QP FASHION MAGAZINE - FALL 2019 VOL 2

FASHION and lifestyle MAGAZINE

QP fall 2019 volume 2

NADINE MIRADA

by YASMINE KATEB

LUXURY BAGS INSPIRED

BY CONFIDENCE

WWW.MAISONBANGBANG.COM

TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

SENIOR EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR YASMINE KATEB

LYNN VENTURELLA

FASHION EDITORS ART DIRECTOR & JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ LAYOUT DESIGNER

MELISSA VALE SHARON JANE ANDREA LEIGHTON

FASHION STYLISTS OSCAR DANIEL ROBLES NICOLE CLOUTIER MICHELLE WU

NOVA KAPLAN

MAKEUP ARTIST TEAL DRUDA

BEAUTY EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

HAIR STYLIST JENNIFER BAKER

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

VANESSA MAPES EMILIA TANEVA VALENTINA SOLCI GIORGINA CAMBLOR

Hi there, Welcome to Volume 2 of our FALL issue. .

We are really excited to feature Austrian model NADINE MIRADA on our cover, shot by YASMINE KATEB. NADINE, based in Los Angeles, is a member of the GUESS family now, having worked for this year´s S/S worldwide campaign.

But that´s not all. This issue is filled with beautiful editorials with amazoing models as well as some interesting interviews you should not miss.

Thanks to everyone for constanly supporting QP! THANK YOU!!

JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ Editor-in-Chief QPmag

QP

4

COVER

MODEL: NADINE MIRADA @nadinemirada PHOTOGRAPHER & WARDROBE STYLIST: YASMINE KATEB @yasminekateb hair & MAKEUP: LAETITIA LEMAK @laetitia.lemak Dress HOUSE OF CB

5

QP

IN THIS ISSUE 8-21 | EDITORIAL: BABY BLUE 22-29 | EDITORIAL: SLAB CITY 30-43 | COVER: NADINE MIRADA 44-51 | EDITORIAL: ARIELLE IN WASTE LAND 52-71 | EDITORIAL: BLOOD LINES 72-79 | INTERVIEW: ELIZABETH PIPKO 80-95 | EDITORIAL: WHEN IN HOLLYWOOD 96-109 | FEATURE: ERICA MARTINEZ 110-115 | EDITORIAL: A DAY IN THE CITY 116-121 | INTERVIEW: PENELOPE MAI 122-133 | EDITORIAL: GOLDEN SOUL

SUBMISSIONS hello@qpmag.com ww.qpmag.com QP FASHION MAGAZINE BELLO MEDIA GROUP @BELLOmediaGroup 6404 Wilshire Blvd. #500 / Los Angeles CA 90048

www.qpmag.com hello@QPMAG.com

QP

6

White Textured Blazer & Shorts

LEXI CLOTHING Earrings ISABELLA MAY

QP

8

BABY BLUE

Puff Sleeve Dress DIANA COUTURE Silver Heel JF LONDON Silver Earrings MAHRUKH AKULY

PHOTOGRAPHER & WARDROBE STYLIST: YASMINE KATEB @yasminekateb MODEL: LORENA HALITI @lorenahaliti AGENCY: PRETTY X ELITE @prettyxelite MAKEUP artist: JOCELYN JOHNSON @jocelynjohnson_ HAIR STYLIST: ALEX THAO @alexthaohair LOCATION: PICASSO MALIBU @picassomalibu 9

QP

Sequin and Tulle Dress Sequin Mini Dress Sequin and Tulle Dress Sequin Mini Dress JOYCE PEÑAS PILARSKY LEXI CLOTHING JOYCE PEÑASLEIGH PILARSKY LEXI CLOTHING Blazer MONICA Blazer MONICA LEIGH Black Gloves VENUS PROTOTYPE Pink Cateye Sunglasses L.G.R.& RON Metallic Multi Heels CHARLES Black Gloves VENUS PROTOTYPE Metallic Multi Heel CHARLES & RON

QP

10

Jacket & Pants PREM Sunglasses L.G.R

11

QP

QP

White Textured Blazer & Shorts LEXI CLOTHING Earrings ISABELLA MAY 12

Sequin Mini Dress LEXI CLOTHING

13

QP

Blue Embellished Mini Dress

CASSANDRA RENEE COUTURE

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS NADAZDIN @milosnadazdin MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR. 14

Sequin Bodysuit VICTOR LOPEZ Sequin and Sheer Skirt VICTOR LOPEZ Black Leather Ankle Boots AESOS Black Hat LACK OF COLOUR Diamond Hoops TANZILLA RAB

15

QP

Crop Top ELLE ZEITOUNE Jeans TACOOLA Cuffs ISABELLA MAY Heels JESSICA RICH

Dress NEEDLE & THREAD

QP

16

17

QP

Sequin Tulle Dress Crop Topand ELLE ZEITOUNE JOYCE PEÑAS PILARSKY Jeans TACOOLA Blazer MONICAMAY LEIGH Cuffs ISABELLA Pink JESSICA Cateye Sunglasses L.G.R. Heels RICH Black Gloves VENUS PROTOTYPE Metallic Multi Heel CHARLES & RON

QP

18

Jacket & Pants PREM Sunglasses L.G.R

19

QP

Silk Top ABYSS BY ABBY White Pants ABYSS BY ABBY

QP

20

21

QP

SLAB CITY A LAWLESS LOVE STORY

PHOTOGRAPHER: KARINA DOBRA @karinadobraphoto models: MIA SCHUBERT @mia_schubert & AUSTIN SCOGGIN @austinjscoggin AGENCY: DT MODEL MANAGEMENT @dtmodelmgmt WARDROBE STYLIST: ANDRE EMERY @andreemeryofficial MAKEUP artist: VANESSA VENANCIO @vanessavenanciomua HAIR STYLIST: JENNIFER BAKER @hairbyjennifermelissabaker PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: JASON HUNG @jasonhung ASSISTANT: DAVID VENTURA @david_ventura RETOUCHER: MARINA KOSTA @marinakosta VIDEOGRAPHER: ROMAN ALDAINE @romanaldaine

QP

22

Stripe Pants EMERY Shirt EMERY Jacket LOUIS VUITTON Swimsuit EMERY

23

QP

Shirt EMERY

QP

24

Jacket LOUIS VUITTON Swimsuit EMERY

25

QP

QP

26

Jacket R13 Dress BIANCA ARMER Necklace MARTIN COSTELLO Sweater EMERY

27

QP

Shirt BIANCA ARMER Sweater EMERY Earrings MARTIN COSTELLO

QP

28

Slip Dress H&M

29

QP

COVER

NADINE MIRADA

A Cinderella Story

From influencer to fashion model, Nadine had to get her way into an industry that just wasn´t ready for natural curvy models like her, particulary in Europe. And all thanks to the visionary mind of GUESS co-founder, Paul Marciano.

By VANESSA MAPES @vanessa.mapes

MODEL: NADINE MIRADA @nadinemirada PHOTOGRAPHER & WARDROBE STYLIST: YASMINE KATEB @yasminekateb hair & MAKEUP: LAETITIA LEMAK @laetitia.lemak

QP

30

Dress HOUSE OF CB Gold Belt MARCIANO

31

QP

Jacket ZARA Lingerie HUNKEMÖLLER

QP

32

W

hat is it like to be a part of the GUESS family?

Can you tell us how that came about?

It’s truly a dream come true. I have always loved Guess and so I posted a picture of me wearing a Guess outfit on my Instagram account and I tagged the brand and Paul Marciano in the picture. I caught their attention and we connected for a test shoot when I was in Los Angeles for the Oscars. It’s quite a “simple” story, but that’s exactly how it happened. It was really such an incredible experience. From the professionalism to the attention to detail, I felt completely in my element. Guess is truly a unique brand and I felt that we vibed really well together. I am really proud of the outcome.

When did you see yourself make the transformation from just a regular blogger to a “Life Ambassador”?

When did you start modeling?

I was in front of the camera for the first time at 3 years old. But as I got older, the industry just wasn’t very open to or accepting of healthy, natural curves. But I am really happy that the mentality of the industry has changed and I believe that my time is now. Even though I might be a bit older than most models, I am happy that I took the time to get a good education and develop my personality...both of which are really invaluable qualities to me.

Who did you look up to when you were little? Who inspires you now?

My mom. She’s my heart and soul and greatest support.

Tell us about your side passion as a makeup artist.

What is your favorite “look” to do on people? What is your favorite look to do on yourself?

Definitely the classic old Hollywood look with a lot of glamour.

What´s your favorite film?

CINDERELLA.

"Guess is truly a unique brand and I felt that we vibed really well together "

What is your definition of beauty?

I’ve learned that it's a great feeling to feel comfortable and “yourself” in your own skin. Selflove really radiates outward and shines so bright!

Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of remaining true to myself as well as treating others and myself with complete respect.

Talk to us about growing up in Linz, Austria. What is your favorite childhood memory?

Home is always where my family is. And all of them are there. When I think about Linz I think about the private quality time I spend with all of them.

33

What has been your favorite campaign you’ve done so far?

Honestly, all of my Guess campaigns, they are all unique. But the last one, Marciano Fall 2019, was really special to me because I already knew all people on set and it felts like coming home to my Guess family – never like work.

What is your favorite part about living in Los Angeles?

The weather, of course, is amazing. But most important for me is that every day there are a lot of possibilities for my business.

What is your workout routine to maintain your voluptuous physique?

Here in LA, I have personal training 3 times a week in my favorite gym worldwide, Royal Personal Training. Most of the exercises we do are with my own body weight.

What is your favorite location you’ve shot at?

There are so many amazing locations. But one of my fav was a yacht and a really big old beautiful fairy tale castle.

What words of wisdom do you have for curvy girls wishing to start a modeling career in the more accepting yet still thin-dominated fashion industry we have today?

Do not hide or be ashamed of your curves! An outfit always looks great when worn with personality and confidence - both of which have nothing to do with body type or measurements. Set clear goals and stay focused on them. And remember that sometimes it’s the things that you don’t do in order to stay true to yourself and your values that lead to success in the end.

QP

Jacket GUESS Top MARCIANO Pants GUESS

QP

34

35

QP

QP

36

37

QP

Dress HOUSE OF CB

QP

38

39

QP

QP

40

Bikini BEACH BUNNY SWIMWEAR

41

QP

Bikini BEACH BUNNY SWIMWEAR

QP

Floral Dress GEORGY COLLECTION 42

T-shirt & shorts ALEXANDER WANG Boxing gloves PRIVAT SELECTION Socks ADIDAS | Shoes NIKE Sport bag SAINT LAURENT

Floral Dress GEORGY COLLECTION 43

QP

Jeans GUESS Lingerie VINTAGE

QP

44

ARIELLE IN

WASTE LAND

PHOTOGRAPHER: LYNN YATI @lynn_yati MODEL: ARIELLE REITSMA @ariellereitsma WARDROBE STYLIST: OTHEEZY @otheezystyledit mAKEUP artist: ANGEE GARIBYAN @beautybyangee HAIR STYLIST: JENNIFER BAKER @hairbyjennifermelissabaker 45

QP

QP

46

Skirt Outfit CUSTOM DESIGNED BY OTHEEZY CREATED IT Shoes VERSACE

47

QP

QP

Jeans GUESS Top VINTAGE CORSET 48

49

QP

QP

50

Shirt GUESS Lingerie GUESS Jeans GUESS Shoes DKNY

51

QP

BLOOD LINES PHOTOGRAPHER: YASMINE KATEB @yasminekateb MODELs: NADINE ABDELAZIZ @nadineabdelaziz & FARAH ABDELAZIZ @fafiabdelaziz PHOTOGRAPHER: @milosnadazdin WARDROBE STYLIST: OSCAR MILOS DANIELNADAZDIN ROBLES @bbydddy MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 MAKEUP artist: ASH K. HOLM @ash_kholm CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinkenhair

QP

FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR. 52

Beaded Dress LUXURY BY FEYI Black Dress LEXI

53

QP

Dress WHITE RUNWAY

QP

54

Dress LUXURY BY FEYI

Dress NEEDLE & THREAD

55

QP

Dress MALAN BRETON

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS NADAZDIN @milosnadazdin MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR. 56

57

QP

Dress LEXI

QP

58

Red Suit BIANCA & BRIDGETTE White Dress WHITE RUNWAY Gold Earrings DEAN DAVIDSON Jewelry ISABELLA MAY

59

QP

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS NADAZDIN @milosnadazdin MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR. 60

Red Suit BIANCA & BRIDGETTE White Dress WHITE RUNWAY Gold Earrings DEAN DAVIDSON Jewelry ISABELLA MAY

61

QP

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS NADAZDIN @milosnadazdin MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR. 62

Dress CASSANDRA RENEE

63

QP

Jewelry ISABELLA MAY

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS NADAZDIN @milosnadazdin MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR. 64

65

QP

Dress ATELIER ZUHRA Earrings ISABELLA MAY

QP

66

Dress SOL ANGELANN

67

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS NADAZDIN @milosnadazdin MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup Blue Dress SOL ANGELANN HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 White Dress CASSANDRA RENEE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR.

QP

68

69

QP

Jewelry ISABELLA MAY

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS NADAZDIN @milosnadazdin MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR. 70

71

QP

INTERVIEW

ELIZABETH

PIPKO

Don´t Call It A COMEBACK "We are all made up of different moments that have occurred over the course of our lives. Some of those moments have left us with incredible memories, others with some unsightly scars. It has taken me many years, but I’m proud of those experiences, and the scars which they have left, because they’ve made me the person that I am today."

PHOTOGRAPHER: NAYO MARTINEZ @nayomartinez MAKEUP ARTIST: MARTIN VASQUEZ hair STYLIST: GLORIA LEON

QP

72

Dress BARDOT

73

QP

Choker LORRAINE RUGGIERI DESIGNS

QP

74

I suffered from a lot of what many teenagers suffer from. Anxiety, depression, and low

"

self-esteem followed me everywhere I went. No matter the love and support I got from family and friends, the only thing that ever remained at the forefront of my mind were the insults from bullies, and the negative thoughts I had created about myself.

At seventeen years old, God handed me an incredible gift. I was discovered out of nowhere and signed to one of the top modeling agencies in the world. The experiences that came with a modeling career at Wilhelmina, as a teenager, and in the center of New York City were extraordinary. I learned more than I was prepared to learn about the world, and more importantly, about myself. My goal was never to be a model. I never believed it was something I could do, nor did I understand what it could do for my future.

Modeling gave me a sense of confidence in myself that I had never felt. As a teenage girl, modeling literally saved me. I was going through an incredibly difficult time and felt as though I would never escape. I had to learn to love who I was, to appreciate what God gave me, and to never ever feel as though I had to apologize for that.

I never plan on apologizing for my modeling career, more importantly I don’t plan on letting anyone take those memories away from me. I was proud to be a part of a world so artistic and extravagant, and a world that prepared me in many ways for the challenges that I face today.

Women can do absolutely anything. Unfortunately, it took me some time to learn that.

In the world I’ve entered into, a world that chews people up and spits them out every single day, it is up to us to make sure that we are always at the table, but never on the menu. It is up to us to remind ourselves that we can feel beautiful, brave, and smart all at once, and not let anyone tell us differently. Always remember, feeling beautiful is not a weakness, in fact it is a strength that we all deserve to feel.

Modeling does not define me; but it is an essential part of a story of how I came to be who I am today. And a piece of my story that I plan to take with me no matter where I go. So, don’t call this photoshoot a comeback, because I never left"

"Always remember, feeling beautiful is not a weakness, in fact it is a strength that we all deserve to feel. " 75

QP

QP

Dress LORRAINE RUGGIERI DESIGNS 76

Top WAYF

77

QP

Dress BARDOT

QP

78

Could you tell us more about your involvement in politics?

I was a staff member on President Trump's 2016 campaign, that's where I got my start. Now I have my own SuperPac (political action committee) which focuses on Jewish Americans. We are involved all over the country and plan to focus our efforts in local, congressional, and national races. We just became a super pac and can now extend our reach with what we can do politically across the country.

I also do a lot of media (television, radio..etc) in order to promote the message of my organization.

Politics can be a lot, but I'm doing something that matters to me which is good.

Why did you stop modeling?

I stopped because of a number of reasons. First of all, I wanted to do something bigger and focus on something much more important, like our country.

Second, I could not really model anymore because I let people know that I worked on the president's campaign which is incredibly unpopular in the modeling world.

Is there anything you can tell us about the president?

President Trump is incredibly big on loyalty. He supports everyone who has ever supported him in any way. I don´t think people realize that about him.

Do you see an increase on false accusations regarding this matter?

It makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I knew a few girls who did lie about that, so I know it exists.

It´s so frustrating because I remember crying over things people have done or said to me and I always felt as though I couldn´t tell people because they would look at me the same way I looked as those girls.

What do you think about female models doing sexy shoots, showing more skin? Do you agree it is related to them feeling more self-confident and empowered?

This question means a lot to me, so I am sorry for the long answer.

"Modeling taught me about valuing myself "

Would you like to be a model again?

Honestly, after all the Trump campaign stuff came out I knew that nobody wanted me to model for them. I got so so excited when you guys said you'd have me in QP. I want to show people that I can still do it, and also that women can do anything.

It's something I enjoy and would love to do more whenever possible. Not full time anymore though of course since my life has changed so much.

Would you be interested in participating in a political campaign in the future?

Possibly...If Kanye runs hahaha What´s your take on the #metoo movement?

I go back and forth because I think some movements that are important can sometimes go too 79

far and lose their meaning. However, I have dealt with so much sexual harassment and even sexual assault between the modeling world and political world, and just living and going out in NYC, I obviously see the need for the movement and for a serious change.

First of all, I don´t believe in judging anybody. I can not stand judgmental people. You never know what anyone is going through and why they do what they do. Simple as that.

When I started modeling, I was incredibly insecure.

I was bullied a lot for my looks when I was younger. I had never been on a date and all the girls around me were talking about who they were dating.

I felt incredibly uncomfortable with myself and becoming a woman and modeling gave me so much confidence and changed all of that. And knowing that confidence is something I still struggle with today, I couldn´t imagine what I would be without those years modeling.

Modeling showing more or less skin doesn’t mean anything about who you are as a person. It’s actually the opposite. It means owning your own body instead of giving it to others. I actually think modeling kept me more tame in my personal life because of all that it taught me about valuing myself.

Also, I have the most incredible dad in the world who I trust with my life. And I have NEVER let a photo get published without his approval first. No matter how much or how little skin. And I’ve always said if he approves, I don’t care what the world thinks!

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MISHAN WARNAKULASURIYA @mishanw MODEL: AMANDA RODRIGUEZ @amandavex AGENCY: REBELS MANAGEMENT @rebelsmgmt MAKEUP artist: YUNA MIN @4yunamin MAKEUP touch ups: JUAN TORRES @makeupbyjpablo HAIR STYLIST: VINTAGE ESTHER @vtgesther

QP

80

81

WHENIN HOLLYWOOD

QP

Dress NASTY GAL

QP

82

Jumpsuit FASHIONOVA

83

QP

Jumpsuit FASHIONOVA

QP

84

Jumpsuit Shirt & Jeans IAMKOKO.LA FASHIONOVA Jacket LEVI’S Shoes NAKED WOLFE

85

QP

Bustier VICTORIA´S SECRET Jeans FOREVER 21

QP

86

Dress PATTY ANG Earrings MAISON LOUELLA

87

QP

Bustier VICTORIA´S SECRET Jeans FOREVER 21

Dress NEEDLE & THREAD

QP

88

89

QP

QP

90

Dress NASTY GAL

91

QP

Jumpsuit FASHIONOVA

QP

92

Dress NASTY GAL

93

QP

Polka Dot Bodysuit FOREVER 21

QP

94

Dress PATTY ANG Earrings MAISON LOUELLA

95

QP

FEATURE

ERICA

MARTÍNEZ

A tax accountant and CFO that has devoted herself to all things

glamourous through her passion for interior design and fashion – Erica Martinez has an eye for tasteful, decadent, and stunning vibes.

Her 2,700 square foot mid-century ranch home, located in San Diego, CA, transports you to Hollywood’s golden age from the 1930’s as well as the lavish Palm Springs boutique hotel looks of the late 1960’s.

While being a self-made entrepreneur, Erica seems to breeze through life while making time to find inspirations for elevating her home's décor, her personal goals, and her family. Just like you’ll never find lack of excitement in her day-to-day life, you won’t find a dull design pattern inside her closet or her home.

“I like challenging myself and finding new challenges in every aspect of my life... But, it’s also very important to always find the time to relax and enjoy what you’re doing in life.”

It took Erica, and her husband, two years to find this incredibly unique mid-century ranch style house that was central to their personal & professional lives – She accepted the challenge to find the perfect abode that fit all of the boxes! Guests will enjoy the hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper in her dining room, a Kelly Wearstler mosaic-tiled powder room, an A-frame open beamed ceiling in the family room, and the super chic Beverly Hills Hotel inspired pool deck located in the back yard.

The entire home is a reflection of Erica’s passion for life and attention to detail. From growing her business to enjoying time with her friends & family, and achieving her own personal growth - These images are a celebration of a woman who seeks to “break the barriers” in all parts of life while proving females can do it all with glamour & style.

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: YASMINE KATEB @yasminekateb WARDROBE STYLIST: GHOST PEPPER STYLING CO. @ghostpepperstyling MAKEUP ARTIST: CHAZ CANNON @glambychaz hair STYLIST: ELENA FALCON @elenafalcon FASHION PROVIDED BY MJH STUDIOS @mjhstudios produced by BURGERROCK MEDIA @burgerrockmedia 96

Earrings CLED

97

QP

QP

98

99

Dress BALMAIN Earrings CHANEL Purse VALENTINO

QP

Dress GUCCI Sunglasses CELINE Flowers GREEN FLORALS

QP

100

Top LEO & SAGE Hat KEITH AND JAMES Rings & Bracelets MILUK COLLECTIONS Earrings CHANEL

Image from PENELOPE MAI´s newest campaign.

101

QP

Necklace VALENTINO Shoes AQUAZZURA Flowers GREEN FLORALS

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS NADAZDIN @milosnadazdin MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR. 102

103

QP

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS NADAZDIN @milosnadazdin MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR. 104

Sequin Bodysuit VICTOR LOPEZ Sequin and Sheer Skirt VICTOR LOPEZ Black Leather Ankle Boots AESOS Black Hat LACK OF COLOUR Diamond Hoops TANZILLA RAB

Suit VERONICA BEARD

Sunglasses CELINE

105

QP

Top JILL SANDER

QP

106

Vest Top ESCADA Bracelets MILUK COLLECTIONS 107

QP

Dress THEORY Earrings LANA

QP

PHOTOGRAPHER: MILOS NADAZDIN @milosnadazdin MODEL: ALEKSANDRA NIKOLIC @alexnicolic89 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 FASHION STYLIST: NICOLE CLOUTIER @nicoleaimeec MAKEUP ARTIST: LUIS CASCO @luiscascomakeup HAIR STYLIST: ROBERT STEINKEN @robertsteinken1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: BARBARA SAGAMI @thesagamigroup SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVÉE PR, NOW PR, AND HARPERS PR. 108

109

QP

Fur Jacket ASADY Bodysuit UNDERTOP

QP

110

A DAY IN THE CITY

PHOTOGRAPHER: MANUEL HERNANDEZ @manuelhphoto MODEL: LISA SEIFFERT @lisaseiffertluv agency: PRETTY X ELITE @prettyxelite wardrobe STYLIST: NORA RUSSELL @nora_russell_ hair and MAKEUP: ANDRES FORTE @makeupforte 111

QP

Coat ALICE + OLIVIA Top ARITZIA Pants THEORY Shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

QP

112

Coat VINCE Boots STUART WEITZMAN 113

QP

Coat VINCE Boots STUART WEITZMAN

QP

114

Suit MKTStudio PARIS Shoes STUART WEITZMAN 115

QP

INTERVIEW

LISA NGUYEN

PENELOPE MAI Founder/Designer QP magazine sat down with the boss lady/designer Lisa Nguyen, designer of luxury British brand PENELOPE MAI to talk all things Fashion and Celebrity.

Lisa grew up in the UK and after studying at Imperial College London, she later honed her skills at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York.

She dedicates the label- and its strong yet gentle attitude- to the strong but beautiful and inspiring women in her life and in the world.

QP

WWW. PENELOPEMAI.COM 116

117

QP

Image from PENELOPE MAI´s newest campaign.

QP

118

H

ow did you start in fashion?

I’ve always wanted to be in fashion, ever since I was a little girl. I was 6 years old when I started making my first piece of clothes/ fabric accessories. My mother had a tailoring business for 20 years and I grew up watching and observing her crafts from every little detail and copying her every move. She was my inspiration and I had the bug for design ever since. As a teenager, I would sketch, design and make my own dresses. At the beginning of my career, I started off in Business owning my first business (a nails & beauty bar) at 22. After that, I moved to Geneva, Switzerland, Houston before deciding to go to New York to fully pursue my career in fashion and last year I decided to finally launch my brand and collection and name it after my daughter Penelope and Mai after my mother.

What´s your favorite part of being a fashion designer?

I love the fact that I have the freedom to wake up and do what I love, transforming people’s lives through my designs. Seeing the creations from a fantasy into real life and seeing them worn by the beautiful women of the world, your celebrity idols, and crushes. I love being able to inspire and empower women from the inside out. It is an essential part of my brand, the core, the belief, the message and value I strongly stand for.

What inspires you to create such amazing collections season after season?

I am inspired by nature, the seasons, from cities where I go, where I live, observing people’s style and fashion on the street, art, architectures, one of the biggest source of inspirations are flowers and roses for me, I love their bold empowering colors, their beauties, their femininity, how magical they are, their senses and I also create through feelings and moods of what I am inspired to at that moment or I get instant idea or image in my mind about something.

How would you define the Penelope Mai woman?

A Penelope Mai woman is strong, empowered, knows what’s she wants and isn’t afraid to go get it, she so

beautiful, sexy, feminine, naturally confident in own skin, embraces everything that she is, who loves herself from the inside outward and someone who is free to create, live the life she loves and do what she wants.

Independent, inspiring, kind, loving. She is the creator of her own lives. And she lives life powerfully, beautifully and tastefully.

Who is on your wish list to dress?

Angelina Jolie, Amal Clooney, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah, Megan Markle, Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Beyoncé, all the Victoria Secret models, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner,...

Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

I would love to expand my range into my own boutiques and stores around the world in LA, London, and other cities. Investing in programs where we can support women and young women to expand their abilities and capabilities through empowerment. Will definitely be expanding into swimwear, accessories, jewellery, transforming into a full lifestyle brand.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?

Be brave, be bold, don’t stop and just go for it. And just be who you are.

How is working in fashion different today than from when you started out?

It´s definitely creating much space for emerging designers to come through with the love and support from the fashion councils and institutions. Fashion is much more possible now and I am so grateful to be doing it now in today’s day and age. Especially with the technology and how open people are.

How do you want women to feel when wearing your clothes?

Empowered, confident, beautiful, sexy, elegant, special, feminine, unique, comfortable in their own skin and feel like they can do anything, they can conquer anything. They are powerful!

"I love being able to inspire and empower women from the inside out. It is an essential part of my brand."

119

QP

QP

Image from PENELOPE MAI´s newest collection.

120

Image from PENELOPE MAI´s newest collection

121

QP

QP

122

THE SHOES EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT

MODELS: BETH HURRELL AND KRYSTAL VON SEYFRIED PHOTOGRAPHER: GRAPHICS METROPOLIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR: TASH GREIZEN |

NOW PR AGENCY LOS ANGELES WARDROBE STYLIST: MIKE SAM MAKEUP ARTIST: BETH CARTER SKIN CARE: O SKIN CARE BY OLIVIA QUIDO LOS ANGELES GLAM: JAZZY FRANCE DRESSES: ENGLISH CLIENTELE SHOES: LENNY LU

123

QP

FASHION and lifestyle MAGAZINE

QP FALL 2019 VOLUME 2

NADINE & FARAH ABDELAZIZ

by YASMINE KATEB