Raine 37 - The Fashion Issue (Cover 2)

MAGAZINE

RAINE Future of Fashion Culture and Technology

Volume 37 Fashion Issue

Gary James Mcqueen A D I G I TA L D E S I G N E R T O WAT C H

ZAAF Collection Full story on page 8

CONTENTS bespoke designers on the rise: ZAAF Ethiopian Luxury, Designing with Gold Konstantina Mahlia,

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Denise Reddy Sustainable Choices, Dreu Beckemberg Luxury Defined

digital designers to watch: Nesa Gholipoor Flying into the Future, 3D Gets Real

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Gary James McQueen, Ambiguity Collection Anthony Browning, Grace Moore Animalistic Gradients

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TECH HIGHLIGHT: Handsfree Phones The Way of the Future

CULTURE: Award Winning Artist Liz West Dazzling the World with Color, Beauty in the City Archer Hotel New York, Kelsi Davies Influencer to Watch, Nova Lorriane Unleash Your Supernova

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ART IN BLACK AND WHITE: Through the Lens of Celebrity Photographer Vital Agibalow, Photographer

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HOME AND DESIGN: Letting Nature In A Modern Home of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner,

Mark Harris The Human Landscape, Taking the Art Scene by Storm Katerina Christina

The Orum House The $42 Million Backdrop for Beyoncé and Her Tiffany Diamond Raine Magazine | Vol 37

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MAGAZINE

RAINE

Vol. 37

FOUNDER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR & EDITOR IN CHIEF NOVA LORRAINE

EDITORIAL TEAM REBECCA ROBLEDO

YULIANA TSAPAR

CHANTEL OSTHEIMER

Managing Editor

Research Editor

Stylist and Assistant Art Director

EMMALINE STODDARD

MURRAY BLEHART

Assistant Editor

Assistant to the Editor

WRITERS

Art Direction

Cover Credits

TIMOTHY NEILL Features Writer

SARAH SCHINDLER

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GARY JAMES MCQUEEN

MATTHEW STRIDIRON Writer

FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHER & EDITORIAL CONTENT DIRECTOR VITAL AGIBALOW

RAINE MAGAZINE NEW YORK * LA * MIAMI

Raine Magazine is a trademark of Raine Creative Holdings LLC and is published quarterly. All contents, logos, and articles are copyrighted materials and all rights are reserved.Any reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of Raine Creative Holdings is prohibited.The publisher alsoreserves the right to refuse any advertising material for any reason deemed inappropriate by publisher.

To distribute Raine at your business, please email: editors@rainemagazine.com.

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EDITOR’S NOTE This is a very special issue for me. It’s the first edition since the world changed from lock downs, collective discord, and global reflections. I, too, have changed. I have found more courage, creativity and inspiration during this unique moment in history. I have chosen to fully step into all the beauty that I am, unapologetically. I have made the very bold move to choose me, to choose to do more of what I love with whom I love. I decided to continue with Raine despite the challenges or obstacles that were placed in front of me.

I have become a new person while celebrating the past me. I have come into an understanding that we have to find our inner spring, the never ending source of our well, to truly over flow. I am excited about continuing to explore the future of fashion, culture, and technology with you, learning, discovering, and being empowered along the way. Thank you for being apart of this wondrous adventure into the unknown with me as we continue to deliver tomorrow’s stars and encouraging you to never give up on your dreams!

PS. I proudly present my book, Unleash Your Supernova, in this issue. It is a guide to releasing the infinite potential that lies within to happily survive creative entrepreneurship.

Truly,

Nova Lorraine Founder. Creative Director & Editor in Chief

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“It’s okay to dream.

You’re worth it.”

-Nova Lorraine

Unleash Your Supernova The Book

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bespoke Designers on the rise FROM ETHIOPIA TO THE RED CARPET, FOUR DESIGNERS SHOW WHY THEY ARE CREATING A BUZZ IN THE FASHION SPACE

ZAFF

ETHIOPIAN LUXURY

Future of Fashion

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Photos provided by Abai Schulze/ZAAF Collection Written by Abai Schulze

Z

AAF was founded in 2014 with the goal of creating economic empowerment to African artisans and a new perspective and standard of global luxury. Their vision is to create unique products people love and want to buy as this is the most sustainable of approaching economic development. Building on their prize–winning and internationally recognized work established in Ethiopia, ZAAF is developing long-term growth opportunities across Africa. They are partnering with skilled artisans to develop high-end designer products that celebrates the boundless depths of their continent’s ancient cultures, designs, and natural wonders that have laid the foundation for the next wave of incomparable creativity, luxury, and style.

Abai Schulze is the founder and creative director of ZAAF. Her life journey has taken her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the United States

and the rest of the world. Abai is committed to using her academic background in economics and fine arts from her alma mater, George Washington University, to create unique and practical expressions of beauty. ZAAF’s creativity has been recognized in various ways ranging from appearing on runways at New York Fashion Week, to being featured in Elle, Forbes, CNN, and Vogue, to receiving the UNESCO Tremplin Prize for Entrepreneurship. In 2018, ZAAF was nominated for Socially Responsible handbag design at the Independent Handbag Designer Awards in New York. ZAAF products are now being carried in boutiques in France, Nairobi, Ethiopia and the USA. ZAAF opened a first of its kind experiential design-and-shop boutique in National Harbor, Maryland and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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DESIGNING WITH GOLD

KONSTANTINA MAHLIA Her jewelry has graced celebrities, such as Hilary Swank, as well as been showcased in different locations, including the Louvre Museum and Tiffany’s. Konstantina’s belief in permanence and responsibility over consumerism has inspired her approach to design. Konstantina is a member of the World Council of Gold and a supporter of the Tibet Fund. It takes a nonconformist such as Konstantina to make her golden mark in the world of art and design. She will continue to do so for years to come.

Konstantina Mahlia was born in Vancouver B.C. to Greek immigrant parents. The world cultures that formed her were both Greek and Anglo. This hybrid envelope deeply influenced her to see the world in a very integrated rather than monocultural way. It became formative to her desire to look, communicate (she speaks four languages) and connect with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures in as effective a way as possible. This led to her love of art and symbolism. She found that art was the most effective way to express her values through objects of beauty, built for longevity, that carried eternal and powerful messages.

Konstantina went to university in Tucson, Arizona. There, she was thrown into the largest gem show in the world as exhibitors from all over the globe came to showcase every winter.

Tucson gave her enormous resources. The Mahlia Collection was launched in 2005 at the Tucson gem show, six months after Konstantina graduated. She won Rising Star the following year, and there saw purveyors such as Saks 5th Avenue and QVC as well as a global elite of collectors who treasure the jewels of the Mahlia Collection to this day.

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SUSTAINABLE CHOICES

Denise Reddy

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Denise (her/she/ally) is the president and CEO of Harebell Sustainable Shop. She is an expertin sustainable living and Latin American eco-products while also a professional latina businesswoman and mom living in Los Angeles.

Denise was born and raised in Argentina and enjoyed a somewhat idyllic, close-to-nature childhood, spending holidays in the mountains of Cordoba. Her professional

life started in the communications and PR departments of large companies. She came to the United States to open a vegan restaurant with a friend, but she knew she wanted something bigger after diving into that experience. Harebell was born following the birth of her son.

Knowing she wanted to offer consumers better and more sustainable choices, she branched out on her own. She forged a path to providing sustainable fashion people can feel good about owning.

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Dreu Beckemberg

LUXURY DEFINED 24

Photo Credit: Lvsbnd (@lvsbnd.art)

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reu Beckemberg is a luxury menswear brand created by founder and creative director Dreu Beckemberg. After migrating from his birthplace in Kingston, Jamaica to the United States as a teenager, Beckemberg began working as a barber in Brooklyn, New York. Endeared and trusted by his clients, he discovered he had a talent for styling and quickly became an image consultant to his regular clientele and friends. Made For You, which is his custom suiting line, came into fruition in 2011, when Beckemberg began creating custom looks for his friends. He quickly gained a coveted client roster of NBA players, clergy, civil servants, and celebrities alike.

In 2015, Dreu launched a contemporary RTW line called the Beckemberg Cricket Club, which is centered on the art and love for the sport of cricket, a game he played as a child back in Jamaica. The Dreu Beckemberg collections are designed with an edgy take on classic looks for men who dress well for every occasion around the world. Each collections’ fabrics are sourced from the finest mills across the globe. Dreu Beckemberg’s footprint can be seen on primetime TV, red carpet, fashion magazines, and your everyday style connoisseur. The Beckemberg man is a discerning gentleman with class, edge, and elegance who enjoys life to the fullest.

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Digital Designers to watch DISCOVER FOUR DESIGNERS THAT ARE MAKING A NAME FOR THEMSELVES AS FASHION GOES DIGITAL

Nesa Gholipoor

FLYING INTO THE FUTURE

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Nesa Gholipoor is 32 years old and from Iran. She studied fashion costume design and has experience working in theater costume design. She’s a big fan of Alexander McQueen, and would consider herself inspired by him as well as nature in her costume designs. The name of her collection is Flight.

Nesa does not have a company and works as a freelance designer. At the time of making her collection, Nesa was very upset and sad. She believes that her best work is made when she’s feeling depressed. The goal of this collection is to show that despite the fence (struggles) surrounding humans, there is still a way to fly.

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3D GETS REAL

Gary James

McQueen

Creative Art Director: Gary James McQueen Producers: Ilana Magar & Maikel Sibbald 3D Fashion Artist & Modelling: Viktoriya Kernytska, Gary James McQueen Assistant Director: Reinout Hellenthal Unreal Developer: Leroy Reeth 3D Modelling: Simon Klinsberg Digital Dressing: DressX Pattern Cutting: Patrick Oozageer Sponsored by: Epic MegaGrant, Sky Arts and Moyosa

Courtesy of: West Chelsea Contemporary

Virtual Showroom: Harrie Keen, Calin Balmez

G

ary James McQueen was first introduced to the fashion industry by his late uncle Alexander McQueen, who mentored and inspired him to be the artist and designer he is today. He was employed as head textile designer for the Alexander McQueen MRTW in 2005, experimenting how artwork could be applied in various ways. Through his experience, he learned that by working with the silhouette of clothing he could develop a niche of optical-illusion textile design, constantly pushing himself and the boundaries of what could be achieved using a 3D canvas as the basis.

Upon the passing of Alexander McQueen, Gary James McQueen felt personally compelled to continue his uncle’s legacy and family heritage.

Taking influence from his late uncle and also using the instinctive qualities that run in his blood, he continues to establish himself and the Gary James McQueen Brand, which he believes encapsulates the McQueen spirit.

Gary James McQueen worked alongside Alexander McQueen up until his passing in 2010, and was trusted with many personal projects including the Chrome Skull artwork, which has become iconic as the face of the Savage Beauty Exhibition commemorating Alexander McQueen’s lifework.

GUIDING LIGHT

GUIDING LIGHT Digital fashion collection 2021 His 1st digital fashion show is ‘Guiding Light’ to the future of fashion.This 8 minute film is entirely digital and sustainable, and features 20 menswear and womenswear looks. Each runway design is available to view, post show, in Gary James McQueen’s virtual immersive showroom, and is downloadable in augmented reality, allowing a 360 degree preview of the garments although they do not physically exist.

See Gary’s work at www.garyjamesmcqueen.com.

For the first time ever, all these digital garments are available for purchase straight off the Gary James McQueen runway through DressX, an e-commerce site solely for digital clothing, enabling inclusivity in fashion in a way that has never been seen before. Customers can choose digital items from the ‘Guiding Light’ collection, upload pre-existing photos of themselves and have the image sent back to them, after purchase, wearing Gary James McQueen’s latest design of their choice.

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AMBIGUITY COLLECTION

Anthony Browning

“I have always loved fashion and I knew I wanted to create clothes, but I was never good at creating physical garments. This made me frustrated, and it was a constant reminder that any time I ‘messed up’ I was wasting not only time but so much fabric in the process. During the 2020 lockdown, like many, I wanted to keep myself busy and start a new project of some sort. I decided to get back into creating garments, but before I did, I wanted to make sure I learned everything about sewing and pattern making. I went full deep into creating physical garments.

I headed over to YouTube to look for tutorials and discovered videos of users utilizing the computer software CLO3D. I was immediately intrigued by how you could create clothes so lifelike all on a computer, and that there was a whole world for 3D digital clothes!

Now, I’m 10 months into creating garments and I love it with a passion. I’m taking a sustainable approach and not wasting time cutting patterns out and physically sewing them by hand. No more being wasteful- this is more sustainable and I am able to finally express my creativity exactly how I vision it!

The name of the collection for Rhea Wear is called Ambiguity and is inspired by ravewear and clubwear. I also love the movie Party Monster, and I was heavily influenced by the costumes they would wear. For me, I wanted to create a collection of pieces I saw myself wearing as a queer black male in the club or rave scene. This collection was fun to create and allowed me to let my imagination run wild. It has all my favorite types of garments starting from a leather trench jacket, transparent metal top and trousers all the way to a divine green tulip-looking ball gown.”

-Anthony Browning

Grace Moore Animalistic gradients

Grace Moore is currently a fashion textiles student based in the UK, well accustomed to creating her own print designs, both with physical and digital methods as well as visualizing them into fashion garment outcomes. She has more recently started to explore the potential of digital fashion design, creating pieces full of pattern, color and interesting textures added through design features such as gathering and frills.

Collection Name: Animalistic Gradients Inspiration: The print designs for this collection were based around gradients and reworking the ever-popular animal print. “With this being my first full digital fashion collection, I wanted the prints to be kept quite simplistic to allow more experimentation when it came to the garment shapes and decorative elements.”

Animal prints, such as leopard spots, appear every season. However, the bright colors and new, updated looks, along with the added frills and gathering effects on the garments, allow the wearer to stand out and feel instantly dressed up with just one statement piece!

“Allow yourself to welcome the evolution.”

-Nova Lorraine

Unleash Your Supernova The Book

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tech HIGHLIGHT HANDSFREE PHONES: A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE

Handsfree Phones The Way of the Future Photos Provided By Sentien

From Bone to Brain: A New Way of Hearing Sound Bone Conduction Technology Offers an Alternative to Using a Cell Phone

taking up our attention.” Without technology’s addictive element, it can promote productive and healthy behaviors.

By Mathew Stridiron

What if there was a way to access your phone without actually touching it? Sentien has created a new bone conduction headset to do just that. The device’s functionality is similar to that of a phone, but it won’t give you a dopamine spike. You can configure the headset using the Sentien Connect app. After that, you can use its voice assistant to get information, make phone calls, and listen to music from anywhere.

While Beethoven was completely deaf in the last ten years of his life, he composed some of his greatest music during this time. He wrote five piano sonatas, five string quartets, the Missa Solemnis, and his most famous Ninth Symphony. As he experimented with his notes, he held a rod between his teeth and rested its other end on his piano. Somehow, this gave him another way to hear aside from using his eardrum.

Today’s modern otologists now know that the rod was likely placed somewhere near his cheekbone, which vibrates to sound very easily. Studies have shown that any sound placed next to the cheekbone will vibrate through nearby bones and reach the cochlea, an organ that signals sound to the brain. Normally, sound reaches the cochlea through your ear canal. However, the cochlea is blocked by the eardrum. If the eardrum doesn’t function properly then you can’t hear. This eardrum is why many medical experts believe Beethoven went deaf and he could only hear after using a rod to bypass it.

Doctors now use bone conduction vibration to develop hearing aids for their patients, but Imrich Valach - the CEO of a relatively new company called Sentien takes it a step further. He’s studying the health effects of using your smartphone to listen to music. “Think of how much time and attention a smartphone eats up every time you use it,” he writes. “It demands that you focus both your visual and haptic senses on the interaction.” While using your phone, you may get distracted by another app. Some services have “teams of thousands of people whose sole task is to make you spend time on the app or device. When you get home, tired from work, it’s hard to resist the temptation to get that dopamine spike that makes us feel better.”

Sentien’s CEO believes that this type of technology should not influence our lives. One of his values is that “[t]ech should disappear from our attention by blending into the environment.” We are like “cyborgs’’ to the point where “[c]omputers are an extension of us and should help free us from mundane tasks without

Anyone can use this headset, including the deaf.

Because it transfers noise through the bones and not the eardrum, users can still hear what is going on in their surrounding environment. Joggers, swimmers, and drivers who are addicted to their phones may find this headset incredibly useful in breaking their habits.

For the first time, you can swim while listening to your favorite music. Joggers also don’t have to worry about keeping a wire in their ears as they run, which causes ear fatigue.

Unlike traditional earbuds and headphones, Sentien is designed to prevent sound leakage and provides a personalized listening experience. You can wear it with a helmet or hat without anyone noticing the headset.

Users who tried Sentien’s headset said it’s “very comfortable,” and some of them even forgot they were wearing it.

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Culture MEET NEW RAINEMAKERS IN ART, ENTERTAINMENT, AND TRAVEL

AWARD WINNING ARTIST

LIZ WEST DAZZLING THE WORLD WITH COLOR

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Photo by Charles Emerson

Photo Credit: Charles Emerson (@charlesemerson_) © Stephen Iles © Aleksi Nurminen / Andy Stagg Photos Provided By Liz West @ _lizweststudio

Photo by Charles Emerson

Photos Provided By Liz West @ _lizweststudio

RAINE: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago?

WEST: To not worry about what is around the corner. Instead, try and embrace the present moment as much as possible. There have been many times when important milestones have passed me by without me even realizing it.

Now, I am trying to slow down and celebrate those achievements in the moment.

RAINE: If someone asked you how could they stimulate their creativity, what advice would you give?

WEST: To just ‘do’ instead of overthinking and procrastinating. There is an excellent letter written by artist Sol LeWitt to the young sculptor Eva Hesse about productivity. It helps me put to bed any self-doubt or blockages in the creative process and feel liberated from pressures: “Dear Eva, It will be almost a month since you wrote to me and you have possibly forgotten your state of mind (I doubt it though). You seem the same as always, and being you, hate every minute of it. Don’t! Learn to say “Forget You” to the world once in a while. You have every right to. Just stop thinking, worrying, looking over your shoulder, wondering, doubting, fearing, hurting, hoping for some easy way out, struggling, grasping, confusing, itching, scratching, mumbling, bumbling, grumbling, humbling, stumbling, rumbling, rambling, gambling, tumbling, stumbling, scrambling, hitching, hatching, bitching, moaning, groaning, honing, boning, horse-shitting, hair-splitting, Photos are credited to Julien Philippy

nit-picking, piss-trickling, nose sticking, ass-gouging, eyeball-poking, finger-pointing, alleyway-sneaking, long waiting, small stepping, evil-eyeing, back-scratching, searching, perching, besmirching, grinding, grinding, grinding away at yourself. Stop it and just DO” RAINE: Have you ever faced the issue of burnout in your career? If so, how did you overcome it?

WEST: Yes, of course. I hit an artist’s block back in 2014 when I made the transition between working on small-scale pieces to the large-scale works I make today.

To overcome this block, I questioned everything: Why was I an artist? Why was I making work about color and light? Why color? Why light? I had to take some time to pick apart and critique everything. Why was I doing this? Who was it for? It was an emotional rollercoaster - it was a hard thing to do. I came out of the other side having found answers to these questions, which meant I could develop my voice as an artist. It meant that every work I would make from that point on was like a self-portrait. In essence, it meant that every piece was linked.

RAINE: If there was one thing you could have changed during your journey as a creative entrepreneur, what would it be and why?

WEST: To not be in a rush for instant success after graduating from art school. My ambition and keenness could have been off-putting (as well as perhaps endearing). However, I now realize that being an artist is a life choice, not a job choice - I am in it for the long haul.

I have now given myself time to develop my voice and grow my ideas which have resulted in better and more affirming work.

RAINE: What was the biggest surprise you have experienced in building your business or career?

WEST: As an artist, I am often in the studio working in isolation. So, one of the biggest surprises has been the close friendships and relationships I have formed whilst working on projects. There are a lot of like-minded people out there!

RAINE: What life experience impacted you the most and how did it change you or your course in life?

WEST: There have been so many moments that have impacted me and changed my direction - too many to name. Every decision you make takes you on a slightly different path. One experience that stands out was when I applied for a small group exhibition opportunity in

2010 at the start of my career. Long story short, I was selected for the show - then 3 years later married the curator!

RAINE: What is your “why?” Why have you chosen to pursue this path?

WEST: Being an artist is either within you or it’s not. I was born to artist parents so I have never known anything different. You could say it’s in my DNA. I was never very good at academic subjects or sitting still; therefore, I decided to pursue the path that I felt I excelled at most and that made me happiest.

RAINE: What major project coming up are you most excited about?

WEST: There are several projects I am working on at the moment that are all super exciting! They all involve making new work and showing it to new audiences. At the end of July, I will be unveiling a new permanent site-specific outdoor commission very close to home. It will become the largest public artwork in the region.

RAINE: What is the biggest problem that creatives face today and how would you solve it?

WEST: There seems to be a lack of support for artists once graduated from art school. Often, you end up in a no man’s land. There needs to be more provisions for available exhibition spaces, mentoring, and peer-to-peer critique to encourage artists to continue making and to get their career-ball rolling.

RAINE: What are five things that your fans don’t know about you?

WEST: 1. I had septic meningitis as a child and nearly died.

2. I am obsessed with gardening.

3. I don’t have a favorite color.

4. I have never eaten a banana or an orange.

5. I have a Guinness World Record.

RAINE: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey?

WEST: My favorite David Bowie quote remains poignant and true: “If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.”

Photos Provided By Liz West @ _lizweststudio

Photo by Jamie Woodley

Gallery exhibit: Aleksi Nurminen/Andy Stagg

Photo by Jamie Woodley

BEAUTY IN THE CITY

ARCHER HOTEL

NEW YORK

Photos provided by Archer NYC

Raine Magazine: What in your opinion makes NYC such an attractive travel destination for visitors from across the world?

Archer Hotel: In the summer of 1948, E.B. White wrote a love letter to the city called “Here is New York” (bedside reading in every Archer guest room)— and while 73 years later the city is ever changing, one thing remains: New York City, with its energy, excitement and loftiness, is unlike any other place in the world. It begs to be experienced.

Raine Magazine: How do you and the staff strive to provide the best customer experience possible?

Archer Hotel: For Archer and our team, hosting is pure pleasure. The people we meet and the stories they share inspire our sincere über-personalized service. We ask questions, look for cues and delight in creating unexpected Archer moments for our guests. We have a saying: “What would Archer do?” The answers lead to personal touches, which become the stories that guests take home.

Raine Magazine: What were the origins of the hotel?

Both in terms of the building and as a business?

Archer Hotel: Archer New York was the first hotel in the growing U.S.-based Archer boutique hotel collection. Our parent company has a rich history of building niche hospitality brands, and this collection was designed to evoke the creative soul of each community.

Timing was perfect as our iconic Garment District neighborhood was transforming into a vibrant, eclectic and ever-central midtown destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike. We tapped accomplished New York City designer Glen Coben to pay homage to the industrial touches that defined the heyday era of this neighborhood and its design heritage—all while delivering a luxe new-build hotel with all the modern conveniences for today’s traveler.

Raine Magazine: What are some of the biggest challenges involved with running a NYC hotel? How do you go about tackling these?

Archer Hotel: With 500+ hotels in the city, it’s such a competitive market and reputation is everything. We believe that the only way to consistently stand out among the many new and storied New York hotels is to surprise and delight, one guest at a time. It takes a passionate,

collaborative and authentic team committed to delivering remarkable experiences each and every day.

Raine Magazine: Are there any aesthetic/design choices that separate your hotel from competition in the area?

Archer Hotel: Size is an inherent issue in Manhattan, so our mission was to turn a small space into large luxury.

Every detail was carefully considered. Soaring 16.8-foot ceilings give the lobby grand presence. An alluring lobby bar with a glass-clad garage door spills out to an outdoor patio and helps guests feel immediately immersed in the energy of the city. And the mission continued upstairs.

Artful invention and tight editing produced beautiful guest rooms that work for the modern traveler. Ranging from 180 to 360 square feet, every room was deemed a sanctuary with double-pane, floor-to-ceiling windows for quiet city views. Borrowing inspiration from the rich colors and textiles of the Garment District, Archer’s guest rooms feature a quartet of design palettes. Colors, fabrics and art vary throughout the guest rooms, adding an element of surprise and discovery to every stay. And of course, adding to New York’s rooftop revelry, Archer’s 22nd-floor Spyglass Rooftop Bar with its panoramic Empire State views and indoor-outdoor all-season spaces is a contemporary reincarnation of 1940s glamour.

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Raine Magazine: What unique experiences can you offer visitors to make their stay at the hotel the most memorable it can be?

Archer Hotel: Our guests tend to be savvy travelers who appreciate our dedication to details. We like to say that with Archer, get ready for a surprise around every corner—and those thoughtful touches are part of our DNA. Every guest receives an arrival gift of Proud Source (sustainable) water and locally hand-crafted salted caramels. Our youngest guests get to choose a nostalgic treat from a small treasure chest we keep at the front desk; we call it the Kid in Archer gift. And every day, we surprise guests with a rotation of curated turndown treats. But admittedly, our favorite experiences are those in which we get to add a festive touch, like staging the room with a celebratory note or balloons, or setting a mood with a Crosley record player and a favorite album. Archer has taught us that it truly is the thought that counts.

Raine Magazine: Any unique or famous guests that have come through the hotel’s doors over its lifespan?

Archer Hotel: Much like Archer who likes to remain behind the scenes, we respect the anonymity of our famous guests and don’t name names. And truly, every guest is a welcome VIP. Raine Magazine: You can recommend one major New York attraction to make a visitor’s stay truly memorable: What are you recommending?

Archer Hotel: Ooh, just one? Then it would have to be Broadway. It represents all the best of New York City. Every audience is a microcosm of the melting pot of this great city and, for a few hours, they’re immersed together in a story. And it’s live; there’s magic in performance art that, like the city itself, casts a spell. Currently, we’re all eagerly awaiting the summer 2022 debut of the Museum of Broadway, an immersive nod to the history of American theatre and some of the best theatrical productions in the world. The saying rings true: “Only in New York!”

Kelsi Davies Influencer to Watch

Tim Schaeffer Photography @timschaefferphoto Hair and Makeup: Christine Hazelhurst @christine_pro_makeup

At only 24 years old, Kelsi Davies is establishing herself as a multi-talented quadruple threat in the entertainment industry. The social media influencer, singer, dancer, and actress first gained notoriety with her YouTube Channel, which showcased her love for the paranormal. The highly successful channel, which has amassed over 400,000 followers, led her to expand her creative endeavors to TikTok. Her entertaining and insightful videos, which often feature her haunted doll Lola, have earned her a devoted fan base of over 3.6 million followers and over 96 million likes on the platform to date. When

she’s not busy creating social media content, Davies loves to sing. She has showcased her talent with the singles “Santa Honey,” “Heartbeats,” “Done,” and her latest release “Darker.” All of the songs were written and produced by London-based Comanavago and are available to stream now on all major platforms.

Davies is also a psychic medium who recently discovered that an ability to communicate with spirits on the other side runs deep within her family. She is committed to using her gifts for good by helping people connect with their deceased loved ones.

MINDSET

RAINE: Knowing what you know now, what advice

pursue this path?

KELSI: I absolutely love how creative I can be and how

would you have given yourself 5 years ago?

KELSI: I would say don’t be afraid to be yourself, trust your gut, and believe in yourself because you can do anything you set your mind to.

much freedom I have. Being able to do what I am passionate about while sharing it with my audience is so cool to me. This is my dream job, and I still can’t believe I’m really doing it!

CREATIVITY

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

RAINE: If someone asked you how could they stimulate

their creativity, what advice would you give?

KELSI: I say take some time every week to focus on that creative side. Find hobbies or outlets that allow you to express that part of yourself. Creativity is inside each and every one of us- it is always good to use it!

RAINE: What major project coming up are you most excited about?

KELSI: An exciting project with Snapchat. I am so excited to see how it all turns out and share it with everyone. I can’t say much about it, but I know fans will love it.

SECOND CHANCES

WORLD CHANGER

If there was one thing you could have changed during your journey as a creative entrepreneur, what would it be and why?

KELSI: What I would change is trusting people too easily. I have had my fair share of shady people who take advantage of things. I love meeting new people, but I wish I could go back and tell myself to not be so naive when it comes to putting my full trust into people I barely know.

today and how would you solve it?

KELSI: Judgement from others and bullying. This is inevitable. There will always be haters and jealousy and negativity. But I say, just ignore them and block them.

Don’t feed the fire. If someone wants to bully, it’s because of their own personal issues- it has nothing to do with you. Just do you.

SURPRISE MOMENT

RAINE: What is one or more examples in how you have

RAINE:

RAINE: What was the biggest surprise you have experienced in building your business or career?

KELSI: The incredible community that my fans and I have created together. It is honestly so humbling and beautiful to see. I feel like they have my back and I always have theirs. If you told me five years ago that I would have the amount of people that I do supporting me… I would be shocked. I thank the universe every day for it.

IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCE

What life experience impacted you the most and how did it change you or your course in life?

KELSI: I feel like it was a toxic relationship I found myself stuck in. It affected my mental health so aggressively that I ended up in the hospital due to self-harm.

It really opened my eyes and made me find my selfworth and my authentic self again. I was so lost and so discouraged, but that experience allowed me to become the person that I am today.

RAINE:

YOUR “WHY” RAINE:

What is your “Why?” Why have you chosen to

RAINE: What is the biggest problem that creatives face

EMBRACING YOUR BOLD

embraced your bold?

KELSI: Coming out as pansexual definitely helped me to embrace my authentic, true self. Also, after acknowledging my psychic/medium gifts, I feel like I am finally free and open to be who I am.

FUN FACTS

What are five things that your fans don’t know about you?

RAINE: KELSI:

•I suffer from extreme anxiety •I am a very picky eater •I don’t trust people who hate cats •I can make amazing homemade chicken noodle soup •I bite my nails ADVICE

RAINE: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey?

KELSI: If you believe you can do something and truly believe in yourself, anything is possible. It sounds cheesy but it really is the truth. Do not doubt yourself and do not give up on yourself because hard work always pays off.

Unleash Your

SUPERNOVA An Interview with Author Nova Lorraine Photographer- Vital Agibalow, Hensel Ambassador Makeup - Andrea Hidalgo, Artist Makeup Academy Hair - Willa Ferreira Stylists - Chantel Ostheimer Assistant Stylists - Yuliana Tsapar, Aspen Littlejohn, Sage Littlejohn Shoes - John Ashford Location - Archer Hotel New York Nova is wearing Albion Vu

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Born in Jamaica and raised in Connecticut with her five siblings, Nova Lorraine is an award-winning fashion designer, author, speaker, and a branding advisor for fashion, lifestyle brands and startups. Nova's debut fashion collection earned her Best Haute Couture Designer of the Year, and her designs have been featured on The View and in Essence and Vogue Italia magazines. Nova founded Raine Magazine in 2007 and has interviewed Mark Cuban, Kendall Jenner, Ben Carson, Nicky Hilton and Priyanka Chopra, to name a few.

Nova is a poet and storyteller at heart and has found success in her newly released book and podcast, Unleash Your Supernova. Nova is a two-time podcast award nominee, including Podcast of the Year as well as the People’s Choice Best Podcast Host. Nova has expanded her creative and fashion pursuits into the Metaverse to include NFT’s, DAO’s, and digital experiences such as the Pink Kangaru Podcast Network. Nova spends her free time guest lecturing, writing fiction, and cheering at sporting events for her four children.

What was the initial spark of creative inspiration that led to you starting work on the book?

After sharing a story with a friend to help advise him on a new venture, he suggested that I include that in a book along with other pieces of advice I had previously given him over the years. He was so moved by what I had recently discussed with him, he then said to me, “Why don’t you write a book. You know, you could really help a lot of people. You have so many wonderful stories, of which have helped me so much; you should really write them down and have others hear them too.” At that moment, I just became quiet and really began to seriously think about it. After a couple of days, I began to get real excited that with a book, I can offer to others what I didn’t have for so many years- authentic guidance from someone who would share the good, bad and ugly of entrepreneurship.

What would be your first piece of advice for someone looking to pursue creative entrepreneurship as a career?

Seek out a mentor that is an expert in operations within the area you focused on. A mentor can guide you on the execution of your ideas, introduce you to a valuable network, and teach you new skills that compliment your current ones. I met my mentor after being an entrepreneur for eight years, and the role he played in my life was invaluable. Unfortunately, after just three short

Nova is wearing Marina Micanovic Shoes - John Ashford

years after meeting, he passed unexpectedly. However, seven years after his untimely death, his knowledge and support still inspires me to this day.

How do you hope your life story and advice offered within the book influences your readers?

I want the readers to see that with persistence, patience, and flexibility, it can help you accomplish anything you desire. There were so many times while on my journey that I wanted to give up due to a failure or frustration, but something inside kept me on my path and I am very grateful for the nudges along the way that I didn’t give up. Sometimes all one needs is a nudge. If we take it one day at a time, one month at time, and one year at a time, we can reach each and every one of our goals.

Where does the book fit in within your personal brand?

Unleash is about tapping into the infinite potential we have inside of us. I feel that I have been walking the walk by discovering new and exciting things about myself while trying things that seem impossible or far reaching. For example, I decided to start professionally acting two years ago and got a lead role in an Agatha

activities within your daily routine. Mindfulness both increases creativity and productivity while protecting you from fizzling out of energy and enthusiasm. For example, play music that soothes you during the day such as: jazz, reggae, classical, reiki, or meditation songs.

An additional thing you can do is exercise, dance, yoga, walk or another physical activity before starting a major project. Another tip is to add at least one artistic hobby to your routine. This could be singing lessons, painting, acting, illustration, ballet, etc. Additionally, pay attention to when you are physically or mentally tired and give yourself time to rest, may it be for an hour, a day, or a week or two. All of these tips will boost your ideas and give you energy throughout your journey as a creative entrepreneur.

What major project coming up are you most excited about?

I began casually following crypto and blockchain in 2017 and began to immerse myself in the start of 2020.

I am excited to combine my interest in crypto, NFTs, and the Metaverse with my background in fashion and branding in advising new companies entering the space, as well as my own personal NFT projects that I am working on. For example, as an advisor and group leader for the MetaGameHub DAO, I am able to bring awareness to a project that facilitates founders in acquiring and managing land sales and their brand journey through the multiverse.

Nova with daughters, (L to R) Aspen and Sage Nova is wearing Marina Micanovic

Christie play after my first audition. If we never take chances, invest in ourselves, and look for new ways to grow, then we are not unleashing the awesomeness that lies within.

Beyond the current global pandemic, what is the biggest challenge facing creative entrepreneurs in the modern climate?

I feel the biggest challenge is funding one’s creatives pursuits where they can scale to the point of financial freedom. Often times, creatives have to struggle financially or give up what they truly love to do in order to sustain themselves. I believe the new paradigm of blockchain technology and NFTs is opening the door for many artists to make a great earning from their craft.

What is the best way to avoid burnout for creative figures?

The best way to avoid burnout is to introduce mindful

Who have been the most memorable people you have worked alongside and why?

As a designer, working with leading fashion stylist Catherine Schuller on a project for The View. As the editor of Raine, a few of my most memorable interviews include Priyanka Chopra, Sean Kingston, and Ben Carson.

As a founder, my team that supported me throughout the years, including those there in important phases of growth, such as Frederique, Jane, Carlotta, and Kristopher, to name a few.

If there was one thing you could have changed during your journey as a creative entrepreneur what would it be and why?

I would have zeroed in on my #1 goal and found a mentor already doing that to shadow and learn from.

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Nova is wearing Marina Micanovic Shoes - John Ashford

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(Left to right) Aspen, Sage Nova is wearing Marina Micanovic

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(Left to right) Sage, Aspen Nova is wearing Marina Micanovic

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Nova is wearing Albion Vu

art in black and white PHOTOGRAPHERS BRING OLD MEDIUMS INTO THE MODERN ERA

THROUGH THE LENS OF CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHER:

VITAL AGIBALOW

CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHER AND HENSEL AMBASSADOR VITAL AGIBALOW Interviewed by Brady Goodman-Williams When we imagine editorial and celebrity photo shoots, we think of high intensity, glamour, and many moving pieces. Makeup, hair, and fashion stylists run around with urgency, all under the auspices of a demanding photographer. However, after seeing one special photographer on set with Nigel Barker, Carol Alt, Irina Pantaeva, and Iris Apfel, I can attest that Vital Agibalow truly breaks the mold. As he worked the camera in quick bursts of intensity, he never wiped the professional, yet inviting, half-smile from his face — and the effects were visible. Most of us hesitate in the face of fame, but Vital’s lighthearted and sensitive demeanor allowed his subjects to open up in ways I had never previously seen.

The result? Portraits of each subject’s inner being — comfortable, raw, and vulnerable. I sat down with Vital to learn some more about him and his work.

WILLIAMS: Where are you from? How did you become

a photographer?

AGIBALOW: I’m New York-based, but my roots are in Sweden, Russia, and Ukraine. When I was 7, my dad gave me my first camera as a birthday present — a Zenith. I fell in love with it. I started taking portraits of the other kids in my neighborhood. There’s something about portrait photography that has clearly inspired me since an early age. By 20, I had started working with local modeling agencies, and I opened my own business when I was 21.

WILLIAMS: How has your photography changed since then?

AGIBALOW: Those were the film days. As a photographer, you couldn’t afford to make a mistake back then.

Now everyone shoots digital, so you can see the shot on display, which makes it all so much easier. But I’m proud to say that I started as a film photographer.

WILLIAMS: Why does your background in film matter?

AGIBALOW: Well, it builds credibility. It makes me more professional than any newbie these days who starts with a digital camera and doesn’t know what it means to shoot slides. You have to be much more accurate when doing so, and this skill enhances my digital photography.

WILLIAMS: So I know you love portraits. Why is this

your favorite genre?

AGIBALOW: I love working with people and seeing their reaction when they see themselves, sometimes in a whole new way. Bringing out a person’s beauty and charm results in much joy to my subjects and their families. But I do also work with fashion designers, which is a whole different world!

Right now, because of word of mouth, I have been doing a lot of physicians’ portraits.

WILLIAMS: Who was the most challenging designer to shoot?

AGIBALOW: Probably shooting Karl Lagerfeld. Our time in the studio was limited to only 30 minutes, which is a photographer’s worst nightmare! But the resulting portraits from the shoot were so good. He really liked the images, which is huge since he was a photographer himself. My portrait of Karl was published in BELLA magazine and many others, so the hard work paid off.

WILLIAMS: So changing gears a little bit. Do you have any recommendations for others interested in pursuing a career like yours?

AGIBALOW: Do it only if you really enjoy it. Don’t do it for the money, but for the art. You’d be shocked how much money you can make when you prioritize the art first.

WILLIAMS: That’s great advice. So what new projects are you working on right now? Where can I see your work?

AGIBALOW: Most recently, I worked with the legendary supermodel Carol Alt for her new show on FNL Network, Carol Alt’s Living Room. But there are some other interesting side projects! Lately I’ve been working with beauty and fashion bloggers like Kate Romanoff.

WILLIAMS: You have a brand partnership with HENSEL, right? Tell me a little about that.

AGIBALOW: HENSEL is a German brand that produces professional lights for photographers. I’ve been the brand ambassador for this company since 2008. I’m using their lights on each and every shoot and I’m proud to promote them in my studio and through my work.

Follow Vital @vitalphotonyc instagram.com/VITALphotoNYC YouTube.com/VITALPHOTO

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P H O T O G R A P H E R

MARK HARRIS The Human Landscape

Mark Harris is an exhibiting photographer from

Metuchen, NJ. Beginning as a teenager, when he processed his first B&W film and prints, Mark has been interested in photography as both a means of telling stories and as an art form. He has attended classes and workshops at several locations including five summers at the Maine Media Workshops. Mark now works exclusively in digital, which allows the ability to explore new areas including the use of color.

Exhibits and Awards: Mark has displayed photographs in many exhibits and several publications. These exhibits include local art fairs as well as competitive juried shows. He was awarded the Maine Media Workshop/Zeiss Precision Image Competition prizes in 2014. Mark was recently selected to be one of 40 artists from New Jersey to have work displayed in the Juried Show at Art Fair 14C 2021.

“Pearls”

“Once we stop trying to lock ourselves into just one interest, the magic begins.”

-Nova Lorraine

Unleash Your Supernova The Book

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Taking the Art Scene by Storm

Katerina Christina

Excerpts from a conversation with Katerina Christina by Debbie Dickinson “What year did you start photographing?”

I first picked up a camera in 2018 during my last year as a mechanical engineering student at Stanford. After so many years of hardcore engineering classes, I was craving both a mental break and a creative outlet. I decided to enroll in an Introduction to Photography class, where our final assignment was to creative a cohesive body of work presented in the format of a small magazine. This was the first time I had ever seriously considered elements of composition and their ability to either attract us to an image or to leave us wanting more. I found that there were certain images I could look at time after time and still find them interesting on some level, or even find something new about them. I took mental notes on the kinds of compositions that continued to intrigue me over time and did my best to repeat that pattern yet still incorporate an element of experimentation. Anyone who knows me knows that I love fashion, and especially shoes. I also love standing out, both in terms of my style and my height—although I’m 6’ you’ll often see me wearing booties or heels just because! I wanted my first photographic series to incorporate both elements of my personality as well as serve as a daily journal to help me document these small moments of intrigue— to remind myself of the little joys in life despite all of the stress I was under at the time. Drawing from these sources of influence, I photographed the same pair of shoes at different locations from the perspective of the wearer (me!)—from the parking lot at school to the lecture halls and the beach on a weekend. At the end of 2018, I planned a solo trip to Europe for a month as a graduation present to myself, and that was really the first time I started thinking about street photography. Some of my favorite images to this day are photographs from that trip in places such as Rome, Paris, Monaco, and London—I love looking back at them to see where my mind was at that time, as well as how far I’ve come. It wasn’t until the spring of 2019 though that I really understood street photography and made a commitment to dedicate myself to it as an art form.

“What schools helped you develop your Art industry career?”

Sorry, I don’t have a ton to say on this since I did not study art. I’m sure my graduate education in architecture at Columbia GSAPP will influence my art, which I began in September 2021. My artwork has developed organically.

“Who was most instrumental that mentored or influenced your career and why?”

In the spring of 2019, I took a black and white photography class with Alan Schaller in San Francisco (where I was living at the time), which completely changed how I approached street photography. Because I am selftaught, I had very little direction up to that point—I had an idea of the kind of photographs I wanted to make based on other photographers’ images that inspired me, but I didn’t quite know how to manipulate my camera or the world around me to produce those images. Alan taught us not only the technical details of making photographs with a Leica and post-processing the images in a way that produces elegant art, but more importantly, he showed us the nuances of being a creative in the busy streets—how to take advantage of natural light and intriguing shadows, the patience required before and anticipation of the moment, and how to cultivate an ability to turn a seemingly mundane scene into a beautiful, intriguing work of art that continues to elicit emotion regardless of how many times you’ve stared at it.

“Tell us about notable awards and achievements from your career and life studies?”

The achievements I am most proud of are academic— getting accepted to Stanford University, graduating with a B.S. Mechanical Engineering, and being accepted to the Master of Architecture program at Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation where I have been studying since the fall.

“What was the year that you began to start the art photography business and what outlet/exhibition was your first?”

I made my first few sales in late 2019 and early 2020 (through my website and IG connections mainly), so I haven’t been selling for very long; however, I’m very happy about how my art has been received in this short period of time. I also started selling on Saatchi in early 2020 and on Chairish in mid-2021. With respect to the relatively short amount of time I have dedicated myself to art—just 2 or 3 years—I’m happy with how my practice has grown and am very excited to continue to produce new work, both photographs and drawings.

“Tell us about your favorite key subjects that you have photographed and why they interest you?”

The majority of my street photography work falls into the ‘Quiet Moments in the Chaos’ series—this body

of work is all about extracting and capturing a serene moment happening in the presence of a chaotic city in the background. A prime example of this is “A Moment of Peace” shot in Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where you see a young boy letting go and completely surrendering to nature as he lets the incoming waves crash over his body. I see this as an incredibly peaceful moment, where nothing else matters and there is a willingness to let oneself be enveloped by the emotions of the moment and to put the stresses of daily life aside.

This series was born when I first started making photographs—at the time, street photography was a reprieve from the stress of my mechanical engineering studies.

It was a way for me to enter a state of mind that was really a letting go of everything on my mind, and an absorption of the small yet beautiful moments in life that we often miss when we don’t take the time to slow down. One of my other favorite subjects to photograph are kids, as you can see in my series ‘Youthhood.’ I truly believe we have a lot to learn from children! Their sense of wonder and lack of inhibitions are something to be admired—these sentiments and ways of approaching the world are what I capture with my images in this series.

I hope both the subjects and the images can inspire viewers and collectors to live life a little more carefree and with a little more appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us. Finally, the last key subject I find myself photographing often is myself! During the first few weeks of lockdown in March of 2020, I found myself suddenly without my usual subjects to photograph as no one was out on the streets, and of course it wasn’t safe to be out and about either. So, I decided to make use of the extra time we all found ourselves with—that along with my love of fashion. I am a huge hat lover, so I thought what better chance to slow down, do some introspection, and make art in a way I had never explored. Unlike the years before that when I was either in school or traveling around the world and things were in a frenzy, I had the time to plan out photoshoots—to draw inspiration from some of the greats, especially in the fashion world, to reflect on the feelings of confinement and isolation I was feeling, and to experiment. This was a whole new world for me because in street photography, you are essentially making art out of something that already exists, but in my studio work, I was creating something out of nothing. It was absolutely a challenge at first, but after a couple of hours of playing around with hats, outfits, and movement, I found it to be an absolute joy. Studio work went from something challenging to something where I felt I had the ultimate sense of creative freedom, espe-

cially in my case doing self-portraiture. I find the process to be so liberating because it’s just me—no direction from anyone else, no judgment, and nothing to lose trying something new.

“What is it about your business that motivates you?”

As detailed above, my business is my passion and what helps me decompress from the stresses of daily life and from my studies (now that will be architecture instead of mechanical engineering). I find myself especially motivated in my street photography when I am able to capture a moment of joy, bliss, or liberation that inspires viewers and collectors to slow down and see the beauty in the world around them. It is of course a huge honor when someone loves my work enough to invest in a piece for their home or collection—that is absolutely a motivating factor for me, and is always great feedback when I know what kinds of works collectors want in their homes. I’m also motivated personally as—this is especially true in my studio photography—I get to explore my creative side without bounds. As for my drawings, I am motivated to explore the human form, emotions within and between humans, and to convey my take on such emotions.

“What exotic places have you traveled to in order to capture your images?”

• Nairobi, Kenya • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil • Oaxaca, Mexico • Paris, France • Rome, Italy • Cyprus • London, England “What are two favorite success stories in your business?”

Not sure I have them yet? Perhaps exhibiting at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair as that would really elevate my work to a whole new world of buyers and also solidify to me that my work is at the caliber at which I want it to be.

“Give us your most memorable quote from a buyer.”

My first ever collector purchased ‘Love [Nairobi, Kenya]’ and told me they were “mesmerized by the emotion I managed to capture” and were “looking for photos that convey love that we could frame and hang in our home.

This photo of yours speaks to both of us very much.”

As the first investment into my art practice, hearing

this from a complete stranger halfway around the world really meant a lot to me.

“What’s a memorable quote from a collector or gallery owner?”

Etheleen Staley - Staley Wise Gallery. “I think her work is great! I especially love the Elephants (Love- Nairobi, Kenya), The Hat (A Study of Contours #1) and The Dog (Bliss – Carmel-by-the-Sea).” Rodrigo SalomonSalomon Arts Gallery. “We love her work.”

“What are some quotes and principles that have had major significance in your life?”

“To me, photography is an art of observation, it’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”

— Elliott Erwitt This Elliott Erwitt quote really hits home for me—not only because of the degree to which I find his work intriguing, but also because that is exactly why I began making photographs: to find something striking in a seemingly mundane place. Photography truly has changed the way I see the world—the way light unveils the details of a subject, how shadows hide parts of a scene to lend a sense of mystery, or the way light and shadow play with each other to create beauty that can only be seen if you know how and where to look for it. Photography has also showed me that to capture a fleeting glance, gesture of the hands, or closing of the eyes is so much more significant than we realize as ordinary passersby on the street. More personally, the most influential principles and ways of thinking come from my father—an immigrant from Cyprus, he has now been in the US for nearly 40 years and has started multiple companies that are his own. His philosophy has always been that the only limits in life are the ones that you place on yourself. He has always encouraged me to go after my dreams, regardless of how feasible they may seem in the moment. Where there is a will, there truly is a way. Anytime things seem to be taking a difficult turn, he will always remind me why the glass is half full and of everything I have overcome to get to where I am—and that is a huge source of inspiration for me.

“What are sayings that have become your hallmark?”

“Only those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible.” (I believe this quote has been attributed to Albert Einstein and a few others... not sure who said it

originally). Anyone who knows me knows that I have no shame in trying or attempting things that are unconventional—I mean, just look at the size of my hats and the height of my heels (I’m 6’ without heels)!

I absolutely love this saying, and it fully captures how I live my life—both in thought and in action.

“Do you attend any specific industry trade shows or competitions?”

Yes, many online competitions where my work was

selected to exhibit.

I exhibited in a solo booth at The Other Art Fair: Brooklyn and at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair. I also recently opened at the,“Friends and Family” exhibition at the Salomon Arts Gallery, and will be on view until January 7th, 2022.

“Who do you consider to be great mentors or icons in the art photography industry that inspire you?”

As mentioned above, the class I took with Alan Schaller was a big turning point (or rather a jumping off point?

Point of development?) in my photography. The images of photographers such as Elliott Erwitt, Vivian Maier, Susan Sontag, Annie Leibovitz, Frank Horvat, and Irving Penn never cease to inspire me.

“Who have you mentored?”

Honestly, other than answering questions when photographers just starting out send me a DM on Instagram, I haven’t had any opportunities to mentor anyone as I am so new to the art world. If given the chance, I would love to be able to do so.

“Can you announce any of your future brand plans?”

I am planning to open some special, very limited editions of some of my photographs. Right now, I am planning a very limited run of photography prints on silver canvas, as well as an extremely limited run on HD aluminum panels. I haven’t decided on the numbers yet, but I may limit some of these editions to just 1 per size such that they will end up with a collector who is very enthusiastic about the work. In addition, I will be selling the originals of my drawings (up to this point, they have only been offered as print reproductions).

“What charities do you work with?”

I exhibited for the Healing for Heroes charity at the Water Club to support veterans. We are raising funds to donate canines for emotional support for PTSD by art sales.

For more info on Katerina Christina / www.katerinachristina.com

home and design: TAKE A TOUR OF SOME OF THE MOST GLAMOROUS HOMES AROUND

LETTING NATURE IN A MODERN HOME OF

JOE JONAS AND

SOPHIE TURNER

Credit: Jae Omar Design TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

JOE JONAS AND SOPHIE TURNER SELL IN LA & BUY IN MIAMI! A-Listers Joe Jonas and wife, Sophie Turner, have sold their Encino, California estate, which they turned into one of Southern California’s most glamorous contemporary homes. Taking two years and the magic of celebrity-designer Jae Omar, the couple purchased the home in 2019 for $14.1 million and listed it at $16.75 million in June. It recently sold for $15.2 million.

Located in the Royal Oaks enclave of Encino (one of the favorite celebrity neighborhoods) in Los Angeles, the 15,000-square-foot home has nine bedrooms and eleven baths. Omar applied his skills to highlight the lushness of the landscape, including an ancient oak tree in the center of the property. Other design features that were added include a lap pool with spa, aged-wood design features, various imported stone accents and a custom wine cellar. Open and airy with high ceilings and outdoor views, all rooms are spacious and can host large get-togethers.

There is a two-bedroom guest house also used for entertaining with an aquarium, cigar humidor, kegerator, fog machine, disco lights and a DJ station. On the exterior, there is lush turf throughout the grounds with a putting green and an outdoor projector for movie nights.

The couple already has a new home in Miami’s Bay Point neighborhood, recently purchasing a waterfront home with three bedrooms and 10,416 square feet for $11 million. They have joined other A-Listers Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen, Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who have also moved or are soon moving to the Sunshine State.

Joe is one of three brothers who make up the pop rock boy band Jonas Brothers. English actress Sophie gained celebrity status from her role as Sansa Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Carl Gambino of Compass represented the sellers while Ethan Peskowitz and Fred Bernstein of Westside Estate Agency represented the buyers.

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THE ORUM HOUSE THE $42 MILLION BACKDROP FOR

BEYONCÉ AND HER TIFFANY DIAMOND

Credits: Matthew Momberger TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

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Beyoncé Shines In Tiffany Diamond & $42 Million Mansion A new Tiffany diamond ad, which was filmed at a spectacular new Bel Air home casted Beyoncé as its face. The Orum House is for sale and was recently featured at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. Photos and video with agent permission available for media use at: http://bit.ly/toptenmedia. Beyoncé is the face of a

new Tiffany ad, which debuted during 2021’s Emmy Awards broadcast, and has the internet and Madison Avenue abuzz. A tribute to the Audrey Hepburn movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the 90-second commercial showcases Beyoncé playing the piano while singing the movie’s Academy Award-winning, “Moon River,” and wearing the company’s iconic 128.54-karat Tiffany diamond.

Just as opulent as Beyoncé and the Tiffany diamond is the commercial’s setting, a spectacular Bel Air hilltop

contemporary, the Orum House, which is on the market at $42 million. Designed by architect Zoltan Pali, whose other projects include the Getty Villa and the Pantages Theater, the Orum House is a three-story architectural masterpiece with laurels of its own, including an American Influencer Award. Designed to float above the surrounding city, the glass-walled estate sits alone atop a promontory in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering unobstructed views of the Los Angeles

Basin from the Getty Center to Downtown and all the way to Long Beach. Glass in four different opacities make it look like the home’s exterior shifts and shimmers in the L.A. sun. Fit for a queen (or a queen of pop), the mansion offers 18,800 square feet of interior space, 6,000 square feet of deck, nine bedrooms and 15 baths. An exquisite entertainment space, Orum has parking for 30 cars, a 1,000-bottle glass wine room, a theatre with Dolby Atmos sound, dual formal living rooms, a formal dining room, a chef ’s kitchen, a butler’s kitchen and an outdoor kitchen. The expansive wrap-around deck includes multiple fire-pit lounges, grass lawns, and an LED-lit mirror-image pool and spa. The home wellness center consists of a fully loaded indoor/outdoor fitness center, a cedar sauna, a steam room, and dual massage rooms. At the top of the steel-and-glass central staircase (or one of the two elevators), the residence’s third floor provides ample space and comfort for the family, carefully delineated from the entertainment zones of the lower floors. Five bedroom suites, each with its own spa tub, are headed by dual masters with their own terraces and spectacular 270-degree views. A detached guesthouse known as “The Cube” offers four additional bedrooms for guests or staff.

Imported gold and white and black marble enhance the home’s luxurious contemporary aesthetic. The Orum House is offered fully furnished, with interior design choices and curated works of fine art. Sitting on 1.6 acres of prime Platinum Triangle real estate, the ultra-private residence is located in one of Los Angeles’ most exclusive neighborhoods. With skyhigh prices and one-of-a-kind estates, Bel Air is home to numerous celebrities, including Beyoncé. The singer and her husband, fellow superstar artist Jay-Z, share a nearby $90 million mega-mansion with their three kids and an unrivaled collection of musical accolades. Beyoncé is one of the most-awarded recording artists of all time, responsible for 28 Grammys, 29 MTV Video Music Awards, 31 BET Awards, and Billboard Hot 100’s Female Artist of the Decade in 2010. Her 22 Billboard #1 songs, including “Single Ladies,” “Crazy in Love” and “Run the World,” have propelled her to $118 million in record sales and international superstardom. She is only the fourth woman, and the first Black woman, to wear the $30 million Tiffany diamond. The listing is held by Mauricio Umansky and Farrah Brittany of The Agency.

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“Learn to appreciate the journey because at the end, that is the only thing that matters.”

-Nova Lorraine

Unleash Your Supernova The Book

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