MOD Magazine: Volume 7; Issue 2; Spring 2018 (Cover 3) by MOD Magazine

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contributors Carmen Rose, Ellinda Corbisiero, Christina Ammazzalorso, Sophie @ Pride Models, Sarah Brown, Claudia @ Storm Model Management, Nikki Wolff, Patrick Wilson, Jasmine Fisher, Hannah Rose Fry, Shella Martin, Hana Schlesinger @ Duval Agency, Ania Ikonnikova, Lera @ Starsystem, Alexander Le’Jo, Liudmila Agakhanova, Tyla Cobette @ FiftyTwo45 Agency, Jonet Williamson, Olya Yakovleva, Alexander Le’Jo

Media, Yuliya Dorofeeva, Khelena Milankovic, Tanya Iva, Alexey Moiseev, Justine Szczepanczyk, Arno Humer, Nora Garcia Franco & Greta Eckrodt @brodybookings, Ersin Mumin, Arsenii Gerasymenko, Anna, Nastya Kryvoruchko, Mathilde Bresson, Christina Nadin @ Factor Chosen LA, Charlotte Prevel @ Artists and Company, Nathaniel Dezan @ Opus Beauty, Julia Kuryliuk, Ugly Lobster, Goodnight Meesh, Danila Romankov & Anna

Grodskaya, Svetlana Shayda, Kate @ Andy Fiord Models/ ESEE Model Management, Svetlana Uzun, Leor Casson, Shir Peled, Sahar Kablo, Ilana Pichhadze, Anna de Niro & Vika Shchupak @ Say Talent, Cristina Jiménez Rey, Dana Bessolitsyna, Alba Barón Haro & Anastasia Sopova @ 5th Avenue Agency, Oleg Pankin & Vladislav Shmakov, Marc Romero Baena, Anna Sandri, Iban Fuente

Volume 7; Issue 2; Spring 2018

features 54

jean gritsfeldt We chat with the innovative designer behind the cutting-edge fashion & jewelry brand about inspiration, the current state of social media, and much more! Plus, get a peek at his latest editorial “Frozen Star!”

paris berelc

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runway recap From the soft, romantic looks at Marchesa to the bold, vibrant styles at Alice + Olivia, the catwalk was full of killer ensembles! Check out some of our favorite moments from the SS/18 runway shows.

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serayah mcneill

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Empire may be known for its ensemble cast, but triple-threat artist, Serayah is a star in her own right! Since her debut on FOX’s wildly successful series, the 22-yearold has been electrifying the entertainment industry with her many talents!

on the cover CREDITS:

Photographer: Shanna Fisher, Makeup: Erin B. Guth using Hourglass Cosmetics, Hair: Preston Wada @ Opus Beauty using Kevin Murphy, Stylist: Wayman and Micah @ Starworks Artists, Talent: Serayah McNeill, Retoucher: Alena Zolotnikova Serayah wears: Dress by Nathaniel Paul Collection, Pants by Johnathan Simkhai, Shoes by Charlotte Olympia

Illustration by Antonio Soares - antoniosoares.tumblr.com

Since her breakout role on Disney’s Mighty Med, Paris Berelc has been soaring to success. Recently, the 19-year-old has started tackling more challenging, mature roles, and making a name for herself outside of the Disney realm.

Welcome to the Spring 2018 Issue! Inside, we’ve got lots of style & beauty inspiration to help you transition into the warmer months. Features include ‘Empire’ actress, Serayah McNeill, ‘Alexa & Katie’ star, Paris Berelc, and fashion/ jewelry designer, Jean Gritsfeldt. Special thanks to all of our amazing contributors! Enjoy!!! - Shannon Phelps

jean gritsfeldt “frozen star” a collaboration with photographer dasha soroka

The nature and environment in which we are born and live is something ancient and unexplored to the end, with its own system of coordinates, laws and riddles.This story uses the symbol of ice and mirror as something unshakable, but at the same time as the subject to human and climatic changes. Ice here is an arena for the struggle, determining the strong and the weak, the champion and the defeated. OD: Tell us a little about your life, growing up. jean: Frankly, I do not remember my childhood, my brain wipes out the entire archive of memory. That would not be an abundant download of information, probably. Haha! I read an article which stated that now, every person monthly consumes as much information as people have consumed in the seventeenth or eighteenth century. Our world is very contradictory. But I do remember how I grew up in Siberia, and when my brother and I crossed the path from home to school, the eyelashes froze so much that you could not even open your eyes. Since childhood I liked to surround myself with beauty and create my worlds. I also attended art school for

gifted children of the north. I graduated from Kiev National University of Technologies and Design and had internship at University of the Arts London but now I am preparing to finish MA somewhere abroad, London or New York, to become a 100% international designer. mod: How did you get your start as a designer? When did you decide that this was what you wanted to do? jean: I do not have a story like all the designers that already sewed clothes from their mother’s handbags as a child. I loved playing dolls, but it was not a game of fashion, but a game of theater, rather. I remember how my heart was sinking when I looked at glossy magazines. For a boy from Siberia, working in fashion was comparable to flying into space, when all the boys dreamed of becoming cosmonauts and presidents I wanted to be on stage and

Photographer: Dasha Soroka, Models: Iwan Zinchenko, Andrey Kokura @ 5th Avenue Model Management, Stas Sirchenko, Kira S, Kate Kh, Kate M, Veronika B @ 1313 Agency, Makeup: Anna Skuridina, Hair: Stas Sirchenko, Clothes: Jean Gritsfeldt, Jewelry: Jean Gritsfeld for Art Vivace Jewelry, Style assistant muse: Artem Lemeshko

podium. Although, I would not be a bad president, by the way, I always fulfill my promises. Haha!

transparent tulle and, of course, the branded face jewelry, made of gold and silver.

mod: Who/ what are some of your greatest inspirations? jean: The greatest inspiration in my life is people. Remember as in the Bible, Jesus was surprised only by the great faith and the colossal disbelief of people. I do not want to draw parallels (haha) because I’m far from being a saint or an angel, but I’m always surrounded by people and I love to watch them. The designer is primarily a mirror that reflects and instantly reacts to what is happening around, reflecting on the reality. I’m inspired by the people I meet in my travels--hearing their stories, seeing the hardships they overcome, their fundamental optimism and decency. I am inspired by thinkers. I am inspired by rebellion. I am inspired by children. I have been inspired by love.

mod: If you could design for any celebrity, who would be your celebrity muse? jean: Rihanna would look great in my jewelry and gold trench coat, Miley Cyrus in knitted sweaters with fur seals and a Swarovski crystal dress, and Beyoncé in a khaki or denim dress from the latest Frozen Star collection. I like that they are free, that they are full of joy, that they have a thirst for life in art. My clothes are really about celebrity style when you “don’t give a fuck.” Plenty of handmade work, of course, is not a haute couture--but we call it HITcouture or Starcouture, hehe.

mod: How would you describe the aesthetic of your work? jean: In my work, I focus on interaction between body, clothes and new media. Thus, the clothes we create are not only on modern fashion trend, but also create their own standards which perfectly meet market needs. The brand investigates the boundaries between fashion, modeling, sculpture and the human body, experimenting with various fabrics and patterns. Infusing the elements of haute couture in the abstract and conceptual ideas, it creates bizarre color and texture combinations. mod: How did you develop this style? What drove you in this particular artistic direction? jean: Through trials and mistakes, it is impossible to invent something completely new, but you can show the underside of the filter of your imagination, your individuality in creativity. You simply take the basic theme and reflect, showing your attitude to this topic, presenting yourself in the place of the main characters. The theme of the collection is always related to the location on which we conduct fashion shows from season to season. mod: What’s one of your favorite pieces from your latest collection? jean: I try to treat all products with the same feeling of love so that others would not take offense, haha! But probably one of my favorites are those for which I spent much time and energy. I like dresses-jackets as well as trousers--it’s like two in one piece because of the cool cut and landing on the figure. I always liked working with sequins. We began to work with this fabric before it became such a mainstream. I love when this enchanting splendor breaks through a

mod: Many artists have certain conditions in which they work, to help their creative process--whether it’s listening to music, working outdoors, etc. What’s yours? jean: Eating a delicious food, haha! Recently having experienced starvation. It was in a special clinic in Latvia, an amazing experience, the victory of the spirit over the physical shell, that inspired me to create a new collection. The most important thing in life is the adventures, they open a new person inside youself. I believe that it is very difficult to be a narrowly focused specialist, especially in the design field. For example like in a plastic surgery, nobody wants to have a specialist who knows how to do just a rhinoplasty, it is necessary that you have managed how to pump fat from the abdomen and tweak the shape of the buttocks. Designer field is the same. Also, music has always been my passion, especially the combination of art, theater, music and fashion. mod: If you weren’t a fashion designer, what else do you think you’d be doing? jean: Before becoming a designer, I dreamed of an actor’s career as a performer, seducing screen heroines like don Juan and dropping a man’s mean tear in front of the camera. But fate decreed otherwise, as my astrologer recently told me that fashion design is my real vocation on this earth. I think that the most important thing in profession is to be necessary and useful to this world, everything that is created on our planet is all created in the name of a human, I want to be thankful and reciprocate. mod: What are some of the most notable ways you’ve evolved as a designer, since the start of your career?

Models: Iwan Zinchenko, Andrey Kokura @ 5th Avenue Model Management, Stas Sirchenko, Kira S, Kate Kh, Kate M, Veronika B @ 1313 Agency, Makeup: Anna Skuridina, Hair: Stas Sirchenko, Clothes: Jean Gritsfeldt, Jewelry: Jean Gritsfeld for Art Vivace Jewelry, Style assistant muse: Artem Lemeshko

jean: When you start working on a new season, it’s always exciting, every time, like the first time. One of the most significant moments in my career was my victory in a competition as a designer in Harper’s Bazaar magazine. My prize was an internship in London. Of course, every fashion show of the season leaves an indelible impression on you, it changes you. Until now, I remember our show at the Borispol airport, the whole process was like a picture from someone’s dream. mod: What’s been the highlight of your career, so far? jean: I think that the highlight of my career career is still ahead waiting for me. mod: Where would you like to see yourself and your designs in the future? jean: To get to the international level and represent our collections within fashion week abroad, and then lead some of the fashionable Parisian houses, haha! Napoleonic plans! mod: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned on your journey in fashion, thus far? jean: Social networking is now a brilliant way to advertise the product--the path by which you can draw attention to yourselves, and achieve the desired result as soon as possible. Essentially, all are currently engaged in self-promotion, in the new generation of endless self-identification. As a creative person, everyone wants to show their best angles, to be successful, young, beautiful--but often behind all this lurks a lot of problems, because now the modern world does not forgive weaknesses. But we must to remember that sometimes our strength is in our weakness. Despite the fact that I work in the beauty industry, I see that beauty does not always save the world. Beauty does not protect the nature around us, beauty does not save people dying under the rubble of the earthquake, beauty does not save from war and political oppression. Kindness will save the world. As long as we live in false ideals, we will never live well. mod: Any advice for young, aspiring fashion designers out there? jean: I do not advise anyone to become designers because it is hard labor. I do not mean the designers who create their capsule collection of T-shirts and say to everyone that they are great designers and artists sipping a dry martini behind the bar. But for those who decided to dedicate their lives to this work, I advise you to remain yourself. mod: Tell us a fun fact about yourself. jean: Our family was not rich and we could not pay for tuition at the art school. I was chosen there because all the teachers noticed a spark of talent in me. During my studies, everyone called me Prince from the slums. I was not of this world, like an alien, such a Little Prince from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s fairy tale. Now, I am filled with gratitude towards teachers who, in my childhood, were strictly demanding but fair. MOD: Where can people find you and your work, online? JEAN: Please visit our website JEANGRITSFELDT.COM and instagram page @jeangritsfeldt--all the fresh updates are there!

Talent: Paris Berelc, Photographer: Samantha Annis, Makeup: Erin Guth, Hair: Madison Blue, Styling: Jessica Hinkle, Styling Assistant: Alexandria Allen - Paris wears: Hourglass Cosmetics, American English Hair, Enzo Milano Tools

paris

berelc Since her breakout role as Skylar Storm on Disney’s Mighty Med, Paris Berelc has been soaring to success. Recently, the 19-year-old has started tackling more challenging, mature roles, and making a name for herself outside of the Disney realm. Currently, she stars in the Netflix Original series, Alexa & Katie, in which she plays a high school cancer patient. We caught up with the starlet to discuss her chracter, Alexa Mendoza, and much more! photographed by Samantha Annis OD: What was it like growing up with three younger sisters? PARIS: My three little sisters Bless, Joelie and Skye are crazy but very cute, they fight a lot but you can definitely see how much they love each other. It’s very sweet how they take care of each other. mod: You moved from Wisconsin to LA at a pretty young age. What was that transition like for you? PARIS: It was very fast and scary coming from a small suburb in Wisconsin to a soundstage in LA, so the first year was pretty hard, but as soon as I started making friends it got a lot easier.

mod: What’s one life lesson you’ve learned from being in Hollywood? PARIS: People change and that’s not always a bad thing. It has taught me to accept change even when it’s hard, just knowing it will make you stronger in the end. MOD: You were a gymnast before you started acting. Tell us a little about your gymnastics journey. Are you still active in the sport? PARIS: I was a gymnast for 10 years. I wanted to go to UCLA for college gymnastics; gym was basically my life before acting. It taught me a lot, both physically and mentally. It taught me about determination, motivation and staying strong. Yes, I’m still active and I like to try to make it to the gym just to flip around and keep up with

it physically, because I would love to one day do action projects. MOD: Who is your biggest inspiration and why? PARIS: Angelina Jolie. She is an incredible actress and the work she has done is what I aspire to do. She’s also an activist and helps people all around the world and she is a mom, which are all things I hope to do one day. mod: You’ve been a Disney star since 2013. Did you ever feel pressure to project a certain image or live your life a certain way, as a role model for other teens? PARIS: Definitely had to be conscious of my actions because a lot of little kids watch the network and a lot of them were watching me. It really opened my eyes to what it means to be a role model. MOD: You play Alexa in Netflix’s new show, Alexa & Katie. What can you tell us about your character? PARIS: Alexa is about to start high school. She is very outgoing, very stubborn and a little rebellious, but most of all she is very strong. MOD: What’s the most challenging part about playing this role? PARIS: Sitting in the makeup chair for three to four hours to fit the bald cap. MOD: What’s something you hope audiences will take away after watching Alexa & Katie? PARIS: Optimism. MOD: What’s your favorite show to binge-watch in your spare time? PARIS: New Girl MOD: What’s your dream role? PARIS: To play Angelina Jolie’s daughter in a spy movie or play a notorious villain. mod: Who are some actors/ directors you’d love to work with in the future? PARIS: Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Steven Spielberg. mod: How would you describe your personal style? PARIS: Classy rocker chic MOD: What’s one fashion trend you hope never comes back in style?

PARIS: ‘80s hair mod: A good outfit isn’t complete without: PARIS: Good hair mod: Where do you usually turn for fashion inspo? PARIS: Gigi Hadid, Hailey Baldwin, Rihanna MOD: What are some beauty items you can’t leave your house without? PARIS: Chapstick, lip balm, lip gloss, perfume PARIS: There are always new makeup looks floating around social media. What’s the craziest makeup trend you’ve seen recently? What’s a trend you can’t wait to try? PARIS: Craziest: Red flamed eyeshadow. Want to try: Metallic lip. mod: What’s your go-to lip color? PARIS: Nude or red MOD: What’s your favorite food? PARIS: Pizza mod: What do you do for fun? PARIS: Snowboarding and hiking MOD: What are some of your favorite places to travel and why? PARIS: Australia and New Orleans, the people and food are amazing! mod: Got any weird obsessions or guilty pleasures? PARIS: Minions! PARIS: What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently? PARIS: I just watched London Has Fallen and it was pretty good! mod: Top three songs in your playlist right now: PARIS: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles, “The Middle” by Zedd, “Again” by Kehlani mod: What’s something most people would be surprised to know about you? PARIS: I write scripts and poetry.

Check out Paris’ new series, ‘Alexa & Katie’ -- out now on Netflix! Follow her on Instagram: @theparisberelc

runway recap

From the soft, romantic looks at Marchesa to the bold, vibrant styles at Alice + Olivia, the catwalk was full of killer ensembles! Check out some of our favorite moments from the SS/18 runway shows. Feast your eyes and get inspired for the new season!

Photographer: Susana Rico - susanarico.com - @susanaricophotography

Adam Selman

Alice + Olivia

Marchesa

Miguel Vieira

Photographer: Susana Rico - susanarico.com - @susanaricophotography

Phillip Lim

Zadig & Voltaire

Colovos

serayah

mcneill od: When did you realize you wanted to be a singer and actress? Serayah: When I was about nine years old. mod: You’ve been playing Tiana on Empire since 2015. What’s been your favorite part about this role and

experience, so far? Serayah: Definitely growing as a performer!

mod: The performance scenes on the show are always amazing! How intense is the preparation process for those moments? Serayah: Super intense, depending on what the director is going for. “LBDT (Look But Don’t Touch)” was super

rough because we rehearsed for a week and had to perform it a million times in TWO different episodes. mod: What’s your favorite song from Empire? Serayah: “Starlight” is one of my favs. mod: What’s it like working with incredible actors like Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson? What are some things you’ve learned from them? Serayah: I learned to trust my gut instinct and just go with it. mod: What’s one of the funniest/ craziest moments you’ve ever had on the Empire set? Serayah: Funniest has to be recently when Tiana was back-talking and I added a line and rolled my eyes. When

Serayah wears: Dress by Nathaniel Paul Collection, Pants by Johnathan Simkhai, Shoes by Charlotte Olympia

Empire may be known for its ensemble cast, but triple-threat artist, Serayah is a star in her own right! Since her debut on FOX’s wildly successful series, the 22-year-old has been electrifying the entertainment industry with her many talents. These days, when she’s not playing the feisty Tiana Brown, she’s either modeling for fashion lines like Madonna’s Material Girl or gearing up for her upcoming album release. We chatted with the California native about her new music, her favorite beauty products, and more! photographed by sHANNa fisher

Makeup Artist: Erin B. Guth using Hourglass Cosmetics, Hair Stylist: Preston Wada @ Opus Beauty using Kevin Murphy, Wardrobe Stylists: Wayman and Micah @ Starworks Artists, Talent: Serayah McNeill, Retoucher: Alena Zolotnikova

the scene ended, Taraji added a line and started chasing after me and everyone was laughing. I hope they keep that blooper. mod: What can fans expect from this new season of Empire? Serayah: So many plot twists. I know we say that all the time, but my character is in a lot more of this half of the season. It’s gonna be juicy. mod: Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations? Serayah: Sam Cooke, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Usher, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Faith Evans, and sooo many more! mod: Tell us a little about your upcoming album. Serayah: This album is a super vibe. Writing and just expressing how I was truly feeling in the moment, a new emotion each session. The record goes from good times to more emotional feelings and leaves you with raw understanding of what these past three years have been for me.

Serayah wears: Dress by Nathaniel Paul Collection, Pants by Johnathan Simkhai, Shoes by Charlotte Olympia

mod: You’re obviously pretty great at singing, dancing, and acting, but do you have any other talents/ skills most people don’t know about? Serayah: Thank you! Basketball was always a hobby/passion of mine. I played growing up. Still love to play, when my nails aren’t done, of course. LOL mod: What are some of your favorite travel destinations and why? Serayah: Aruba was amazing. Also, I loved Milan. Aruba was just peaceful and picture-perfect like. Milan has so much history and people speaking Italian, which was super exotic for me. mod: Let’s talk fashion! How would you describe your personal style? Serayah: I would say it’s girly tomboy chic. Serayah: What’s one fashion trend you hope never comes back in style? Serayah: Colored skinny jeans! Mod: What’s the biggest fashion and/or beauty risk you’ve ever taken? Serayah: I wore a full mesh see-through dress to the Jeremy Scott Spring/Summer fashion show, recently in NYC. MOD: What are some of your favorite places to shop for clothes? Do you prefer to visit actual stores, or are you more of an online shopper? Serayah: Love online shopping. Material Girl has super cute stuff! Also Amazon. You can get pretty much anything from there. THE NEXT DAY!

Serayah wears: Jacket + Earrings by Victoria Hayes Collection, Bracelet by Jennifer Fisher, Shoes by Christian Louboutin

mod: One piece of fashion advice you think every girl should know: Serayah: Follow how you feel.

gag is, my mom made me go home right after the dance. LMAO #LAME

mod: What’s your secret for flawless skin? Serayah: Water and face oil, I love oils because they really penetrate the skin.

mod: Describe your ideal first date. Serayah: Dinner, vibes, music, and wine. No pressure, just get to talk and eat... Maybe I just love food though. LOL

mod: Three cosmetic products you can’t live without: Serayah: NARS concealer, Rosebud chapstick, and L’Oréal Black mascara.

mod: What’s a major turnoff for you? Serayah: Trying too hard. I’m a chill person, just relax. LOL

mod: Curly hair has sort of become your signature look. Tell us a little about your natural hair journey and how you started embracing your curls. Serayah: I have always had curly natural hair, but I didn’t always like it. I had to start finding ways to love it. And when I don’t, I just put on a wig. Haha!

mod: What’s something you’re completely obsessed with? Serayah: Netflix

mod: What’s your workout routine like? How do you stay in such great shape? Serayah: I love hot yoga. Also, I do a lot of circuit training. I get bored easily so I have to stay moving. mod: What’s the strangest/ most interesting fan encounter you’ve had, thus far? Serayah: One time, leaving a Chris Brown concert, a girl/fan noticed me and was upset that I had straightened my hair... Whoa! mod: What’s the most ridiculous rumor you’ve ever heard about yourself? Serayah: This guy who asked me to his senior prom told his whole class I lost my virginity to him. But the

mod: Name a movie that never gets old, no matter how many times you watch it. Serayah: FRIDAY! I know every word, I’m not kidding. mod: What song do you currently have on repeat? Serayah: My gospel playlist. It’s super dope. And H.E.R., cause she’s super dope. mod: What’s your favorite food/ meal? Serayah: Right now, I’m obsessed with chicken sandwiches. mod: What advice would you offer other aspiring singers and actors, looking to break into the industry? Serayah: Timing is everything. Never despise the day of small beginnings. Your journey is going to be made special for you. Always practice your craft. Don’t be so hard on yourself, you got it!

Photographer: Shanna Fisher, Makeup Artist: Erin B. Guth using Hourglass Cosmetics, Hair Stylist: Preston Wada @ Opus Beauty using Kevin Murphy, Wardrobe Stylists: Wayman and Micah @ Starworks Artists, Talent: Serayah McNeill, Retoucher: Alena Zolotnikova Serayah wears: Jacket + Earrings by Victoria Hayes Collection, Bracelet by Jennifer Fisher, Shoes by Christian Louboutin

Photographer: Shanna Fisher, Makeup Artist: Erin B. Guth using Hourglass Cosmetics, Hair Stylist: Preston Wada @ Opus Beauty using Kevin Murphy, Wardrobe Stylists: Wayman and Micah @ Starworks Artists, Talent: Serayah McNeill, Retoucher: Alena Zolotnikova - Serayah wears: Top by Libertine, Shorts by Nathaniel Paul Collection, Earrings by Victoria Hayes Jewelry, Shoes by Christian Louboutin