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EDITOR
w
elcome to the first edition of Praise! The launch of this magazine has could not have come at abet-
ter time. The world in which we live is changing rapidly, and while fashion is eternal, and diamonds are forever, we in the industry must learn to adapt to changing situations. My belief is that fashion, just like any other art, is a tool for expression. The social issues of today’s world are at the forefront of discussion, and go hand in hand with fashion.
With spring and summer around the corner, it is impossi-
ble not to get some inpiration from here and there. for the tropicana editorial the main inspiration is cuba and its tropical beauty, as well as one of the main trend we see this season florals.
Diego Rivera is one of the greatest Mexican painters
of all time. His Calla Lilies paintings have been an inspiration for me in this project.
Global warming has become an even greater and more
pressing problem in the past few years. The global and all-reaching effects of the phenomenon have made me realise the colossal impact this issue plays in our lives. I hope that the editorial inspired by this issue, which concentrates of the causes and effects of global warming, will open your eyes in the same way as it has opened mine.
As a Columbian, it is with pride and pleasure that I can
introduce to you the very talented Estaban Cortazar. Mr Cortazar is one of Colombia’s most notable designers, who from an early age all he wanted to do was ‘sketch dresses and fashion all day.’ Also I would love to introduce Hernan Zajar, a legend in Colombian fashion. In fashion, seasons often signify change; with spring just around the corner, we look forward to lovely weather and the wholly new and creative wardrobe that awaits us. Without any further delay, here are some of the key trends that will make spring/summer 2012 a truly memorable one. All the best, Monica Arenas Editor-in-Chief
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MARCH 2012
ESTEBAN CORTAZAR Personal life
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TREND PAGES Mermaid Scales Coral
9 11 13
THE LONG AND LONELY ROAD
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TREND PAGES Chich Housewife Rock & Roll Gatsby
21 23 25
GLOBAL WARMING
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TREND PAGES Track & Field
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ESTEBAN
W
CORTAZAR
e all know (I HOPE!) Chanel, Dior, Armani, and Prada, but how many of us have ever heard of Esteban
Cortazar? Fashion is not static; it moves forward and takes the best from the past whilst adding a touch of modernity. It is this unique mixture of past, present, and future which makes fashion such an exci-
ting form of art. It is the duty of every fashion editor and journalist, to actively promote young talent in this field we all love. Esteban Cortazar is a notable Colombian fashion designer born 17 May 1984. He was born in Bogotá but raised in Miami, Florida. He is mostly known for being the youngest designer to present at Miami International Fashion Week.
In his youth, he said that his passion in life was to Esteban Cortazar for Ungaro.
do nothing but sketch dresses all day.
His career started at age 13, when
he showed his sketches to Todd Oldham, president of L-7, who later on would become his mentor. In New York, for Oldham’s fashion show, Esteban met the director of fashion for Bloomingdale’s, Kal Rutternstein and showed him his sketches.
Last collection Esteban Cortazar for Ungaro. 8
Cortazar turned heads at age 23,
when he became creative director for Emanuel Ungaro and again at age 29, when he left the million dollar company because he refused to work alongside Lindsay Lohan. He really enjoyed creating clothes for the well-respected brand, but felt that bringing in such celebrity would only cause the Emanuel Ungaro brand to be known for her presence and not for the talent itself.
After leaving Emanuel Ungaro, Cortazar was floating around, but then decided to move back to his home,
Colombia. Why move back to Colombia after so much time and experience in Paris?, you might ask. Simple: he always felt like doing it, but never had a chance. Colombia is very new addition the fashion world, but has a lot to offer and will to continue to do so. With very few options of where to shop and a smaller than average luxury market, Esteban is meeting the challenge by delivery low cost and high quality fashion to Colombian fashionistas.
Why move back to Colombia after so much time and experience in Paris?, you might ask.
As he returns home after traveling the world and even more important after having the experience most
people only wish for, Cortazar had to get hands on with Colombia and its fashion. At the beginning of 2010, just like Zac Posen did for Target, Alexander McQueen for Sams贸nite, Stella McCartney for Adidas and Karl Lagerfield and Jimmy Choo did for H&M, Cortazar is collaborating with retail store, Exito. Exito used to be a simple supermarket with cheap clothes but now it has gained enough prestige around Colombia to be even able to have a spot in Colombiamoda and this is thanks to collaborations such as this one.
Additionally, his Colombian heritage and birth means he feels he has to give something back to a country of beautiful women who has inspired him so much.
Wanting to focus on the beauty of Colom-
bian women, this new collection offers highly designed apparel that has been mass-produced at a relatively low price. Women around the world will be exposed to the luxury and exclusivity of perfectly cuts designs made especially for them, however only people who lived in four of the main cities of Colombia can get their hands on the products. Unfortunately for any fans of Cortazar outside of that region it might be our hands to get them.
In his mind, each collection tells a unique
story. From a luxurious piece of haute couture to an outfit based on jeans and a white t-shirt, they are all linked in the long storyboard of this extremely talented designer.
Yes, comparing the Colombian to the French
styles may sound strange, but that is the main point of this new phase. Colombian woman have a different body; they are sensual and have the Latin body that people all over the world discuss and admire. These differences in culture are what make Esteban’s work so challenging – combining classic European haute couture with the warmth of Latin American culture. Recently, Esteban Cortazar received a prize called (Colombiano de Corazón) Colombian at Heart for bringing a very positive image to the country. Colombia has been through a lot and being recognized at such level and in the US and in Europe, is an honour.
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CORal
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AN
EVERYDAY KIND OF WONDERFUL 15
SCALES
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UNDER THE SEA 17
TRACK & FIELD
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SUPER GIRL!!!
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F l o ra l 20
TOO
CLOSE TO THE SUN 21
Photographer Michelle Turriani Stylist: Monica Arenas Model:Alia Hawes Assistant Celine Boyeaux
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Hat: Primark Top: Topshop Skirt: Primark Shoes: Topshop Bracelet: Forever 21
Jacket: Primark Top: Forever21 Pants: Topshop Necklace: Forever 21
Top: Topshop Shirt: Topshop Pants: Topshop Shoes: Topshop Necklace: Forever 21
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Top: Topshop Shirt: Foerver 21 Shorts: Topshop Shoes: Topshop Bracelet: Forever 21 Necklace: H&m, Forever 21.
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HERNAN
ZAJAR
B
orn in Mompox, Colombia, with Spanish roots and Lebanese ancestry. Hernan Zajar’s
childhood was well spent between Gaitas, Porros and cumbias, typical music from the north of Colombia which has a festive rhythm, making everyone dance the moment they hear it. Growing up among this kind of music is a great way to enjoy your life.
From a young age Hernán Zajar re-
vealed a clear feeling for fashion, but at first he studied Tourism Management in Saint Paul del Mar, near Barcelona, and worked for some time in hotels in the Caribbean. Later he studied fashion design in Colom-
His designs have not only been worn by Colombians but
bia and took some courses in Rome and New York. When he returned to Colombia he opened a restaurant, where the main attraction were the fashion shows he used to organize in there, and that was the start of his fashion career.
even people as famous as Claudia Schiffer, the Playmate Samantha Torres, actress Joan Collins and Ivana Trump have had the pleasure of wearing them.
It’s been 10 years since Zajar star-
Among the high class of Colombia this gowns are also worn and
ted and he now occupies a prominent place
the people who can’t afford don’t stop a second of dreaming of ha-
in the world of fashion design in Colom-
ving one, and who wouldn’t dream of wearing them, they probably
bia. His career grew very fast, and has been constantly rising, and with great acceptance
make you feel like a queen. His experience and his undeniable talent have led him to be
in the entertainment world, as most of the
a teacher and supervisor in the last semesters of the school of De-
dresses we see on Colombian television are
sign Arturo Tejada in Bogota, which is one of the most recognize
the product of talent and perseverance of
fashion schools in Colombia, and how could it not be if they have
this designer.
such a remarkable teacher, from who to learn constantly. 30
One of his trademarks was the delicate filigree presented
in Colombia Moda in 2004 which caused a great impact for the delicacy, elegance and dedication to develop each garment.
This long and meritorious experience has been recognized
on several occasions with various awards such as the magazine’s Vanities, which Zajar obtained in 1994 and 1995 and more recently the signature Johnny Walker, allowed him to travel to Europe and participate in a workshop with Valentino.
Zajar’s style has no boundaries, never neglects the inspirational source of tropical splendor. In his work, it is specially shown the sensuality of the Latin women, whether with outstanding creations or gala gowns. In his designs it predominate the asymmetrical cut. In his varied line you can find a wide range of colors for every occasion, from the red to the most subtle gradations of pastel shades. He has the right dress for every type of woman, and this is one of the qualities for which we all wish to have his dresses in our closets.
Hernan Zajar presented his Spring-Summer 2012 Collec-
tion ‘Birds of Paradise’. The prints in this collection were a combination of exotic plants and animals contrasting in beautiful chiffones, satins, jacquards and filled with bright colours to the extent that it really made you feel as if you were inside the amazon. This ornamental style is also reflected in the handcrafted applications on the garments and accessories made from natural fibers, the luxurious jewelry also achieved with the best organic materials and preColumbian pieces that bring life to the new paradise.
Zajar has a way of including his roots and this is something
very unique. He doesn’t forget where he is from and he doesn’t forget that all his inspiration can be found around him. Most Latin designers forget the beauty of their countries and try to find inspiration somewhere else which in my opinion never turns out as good as one of zajar’s pieces. Although zajar takes inspiration from plants or women from Colombia, he makes his garments in such a luxurious way that if you find the story behind every garment you can just imagine it as a paradise, and this is what he does, make heaven in a dress.
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designer to proved to the world that Colombia has talent. She showed her collections in Milan in 2004, fashion people in Colombia could not be happier, and the whole country even if they didn’t actually understand what it meant for a designer to show their collections in Milan fashion week, they all were so proud and happy. However this didn’t last very long, she showed two collections in Milan and after that she basically disappeared from Milan. Recently she worked with Exito a chain of supermarkets in Colombia which creates collaboration with big designers to make affordable clothes.
HAIDER
ACKERMANN
A
Another great star that didn’t last
forever was Esteban Cortazar, who at just 13 was able to show his collection in Miami Fashion Week. He had his own label
s a Colombian, I get excited whenever I see someone fa-
and after years of hard work he was na-
mous making my country proud. It feels like they are ma-
med creative director of ‘Emanuel Ungaro’.
king me proud too, even though I don’t even know them
Although Cortazar wasn’t very recognized
and probably I will never get the chance to actually get to
in Colombia since he grew up in Miami, this
know them. Colombians tend to be very patriotic; after all we have
new step definitely got him into the radar
to believe in our country and its potential since not many around
of the country. From that moment every
the world do.
boy wanted to be him and every girl wan-
Colombia doesn’t have the best reputation around the
ted to be dressed by him. After a couple of
world. Unless you’ve been in the country and experience the war-
years he was fired from Ungaro and all of
mth and the beauty of the people, it seems hard for people to fit in
his dreams went to the floor and with them
their mind that Colombia is more than violence of poverty. Every
all the dreams from people that have been
time someone is recognize outside the country we cry, we party and
his number one fan. As well as Tscherasi,
we feel proud as if they were our sons.
he came back to Colombia and collabora-
There’s not one designer that has been on the spot for a
ted with Exito. Ever since, there hasn’t been
long time. Of course there have been a couple of them that come
much about him but soon he is launching
and go but we are still waiting upon the great designer that makes
his new collection, hopefully this one is
the difference. Silvia Tcherassi who was probably the first Colombia
going to stay for a longer period of time.
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Now that all our great designers disappeared our eyes are focus on Haider Ackermann.
Although Ackermann is a total stranger for most
the moment Lagerfeld says something as important as this, well Ackermann basically becomes the golden boy. After all fully Colombian or not fully Colombia, if he is going to be the director of Chanel we might as well count him as Colombia and take credit for
people in Colombia and even in the industry, he is one of
creating such an amazing designer.
the most famous designers at the moment. And how is
he related to Colombian Designers? You might be won-
he could definitely pass for a Colombia; most of us
dering. Haider Ackermann was actually born in Bogota,
are just that way. Even on top of the world we always
Colombia, but was adopted by a Belgium family.
remember where we came from. I am sure this is not
However now all eyes are on Ackermann, because we
the case of Ackermann but right now we can come
want someone we can be proud of even if he is not Co-
up to any conclusions just to feel proud of someone
lombian, after all I do not believe someone is from where
as big as him.
they were born, but mostly from where they grew up.
Ackermann who has been working hard, slowly
Colombian DNA but because his work is impressive
but steady has achieved what most people only dream of.
and therefore worthy of getting as far as he can go.
He is such a great influence in the fashion world that Karl
Hopefully this time he won’t end up collaborating for
Lagerfeld once said Ackermann would be the perfect fit
Exito like every Colombian designer had to do when
for Chanel when he leaves. We all know what this means,
their moment of fame finished.
When you look at him, he seems so humble
We just wish him the best, not because he has
Photographer: Monica Arenas Stylist: Monica Arenas Assistant: Constanza Grosso Model: Juliana Mahecha Make up: Fabian Chacon
This page Dress: Zara Vest: Zara Shoes: Bossi Necklace: Constanza Grosso Next Page Shirt: Zara Necklace: Feria
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This page Shirt: Zara TRF Vest: Zara Skirt: Zara Necklace: Forever 21 Bracelets: Constanza Grosso Last Page Shirt: Zara Shorts: zara
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GLOBAL WARMING Fashion might not make it to next season.
Photographer: Michele Turriani Stylist: Monica Arenas Asistant: Celine Boyeaux
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Shoes: Forever 21 Clutch: Foerver 21
lutch: Primemark Necklace: New Look
This page: Shoes: Belle Beaux
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Next page: Chanel No 19. Necklace: Joyeria Bogota. Bangels: Flee Market