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stablished in 2003, the Australian Education Academy (AEA) is one of Melbourne’s finest private educational institutes. Since then, we have been providing a range of Educational and Training services. Our objectives are to consistently provide quality service through the use of proper teaching, quality material, effective work procedures, and prompt and courteous delivery. In support of these objectives, we have established a rigorous quality system based on continuous improvement and the steadfast application of quality processes, which meet the requirements of the National VET Regulator and the ESOS Act. Our success, and yours, is achieved by offering a wide range of innovative, creative and flexible training programs, both theoretical and vocational, that suit the individual needs of each student. Currently we run programs in English, Hospitality, Automotive and Business sectors.
Vision Australian Education Academy Pty Ltd aspires to be recognised as a leader in providing vocational education to industry. As a centre of learning and service, AEA works to empower students with the skills and confidence to be contributing members of the business community and society in general. We take pride in efficiently using the resources at our disposal and strive to continuously improve ourselves, our programs, and our technology.
Mission The mission of Australian Education Academy Pty Ltd is to provide quality vocational education and training through a suite of accredited courses that cater for both the international and domestic markets. The overall aim is to provide education and training for a skilled and adaptable workforce to meet the ever-changing needs of industry.
Values • Behave in a legal, fair and ethical manner • Make and keep commitments to our clients, customers, agents and associates • Contribute to the growth and prosperity of our company through individual and team effort • Show respect for ourselves and others by being open and honest in all business dealings • Learn and support each other to carry out worthwhile high quality work At AEA, we pride ourselves on being much more than a mere educational organisation, and understand that students have a variety of needs and concerns. Therefore, we are able to guide and help in the application process, coordinate accommodation arrangements, and airport transfers and, most importantly of all, the delivery of quality, Australian recognised educational programs to help you commence or progress your careers.
We also provide guidance and basic information for visa requirements or link up with MARA agents with whom we have arrangements in place. However, Students are encouraged to seek professional advice or visit www. border.gov.au for any visa and Immigration requirements. We operate in accordance with the highest possible standards and regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority(ASQA). ASQA promotes quality training so that students, employers, and industry have confidence in Australia’s training sector.
Benefits of studying at AEA include: • Highly qualified teaching staff well-versed in current industry practices. • Small class sizes. • Affordable payment plans available with low cost enrolment fees. • High speed internet/computer access for all students. • Flexible timetables. • Strong pledge to meet your individual needs. We look forward to hearing from you! For more information, please contact our Admissions Offices located in Springvale campus and the City campus.
English Courses
Course Code
Course Title
Duration
22250VIC
Certificate II in EAL (Access) $3500 + $120 Material Fees
26 Weeks + Short Barista course.
22251VIC
Certificate II in EAL (Access) $3500 + $120 Material Fees
26 Weeks + Short Barista course.
22255VIC
Certificate III in EAL (Further Study) $3500 + $120 Material Fees
26 Weeks + Short Barista course.
22258VIC
Certificate VI in EAL (Further Study) $3500 + $120 Material Fees
26 Weeks + Short Barista course.
Hospitality Package $ 12,000
Course Code
Course Title
Duration
SIT30813
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
52 weeks
SIT40413
Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
26 weeks
SIT50313
Diploma of Hospitality
26 weeks
Automotive package $12,000 Course Code AUR30612
Course Title Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Duration 52 weeks
AUR40212 AUR50212
Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis Diploma of Automotive Technology
29 weeks 50 weeks
Business Courses Course Code BSB40215 BSB50215 BSB51915 BSB60215
Course Title Certificate IV in Business Diploma of Business Diploma of Leadership and Management Advanced Diploma of Business
Course Fee $2500 $6000 $6000 $8000
Duration 26 weeks 52 weeks 52 weeks 78 weeks
AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION ACADEMY PTY LTD www.aust-education.com.au Springvale campus and Head office: 10 Blissington Street, Springvale Vic 3171 Phone: +61 3 9547 4650 | Fax: +61 3 9547 4060 Email: info@aust-education.com.au
MODA VIDA COVER PHOTO : MIKE CHANG LAYOUT DESIGN : WILARI TEDJOSISWOYO
From the CEO, Estela W hat a fantastic year it has been for E&E Events Management since crowning our first Miss Latina Australia, Eva Giollo in 2015. I was very privileged to have joined Eva on her trip to Mexico where she competed for the title of Miss Latin America of the World. We got to meet some extraordinary women including Karla Monje from the USA, the eventual winner of the competition.
After a hectic time abroad, we returned home to Melbourne and started work with our favourite label Vicoola Fashionista to organise a Little Stars Runway show to support Kids with Cancer Foundation; a small independent children’s charity that raises funds to support struggling families of children with cancer. This show also featured an impressive children’s’ line from Myer. Soon after, we continued our work with our young models for the Little Stars Runway Kids Entertainment Expo, a Christmas in July event to fundraise for Bully Zero Australia Foundation. Family and friends were treated to a series of fashion shows, a special performance by our guest artist, Kpop superstar & Neighbours star HaNy Lee and special appearances by Iron Man, Princess Jasmine & Aladdin and of course, Santa Claus himself! Our young models performed so well in the various runway shows that they were invited to model at the Craigieburn Shopping Centre for their VIP Night Fashion Runway show few weeks later. 2016 started off with a bang. We were very excited to add a new component to the Queen of the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival by introducing a ‘King’! The new addition of male models definitely added a new facet to the competition that lifted the competition to a new level. Our contestants had a w onderful time as VIPs on the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival Cruise followed by a chic fashion show at The Apartment on Bourke Street. Congratulations to Vetea and Denise who were crowned our King & Queen of the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival 2016!
CONNECT WITH ESTELA - ene.eventsmanagement@hotmail.com E & E Events Management Little Stars Runway Miss Latina Australia King and Queen of the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival
Moda Vida Magazine
We have been busy, but it has been wonderful. I am so thankful for all the new friendships, our loyal supporters, families and friends who have filled the year with so much laughter.
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would like to thank the entire team, starting with our Managing Director, Gary Lee, who is always by my side coordinating elements of the shows and supporting our contestants & models. To my dear friend Vicki Popovski of Vicoola Fashionista, designer, fashion designer and friend, thank you for your continuous support and your inspired ideas. I am also very grateful to Yvette Cuesta who heads up our hair and make-up team, her professionalism and attention to detail are exceptional.
E&E Events Management has been very fortunate to have a wonderful team of event coordinators too, so special thanks to Veronica Perez, Elle Phan and Hope Dolino who work tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Special gratitude to for helping us with write-ups, Wilari Tedjosiswoyo, our remarkable graphic designer who produced all the spectacular collateral for our events, including this delightful ModaVida Magazine; and Lina Salvo, for her endless encouragement and friendship. I am very thankful to all our sponsors, designers and supporters for their contributions and backing, as without them, our amazing events would not have been possible. To newest addition to the team, we welcome a new collaboration with Sea Weitzel of Mina and Mali Australia as our Creative Director for Little Stars Runway and we cannot wait to present some exciting new projects to all of you in due time. Finally, special thanks to my beautiful parents, my children and my husband for their unconditional support in all that I do.
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tand out at the beach with our cheeky cut bikinis and one-pieces. With eye-catching colours, gorgeous designs and top quality fabric, you’ll draw a crowd all the way from the pavement to the sand and surf.
Infamous Swimwear is inspired from our beautiful beaches and coastlines, and all the way to the natural and spiritual beauty of Bali. We believe in fun, confidence and playfulness when designing our styles locally here in Australia. Whether you’re sunbaking with girlfriends on your day bed, poolside in your villa with a cocktail in-hand, or carefree summer beach days, don’t settle for blending in with the crowd. Be Infamous.
www.infamousswimwear.com
Infamous Swimwear
infamous_swimwear
The Cocktail boutique offers you a refined shopping experience with a caring smile and gentle ear; they listen closely to your individual needs and cater accordingly through personal styling.
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ocktail Boutique is a beautiful shop located in Richmond. Sophistication, romance and elegance will surround you from the moment you step through their doors. They stock formal, cocktail, deb, wedding, bridal and unique dresses. Whether you are looking for a dress for Saturday nights girls soirée, a school formal, black tie event, or even the perfect accessory to make your outfit complete, they have something for you. They offer a range of dresses for bridal parties and can custom order for you if you can’t find exactly what you’re after. The Cocktail Boutique also stocks ‘The White Collection’ for deb balls and weddings.
Cocktail The Label
cocktailthelabel
A Crown & Her N
Catching up with Eva Giollo, Miss Latina Australia 2
O
ne year on since Eva Giollo took home the crown and the title of Miss Latina Australia to Mexico to represent Australia at the Miss América Latina del Mundo, Eva has been shows and even completed a Post Graduate degree in Nursing and Post Operative Nu
As Australia searches for the next Miss Latina Australia for 2016, we thought it would be tim journey so far and what tips she has for this year’s winner to have in order to win the interna
First of all, tell us a little about yourself Well my name is Eva and I’m 27 years old. I was so excited to win the title of Miss Latina Australia for 2015 and was then able to then take my title over to Mexico to compete for the Miss América Latina del Mundo. Although I did not win, I took away some amazing friendships and experiences away with me. This has definitely been a huge highlight in life! How did you start in the world in pageants? Was it a conscious step or was it spontaneous? I would definitely say it was a bit of both, as a young girl, I always dreamt of being a beauty queen. I remember sitting in front of the TV and watching Miss Universe and telling my mum that one day, I will be competing for a world title just like other girls but never thought that it would actually happen. When I heard about Miss Latina Australia last year, I thought I would take the opportunity and give it my best. By taking opportunities you can change your wondering to knowing. You can feel at ease knowing that you at least took the chance at the opportunity, whatever the outcome. How has the overall experience been so far? It has been such an amazing experience and such an amazing year, i have had great support from my family and friends and couldn’t thank them enough!! i have learnt so much a bout myself and watched my confidence grow, i have met so many people from all walks of life, doing photoshoots, runway shows and charity events was definitely the greatest highlight as well as meeting and maintaining friendships with all people involved with MLA. What were some of the highlights in Mexico? Mexico was such an amazing experience, competing for the world title was definitely a challenge and never experienced so many emotions in my life, biggest highlight was meeting all the lovely girls from all different parts of the world, and i was definitely proud to be the first to represent Australia in the Miss America Latina Del Mundo pageant. With contestants coming from all over the world, what does our
next Winner nee contestants? I really think it’s a person you are n competitive but m experience, so en
What is one thin Besides being Mis dedica the pag people backgr am als
Who is I believ bigges suppor who w
Your fa relax? I love b is. I fin good m thing t
What song are y that keeps you m I am old-school to 90’s music. I lo school hip-hop a compares to how to be as these son back to a good pl puts a smile on m
Finally, What are things you cann without? God, Family and
Nursing Ambitions
2015
a 2015, she has been busy. After a whirlwind trip involved in a series of photo shoots, ru& nways ursing earlier this year.
mely to catch up with Eva, her thoughts on her ational pageant to be held in Mexico.
ed to have to set herself apart from the other
about being yourself and not try to be the not. Be confident, be kind, don’t let it get too most of all, have fun! It’s meant to be a fun njoy every moment!
ng people might find interesting about you? ss Latina Australia I am a full time nurse. I have ated a lot of my time studying whilst competing in geant as I absolutely love my job. Another thing e find interesting about me is my multicultural round, I am mix Filipino, Argentinean and Spanish. I so a huge animal lover and have 3 fur babies.
s your inspiration and why? ve this was my winning question (haha). Yes my st inspiration is my MAMA! She has been my biggest rter, the wind beneath my wings and she is someone will bend over backwards for her family.
avourite place in the world to wind down and ? being at home! Home is where the heart nd relaxing on the couch with a movie is the most relaxing to do.
you listening to now motivated? I grew up listening ove my oldand RnB, nothing w the music used ngs take me laces. It always my face.
e the three not live Faith
Keeping up with
‘Dare2Bdifferent’ Gary Lee is a Melbourne-based
project & event coordinator. Best known for his award-winning dance crews PoisE’n and PoisE’n Bollypop, Gary has carved an impressive career in the entertainment industry varying from dance, fashion runways to the occasional appearances on TV series and advertisements. In the last 3 years, he has crafted an impressive series of events with friend, and CEO of E&E Events Management, Estela Tapia.
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link and you will probably miss him. Gary is a often a tornado of energy when he is managing events.
One obvious quality about Gary is his utter appreciation and respect for the designers, photographers, and models he works with. Taking pride in looking after people involved in his projects, Gary is fanatical that his volunteers, talents, creatives and guests are happy (one sentiment that Estela shares deeply), and as such, he is constantly on the move. Having earned a reputation as an affable and versatile talent, Gary has worked in all facets of fashion. He directs photo shoots, styles artists and works behind the scenes for many runway shows under the umbrella of the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.
‘gets immense joy in seeing people succeed.’ Off the runway, he enjoys being able to coach many of the participants of the competition and connect them with influential people within the industry to help empower, inspire and motivate aspiring models to enhance their modeling skills and confidence. The secret to the ‘garyleecious’ success is to mix things up - consistently. Always keeping people guessing as to what his next project is, he says the importance of adopting an open-mind, being adventurous and not being afraid to break rules are essential. Gary is so unpredictable that even his closest friends are no longer surprised as to what he gets up to. More importantly, he enjoys being able to infuse his creative ideas with Estela’s vision whenever they work together.
Gary has sizable roles in a major festivals across Victoria has amassed some of the best credentials in the business including the King & Queen of the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival, Little Stars Runway and as of last year, started collaborating with E&E Events Management to manage Miss Latina Australia.
Gary doesn’t claim to understand the industry meticulously, but he is always willing to learn. He is also not in a hurry to ‘grow-up’ or rush to figure everything out. “We have the rest of our lives to grow old, so why not be spontaneous and for now, I am content taking life a day at a time and enjoy this journey” he says.
‘What draws me to fashion is that it’s a celebration of creativity. It’s always different and I love seeing the throngs of people waiting for shows to start, it gives me the biggest thrill’ he confesses, and that he
In January this year, Gary was presented with the title ‘New Australian of the Year 2016’ by the Australia Day Council; a momentous recognition of the excellent contributions of migrants in Australia.
@garyleecious @divers_eat_y
Hogar
MARIA AUXLIADORA
“La sonrisa de un nino es la pureza de Dios”
H
ogar Maria Auxiliadora is an orphanage in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Run by nuns of Catholic Organization Hijas del Divino Salvador, the orphanage offers a welcoming home to 55 young girls aged between 3 to 18 years old and a space that provides stability, education and care; with the intention of supporting the girls’ development and empowering them to be part of society. Estela Tapia has a personal connection to the orphanage as her aunt, Sister Maria Alicia Caceres is one of the nuns that run the home. Her aunt has been an integral part of the home for many years since it was founded. Back in Melbourne, Estela and her family regularly run fundraising activities ranging from garage sales, community dinners to selling delicious pupusas to raise money for the orphanage’s Christmas celebrations. She has also actively used E & E Events Management and its flagship events to support the orphanage throughout the year. This year, Finalists of the Miss Latina Australia 2016 were also given the opportunity to raise money for the orphanage and be considered for the title of Miss Charity Award as part of the competition. This is in line with the competition’s focus on giving back to the less fortunate and empowering young girls all around the world. Inspired by her mother’s giving nature and lifelong devotion in supporting her community, Estela hopes to follow her mother’s footsteps to spread the joy of being compassionate and kind. For anyone wishing to donate to “Hogar Maria Auxiliadora,” please contact Estela Tapia on 0430 067 299.
Hogar Maria Auxiliadora
MISS LATINA AUSTRALIA 2016 JUDGES Eva Giollo Miss Latina Australia 2015, Registered Theatre Nurse Eva Giollo is the reigning Miss Latina Australia and represented Australia in Cancun Mexico in 2015 for the title of Miss América Latina del Mundo. She comes from a multicultural background and is very proud of Filipino and Argentinean background. She is a registered nurse specialising in anesthetics and post operative management and completed a Post Graduate degree in Nursing and Post Operative Nursing early this year.
Denise Kayan Lawyer & Queen of the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival 2016 Denise Kayan is the co-founder and head choreographer for Sambasita Productions, Melbourne’s Premier Brazilian entertainment dance company. She is the current Queen of Melbourne Latin Summer Festival, as well as a dance instructor in Brazilian Samba. Denise is a 5th year post-admission solicitor, specialising in personal injury law.
Vicki Popovski Fashion Designer, Vicoola Fashionista Vicki Popovski or “Vicoola’ Fashionista” has over 20 years of designing for celebrities, beauty pageants and for those needing a one of a kind dress for the red carpet, debutants or for weddings. Vicki is a highly accredited and respected business woman and entrepreneur; with extensive experience in advertising, marketing, beauty and fashion.
Kendrew A. Heriveaux Vocal Performer, Private Music Educator Kendrew Amir Heriveaux made his opera debut in Menotti’s opera The Telephone (L’Amour A Trois) in Miami, Florida and continued on to make his international debut appearing in Gershwin’s famed opera Porgy & Bess in Adelaide in 2006. He has also appeared in the Rossini’s opera Il Barbiere di Siviglia and with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, where he was a featured soloist. Currently he resides in Melbourne where he is a M. Mus candidate at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne.
Tamarabell Linares Fashion Designer, Eveningwear & Bridal Tamara Linares is a unique fashion designer from a Salvadorian background who reflects on high-class glamour and modishness in her design. She has showcased her collection for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, World Vegan Day of Australia and has been featured on Fashion TV Australia.
Tristan Manas
Managing Director, Project 628 Tristan Manas is Managing Director of Project 628 and is no stranger to the Pageant world having organised and supported many events across Victoria. He is an award winning film director and has produced Ladies Gridiron League tri Nation, Media Strikes Back, FASX, Xclusivox, COW TV and ‘The Bro Show.’
Written by Sarah Salvo
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nspired by her mother from a young age, Tamara independently broke into the design industry with ‘Tamarabell Designs’ in 2014. Tamara’s love for sewing and design developed from age 11 when, with the assistance of her mum, she sewed her first pencil case. From there, Tamara went onto sewing cushions and her own party dresses by age 15.
Starting off her business with alterations, it was word of mouth which initially put the name Tamarabell Designs out in the industry after Tamara was asked to design and create an evening dress for a private function. From there, she began to promote her business by posting her collections on Social Media. She has also gained publicity by photographers who photograph their models in her gowns and credit Tamarabell Designs in their portfolios. In 2015, one year after beginning her business, Tamara was approached by Melbourne
Tamara’s love for sewing and design developed from age 11 when, with the assistance of her mum, she sewed her first pencil case. Spring Fashion Week to have her collection on show at Longroom in Melbourne. As an emerging designer, this was Tamara’s first major collection event which gave her a great amount of exposure. A few months later, she was also invited to be a part of World Vegan Day which gave her exposure from Fashion TV in Australia. Moving forward, Tamara has ambitions to grow her business and become a well-known name in the Australian design industry. She would like to see herself known as a designer with gowns and garments made in Australia using all Australian materials. Currently, not only is Tamara working on custom made bridal and engagement gowns for clients, she is also working on a new collection to present at the Australian Fashion Awards. The event will be held in September 2016 and her collection will be couture based with an emphasis on details such as beading and lace. To find out more about Tamarabell Designs, view her collections or to get in contact with Tamara, you can find her through her Social Media pages.
Tamarabell Designs
tamarabell_designs
Photo credits: Tedy Himawari, Medoza Mina
MISS LATINA AUSTRA Tatiana Castiblanco
Andrea Atherton
Tatiana is currently studying social work and has a passion for singing, dancing, acting and modelling. Her aim in life is to become a professional singer and to support people in need. She is inspired by her mother who is a strong and independent woman that thrives through adversity.
Andrea’s interests include singing, fitness and spending quality time with her family. She is studying a Bachelor of Psychology and would like to open her own clinic one day. Andrea’s upbringing is heavily influenced by her mother’s kind-hearted and giving nature and such, she herself enjoys giving back to communities in need.
Chantell Andrades
Georgette Psarreas
Chantell enjoys a wide range of dance styles but has a special spot for hip-hop in particular. Currently studying to be psychologist, Chantell has a naturally outgoing and confident nature. She adores and thinks highly of her father who has dedicated his life to providing for his family.person to listen to and to help others.
Georgette is a singer and dancer and is presently completing a Bachelor of Contemporary Music. She enjoys teaching, collaborating and exchanging ideas in using music is used to health and wellbeing. Georgette is known for her willingness to lend a helping hand to her family and friends no matter what or when. One day, she plans to start her own business as a music therapist.
Stephanie Lemus
Rebecca Bone
Stephanie enjoys anything that is fashion-related. She is currently studying an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology. In the future, she hopes to establish her own company and for it to be successful enough so that she can travel the world. Stephanie is inspired by her sister, who has been a mother figure in her life and has always supported her through all the good and bad times.
Rebecca enjoys acting and modelling and has a big love for animals. She is currently working as a legal assistant though her dream is to become an actress and model. She also wants to build her own animal shelter. Enthused by strong women, there is no surprise that Rebecca has listed Beyonce as her role model.
Age 24 Colombian
Age 23 Chilean
Age 20 Salvadorian
Age 19 Philipino and Chilean
Age 21 Chilean and Greek
Age 22 Portuguese and Brazilian
ALIA 2016 FINALISTS Jesica Bustamante Age 23 Salvadorian
Jesica is a professional make-up artist and dancer who hopes to own a beauty school in the future. She is passionate about the issues of intimidation and harassment, and through advocacy work, she wants to ensure all young Latinas have a fulfilling life free from all forms of bullying.
Gloria Izavoth McInerney Sotomayor Age 21 Peruvian
Gloria wants to pursue a career in the fashion industry and is completing an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design & Technology at Melbourne Fashion Institute. She also enjoys dancing and cooking. In the future, she wants to start her own fashion business that allocates a percentage of profits to an orphanage of her choice. Gloria is fun-loving and is always present to help others.
Layce Renee Vocale
Francisca Fierro
Layce is a construction engineer who enjoys fitness and has a soft spot for nature and the environment. Her ambition is to become a successful entrepreneur and has named Jennifer Hawkins as one of her biggest inspirations. She admires Jennifer’s success as a former Miss Universe Australia and her thriving achievements as a business woman.through good and bad times.
Francisca’s interests are in the arts, music and fashion. She is currently a student but aspires to be business leader in the future. The best to way to describe Francisca is that she’s charismatic, caring and an outgoing person and names her father as the most influential role model in her life.
Chaveli Goya
Daniella Seoane
Chaveli has a love for all things ‘creative’. She enjoys painting, drawing, performing and has an appetite for cooking. She is currently studying visual arts and attending cooking classes when she is not hitting the books. She has named Sophia Loren as someone she really admires not just for her natural beauty, but her perseverance in working hard and carving herself a successful career.
Daniella is a Candombe dancer; an Uruguayan music and dance form. She hopes that her flair in movement and interest in fashion will help pave the way for her to become a professional model. One day, she dreams to walk the fashion runway shows in Paris Fashion Week. The person who motivates her most is her mother, whom she describes as a true fighter who has overcome many obstacles in life.
Age 26 Spanish, Italian and Aboriginal
Age 17 Chilean
Age 19 Chilean
Age 22 Uruguay
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icki Popovski or “Vicoola’ Fashionista” as everybody knows her as; lives and breathes fashion. With over 20 years of experience in varied high profile corporate, advertis-
ing and fashion entities under her belt, Vicoola’ is highly accredited, a respected business woman and entrepreneur; with extensive experience in advertising, marketing, beauty and fashion. Vicoola’ not only designs and styles pieces for herself named label VICOOLA’ but also fashion styles for other businesses; designers and clients. Entrepreneur of Vicoola’ Boutique and Senior partner of former retail business The Red Carpet Boutique. She is known for her unique, extravagant, sultry and sassy fashion style, it distinguishes her in a class of her own. Highly respected Celebrity Fashion Stylist, and Creative Director/Designer of her personally designed Vicoola’ Signature Designer Brand Label Collections” are an exclusive collection of custom designed, custom made show stopping creations. Vicoola’ Boutique is an exclusive and very unique boutique, that offers a very personalised one-on-one service, custom designing of all special event garments. This boutique has a beautiful collection of glamorous pieces; that are truly one of a kind showstoppers! From sexy & sassy Jumpsuits, suits, evening gowns, beauty pageant gowns, cocktail dresses, spring racing frocks, bridal party collection including mother of the bride, mother of the groom to wedding gowns. Specialising in unique one of a kind Beauty Pageant Gowns, Red Carpet Formal Gowns & Red Carpet show stopping creations. If Vicoola’ Fashionista doesn’t have a particular design in her collection, she can custom design and make it for you. VICOOLA’ Signature Designer Brand Label collections are exclusive unique creations which are made to perfection and of course Vicoola’ Fashionista always thrives on 100% customer satisfaction.
www.vicoolafashionista.com | 0448 396 529 Vicoola’ Fashionista
Vicoola’_fashionista
VICOOLA _
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ittle Stars Runway is an innovative event where families and their children can experience a fun, playful and enjoyable experience through fashion, music and the arts. Currently in its second year of operation, Little Stars Runway has engaged many young models aged between 3 to 16 and their parents in countless events across the state. Managed by E&E Events Management, Little Stars Runway provides young models the opportunity to work with premium kids designer fashion companies and take part in various catwalk shows with a focus of raising money for charities. Little Stars Runway aims to provide young models with a platform (literally) to discover their interests; talent as well as helping them build their self-esteem and confidence. Interested to get your child or teenager in fashion runway shows? Contact us at:
Little Stars Runway
Yvet A moment with
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armen Creatives is a creative management agency representing Melbourne’s elite creatives. We pride ourselves on being the most diligent and efficient team in the industry. Our creative team comprises of wide variety of experience levels and we can create a team suitable to fit within your budget. If you are aiming to shoot an editorial , make a music video, host an important business conference, stage a memorable fashion show or deliver a successful launch party it is vital to know that your project will be managed by a team of true professionals. Here at Carmen Creatives, our team has the extensive knowledge, proven people skills, and hard earned experience to help you make any project a spectacular success. Carmen Creatives specializes in: ▶
Photography and videography
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Hair & Make-up artists
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Models
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Events and event planning
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Fully equipped Studio for hire
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We also have many more industry professionals in our little black book.... ssshhhh
Carmen Creatives
You are relatively new to Melbourne but have had quite an amazing career. What have been some of the highlights for you working in the fashion industry? Melbourne has been really good to me, the opportunities that have been presented to me here I could have only dreamed of back In Perth. Ironically Miss Latina Australia has to be one of my biggest highlights since moving here. I met a lot of people who I am still friends or colleges with now. This Event has helped put Carmen Creatives on the map. How did you decide being a creative agent was the career for you? I fell into being a creative agent. Since I’m a photographer and good at networking, people have always come to me looking for hairstylist, makeup artist and models. For me it was only a natural step to start Carmen Creatives. If I can help connect people and give them the opportunities they need to help build their careers then why wouldn’t I? I have been fortunate enough
“Don’t be afraid to follow your passion, wherever it may lead you. Be willing to take risks and push outside of what is comfortable and predictable. Always have confidence in yourself and what you believe in. Even if people think you’re crazy. Remember you weren’t given this life to waste it so give it your all”- Yvette
tte
Relatively new to Melbourne, Miss Latina Australia’s Creative Director and Owner of Carmen Creatives, Yvette Christina Cuesta has already crafted an impressive portfolio of work. We caught up with Yvette to find out more about her career highlights, tips for aspiring makeup artists and what she can’t live without?
to have been supported and mentored by some incredible people so its only fair I give back. Who will you be working with on the Miss Latina Australia 2016? I will be bringing my team from Carmen Creatives along with a few talented Melbourne HMUAs. My right hand woman and makeup extraordinaire Karla Guzman, will be along side me as the head makeup artist. Where or who do you get your makeup inspiration from? I get most of my inspiration from my Creatives and MUA friends. I love watching them work as I always walk away with a few tips and tricks. There’s nothing better than watching and learning from people who love what they do. It’s very hard not to be inspired by that. You would have worked with many successful models and
celebrities. What are you tips for aspiring models and how they can work better with makeup artists? Let the makeup artist do their job. I know it can be very tempting to pick up the mirror and watch them as they go but its actually very rude and time consuming. Its best to just let the MUA do their job and if you want to critique the look in anyway just wait till the end. Is there anything that would surprise people about being a makeup artist? I think what would surprise people the most is how much equipment and products MUAs actually need to use. They need a lot of space to setup. I have work in places where they think a small table is enough for a team offour MUAs to use but realistically its not even enough room for one. What are the Three things you cannot live without? My camera, phone & mascara.
Photo credit: Tacitic Photography
E
very year, E&E Events Management scours Melbourne for young ladies aged 18-35 to compete for the title of ‘Queen of the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival’ and in 2016, we even included a hunt for a King!
Similar to previous years, our finalists were a multicultural bunch. Preliminaries were held at Copacabana International before finalists were whisked away on a cruise for the launch of the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival; a free multicultural themed festival that celebrates Latin America culture in Australia. The Finals took place at The Apartment where Vetea and Denise Kayan were crowned King and Queen of the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival 2016! Think you could be next to take the crown? Contact E&E Events Management today. King & Queen of the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival
K
wacha Luka a confident Malawian born woman, came to Australia with her parents at a young age. Since then she has always been inspired by fashion. It is this fascination that she had that developed her career into a fashion designer.
Kwacha Fashion @kweenqwacha kwachafashion@gmail.com 0404 293 388
Kwacha having a vibrant, enthusiastic and witty personality, was not interested in being a normal student in school. Throughout her school years she showed her loud personality and was usually sketching clothing. As the years went by Kwacha continued to develop her passion for clothes into a fashion line called “Kwacha Fashionista”. She also decided to teach herself sewing through watching Youtube. Kwacha’s line shows a twist of African and Australian designs. She uses a variety of inspiration from other fashion designers as well as what she sees around her. It is the dynamics of her passion, culture and personality that shows in her clothes line.
ABRISA Geelong is the first Brazilian association a Brazilian multicultural not for profit organization founded in Geelong by Marcos Matsuabara in December 2015 Head Office
153 Pakington St, Geelong West, 3218 Phone: (03) 5221 6044 Fax: (03) 5223 2848 Marcos 0422 585 135
▶ Provide information related to the needs of the newly arrived immigrant, minimizing the shock of social, cultural and economic transition. ▶ Encourage and support the socio-cultural integration of Brazilian and Portuguese speaking people into Australian society. ▶ Promote Brazilian cultural values, by stimulating community integration through social events. ▶ Promote the health and well-being of the Brazilian and Portuguese speaking communities by providing resources to prevent health problems. ▶ Work on several projects addressing key areas, such as information, health and education.
I
aki Vallejo is a Colombian singer who is based in Melbourne. She grew up in an environment where loud music and dance never seemed to ever despair its occupants. From inception, this was what influenced her musical career, which was ignited as early as she was 4 years of age.
As young as she was, she was so resilient in her musical career, as she performed in hotels, festivals, and private parties at her hometown, restaurants, and at her school’s singing festivals, in the quest of searching for a music path which she believed was her destiny. She once stated in one of her words that: “I didn’t find music, it found me”.
convergence of musicians from different parts of the word, such as—Colombia, Australia, Chile, Cuba, Greece, USA, Africa and Australia. This music is brave, joyful, rhythmic, full of life and inspired, if however combined with traditional songs; there will be an amazing new vibrant compositions.
I didn’t find music, it found me
Iaki’s debut self-titled album is set to be released on the 7th of July. As regards this effect, she will be celebrating with a launch at Bennett’s Lane, in Melbourne’s CBD. The album is a celebration of everyday life in Colombia and Melbourne, and was written in both countries. It combines Latin American flavour, beats, and storytelling with a universal appeal.
Her passion for music made her study music, dance and theatre as a discipline, which consequently transformed her into an all-round performer. Years later, Iaki moved to Bogota where she worked as a studio backup singer and later as the lead singer of her first music project. After some years, she had the opportunity to travel to Spain— where she worked with Latin American bands and performed in many music festivals around Cataluña.
Currently, she is ready to release and launch her album where she collaborated with David Jones, the master drummer and producer, who co-produced two of the songs, and played what he knows to do best, playing drums. The album was produced by The Colombian arranger and Producer Cristian Villota. The prodigy of music, Iaki, is so versatile to the extent that she wants to marry Colombian, South American and African rhythms together, by giving them an international sound, which would be a blend of—funk, jazz, and Latin styles—horns, bass, and guitars with tambora, marimba, conunos, kalimba (traditional percussion) and melodies. Iaki’s ambition is to blend these energetic forms, cultures and traditions together, in order to popularise the roots of her musical formation whilst creating a new exciting sound. She realised that this can only be achieved through the
iaki.com.au
When she was asked about her upcoming album, she said:” This album reflects my story- my dreams, hopes, and songs about my daily life. ‘Margarita’ was written about my mother – one of the biggest inspirations in my life”. When asked about her career as a musician, she replied: “The music industry is not easy, and it would be absolutely impossible to survive the heat if one doesn’t have a burning passion for music. I was born to be a performer! I was born to do this! Over the years, I have realised that the best way to communicate with people of diverse cultures, languages and age differences is through one single language, and that is ‘music’. I understand this, and I am always willing to communicate with people through this universal language. Above all, the excitements I feel when I see happy faces, forgetting their loads of sorrows where they buried them, and smiling at me when they hear me sing cannot be overemphasised. It means I am doing my job! I am doing what I was born to do! I am fulfilling my destiny!”
Iaki Vallejo
iaki_vallejo
SALAMANCA LATIN BAND Written by Sarah Salvo, Edited by Giovanni Salamanca
F
orming musical ties more than 20 years ago, the Salamanca Band began with two members - Giovanni and Freddy. Over the years, the band has developed into a trio and collaborated with many other talented musicians and various percussionists. This has provided the group with new enriching experiences, colours and harmonies. The three members of SLB, Giovanni, Freddy and Max, each bring diversity of culture to the group. This has allowed them to incorporate many genres in their music. Influenced by his father’s love of music, Giovanni has had a passion for music from a young age. He has an Italian/Australian background and provides the band with lead vocals, plays the keyboard and is responsible for the musical arrangements. His love for Latin music developed further after meeting his wife who is of a South American background. He immersed himself in the culture, food and people of Latin America and discovered a world of music previously unknown to him. Bringing an El Salvadorian culture and a strong Latin influence to the group, Freddy plays bass guitar and backing vocals. Freddy contributes to the band’s psyche bringing with him a rich musical heritage. He comes from a very musical family (the Acosta/Caceres clan) and was the first bass player with Cacique, a successful, ground-breaking Latin/Australian salsa big-band created by his brother Ronald. Now his son Ivan, following in the family’s footsteps, joins the band regularly on the congas. Max, who has been playing guitar with SLB for 3-4 years brings Chilean flavour to the band. He began his musical career at 20 in the 90’s with Chilean band Caradura. He is
Influenced by his father’s love of music, Giovanni has had a passion for music from a young age. greatly influenced by progressive pop, rock and r&b and brings many years of experience playing casinos, restaurants, clubs, pubs and private functions in Chile. He was the founder of Lado B which focussed on 80’s progressive rock, latin rock and latin dance music. He brings rich harmonies to SLB with his backing vocals, and if you close your eyes, his guitar work would make you think Santana is in the room! Salamanca Latin Band plays a mix of restaurants and private functions. Their repertoire is diverse and the band versatile allowing them to tailor their music to the crowd. Although their forte is Latin, their music can range from Italian, Brazilian to Pop. With his passion for operatic and Neapolitan arias, Giovanni will at times break away from their regular show to perform classical piece. The band continues to move forward through feeding off each other’s musical talents and collaborating with other talented local artists. The hard work they put in is rewarded in spades when crowds are entertained and respond enthusiastically to the music they create.
To find out more about SLB and to keep up to date with their gigs, visit www.salamancaband.com
Denise Kayan, Queen of the Melbourne Latin Summer Festival 2016
This package includes a 2.5 hour photo shoot with the best photo from each look/outfit edited including both print and web versions. Hair & makeup provided by a qualified hair and makeup artist
PORTFOLIO STARTER/UPDATE WEEKDAY PACKAGE suitable for models, actors, dancers of any age
MODA MAGAZINE SPECIAL
$345
NORMALLY VALUED AT $690
Photoshoot will be held at Tacitic Studio in Bundoora from 2:30pm on a weekday, or weekend for an extra $100 fee. Please contact David by Facebook or email to arrange a suitable time and day. *Offer expires end of August 2016 Tacitic Photography or taciticphotography@gmail.com
MISS LATINA AUSTRALIA 2016
Gown Sponsor
Streaming live at Coronation Night
Trtavel sponsor for interstate contestants
Proudly Supporting Hogar Maria
6 - SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
Gown Sponsor
www.infamousswimwear.com
Head of hair and makeup team
Graphic Design
The Regal Ballrom 0 venue
Auxiliadora , Cochabamba, Bolivia
Label and creative director for Little Stars Runway fashion show