MOD Magazine: Volume 3; Issue 6; THE HOLIDAY ISSUE by MOD Magazine

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contributors Monica True, Ceara @ K Starr Mgmt, Darrell Thompson, Sidory Perry, Cheree Waigne, Nick Dale, Campbell Ritchie @ One Represents, Candice Lewin, Belle @ Chadwick Models, Sarah-Rebekka, Annika-Â Marie Leick @ Modelwerk, Anna Czilinsky, Iani Iskowik, Ivan Onopriyenko, Anjelika Levitskaya, Alena Dorofeeva, Angelina Nikolaeva @ ABA group, Timothy Rosado, Joshua Myrie, Raul Otero, Sheri Pinto, Cenit Adesuwa @ One Management, Bekha & Jess LaFrankie, Madeleine Armstrong @

Vivienâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Models, Christabell McDonald, Amy Kenny, Oriana Layendecker, Myken Garcia, Leanne H., Jayesh Pankhania @ SixtyOne Productions, Nikki Wolff, Vika Mostovnikova @ Elite Model London, Sarah Jane, Christian Ramirez, Victor Noble using MAC, Sarah Bledsoe @ Supreme Model Management, Linda Leitner, Jana Wagenknecht, Sabrina Reuschl, Lilli Brandt @ JAVA Models & Marisa Kurz @ Together Models, Tiago Chediak, Omenaa Boakye, Ronnie Peterson @ Wilhelmina Artists using Make up Forever and Oribe, Hollie Witchey @ Marilyn

Model Agency New York, Octavio Duarte, Taek Yang, Hair & Makeup: Renee Sayed, Brooke Durrant @ London Model Management, Katriena Emmanuel, Alana Mevissen, Maddison Payne @ Division Model Management, Matt Licari, Lauren Temple, Avian King for Davines, Scott Andrew, Anastasia Pashnyack, ONEKREATE, Courtney Rodwell, Nazy Alvarez, Jennifer Gilbert, Eliut Tarin, Michelle Chamberlain

Volume 3; Issue 6; nov/dec 2014

features Party Extras The perfect accessories to take your party look to the next level, this holiday season!

FABRYAN: The perfect stitch

Edit or’sNote

We chat with Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, designer of London brand, FABRYAN.

I’ve got a feeling There’s certainly a texture takover, this winter! Get in on the trend and learn how to mix & match different materials!

Tim labenda: the crossover

Illustration by António Soares

thigh’s the limit Learn how to wear one of the season’s most daring shoe trends: thigh-high boots!

We catch up with the talented German designer since his recent crossover from menswear to womenswear! flawless skin Want perfect skin, year-round? Find out the best skincare products to help your complexion survive the winter!

wyatt orr: 2 heads, 1 mind

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Learn more about the 2 women behind the Seattle-based fashion brand: Wyatt Orr!

on the cover CREDITS: Photography and Fashion Styling by: Oriana Layendecker, Makeup Artist/ Hair Stylist: Myken Garcia, Model: Leanne H.

Party season is upon us! Time to whip out those sparkly dresses & start practicing your smokey eye techniques! In this issue, you’ll be sure to find your perfect holiday look. Whether you’re into the glitz & glam, or you prefer something simple & chic, we’ve got everything you need to celebrate the holidays in style. 2014’s been a great year, so why not end it with a bang?! Happy Holidays!

- Shannon Phelps

Photographer: Sascha Haubold, Assistant: Bako Rambini, Fashion Stylist: Cristina Chirila, Makeup Artist: Anja Kirchner, Hair Stylist: Alisha Ehret, Models: Jasmin Melhuish & Liza Kohl, All Clothing by: FABRYAN

fabryan: T H E P E RF E C T S T I T C H

London-based label, FABRYAN is well on its way to taking the fashion industry by storm! MOD chats with the brains behind the brand, Samantha-Jane Agbontaen about passion, fashion and inspiration! - WRITTEN BY JACOB LABARBERA

The ability to emulate strength and sexuality is no easy task; yet, it is one that designer Samantha-Jane Agbontaen has mastered through her notable brand known as FABRYAN. Launched in 2010, this brand combines high-end artistic designs with elegant silhouettes. FABRYAN tackles the cutting-edge world of fashion, while representing true and original craftsmanship. Having every physical piece hand made in the company’s atelier, the high quality and remarkable designs are truly one-of-a-kind. Samantha doesn’t just design clothing; she creates hand tailored and original pieces. Having a volume of talent that seems to be unbeatable, this self-starter is reaping the rewards that she truly deserves. Growing up in London, Samantha was exposed to fashion at a very young and influential age. “My mother was a dress maker, so I grew up around fashion. It was a big thing in my household,” she told MOD. “I looked up to my mother because she was extremely talented and creative,

and I wanted to be just like her,” Samantha said. After watching and learning from her mother, Samantha then began to play around with her artistic side, designing small pieces and experimenting with fabrics. “I often used scraps of extra fabric to make clothes for my dolls,” she said. It was at this point in her life that she realized her true passion for fashion, and really began to notice her enthusiasm for designing. Spending time with her mother and watching her every move, definitely sparked Samantha’s initial interest in the craft. However, the design process didn’t always come easily to Samantha, as her educational background had more of a business focus. “Unfortunately, as I didn’t study fashion throughout school, I feel I was ill prepared for what the industry truly entails,” she said.

Luckily, the strong passion and ultimate love that Samantha has for designing and creating were enough to triumph what she lacked in education. And eventually, her business background proved to be incredibly useful. Not only have her business skills helped her navigate the industry, but they also play a huge role in how she maintains her brand. Samantha has certainly benefited from her knowledge of how to handle the non-artistic aspects of the field. FABRYAN is not only sucessful because of Samantha’s amazing design skills, but also her ability to construct and maintain business relationships.

completion of those steps, Samantha makes a toile (prototype), followed by the final physical piece.

The brand’s latest winter collection is one that truly displays Samantha’s remarkable aptitude for design. Each item in the collection is tailored to fit the female body with nothing short of perfection. One could even say each piece has the absolute perfect stitch. Sexy and sophisticated, each look is a sure hit among those who aspire to wear luxurious and flattering apparel.

With a love for color and how it looks on the female body, Samantha is no stranger to mixing and matching various shades and fabrics.

“Throughout my designs, I tend use different color palettes. The FABRYAN signature usually consists of combining fine leather and silk. However, I often use color blocking throughout my designs, as well. Color blocking is exactly what this collection represents. Each piece is dripping with sexuality and deep, rich colors. With many pieces putting emphasis on the hips and shoulders, this winter collection empowers the true boldness of independent and successful women. The color palette chosen is a perfect representation of FABRYAN as a brand, and how it captures the image of the modern day woman,” Samantha said of her F/W 2014 collection.

With nature as her main source of inspiration, it’s only fitting that spring is Samantha’s favorite season, in regards to designing. “I enjoy designing for every season, but spring/summer is always more exciting. I get to work with lovely vibrant colors and textures,” Samantha said.

When asked some of her favorite materials to work with, Samantha said: “I love silk and tend to use it most. It bespeaks luxury and elegance because it is a natural fiber. Silk looks and feels great.”

Each piece is dripping “with sexuality and deep

rich colors. With many pieces putting emphasis on the hips and shoulders, this winter collection empowers the true boldness of independent and successful women.

Incorporating a classic, monotone color palette of red, black and white, the collection is versatile and suitable for both daywear and eveningwear. Samantha generates her ideas and sketches from nothing less than her own imagination. Having a vivid eye for detail, Samantha is always on the hunt for something new and innovative that has never been seen before. When asked about her design inspirations, Samantha said: “They say the eye must travel which is why I have been inspired by the Kew Gardens, and the work of Antonio Gaudi.” Samantha also stated that she often finds inspiration in the beauty of nature. Drawing from what nature has to offer, Samantha then turns that beauty into a physical garment that is one-of-a-kind. Taking each design as its own, Samantha starts her process in a very detailed form. “I first research trends and what’s currently popular. I then move to fabric sourcing, and sketching,” she said. After the

”

Though FABRYAN is still on the rise, the brand is already making waves in the industry. With the release and high success of FABRYAN’s winter 2014 collection, Samantha has many things to be grateful for. When asked what she appreciates most about her brand’s rapid growth rate, Samantha said: “I have been very fortunate to have a lot of support for my brand, and I am forever grateful for this. It helps when you have support from your family and friends to keep it going.”

With hundreds of designers in the industry Samantha’s brand stands alone, due to the immense detail that is put into each piece. FABRYAN is seeing a great period of growth, as many new people are falling in love with the brand. Gaining the respect of more people each season, FABRYAN is sure to become a globally recognized brand in the years to come. In the next few years, Samantha hopes to gain awareness for her brand by attaining more notable press and clientele. She hopes to spread her brand into various markets, while keeping her original customers and core values. “I hope to gain more international stock holders, and more notoriety as time goes on,” Samantha said. With the burning love and strong passion she has for her work, we’re pretty sure her brand will see the growth that she longs for. Samantha’s raw talent, keen eye for trends, and untouchable craftsmanship will continue to be FABRYAN’S best asset in the many years to come.

Tim Labenda, Photographed by Bastian Jung

tim : labenda THE CROSSOVER MOD chats with German fashion designer, Tim Labenda about his recent crossover from menswear to womenswear. Learn about the creative inspirations for Labenda’s latest collection, as well as what defines “the Tim Labenda woman.” - Written by Gabriela Lorraine

ith a penchant for masculine silhouettes made feminine, Tim Labenda has created a label that sings to the woman who isn’t afraid to dress for herself. The designer, who graduated from Pforzheim University in Germany with a degree in design, has the uncanny ability of really understanding who it is he designs for. The Tim Labenda label wears an elegant ease, clearly reflected in the sort of woman he chooses to dress. Labenda’s eye for tailoring has led him to create a house that blurs the line between structured and organic aesthetics, allowing him to find space in the in-between. The Tim Labenda house is defined by a strong, sophisticated aesthetic. Recently, this same edge has been applied to womenswear, a new venture for the German born designer. In nothing short of a leap of faith, Labenda decided to enter the world of womenswear after he was encouraged to do so by none other than Christiane Arp, Editor-in-Chief of

German Vogue. This leap paid off for Labenda, whose two seasons of women’s ready-to-wear have been as successful, and noteworthy, as his menswear line. Perhaps one of the most interesting things about the 29-year-old designer is his entrance into the world of fashion design. Although Labenda has always been interested in fashion, his path into the industry wasn’t typical. All the soon-to-be designer knew before he entered the industry is that he wanted to use his hands to create something, whether it be clothing or cabinets. Destiny seemed to make the decision for Labenda, who landed a position as a tailor for Hugo Boss. It only seems natural that the progression to fashion designer came to be, after all , one of Labenda’s favorite parts of designing is the process in which you see your design come to life. Seasons later and Labenda is generating a stir with his elegant tailoring and unique take on pattern cutting and design. The switch from menswear to womenswear is no easy feat,

and Labenda managed the transition with a sense of ease and elegance that is clearly reflected in his work. Although each collection has its own story and inspiration, there is still an underlying motif present between each and every one of Tim Labenda’s collections. Perhaps this is because Labenda himself has such a personalized design process. According to the designer, “It always starts with the fabric, then the form follows and at the end I am building the details. But before that, I am catching the current mood of my environment and trying to figure out what the people need from me.” A clean aesthetic featuring strong lines, masculine meets feminine tailoring and sharp, interesting silhouettes are all clear motifs seen in Tim Labenda’s designs, season after season. Just as Labenda has found a niche for himself in terms of his aesthetic, he has come to understand the woman he dresses just as well. It only makes sense that while discovering what separates his house from the rest, Labenda has also come to understand the sort of woman who’d wear his clothes in the process. “The Tim Labenda woman is very self-confident. She is a settled urban woman in her mid-thirties. She is intellec-

tual and owns a gallery or bookstore, works as teacher or professor, she likes to travel and has a crush on beautiful furniture. She is very down to earth and loves her boots more than her heels. She prefers blue over black and has always has an authentic sense of style,” says the designer. Beyond this, Labenda strengthens his relationship with his woman season after season by creating a partnership of sorts that results in a mutually beneficial relationship. “The Tim Labenda woman and I have an amazing relationship that is developing from season to season… This process of becoming a happy couple is visible in the collections’ development. I try to get to know her in every single depth and satisfy all her needs and desires with every new collection.” Tim Labenda’s Autumn/ Winter 2014 offering is ethereal, yet grounded and elegant. With a palette of dark colors and silhouettes clearly inspired by his past work with the male figure, Labenda’s Autumn/ Winter collection is an inspired one. Elegant tailoring, straight lines and masculine fabrics define this collection, which was inspired by The Never Ending Story. The image of a luminous and magical forest enveloped in jewel tones became the color palette of the collection, while the organic lines of the forest and clean edges of the desert inspired the structure and

Photographer: Bastian Jung, Makeup Artist: Denise Grundmann, Hair Stylist: Helge Branscheidt, Model: Charlotte Nolting @ Modelwerk

sexiness seen in the looks. There’s a refined ease to this collection, which captures juxtaposition because “it is in-between the contrast of organic and fossilized. It gets its energy from this contrast and the mix of different materials und unusual cutting and pattern making,” according to Labenda. There’s an unrequited sophistication to this collection in particular, through both the understated sexiness of the pieces and the slight masculine edge each has. Perhaps it’s in this sort of contrast that we can truly admire each piece in this collection as its own entity. Whether it’s a structured cocoon-like coat or a tailored a-line maxi style trench, there’s an underlying connection between pieces that coaxes the wearer to look a little bit closer. As each season passes and both Labenda and the woman he dresses find more and more connection, the only thing left to be desired are more designs, and more collections. Although Labenda has stepped away from menswear to focus on womenswear, that door hasn’t shut completely. Labenda says he hopes to one day return to menswear to supplement his current women’s collection once his women’s collection becomes more established. As for the future, Labenda is currently working on his next collection which will show at Berlin Fashion Week in January. With his eye for silhouettes and his own take on androgynous inspired styles, there’s no question that this is only the beginning for Tim Labenda.

Photographer: Bastian Jung, Makeup Artist: Denise Grundmann, Hair Stylist: Helge Branscheidt, Model: Charlotte Nolting @ Modelwerk

Start to prepare with Skin Care Regardless of your skin type, it’s important to exfoliate. From the driest, most delicate skin, to the most oily, we can all benefit from sloughing off all those dead skin cells to reveal our glowing potential! I prefer a gentle approach to exfoliating like a daily exfoliating wash. For drier skin types, using an oil-based facial cleanser, then removing with a muslin cloth is the perfect way to get rid of all traces of makeup along with those pesky dead skin cells!

Moisturize! Even if you have an oily skin type, don’t ditch your moisturizer. Instead, swap creamy textures for lighter gel textures to keep your skin in good condition and prevent dehydration. Going from indoors to outdoors, cold to central heating can play havoc with your skin; so, a little extra protection is never a bad thing. Even in the winter months, your skin will benefit from a moisturizer that contains an SPF. Protected skin is beautiful skin. Your older self will thank you in years to come! I love Estée Lauder Daywear SPF 15. It’s packed full of anti-oxidants and has a cucumber fresh fragrance with a lightweight, nourishing formula that wears well under makeup.

Prep and Prime Primers can be confusing products for even the most makeupsavvy amongst us. We know that they’re supposed to make foundation last longer and make it look better, but which one is best for your skin type? There are so many primers on the market: those silicon-based ones that feel like a million little fairies have polished and buffed your skin to perfection; Those illuminating primers to give your skin an extra glow; oil-free primers to banish shiny faces; and ones with extra high SPF. In general, as a product that perfects the skin and gives foundation super staying power, primers are the way to go. However, it can be difficult to know what product to choose if you want a combination of results. I like to use primers that contain optical diffusers that help to blur away fine lines and imperfections to help achieve that airbrushed effect. I like MAC’s prep and prime natural radiance as a pre-makeup conditioner for the skin. It gives a smooth and even canvas for your foundation application, whilst hydrating, controlling oil production and subtly illuminating with optic pearl powders. What more could you ask for?! Using primers before your foundation is like putting a base coat on your nails before the color. Extra staying power, combined with protection. Win-win!

Find your perfect match I’m not talking about the guy with the green eyes that you’ve been eyeing up across the room; I’m talking about finding your perfect foundation. A shade that complements and perfects your skin tone. There is no holy grail here, I’m afraid. All makeup artists have their faves. A delicious creamy texture to one person can feel like troweling on cement to another. Most brands will sample their foundations, so try it on, look at it in natural daylight and wear it for a day or two before you buy. Finding the perfect color match can be the biggest challenge of all. Our skin tones are as unique as we are; some are warm, some cool, some even a mixture of both. I often use two different colors on my clients to achieve the most natural looking skin. Cheeks and chin

can be a different shade to the forehead and nose, which can be especially noticeable in darker skin tones. For some, if you try to find one shade to match all areas of your face, the overall effect can be a little dull. Take a step back. When you’ve found a texture and color foundation that you think work for you, step away from the hand-held compact and look at yourself in a bigger mirror. Our necks are often lighter than our faces, shoulders and décolletage, so look at the bigger picture to find a shade that matches your overall coloring.

Contouring Buzzword of the moment. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not asked to sculpt, define and perfect a face. There are many ways of contouring: with a darker foundation, a highlighting concealer or with powders. Use a soft, fluffy, medium-sized brush with an angled shape to apply a product that’s around 3 shades darker than your skin tone. This allows you to create the illusion of depth under cheekbones. Using a highlighter on top of your cheek bones, the center of the forehead, Cupid’s bow, down the bridge of the nose and the inner corners of the eyes helps to create more dimension for your face. I love Anastasia Beverly Hills’ contour powders. Pick the shades most appropriate for your skin tone to make your own custom palette. Add a little liquid blush to the apples of your cheeks for a glow that looks like it comes from within. Et voilà!

nyone who has ventured to enter the realm of fashion would define it as a cutthroat and competitive environment with passion as its driving force and creativity, its greatest trial. When every trend has been done before, the potential for originality in contemporary designer collections is limited to a talented few who can translate their unique vision through their creations. Seattlebased designers, Liise Wyatt and Karly Orr, are two fresh faces that were granted exclusive access to this world after launching their capsule collection, Wyatt Orr, in 2012. Liise and Karly met at The New York Fashion Academy, where they both studied design. Though they were in the process of creating their own individual collections at the time, their synergic minds inspired them to collaborate on various small projects. Following these collaborations, Wyatt Orr was born, and positive reception from the public prompted their current success. Raised in creative homes, both Liise and Karly were encouraged to pursue their artistic aspirations. Liise grew up in a small Maine town with artistic parents, grandparents, and siblings,

and lived amongst creative individuals who led unconventional lives. Karly was raised by a father who loved building things and credits her penchant for fashion design on her genetic composition. Both women were lucky enough to have been surrounded by a strong network of support, and though their hometown is not recognized as a fashion city, design has always been part of their DNA. When asked to describe their impression of typical Seattle street style, Liise says that while it used to be about grunge, there is currently a lot of Gore-Tex. “Seattle doesn’t have the most impressive reputation for style,” she said. “However, we feel there is room for greatness here when it comes to fashion. Seattle has a lot going for it; impeccable food, amazing music, technology and a lot of creative, artistic people. We can only hope that the fashion can catch up and find its own point of view.” Despite Seattle’s seeming disconnect from the fashion world, the designers consistently transform their home into fashion by incorporating natural elements of their environment into their designs. Their current A/W 2014 Collection, like many of their prior collections, is inspired by the natural landscape in the Pacific Northwest, where they currently reside. Their designs

their integrity over time and never fall slave to trends,” they said. Despite the rapid growth and success of their brand, Liise and Karly encountered obstacles that obstructed their pathway into this industry. They identify their biggest challenge as founding and funding their business from their own pockets. “We’ve had to learn where to put our energy and be really efficient without compromising our creative identity,” they said, in relation to their initial monetary struggles. It is by remembering to take a step back before making decisions and following their gut instincts that the designers manage to surmount the various challenges that come their way. “When something isn’t working we know that it’s better not to force it and instead try and look at the dilemma from another angle,” said Liise and Karly. “We’ve learned a lot about prioritizing. We know never to take ourselves too seriously and to keep an open mind at all times.”

transport the wearer into a dense forest filled with dark, rich colors. Liise and Karly played with their signature fabrics such as wool, silk, and leather, and used natural fibered fabrics, creating clean silhouettes in shades of purple, olive, black, and chartreuse. “We worked with asymmetry and some layering of silk panels, all while maintaining a well-edited and versatile collection of really wearable pieces that work well together,” they told MOD. When considering the woman they want to dress, the designers observe fashion influencers whom they perceive as exuding confidence and who are tastefully put together, without trying too hard. “She [The Wyatt Orr woman] is independent, free-spirited, kind, graceful and smart,” they said. “She wants beauty, refinement and balance in her life and never sacrifices her comfort for fashion. She seeks out unassuming brands with high-quality fabrics and looks for details in her clothes that aren’t too flashy, but understated and quietly confidant.” For Liise and Karly, the juxtaposition of comfort and style is integral to their collections, but their reluctance to follow trends is what really sets them apart. “We want to continue to make beautiful pieces that maintain

If there is one thing these two women have taken along with them on their journey, it’s that it takes blood, sweat, and tears to make it in this industry. The fashion business may appear glamorous from its embellished exterior, but in reality, access requires hard work, determination, and stamina. Regardless of any obstacles, Liise and Karly remain optimistic because they love what they do. Both designers said that their favorite part of the process is in the early stages of design when they can express their creativity regarding the concept and design elements for their collections. Another bonus? Watching it come alive every season. When asked for their advice to aspiring designers, they said, “Be humble, stay the course, and maintain your sense of humor.” From the mouths of two successful designers, these are words we should all store in the back pockets of our skinny jeans for safekeeping. Though they maintain a positive outlook, the women joke that if they hadn’t made it as fashion designers, they would have been flight attendants because of their love for travelling and exploring new places. They also added that this career path would have triggered more design inspiration, ultimately taking them back to the job they were born to do. When asked where they see themselves in five years, Liise and Karly project further growth for their business. Currently, they have already branched out of the Seattle scene and hope to open more stores within the United States in the future. For now, these two women will continue to inspire young designers from the comfort of their Seattle home with their natural landscape as the backdrop to their success. For more information on this dynamic design duo, be sure to visit their website: wyattorr.com

Photographer: Charlie Schuck, Hair & Makeup: Heather Tietjen, Model: Reilly McCoy, All Clothing: Wyatt Orr A/W 2014 Collection

R.I.P. Scott Andrew in the industry. Scott had collaborated with photographers ranging from Patrick Demarchelier, Mario Testino, Michael Thompson, Bettina Rheims, David Armsrong, Irving Penn and many others.

cott Andrew was no stranger when it came to the fashion industry. With a career in makeup spanning over 20 years. His clientele ranged from supermodels, celebrities to the most prestigious brands and magazines

He was obsessed with beauty as a child, constantly watching his mother who is an artist do her makeup he began using his own body as a canvas to express himself doing drag shows which he performed around the world. He was a muse of renowned artist Nan Goldin.Andrew also created his own line of cosmetics for Amore Pacific called Laneige which he did over the duration of 8 years. His highly praised Time Response Skin Renewal Foundations are currently available at

Amore Pacific stores and websites across the globe. His passion for beauty and cosmetics is reflected with a portfolio collaborating with beauty brands such as Elizabeth Arden, Covergirl, Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Oreal Paris, Guerlain, MAC, Cosme Decorte, SK II, Boots #7, Amore Pacific; as well as an extensive list of collaborations with designers and fashion houses. Scott passed away on the 9th June 2014 at his home in Long Island City. He will be missed greatly by many around the world who loved him. - Courtesy of Matt Licari