Laffaire Mar - Apr 2017 by L'Affaire

VO LUM E # 2 M A R - A PR 2 0 1 7

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P H O T O G R A P H Y : Jonas Müller Hair & Makeup Artist: Jennifer Janowski Assistance: Patrick Pollmeier Model: Mella

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EDITOR ’S

L E TTE R

For the past two months of creating the second issue of L’Affaire Magazine has been quite a journey. And we are very excited to share it with you! This issue might seem a bit more out there, some of the artwork seem to have no boundaries. We are witnessing of the rebellious attitude and freedom in creation, whether it’s photography, makeup, styling or even writing. ‘Think outside the box’- I like to say to myself and to my people. You, the reader of this magazine, are my people now too. Think outside the box... We are becoming bolder and braver, sharing work of amazing photographers as well as articles and interviews that hopefully will inspire you.

ZY DR E

ZI L I N S KAI TE Editor

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EDI TORS Zydre Zilinskaite | Fatin Hasado | Kamal Mostofi

E D I TOR I AL EN QUI R I ES For advertising contact@laffairemagazine.com For Submission submission@laffairemagazine.com

Website www.laffairemagazine.com IG @laffairemagazine FB laffairemagazine

ISSN: 2399-3049

all rights reserved © 2016 No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical or photographic, without written permission of the publisher. the contents in L’Affaire Magazine are made available for information purpose only. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate and complete on publication date, but the accuracy and completeness is not warrented or guaranteed. L’Affaire Magazine does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information therein. These views expressed by L’Affaire Magazine are those of the respective contributors, and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff. The magazine welcomes new contributors but can assume no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or illustrations.

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Magazi ne co ver: Pho t o graphy: Jenni f er Fi s c h er D e sig ne r: F re y mu t h & N i ko l ei s en

7 8 - O n e F ac e A n d 3 Lo o k s Makeup Artists: Zydre Zilinskaite, Nibras, Dayana Bako

2 - Me ll a Pho t o graphy: Jo na s Müller

8 4 - G e r ar d C o s m e ti c s / I n te r v i e w

6 - S oso L is b o a

8 6 - E d i to r m ak e up pi c k

Photography: Jennifer Fischer

8 8 - P e r c e pti o n o f b e auty 15 - Graphi c L a ne

Christina Garidi

Photography: Joanna Pelirocha

18 - Deli cate Do lls

9 2 - Sto tt P i l ate s Ke ti e Li n e - U A E

Photography: Steffi Büschgens

25 - Mizu

P o r tr a its 9 6 - Photography: Damian Piórko

Hair Stylist: Kim Botner

10 3 - Se n s e o f m y s e l f 30 - Fire Ligt her

Photography: Ruta Skemaite

Photography: Jake Hicks

38 - Interview

We dding 110 - C o r i n a b y G al i a Lah av

Model: Danea Panta

46 - Blue Boy

112 - I m r i t Si r a Mak e up A r ti s t

Photography: Audrey Bieber

118 - G al i a Lah av H aute C o utur e 50 - L ady i s a va mp Photography: Anne Sophie & Benoît de Rous

13 2 - No y a b y R i k i D al al

54 - Nothi ng in co mmo n

14 7 - B lue

Photography: Alan Roman

Ph otog ra ph y : J ona s Müllerzzz

59 - A’Gaci Photography: Sarah Krick

Beauty & Lifestyle 69 - Touch ed b y a ma d nes s Photography: Migle Golubickaite

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S O S O L I S B OA P H O T O G R A P H Y J E N N I F E R

F I S C H E R

www.jennifer-fischer.de IG: drjenniferfischer Hair & MuA: Andrea England www.andrea-england.de IG: andrea_england Model: Soso Nozuka IG: sosonozuka Styling: pho-ma Designer: Freymuth & Nikoleisen www.freymuth-nikoleisen.com IG: freymuth_nikoleisen Shoes: Zara Bra: H&M

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G R APH I C P H O T O G R A P H Y :

L A NE

J O A N N A

P E L I R O C H A

Hair & Makeup Artist: Maria Oldenstedt Models: Petra F @Stockholmsgruppen | Olivia N Studio: Oldenstedt & Co Wardrobe: Top from Whyred | Pants from Swedish Horns

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D E LI C AT E DO L L S P H O T O G R A P H Y S T E F F I

B Ü S C H G E N S

Models: Marie Dahmen, Hannah Tihen Hair & Makeup: Paula Tsukino Couture: Danny Reinke Assistant: Ninka Plöger, Lisa Büschgens Studio: Studio Duisburg

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Photography: STEFFI BÜSCHGENS Models: Marie Dahmen, Hannah Tihen Hair & Makeup: Paula Tsukino Couture: Danny Reinke Assistant: Ninka Plöger, Lisa Büschgens Studio: Studio Duisburg — 24 —

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LOTU S & MIZU H A I R K I M

S T Y L I S T B O T N E R

Hair Stylist: Kim Botner, IG: @kimbotner Photography: Mark Daniel Muzzy Makeup Artist: Christina Carlsson IG: @xtinaxtinaxtina Models: Mkya Brown, IG @ mkya.brown Elizabeth Webb, IG: @ elisabeth.webb Cassidy Eichelberger Designer: Sonia Kasparian, www.soniakasparian.com

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F I R E L I G T H E R P H O T O G R A P H Y J A K E

H I C K S

Model: Ryo Love Hair & Makeup Artist: Ryo Love Hair: Jade Pointon Wardrobe: Royal Black Couture

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DANEA PAN TA W I N N E R

O F

T O P

P E R U

N E X T

M O D E L

Photography: Kamal Mostofi Makeup Artist: Zydre Zilinskaite

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Can you tell us bit about yourself? When and how did you get into modelling? My name is Danea Panta. I’m from Peru and 25 years old. Basically I get into modelling since I won Peru’s Next Top Model. I was doing modelling in Peru and also TV hosting but nothing so big. How did your life changed after Next Top Model Peru 2013 show? What did you learn from it? After the PNTM show my life changed a lot, first because I became a public figure so all my steps were exposed and second because I started to take my modelling career very seriously so I was living a model life 24/7. PNTM was very intense; it was a reality show, so I learned a lot from there. I learned how pose, how use my body to express myself, change my facial expressions with each click of the camera because if you didn’t get the picture, judges can eliminate you in that episode. What does modelling mean to you? It is my life, my passion, my dream, my job, my everything. Everything that I have, everyone that I met, every city that I visit is thanks to the modelling. I learn a lot with my modelling career and it’s something that I’m very grateful for. You’ve traveled and worked as a model all around the world. How different is the beauty perception in different countries or continents? In Asia they like the models that look similar to them with little exceptions of course. In America they like the opposite- the exotic, the mix of the ethnicity and in Europe- a mix of everything. I think there is a market for everyone. And the modelling business is changing so much now. Now is other era where the physical beauty is not enough, you need something else, that X factor. You became Miss Peru International 2016, how did you feel about it? What responsibilities came with a title? Being a model and a beauty queen are two different things, even though many people say that it’s the same or similar; I would say no. For me it was a big challenge because when I decide to participate in this beauty contest my career as a model was in the best moment. The biggest responsibility is to represent your country and for Latino- America the beauty contest is like football for England- it’s a very important competition.

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What are your career highlights so far? I did editorials for important magazines, I signed with the best agencies. I worked for an amazing brands. I also travelled a lot. I was so lucky to be success in all the markets that I’ve been. What does beauty mean to you? For me beauty is not just about appearance or how you look like; it’s about who you are as a person. I find humble, simple, kind and inspiring people beautiful. Does prejudice and discrimination still exist within fashion? I think not just in fashion, everywhere. Having great skin for model is really important, what are your top three tips for keeping skin flawless? The first and most important tip for me is to have a healthy life- no alcohol, no cigarettes, no parties. As a young girl I know that having fun is important in our age but creating a balance is the secret. And of course keep yourself hydrated. What are your beauty essentials? Argan oil for my hair and lip balm for my lips. What would be your advice for aspiring models? Don’t take anything personally in this industry. Always remember that if someone is saying no to you in that moment, don’t look at it as a set back. Look at it as though they are saying no to what they are looking for at that moment. You are and can continue to be a model. If you had 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would it be? Chilling on the beach! Where our readers can see your work and keep in touch with you? Instagram: daneapanta Facebook: danea Panta Twitter: @daneapanta Snapchat: daneapanta

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B L U E

B O Y

PHOTOGRAPHY: AUDREY BIEBER

Model: Jérémy Pitou | Jérémy Pitou Makeup Artist: Dounia Loud Retoucher:Svetlana Dyadik, Marko Perak

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L L’ ’AA FF FF AA I I RRE E

LA DY

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Photographers : Anne Sophie & Benoît de Rous | www.alavolette.net | IG: @alavolette Fashion designer / stylist : Candice M | www.spicylips.ch | IG: @candicemaury Makeup Artist : Anne Sophie de Rous Hair stylist: Alexandra Bonnami | www.alexandra.trichotherapy.ch | IG: @alexandrabonnami Model : Candice Maury @ Model Management — 51 —

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N O T H I N G I N C O M M O N P H O T O G R A P H Y A L A N

R O M A N

Styling & Direction: Diego Ibañez Models: Kristina @Contempo model management Pilar @Queta Rojas model management Hair & Makeup Artist: Neiza Hernandez Clothing: Jorge Ayala Paris & Carolina Alatorre Jewelry

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Photography: Alan Roma | Styling & Direction: Diego Ibañez Models: Kristina @Contempo model management, Pilar @Queta Rojas model management Hair & Makeup Artist: Neiza Hernandez | Clothing: Jorge Ayala Paris & Carolina Alatorre Jewelry — 58 —

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A’ GA C I

P H O T O G R A P H Y S A R A H

K R I C K

sarahkrickphotography.com Model: Katelyn Wilson Makeup/Hair Stylist: Emilee Krick Wardrobe: A’GACI

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BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE

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T O U C H E D B Y A M A D N E S S P H O T O G R A P H Y M I G L E

G O L U B I C K A I T E

Models: Viktorija Spalvyte; Iveta Puikyte, Paulina Skabickaite, Domante Lunyte @ Modilinos Hair: Andrius Valaitis Make up: Austeja Marija Jascaninaite Style: Giedre Kvaraciejute

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M A K E U P Z Y D R E

A R T I S T

Z I L I N S K A I T E

Face: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD foundation in Y245 Clarins Instant Concealer in 01 MAC Prep + Prime Translucent Powder MAC Blush in Peachykeen Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Dark Brown Illamasqua Lash and Brow Gel Eyes: MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre Make Up For Ever Khol Pencil in 9K Pat McGrath Labs pigments in Copper, Gold & Silver Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara Lips: MAC Lip pencil in Spice

Photography: Kamal Mostofi | www.kamalmostofi.com | IG: @kmphotographyuk Model: Egle Standtaite | IG: @egle_standtaite

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M A K E U P

A R T I S T

N I B R A S

Face: Lancome Teint Idole Foundation MAC Pro- conceal & correct palette Laura Mercier Translucent Powder Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow Graftobian Foundation Palette Becca Mineral Blush Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Opal Eyebrows: MAC Eye Brows pencil in Tapered Eyes: Morphe 350 Palette Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette in Dolce Vita L’oreal Paris False Lash Sculpt Mascara Lips: MAC Lip pencil in Spice MAC Cremesheen Lipstick Shy Girl

Photography: Kamal Mostofi | www.kamalmostofi.com | IG: @kmphotographyuk Model: Egle Standtaite | IG: @egle_standtaite L’A F F A I R E

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M A K E U P D A Y A N A

A R T I S T B A K O

Face: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD foundation in Y245 NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla & Custard NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna NARS Blush in Orgasm Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in That Glow Lips: Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Chrysanthemum Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wizz in Chocolate Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel in Clear Eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel in 77 Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Beaches & Cream Melt Cosmetics Radioactive Stack Charlotte Tilbury Rock’ n’ Kohl in Eye Cheat Chanel Le Volume Mascara

Photography: Kamal Mostofi | www.kamalmostofi.com | IG: @kmphotographyuk Model: Egle Standtaite | IG: @egle_standtaite L’A F F A I R E

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JEN

GERARD

Could you introduce yourself for our readers? When and how did you get into beauty industry? I am Jen Gerard and I am President and CEO of Gerard Cosmetics. I have been in the beauty industry since 2010 when I started Whitening Lightning and Gerard Cosmetics came along and 2014. What does Gerard Cosmetics stand for? What is your brand philosophy? Gerard Cosmetics stands for an amazing customer service and interaction. Our philosophy is simple. Treat every customer at though they are a member of our makeup obsessed family. Be friendly, kind, enthusiastic and don’t be satisfied with doing what everyone else does. Be different and be bold. How does it feel to run a successful beauty company? What keeps you motivated? Being blessed with this company is truly the most amazing feeling. I seriously do have the best job in the world. Who would not want to play with make up all day long? It’s easy to stay motivated each day by our fantastic fans and followers who constantly challenge us to create products that are new and different. How do you maintain your youthful radiant looking skin? My nightly skin routine includes Nerium A.D. I also drink a gallon of alkaline water each day and tons of green vegetables to keep my body and skin hydrated. This helps protect from aging. What are your 3 beauty do’s and dont’s? Do be yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to be like everyone else. Makeup is art so express yourself. Always wash your face and don’t go to bed with makeup on.

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What are 3 most popular Gerard Cosmetics products? Three most popular products are Slay All Day Setting Spray Our Gold Bullet Lipsticks Our Hydra Matte Liquid Lipsticks Beauty Instagram profiles have become a major influence to the beauty industry, what would you say is the toughest thing about maintaining a successful social media? How does your social platforms fit into your everyday life? The toughest thing about maintaining our social media platform is continuously finding new ways to engage our followers to interact with our brand. We put an extraordinary amount of effort into interacting with the fans of our brand. We love hearing suggestions for new products and ways to better serve our customers. I routinely answer customer questions on our social media. It’s a great way to stay connected with our fans. What would you recommend for young entrepreneurs, who are dreaming about business in beauty industry? I mentor young women quite often who are looking to start a business. I have three basic rules always share with young entrepreneurs. 1. Believe in yourself because if you don’t no one else will. 2. Trust your instincts 3. Never give up and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do everything your heart desires. Share with us 3 random facts about you that very few people know! 1. When I was young I wanted to be a lawyer. 2. I have a dog named Yogi who is the center of my world. 3. I live a healthy lifestyle but I adore junk food. IG: @gerardcosmetics - Gerard Cosmetics IG: @hyimjen - Jen Gerard (personal)

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E DITORS’

BE A U T Y

P IC KS

Benefit Total Moisture facial cream provides immediate moisture for thirsty skin. Thicker texture of this cream absorbs quickly and leaves the skin hydrated and radiant for the whole day.

We all know the hassle of spending lots of time on perfecting the eye makeup and then noticing it disappearing after few hours. Apply a tiny amount of Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion Original and your eye shadow will stay put!

Urban Decay All Nighter Long lasting setting spray will save your makeup from melting up to 16 hours so you can forget about having to touch up.

ZYDR E

ZILINSKAITE

MA K EUP

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Caudalie Beauty Elixir is a skin care secret that everyone should try. This light mist contains essential oils that refreshes the skin, tightens the pores and adds radiance to the complexion. It’s a savior on the days when the skin feels tight and unhappy. I especially love using this or the long- haul trips.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance eye shadow palette not only looks gorgeous, but the quality is exceptional. It’s almost like those eye shadows magically blends themselves.

Looking for a perfect matte liquid lipstick that would last on the lips for the whole day? Try Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipsticks. The color range has a wide selection of nudes and bright colors, the lipstick is easy to apply and comfortable to wear. My personal favorite is Bombshell. Now they have mini sets of 4, so you can try more shades without a commitment to a full size.

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PE R C EP T I O N B EA U T Y C H R I S T I N A

“ B EA UTY

EXIS TEN CE

THE AN D

G A R I D I

CO RN E RS TO N E O U R

O F

ID E N TITY,

O F

O U R

N O T

AN A CCEPTAB L E D AILY O BS E S S IO N !”

Christina is a Greek-Japanese woman living in the UK. A Purpose Leader, a Career and Business Coach. She helps ambitious professionals to escape a job they dread and find Purpose. She is dedicated to Greece’s Socio-Economic recovery. She actively volunteers, oversees the mentoring and curates the educational content for Reload Greece’s Entrepreneurship Programs (www.reloadgreece.com). Website: www.eudaimonia-coaching.co.uk FB: www.facebook.com/eudaimoniacoach IG: @eudaimoniacoach Twitter: @EudaimoniaCoach

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When the L’affaire Magazine kindly asked me to write about beauty, I was excited, hopeful yet confused. What can you write about beauty that has not been already written, captured on camera or sung? Beauty is a trivial topic for women, who grow up wanting to lead a beautiful life, if not be the beauty in it. The amount of money an average British woman spends on her beauty regime in a lifetime is £140,000! This can tell us a lot about the importance of beauty in our lives, apart from it being lucrative industry (sorry - my entrepreneurial interests cannot be always tamed). It always seems to amaze my husband that I am convinced some days that my face looks “ugly” in the mirror whereas other days, I smile in front of it in satisfaction, that “Today I look OK”. All along he is convinced he sleeps with the same woman and that from day to day I look the same. Ooooh, and the dreaded question you can ask every man... “How do I look today?”. If I am not convinced of my own innate beauty, I mean... What is he supposed to say? Nothing can convince me, not even him! So why do I ask that question? When I asked him again this morning, letting him know that today he will also be contributing to my article, he surrendered to this “game” and said that he does not see a huge difference of me being made up or not, just the joy and confidence that I radiate when I actually am! That made me think deeper... So what is going on in the female psyche? Our society has made it important for women to be feminine and beautiful.

If you are a woman and you are not interested in being beautiful or feminine, it is considered to be totally weird! The utmost compliment for a woman is to be called beautiful from both women and men. Biologically, beauty is something we value, and it stems from the reproductive choices we make as humans. We seek for healthy partners in order to guarantee healthy offspring. And beauty signifies health through the symmetry and balance of external features. If someone is beautiful, can they be unhealthy? No wonder beauty is then a ritual that all women tirelessly indulge in. We strive to look healthy and therefore, beautiful in order to be attractive to our prospective partners and acknowledged by our peers and society. So what if we are not symmetrical then? Is this game over? A source says that women spend Women spend 3,276 hours or 136 days of their lives getting ready for a night out - enough time for an astronaut to fly to the moon and back 22 times. Another study reveals that women spend an hour in front of the mirror. Beauty is the cornerstone of our existence and our identity, if not an acceptable daily obsession! Beauty in our society is not just about our natural gifts, it is the fruit of the work we put into cultivating ourselves and maintaining our natural gifts! Both contribute to us women earning “beauty (brownie) points”, if there were any! Beauty though has even further connotations. Firstly, it serves as our attempt to be recognised for our aesthetics and ultimately of who we are. We women put on a face/mask with choices of what we consider to be good taste, to enhance our natural gifts or simply have fun. In the process, we meticulously aim to

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correct what we consider to be our “imperfections”, to fit an accepted standard of beauty/attractiveness i.e.: flawless skin, big bright eyes, full lips, shapely cheekbones, small cute noses, tidy wellgroomed hair, nice clothes that show off our assets or cover our not so “perfect” body parts e.g. hips, tummy, breasts or legs. Every woman has their own beauty standard they aspire to. And as a result, every woman also has a list of their face/ body parts they find hard to make friends with. We often end up seeking something we do not have, outside of us in order to rebalance ourselves and what we miss. Secondly, our beauty speaks volumes of the chance we have to being a convincing ambassador of our message to the world. And now with Social Media we reach a huge audience on a daily basis and to satisfy their curiosity we have to create a powerful “image” or brand for ourselves. Whether we realise or not, we knit that image with every choice that we make. And there is no doubt, we have more chances to impact our audience if we look “decent” and acceptable to their standard of beauty. And this is a struggle I had to go through as a female entrepreneur. The standards of other female entrepreneurs and their promo-videos set the bar very high! When I thought, that social media are supposed to represent ourselves in our daily lives. Photo-shoots, make-up artists, professional camera men and the list goes on. The other day I caught myself saying the following, when my coach was trying to urge me into Imperfect Action (as I was happily sitting in the land of Perfect Inaction)… “No-one would like to see my face on video!”. Then her appropriate question followed: “What is stopping you? Are you worried that you are not beautiful enough to be listened to?”. Ouch! She was spot-on! And the best bit was, that she did not even try to console me. She did leave this question hanging in the air for a few seconds until, I acknowledged defeat. How long was I going to avoid my livelihood,

for fear of not being “symmetrical enough to be considered beautiful for my message to have gravitas”? Her message was loud and clear. I knew what I needed to do: a) enhance the natural gifts I had and b) put the hard work in for what I did not have. Point taken – the significance of beauty comes with the need to be visible in today’s online world. With every appearance we make, we subconsciously communicate how important beauty is to us, and how much we respect others by investing and making the experience of meeting us more beautiful and therefore special. A subtle but powerful message and here I am writing about it. confused about where I belonged to and what I should aspire to in terms of beauty. As a kid that always stood out in my classroom, my body/skin/face never fit in to any beauty stereotype in either of my countries of origin. In Japan I was this huge girl who was always taller than the national average height of boys. Women in Japan should have white skin, be petite, polite, shy and cute (“kawaii). In Greece, women tan and are encouraged to be confident and show their intelligence. Being mixed race, I was always As I was different, I was the first one to be picked on at school. And almost a year ago, I became aware of my struggle to fit in at any cost. I would not express my opinion, I would try hard not to stand out. And why am I telling you this? Because it is liberating to not try to fit in anymore. “ B E A U T Y U M E S H AV E

O F

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W O R L D . ”

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My antidote to fitting in was the wonderful concept of WabiSabi, that I came across in Japanese pottery and Haiku poetry at the Nezu Museum (Tokyo). The very act of creating any form of art, is in essence a quest to define beauty. Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese philosophy appreciates the beauty of the imperfect, the transient, the incomplete and the impermanent. Forget symmetry and forget balance, it is all about our humanity. In his book, “The Architecture of Happiness”, Alain de Botton writes about the American scholar Donald Keene, who “observed that the Japanese sense of beauty ... has been dominated by a love of irregularity rather than symmetry, the impermanent rather than the eternal, and the simple rather than the ornate. The reason owes nothing to climate or genetics ... but is the result of the action of writers, painters and theorists who have actively shaped the sense of beauty of their nation”. According to Leonard Koren, wabisabi can be defined as “the most conspicuous and characteristic feature of traditional Japanese beauty and it occupies roughly the same position in the Japanese pantheon of aesthetic values as do the Greek ideals of beauty and perfection in the West.” Whereas Andrew Juniper notes that “if an object or expression can bring about, within us, a sense of serene melancholy and a spiritual longing, then that object could be said to be wabi-sabi”. This way of thinking recognises that on our path to strive for perfection (i.e. putting the work to repair our imperfections), the point is to acknowledge our imperfections, not to hide them. It is our way to take care of our history and identity. And so my new definition is, that beauty is the most powerful ritual we learn in order to connect with our humanity and ultimately other people in a profound way during our lifetime. *

“ B E A U T Y I S T H E C O R N E R S T O N E O F O U R E XI S T E N C E

AN D

O U R

I D E N T I T Y ,

I F

N O T

A C C E P TAB L E D AI L Y O B S E S S I O N ! ”

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ST O T T P I L AT E S UNITED

ARAB

K AT I E

EMIRATE

L I N E

Katie is currently working in Dubai as a STOTT Pilates Instructor and a certified Personal Trainer. She has a diploma in Sports Exercise and Science, where she offers expert advice in nutrition and lifestyle programmes. Follow her on IG: @ketijaline

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What is STOTT Pilates or Intelligent Exercise? Originally calling his method ‘Contrology’, Joseph Pilates developed a physical fitness system in the early 20th century, which is now known globally as Pilates. STOTT Pilates mind-body exercise builds on the essence and principles of the late Joseph H. Pilates’ work by incorporating modern knowledge about the body. It is being practiced in some of the world’s leading fitness countries such as Canada, the United States of America, Australia and the United Kingdom. However its reach has gone global to include my home country of United Arab Emirates and many Asian countries. What are the Benefits of Pilates? Pilates creates a balanced and aligned body that looks makes you look fit, feel revitalized, and be able to move with ease and flexibility. It is an essential exercise for rehabilitation patients, elite athletes or avid exercisers. The benefits are wide ranging from leaner muscles; core strength and stability; injury prevention; relief from stress and back pain; better posture; improved balance and coordination; enhanced athletic performance; effective post-rehabilitation; heightened mind-body awareness and even increased self-confidence. Does Pilates target all areas of the body? Pilates is a great way for you to build up strength, flexibility and endurance without risking injury or building bulk. With a focus on Five Basic Principles, which include breathing, pelvic placement, ribcage placement, shoulder (scapular) movement and stabilization as well as head and neck (cervical) placement, the STOTT PILATES method helps restore your natural curves of the spine, relieve unwanted tension and will improve your balance. Is Pilates for everyone? Everyone who regularly exercises with STOTT Pilates, can feel and see the benefits within weeks and your dedication will give you amazing results. Catering for beginners up to professionals, STOTT Pilates has over 500+ Matwork and equipment- based exercises (Reformer / Cadilliac / Chair / Barrels) which are available as unique Preparatory, Essential, Intermediate and Advanced level workouts. Each level will offer you balanced exercise sequences with special routines available if you are pre or post-natal, recovering from injury or the elderly. Is STOTT Pilates the perfect workout? Your weekly workout should always be varied, however STOTT Pilates should be an essential part of your programme. Depending on your goals, it is important to focus on cardio exercises, with spinning or running weekly, along with a balanced and nutritious diet. Next issue, I will be offering my tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet and exercise.

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P O RTR A ITS P H O T O G R A P H Y

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Photographer based on Wroclaw City in Poland. www.damianpiorko.com Models: Karolina Banasik, FB: www.facebook.com/caroline.banasik Karolina Slowinska, FB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004483898201 Aleksandra Wacyra, FB: www.facebook.com/aleksandra.wacyra Katarzyna Kluska, FB: www.facebook.com/KluskaKasia Joanna Piorkowska, FB: www.facebook.com/Asiczka

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Photography: Damian Piórko | Model: Karolina Slowinska

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There are so many good female practitioners in photography that reflect social, political and historical aspects of their lives. Most of female photographers eventually turn camera to themselves in order to reshape the meaning of female body in contemporary photography. They highlight the importance of owing their bodies and working with them to tell photo stories that empower other women. Inspiration for this kind of self portraiture comes from life. From heartbreaks and love, from being homesick to being conscious about your own body image. Majority of feminist photography practitioners work with self portraiture as a form of art and conveys topics so important and powerful to any woman. Self portraiture is being used as both story telling and therapy. h t t p : / / r u t - r u t . t u m b l r . c o m

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I turned camera to myself when I was 12 and wasn’t a photographer or even close to being one. I struggled with my own body image, was bullied at school, didn’t know who I was or who I would liked to be. I Would dress myself as a character, transform myself into someone new and take images that reflected someone I wanted to be. I was shaped by media, my good looking friends and beauty standards. I turned camera to myself that I could finally find something to love about my body. Those images ended up nowhere else but in my family album. I had never thought that one day, selfportraiture will take such a big part of my photographic practice. After 15 years of practice, I learned how to work my body, I used self-portraiture as a therapy and as my escapism from a routine. I created stories and I got inspired by my ups and downs. I struggle with my identity and my body image still, but I convey stories that are personal and attract the audience. In 2013 I have started an on going series of images that I called ‘a winter of my life’. I got inspired by the heartbreak of leaving home at age of 18. I was still looking for myself and I used self portraiture as a visual diary on a way to that final confrontation. Every winter I go back home to look for people and for the places I escaped once. And I use myself as a subject rather an object to explore my identity. I choose my home as a shelter from the outside world. And I do portray the feeling of home rather that home as a place itself. I have built a relationship with a camera where I pose, I know I’m posing and

I want you to know that I’m posing. I transform the act of taking an image into performance for the camera. My only hope is to convey that hope and gratitude. I control my body, I press the shutter and I encourage you not to be afraid of your feelings. These photographs I create show the intimate aspects of my life, its examination of the place where I can close the doors to chaos and find peace and assurance of purpose. This is my honest reconnection with the environment I came from. As a female photographer I get inspired by beauty, identity and body image. I explore the notion of home and investigate both physical and psychological aspects of myself as a woman. Many years ago I took over control of my body and I created stories for everyone who is the same like me. I want people to find themselves in my photographic pathz, I want them to think more and create never ending stories. Since I create stories using myself I want you to see how I felt that day. It all has to do with my emotions and that is the biggest inspiration in female self-portraiture. I portray myself going through various events of my life and I want to be respected for that. Self portraiture helps me to stand up for myself and that’s why I create images that falls under ‘feminist art’ description. I do want to believe I create feminist art and in fact I do because it captures my freedom. And as a woman I have all the reasons and experience to share my freedom with you.

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D I N G

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I M R I T SI R A M A K E U P

A R T I S T

Hair & Makeup Artist: Imrit Sira IG: @imrit_siramua Email: imritsiramua@gmail.com Tel: 07877760088 Photography: Kamal Mostofi | www.kmwedding.co.uk Model: Mariam Khan | IG: @miss_mkhan Designer: Ekta Solanki | www.ektasolanki.com | IG: @ektasolanki Jewellery: Kyles Collection | www.kylescollection.com | IG: @kylecollection

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PA N T O N E T H E

C O L O U R

Y E A R

I S

O F

H E R E !

Hello Brides To Be, Fanfare please! The Pantone Of The Year for 2017 has just been announced: “Greenery”! It’s beautiful and rich. I guess you’re thinking - what does this mean for me - as a bride or if you’re planning an event. It means everything, even Harpers Bazaar Magazine has fallen head over heels for this colour. Incorporating this colour into your event is a perfect way of combining all aspects of your event together and can help with maintaining your event budget. The colour is a zesty yellow with tones of green, it’s very fresh and perfect for a Spring Autumn season, especially for an outdoor wedding! You’re probably thinking what PANTONE Colour Of The Year means? It is a symbolic colour selection; a snapshot of what is taking place in the global culture in a colour form. And to be honest it’s what every wedding, decor and fashion specialist will be following... So go on dear to see where you can add this pop of colour to your event theme. Remember Brides To Be: “Create, Execute & Deliver” Telephone: 07875 593610 Email: info@rohitapabla.co.uk

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G A L I A L A H AV H A U T E C O U T U R E G A L I A

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Galia Lahav is a world-renowned designer with over 30 years of establishment in haute couture dresses. Galia was born in Russia into a family of seamstresses. From a young age she has had a strong passion for sewing and designing. Through many years of teaching art she developed the desire to turn her artwork into fashion and soon after created her brand. She is presently considered to be one of world’s leading designers customizing lavish gowns for high profile celebrities and aristocratic women abroad. As her name is recognized worldwide, she always remains true to her origins as a designer showcasing romantic and dramatic elements through each captivating gown. www.galialahav.com

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N O Y A B Y R I K I DA L A L R I K I

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Riki Dalal has over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry and has become one of the leading bridal gown designers in the world. From a young age Riki had a strong passion for sewing and designing. As Riki was raising her three children, in her spare time she was creating designs for her rolling clients and dance groups at her home in Ashdod, a port city in Southern Israel. She opened a small salon of only 20-square-meters, but quickly the small space was not able to manage the demand, and Dalal expanded to triple the size. As the children became more independent, Dalal decided to develop her talents further into an actual career and take her designs to a whole new level – a global level. Opening just four years ago, Dalal now operates out of a 400-square-metre salon that includes everything from a showroom full of haute couture, to hairstyling and makeup stations so that every bride that comes in gets all the services in one central location. Amazingly, none of this interferes with the fact that paired with her full-time designing career; Riki is also a grandmother of four. Riki can be described as modest and shy even with all the publicity surrounding her designs. She loves nothing more than to be surrounded by her family and to provide her brides with the opportunity to make their wedding dress dreams come true. www.noyabridal.com — 134 —

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