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contributors Toshiyuki Imae, Mai Kawabe, Naoyuki Watanabe, Koki Noguchi, Anna M., MATT ARDELL, Nik Williams, Jordan Daniels @ Two Management Agency, Jacob x Jordan, Yuya T. Tun, Maison Privee PR, Luise Reichert, Alexis @ New York Models, Anne-Lena Cox c/o 21 Agency using MAC Cosmetics, Randy Darden, Shay Dixon, Zachary Woods, Magic Owen, Catherine Day, Morgan Defre, Sue Fyfe-Williams, Charz, Oli, Gift, Brenda, Georgie, Meylin Miranda,
Blanca Sanz Follana, Karol Miranda, Valou Weemering @ Elite Model Management Madrid, Crstn Yngs, Tamara Joselovsky/ Cecilio Barrantes, Luise Reicher, Isabel Rosado, Tricia Eve, Jessette, Aga @ New York Models, Agnieszka Kulesza & Lukasz Pik @ Complete Artists, Julia @ Gaga Models, Daria Biedrzycka, Iza Kucmierowska @ Complete Artists, Gor Duryan, Alexei Bazdarev, Zahara Davis @ NEXT Management US, Leah Darcy, Leonhard Koall, Janine Risse, Kirsten Miccoli, Zoe B @ Wilhelmina, Hayley
A @ Wilhelmina, Hayley Kassel, Keeva E , Caitlin Eucker, Veena Venkersammy, Sarah Bieling, Paula Tsukino, Maike Schwanitz, 2W ATELIER, Alena Jasikova, Lucie Hejna, Sonia Slansky, Berenika @ 2W Scout, Andre Arthur, Dani Nucci, Ronaldo Escobar, Cibele Ramm @ WAY Models Brazil, WM Fusion, Brandon Lundby, Logan Browning, Tasha Brown for Exclusive Artists, Naivasha Johnson for Exclusive Artists, Jessy Cain @ The Wall Group
Volume 6; Issue 4; jul/aug 2017
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trend report: the blue print Blue is the truest hue of the season! And what better way to wear the coolest color than with a bold, eye-popping print?!
Edit or’sNote
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Trend Report: Making waves
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Chloé Ayoub This cutting-edge designer, who hails from Sao Paulo, Brazil, is carving a name for herself in the fashion industry.
logan browning
Illustration by Victoria Colonna - www.instagram.com/victoria_colonna
Ruffles & frills have reigned supreme for the past few seasons, and apparently, the trend is still going strong!
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The Dear White People actress talks college life, natural hair, and what it means to be “woke.” fashion preview: Pre-Fall 2017 From the chic, structured styles at Max Mara to the fresh pastels at Altuzarra, the catwalk was full of dazzling looks!
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on the cover CREDITS: Photographer: Brandon Lundby, Model: Logan Browning, Makeup Artist: Tasha Brown for Exclusive Artists using Bobbi Brown, Hair Stylist: Naivasha Johnson for Exclusive Artists using Enzo Milano and Oribe Haircare, Wardrobe Stylist: Jessy Cain @ The Wall Group
As we ready our wardrobes for the upcoming season, it’s time to start pushing sartorial boundaries and elevating our looks! Find out which exciting trends are on our radar, and of course, check out our exclusive interview with ‘Dear White People’ actress, Logan Browning! Enjoy!!!
- Shannon Phelps
CHLOÉ AYOUB This cutting-edge designer, who hails from Sao Paulo, Brazil, is carving a name for herself in the fashion industry. Her style is inspired by contemporary artists and she often uses abstract art and graphic design as references. OD: Tell us a little bit about your life, growing up. Chloé: I’m originally from Brazil, where I grew up having a lot of freedom in my childhood. Both of my parents are artists, which allowed me to grow up around art and museums. I explored different fields and styles growing up and was always creating different things. I started to study Graphic Design back home but then transferred to SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) where I received my diploma in Fashion Design. MOD: How did you get your start as a designer? When did you decide that this was what you wanted to do? Chloé: When I was a kid, I would go through a lot of
phases and one thing that was consistent throughout was my interest in fashion. If I was into punk rock music, I would dress like it. If I was into more girly things, my style would also reflect it. Simultaneously, I would be drawing clothes and customizing the ones I already owned. So I always knew that I was going to end up doing something related to fashion. MOD: Who/what are some of your greatest inspirations in life and/or design? Chloé: Alan Watts, Joseph Beuys and Martin Margiela. MOD: How would you describe the aesthetic of your work. Chloé: I would say it’s very urban because you see a lot of graphic and textural elements coexisting. MOD: How did you develop this style? What drove you in this particular artistic direction? Chloé: I’m very drawn to abstract art and expressionism and I feel like that became part of my creative process. My projects will usually have a
Photographer: ADELE TREFRY, Clothing Designer: CHLOÉ AYOUB, Creative Director: CHLOÉ AYOUB and MAX CONDON, Models: CELESTE MILLER, CLAIRE COLLIER, BELLA GUINNESS, DOMINIQUE DIMICELI, OLIMPIA GONZALEZ
concept related to philosophy or something that makes me think which gives me a lot of room to express my feelings through my creations. MOD: What’s your favorite piece from your latest collection? Why? Chloé: My favorite piece is the T-shirt with the zipper because I love the idea of turning something so simple into a more conceptual and unique piece -- but in a way that you can still wear. MOD: If you could design for any celebrity, who would be your celebrity muse? Chloé: The Brazilian actress Laura Neiva, she has the perfect look and a fun personality. 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? Chloé: Meditating and taking breaks to write down my thoughts and [being] outside. MOD: What are some of the most notable ways you’ve evolved as a designer, since you started? Chloé: Falling in love with my work and realizing that growth is a natural process, so you can’t expect to do something you’ll love since the first day. MOD: What has been the highlight of your design career, so far? Chloé: The highlight of my design career was developing my first collection. Not only because the process itself was very introspective and made me grow so much as a designer and a person, but because I also had the chance to collaborate with people from several different fields to help me develop the branding of the collection. MOD: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned on your journey in fashion, thus far? Chloé: Be extra nice to everyone. People are probably tired of hearing this, but it is a very small industry and you never know who you are going to work next to. MOD: Where would you like to see yourself and your designs in the future? Chloé: Having a collective studio where I could take my designs beyond fashion and work alongside inspiring like-minded people. MOD: Any advice for other young, aspiring fashion designers out there? Chloé: Be curious and experiment. Most of my best ideas came from accidents in the process. MOD: Tell us a fun fact about yourself. (funny childhood story, unpopular opinion, etc.) Chloé: I love learning esoteric things. MOD: Where can people find you and your work, online? Chloé: On my website chlozi.com and my Instagram @ chlozi_
Photographer: Brandon Lundby, Makeup Artist: Tasha Brown for Exclusive Artists using Bobbi Brown, Hair Stylist: Naivasha Johnson for Exclusive Artists using Enzo Milano and Oribe Haircare, Wardrobe Stylist: Jessy Cain @ The Wall Group Logan wears: Blouse by Maria Lucia Hohan, Jeans by Citizen of Humanity (COH), Pearl Earring by Au Rate, Ear Cuff by Zoe Chicco
Logan browning
Whether she’s tackling racially charged topics on screen or spreading awareness on social media, Logan Browning is making her voice heard. Her latest role as quick-witted radio host, Samantha White, in the acclaimed Netflix dramedy, Dear White People, has propelled her to a whole new level of super stardom. And like her fictional counterpart, no matter what curveballs you throw her way, Browning is up for the challenge. MOD caught up with the 28-year-old Georgia native to learn more about her involvement in the hit Netflix series and her journey to Hollywood. Interview by Shannon Phelps, Photos by Brandon Lundby hannon Phelps: When did you realize you wanted to be an actress? Logan Browning: When I was a little girl, I loved performing for my family. I would put on shows in front of the fireplace. There would be tickets involved, mood lighting, and multiple acts. My little brother, who is now a professional opera singer, was right by my side entertaining. My mom put me into ballet very young and I loved it. I loved the discipline, the adventure of performing at different places, the costumes, and being on stage. My parents took us to a lot of plays, music festivals, and museums so the arts always appeared to be a rewarding and possible career. I also watched a lot of television, and the kids on Disney shows looked like they were having the best time. I wanted to be there with them! These were just parts of the natural progression I had into pursuing acting. There was not a singular epiphany that fueled my desire, but rather a culmination of encouragement, exposure, playful exploration, and opportunity. Shannon: What was it like growing up with three brothers? Logan: Unconventional and special. I feel like I grew up with each of my brothers at different points in my life. There is an age gap between me and my older two brothers so most of my adolescence was spent with Keith, my younger brother. We’re only 13 months apart so we did everything together from playing to fighting. My
brother Chad, who is about a decade older than me, accepted the task of being my guardian for a year while I was 15 in LA. Prior to that, we would only see each other at family gatherings. This gave us an opportunity to get to know each other and create a sibling bond that I now appreciate having here in California. My oldest brother Clint has made me an auntie four times, and for that I am grateful! When I was filming back in Atlanta, I spent a lot of time with him and his family watching the kids grow up. I bonded with him as a young adult, the third installment to my ‘growing up with three brothers’. Shannon: You left your home in Jonesboro, Georgia to pursue acting in LA? Describe your experience as you transitioned to life in Hollywood. Logan: I was 14, and was consciously leaving everything I knew to pursue a career. Aside from it being in television and film, I was a kid pursuing work! When I think back on that, I feel like I was more mature then than I am now. The first year was great for me with regards to bookings, but I was very lonely and wondered what kind of growing up I was missing out on. The second year, my mom put me into a private school rather than me homeschooling so that I could make friends and have more activities and experiences. As I’ve gotten older, I realize more and more how much my parents sacrificed for me. They never burdened me with that. As I grow to understand the monetary, emotional, and time sacrifices they made, I’m inspired to give this career my all. They invested in me, and now I’m carrying the torch all the way.
Shannon: What are some of your favorite things about LA? What are some things you miss about Georgia? Logan: I love the opportunity in LA: you can do, adventure to, or be anything you want. I can eat great food, watch the sunset over the water, and hike in beautiful weather any day of the week. I miss the community in Georgia. I miss how everything matters. If your local football team wins a game, then it’s front page news, and everybody celebrates you. I miss my family and the warm energy of the people there. Shannon: You've talked about a period in your career, during the writer's strike, in which you didn't get any roles for about a year. But soon after, you were cast in Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns and things sort of took off from there. I found this part of your journey very inspiring, and I'm sure other people will, too! How did you manage to stay focused and positive? What would you say to people out there who might be in a rut or struggling through a similar time in their lives? Logan: Wow, thank you for sharing that you were inspired by my experience. Jobs don’t rule me. Acting is a passion but it’s also a career. When things aren’t busy workwise, I move on to another productive avenue. I love to flow through life. It’s important to pursue the things your heart wants, but it is equally important to not limit your opportunities in life by being so narrowly focused that you miss the other blessings around you. I needed income so I got a front desk job at Kaplan, and I took an ancient history class at UCLA. I continued to have faith that God didn’t bring me as far as I had come to just leave me.
Shannon: You play Samantha White in Netflix's hit series, Dear White People, which is based on the 2014 film of the same name. One of the things I enjoyed about this adaptation was that the format allowed for a much more in-depth development of each character. What was something new you discovered with your version of Sam that wasn't explored in the film? Logan: This is a great question! I haven’t thought of that before now. I think just actually being the character as opposed to watching another actress play her allowed me to understand more of her motives and her psyche. Shannon: Dear White People examines race relations at the predominantly white, Ivy League-inspired Winchester University. For your freshman year of college, you attended Vanderbilt University, also a predominantly white institution. Any parallels between that campus setting and the one depicted on the show? And would you say that experience helped you with your portrayal of Sam? Logan: The marginalized groups on both the fictional Winchester and Vanderbilt find “safe spaces”: settings where they don’t have to feel isolated as an outsider. The more you can see people who look like you around in a place where people are overwhelmingly one ethnicity, you feel empowered and supported and are more likely to participate in campus culture because you don’t feel alone. I think going to Vanderbilt helped me to feel comfortable telling the story of an experience I knew first-hand.
“Woke” is a jumping off point for some, and a destination for others. To me, it means you’re awakened to knowing how imperative awareness is, and you make a conscious effort to spread that awareness.
Shannon: I think it's awesome that you're representing for all the curly girls out there! It's important for all of us to see reflections of ourselves in the media and be proud of our natural features. What advice would you give to young women who are either deciding whether to go natural, or struggling to embrace their hair texture? Logan: Try it! Let go of the fear of your natural hair texture not being professional enough, or perfect enough, or manageable. I had no idea I could play with my hair as much as I have before I was a curly girl. I thought my options were limited. It wasn’t until I went on the natural hair journey, embracing and defending the health of my tresses, that I began to experience the various styles and techniques of curly hair. Shannon: Tell us about your natural hair journey. How do you protect your hair, especially in your profession? Logan: I first decided to go natural when I went to college. That’s when I decided to stop getting relaxers. However, I realized that because I was straightening my hair, I still wasn’t seeing my true curl pattern. During the second season of Hit the Floor, I started wearing a half wig. My hair was braided up and wasn’t being manipulated by heat, so that was the first time I got a peek at my natural texture. I was shocked and in love with how curly my hair was! After that I was determined for all of my hair be that texture and I eventually chopped off the straight ends. I protect my mane by refusing to use hot tools. Simple as that. It’s been a struggle, but where there’s a wig, there’s a way!
Shannon: Your character's conflict with her former best friend, Coco, is especially compelling. Sam is all about the revolution, while Coco seems more interested in assimilation. Tell us a little more about that relationship and how it changes throughout the course of the season. Logan: I don’t think Coco wants to assimilate as much as she wants to preserve herself and the people she cares about. They’re both women who know that a revolution is necessary, but Sam wants to be heard and wants to make sure the people who have the luxury of ignoring the problem are aware of the damage their negligence has. The beauty of the unraveling of their relationship is that it implores Sam to challenge herself and her awareness. I love that the two women learn to coexist with a mutual respect, even though they don’t always agree. Shannon: What does the term “woke” mean to you and how do you feel about its use within the black community? Would you say it encourages people to get informed about social issues or does it suggest that there's only one appropriate response to racism and systemic oppression? (Or both?) Logan: “Woke” is a jumping off point for some, and a destination for others. To me, it means you’re awakened to knowing how imperative awareness is, and you make a conscious effort to spread that awareness. Some people are further along in the journey of seeing past the smoke and mirrors our society charades us with, and those people are our mighty leaders who keep us all at peak “wokeness.” However, I don’t see the benefit in embroidering people with a scarlet letter if they haven’t reached enlightenment. Some people haven’t had the privilege of not having privilege, and to educate them about it is more beneficial than making them villains.
Logan wears: Pants by STYLAND, Blouse by STYLAND, Earrings by Nissa, Ear Cuffs by IHPR, Ring & Cuff by Sophie Monet, Necklace by Sophie Monet, Heels by Gianvitto Rossi
Photographer: Brandon Lundby, Makeup Artist: Tasha Brown for Exclusive Artists using Bobbi Brown, Hair Stylist: Naivasha Johnson for Exclusive Artists using Enzo Milano and Oribe Haircare, Wardrobe Stylist: Jessy Cain @ The Wall Group Logan wears: Chokers by Luv Aj, Nissa, Earrings by The2Bandits, Leather Dress by Concepto, Slip by j Guard, Bracelets by The2Bandits
Shannon: What was your favorite Dear White People scene to film? Logan: I loved the black caucus scenes because we all were together. I love seeing all the costumes in one space, and my cast is full of brilliant artists to watch and be around. Shannon: There's a hilarious scene in the show, where Sam's walking on campus listening to an acoustic song, then immediately switches to a rap song with the lyrics “I'm black and I'm proud” as she passes a group of black students. I thought this instance of code switching was a brilliant way to illustrate Sam's identity struggle. Can you elaborate on this idea? Logan: I loved that scene. It was quick and got a major character trait across for Sam. I remember the hard part of filming it was that I didn’t have music playing in my headphones, and I had no idea what songs would be used. I did understand how music affects mood and I used that in my performance. Code switching is something I’m very familiar with. With Sam, it was interesting to watch her choose to put on a different persona just to walk by other black students. It showed how important it is for her to be seen and accepted as a part of the black community on campus. Shannon: There's another scene in DWP, where your character talks about black people being “accused of crying wolf” whenever they call out racism. I found that line very interesting because it demonstrates the very lack of understanding the show is trying to address. There are many people in our country who'd rather ignore the racial tensions in our society than confront them. What would you say to the people out there who refuse to acknowledge racism as a real issue in today's society? Logan: They are just as much a problem as the racism that exists. Not much change happens when people don’t acknowledge that a change is necessary. Later in that same monologue, Sam references passive liberalists. There are so many people who claim to be a supporter of equal rights, but who don’t show up or speak up when it matters. I see it in my personal life on social media when there’s a tragedy in another country or the passing of a celebrity and folks post all about it, but when a black man is murdered by a cop they’re silent. Shannon: Speaking of turning a blind eye, what are your thoughts on people who say things like “I don't see race/color?” Do you find this statement problematic? Logan: By denying a person’s ethnicity, you assume that they’ve had the same experience as you. Ignoring that you may be sitting across from someone who’s been racially profiled all their life or had racial slurs directed at them means you are neglecting to understand them. Every ethnicity holds beauty, culture and history. There is not one that is superior over the other. You limit your own experience by not acknowledging people’s differences. Shannon: 'Chapter V' is an incredibly moving episode, in which the series explores one of the ugliest realities of our society: police brutality. There's a scene where one of the characters’ lives is threatened by campus security. What kind of emotional effect did that scene have on you and how did it affect your performance? Logan: The party scene in chapter 5 was difficult to film because it was revealing and reliving the truth over and over for every angle and every take. I was broken up between takes, we all were. We needed breaks to let go of the emotional tension that scene was brewing. For Sam in that scene, I chose for her to be enraged at the officer because it aligned with her motives on her radio show. As you later find out, Gabe is the person who called the cops, so he wasn’t by Sam’s side in that moment. I remember Justin pulling John Patrick from part of the scene (before we knew he would be the caller), and I wondered why he wasn’t near me. Since Gabe wasn’t by Sam’s side to keep her calm, there’s a moment when she lunges into the confrontation and Joelle restrains her from
getting involved and potentially making it worse. Shannon: Another interesting takeaway from that episode is the N-word issue. There's still a lot of controversy around the context in which the word can be used and why it's only acceptable for black people to say it. What are your thoughts on black people's use of the N-word and what would you say to people who think there's a double standard? Logan: If you’re not black, don’t say the word, and let the black community sort out what we want to do with it. It’s not your word to use. White people in America used that word to degrade black people for centuries. Literally HUNDREDS of years of demeaning black people with a word, and it hasn’t stopped. To persecute black people for limiting who can use this repurposed word that was intended to harm us is just as controlling as using the word as a tool for oppression. Maybe one day the word will dissipate from black culture altogether, but until it does, there is this one thing for certain. Shannon: That particular episode was directed by the talented Barry Jenkins, who also directed the Academy Award-winning film, Moonlight. Describe your experience working with him. Logan: I loved the few scenes I filmed with Barry. He is a hands on director and has a clear vision, but doesn’t crowd the creative space of an actor. I really hope he comes back for season 2 and I get the opportunity to work with him more. Shannon: Who are some other directors/actors you'd like to work with? Logan: I’m dreaming big here, but I would love to work with Meryl Streep, Mahershala Ali, Naomi Harris, Ruth Negga, Viola Davis, or Nicole Kidman, to name a few. I also love working with theater trained actors because they bring a depth to every performance that I love to learn from. Shannon: Dear White People explores several themes relevant to today's social & political climate, but what do you think is the show's overall message? Logan: Overall, the show’s message is empathy. Every issue boils down to that. When you learn about other people’s experiences and have compassion rather than disdain or defensiveness, you are on the track to being an empathetic human, which the world needs so much more of. Shannon: I read that the show actually wrapped production on Election Day. What was that like for the cast & crew? Logan: It was a depressing twilight zone. The day started light and fun with wrap gifts and food trucks, and it eventually turned into prepping for doomsday. John Patrick and I had to redo a scene from episode one, which was already challenging to try to recreate after having lived with our characters and their relationship through an entire season. With the additional obstacle, I pulled John Patrick outside to get away from our dismal reality and stay focused on the task at hand. Shannon: You star in a hit show on Netflix, but what's your favorite show to binge watch in your spare time? Logan: I’m obsessed with The Handmaid’s Tale! The story, the performances, the costumes, the set, and the direction all make it a masterpiece. It’s a show I will watch more than once to really study the nuance! Shannon: What's the last album you listened to? Logan: SZA’s CTRL & next up is Jay-Z’s 4:44. Shannon: If you had to eat one meal, every day, for the rest of your life, what would it be? Logan: Kale salad with grilled salmon.
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Every ethnicity Every ethnicity “holds beauty, holds beauty, culture and history. culture and history. There is not one There is not one that is superior that isother. superior over the You over the other. You limit your own limit your own experience by not experience by not acknowledging acknowledging people’s people’s differences. differences.”
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Logan wears: Suede Jacket by We Are Kindred, Skirt by Cortana, Camisole by J LoganGuard, wears: Earrings Suede Jacket&by Choker by We Are Kindred, The2Bandits Skirt by Cortana, Camisole by J Guard, Earrings & Choker by The2Bandits
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My go-to outfit would be a dress because I love to be comfortable. I can be in flats for most of the day and then throw on a heel and a red lip at night and be ready to hit the town.
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Logan wears: Dress by We Are Kindred, Denim Jacket by Citizen of Humanity, Bodysuit by Calvin Klein, Earrings by Sophie Monet, Rings by LuvAj, Necklace by LuvAj
Shannon: What are some beauty products you can't live without? Logan: Coconut oil, a bar of Dove soap, and a good dental kit. People neglect to include dental hygiene as an integral part of their beauty regimen. My dad was a dentist so I must shout out keeping your mouth and teeth clean and having healthy gums as a key beauty tool. Shannon: How would you describe your style? What's your go-to outfit for a casual day? Logan: My style is evolving. I would describe myself as bohemian chic. My go-to outfit would be a dress because I love to be comfortable. I can be in flats for most of the day and then throw on a heel and a red lip at night and be ready to hit the town. Shannon: What's a recent fashion trend that you're not really a fan of? Logan: I really like how explorative fashion is right now, so I don’t have much I’m not vibing with. It’s summer, and ladies are rocking the shorts that have the bottom of their ass cheeks hanging out. I am guilty of wearing them occasionally, but I’m still not a fan of it. They’re cool at the beach, not on the street! Shannon: What are some qualities you look for in a guy?
Logan: Well, I’ve stopped looking for one. I was spending way too much energy on finding the right guy and in doing so, I wasn’t focused on making ME a greater woman. If a guy does come my way, I’m attracted to warmth, confidence, intelligence, a deep caring for family, a purpose-driven life, someone interested in investing (time, money, and heart), humor, and a gentleman. Shannon: What are your biggest turnoffs? Logan: I’m immediately turned off if a guy doesn’t respect me enough to get out of the car when he pulls up to take me out on a date. I also don’t like when men repeatedly make physical advances if I haven’t reciprocated. It’s a common-sense social cue to me. Hands off sir! Shannon: What's an interesting fact about yourself that people might be surprised to know? Logan: I don’t work out nearly as much as my athletic figure would lead you to believe. Follow Logan Browning on Instagram & Twitter: @LoganLaurice
fashion preview
From the chic, structured styles at Max Mara to the fresh pastels at Altuzarra, this season’s catwalk was full of dazzling looks! Here, we recap some of our favorite moments from the Pre-Fall 2017 runway shows. Feast your eyes and get inspired!
Max Mara
Marni
Stella McCartney
Givenchy
Tome
Altuzarra
Michael Kors Collection