Updated ABLA Magazine

Dedicated to the dream team that made this first issue possible.

-Isabel Crespo, Editor-in-Chief

Siena Seps Graphic Designer

Ashley Huang Editor

Loewen Fashion Director

Jacqueline Yang Editor

Hannah

Miguel Moya Lead Photographer

LETTER from the editor

Welcome to the 2024 spring issue and inaugural print edition of ABLA Magazine. I am so proud of our collective effort and excitedly anticipate your immersion in the beauty, wisdom, and artistry permeating every page of this publication. Each detail has been meticulously chosen and intently crafted with the purpose of effectively communicating our theme: Essence.

Essence, as we define it, encompasses drawing inspiration from our surroundings—the sights, sounds, smells, sensations, and imaginings that make up the fabric of the human experience. Often, this inspiration originates from the natural world itself. Whether it be the dancing flames of fire, the delicate drizzle of rainfall, or the whispering serenade of the leaves in the breeze, there are moments of witnessing that encapsulate the very essence of Mother Nature.

Now is the time to truly embrace the unrefined, majestic, and intrinsic beauty of nature, while also striving to do it justice. After all, it is a luxury to experience the creations, allure, and undeniable grandeur of the natural world. To honor it appropriately involves celebrating its magnificence through mediums like fashion, art, and culture, all the while ensuring that sustainability is at the forefront.

In this issue, we delve into how the luxury industry draws inspiration from nature and pays homage to its power and beauty—a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving our natural environment now and in the future. It is my hope that you emerge from these pages with a deeper respect and admiration for the natural world, as well as a deeper understanding of the ways that luxury and nature intersect.

On behalf of Abla magazine, we sincerely hope that you love this issue as much as we have loved crafting it.

Isabel Crespo Editor-in-Chief

Peace Awareness Labyrinth Gardens (PAL&G) is a “Spiritual Oasis” within the city of Los Angeles. Established by the Movement of Spiritual Awareness (MSIA), a non-profit center dedicated to peace and spirituality, the gardens provide the public with a serene space to visit, reflect, and refresh amidst the beauty, peace, and tranquility that they offer.

Located in this secluded natural getaway is a stone labyrinth constructed in 2001 after the designs of the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. Moreover, an Asian-themed meditation garden was opened in 2002, featuring various water attractions, a koi pond, and seating areas for relaxation, reflection, and meditation.

Visitors can book tours for exploring the grounds and the interior of the historic villa. PAL&G also offers weekly classes and workshops on personal growth and spirituality.

The Luxurious Call of Sustainability and Serenity: Minimalist Jewelry Inspired by Nature

In the world of luxury as we most know it, extravagance often speaks the loudest, but amidst this, a refreshing world is emerging simultaneously. A world that reconnects us with the elemental beauty of the world and disconnects us with the conventional realms of luxury. Minimalist jewelry takes inspiration from all parts of nature, blending in timeless pieces with simultaneous incorporations of sustainability. With minimalist jewelry, sustainability is incorporated from the early stages, redefining timeless elegance through the lens of the natural world.

At the heart of today’s movement towards minimalist luxury, nature-inspired jewelry stands as a testament to the quiet luxury narrative. It is ever so apparent that contemporary designers are showcasing the art of simplicity through crafting pieces that reflect the tranquil beauty of the natural world. Through the use of understated designs, organic shapes, and natural resources, these creations offer a peaceful respite from the pace of modern life, encapsulating the essence of nature’s calm and serenity.

The journey of the artistry behind nature-inspired jewelry and design goes beyond wanting to unlock a new vision for priceless pieces but a mindset shift within the industry. The luxury word is only beginning to realize that more is just…more, not always better. Designers are moving beyond the notion that more equates better, bringing forth multiple sources of inspiration from their surroundings, allowing them to incorporate natural gemstones and materials while also serving as an homage to the unrefined beauty of the earth. The beauty of it all comes back to the wearer, carrying a thoughtfully sustainable piece with them in their everyday lives.

Inspired by nature, these pieces are just the beginning of the vision for sustainability within the broader luxury jewelry sector, and also with jewelry that is particularly made with nature in mind. The greater fashion and luxury industry stands at the crossroads of opulence and environmental responsibility. Yet, jewelry in particular, has a more direct relationship with the materials that make it. Sustainable jewelry not only teaches us but first hand shows us the luxury of

simplicity, finding the beauty in things like the curve of a leaf or the color and shapes of stones.

As the future and evolution of jewelry is contemplated, much of it being witnessed already, a mindful approach to luxury becomes increasingly apparent. As the Business of Fashion reported back in 2021, executives are increasingly recognizing sustainable and ethical practice not just as moral imperatives but as significance avenues for business growth:

“By 2025, we expect sustainability-influenced purchases will account for 20 to 30 percent of all fine jewelry sales (equivalent to $70 to $110 billion). This would be a remarkable three- to fourtimes increase from 2019.” (Business of Fashion, 2021)

These brands are setting new standards for ethical practices as well as addressing brands whose practices are detrimental to our planet in the short and long run. The ethically sourced materials that some use, such as lab-grown gems and recycled metals, all to showcase the trailblazers that are proving that truly luxury lies in harmony with the planet.

As we look into the future and evolution of jewelry, with a mindful approach to luxury, we can begin to see the beauty in valuing subtlety, artistry, and sustainability. The most profound expressions of opulence can arise from the quietude of nature’s essence, also urging the broader luxury community to lead the way in environmental stewardship. Striking the delicate balance between the allure of luxury and the imperative of ecological consciousness will allow us to explore the elegance of sustainability.

By: Elina Khoshnevis

The “Mob Wife’s” Return

Pivoting to Sustainability in the Modern Era

Almost like a big ‘F U’ to the clean girl aesthetic, the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic borrows the opulence portrayed by the poised personas of mob spouses in media. Flashy, fabulous, flamboyant: This aesthetic screams wealth, luxury, and defiance amidst the tumultuous world of mob media. However, where this allure of the past meets the demands of the present, the hallmark fur coat has made its way into the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic. Even though it is synonymous with power and an aura of invincibility, the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic faces the challenge of adapting to the current fashion zeitgeist which prioritizes sustainability and ethical considerations. Can the style survive? Can it evolve and stay true to its essence? Will it?

But what is the essence of the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic to begin with? The trend seemingly emerged from the bowels of TikTok, when user Kayla Trivieri shared a video boldly claiming that “Clean girl is out; mob wife era is in, okay?” All of a sudden, today’s fashion goddesses–the likes of Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Dua Lipa–began donning fur print and oversized shades in dark, brooding ensembles, like those donned by Michelle Pfeiffer’s character in Scarface or Carmela Soprano in The Sopranos.

On the surface of this aesthetic, ebony shades act as armor for the eyes as much as gaudy gold pieces become more than accessories–they are declarations of status and standing. Juxtaposed against the minimalism of the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic, the ‘mob wives’ of today celebrate excess and power, serving as an almost theatrical expression of identity through fashion; each piece synonymous with the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic narrates strength, resilience, and an interplay of gender and dynamics.

And this aesthetic seems to intertwine perfectly with today’s runway-ready looks; from newer faces like Schiaparelli and Alaïa to longtime favorite fashion houses like Versace, Gucci, or Dolce and Gabbana, the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic seems to fit into contemporary fashion tapestry of high fashion.

Yet the use of fur remains highly controversial amidst a shift toward sustainability. As consumers become more aware of the environmental and ethical impact of their fashion choices, the prevalence of fur as part of a larger trend is liable to heavy scrutiny within this modern paradigm

shift. As such, the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic is at the center of conflict between maintaining fur as part of its extravagance, but also reconciling with the initiative of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

To thrive, it seems like the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic must undergo drastic reinterpretations. Ultimately, it is the balance between authenticity and innovation, between homage and adaptation. As fashion evolves, the aesthetic must embrace sustainable and ethical practices, whilst maintaining the quintessential strength and opulence. By combining traditional elements with sustainable materials and ethical production, the aesthetic would resonate with modern audiences and larger brands, repurposing a once harmful staple into a captivating and inspiring initiative. At the same time, a redefined ‘mob wife’ aesthetic would prove that opulence and fashionability do not come at the expense of sustainability and conscious consumerism.

But at its core, the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic is an appreciation of nature–the aesthetic’s evolution speaks to the overarching themes of drawing from nature. And in the same way the natural world adapts through change, the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic is poised to undergo similar transformations, reflecting the same resilience and opulence inherent in nature. Therefore, it would only be right that the aesthetic adapts to modern audiences by serving sustainable initiatives and upholding environmental stewardship. Putting forth this narrative of adaptation and respect is the essence of nature and would prove that this new era of luxury honors the past whilst embracing a conscientious future.

By Lucas Sumartha

Bodhi Kamitses 1

Anna Greer and Ayaana Desai photographed by Bodhi Kamitses somewhere in Malibu.

Oasis Studio

Kristin Deshotel

The Intersection of Sustainability and Handbags

There’s often this misconception that in order for something to be considered “luxurious,” it must equate to astronomical prices that begin in the $1000s and range into the $100,000s. There’s an even bigger misconception that creating luxury exists at the expense of nature, withering down what this planet provides in order to produce the best handbags on the market. However, this cannot be farther from the truth. In reality, something noted as “luxurious” is closer defined to one’s craftsmanship and their ability to take natural resources without causing more harm to society. There’s a reason why “luxurious” is defined by its quality, not its pricing.

It’s important to shed light on brands that have taken initiatives to protect the environment but still maintain a high level of craftsmanship in their handbags. Whether or not we realize it, nature plays a pivotal role in the craftsmanship of handbags, but despite how opposite one may think about the two, it is possible for the craftsmanship of fine handbags to coexist with the essence of what nature provides. The most notable brands that have defined a new way of affordable and sustainable luxury are Mashu and Cuyana. With some of the finest quality out there, these brands highlight a segment of luxury that is not always discussed — affordable luxury. Luxury can be defined in various ways, in this case, affordable luxury will be discussed in the context of the amazing brands out there that honor nature with beautiful craftsmanship that will not break the bank.

Mashu

Mashu is a vegan, luxury brand that was founded in 2017. With much of their focus on being sustainable while still offering high-quality pieces, designer and founder Ioanna Topuzoglou made it their mission to launch a brand that places equal emphasis on promoting ethical choices within the luxury goods industry. Most importantly, Mashu is very transparent with its craftsmanship, noting on its online store where its handbags are produced, the materials it uses, and its mission statement. While the brand focuses on producing vegan handbags, they have also made it their mission to inform customers as best as they could about the handbag industry, specifically why choosing specific materials is so important in protecting the environment.

Known for their classic yet fun approach to handbags, Mashu uses these materials in all their products: apples, corn, grape, piñatex, organic cotton, and recycled polyester. By maintaining transparency about their brand, they hope to continue bringing more awareness to the importance of aiming for sustainable methods within the handbag industry. Besides their beautiful craftsmanship and unique take on handbag styles, Mashu furthers their sustainability approach by offering free repairs on all their products. With a variety of handbags to choose from, prices range from $300-$600, and whether one appreciates neutral colors or vivid, eye-catching colors, Mashu has something for everyone.

Cuyana

Timeless and longevity. Two words that perfectly describe Cuyana’s brand. Founded in 2011 by co-founders Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah, the brand with the intention of creating elegant handbags that could last a lifetime and perfect for any occasion. With the motto, “fewer, better,” the brand offers a program called Cuyana Revive that will take back any bags from customers who no longer want them. Past, current, and new customers can visit the site to shop, sell, or donate luxurious, leather Cuyana bags at a lower price.

Understanding the amount of waste that is created from handbags being thrown out each year, Cuyana pushes for sustainability to be at the forefront in sourcing, production, and customer experience.

Following their motto of “fewer, better,” Cuyana produces and releases their bags in smaller shipments to ensure 90% of their products can be sold. Therefore, ensuring there’s less unnecessary excess in their inventory (and potentially landfill). More importantly, Cuyana works with suppliers who have the same vision and mission as them, having the same passion for ethical practices and striving for high quality material that is also environmentally friendly. Despite all these efforts, Cuyana continues to find ways to formulate their brand to be as sustainable as possible, working towards carbon-neutral packaging and 100% usage of sustainably-certified materials in all their products.

Their Impact

Mashu and Cuyana are not the only brands out there that have taken the initiative towards a more environmentally-friendly approach to luxury handbags. However, the two brands have set the standard for the convergence of sustainability and luxury, setting the stage of what it means to produce the finest products with the richest products. Luxury and fashion can coexist, and while there is still work to be done for this industry, Mashu and Cuyana have done a wonderful job in beginning the conversation of protecting the environment in a world of consumerism.

By: Kimberly Pham

Corey Gifft Bodega

PRB Bodega Kaos

Rue Sophie/MVPR House of Maile

Rue Sophie/MVPR House of/Haus of Jewelry

Rue Sophie/MVPR

House of/Haus of Jewelry

Bodega

Nature’s Play

Makonnen Haile Bodega

Sustainability in Makeup:

The Future of the Cosmetic Industry

The development and institution of sustainability efforts across the cosmetics industry is perhaps one of the most far-reaching and key aspects to achieving a green future that can be seen today. Although seemingly small and insignificant when it comes to thinking about climate change as a whole, makeup is so universal and essential to the daily routines of millions of people. It has the unique power and ability to make a significant difference in terms of carbon emissions and waste reduction. Considering the mass amount of ingredients needed to fulfill and perfect complicated individual formulas, as well as the materials needed for the packaging of just one single product, it is easy to see how there is so much potential for the creation of waste. This, coupled with the fact that most people own a multitude of these products, has led to a more recent movement towards waste reduction and sustainability across the cosmetics industry. Beauty products have begun the difficult and innovative process of going green, rethinking their formulas and packaging in order to keep the environment and world beautiful as well.

Whether it be the older, more established brands that are adapting to new eco-friendly practices and alternatives, or the new brands that have been founded on the principles of sustainability, the world is seeing a beauty and cosmetics revolution. As environmentally conscious consumers, it is important to lend support and patronage to products and brands that stand behind the mission of sustainability. This ultimately reduces individual contribution to environmental waste, while also pressuring other brands and products on the market to rethink their image and priorities. Something as simple as making a purchase can be used to make a statement, making it imperative for the future of global health to look into the practices of big brands and products before making a purchase. Below are three brands making remarkable strides in this regard, sweeping the industry with their eco-friendly initiatives.

RMS BEAUTY

RMS Beauty is known to be one of the leading brands in terms of sustainability across the cosmetics industry. The brand focuses heavily on “zero-waste” makeup products, which ensure that the quality of the product is not compromised, but rather enhanced by green initiatives. One of the most notable and key eco-friendly initiatives from RMS Beauty focuses on the packaging of their products. All RMS products are sent within minimalistic packaging, most of which are recyclable glass jars and pots, working to minimize any plastic waste. The majority of products are encased in aluminum tubes with reusable metal tube keys to help maximize the use of the product and allow for the removal of every bit of it before recycling. The outer cartons used by RMS are constructed from 80% recycled paper, and all print uses plant-based inks. Outside of these remarkable strides for sustainability in packaging, this brand has received rave reviews in terms of pigmentation, long-lasting nature, and clean beauty formulas that leave the skin feeling nourished. This means that RMS Beauty is not just a top brand because it is sustainable, but because it is sustainable and produces high quality products.

ALL EARTH MINERAL COSMETICS

All Earth Minerals Cosmetics focuses largely on sustainability and cruelty free practices throughout their wide range of skincare and beauty products. Co-founder Julie Wieczorek established All Earth Minerals Cosmetics with the idea in mind that harsh chemical ingredients in beauty products could and should be replaced by nature’s own ingredients. Following these values, the brand introduced one of a kind innovative packaging called the “pot for life,” which is constructed completely from repurposed fishing nets. The products are encased in durable containers with biodegradable and recyclable refills.

The brand also offers plastic-free alternatives, compostable samples, and eco-friendly skincare packaging to help fulfill its sustainability goals. Additionally, All Earth Minerals Cosmetics offers an “Eco Swap” service, which allows customers to recycle their old makeup containers and brushes through the company itself, which partners with Terracycle, in order to make sure that even the smallest parts of these products are in fact recycled and put to good use.

KJAER WEIS

Kjaer Weis is a pioneer in terms of sustainability across the cosmetics industry, focusing not just on sustainable processes and materials, but also on the importance of clean products. Consequently, the brand is most highly concerned with the ingredients going into the products themselves, wanting to give a luxurious feel to their high-quality makeup. Kjaer Weis products do not contain harsh chemicals like phthalates, parabens, or petrolatum in any of their formulas. Instead, the brand is focused on vegan, cruelty-free, and certified natural or organic products. Specifically, the natural and organic certifications must come from Italy, as the ingredients there are subject to more strict procedural codes and regulations relating to the cosmetics industry. The Kjaer Weis products come in high-end mirrored compacts constructed from Zamac, a sustainable alloy of aluminum, copper, and magnesium. On top of this, the compacts are refillable, which heavily reduces waste production by the brand.

CONSUMER AWARENESS

As ethical and environmentalist consumers, knowing what to look for when in the market for new products is important. If these brands are not available, or if curiosity surrounding the ethical and sustainable practices of a specific brand or product pops up, here are some simple signs on the packaging that can serve as an indication. Firstly, when in-store or online, it is imperative to check for certifications or labels which indicate that the brand is cruelty-free and focused on

sustainability. Additionally, checking the packaging to see the material that it is made of and surveying it for any potential signs or claims of sustainability can be an immediate indicator. Research is important; many claims that are made can be made for marketing purposes, so it is imperative to fact-check for concrete information regarding a company or product’s sustainability policy and actions. Some key things to look for in research include the Gold Standard Certified label given out by the United Nations to certain carbon-neutral products or brands, as well as Pass 2060, which is a certification used by reputable organizations such as Carbon Jacked and The Carbon Trust to declare official carbon neutrality. In order to check for responsibility regarding plastics, the most effective marker to check is to check the packaging for any labels regarding the makeup of the packaging itself, as to whether or not it can be recycled, as well as if it is made up of recycled materials. Biodegradability is another crucial area for environmentalism, so it remains another top area to check for regarding statements on packaging or a product itself. In the UK and EU, the BS EN 13432 standard has been adapted, which involves strict testing and policies to ensure that a product or packaging is truly biodegradable completely within a reasonable time frame and is free from toxic elements. Patronage is activism, and something so simple as picking and choosing the cosmetics products and brands to buy and buy from can truly make a difference in this planet’s future. Supporting these spotlighted brands, in addition to taking the time to investigate the truth of products before purchase, can play a role in shaping tomorrow. Picking the products that focus on the beauty and health of the consumer as well as the beauty and health of the earth and atmosphere will promote sustainability both in makeup, and in the world.

By: Sarah Goldstein

Shifting Perspectives:

The Nature of Environmental Creativity in a Changing World

Art has always been a cultural reflection, mirroring social anxieties, feelings, and political shifts. Its main function is a timeless testament to the evolving tapestry of human experience, capturing each era’s essence in its unique, and expressive, forms, and also acts as a dynamic force that interprets the world, catalyzes change, inspires movements, and shapes the collective consciousness of societies throughout history.

The intersection of art and nature has been under the public’s scrutiny. The central goal of environmental art is to educate the viewers about climate issues and their irreversible ramifications. Incorporating organic natural materials, and contrasting them with human-made structures raises awareness about sustainability and environmental conservation. While environmental art is a recent phenomenon, its importance shouldn’t be overlooked. The fusion of artistic expression and environmental conscientiousness builds a bridge between creativity and activism. This artistic movement validates the evolving role of art as a catalyst for change, not only within the realms of societal dynamics but also in fostering a renewed sense of responsibility towards the matter of the planet. One group of critics argues that the movement has its roots in the Paleolithic era with cave illustrations compromised in their portrayal and lifelike representation. Their opponents, however,

believe that the inception of Natural Art can be traced back to the Romantic art period, where the portrayal of human-nature interaction responded to the challenges posed by the Industrial Revolution.

Environmental art surfaced as a genre in the 1960s in response to increasing apprehensions regarding environmental decline, but only gained traction in the early 1990s as a fundamental art movement. Agnes Denes, a conceptual artist originally from Hungary and currently residing in New York City, is a pioneer in the early environmental art movements. She focuses on exploring human perceptions of natural cycles and the concept of nature caretaking. Undoubtedly, her most renowned environmental art endeavor is “Wheatfield, a Confrontation,” crafted in 1982. Denes dedicated six months to its creation, involving the planting of a golden wheat field on a two-acre landfill filled with debris near Wall Street in Manhattan.

Another key figure, Edward Burtynsky, developed a fascination with using photography to investigate areas altered by industry, which was ignited during his upbringing in a hometown featuring a General Motors plant, titled “Three Gorges Piece.”

In this instance, Burtynsky captured the construction of the contentious Three Rivers Dam in Hubei Province, China. While the dam aimed to boost electricity production and enhance the region’s shipping capabilities, its actual impact was the devastation of agricultural land, displacement of over a million residents, and the initiation of ecological transformations ranging from landslides to a decline in biodiversity.

Finally Mathidle Roussel’s “Lives of Grass” delves into the political and existential dimensions of our relationship with food. Her living grass sculptures, crafted from recycled materials, soil, and seeds, intricately capture the essence of life, growth, and the inevitable cycle of decay. By illustrating that food, from its origin to transportation, impacts us beyond its taste, Roussel’s work serves as a poignant reminder of our interconnectedness with the world’s food cycles. In observing nature unfold through these sculptures, we are led toward a heightened awareness that enables a better understanding of global realities, from abundance to famine. “Living Grass” goes beyond sensory experiences, offering nourishing food for thought within the broader narrative of art as a catalyst for change and societal responsibility. As viewers, we observe human figures lying on the ground, suspended in the air with grass growing directly from the corpses.

The collection of these sculptures is materialized from the idea that our essence is rooted in our daily consumption habits (MyArtIsReal).

Environmental artists aim to investigate the connection with nature by integrating their artistic practices into the fabric of their surroundings. This form of artistic expression challenges cultural perceptions of where art is made; instead of confining to a secluded, dark studio, environmental art uses outdoor spaces to deliver the message. In the contemporary world, where young people are especially concerned about sustainability, the environmental art movement continues to grow. It provides an escape into the magnificence of the environment, elevating nature to the symbol of luxury and preservation. This article explores recent environmental art compositions and their original message. Raising awareness through these thought-provoking expressions can substantially change individual lifestyles and deescalate the effects of climate change.

By: Roman Panibratyuk

PRB House of Kristina K

Christine Bukkehave

Ella Oskan

Bodhi Kamitses 2

Rodeo Workwear

RUBY

Rodeo Workwear Monfrére

Rodeo Workwear Monfrére Bodega

Special Thanks

Above and Beyond Luxury Assoc. Rue Sophie/MVPR

Rodeo Workwear

House of