No3
NEW VEGAS STYLE
WRITERS Deborah Harris John Guatta
PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Ortiz
STYLIST Russel Frank
MODELS Liberty Pfeffer Kevin Hooks
Submissions Submissions are always open. If you would like to be considered as a contributor please send your material to submission@parlaymagazine.com Sponsorships & Advertising Send your inquiries to ads@parlaymagazine.com
STYLING TEAM CREDITS:
Styling: Russel Frank C: 480.459.8616 RJF.FashionStylist@gmail.com www.RJF-FashionStylist.com Facebook.com/RJF.fashion Twitter: @Mister_RJF IG: @RJF.FashionStylist Hair: Allen Cole Blake C: 775.253.5426 www.lookstylesociety.com Facebook.com/cole.blake.54 IG: @allencolehair
Makeup Artist: Rene Maquilleur www.vegasmakeupman.com Facebook.com/maquilleurrene IG: @renemaquilleur Twitter: @renemaquilleur Periscope: renemaquilleur Photographer: Eric Ortiz C: 702.403.4524 www.ortizproductions.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/OrtizProductions IG: @ eric_ortiz_photography
COVER
MODEL: Liberty Pfeffer 4
MODEL: Kevin Hooks
INSIDE
Parlay Fashion FORUM
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CONTENTS
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FROM THE EDITOR Some say that Las Vegas is more stylist and model friendly than it is to designers. Stylists and models are a different ecosystems altogether and sometimes stylists are overlooked. They’re often behind the scenes putting together the next fashion trends and bringing new designers to the forefront. In this issue we got to work with one of our cities best stylists. He’s the guy who stars hire for their red carpets. He’s the guy who is redefining what the new Vegas style is. And speaking of the NEW Vegas style, we look at the anatomy of what that is. It’s a question that is more about our cities fashion identity than we might admit. The old definitions are no longer applicable and with the help of Russel Frank and future super model Liberty Pfeffer, we start redefining what that is. We’re also honored to feature someone who’s making a real difference in our community and he does it style. Kevin Hooks is the President and CEO of the Las Vegas Urban League. He’s a difference maker who brings millions of dollars that positively supports more than 300,000 Nevadans in need. Our mission is always to bring to light great people with great stories and we take another step towards that by introducing the Parlay50. 50 people who we see as being instrumental to our local fashion industry. The list will change and hopefully grow over time but this initial 50 are all deserving and important. We have a variety of designers, community leaders, retailers, organizations, events and stylists all of whom should be acknowledged and supported. We’ll be highlighting each of them over the next few months so stay tuned. Thank you for reading and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Tevye Harper Editor-In-Chief
parlaymagazine
@parlaymag
parlaymagazine.com
Parlay Fashion Forum The Las Vegas fashion industry is riddled with more questions than answers. Some of those questions will take time to answer, years to answer. While some are paving their way independently, what about our community as a whole? Who speaks for the established talent or the young dreamers in high school? How does the global fashion community see Las Vegas? Is our city ready for the next level? To start the conversation we’re introducing the Parlay Fashion Forum, a new space where the Las Vegas fashion community can come together to exchange ideas and opinions on the most important topics facing our fashion community. You join the conversation online at http://parlaymagazine.com/parlay-fashion-forum/
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The conversation begins here... What will it take for Las Vegas to become an established fashion capital? Are Las Vegas designers ready for the mainstream market? Are we a city of model factories? Is the lack of skilled trade stunting the growth of our fashion industry?
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www.ortizproductions.com
Ortiz-Productions
eric_ortiz_photography
N I V KE KS O O H
A F O G N I THE MAK N A M C I S S CLA
INTERVIEW by Deborah Harris PHOTOGRAPHED by Eric Ortiz
Stitched In Time: The Making of a Classic Man
An Intimate Look into the Status and Style of one of Las Vegas’ Most Valued Treasures To an untrained eye and ear, one only sees and hears whispers of an abundantly successful, suave, bold, steady, assured, and dapper gentlemen when Kevin E. Hooks enters any room. He has been the President and CEO of the Las Vegas Urban League for just over two years. In that short time he has more than doubled the operating budget and expanded the agency’s programs to reach more than 300,000 Nevada residents. Because of this magnetic force and endless opportunities that followed, Mr. Kevin Hooks has definitely walked a road less traveled and is standing the test of time while challenging others to do the same. What many onlookers need to grasp and appreciate is the story that is being carved in stone and the journey that is ever presently being recorded and branded in our minds in regards to the steps being taken to secure this generation’s contribution to black history. If you pay close attention, you will witness the progression and culmination of countless behind the scene victories that have set the tone and standard for a new era of education, entrepreneurship, business, and community. What’s intriguing from a fashion conscious point of view is that each game-changing stepping stone made by Mr. Hooks is masterfully colored, complemented, and strategically highlighted whenever he is meticulously poured into the most lavish and luxuriously crafted suits within our city. Mr. Kevin Hooks definitely brings a whole new meaning to the catch phrase “I make this look good” as he balances family, community, business and the social scene with impeccable style. Looking back over your life and your journey, what pushed you past the “No’s”, “Who do you think you are?”, and the “Why You?” attitudes and questions that have crossed your path? People react to circumstances in different ways. I remember the moment I realized that there were people in the world who had refrigerators choc-full of food, closets jam-packed with clothes and a safe and cozy environment to sleep. Even as a young boy, I quickly realized I wanted that too. So I began to take note of the habits of people who had what I wanted. They were smart, they drove nice cars, they had jobs indoors with fancy offices, and they always seemed to dress nice. As I grew older, my list continued to evolve and become more sophisticated. Successful people were college educated, knowledgeable about current events, and voracious readers who SUIT: Custom, by Style Smith SHIRT: Eton PARLAY MAGAZINE
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never missed an opportunity to move a project forward. I paid attention to the fact that they were surrounded by other successful people who were usually well-spoken and had great style. These realizations ushered me onto my pathway to success. Who and where were you before your Presidency at Las Vegas Urban League and how did your previous experiences mold you for the position you hold today? All of my previous jobs served as learning labs, each of which prepared me for today. My first job out of college was as an Assistant Store Manager for Wal-Mart. The training program was more like an experiential MBA program that disabused itself of theory and focused solely on actual application. For example, we were given autonomy at the store level to resolve customer complaints, address local merchandise needs and maintain acceptable employee morale levels. There is a developed skill to solving problems in a fast paced environment (like Wal-Mart) where the variables are constantly changing. This prepared me for a very high-profile role at State Farm Insurance Companies. The lessons learned at State Farm were invaluable. I was exposed for the first time to the ‘cubicle warfare’ that is inherent to the corporate eco-system. It was truly the strong and agile survive and thrive environment that we see play out on prime-time television dramas or day-time soaps (obviously not quite as salacious). I quickly learned how to simplify the complex and distill objectives of layered diatribes disguised as business plans down to a consumable success strategy. The question to success always includes the most efficient path. My experiences from State Farm and Wal-Mart were immensely valuable when I decided to venture into the entertainment sector. The opportunity along with the treasure troves surrounding Hollywood made it the Serengeti of tough business lessons. I experienced the highs of notoriety and achievement and the lows of market driven failure, and I survived the pain of friends choosing opportunity and desire over decades of togetherness. The world of entertainment educated me on how to be both an entrepreneur and an intrepreneur; it taught me the importance of making the tough choice and to appreciate the scalability of the superficial. Most of all it taught me how to walk in a room—because no matter what the business it is always preceded by the show. History is being written everyday by persons of the minority community who are striving for excellence and raising a platform of achievement for new generations to look up to. How does it feel to be one of these leaders and what personal standards do you hold yourself to daily that remind you of your responsibility to not only teach but be an example to those who will follow after you? 16
JACKET: English Laundry
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I have a personal code of conduct that governs my everyday life. First, I believe you should be who you are unapologetically. Second, if you are going to compete you should do so expecting to win. Winning requires knowledge and knowledge demands that you consume information daily and be aware of the latest movements in your field. It’s also important that you stay abreast of current events both in and outside your community and expand your bandwidth by tackling something new. I challenge my team to think beyond the box and expand outside of their comfort zone. The upside of learning and growth is far more beneficial than stagnant mediocracy. I’m firm in my resolve to making each and every one on my team stronger leaders who will be able to lead this organization to unprecedented heights. Failure is not an option. You’re not only a driving force behind the war on poverty but you are a figure of style, grace, and masculinity that gets the general public of women swooning and men wanting to walk in your footsteps. You’re very selective in your wardrobe and image you put forth which simultaneously lends a glimpse into the man behind the suit. How does fashion play a role in your life and explain to us the value of “Dressing the Part”? I love Tom Ford’s quote, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” I believe that with every fiber. I know that ultimately substance is the requirement of longevity but style is the key that often opens doors. Great style disarms opponents, it properly positions you and it gives you the benefit of the doubt. Whenever I have the opportunity to engage with the people we serve through the Urban League I want to leave a lasting impression and ignite their desire to reach beyond their circumstances and dressing the part is just as important as a positive attitude. True knowledge of self manifests success. What is your stance on the infrastructure of the fashion community here in Las Vegas and what value do you place behind supporting the growing underground arts and apparel sectors of Las Vegas? Nationally Las Vegas is thought of as a great city with an overwhelming hospitality industry and nothing else; the people who believe that really don’t have a clue. The Las Vegas fashion industry is incredibly sophisticated and innovative. The Las Vegas Urban League hosted a fashion show last spring. I was amazed by the number of designers, attentive students, experienced models and distinctive retailers in our community. I’m convinced that fashion should be an anchor industry for our community. With the right cultivation it can stand side by side with gaming, technology, energy and the like. JACKET: Armani PANTS: PRPS PARLAY MAGAZINE
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How would you describe your style and do you have any tips for the next generation of professionals striving to make their mark? My style is a mix of classic and the unexpected—I’ll rock a three piece suit, but with the uniqueness of a bold pocket silk or custom made shoes. Style is a part of my DNA. I spent many years and lots of money discovering my personal style. That process not only gave me an idea about my fashion tastes it also made me very self-aware. However, for those that are unsure of what direction to go a great stylist and tailor is key. A great stylist listens to your ideas, but they also observe the subtle nuances of your personality. I believe clothes should complement you and a tailored suit makes an instant statement of confidence. It’s the details that set you apart from your competition. What memories and lessons has become most life changing for you over the years and what is the best piece of advice you would leave for young men who seek to change the world and make a significant impact on society? I’ve been in the company of some amazing individuals during life-changing events and I’ve never let those experiences pass without acknowledging the privilege. I can recall vividly the metal briefcase carried by a managing partner at Morgan Stanley as he offered a $1 million donation using his American Express card. And I can’t hold back a smile when I reflect on the first multi-million dollar grant I delivered to the National Urban League and the impact and influence it had on the community. Nonetheless, a stand out moment for me that I will never forget is the introduction to Gordon Slabotsky, a custom clothier by my mentor. The reaction I received when I wore a suit that was crafted specifically for me changed the entire game. I will never be certain if it was the suit or how it made me feel, but the energy brought to that room allowed me to close my most successful deal at that point and I realized that I can remove all doubt by always wearing the best in the course of business. There isn’t one single path to success, and the experience presents itself differently to everyone. Look at the success of others, model behaviors, but set your own tone and tenor. What you envision for the world should be an expression of your passion. You must be willing to put in the work, do what others won’t and make the necessary sacrifices. Most importantly, successful leaders aren’t afraid to take risks. Finally, leaders strive to do something significant; filling a space that no one else has will inevitably leave a lasting impression on generations to come.
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Follow Kevin’s success on Twitter @LVULCEO You can find more information on the Las Vegas Urban League on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or go to www.LVUL.org
Our Las Vegas fashion industry is comprised of a mixed bag of passionate, intriguing, intelligent, eccentric cast of characters. Some may say that we don’t have a fashion industry here. We beg to differ. The Parlay50 is a professional index of the people who are the movers and shakers. Based upon our independent research, surveys and analysis these are the 50 we see that are a part of the pulse of our fashion industry.
Aldo Mencatto
Buffalo Exchange
Andres Gonzales
Camille Flawless
Angel Alcala
Carrie Carter Cooper
Asia Thornton
Catherine Treu
Blue Raven Boutique
David Tupaz
Brenton Coon
Deborah Harris
Brian J Swan
Derek Smoot
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Derek Washington
Milka Von Rhedey
Fashion A’Studio
Mingo Collaso
Gina Kim
Nataly Paige McBride
Glenn Wright
Natasha Morse
Jennifer Henry
Paloma Solamente
Jessica Galindo
Patty Barba
Junior League
Peacock Bliss
Kathleen Bruening
Rane Rose
Kevin Hooks
Russel Frank
Kristen Pock
Sabrina of Sabrakadabra
Las Vegas Fashion Council
Sara Brinckerhoff
Las Vegas Fashion Design Council Shannon Sheldon Mauricio Montebello
Stitch Factory
Mayor Carolyn Goodman
Stitched
Meghan Mossler
Teodora Atanasov
Melissa Costa
Tolga Katas
Mikka Moon
Wanda Merrit
Milka Von Rhedey
Yvette Auger PARLAY MAGAZINE
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COSMOPOLITAN CONNECTIONS June 10
PHOTOGRAPHED by Roger Bennett Photography Parlay Magazine Launch Event @ Lily’s
. J L E S S RU FRANGuK n of The Top Fashion Styling
PHOTOGRAPHED by Eric Ortiz WRITTEN by Deborah Harris STYLED by Russel Frank HAIR by Allen Cole Blake MAKEUP by Rene Maquilleur Wardrobe Assistant: Keyska Diva
One can be assured that there is an expressive language that delivers a voice and story line in the realm of fashion from the side walk to the catwalk. That language of love is found in the art of Styling. Anyone can put on a dress or a suit, but there is a whole other level of interpretation of the person wearing it when styled correctly. Stylists in the fashion industry are the dreamers behind any brand being marketed to the general public for ready to wear apparel and the visionaries behind the magic and romanticism of haute couture and avant-garde creations. One of Las Vegas’ Top Guns of fashion styling, Russel J. Frank, or RJF-Fashion Stylist, has earned his stripes as a force and go-to man of the hour when it comes to creating a look, selling a brand and drawing in the reader to a world shaped by his own brilliance. Mr. Frank has immersed himself in the fashion styling culture and has become a hot commodity on set and on the runway. With an extensive working portfolio and years of knowledge and professional resources in his field, Mr. Frank is turning into a key element in the building of Las Vegas’ fashion community and infrastructure. As a stylist, how have your experiences whether it on the runway or with personal clients shaped your perception on the importance of styling in the fashion industry? Styling in the industry is very vital. A designer will present their collection as it is. A top, bottom, dress or a suit. The collection itself will catch your eye and become appealing to you as a customer, but a stylist will put a different twist to it. As a stylist, I manipulate the collection to appear as something different or something more. Every designer needs a stylist. We show the clients how to wear the collection. What pieces can be mixed up, what you can take from your own wardrobe and add it to the new collection. Was there ever a moment in your career where you felt completely out of your depth but knew you had to push forward and prove your worth to yourself and the industry? I remember when I first moved to Las Vegas. I didn’t know any one when I moved here, from the industry. I remember researching online different fashion events and projects here in Vegas, I joined different fashion groups based in Vegas I added random people I didn’t know just so I can find out who is who. Check out their work as they posted photos from shoots. I knew what I was capable of, but no one in Vegas knew who I was or what I can do. I found that Vegas was very cliquish, and had different crowds. It was really hard for me to get my start here in Vegas. I had a lot of photo shoots canceled on me, from models and photographers. I knew I had to keep pushing myself to stay in the industry. I had just finished school, and had all this free time on my hands. It’s hard to be the “new kid” in any city.
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Dress: Zac Posen Jacket: Bebe Shoes: Breckelles Necklace: Natasha Mors Designs
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What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned over the span of your career? The most valuable lesson, work with people who challenge you and your level of creativity. It’s fun to work with your friends, and people you normally work with and have good chemistry with, but is it really going to put your career at a new level? People who challenge you and your creativity are great surroundings. A new atmosphere of artist always adds something new to me. They have a different perspective of your work, and appreciate it differently. Not saying that your crew doesn’t appreciate your work or your talents, but I always feel I need to bring something different and creative to a new team. I push myself more when collaborating with a new team. That is what challenges me and pushes my creativity level. How long have you been a stylist and can you give us a short glimpse into your track record? When I “started” and when took it seriously are two different things. I have been a “stylist” since 2010, but I was still in college taking classes at Art Institute. I wasn’t able to take it on as much as I wanted to, not until I graduated in December 2011. The few shoots I did in Phoenix while in school, I only got published twice. After college, I was able to focus on styling more! By this time I had already moved to Las Vegas in March of 2012, this is when I started to take it serious and marketed myself as a wardrobe stylist. For my first year, I didn’t do any shoots nor fashion events. I wanted to meet people and network as much as I can. I rebranded myself, my logo, my social media. 2014 I started to get published a lot more, in bigger magazines. My work was getting noticed, and myself as a wardrobe stylist was getting noticed. I was getting featured as a stylist independently, in different magazines. That’s when I knew I needed a website and rebrand myself... again. In August 2014 I started to market myself as an editorial stylist only. Meaning, I got selective who I shot with, the types of shoots I collaborated on, started to use an assistant for some of the projects, Keyska Diva so I can mentor her on my shoots and within the industry. The team I would work with, were fellow artist who have the same track record as myself, or better. I needed to take my career to the next level, so being selective made me “exclusive” not just available for any shoots. I felt at that moment my portfolio was built, and strong. 2015 has been great for me so far. I at first wanted to move to LA, but I am seeing that now isn’t my time yet. I get booked for multiple shoots a month, with all of them being published. I’ve done a few TV and film production filming, some ad campaigns, celebrity styling. I’m not quite where I want to be, but I am getting closer to it in my 3 years of wardrobe styling.
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What is your ideal platform for promoting and growing the careers of emerging stylist in our city? Do you have a global vision so to speak? My ideal platform to promote an opportunity with emerging fashion stylist, I would suggest through Fashion Weeks. Personally, being the Runway & Talent Director for Fashion Week Las Vegas has given me multiple connections and networking opportunities. I started with Phoenix Fashion Week in 2010, where it had molded my fashion career and my fashion resume. I’ve gained so much knowledge, training, hands on experience of how things are done back of house, that I still use today on set on my shoots and runway shows. The networking and mingling is vital during that week. I remember, on a personal level, I worked side by side multiple designers who were showcasing their collection. I gained their contact info, assisted them with styling their shows, organizing it and owning it as my own collection. It made me feel like part of their team. I wanted a successful show as much as they did. Don’t just stop at networking with the designers at fashion week. Anyone and everyone who is part of the fashion scene will be in attendance at fashion week. Take a second during that week and meet and greet fashion professionals. There’s a room full of fashion buyers, fashion bloggers, press, photographers, models, fashion boutique owners you can meet and offer assistance or just a conversation to get a glimpse of their career.
Follow Russel on... Facebook.com/MisterRJF Twitter: @Mister_RJF IG: @RJF.FashionStylist
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We at Parlay Magazine have been asked several times “Does Las Vegas have style?”, “What is Las Vegas’ style?”. So we surveyed and researched to define what is our style esthetic and in the end we have defined what we feel is the NEW Las Vegas style. We say NEW because in so many ways our city is still very steeped in the past. The Old Vegas of show girls, The Rat Pack and when people use to dress up for everything. With the rise of the club culture Vegas style was defined by the skimpy dress, high heels and the tourist who wear them. And then there’s our very “casual” culture where people show up to weddings in jeans, daisy dukes and tank tops. Yea it’s hot but that doesn’t mean we can’t be tasteful.
Y M O T A AN THE NEW T S S A G VE PHOTOGRAPHED by Eric Ortiz STYLED by Russel Frank
HAIR by Allen Cole Blake MAKEUP by Rene Maquilleur Wardrobe Assistant: Keyska Diva
The more we researched the more we discovered that no one has truly defined what our style is today. A true reflection of who we are - the locals - and the things that attract 40 million people to come here every year. The valley is getting younger, richer, more sophisticated and non-gaming entertainment is why people are coming here. So we asked Russel Frank - fashion stylist extraordinaire - to help define what should we wear for a night out. And what he came up with was stunning.
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OF W TYLE Dress: Vera Wang Jacket: Express Shoes: Charlotte Russe Necklace: Natasha Mors Designs
Statement Jewelry - solid neutral color to match the overall outfit - sized to favor necklines - necklace and earrings compliment eachother
Moto Jacket - allows you to dress down - flexible look
DRESS - couture style cut - not too short - versatile design for multiple
Leggings, Stocking & Shoes - legwear gives an edgier look - compliments the style of jacket - gives more style to footware
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DESIGNER K O O B K O O L
Zendigo by Crystal Ball is a fashion forward line of free-sized ready-to-wear outfits designed to naturally contour to fit every woman. Zendigo outfit are designed to for many body types and can be worn in many different ways. Zendigo combines simple elegance that can be worn casual by day, or classy sophisticated by night.
Las Vegas is a model town. There are models and there are Models. Models that can elevate a brand on the runway or define a brand in a print ad are few and far between. Liberty is one of (or soon will be) those Models. Her story began at last years Fashion Week where she received a lot of publicity. She was then entered in a contest called Global Beauty Masters which was aired on TV and 500 movie theaters across the country where she won people’s choice. Since then she’s walked in NYFW and LAFW, done a ton of fashion shows and rolled out Cyn Santana’s new fashion line at NYFW in February. Who’s the next top model?
N T O G S ’ E SH FF E F P Y T R E B I L
You were discovered during Fashion Week. How did that come about?
My mom thought it would be fun to have me entered into a pageant. I came in first runner up and a photographer there suggested I be a model. He called Russell and said he thought I would be a good edition to fashion week. Russell let me in sight unseen eventhough they had already chosen models. He knew the photographer knew his stuff. What Russell didn’t know was I had only worn heels to a couple of dances so I had a week to figure it out! The girls there were awesome, they helped me a lot and Russell always looked out for me. I was only 15 so my mom had to stay there day and night with me. Which do you prefer runways or photo shoot? I enjoy both but I like how in runway you get a rush of adrenalin and I love that feeling and with photo shoots I like working closely with the photographers and the team on set and being able to have the images live on past the moment. Congratulations on signing with Elite. Thanks I feel so blessed and grateful to be able to work with a top agency and have international representation. This is a dream come true! Who is your dream fashion house you’d like to walk for? Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Versace, Tom Ford and Dior! I have been fortunate to have walked for Tory Burch and Mulberry both International designers!
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Getting signed is a big deal. You now have to sacrifice not doing things that you really liked to do, like playing basketball. What other things do you have to give up doing? I don’t get a lot of time to see my friends and not having a lot of free time. The fashion industry is filled with the faces that sell big brands. Who inspired you to go into modeling? I follow the careers of Jourdan Dunn, Jasmine Tookes, Taylor Hill, GiGi Hadid and Cara Delevingne. Everyone we’ve spoken to says that you’re fantastic to work with and that there’s something about you that says high-end fashion. That you could be one of the next go-to models. How do you stay grounded when you hear things like that? Staying humble is easy because of how my parents raised me. I believe it’s important to have a good character and be kind to others because it’s the right thing to do and that’s really important to me.
For Bookings: 702 408 4627 Instagram: Liberty_pfeffer Libertylasvegas@gmail.com
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Dress: Zac Posen Jacket: Keyska Diva Shoes: Steve Madden Necklace: Stylist Owned
No3
NEW VEGAS STYLE