Fashion & Industry Resource Magazine
LA
SUMMER 2017
SUMMER FROM DOWN UNDER INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER MEL SAUERBECK
NEW YORK’S NAKENTERPRISE CULTIVATING CREATIVE ENERGY
HONG KONG EXPOSE KOWLOON AT NIGHT
TAKING OFF WITH CHANEL FASHION & FILM Nozomi Sato photo: Alex Smith
NOZOMI SATO JAPANESE MODEL
Editor’s Letter “The importance of fashion has never been so profound.”
A Call to The World of Fashion A Threat to Democracy – A Threat to Morality! So it’s the Summer of 2017. The normal thing to do
Conrad’s A Heart of Darkness, or Lord of the Flies. And
would be to obsess over your skin, your thighs, maybe
perhaps we encourage this with the ME mentality of
your tummy, and get ready to hit the beach in a trend- generation X, the popularity of group-based competiworthy swimsuit. But this summer is different. Something more
tive reality TV and an increasingly judgmental and bullying society.
ominous, dark and dreadfully disturbing is on all of
With this degeneration into chaos, a loss of order
our minds. As members of the international fashion
and a loss of morality, are we in danger of losing the
community, there is a dark blanket of blind power that
one thing that makes the Western World so special?
is enveloping us. We are reluctant to succumb. We are
Are we in danger of losing our right to individual self-
scared to shed our external proud, successful and bril- expression and democracy? Nietzsche was one of the liant facades only to realize that there is fear, failure
world’s first psychoanalytical voices (prior to Sigmund
and insecurity within all of us.
Freud), and he advocated for a strong moral code over
On a civil, national and global scale, the state of
democracy. But for us, I feel as if we are in danger of
current international affairs, of business, of medicine
losing order, democracy and morality — which would
even, is so increasingly chaotic, unstable and volatile. be a complete loss for the Western World. As producWe feel lost as individuals. As we succumb to this state of
tivity degenerates into immature and senseless anger,
unstable international affairs, we have lost our societal
jealousy and theft.
and individual morals. New government relations are
But fashion, believe it or not, fashion could be the
trying to restore order, but we feel as if we are degener- one of the most important and powerful tools of selfating into a societal world of chaos similar to Joseph
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expression. A force used since the Franco-Prussian war,
“Fashion against herd mentality and blind conformity.”
the Art of Fashion — can we use this to cleverly restore
reminder of life sacrifice, of a strong moral code, of
order and morality in our world?
previous failures. Can we use fashion as a vehicle to
We look to fashion in civil society then. We look at
remind people to just be mindful of others. How great
the news, CNN for example, and then to the movies, it is to create and celebrate something so beautiful. The and the movie awards, and film festivals as well. concept is so simple. Yes, this is right and this is wrong, We see beautiful seductive lace numbers on Persian
and it is just so incredibly simple — it is just so simple.
beauties, and then structured black and white suits
“Fashion against herd mentality and blind
on statuesque European celebrities, and then we see princess gowns in all sorts of presentations. And we
conformity” “Fashion as a vehicle towards restoring soci-
can confirm that there is hope. Civil society, democracy, etal morality” moral behavior is still being celebrated in unity on an international scale through the realm of fashion. So we call to the designers. People with ingenious minds, beautiful souls and the strength of character
We designers are not robots. We models are critical thinkers and have life experience. We makeup artists would be bored to death if we couldn’t be inspired to create new things every day.
that only rises from having dealt with difficult situa-
Maybe we will only say it once again. This season’s
tions. And we ask you: can the fashion industry do it?
slogan is: “Fashion against herd mentality and
Can we bring back societal and individual morality
blind conformity; fashion as a vehicle towards
to earth? Maybe not from strong, rich, overpowering, restoring societal and individual morality.” condescending or obnoxious rulers — but can we use fashion, and possibly film, as a constant and subtle
I’m happy now. I hope you are too :) Yasmin Pirani
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La Mode Yasmin Pirani
Table of
Editor-In-Chief
Murray Johnston
SECTION ONE
Production Designer
La Mode North America
Alex Smith Dream Vision CEO
Cover Photo Nozomi Sato photo: Alex Smith
pages 6 - 29
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6 Mel Sauerbeck Summer from Down Under
14 Catherine Duda Dream Vision Productions Inc. 303 - 711 Broughton Street Vancouver, BC, Canada V6G 1Z8 tel: 604-376-7760 info@dreamvisionproductions.ca www.dreamvisionproductions.ca
18 Nakenterprise Cultivating creative energy in the artistic world
20 Kim Legler 22 RED – Positive Day in Vegas In support of people living with HIV
Contents SECTION TWO
La Mode International pages 30 - 57
30 36
30 Nozomi Sato Japanese-Canadian model
36 DZHUS Ukrainian designer Irina Dzhus
40 Hong Kong Expose Kowloon at Night
46 Black is White 48 Symexperience Designer GĂźnes Sati YĂźksel
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54 Film & Fashion Revolt against Ignorance and Group Conformity
La Mode North America
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Mel Sauerbeck Enjoy Summer from Down Under As we progress into the heated days of summer, we start to think about fashion on the beach. Here is a collection from international photographer Mel Sauerbeck that will keep us light, refreshed, cool and fun both on and off of the beach. This summer’s beach trends of: Pops of color and patterns to remember, bright colors to make a strong impact, innovative crochet bikini knits and cover-ups are evident. But more importantly, don’t forget to bring a relaxed, fun-loving and laissez faire approach to life. With the spirit of enjoying each other’s company and making the most of life, let’s: Enjoy. Summer from Down Under!
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Mel Sauerbeck Summer from Down Under
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Mel Sauerbeck Summer from Down Under
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Mel Sauerbeck Summer from Down Under
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La Mode North America
Catherine Duda “My full name is Catherine Lauren Velazquez Duda. I was born and raised in Cancun, Mexico. Both my parents and my older sister live there. I have dual citizenship due to the fact that my mother was born in Vancouver, Canada. Therefore, besides Mexican, I am also a Canadian citizen. My father was born in Veracruz, Mexico.”
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“I am currently living in Vancouver because I always saw myself building a life here, ever since I was young and came to visit family. Growing up in Cancun was quite an adventure, but I wanted to spread my wings, explore somewhere new, become independent and grow as a person. I am now done with my first year of Communication Studies at Capilano University,
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and so far, I am loving it. I also work a part-time job as a hostess at the St. Regis Bar & Grill in downtown.” “I have always been interested in acting though. There is something about playing different characters yet still remaining unique as a human being that really intrigues me. It’s a whole different world, a dynamic job full of adventure, and of course an expressive form of art. I was going to move to Los Angeles instead of Vancouver, but I came to a realization that L.A. is too saturated in the film industry. It’s all about the American dream there.” “I decided that it would be better if I got a degree in something that I really enjoy, and having acting as a side thing that would eventually grow would be a better way to pursue my dream. Plus, Vancouver is an amazing city full of opportunities and I’m ready to take them on. I believe that in order to succeed in life and enjoy every day to the fullest you have to accept new challenges and be open to ideas and possibilities. I am a person that always remains positive. I love being out there, meeting creative and fun
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people, and getting involved in projects.” “Even though I am young, just about to enter my twenties, I have big plans for the future. I don’t only want to work on myself, but also contribute to the world in some sort of way. I believe that it is our duty to give back not only to our environment, which needs to be taken care of, but also to those in need. Every opportunity to help should be taken, because it does make a difference.” “I am more than honoured to be a part of La Mode. It is a magazine that merges diversity, fashion and innovation in a very neat way. I have done modeling before, but nothing really big or professional. La Mode is surely a big step for me, and fashion to me is a huge deal.” “What you put on makes a huge statement to the world and even influences your mood. I always try to stick to colorful and unique pieces, and even though I always try to match, sometimes it works out perfectly when I don’t.” C.D.
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New York’s Nakenterprise Cultivating creative energy in the artistic world Nakenterprise is comprised of a series interrelated companies. Our main goal is to cultivate creative energy in the artistic worlds of music, modeling and fashion. One of our main features is our Nakenterprise Record Label. We consistently create music with talented new and established faces such as Delroy “Doc Marshall” Harrison, who has had many major hits including engineering the work of artist “Shaggy” amongst others. If you flip to our Nakenterprise pages, http://nakenterprise.com/, you can discover all kinds of up-and-coming music from reggae to soul to pop rock. All created as a reflection of the streets of New York City. Nakenterprise’s involvement with modeling and fashion has evolved more recently with the company. We started by gathering a list of models for their production through model competitions. Having met phenomenal success, we started to establish lasting relationships with fashion’s who’s who, particularly in New York. This year, we held a model and designer competition in April. And of course we were graced with the presence of our infamous judges: Avadora Minoumi (top super model), Violeta Claudia Bratu (‘European Number 1 Singer-Songwriter’), and Sofia Davis (‘Fashion Avenue News’). All A-list stars in the industry. And the designers we are hosting are equally as talented. If you haven’t already seen their prior works, you would probably recognize them from Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model, or other media outlets. Being in New York, we are able to salute to the best
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of the best. And I can’t be modest enough, when I say, “opportunity knocks.” Just like in the old days. This year, the models and designers were selected through casting with judges’ review. They were judged on practicality and style. The models were reviewed based on their professionalism, skills and ability to grow. This year we offered $10,000 in cash to the winner — not a bad incentive to bring out your best. Again, in the end, we want to build talent in the music and fashion world of not only New York, but internationally. We are established, we are the who’s who and we integrate with the who’s who in the fashion and modeling worlds internationally. Even though we have so much experience within the field, we push each person to their level of expertise. Each model has a hair stylist and makeup artist work with them — for the best outcome during the event. Training is also provided for models with great potential. Our location is awe inspiring as well. The Alhambra Ballroom is grand and magnificent. Important things will happen here. The location was recommended by the production team and worked out well for us. Our goal was to boost careers and open doors that would allow people to meet their potential. While at the same time, we wanted to find models that would be an asset to our internal production. And this is just what we did. It was a gala fit for the best of the best in the industry. Nakenterprise.
La Mode North America
Kim Legler Inspired by nature and the vibrancy of city-life Kim Legler is a Vancouver-based fashion designer. She is a graduate of La Salle College and has been designing for about seven years now. Kim is originally from Yellowknife and comes from a fine-art background. She is often inspired by nature and the vibrancy of city-life. You will see this contrast in a lot of her work. Kim’s design-aesthetic is minimalistic, yet feminine. Her silhouettes are mostly tailored and clean-lined. Her mission is to create wearable clothes that can easily be incorporated into everyday life and into a pre-existing wardrobe. Kim Legler designs for the modern, sophisticated and effortless type of woman. “What inspired me to become a designer? Watching Fashion File on TV from a very young age, I always knew fashion was something that I would get into. Both of my parents are quite creative, so I grew up drawing, painting, sewing, woodworking, etc. I was always particularly interested in drawing though. I remember making my own sketchbook out of pink paper and binding it together with string. I drew all of the fashion designs that I would someday bring to life with my sewing machine.” “When I was about 15 years old, I was scouted out as a model by local designer Jamie Look. She gave me the opportunity to display my artwork at her fashion show, and
over time we developed a very close relationship. I consider her my most influential mentor; she helped push me to go to fashion school and become a designer.” “Growing up in Yellowknife, there wasn’t much to do; it’s a very small town, and it is really what you make of it. I spent a lot of time in nature there, which is why I’m always so inspired by it. Being in nature is integral to my being; it calms me, soothes my soul, inspires me, and makes me feel alive.” “When the weather was too cold to go outside, that is when I would get creative with painting, sewing, drawing, collage-making, redecorating, etc. The general theme of my designs always stem from nature, whether it’s rain, snow, sun, trees, flowers, the colour palette of the changing seasons, etc.” “Then from there I build a concept. Although my current collection at VFW was about daydreaming, I took aspects from Yellowknife and Vancouver and mixed them together. I used light blue, white, and pink to represent the soft skies and frosty mornings. I used hot pink to represent the beautiful pink sunsets we get in the North. I developed a rain drop print in which was hand printed all over a t-shirt to represent the rainy days we get in Vancouver.”
“This piece was paired with a short, black, faux-leather A-Line skirt which was representative of an umbrella. To incorporate the daydreaming aspect the collection started off very light, fun, happy, with all of our daywear. Then after the hot pink skirt — the sunset — the collection gradually got darker, and into our evening wear line, finishing off the show with a beautiful black silk gown.” “With each collection I always try to incorporate some kind of artistic approach, whether I actually hand-paint on the clothing or I simply draw inspiration from my paintings into the collection.” “If I could pick one element from a different culture it would be anything tropical, whether it’s from Spain, Greece, St. Lucia, Hawaii or Mexico. Anything tropical — I’m all over it! I love kitschy palm tree & pineapple prints — anything floral. Growing up in Yellowknife, I was always dreaming of what it would be like to live somewhere polar opposite, somewhere hot! I’m also British, so I’m big into London Fashion — the MOD’s style is my most favourite; I love 1960’s fashion too.” “Yes, this was my first time to do Vancouver Fashion Week. It was a great experience, and very fun to do such a big show! The benefit of this show was being able to reach such a huge audience. Since the show I’ve gotten some interviews and more exposure of my brand.” “I also am a huge supporter of the Little Black Dress Gala! I do this show twice a year and absolutely love being a part of it. It’s for a really great cause, and it’s given me a platform to showcase my work. Without these guys, I wouldn’t be where I am today!” KIM LEGLER, Owner/Creative Director Summer 2017 La Mode
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RED
A Positive Day in Vegas An evening of cabaret, fun, fashion & flair in support of people living with HIV RED is an annual fashion, dance and talent extravaganza that takes guests on a 90-minute theatrical journey through the lives of people living with HIV. For its second year, this highenergy event was staged by more than 200 volunteers who rallied together on May 13 to donate their time, talent and loving care in support of Positive Living BC — Western Canada’s largest consumer-based HIV service organization. Vancouver’s top models, fashion-forward designers and hair stylists, makeup artists, dancers, performers and other entertainers put on a spectacular show for over 800 guests who converged on the Harbour Event Centre for an unforgettable evening. Vancouver event producer and owner of Volume Hair Studio, Dean Thullner, was inspired to give back by his personal history with the HIV/AIDS movement, and offered to produce this exciting event in support of Positive Living BC.
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“Twenty years ago, people were dying from AIDS. We lost many of the most artistic, creative, passionate people of our time,” says Thullner. “RED is a dramatic homage to them, and a bold reminder that HIV is a cause that still needs a lot of public attention. As a gay man living with HIV, I’ve been well supported in dealing with my illness by the HIV-positive community. RED is an opportunity for me to pay some of that forward. There are still many struggling with HIV. RED proves that Vancouver’s finest creative forces care about people living with HIV (PLHIV) and understand their need for specialized support!” Positive Living BC’s Board of Directors is thrilled by the generosity of Thullner and so many other dedicated, talented and giving volunteers who are putting on this extravagant show to help PLHIV thrive. “Proceeds from RED bolster the health and confidence of our members by contributing to some of the most important programs that reach our members across BC,” explains Neil Self, Chair of Positive Living BC. “With the goal of empowering people to manage the complex social, medical and legal challenges of living with HIV, funds raised at RED help our non-profit society provide programs and services — like Healing Retreats, naturopathy and dental hygiene — tailored to the unique needs of people living with HIV.” For more information about RED, please visit www.REDVancouver.ca.
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The Plastics Are In by Samantha Kaura
Don’t get me wrong. I love my leather shoes, whether they are sandals, stilettos or pumps. But these days I’m down with the plastics, which are now at the front of my shoe closet. A few brands have branched out and made plastic the material for the shoe support and straps. The look is sleek, sexy and durable. You can find wedges, stilettos and platform sandals. Now these days, the plastic is not the same as plastic used twenty years ago, and the result is fabulous sleek shoes that you can rock at night or at work. Check out Melissa shoes. Aside from the wonderful plastic designs that range from sleek, playful and strappy, what I love are the strong soles which make for a shoe that looks like it will last and be comfortable. This brand offers a variety of styles, and for those of you who like to stick to your favorite designers the brand has
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specific collaborations with famous designers you’ve definitely heard of and those shoes are also available on the website. Another wonderful shoe that I predict is going to be on trend can be found from THESIS. Check out their website at thesiscouture.com. Not only are these shoes designed with plastic material, the best and most innovative part is that the heel is designed by engineers such that it is more comfortable to the foot by providing more arch support and distributing the weight more evenly across the shoe. The only bad part is the availability, which seems to be either waiting for production or sold out! But don’t lose heart; I’m predicting that the other shoe designers are going to jump on board with the plastics trend. S.K.
Roman Kahlone
Delivering the international language of love
Singer & songwriter Roman Kahlone was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, via parents of Indian descent. As a result, he offers a unique cultural mesh of Indian, Latin and Middle Eastern influences in his music. Growing up, Roman was surrounded by Bollywood alongside the contemporary music he heard in British Columbia. As a result, he now considers himself a pop fusion artist — singing in English with an Indian twist. He is currently collaborating with a number of diverse artists, including Canadian, South Asian and world producers to come up with his unique blend of Arabic, Indian and Latin beats. His focus is on ballads, with an ear toward delivering the international language of love. Roman has also been a Vancouver-based actor and standup comic working in TV and onstage. He recently appeared on ATN’s “5 Idiots” and will soon be seen in the indie film, “The Rise of the Indian Prince.” He also is a lead in the Western/Indian soap, “Life Is Cool.” Roman believes that art offers all of us a universal pure connection — that evokes emotion, both from our past and into the present. “I believe that emotions are the most addictive chemicals,” he says.
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Japanese Taste Clothes Photo/Editor: Alex Smith 30 La Mode Summer 2017 Production: Terry Sasaki
Nozomi Sato “I was born in Japan and moved to Canada in 2012. I’ve always loved art, creativity, music and sports my whole life, since I was a kid. In 2013 or 2014 I started making jewelry/art/nail art/ make-up crafts.” “In 2015 I was a first-time runway model; in 2016 I did more shooting as a model; in 2017 I started as an actress in feature films, music videos and short films.”
What got you interested in the industry? “While a runway model for the first time I was inspired by how amazing it is to share art to people. I was really proud to wear clothes for designers. I was really happy to become a part of the show. Always, I was interested in art, fashion, the beauty of shape and makeup.” “Japanese culture stoically follows rules for everything. Moving to Canada was a big change for me. Canada has so much freedom; Western society has more possibilities and freedom to express. The cultural difference opened new doors to more ideas, artistic creativity and the highlighting of positives to discover myself.” Japanese Traditional Kimono
Personal style “I don’t have a specific style of fashion. I love the Hippie style, Bohemian, elegance, a dash of Rock’n’Roll, and ethnic fashion (exotic). To me it’s a collection of many things. But what I most care about is balance in whatever I wear. Balancing tight and loose, balancing of colour and pattern. I like to highlight my body from fashion. Also I like to change my hair style, makeup and nail design.” “To me, fashion is not only clothes: it’s body shape, makeup, hair style, nails, jewelry, shoes, hats, purses — even how I act, how I walk, my facial expression. Every part of me is a part of fashion. Fashion is how I live.”
Photo: Barbora BK
Editor: Kasumi Kanaya
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“Every part of
“Fashion is
me is a part of
how I live.”
fashion.”
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La Mode Summer 2017 Japanese Taste Clothes: Photo/Editor: Alex Smith; Production: Terry Sasaki
Where you see yourself now and in the future? “I’m feeling very happy and with passion in my life, some of which are runway/photo modeling and acting. These vibrant feelings that allow me to experience this wonderful thing we all call life is truly blissful. Of course, as a very creative, curious and passionate person, I want to try new things and build on the vision I have for my life.” “As I build and expand my modeling and film careers, I look to not only widen my network with artistic and talented collaborators, within those realms, but I am moving towards also branching out into my own creatively controlled projects.” “Where each photo shoot, film project, clothing design, and anything else that I feel excited to put my energy into will be original and something that I believe in. Projects that inspire me will most likely inspire others for their own life’s journey.” “A joyful life for me is being creative — but also having the feeling that I am free to pursue any direction I choose and be the CEO of my dreams. I love life!” N.S.
Photo: Alex Smith Editor: Kasumi Kanaya Photo: Barbora BK
Editor: Kasumi Kanaya
Little Black Dress Gala
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Nozomi Sato
Photo: Camera Dave Photography Editor: Kasumi Kanaya
Photo/Editor: Peter Vernon Quenter
Photo: Alex Smith Editor: Kasumi Kanaya
Summer 2017 La Mode Japanese Taste Clothes: Photo/Editor: Alex Smith; Production: Terry Sasaki
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DZHUS Ukrainian designer Irina Dzhus
DZHUS is a conceptual women’s wear brand launched in 2010 by Ukrainian designer Irina Dzhus. Avant-garde yet utilitarian, DZHUS’ visual identity derives from innovative structural solutions. The brand’s design concepts are based on the interaction and transformation of construction modules, aimed to create new aesthetics of the form — alternative and virtually archetypical at the same time, categorical but variable. Irina Dzhus generates innovative cut systems, using her extraordinary ability of a thorough insight into the complex structure of the ambient and a deep understanding of its architectonic potential. Comprehending metaphysics of the form and its antipode, volumes and silhouettes, surfaces and voids, contours and textures, the designer explores the possibilities of interaction of the surrounding space’s constitutive parts, from which her experimental constructions derive.
In 2015, DZHUS was short-listed for the International Woolmark Prize. DZHUS’ lines have been presented during Paris Fashion Week, International Fashion Showcase (London), Ukrainian Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days, Helsinki Fashion Week and Prague Design & Fashion Week “Designblok.” DZHUS vegetarian-friendly clothing is stocked at concept stores of Europe, USA, Asia, Middle East and Australia and sold online worldwide. A DZHUS woman is an intelligent nonconformist in search of the perfect embodiment for her unique inner world. The brand has been featured in the top international media, including Vogue, Dazed&Confused, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel, Marie Claire, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Elle Decoration, Nio.Se, Dash, Remark, Status, Dezeen.com and many more.
LOOKBOOK CREDITS
CONTACT INFO
Photos: Olga Nepravda
Website: www.irinadzhus.com
Style, Makeup & Hair: Irina Dzhus
Phone: +380661267828
Models: Maria Grebeniuk @ KModels, Anita Stemkovskaya @ MY Model Management
Email: studio@irinadzhus.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/dzhus.conceptual.wear Instagram: @dzhus.conceptual.wear
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SS17 CONCEPT: “CARBON” Carbon forms the key component for all known life on Earth. Carbon is a quintessence of black, the fundamental colour of DZHUS’ identity. Carbon is coal, traditionally mined in Ukraine, the homeland of DZHUS. The workers’ rigid routine, uniform and stern industrial constructions have inspired the surly, utilitarian leitmotif of the designs.
Carbon is graphite, used to draw harsh lines and delicate shadings, which have embodied in contoured edges and sheer textures of the monochrome garments. Carbon is ashes, which will remain when we are gone, as a symbol of life’s fragility and the eternal cycle of nature.
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La Mode International
Bright Lights, Big City Kowloon at Night
It’s witty, it’s doll-like…it’s cool, refreshing, and strong with underlying peeks of soft lilac lingerie, penciled-in 1930s eyebrows and organized architectural geometry - the horizontal and vertical lines on platforms and closefitting jackets mimic the irresistibility of the infamous Hong Kong skyline. In essence, it’s Cantonese Bubble tea, a fortune cookie on the rise. Moreover, it’s Hong Kong at its best: It’s thriving, it’s innocent and it’s pure. That’s right, it’s pure. The strength is in an understated, laissez-faire type of wealth. The style offers an incorrigible way to see through to the essence of truth. It’s not manipulated. There is no conformity. We see individuals with instincts raging with fire. And then we see a transition. She slips through a sliding door, she hunts in Hong Kong’s Champs Elysees, and she innocently peeks at you with a Milly-inspired jacket, refreshing pops of bright orange and a softly draped lilac cotton nightie. Now, we see espionage on the rise. The girls are stopping traffic. We are finally entrenched, stupefied and enamored by her beauty, her length, and her purity: it’s all a thriving burst of Orientalism at its best. Yasmin Pirani
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La Mode International
Black is White
The Crazy Nights of Black and White Black and White…Black and White. As we see beyond the fragile innocence of companionship, we discover painful truths that take us into different directions. From careless temptation to desperate solitude, we see the painful truths of individuals living together, but in truth, living lackadaisically and only for themselves. This is adolescence, with a central theme of ME. Black and White, Black and White: both are strong in front and form, but which one is stronger than the other? As the images progress we see several transformations. From innocent yet devilish adolescent coquettes through to awkward edges and hang-ups, we experiment with different characters. Some are painful, some are painless, some are sturdy and some are imitation. A Grecian goddess with a white cotton bra…and a beautiful princess sucking on a strong sturdy cigar — incongruent. Is it Reality and Truth? Now, we are destructive. She is destroyed! With a line geometry, it is painful and weak in posturing, cramming herself into the corner stairwell where solitude and torture finds appeasement. And then the other emerges strongly with her boxing gloves and dark long locks. But in the end, Strong is Weak and…Weak is Strong Both, destroyed pictures of beautiful and youthful innocence. Imagine, it is the world upside down.
Photographer: Bogdan Teodorov Fashion Stylist: Andra Teodorov Hair Stylist: Camelia Tugearu Makeup Artist: Corina Tudor Models: Julia & Crina – Max1 Models Photo Editing: Fashion Retouch Location: Johnnie’s Barber
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Symexperience Designer Günes Sati Yüksel
“My name is Günes Sati Yüksel. I was born on August 26th, 1991 in Stuttgart, Germany. My family, however, comes from the city of Sinop, in Turkey.” “In 2017 I graduated as a fashion designer at the German Popakademie. At the same time I worked day and night in snack houses to finance my dream and my studies. My school and my teachers were inspired by my unique designs from the start.” “My hobby, which I later turned into my job, started with my mother. In 2005, when I was 13 years old, I did not want to buy her a typical gift; I wanted to do something special that my mother loved, so I began to draw the Oscar dresses of 2005, which my mother liked. There are around 62 of those drawings.” “From then on, I started to draw more and more, and I now have close to 2000 drawings.” “In 2013 I decided to start studying as a fashion designer.”
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“An impulse was Lady Gaga, my greatest idol. My goal is, of course, to dress up Lady Gaga in my designs. Another idol is Alexander McQueen, who also has a deep connection to his mother. His creativity and art, the way he brings them to life, has always inspired me and I wish to break boundaries just the way he did.” “In 2015, I began to become self-employed. I had little money to develop myself, but I began to invest everything on fabrics. I went to bazaars to get good fabrics and with the sewing machine of my grandmother I then began to sew.” “And I started to sell my own designs. Since then I have made new clothes every season.” “First it was only seven pieces. Later it became more and more, because I wanted to grow as a designer and work harder each time. I always want something new and thrive to always be better — I don’t ever want to take things for granted.” “With my designs, I want to make sure that the wearer knows she is strong, sexy, beautiful, yet feels comfortable, and that she does not need to hide. That is my biggest theme behind my designs.” “I want to be a famous fashion designer in the future, someone who lives out his creativity.” “In my new collection I wanted to play around with geometric elements and gain some experience on designs with such shapes — thus the name, ‘Symexperience’.” G.S.Y.
La Mode International
Roxanna Cuadra A little about selfies
“Hello, my name is Roxanna Cuadra. I was born in Sinaloa, Mexico on June 25, 1972. My friends define me as an outgoing person - direct and with a very strong character. I love coffee; and my favorite pastime since the age of 12 has been reading. “Suspense and terror are genres that fascinate me. Some of my favorite authors are Stephen King and Ann Rice, among others. I have dedicated myself to commerce. Some years ago I met the city of Vancouver and fell in love with it. It’s wonderful! I hope to visit again very soon.”
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“They asked me to talk a little about selfies.” “In themselves, I think of them since I take several. I think it’s something that everyone does: it’s viral. We’ve all made self-portraits and also criticized other friends for publishing them. You usually take the selfie with a smartphone or webcam and it’s uploaded to a social networking site. I, for example, take selfies with my cell phone. I know which angle favors me, like tipping my head, etc.” “You know that’s very important, it’s the key to a good selfie. So much like the addition of photography. For some, this culture of selfies could be said to be of a generation obsessed with frivolity and image. I think there is no reason to exaggerate!” “It would be thought to be pure narcissism, but I think it is more than that. I think it is to preserve the memory of the different aspects of your life, to stay in the flow of social networks. That is to the others I am here!” “Editing the selfie is beyond deceiving others, as many people comment. And I think that’s not the way it is, it’s a way of liking yourself more. A self-portrait can have the role in media, I think it has evolved by the greater access that mobile phones have to the internet. Selfies have been a boom on the internet and not just for young people — also for adults.” “Self-esteem is a social phenomenon, I believe, but beyond what they may represent I do not think that the fever of nonself-effacement is a very negative thing as many people think. The human being has always been vain by nature, but the difference is that in the past there were not so many facilities to demonstrate our self-love.” “The last thing I want to tell you is that it is not wrong to take self-portraits, but not to turn them into an obsession. We should not focus on ourselves so that it makes us lose details of our life.” “Our face we will continue to see the rest of our lives in the mirror. We must enjoy our lives and immortalize moments to live them more. It has been a pleasure to have chatted with you!” “Thank you. A hug from Mexico!” Summer 2017 La Mode
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Chanel Autumne-Hiver 2017/2018 and the Nuclear Revolution
The show begins with a large, centrally placed phallic space shuttle caged into a domed room. The struts and columns of the dome are set with greenish silver wiring, so intricate that the space shuttle would be difficult to launch — and most likely is unable to be set free. The audience stands quietly, stoically, expectantly, slightly fervently waiting for the phallus to be rescued. And they wait patiently, silently and graciously behind the iron fences. They are waiting for something to happen, for something to raise their senses into a much anticipated climax. And they are waiting, in essence, quietly, to be set free. The music begins. The beats are strong, repetitive and anxious. Fervently we start to hear a Morse Code warning us of the imminent threat, of a nuclear war. Everything remains sterile, strong, caged in, chaos presented to us in orderly iridescent hues. And then, instead of the much anticipated harp, a guitar begins to be strung. Softly, melodiously, comfortably, the guitar plays a cadence, guiding us into sweet calm harmony, into society, into a group. The women begin to march, soldierette after soldierette. With barbied innocence, strong but subtle confidence, and heightened astute senses, the soldierettes march on. Their clothing is conservative, patterned, reflective and innocently provocative. Instead of coloured stitches, sturdily stitched pearls incessantly crop the seams and hemlines of luxury and good taste.
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But it is the boots of silver, with Chanel’s recognizable two tone toe, that unifies the soldierettes. The women are all different — with different complexions, different two toned glistening hair, different walks, different “millinerie.” But they are all protected by the glittered reflexion of their “bottes d’armoire impenitrable.” And so they walk, strutting confidently through the silver-lined trenches of war. And now a “coldplayesque,” slightly awkward male voice continues to sing and taunt. Slightly off, it must be an A minor. There are references to pain, to suffering, to poverty, to “Les Miserables” itself. And this is it. This is Chanel’s re-enactment of the role of Women in the French Revolution, in Les Miserables for instance. And we know that both then and now, women play the most important role of all. Women are the real soldiers. They will encage you. And they will taunt you, torture you, and control you into submission … Sometimes with pride, sometimes with jealousy and sometimes with envy … We see them now, just as they were then, still, on the Front Lines. Chanel then, in all of its glamourous, iridescent and aeronautical reflections, for autumne/ hiver 2017/18 at least. What a beautifully awakening show. Mars is on Fire. And Jupiter has become a cold, frigid and nasty ice blue. An Aeronautical Engineer. The End.
Fashion on Mars With several NASA projects and goals, the prospect of colonizing MARS for the year of 2027 is growing increasingly closer. But have we got there already? Well if NASA hasn’t, we know that the world of fashion has. From launching several designer-based labels on the prospect of colonizing the RED PLANET, to holding fashion shows on space shuttle inspired catwalks, FASHION on MARS becomes an increasingly prevalent and imminent concern. Will it be a low key Mars-based clothing line, based on comfort and athletics that will drive the market? Or are we going to have fashionistas and top models like Naomi Campbell and Gigi Hadid buying MARS-based mansions to establish their presence in the new market. The fun in it is that there is so much potential to explore. So much potential to create. And so much potential to transform. So I am calling it out… MARS: we’ve got oxygen, we’ve got food, we’ve got gravity — and all we need now is a hot desert number to make life sustainable and possibly enjoyable for us all. MARS: it’s the next fashion forward city of the universe.
Ellie Yaofan
An expression of female diversity “Enjoy a unique and colorful interpretation of diverse female beauty, presence and self-expression. “
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Film and Fashion Revolt against Ignorance and Group Conformity As we continue to examine fashion and its influence on society, we note the trendy new ways people present themselves to the world at the various international film festivals. Bright yellows, strong princess gowns, a pop of pink, and a classic pantsuit. Everyone has a statement and a pure opinion — from life experience, no doubt, and cultures that are juxtaposed against one another in a cultural mosaic. The result is beauty, curiosity and intrigue on an international level. So much inspiration, so many political statements — so much can be said from both the worlds of fashion and film. One might surmise that the world is actually not driven by political events or reputable figureheads, but instead is governed by visible parts of civil society. Fashion, film, the media, the news — all have an interesting and profound impact on group mentality. And it is just that; it is “Group Mentality.” And despite this realization, fashion and perhaps film, for example, can lead us not only towards group mentality, but also away from it. Let us in this final act of The Princess Queen – Nothing is Everything, understand how important it is to cultivate individual thought processes, thought processes that are not afraid to question a group’s governed mentality or the “shared one mind” of society. Maybe we are better off listening to each other. With each person’s differences in opinion there can be a better understanding of humanity, of human nature, of trials and tribulations in one’s life. Moreover there can be a better understanding of the human experience and what really matters in life. Is it money? Is it beauty? Is it material possessions? Or is there something so much more profoundly beautiful in life? Say, for example, the beauty of shared souls, of human experience, of human interaction, of finding laughter out of blackness. This is what I am wanting people to do. I want people to think for themselves, to avoid being influenced by the ignorant and common opinions of others who are too afraid or not confident enough to be themselves. I fear. Not only for myself, but for the world. If a group can promote ignorant, archaic, lies and allow great leaders to be convinced into these ways of thinking, then really we have not progressed at all. And really then, we have nothing. Nothing but ignorance, conformity, nonsense, and childish behavior.
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Read on, and let us know about what you think of: Film and Fashion. A Revolt against Ignorance and Group Conformity. Excerpt from: The Princess Queen: Nothing is Everything Act 6 Daughter Narrator: The daughter is walking up the stairs of her New York walk-up apartment. She turns the key into the door and enters her apartment. It is a tiny bachelor’s apartment with pretty girly little things. Colors are predominantly white with black and white patterned cushions. Deep purple and bright accents with pillows, lamps, etc. Very art deco look. She speaks: “And now, I know the world is curious. What is to become of the daughter of The Princess Queen?” She grabs a glass of sparkling water and pours it into a wine glass. “Will she be a leader, mentally imbalanced, brain damaged, or a street runner?” “And so I will tell you that,” “As long as people continue to rape innocent, helpless 76 year-old women to create a very false allusion of power and leadership.” “As long as women continue to turn men into swine through sexual rhythms and hormonal imbalances.” “As long as the world is in danger of becoming pure hell itself.” “I will be exactly who I am supposed to be.” The Daughter opens a box of chocolates and pops one in. She looks at her recently bought shopping bags and moves them to the side. She says, slightly sadly, “and none of them are from Tiffany.” Her orange cat lets out a soft meow, alluring her. She picks up her cat and slightly cares for it. “It’s always all about testosterone, isn’t it?” she says to the cat.
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“It’s about the best.” “And then it’s about the one that’s better.” “It’s about embarrassment, inadequacy, jealousy — please don’t make jealous girls feel better, it only empowers them more!” “You see, it’s all about the allusion of power and strength.” “And it’s always about manipulating a man through this kind of testosterone.” “And to all the men in the world, ‘have the brilliance to learn this well.’” “Beauty, power and strength: it’s an illusion.” “It’s a way to manipulate a man into stupid and blind conformity.” “Female Beauty, Power and Strength.” “If you want the best, then we’ve got her. And trust me, with the best, everyone will agree that she’s the best — no matter where they are from. And that is surely and obviously the best, because - well that’s what everyone agrees upon, it’s that she is the best?” In different accents and intonations, almost insanely she says questioningly: “She’s the best?“ Now slyly, “she’s the best?” Now assuredly, “she’s the best?” Now derisionaly, “she’s the best?“ “You are forewarned!” The Daughter strings her harp (her harp is in the corner of her tiny apartment. She puts on her lariat) “Now here is my lariat and here is my harp. The same in every lifetime.” As she strings on her harp again she says: “Now strong men can become swine. PURE, BLIND, FOLLOWING, innocent men can indeed become SWINE.” “And it’s all from Beauty, Power and Strength. Sometimes it’s from finding the Best of the Best.”
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She chuckles. “If I found a man that was happy he found the best I would tell him.” “Good night and Sweet Sweet Dreams.” The Daughter sighs. The Daughter looks at her orange cat, picks her up and looks at a picture of her mother on the wall, a black and white of her when she was young. “So old kitty here, I don’t know if you are my mother, my soulmate or my friend.” “And this lovely picture here; is this your grave or mine?” The End.
The views, opinions and information expressed by the authors and those providing comments in this magazine are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of La Mode, Dream Vision Productions, or any employee thereof. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commentators in our magazine or on our blogs, and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use. The content in La Mode magazine is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual. In case you find links on our websites that link to content that is obscene, prurient, useless, hate-filled, poisonous, pornographic, frivolous, empty, rotten, bad, disgusting, hostile, repulsive, virulent, infectious…it is completely inadvertent. La Mode and Dream Vision Productions in no way condone, endorse, or take responsibility for such content. La Mode or Dream Vision Productions, can not be held liable for any laws in Canada or any other country that opinions, comments, implication, or intent expressed by an author may violate. La Mode and Dream Vision Productions intent is to do no harm. All content in La Mode and Dream Vision Productions websites is subject to copyright laws. You may not publish, display, disclose, rent, lease, modify, loan, distribute, or create derivative works based on the magazine contents or any part thereof, whether by yourself or as a consultant, employee, partner or in any other role unless authorised in writing by the creator, author of the article, photograph, video, audio, or any content contained herein.
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Mel Sauerbeck Summer from Down Under
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