QP FASHION MAGAZINE - SPRING 2022 by QPmag

FASHION and lifestyle MAGAZINE

QP SPRING 2022

HALEY

KALIL BY AREZOO JALALI

WWW.RATBETTY.COM

TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

MAKEUP ARTISTS TEAL DRUDA MICHELLE V. NADIYA SERPOOSH SARA MOKHTARI

CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER M.CHÉRIE EDITORIAL PRODUCERS AREZOO JALALI MATTHEW NIENABER

HAIR STYLISTS JENNIFER BAKER MICHELLE V. RIRI ROYA RUTH B. MEDRANO

SENIOR EDITOR ALEXANDRA BONNET

FASHION STYLISTS JOI SALVADOR HANNAH KERRI MICHELLE WU QUELA RENEE STACY JEFFERSON

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS SHANNEN TIERNEY ELISABETH HOWER CONTENT CREATOR ALEXANDRA BONNET PR & MARKETING OSKAR RIVERA

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Hi there, Welcome to our SPRING 2022 issue! The beautiful season is back and we could not be more excited about it. The warmer weather sparks our creativity even more as new projects start to shine... just wait and see. It is an infinite pleasure to have such an amazing model like HALEY KALIL on the cover of this new issue. She represents, as the ones featured before do, an example to those who are willing to invest all their energy on what they dream for, in a relentless way. We are also excited to share with you a few stunning editorials as well as an interview with the TIK-TOK sensation, PENG PENG LEE, and the founder of COSMO CONTOUR, NICOLE KING. Eternally grateful to those who are, have been or will be part of our family. Cheers! JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

Editor-in-Chief QPmag

COVER

model: HALEY KALIL @haleyybaylee PHOTOGRAPHER: AREZOO JALALI @arezoojalali_photography wardrobe stylist: STACY JEFFERSON @stacyjefferson MAKEUP artist: SARA MOKHTARI @makeupbysaramokhtari HAIR STYLIST: RUTH MEDRANO @ruthbmedrano pr agency ICON PR @icon_pr fashion house NOW PR AGENCY BEVERLY HILLS @nowprla location provided by THE NIGHTFALL GROUP @thenightfallgroup

Leopard two-piece set JONATHAN GUZMAN Jewelry ZARA

IN THIS ISSUE

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HEART on the

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PHOTOGRAPHER: MISHAN WARNAKULASURIYA @mishanw MODEL: CHRISTEN DYE @christenash WARDROBE STYLIST: QUELA RENEE @quelarenee hmua: TEAL DRUDA @tealmuah

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PHOTOGRAPHER: KENT AVERY @kentaveryphoto MODEL: CAITLYN MWENIFUMBO @bby_cai PHOTOGRAPHER: RASMUS SIGVALDI @rasmus.sigvaldi AGENCY: THE INDUSTRY MODEL MANAGEMENT LA @theindustryla MODEL: MARIA BAUNGAARD @mariabaungaardd wardrobe STYLIST: HANNAH KERRI @hannahkerrri AGENCY: BORNMODELS HAIR AND Makeup ARTIST: KESHA@bornmodels.dk @keshabyme WARDROBELOCATION: STYLIST: DECLAN ANNA RESEEN @anna_reesen @5thletter MAKEUP ARTIST: MELINA WOLFF @makeupbymelinawolff photo assistant: SIMONE JUICE @simone_ juice

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COVER

HALEY

KALIL beautiful THE

SCIENTIST Interview by SHANNEN TIERNEY @shannen.tierney

After graduating in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology with a minor in Chemistry and publishing award winning immonological research, Haley focused all her energy on two things: encouraging young women to pursue careers within the STEM fields and becoming a recognized fashion model, Not only was she selected to be the official Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, she also had the courage to be the Founder and CEO of The Nerd Herd, a non-profit organization that empowers women to love their bodies and their minds, while working to educate the next generation of women in STEM.

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ell us about “The Nerd Herd”. What inspired you to launch this organization?

I started The Nerd Herd last year when I noticed the disparity in the way men and women are treated within the STEM fields. I have friends who are doctors and engineers that tell me they are terrified to post a swimsuit photo because they think their coworkers will have less respect for them. Women have a different set of rules they are required to follow in this type of industry. I saw this huge need within the STEM fields for women to be respected as the multidimensional beings they are. I want The Nerd Herd to be a safe place for women to embrace both their body and their mind. A female physician should be allowed to post a swimsuit photo on vacation… the same way her male counterpart can. I want The Nerd Herd to be a place to encourage young women in STEM while also giving them a safe space to express themselves without fear or suppression. Later this year, The Nerd Herd will be launching a loungewear line where 100% of the proceeds from the first launch will go to organizations that help get young women involved in STEM.

female physician “A

should be allowed to post

a swimsuit photo on

vacation… the

same way her male counterpart can.”

The name originated in middle school when I would go off to my “nerdy” after school programs, and my older sister would say “oh Haley is off to Nerd Herd.” What used to be a mocking joke has now turned into my passion and a respected title. Heck yes I am a nerd and I am proud!!

What has your experience in the field of STEM been like? I have absolutely loved my experience in the STEM field because I love science. It’s almost as if my brain was programmed to want to know more about the human body and the mechanisms by which it functions. Just like with anything in life, there are positives and negatives. I have had many positive experiences - whether it be the

professor who told me to never give up despite the push-back I’d receive in the industry due to my gender or the science teacher I had in middle school that told me that science is not just for the boys. I have, however, had my fair share of negative experiences. I was one of only 4 women in my upper level physics courses in college. I was always one of the last ones to be chosen as a lab partner despite being the most successful in the course. I have been stereotyped due to my gender time and time again. I’ve also had to play by a certain set of rules that men do not. Don’t wear the wrong thing or you will lose respect. Don’t look too “pretty” or they won’t take you seriously. Don’t ask too many questions. Don’t be bossy. Smile - make your superiors feel important and seen. These things are not taught to men.

What would you want to tell girls who may feel too intimidated to chase their dreams because their passion may be in a male-dominated field? Do it. One small step in the right direction can lead to the butterfly effect that changes the world. You never know the legacy you may have or the changes you may create until you are long gone from this earth…. But it doesn’t mean you should never try. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Don’t let that fear overtake your dreams.

Have you found that people underestimate your intelligence because you are also a model? Absolutely. This happens constantly in my industry. I went from an industry where I was respected solely for what I knew and I entered into an industry where I was only respected for what I looked like. There is a very stark contrast between the two industries, yet there is still so much bias and unnecessary negativity toward women within both industries. I’ve had times where people spoke to me as if I was a child… until I informed them of my degrees and my work in the medical industry, and immediately their tone changed. Everyone stereotypes. It is a byproduct of our evolutionary makeup; however, we are

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advanced enough to control it. I hope to change the stereotype of a “model” and of a “scientist.”

Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome going from working in an immunology lab to now being a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model? Every single day of my life I have to battle against imposter syndrome. You never feel good enough. You never feel like you deserve to live the “dream” so many people chase. You never feel like you are worthy. We are our own worst enemies... so it’s all about conditioning your brain to say “I earned this” instead of “I got lucky.”

What was it like getting to judge the famous Miss USA pageant? One of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. Judging Miss USA was almost more nerve wracking than competing in it. I know how hard these young women work to represent their states. They train for years for that one moment on the national stage. These young women all share the same dream… to wear the Miss USA crown. It’s so hard choosing just one woman when you have a stage full of some of the most accomplished, intelligent, well spoken, and beautiful women you’ve ever seen.

What does a “day off” look like for you? I love to sit in my oversized sweatshirts, skin mask on, snuggling with my two Australian shepherds, and binge watching the newest Hulu or Netflix documentary series. I’m a nerd…. So I’ve recently been obsessed with The Dropout - the portrayal of the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes.

You took a chance when you submitted a short video to Sports Illustrated. What are some other big chances you’ve taken that have paid off? Quite honestly, submitting that video was one of the scariest moments of my life. I knew my friends, family, peers, and the world would have

their opinions. But that one moment changed my life and now I view risk taking completely differently. I don’t view it as taking a risk… I view it as grasping hold of a potential opportunity.

Are there any similarities between the modeling industry and field of STEM that would surprise people to learn about? I think there are many similarities in almost any career. The world is all based on connections and your ability to relate to people. Everyone from the local cashier at Target to Ryan Reynolds… we are all people just finding our way in this world. My motto in any career has always been to stay humble, respect others, say thank you to everyone involved, and maintain connection.

Who are women in either of your fields of work that you look up to? Honestly, there are too many to name. I am only standing here doing what I do because other women pioneered the way. I have so much respect for the women who took the first step to make all this possible for future generations.

What’s a big goal you have for yourself that you believe you can achieve within the next five years? I would love to successfully launch The Nerd Herd and create an in-school program that encourages young women to pursue their interests in STEM. I would love to continue to play an active role in the modeling and influencer world - not as an untouchable, perfect model - but as the truly real and quite normal human that I am. I would also love to enter the entertainment industry in some capacity. An ultimate dream of mine is to be on a show like The Office. To work and laugh and be amongst friends day in and day out would be nothing short of a dream.

“I hope to change the stereotype of a “model” and of a “scientist.”

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Top & Shorts LOTUZ

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“Every single day of my life I have to battle against imposter syndrome. You never feel good enough.”

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PHOTOGRAPHERS & ART DIRECTORS: NIKA VEKILOVA @nikavphotography & OXANA ALEX @oxanaalexphotography MODELS: MARIAH LONGO @mariahlongo & CYNTHIA S. CHAVEZ @cynthiaschavez HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST (cynthia): KATE STARKEY @starkey_makeup 51

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INTERVIEW

NICOLE

KING COSMO

CONTOUR & SPA Interview by SHANNEN TIERNEY @shannen.tierney

With over 20 years’ experience as a business owner and entrepreneur, NICOLE KING has ventured off to create a medspa that focuses on all things body related. She believes that being transparent and honest is a big part of what makes both her and her business so successful. Founded in 2019, COSMO CONTOUR AND SPA has grown at a high speed in just the span of 2 years.

www.cosmocontourspa.com

NICOLE KING

an you tell us more about Cosmo Contour & Spa?

Cosmo Contour is dedicated to delivering noninvasive pain-free treatments designed to each client with results that show. The innovative and unique treatments and services that Cosmo Contour has to offer bring beauty to the next level of the future. With a business in the heart of Los Angeles it was a must to be ahead of the beauty industry in order to separate Cosmo from the rest. Offering the latest medical grade technology that helps with skin resurfacing, skin tightening, fat reduction, skin toxin release, cellulite reduction and any needs you may have for your body. Cosmo Contour and Spa only uses the latest technology created by Venus Legacy, Vella-Shape, Infrared tools and an Infrared sauna for her clients to wind down in. Bringing a new light to the way people look at contouring was the goal of Cosmo Contour; each client has their own experience and journey to create real and attainable results. Not your typical med-spa, in Cosmo Contour we have put our own twist on what being pampered and taking care of your body is truly like. We wanted to be sure that women understand the process is not easy, not quick but it is effective and to be patient and perceptive to the changes within their own body. We focus on creating your image from the inside out because we believe working on your inner self is the first step to any beauty regimen. With the utmost care and concern for each client, Cosmo has built a community of clients that have created a trust factor within us for all the future plans and goals that Cosmo will continue to grow on. Cosmo Contour and Spa has become the lead in the industry of body contouring and infrared lighting, constantly staying ahead of the newest and latest technology to be sure that we are one step ahead.

MARISSA TOMASELLO What is the role of your daughter, MARISSA TOMASELLO, in the company? Marissa is our Operations Manager. She has worked in marketing and social media management across the beauty and wellness sectors for several years. Marissa earned her B.A. in Communications and Public Relations from FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY. One half of the mother-daughter team who has successfully developed Cosmo Contour into the most exclusive med spa in the Los Angeles area. Since 2015, Marissa has overseen operations, brand strategy, and curated consumer facing campaigns that garnered measurable success. She helps to formulate strategic and operational objectives to help grow the business as well as using her creative side to bring new and innovative ideas to the company and brand. Marissa utilizes

creativity to bring a bespoke and innovative approach to each campaign at Cosmo Contour.

What made you feel confident in starting this business in such a competitive market? We have a niche in this industry, being the distributor and the only studio in the U.S. to create an infrared gym with combining all of the other services we offer. The new generation is where beauty meets fitness.

What impact has your extended experience (more than 20 years) had on building this project? It helped make navigating through this process a bit smoother. Although it’s a different arena than what I am used to, my prior expertise was able to be transferable to my new business whereas someone starting with no prior knowledge would have a few more hurdles than someone who does. Nevertheless, I definitely experienced many challenges along the way and had to learn a whole new world and industry which has many learning curves. I tried my best to take my past experience to cross over into this one but there are some things that you must learn for the first time and find new solutions to.

What are some of your favorite services that Cosmo Contour provides? Definitely our entire infrared gym being that, that is what separates us entirely from the rest. I love being able to provide a quicker way of cardio and workouts for my clients who have busy schedules yet still want to make their health a priority. Myself being a mom, wife and businesswoman with an extremely busy schedule, I knew I wanted to dig deeper into a “quicker” solution to prioritizing health and fitness within a fraction of the time. In addition - I love all of our medical grade body sculpting tools which really help women feel “snatched” in one session to create inner and outer confidence.

What services have the highest demand at this moment? What new and innovative services will we be seeing in a near feature? Our body sculpting and infrared workouts in combination have a high demand which is what our clients see the absolute best results when done consistently. The future will hold a more personal

aspect to our facility, meaning- personal training experiences, hit training and medical weight loss to help accelerate their fitness goals.

Explain to us what “Infrared Cardio” is? Our bodies experience infrared energy as a gentle radiant heat which can penetrate up to 1.5 inches beneath the skin. Using our infrared equipment to work out means muscles warm up and relax more quickly, which allows the body to flex up to three times more fully. The vibrational effect stimulates blood flow which results in increased circulation, improved oxygenation of vital organs and naturally removing toxins from the body. It helps to improve flexibility, cellulite appearance, endurance, strength, mobility and speeds up muscle recovery. It’s great for anyone but especially athletes, fitness pros and anyone who wants to take their fitness life to the next level.

What are some of the more fulfilling parts of your job? Getting to see my clients leave happier and full of confidence after helping them reach their goals. Everything we do here is custom to each person's lifestyle, goals, past treatments, etc. so helping people get there is extremely rewarding. We like to call it “cosmo confidence”

“I love being able to provide a quicker way of cardio and workouts for my clients who have busy schedules yet still want to make their health a priority.”

NICOLE KING

How can your services help impact someone’s overall lifestyle? Our services were created to help boost the metabolism of those that are having trouble losing weight and reaching their goals. Our services help give them the boost they need to get back into the flow of a healthy lifestyle with help of encouragement from our services.

Is self-confidence the most deciding factor for clients? Yes.

What makes Cosmo Contour more special than other med-spas? We are the only “med-spa” in the country that has incorporated an infrared gym so our clients are physically healthy from the inside out. We want to encourage and push our clients to not only come in for treatments (although that’s fine, as we do have a handful of clients that aren’t interested in the working out aspect of this) but to also find ways to increase their energy and metabolism for long term benefits.

How important do you think the terms “customized” and “consumer approach” are to your company? Very. Being that everything we do is “customized” to each person’s goals and body type. We want to be realistic with each person that walks in this door no matter the shape or size to what they are trying to achieve and the time frame in which this can be done. Each person’s body is different,

so results vary and time frames vary. We want to be completely upfront about this so each person knows what they are signing up for.

What would you say to someone hesitant about using your services? We have created affordable ways for clients to come in, see our facility, try out our services for the first time and make their own choice of moving forward before committing to any package. Anything in the beauty industry can be skeptical which causes hesitation, “will it work for me” “are these results real” , etc. this is why all of our before and after photos are taken in house right in front of our clients so they can see what we do is real.

How have your personally?

services

helped

you

It has made me realize the importance of inner health and not just the external side of things. We are quick to want a “quick fix”, me being a victim of that, but realizing that you can only fix so much to a degree until you start your inner health is what made me realize how valuable my own services are to even myself.

What plans do you have for expanding? Right now, weeks away from opening our second location in Studio City. From that point we want to expand all across the U.S and eventually, the entire globe. We won’t speak on where the next location following Studio City will be, just yet, but know that we are not stopping there.

“ We are the only “med-spa” in the country that has incorporated an infrared gym so our clients are physically healthy from the inside out.” FOR FREE, NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL (818) 330-5220 63

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STELLA

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INTERVIEW

PENG PENG L E E

TIK TOK SENSATION Interview by SHANNON TIERNEY @shannon.tierney

TALENT: PENG PENG LEE @pengpengclee PHOTOGRAPHER: LINDY LIN @lindylinphoto WARDROBE STYLIST: ALEX CLOUGH @alexclough.style makeup artist: DAPHNE CHANTELL @houseofdaphne HAIR STYLIST: SYDNEY STAEHLE @sydstaehle PR: HELIOTYPE CREATIVE @heliotypecreative

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rowing up as a competitive gymnast, Peng Peng Lee has always had to work hard. After tearing her ACL in 2012, she had to pull out of the Olympics, but this didn’t stop her from having a successful career. She took the strong work ethics she had from gymnastics and applied it to creating content, and has now gone viral on social media. Although her life has taken some unexpected turns, Lee has found her stride and happiness in the entertainment industry.

Describe to us what it was like quickly becoming a viral sensation on TIK TOK. It's actually wild to me. I still haven't grasped that people view me as a viral sensation on TIK TOK. I'm so honored to have such great followers who have been so supportive on this journey. I constantly pinch myself on a daily because sometimes I don't even believe it! I'm having a lot of fun sharing my creativity. It's so amazing to feel that I can put a smile on someone's face or brighten their day through my platform.

What would you say your first "Wow, my life is crazy" moment was? My first thought of my life was crazy was when I walked my first Red Carpet. I remember being there beside singer Tate Mcrae and just thinking there's no way anyone would want my picture while I walk down this carpet but got asked for a photo and interview. That's when I felt like, "this is not real life right now."

I was so lucky to have had an amazing support system when I tore my ACL. I was completely devastated because I had deferred year from college and pretty much was solely focusing on competing at the Olympic games. However, I don't think I would go back and tell myself anything because I would have said the exact same thing my parents had told me at the time. They always tried to look at the silver lining through tough situations and show me that there are always other things to look forward to. They didn't disregard that it was a very sad time for me, but they reassured me there's always another Olympics, and this one isn't' the end all be all plus, you have UCLA to look forward to, and that's amazing in itself. I would have said something very similar such as the Olympics does not define me as a person, but how I walk away from the situation is what defines me.

“It's so amazing to feel that I can put a smile on someone's face.”

How do you think the dedicated mindset you held from competitive gymnastics has helped you as you've grown up and started a career? Gymnastics definitely has shaped my mindset going into the real world. It has taught me a lot of discipline and work ethic that I love to carry throughout mycurrent career. I felt that I not only learned a lot about physical hard work but mental as well. I am sothankful for the ups and downs I have had in athletics because it truly has taught me to persevere and celebrate the baby steps towards a goal.

In 2012 you had to pull out from the Olympics after tearing your ACL. If you could go back in time and talk to yourself following that injury, knowing all you do now… what would you tell her?

Content creation has become one of the most glamorized career paths one could follow, but what about the industry would you say isn't so glamorous? The loneliness. I view my platforms as my little businesses, and it's a lot more work than people think. I think, for me personally, I was used to being surrounded by coaches, a team, mentors, peers, etc., that creating content to me is like being an entrepreneur. You are navigating a lot

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PHOTOGRAPHER & art director: IVAN DUMONT @ivandumont MODEL: ARBILE D’ARUZEL @arbiledaruzel wardrobe stylist: LEWIS ANDRY @lewisandry.designer PRODUCER: JAVIER CORREIA @ejavier88 99

on your own and doing a lot of research and networking. I also love being connected to my fans, but I wish I could interact with them in person. For me, the toughest part has been the inconsistency with face-to-face interaction.

What has been your favorite career opportunity that you've gotten through being an influencer? My favorite career opportunity I've had with being a content creator has been meeting new people in an industry I've always dreamt about being a part of. Content creating has opened so many doors for me to go after my dreams that I've had while I was a gymnast, but I never had the time to pursue them fully. I am so lucky and honored.

What has it been like getting to meet other people in the influencer industry and making connections through social media? I'll be honest I haven't met too many people through the content-creating industry due to COVID. I would love to connect with everyone, but I also understand personal boundaries. That being said, the people with who I have met up have been nothing but welcoming, fun, and amazing. Coming from the athletic world, I definitely feel out of place in this industry because I still feel new and unfamiliar, but when I meet up with people who are doing similar things to me, it's actually really cool to connect and relate so quickly.

Describe to us why making music was always your "childhood dream." Music has always been a huge part of my life. Along with training for the Olympics, I always did singing/guitar lessons on the side. Music is my therapy, and it brings me so much joy to create. To me, it's not only about the music but also the performing aspect. I always dreamed of being on stage dancing and singing and just putting on a great show.

What can fans expect from the music you'll be releasing in 2022? My music is super personal, very vulnerable, and I want my fans to feel empowered by my music. Often, I write my songs when I am at a low point (pretty much when I'm crying), and I can let everything out. I want my music to be something that they can play when they're down to bring a little piece of light to their day.

If you could make a song with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why? I would love to make a song with Bruno Mars or Ed Sheeran. I think they are both musical geniuses. When I listen to their music, it's not only amazing in melody but witty and thoughtful lyrically. It's like a type of poetry that I really resonate with that inspires me when I write.

Is there anything on your bucket list that you hope you can cross off in 2022? Music will be one of those things on my bucket list that I hope to cross off in 2022. I am taking my time with the release because since it is personal, I want to put 110% effort into what I'm doing and not rush it. I definitely will be nervous and scared because I haven't done anything like this before, but at the same time, I can't wait to share it as well!

When people describe your career in ten years, what do you hope they'll say? Ten years from now, when people look at my career, I hope they say that I look genuinely happy with what I'm doing. I hope they are inspired that you can do anything you set your mind to, and it's never too late to pursue something. I had an amazing career in gymnastics, and now I am building a new one in entertainment. I want people to feel that I have made a positive impact and know that when they see my work, I am the type of person who puts their whole heart and love into what I do.

“I would love to make a song with Bruno Mars or Ed Sheeran. They are both musical geniuses.”

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Earrings ATLANTIS

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108

Gold Mesh Choker ATLANTIS Hoop Earrings ATLANTIS

109

Clutch Bag JAMMING 24/7 Earrings ATLANTIS

110

Red Leather Gloves MOSCHINO Earrings ATLANTIS

111

112

Small Hoop Earrings ATLANTIS

113

FASHION and lifestyle MAGAZINE

QP SPRING 2022

STELLA VERSINI BY MISHAN W.