STORY OF
SEASONS
On a sincere quest to grant new life and new hope towards these unprecedented times, celebrity photographer Reinhardt Kenneth took a page from his favorite childhood game, Harvest Moon, to bring to fruition another powerful pandemic story. By metaphorically juxtaposing the whimsical elements of a vineyard, synchronized with the gritty nature of farmland, we are escorted through La Cresta, California by America’s Got Talent renowned contortionist, Sofie Dossi. Re-branding the autumn fantasy fashion story as Story of Seasons, Reinhardt conceives a modernized rendition through a tale of an accomplished woman and her multifaceted roots. Although, the authentic spin-off steers away from the sense of trend or season; highlighting the depths of focusing on emotions and remaining hopeful through this default winter tsunami for what is supposed to be a summer paradise. Through this fashion story, it is portrayed that while seasons change, Sofie’s spark and beauty prevails in uniqueness and remains filled with life. And while we might be home and seasons might change, Story of Seasons heartens our purpose of not losing sight of the true beauty of healing through art during these unforeseen times. WORDS Sonam Naidu
Photographer Reinhardt Kenneth Muse Sofie Dossi Shot at Biagio Lombardo‘s Estate Fashion Stylist Dela Dewi Hair & MakeUp Artist Eiko Watanabe Assistants Kari Okubo & Sofia Lopez Special thanks to The Archives & Showroom & Ivan Bitton Style House Opposite page: Dress 1 AIDA NOVOSE Dress 2 KENNETH BARLIS ESTELA | 39
Mask DIANA COUTURE 40 | ESTELA
“I feel as if photography and fashion have become more than an art form, it is my language of how I can articulate reality through my fabricated thoughts. Everything I capture, becomes my world – it is a reflection to both my personal life and global view.”
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Headpiece AIDA NOVOSEL Top WE ARE UPRISERS Skirt DEVIANT LA VIE 42 | ESTELA
SN: WHAT INITIATED YOUR PROFESSION AS A PHOTOGRAPHER AND YOUR LOVE FOR FASHION?
SN: DEFINE WHAT HEALING THROUGH ART MEANS TO YOU AND WHY YOUR ART IS RELEVANT TO THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES.
RK: I was basically BORN as an artist. I remember learning how to draw before I could truly articulate my thoughts. Between that and being raised in a fashion savvy family (my mom is a fashion designer, my dad works in textiles, and I have relatives in jewelry) fashion became my second language. When I was 14, I discovered tumblr and realized that photography was beyond the boring photographs that I would see on the ads. I was angsty and uncertain for my future and decided to take it on with “this is probably just a phase” attitude. My parents invested in my first Canon EOS 7D and the rest is history.
RK: Juxtaposing to Hate is a Virus, I’d like to think I’m in a creative quarantine state where I am living the testament of my conclusion: ‘love is the cure’. After all the tears have finally dried and all the anger has left my body, I have come to realize that all we can focus on now is hope. I find that I heal best and find my hope through creating art—art that provokes yet focuses on the hope itself and art that goes back to nature and explores its magic. I have come to fully fathom and understand that like every deadly winter, this season shall pass too.
SN: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST GIFT(S)? HOW ARE YOU APPLYING THESE GIFTS TO CREATE AWARENESS TOWARDS THE CURRENT SOCIAL CLIMATE OF THE WORLD?
SN: WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE FOR EMBODYING CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECTS AND SPARKING DEEP-ROUTED CONVERSATIONS THROUGH YOUR ART?
RK: My greatest gift is that I’m an artist. I’m an artist not by choice but by fate. When I wake up I think like an artist, when I fall asleep I sleep as an artist. When I’m angry at the world I turn it into an art form, and that also applies to when I’m happy, sad, or confused. Translating what is happening into a fabricated frozen second taken at a certain millisecond, is my form of yearning.
RK: As I mentioned before, Franca Sozzani is one of my biggest inspirations. Her commentary on her infamous portrayals of oil spills, mental health, plastic surgery, privacy, and even domestic abuse, truly hits home to many. When she was called out for ‘glamorizing’ such traumas, I whole-heartedly perceived it as a form of story-telling and journalism. Her fabricated and powerful editorial stories, mirrors the current state of our reality. I have always been very inspired by Lady Gaga as well. I believe her ability to create reassuring anthems in a state of terror, is a beacon of hope. I resonate with one of her quotes: “If you don’t have any shadows, you’re not standing in the light”, which is so accurate to the science of photography itself. Photography is the art of painting with light. Personally, I am just simply choosing my light palettes through my messages.
When I was growing up, I was heavily inspired by the late Franca Sozzani, the editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia - she discovered me via Photo Vogue and on Instagram when I was 16. I created a story that was provoking, controversial, yet fantastical in the most dystopian way possible. It poured a juxtaposition of the crazy world we live and I told that story through the lens of fashion. Ever since then, I have created pieces that were socially, politically, and even spiritually conscious to the world. My most successful project, Hate is a Virus, is my love-hate message to the world. It focuses on the greater good—being love, kindness, and compassion in the most anarchist portrayal. Being Chinese-Indonesian myself, the recent hate crimes towards Asians all over the world due to COVID-19 hit close to home. I was born in 1997, a year before that, there was a riot in Indonesia that scarred lives and killed numerous Chinese-Indonesian due to a political, social, and economical issue. I was born in a riot, now it’s time for me to stand up for what’s right.
SN: BEING A RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHER, A FASHION ENTHUSIAST, AND A VISIONARY AT HEART, WHAT KEY OBSTACLES HAVE YOU OVERCOME TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR ON YOUR OWN TERMS? RK: In all honesty, that sounds so flattering. To this day, I feel that what I have accomplished has always felt so organic and natural that titles feel a little strange to me sometimes. In this regard, my obstacle has been balancing the artist and the entrepreneur. I think as artists, we think more with our right brain and
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RK: Sofie Dossi is the personification of the youth I wanted to capture in the shoot. She’s bright, beautiful, and very, very bendy! Creating so many beautiful contortions through the story, she truly elevated and empowered the shoot.
I have always somewhat prioritized the art before the business early on in my career. This however, balances out better now when I can imitate and recreate my past work for new clients who want a reimagination of themselves. However, the greatest obstacle has always been myself and facing the conflicts of wanting to just create and doing it for the greater good.
SN: WHAT REACTIONS ARE YOU HOPING TO ACHIEVE FROM YOUR AUDIENCE? WHAT CONVERSATIONS DO YOU WANT TO CREATE THROUGH THIS FANTASY FASHION STORY?
SN: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE STRIVING TO PURSUE A UNIQUE ENTREPRENEURIAL PROFESSION SUCH AS YOURS?
RK: I want ‘Story of Seasons’ to truly feel hopeful. To be a reminder that this season too, shall pass, and that we will get our eternal summer soon enough. I want conversations to start in the sense of something that feels just organically implementative. Yes, it’s Sofie Dossi bending in a stunning couture piece on a gorgeous set, but I want the audience to tune into the little hidden messages. I want viewers to understand that she is travelling through the seasons, that she is divinely transcending the nature of the season itself, and that she is taking us on a journey towards a hopeful future through the lemon tree that she waters. My neighbor Totoro actually perfectly encapsulates this narrative: As Totoro, the forest spirit, takes Satsuki and Mei (who are deeply uncertain about their future) on a journey through nature, to once again find hope.
RK: Your story is unique to you. You don’t have to mimic anyone’s journey or technique. If you’re passionate about it, give it your all, and put yourself out there; the industry WILL notice. I have been on my journey for almost 10 years now—I started at 14 and now I’m 23. My experiences are unique to my perspective and my way of life—it shouldn’t be a reflection of anyone else’s. If I can make it, then anyone can too. SN: DESPITE THE CURRENT REALITIES OF 2020 INSPIRING THE VISION FOR ‘STORY OF SEASONS’, TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR VISION BEHIND THE COVER STORY. RK: ‘Story of Seasons’ was actually shot in Fall 2019 and it was a ‘high fashion farm maiden’ concept that I conceived long before then. I always dreamt of shooting in a farmland/vineyard, so when Mr. Lombardo offered me the spot to create, everything came together organically. However, due to some business related travelling and the moment to release it to the world not feeling right, the story got buried in my archives. Today, ‘Story of Seasons’ feels like my beacon of hope and something that relates to my philosophy. Alongside an all female creative group, we wanted to capture the essence of this glamorous yet still down to earth woman, this responsible yet still young at heart girl. By creating a very feminine yet empowering shoot, it felt almost like we were breaking through the social norms on how a domestic woman should be. Stirring away from the reserved and traditional image, we captured a powerful and unapologetic woman.
SN: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF YOUR CREATIVE PROFESSION LOOK LIKE AND HOW DO YOU INTEND TO INSPIRE CHANGE AND SPARK CONVERSATION IN THE YEARS TO COME? RK: Over the years, my answer to this question keeps on being simplified. I find more peace in expecting less and actually gaining more. I find true happiness and healing in what I do today, so I hope in the future, my art will remain honest and true. I hope people will not just get a better glimpse into my very complicated yet genuine mind, but more towards the current state of the world at the time. On a deeper level, one day I hope my pieces are exhibited and discussed by many not just on their opinion on the climate of the world, but through their personal experiences and how it corresponds to their emotions. If I can touch at least just one life the day I die, then my art has already served its purpose. Alongside hope and love, I want to bring an honest reflection on how the world feels to many. I want my art to be a beacon of hope and a lesson of compassion. I want to leave my mark, one shot at a time.
SN: WHAT MAKES SOFIE DOSSI THE PERFECT MUSE FOR ‘STORY OF SEASONS’?
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Headpiece MERVE BAYINDIR MILLINERY Bodysuit & Peplum DIANA COUTURE Belt LECIEL DESIGN Shoes KILAME ESTELA | 45
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Headpiece LECIEL DESIGN Gown LULU HARAZIN Shoes EXOTICS BY CEDRICK ESTELA | 47
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Hat AIDA NOVOSEL Dress VIKTORIA MARCHEV Shoes BCC ICHIBA AKEBI ESTELA | 49
THE LINEUP
K H R Y
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S T Y A N A
INTERVIEW ASHLEY DAWSON MODELS GIA HAYES, MEGHAN NG, Bri Scalesse, TIFF BAIRA
If you’ve been able to work on set, what has been your favorite editorial of the summer? A CAKE editorial! I was wearing the finest fashion looks while eating the most gorgeous cakes in the messiest way possible! My childhood fantasy came true—it was an epic thing to do all day.
What does body positivity mean to you and how can we all practice it a little more every day? Body positivity is the conscious understanding that you have a body that deserves your most empathetic love possible. It’s a journey towards accepting self and others. It requires patience and realizing that being on the rollercoaster of a self-love journey is OKAY. One day can be better than the next and it’s not all in our control.
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make sure everyone feels comfortable and heard. Everyone has different backgrounds and experiences so we’re all learning to be aware of each other and seek ways to make sure each workshop is beneficial and also fun! It’s really incredible to connect with people across the globe and share similar passions with people. I feel like post-pandemic I can go to so many countries now and know that I have friends there!
How have these online gatherings been going and how have they allowed you to connect with fellow artists in a unique way this summer? We have 70 to 85 students per class on average. We are able to see and hear each other, I want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and heard. Everyone has different backgrounds and experiences so we’re all learning to be aware of each other and seek ways to make sure each workshop is beneficial and also fun! It’s really incredible to
You’ve been hosting a variety of “e-meet ups” dedicated to branding and modeling during the pandemic. I have been having these ZOOM workshops. They are free for people to attend, I organize them to support my fellow freelancers or anyone interested in self-marketing, building a brand or modeling. It also it gives me an opportunity to support small non-profit organizations. I happily share my skills, invite different speakers to share theirs to help young businesses to grow, and encourage people to donate to those organizations. It’s a lot of work, but very rewarding.
How have these online gatherings been going and how have they allowed you to connect with fellow artists in a unique way this summer? We have 70 to 85 students per class on average. We’re able to see and hear each other, I want to
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and only they can know what it tastes like at that moment. Confidence is a cake that NEVER tastes the same.
You talk about self-portraits as your “occasional medicine.” How have you been practicing self-care during quarantine and how have your self-portrait series helped you express yourself? Self portraits are SO reflective. Some might perceive self-portraiture as narcissism but if you come to it from a place of honoring your space, emotions—it can be the most healing and awakening experience. Allowing yourself to be seen by that “eye” saying OKAY to you being photographed during your “messiest and unphotogenic” (as mainstream might say) is basically saying OKAY to owning yourself completely, saying that you are held by time and space and you validate the importance of what you offer. It’s hard to describe this, I think people would surprise themselves if they tried to capture their vulnerability like that. Try it and tell me!
connect with people across the globe and share similar passions with people. I feel like post-pandemic I can go to so many countries now and know that I have friends there!
You stress confidence in your posts and messaging; what makes you feel the most confident and why? I stress confidence a lot in my conversations because I’m often assumed to be very confident since I put myself out there in ways people aren’t too used to seeing. But I try to disillusion that comparison; my most vulnerable art often comes from the place of insecurity and anxiousness...The opposite of feeling confident. So I try to be honest with this because we as humans are conditioned to believe that confidence has to look one way. But it can’t be further from the truth. Confidence doesn’t have one face, specific body angle, pose, or an outfit. It’s really a mysterious experience a person can have
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THE LINEUP
E L Y S E P O T T E R INTERVIEW ASHLEY DAWSON MODELS SASHA ARNOLD, AYESHA HUSSAIN, & FATUMA ISACK YUSuf
Your style of photography is very ethereal and soft —what inspires your shoots and how do your ideas first come to you? I take inspiration from so many things. Locations and textures, fashion and brand campaigns, and the work of classic photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Peter Lindbergh. I also love looking back at imagery from the 90’s and 70’s!
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Have you been able to continue shooting over the summer, and if so how has your typical workday changed due to the pandemic? Luckily being in Sydney, Australia COVID hasn’t been as bad here in comparison to other states and countries. It’s still very much a concern but I am fortunate to have continued shooting over this time. My own personal passion projects have been minimal but I have continued client work. When COVID was at its worst here I did have to stop shooting for a few months, but more on that later! What is your favorite part about shooting a summer editorial? The beach, the glow, the sun, and the sand. Nothing better than spending the day at the beach doing what I love.
What are your favorite places to shoot swim editorials in Sydney? Little Bay Beach, Kutti Beach and Watson’s Bay. 56 | ESTELA
Tell us more about the FaceTime shoots and remote shoots you’ve been doing at home. How do they work and what are the results like? When COVID was at its worst here, I had to stop shooting for a few months. To keep my creative juices flowing I did a few FaceTime shoots with models from Sydney, Queensland, New Zealand, New York, Georgia, and London! It was really cool to connect with girls I would never normally have the chance to shoot with. A big thank you to Estela for connecting me! I came up with a rough concept and gave the model some makeup and outfit ideas and then we set a time that worked for both of us. Sometimes I was up at 6am to shoot with models from overseas! We jumped on a FaceTime call and the model would show me different spots in the house and what clothes they had gotten out. We picked a spot and an outfit, the model positioned their camera with my direction and we started shooting. At times I felt a bit useless because I wasn’t there to help position things; my directing skills were really put to the test! All in all it was a really great experience. I met some amazing girls and created some awesome content. I think my favourite thing was actually the videos I produced. I would screen record the entire session and cut bits and pieces together! ESTELA | 57
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PEACH HOUSE Photographer Sara Espinosa Fashion Stylist Sebas Mont Makeup Artist Susana Fernandez Model Antonia Idarraga
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Dress JUAN ORTIZ 62 | ESTELA
Dress FLORA Shoes ZARA ESTELA | 63
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Dress JUAN ORTIZ 66 | ESTELA
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Blazer FLORA Pants AMORE Shirt BRUNA Shoes ZARA 70 | ESTELA
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Bodysuit AQUAMANIL ESTELA | 73
LES QUATRE
VENTS Photographer Marcie Monfret producer MediaProduction.Studio Makeup Artist Jessica Crater Model Lynn Schooling Assistant Andreas Zopf
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Bikini ZESTY SWIMWEAR 76 | ESTELA
Hat H&M ESTELA | 77
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Hat & Earrings ASOS Bikini PRETTY LITTLE THING Shirt BOOHOO ESTELA | 79
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Dress GAVIN RAJAH ESTELA | 81
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Jumpsuit GAVIN RAJAH ESTELA | 83
COLORS OF
IDENTITY Photographer Zuleyma Prado Fashion Stylist & Model Jason Pillay Hair & Makeup Artist Melanie Canales words sonam naidu
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Our emotions, personalities, and actions correspond to who we are, although, our identities are often figments determined by the perception of others. As artists, we strive to dismantle these layers that are inevitably attached to dictating one’s unique character. By passionately relying on our art forms and proudly flaunting our eccentric attributes of style, we take a chance at owning our individualities.  Through complex and mysterious ridden portraits, fashion stylist, Jason Pillay simplifies the overall perception and reinvents his dialogue of expressing himself authentically. Balancing the interpretation of brazen hues with the complimentary mix of upcycled and designer pieces, he embraces the essence of familiarity. Experimenting with the genuine movements of his body, accompanied by the exquisite flow of silk and luxury fabrics, he deep dives into the unknown. Jason truly owns his individuality - acknowledging the beautiful depths of his fluidity and honorably empathizing the colors of his identity.
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NATURAL WAVE Photographer Daria Błahut Makeup Artist Magda Zemowska Hairstylist Anna Golonka Model Lidia Kocoń (United for models) Jewelry STRADIVARIUS Top ZARA
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Earrings & Top STRADIVARIUS ESTELA | 97
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BOTH PAGES Earrings STRADIVARIUS Top ZARA ESTELA | 99
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