MOD | contents 4
12
24
31
38
44
62
72
84
92
100
114
122
136
142
148
contributors Katja Schubert, Corina Friedrich, Gina D.P. Pieper, Laura M., Anny, ghd, Tobias Wirth, Anita Krizanovic, Kim Keusen @ Ace Collective, Marion @ Nathalie Models Paris, Daniel Radke, Rosemary Sarr, Blondie @ Vivien’s Creative, Jasmine Dwyer @ Vivien’s Model Management, James Juranke, Bec Derham, Bartlomiej Chabalowski, Wojciech Szymanski, Angelika Trostowiecka, Tomasz Bozek, Magda Roman @ D’VISION, Alessia Laudoni, Ago Benda & Rafit Noy Unicorn Girls, Laura J @ Trend Models, Roxana Enache, Andreea M. @ IMC
Models, Dana Mihailescu, Natalia Kiselev, Adi Flavours, Elizabeth Kinnaird, Melissa Nixon, Caroline Massola, Cassandra @ London MGT Group, E-Jane, Christian Alvarez, Jaymz Meraz, Jessica Thompson, Red Stripes Boutique, Urban Antiq, Domenique Terry @ Cast Images Sacramento, Lexy Brozdounoff @ Cast Images Sacramento, Kevin Osmond, Shannon @ Photogenics, Regard Tang @ Artists Services, Brenda Lopez, Sergey Krasyuk, Anna Zakhozhaya, Alina Zolotykh, Marcus Ezell. Jeremy Dell, Zara Green, Christonya Kinsey, Felicia @ Factor Women, Nikos Reskos, Antonia
Skandalari, Sandra Mnara, Kate Grace, Julia Kiecksee, StylingbyAndru, Danielle Walch, Carlos Gallegos, Pilar Lafargue, Angelina Nawojczyk & Lenka Haskova @ Hollywood Model Management (hmm), Chelsea Johnson, David Broadway, Daniella Piscopo, Hannah Collard @ Chadwick Models, Elle Giles, Unek Francis, Xavier (Tyyahent), GG Stone, Jonet Willamson Julia Elena @ Shuly Wigs, Sydney Wilkenwalsh @ Red Model Management, Dawnee LeBeau, Dami Oyetade, Ihunna, Mona Leanne, Erika Thomas, Rio Debolla
Volume 3; Issue 5; sep/oct 2014
features trend alert: warm & fuzzy Take faux fur to the next level, this fall! Opt for bold outrageous furs over natural ones!
22
Trend alert: cutting edge
23
Edit or’sNote
Designers added a bit of flair to their looks this season with precisely cut materials!
30
crafting a daydream
56
Illustration by António Soares
ready for fall Add a bit of glam to your fall outfits & embellish your look with accessories!
MOD chats with talented, Serbian fashion designer, Ana Ljubinkovic about life, fashion & artistic inspirations. The look This season, get the tips you need to achieve the soft, smokey eye, as seen on FW14 runway models!
98
beauty picks Want to get the hottest fall beauty looks for less? Find out what our top affordable beauty products are this season.
99
a world in black. MOD goes one-on-one with Noah Wilcox, designer of the British menswear label, LXN (Lux & Noah)
130
on the cover CREDITS: Photography & Concept by: Roxana Enache, Model: Andreea M. @ IMC Models, Fashion Styling by: Dana Mihailescu, Makeup Artist: Natalia Kiselev, Hair Stylist: Adi Flavours
Fall is here! ‘Tis the season for chic outerwear & badass boots! Time to stock up on those cozy knits & luxurious leathers. But that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your favorite summer staples. Transition your warm weather essentials into autumn, by layering them with heavier pieces. And if you’re short on ideas, you’ll find tons of outfit inspiration inside! From our edgy photography editorials to our affordable fashion guides, we’ve got everything you need to get a stylish start to the season! Enjoy!!!
- Shannon Phelps
allel world to our own, through the designer’s use of whimsical shapes and details.
ashion draws from art, and art draws from fashion; that much has always been known. The artistic voice of a designer is an important part of any collection, but utilizing creative freedom while staying grounded in reality can seem like a daunting task. Some designers seem to find balance between the two, crafting an inspired collection which still manages to be wearable. For Serbian fashion designer, Ana Ljubinkovic, art and fashion perform a pas de deux, creating a world in which both mediums perform a special sort of dance. The Belgrade native has crafted a house whose aesthetic flirts with sexiness, art, and whimsy, in a way that feels new. Ljubinkovic herself is no stranger to art either. The Belgrade native grew up with a painter father and credits colors of all mediums as being her favorite toys growing up. An easy child, Ljubinkovic’s fondest memories include spending time in her father’s atelier, finding inspiration among the paints and art supplies that constituted her own sort of playground. There’s softness to both Ljunikovic and her work, something that could be traced back to her earlier days when she spent time as a child in the garden, seeding flowers and plants. This compassion is present in Ljubinkovic’s designs, which don’t use leather or fur. Nature and animals have always been a steady source of inspiration to the designer, along with her unyielding exploration of art.
“We all live in our own personal space, though we share it with others. This is what seems like fantasy in my collection, but really, it is an invitation to my world, a sneak peak. I try to give some positive and creative energy to the world around me, and luckily, some people can really feel it,” the designer says of her looks. There’s also a certain kind of sexiness that oozes from Ljubinkovic’s designs, one only found in a woman who is confident enough to wear something for no one else but herself. For Ana Ljubinkovic, “sexy is a wild imagination that is strong enough to make an impact... the will of imagination that cannot be stopped.”
This sort of fascination with creating a parallel world and reality are seen clearly in the designer’s namesake label, which draws heavily from both art and architecture. Perhaps this is why Ljubinkovic’s designs have disregarded trends completely. Instead, the designer has a keen sense and ability of treating each of her designs like art. The ultimate goal of an artist is to create a piece that stands the test of time, to a piece so deep and meaningful in its We all live in our create beauty that it never loses its meaning. Ljubiown personal space, nkovic’s pieces, although not considered fine art, still have the feel of a once empty canvas though we share that has been created into something more. Ljubinkovic’s playful attitude towards the huit with others. This man body as an empty canvas has allowed her is what seems like use of colors, shapes and details to ultimately fantasy in my collec- create a picture she is happy with.
“
tion, but really, it is an invitation to my world”
After graduating from The Faculty of Fine Arts in Belgrade in 2002 with a degree in painting, Ljubinkovic found herself with a sketchbook full of fashion drawings and a sudden interest in creating what would soon become her reality. Fashion has the power to cross a threshold between worlds, and it’s during times of isolation and political unrest that people want something to pay attention to, to daydream about. This October marks the designer’s 10th anniversary with Belgrade Fashion Week, where she showed her first collection titled “Pepper Tree” 10 years ago. The past 10 years, however, haven’t been easy for either Ljubinkovic or Belgrade, considering Serbia’s political and economic past. During testing times, society often views art as frivolous, as unnecessary and as a commodity. Fashion often finds a way to transcend this, giving many an escape through its luxurious doorway. Ljubinkovic’s designs, with their bright colors, playful silhouettes, and baroque details, are the stuff of daydreams, and perhaps that’s exactly what’s needed during a tough time. Ljubinkovic’s designs dance with one foot in reality and one in fantasy. It could be said that each collection helps to create a par-
“I seek an original; that is my major starting point and my biggest inspiration; there are no trends in art, otherwise I wouldn’t be interested in fashion at all,” says Ljubinkovic.
The Renaissance mark a major point of inspiration for the designer, whose work clearly draws from the time period with its attention to detail and its heavy use of architectural inspired silhouettes. Byzantine art, especially that which is found in the churches of Serbia during the medieval period, inspire Ljubinkovic, aiding her in crafting an almost excessive collection, while still finding roots in this century. When asked who her favorite artists were, Ljubinkovic credits Hieronymus Bosch, the elusive 15th century painter with his fantastical and imaginative paintings, as one of her favorites. Bosch allowed others to be transported into his world through his paintings, much like Ljubinkovic uses her own designs as a portal to her own fantasy. Another favorite is Maria Abramovic, who has a penchant for creating parallel dimensions and “another world through her power of artistic expression,” says Ljubinkovic.
The latest offering from the Ana Ljubinkovic label could be considered a high fashion and whimsical twist on toy soldiers, familiar from childhood. Military inspired elements come together with baroque ceramic pieces to create a new take on the term “uniform”, instead piecing together elements that feel playful and structured without feeling overwhelming. Bright colors and inventive silhouettes help to keep the collection spirited; military and rigid aren’t mutually exclusive, after all. The most important element of the collection, according to the designer herself, are the embellishments; whether it was a chandelier, a piece of furniture or a plaster ornament, Ljubinkovic handpicked each embellishment, then used it to cast a mold and finally to create a piece to use for her collection. For Fall/Winter 2014, Ljubinkovic was inspired by Baroque and Renaissance facades and interiors, which used embellishments to “appeal to the emotions.” Instead of creating a heavy and dark collection rooted in divine excess, like the buildings and churches of the Renaissance, Ljubinkovic decided to craft
her collection in candy colored hues with silhouettes inspired by the buildings of the period. The women that wear this collection are the dreamers; an army of women who chase a better world along with their own sort of perfection. “These women are dressed in some sort of uniform, but still have that clownlike, funny side. They are either chasing after something that cannot be caught or are real soldiers, fighting for something they truly believe in,” says Ljubinkovic of her latest collection. What’s next for the young designer? In the near future, Ana Ljubinkovic hopes to open an online store as well as a US store, as she continues to spread her brand. For her next collection, Ljubinkovic is inspired more by buildings and less by architecture, instead choosing to create a collection for a woman who is a “walking building with a stunning façade.” Pastel greys with tiled patterns and draping, something new for the designer, will also be included in the collection. Whatever direction Ana Ljubinkovic decides to go, there will be a dreamy sort of fantasy attached to each and every piece, and that is a promise.
A World in
Black. British Menswear Label, LXN (Lux & Noah) is back with its FW14 Collection, titled “Black.” We chat with Noah Wilcox about his vision for the new collection, as well as his life & inspirations. Written by Jacob LaBarbera
eeting Noah Wilcox for the first time is to feel you’ve known him forever. Taking an exotic spin into the world of fashion, this young designer is continuously creating iconic looks for his brand, known as LXN (Lux & Noah). Strongly connected to his British routes, Noah aims to create trendy Menswear that is sure to withstand his vision and one-of-a-kind look. When looking at a sketch or drawing, Noah looks beyond the black and white contrast and simplicity of ink. He looks at piece of art and envisions how it will come to life. That is what he does; he makes things come to life, he creates. The brand’s website (lxncollective.com) states, “LXN is built around loud simplicity, a core that boasts minimalism but breathes intricate complexity.” The latest collection, titled “Black.” is set to be released this October, along with an LXN website relaunch. Diving deep into the monochromatic color palette with a strong focus on detail, the latest line is an artist’s dream, and one that harbors the work of a true visionary. Each piece captures not only a look, but also a certain mood. It generates a feeling of edgy comfort and sporadic enthusiasm. Noah’s first inclination that designing was his true passion came when he noticed the influence that music had on fashion. “My boyfriend had a night club in Peckham, in the years 2005 through 2008, that hosted bands such as Metronomy, Caribou, Tom Vek, and Sunshine Underground. It was at the point when I began to notice subcultures centered on music, and each night would attract a different crowd. The differences were subtle, but
I began to enjoy the fact that you can differentiate the crowd by seeing what they were wearing. I wanted to be a part of something, to belong to something, and to be in one of those subcultures,” Noah said. Today, Noah has found himself creating those exact subcultures, and designing garments for those who are musically inclined. Noah now generates his own specific look, and finds that he is now his own “culture,” separated from the rest. But it wasn’t an easy journey. Despite being raised with a traditional background and strong focus on education, Noah struggled to conform to the norms of society. In school, he had virtually zero interest in core subjects and his creative mind made it difficult to excel in traditional courses. School began to feel like a burden and ultimately distracted Noah from what he truly wanted in life. “At first, I wasted time doing A levels and traditional classes. I pretty much failed a lot of them. It wasn’t until I did an art course that I realized I was good at something. I studied a BA at LCF for four years, and it was so rewarding,’’ Noah said of his educational experience. After realizing that art ran through his veins, it was game on! The tables turned, and his inner designer emerged. Stepping out into the large, loud & competitive world of fashion, Noah was certainly up to the challenge. Noah always designs pieces that are a direct reflection of himself, thus separating LXN from other brands. He pushes the envelope
Model: Mattias Crowe @ PRM Models, Photographer: Matt Lain, Styling: Toni Caroline Ogle, MUA: Britanni Coupland, Clothing: LXN Black. Collection, Frames: CUTLER&GROSS, Shoes: Grenson & Dr Martens
in various ways, like choosing not to incorporate color within his designs. While many would use color to bring life to clothing, Noah views it as a distraction when he designs. “I love color, but not in clothing. It’s a personal thing that’s filtered into my work. I think if I used color, it would detract from the intricate simplicity of my designs. The unique features would get lost,” he said. Leaving all signs of color behind, the latest LXN line ‘Black’ is about finding the perfection in each physical piece. Using black as a primary color, one can see the true detail and craftsmanship that is put into each item. The unique stance that Noah takes on color is a true representation of the brand’s individuality. LXN thrives on creative eye and ability to remain true to himself. As the fashion world keeps changing and trends are being filtered in and out of style, Noah stands persistent with his love for Menswear. Strong masculinity, and bold features are what seem to spark his interest. Capturing a strong masculine presence within his ‘Black.’ line, Noah favors each piece that harbor’s an ora, a feeling, and a sense of strength. Perhaps, this is because he uses photography as a main source of inspiration. At the start of his creative process, Noah captures life as it’s currently happening, in the form of a photograph. By shooting any and everything he finds beautiful, he is limitless to possibilities. Using those pictures to fuel his hunger for fashion, he creates sketches off of each image and designs physical garments, based on what he sees. But capturing visuals of the world around him isn’t the only thing that drives Noah; it’s the people around him, too. Noah loves designing to make his clients happy. He enjoys watching his business prosper while bringing his original supporters along for the journey. This strong support system definitely played a major role in Noah’s success. And as he continued to chase his dreams, even the negative people in his life eventually came around. “Nobody achieves anything alone. It took over a year for my friends to take me seriously. The people closest to you are always going to put you down; they’re worried about you I suppose. As soon as you begin to prove them wrong, they will have pride in you. It is this support network that’s vital to myself, and my business.” As designers come and go within the fashion industry, Noah looks to be here to stay! Young, talented, and determined, he is set to succeed in everything he does. He may still be a fresh face in the industry, but a great reputation is certainly building. He has a contemporary brand that captures a world of immense emotion, captivating everyone who wears it. And the extremely unique and high quality garments of LXN will continue to separate it from the rest. “My designs don’t need to be loud, or garish. The designs speak for themselves through silent complexity.” Noah stated. The ‘Black.’ collection will be available this October on the brand’s new website. So be sure to watch your calendars in preparation for the release date. We certainly will!
Model: Mattias Crowe @ PRM Models, Photographer: Matt Lain, Styling: Toni Caroline Ogle, MUA: Britanni Coupland, Clothing: LXN Black. Collection, Frames: CUTLER&GROSS, Shoes: Grenson & Dr Martens