Contessa's Court August 2015 Issue

Editor’s Letter Well this month seems to be our European edition.

Working alongside Gordon Flynn we are happy to bring you interviews with some of Gordon’s favorite people behind the camera. Gordon, our European Fashion Editor, feels it is important to give highlight to the photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, designers. All who make the models look amazing on shoots and on the runway!

Table of Contents

Page 44 An interview with Adey Saphire Page 102 Gordon Flynn “Favorite of the Month’’ Page 114 5 Simple steps to properly size yourself for a perfect fitting Oooh La La bra!

Page 135 Cheryl Smith Article Page 142 Model of the Month Kelly Kenubia Page 174 Interview with Makeup Artist Aasiya Raja Page 194 Interview with Photographer Glenn Cockerill

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Steals and D All Because of you A cluster of tiny shimmering white beads nestled in the center of a full bloom of soft white petals Hair clip and pin marysjewelryboutique.com

Shades of Gray Bracelet A collection of gray and silver charms combine for a timeless look. Charms include hearts, cherries, and flowers marysjewelryboutique.com

All The Trimmings Pink Ribbon Necklace A silky pink ribbon replaces a traditional chain to give an elegant look.

Pearly Pastel pink beads and funky silver pieces intermix with varying lengths of silver chains to give a fresh take on a Victorian Inspired piece. marysjewelryboutique.com

Deals for $5 When You Wish Upon a Star: A collection of sivler hoops and charms alternate between pearly beads in a variety of colors along a timeless silver chain. Charms include hearts and stars. Center hear charm is inscribed with the phrase “With ALL MY Heart” on one side and a short bible verse on the other that reads “Love the Lord thy God with all your heart” Luke 10:27

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Two by Two Green Hippy Headband One band of green suede and one of brown suede are dotted with silver studs and connected to a band of black elastic marysjewelryboutique.com

Femme-Fatale Headband A strand of tiny white pearls is threaded between two rows of white fabric that have been topped with rows of gold ball and chain. Elastic band marysjewelryboutique.com

Steals and D Love Story-Dainty clusters of shimmering white pearls are dusted with sparkling rhinestones, creating a romantic timeless design

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Love Story-Dainty clusters of shimmering white pearls are dusted with sparkling rhinestones, creating a romantic timeless design marysjewelryboutique.com

Hypnotized Gold also comes in Silver- 3 oversized rhinestones are nestled into three textured gold fittings connected by oval gold rings. A brilliant statement piece marysjewelryboutique.com

Deals for $5 Sweetly Scattered in Pink-A collection of beads in a Strawberry Ice finish combine with translucent beads slightly tinted in same tone

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Stay Cool Pink-playful beads in strawberry ice finish marysjewelryboutique.com

Every Which Way Orange-a small tangerine diamond is suspended inside a kite shaped frame created from an upward facing arrow of rhinestones marysjewelryboutique.com

Steals and D Atlantis-2 purple flowers with elegant green leaves and bright rhinestone center sit above a bubbled silver finish marysjewelryboutique.com

Fools Gold- a row of gold chain link dotted with black beads centers marysjewelryboutique.com

Headband Sailing the Milky Way a strand of white rhinestones with starlight luster intertwines with black lace and leather creating a dazzling braid marysjewelryboutique.com

Deals for $5 OH Romeo- silver rope headband marysjewelryboutique.com

Chatterbox Pink-pink petals with airy cutouts at edges layered together to create flower marysjewelryboutique.com

Steel Magnolias- silky petals bounce into a edgy magnolia design comfort band marysjewelryboutique.com

An Interview with Adey Sapphire

By Gordon Flynn

What made you first interested in Fashion design?

I think one would have to go way back to when I was a kid when I loved to draw, my mum used to read a lot of ‘woman’s own magazine’ and in my idle moments I would flip through her latest magazine to see what the latest fashions were. I loved the colours and textures of the dresses even though the names meant nothing to me. I would then try to draw the beautiful models in their lovely outfits and colour them with colour pencil focusing on the lips and the hair and then the dresses, trying to make them just as beautiful as in the magazine. It was very simple to draw as the dresses were mostly ‘A Line’. So I think that was how my creativity started to form. Then when I got older I discovered fabrics! My paternal grand mum had loads of clothes! Some dated way back to the 1950s. They were in the traditional Nigerian gear, except they were in all kinds of textures. Through her I began to know what taffeta was, or polyester, or cotton, poplin, organza, damask, Voile, Silk, aso-oke, tie and dyes and batiks of the sorts I had never seen before and the colours were amazing!

So, needless to say, I used to coax my Nan to give me a piece of fabric from one of these outfits, the ‘iro’ which is the wrap, is sometimes about two to three metres long, and I would have secretly been eyeing it and thinking, “what can I make from this that would work as a top?” As soon as I’ve worked it out I start my mission to persuade her to give me the fabric. So, I’d design the top and add some nice simple detail, then give it to our tailor to make who would have been carefully chosen because of his good finishing skills. Then I started designing things for my younger sister. Of course she could have never worn some of them. I designed a pant suit for her that flattered her figure while still keeping it demure – she was only about fourteen or so when I did that, but anyhow, she was my muse and I would draw all these avant-garde pieces that was wild, sassy and sort of what I would want to see any beautiful girl wear. That was just one of many

things I did and my dad recognising that I was creative and had a ‘flair’ (he used to say) for art encouraged me by advising me to keep my creations and ideas in a file. That was how I started designing.

What was the first item that you designed?

The first item that I designed was a t-shirt made from one of my nan’s materials. It was a V neck with polyester silk detail around the neck and vertical flaps that ran from the shoulders down to the hem of the t-shirt. It was ‘space 1999’ inspired. What was exciting about this at the time was that the material was a soft, green, rayon-like material with damask-like foliage woven into it. My brother and I just had to have it! Then I designed and we agreed on the design and sent it away to be made. From then on I made some things that were very outlandish at the time for me and my brother as we both liked fashion, being different and standing out.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from everywhere, really. I like elegance, grace and simplicity when I’m thinking about women’s wear. And I like the men to be effortlessly, casual smart and stylish. So, I look towards different cultural dresses to get some inspiration and present them with these kinds of aesthetic. As for my prints, I get inspiration from nature and my experiences in life that I want to share. In my current collection, the prints were based on a very painful romantic experience, which I have turned around into something positive – my design career.

So, the motif of broken hearts in my current work is just a mockery and parody of heartbreak which I feel should be celebrated rather than be denounced as something that is to be avoided at all cost. I’m in a happy, loving relationship now with a lovely man, we’ve been together for a few years now, just in case people might get the erroneous idea that I am not over the other one yet! I’m a very romantic, passionate person and I believe in love and spreading love. We all have to take that risk of getting

broken-hearted by putting ourselves out there to experience it, if it doesn’t work, then look within yourself to see what happened and make amends if necessary. I feel there is always a lesson to be learnt from heartbreak which is part of the riddle that only the individual can solve. One cannot say that one would never love again because one was heartbroken. Love is beautiful and eternal but it comes with its own pain too which is what makes it bitter-sweet I suppose. Imagine if you didn’t have a heart that could be broken, that would mean you are inanimate, won’t it? So I get my inspirations from love, loving people around me and appreciating their different cultures loving, and my environment, sometimes, it could be certain colours in the sky or just a building in a street, the lushness of the green grass in the fields or the trees in the woods. Anything that interests and excites my curiosity inspires me.

Tell us about your first fashion show.

My first fashion show is seems quite long ago, but it was only in 2012, when a group came from California called Fashion Meets Music and they were organising a fashion show. I decided to take part and I remember being very nervous and excited at the same time. I was only exhibiting bags! It hadn’t occurred to me that bags could be modelled on the runway just the same way as clothes. But what was encouraging was the positive response I got for the bags and rucksacks, which were made from ethically sourced Jajim from Persia. It was only meant to help fund my Masters programme at the time. Backstage was crazy! Rallying the models, getting hair and make-up done, who was wearing what, and trying to be on cue. To make the exhibition of the bags interesting, some of my female models went topless save for silicon cups covered in rhinestones. I remember the gasp in the audience and the loud ovation afterwards when I came out to give a bow. It was a test run for something much bigger I remember thinking at the time. But I felt very proud that I was able to pull it off.

It’s a very competitive market...what makes you stand out from the next designer?

Yes, it is a very competitive market indeed. My label ‘adeysapphire’ is only interested in designing and producing ethical fashion and accessories, giving the consumer an ethical choice to what’s available in the shops. We use ethically sourced, handwoven fabrics, that are dyed naturally and is helping to protect the environment from toxic chemicals used in our high street fashion and also put money in the pockets of those craftsmen and women in disadvantaged communities around the world through fair-trade. I also create my own textiles and embellishments with reclaimed materials and giving things a new lease of life by using them differently as was seen in my latest collection. Using my textile design background, I combine using digital prints and dyed hand-woven cloth in a contemporary fashion forward context.

There is a lot of thought that has gone into each garment and how it’s supposed to look while also making sure that they meet the international standard in acceptability and quality. My prints will always be saying something in a funny but interesting way, I would always have a message. I believe I have something to offer that is not on the high street, innovativeness, creativity, individuality, stylishness and quality that is ethically sourced and made here in Britain. At the moment, we’re working on making it possible to be ordered online and collect in a store in London. Adopting this method would make it quicker than the post.

Where did you get your ideas from the print on your collection?

The idea of the prints in my collection was something I started during the course of my Masters degree project which was based on the emotional pain I had when I was heartbroken and how it became the catalyst to me being the person I am today - a much more mature and better person. So, I wanted to tell the story using symbology. In the University context, you can only do so much for them to mark you on. I usually go all out, but this time I did a 3D printed pair of shoes. I felt I needed to do something more and not let that theme just die there now that I have graduated. It was a beautiful story of turning negativity into positivity and triumph. I decided I

would make some prints using motifs that were spawn from my drawings and rendering them in 3D illustrations so that they felt tangible. I let the colours dictate the mood without making them come across as melancholy and let the yellows in the naturally dyed cotton represent my happiness and triumph after all that I went through. As an artist and designer, to give your work integrity, it has to reflect you, there has to be something about you in the work you create, just like music or poetry.

I can’t sing though I love music, and want my prints to be my music that tells a story, in this case, it was ‘Love Therapy’. This is what the prints are all about. The clothes are the medium for sharing it. I didn’t just design broken hearts for the sake of it.

It’s something that carries meaning with it.

Do you feel that your clothing can be worn by all or are you looking to target a specific audience?

Fashion has become very fluid now and we are a very multi-culturally diverse society. I feel that people are becoming more open to fashion elements from other cultures if it’s presented in a language they can understand and relate to. These universally minded individuals are the specific targets as well as anybody else who enjoys fashion and is concerned about the environment and where or how their clothes are made. There are loads of people that I know who are just as stylish as Pharrel Williams, Kanye West or David Beckham, Kate Middleton or Amal Clooney, but we want them to become more ethical which they can’t be if there are no ethical choices. The whole idea behind my ready to wear collection is that it should be accessible to everybody whether you are a young lady office worker who likes to be sexy but keeping it classy and demure, during the day and become a temptress at night or a man who is a t-shirt person and into prints, and polo shirts, or something young, trendy and different, but want to keep it ethical, then all these people need look no further.

The clothes can be worn by anybody no matter what their style. There is something for anyone from size 10 to size 18 in the women’s and small, medium to extra-large for men. The larger framed gentleman who fashion seems to exclude from trendy ready to wear will definitely find something they can look fabulously comfortable in amongst

my men’s wear. So the collection is not just limited to slim people.

I see you have also started a men’s range, tell us a bit about this.

There is not much to tell other than that when I started designing for myself as a teenager, I noticed that there weren’t that many designers for men and the ones that there were designed boring suits and shirts. There was nothing exciting about menswear – But it’s all different now. There are many new and exciting designers for men nowadays and men are starting to invest in their appearance and what they wear. They are becoming more adventurous and confident. At the moment they buy from high street chains, high end boutiques, and online. I wanted to give the trendy, sophisticated and universally minded gent an ethical alternative to what’s available as well as fun prints in the form of tanks, t-shirts, shirts and jackets which are so exciting to get creative with and get a look. The men’s wear including the women’s celebrate their form and would look good on anyone no matter what size they are.

When you design your mens range, what kind of market are you looking towards?

I’m looking towards the young professional, sexy, self-assured man who has no hang-ups about wearing colours and just wants to look fun, trendy, but smart with an ethical twist. For instance, the dashiki in my collection would appeal to holiday makers going on an exotic holiday, perhaps on a safari or combined with the right accessories, wear to a music festival. I’m mainly looking towards the young, the young at heart the environmentally conscious individuals out there. Some of them work as teachers, doctors, nurses, creatives, and some are working students. What they all have in common is they want to look good, trendy, and feel that they want to give back to the community through their ethical choice. I am also targeting the larger frame guy who would appear to be consigned to uninteresting outfits, they have an ethical choice now, whether it be a shirt, t-shirt or jacket.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Ten years from now, I see myself fully established as an ethical designer and entrepreneur with a flagship store on the high street where all my ethical creations would be made and sold to members of the public. I like the idea of having my workshop at the back of the store because I like to be involved in everything. Some people still like to feel things or try them on before they buy and I think it’s important to have a presence on the high street. I would also be working with international organisations helping with conservation efforts in developing countries where endangered animals are nearly poached to extinction. A viable alternative source of income has to be created for these poachers who need rehabilitating and educating on the dangers of poaching animals to extinction and how it will affect the eco- structure of their environment, so that they can leave the animals alone. Without this I don’t think it is possible to stop or put an end to it. The people who do it are trying to survive and killing animals and selling on their parts is all they know. At the risk of sounding condescending, we know better and can help give them a livelihood, it should be everybody’s social responsibility. I hope to have touched and helped improve more lives in the various disadvantaged communities around the world through what I do. So, in ten years, I hope to have achieved all these things as well as be in stores all over Britain, France, Denmark , America, Africa, Mexico, China and India.

If you had any advice for a new up-coming fashion designer – what would it be?

My advice to anyone who wants to be a fashion designer is that it would be most beneficial to have digital skills so you can do your own prints which would be exclusive to you rather than going to shepherds bush to buy prints that someone else already has which won’t make your work that special even though the style is great. Also, you have to have tenacity. Never give up in the face of adversity.

Take responsibility for what you design and think of how it would impact on the environment. Stick to who you are and be resolute that it is what you want to do and then just do the leg work and everything will come to you.

What is your highest point to date in your fashion career?

I don’t know that there is a highest point just yet.

When I have Princess Kate Middleton, Prince William who are very high profile environmentalists wearing my clothes, then, that would be something to beat. For the moment, being able to communicate my aesthetic to my audience and having my collection described with the adjectives, sexy, classy, beautiful, elegant, stylish – these were the words of the lady that compeered at the fashion event, ‘Diamonds on the runway’ show during London fashion week in February – I’ve never felt more satisfied. That was a high point and then finally having my collection featured on the cover and inside spread of a magazine. Oh, and of course, being informed that my things already have a shop where they would be sold to the public was sort of a high point too. So, with what I have in the bag, it’s only going to get higher and higher. There are no limits.

What designers inspire you?

There are lots of designers that inspire me starting with Oswald Boateng who understands the male form and how clothes should fit and flatter the form. He’s suits are fabulous! I also love Paul Smith with his urban style and colours, Dres Van Noten in their use of prints and 3D printing technology to create such great flamboyance. Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney also inspire me. I like that Vivienne experiments with reclaimed materials in her jewellery range and I like the way she has done her merchandising, some people say she sold out, but I disagree. How many people do you see that are paying £50,000 for a gown?

She has to stay in business and it makes sense to merchandise in the commercial way that she has done. I like that Stella McCartney adopts the ethical idea. It’s the only way forward. We need to now try and reverse the effects of our excesses in the past and designers have a social responsibility to design ethically and offer consumers good quality fashion that has taken the environment into consideration and has very little or no impact at all.

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Gordon Flynn’s “Favor Beara Bea Announcing that our European Director, Gordon Flynn, will be doing ‘’Product of the month.‘’ If you are interested in a feature in the magazine mail Info@gordonflynnpr.com with information on your products.

This months favorite product from Gordon Flynn is Beara Beara Bags. Gordon has been a major fan of these bags for some time now. They are also designed by fellow Irishman and friend, Jake Bullough.

Taylor Swift is also known to be a fan of these bags after purchasing one in London a while back. Since then they have become many a celeb favorite including Game of Thrones star Ross Mullento, to name a few. (picture opposite lower right).

Beara Beara are proud to have launched their flagship store in London last month. You can find it at 16-18 Whidborne St - London - WC1H 8EU

rite of the Month� ara Bags

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1 c h e r m a e @ g m a i l . c o m | w w w. p o s i t i v e p r e s . c o m

Personal stylist | image consultant Focus on personal shopping, wardrobe enhancements and makeovers, clothing pairing and re-purposing , personal stylizing and closet audits/reorganizations.

Professional experience • W.hat T.he F.ashion June 2013-August 2013 as Contributor • Prime Magazine: Looking Great at your Age August 2013 • Featured in the Spokesman Review, “The Thrill of Thrift,” • • • •

Jan. 2014 Featured in Spokesman Review in the article “Fashionably Frugal,”April 2014 Stylist at the Goodwill Industries of Inland NW Fashion show April 2014 Spokane CDA Woman, “Be Present in Your Own Presence,” 2014 and “A Journey out of Darkness, “2015.

Contessa’s Court a High Fashion ezine online, “Hollywood’s Fashion Icons,” 2014.

ROSEWOOD BUILDING 1028 W Rosewood Suite 180 | Lower level

Next month we are introducing a new column by a local Stylist, Cheryl M. Smith,“What’s Haute?” Cheryl focuses on personal shopping, wardrobe enhancements and personal makeovers. She owns a gently used Designer label clothing Boutique in Spokane, Haute4Less, and currently produces local fashion shows as well as fashion shoots as well as writes about fashion in local blogs and magazines. She has been featured in our publication before, and we are excited to welcome her aboard. We hope you welcome her too, by challenging her fashion expertise with tough quesitons.

Her column will chat with you about what is hot on the fashion fronts. She will focus on what’s trending locally, as well as what we are spotting nationally and even at times, internationally. We are excited to hear from you our readers about what you would like to see here. Do you want us to share with you where we are spotting those hot new trends, do you want to talk about how to determine what trends and looks might work for what you want to achieve. WE want to hear from you, as does Cheryl, send her your fashion questions, ask her how to minimize those challenge areas-- that is what she is here for, to be your “What’s Haute, and What’s Not” gal to go to.

Model of the Month Kelly Kenubia

By Gordon Flynn

Q1: Tell us how long you have been modeling now and how you started out?

Ans: Well I’ve been modeling for 3 years now and got into via the counsel of a friend who modeled for Abercrombie&Fitch when we were yet in high school but didn’t really act on it till I got to University and haven’t looked back since.

In a matter of fact I remember my first Photo shoot for a UK Swimwear brand CrownRose I was so nervous because I was the only male model in a studio filled with beautiful women, boy! did I have to perk up quick, I wasn’t going to let them see my weakest so I masked it with jovial conversations all through the shoot. Phew, That was close.

Q2: What is it that attracted you to the industry?

Ans: I’ve always loved fashion from a very young age, so when I was counseled by my friend to become a model, I had to indulge. I remember back at boarding school in nigeria a few of us used to get our school uniforms tailor-made and we would add our own little twist, just so we didn’t look like the other kids that bought their uniforms from the school shop.

Haha Good Times.

Q3: What would you say was your highest point to date in your modeling career?

Ans: I have had a lot of fun experiences modelling at several runways at London Fashion Week, Pakistan Fashion Week, RipTheRunwayUK, several Fashion Showcases, Photo Shoots, just to name a few but in all honesty I can’t really pinpoint the highest point as they’ve been all so rewarding in their own way and I tend to enjoy whatever it is I decide to do.

Q4: If you were to choose your favorite designer ‎to work with who would it be?

Ans: That has to be Hugo Boss, I just love the eloquence, style and class that the brand encompasses.

Q5: Who/What inspires you in the fashion industry?

Ans: I don’t have a specific entity but I can say that my love for the industry ‎and my strife to succeed is what keeps me going. As for who, I’d have to say Tyrese and Tyson Beckford, sorry for being cliché but I love their work and would love to surpass their achievements in the industry.

Q6: If you were to give any advice ‎to a young, up and coming model - what would it be?

Ans: ‎My advice will be to not loose yourself, your morals and where you came from. Cause I know if I did my Mama would whoop my a**. Most importantly run away from the gossip and rumours, mind your business! and always be professional, punctual and courteous. Please!

Q7: Have you ever had any bad / really funny experiences ‎in the world of modeling. If so what were they?

Ans: I have had so many different experiences, one of the really good ones, which is actually my first Catwalk Fashion Show was when I did ‎RipTheRunwayUK13 and got to meet so many talented people from musicians to actors to models some of which I regard friends for life.

Q8: So we know you are a model and also an actor. Tell us about your acting career and some of the work you have done?

Ans: I dabble, funny enough I did performing arts at A levels, hating it not knowing that I’d be using it today‎. As for things I’ve done, I’ve been in music videos, computer games, commercials, as a matter fact I was a Supporting Artiste in the new Tarzan movie coming out 2016 that was shot at the warner bros studios in London starring the like of Samuel L Jackson, Alexander Skarsgard, Djimon Hounsou, Robbie Margo to name a few, I was casted as one of the African warriors (Mbolongos) It was a very overwhelming experience I’m so looking forward to the next project i get to be a part of.

Q9: Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

Ans: Well, Firstly I would have concluded my studies, it has to be done and have a successful Artiste career, God willing.

Q10: You are obviously starting on a road to a very successful career as a model and actor - Do you feel modeling has helped you get into acting easier?

Ans: Aww Thank You. Well, I don’t know about easier however, it has certainly helped‎ in the confidence department as I used to be quite shy and short, most people don’t know that but as I grew into this present stature, my shyness started to slowly deteriorate and then from my performance on the catwalk I would get glowing appraisals, all that fuelled my growing confidence. I Love it.

‎Regards, Kelly Kenubia Model / Artiste 07944296060 / 07896365038 Instagram & Twitter: KellyKOnline

Mary Martin London I am a leader in fashion, not a follower. I like to set the trend. I like to always know that I am ahead of fashion and love showing my innovative designs. I am an award winning fashion designer who is self taught, I have won International Designer of the Year! November 2014; also BEFFTA Inspiration Award Winner, September 2014. After winning these awards I have now applied to LCCA college, where I am studying a HND Fashion and textile, as I am a self-taught designer I wanted to develop my understanding of the fashion industry.

I do believe my story is inspirational, having been brought up in a children’s home and only much later on finding this hidden talent. It’s been an inspiration to me to find I have a large following of my creative handmade bespoke designs.

In was recently also invited to Ghana to headline the Mercedes Benz International Fashion Week, representing London. I was, as a result of this invitation honoured as 2015 best designer in the African Festival Ghana.

I believe these accolades represent my talent and my drive for success and I feel I have worked hard to achieve the success I am currently receiving. I wish to progress further and will continue to develop my brand to ensure there is longevity in my designs that surpasses me as an individual.

Mary Martin

Osias International, LLC

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Osias-International-LLC-dba-Osias-Designs/123208822759?pnref=lhc

Interview with Makeup Artist Aasiya Raja

By Gordon Flynn

Our European editor Gordon Flynn is going behind the cameras to talk to the people who help create the beautiful images we see in magazines today . Gordon feels its time to give credit to all the people behind the cameras who help create the amazing images we see, ‘’We dont all wake up in the morning looking like a magazine cover’’ - its the Make Up artists , the Hairdressers, the stylists, the designers and the photographers who create these amazing images we see im magazines today and I feel sometimes they do not get enough credit . So he is going to be going behind the scenes every month to interview all the different creatives that help bring some of these shoots to our magazines.

Gordon Flynn

1 . When did you first find you had interest in make up ?

I have always had interest in make up. As a child seeing my mum put makeup on her face. Watching her use all sorts of different types colours and makeup. This really fascinated me. As a child 8 use to copy my mum by applying makeup on my dolls and younger sister. I learnt the basics of makeup using whatever I had. I would cut out my favourite faces from the magazine and stick it to my makeup book. I then practiced that look on my sister. I was also inspired by movies, be it Bollywood or Hollywood. I only concentrated on the makeup. It’s amazing how Bollywood amazed me with sparkling glittery eyes, red and maroon lipsticks and bright pink rosy cheeks. On the other hand Hollywood makeup would be very natural And use of a lot coral colours.

2. Did you train or are you self thought?

In 2013, I got trained by Mr Naeem Khan. Naeem Khan is my most favourite makeup artist. I have always loved his work and always dreamt of working like him. I use to watch his YouTube clips and copy his work.

One day I just logged into my Facebook account and saw that he had actually announced his makeup training in London.

I was so overwhelmed, I didn’t think twice at all and I secured my place in his course. I learnt a lot, specially Asian Bridal Makeup alongside Media Makeup.

3. How many years now have you been a MUA? I believe that every girl is a Makeup artist within herself using her creativity. I haven’t only done typical makeup like eyeliner, mascara, blusher and lipstick. I love creative makeup too, which I have done on my Daughter. I started working as a professional makeup artist 2 years ago.

4. What was the most challenging job you have had to do ?

Being a fan of an asian celebrity singer and doing makeup on her was a challenging job for me. At the end she complimented me as i was so curious to know if she has liked my work. She was so glad and overwhelmed. “You made me look like a doll” said the singer. Such words boosted my confidence and passion for my profession.

5. What are the 3 things you think every girl should have in her bag at all times?

Lipstick, Eye-Liner & compact powder case with a Mirror

6. What is your favorite part of your job.?

Travelling, meeting new people, being creative, and Putting a Smile on my clients face.

7. What was the highlight so far in your career?

Worked with quite few Internationally recognised celeberities & models, done makeup on several asian singers for their music videos interviewed by one the biggest asian music channel B4U Music UK. 8. You do a lot of Asian Bridal Make Up ..Is there a lot of difference between Asian Bridal make up and western Bridal make up .

The big Difference between an Asian & Western Bridal Make up is the colours. Asian wear Vibrant colours on their weddings. There are so many different types of looks that the Asian brides go for. A lot of it inspired by Media and Bollywood movies. Colours are very load and the look is the most outstanding look ever. Where as western Brides normally go for the most natural look. More close to fairytale, using coral colours.

9. If you could give any young MUA some advice what would it be?

Always be dedicate yourself to what you’re work. Use your own creativity and do what you are good at, rather than copying someone. Remember every face is beautiful you’re just enhancing their beauty. Never over do it. Every face is unique follow your heart. All faces require different touch. This will make you stand out from others.

Top advise I would like to add is, always keep your equipment clean specially your makeup brushes.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

I see myself nationally as well as internationally recognised makeup artist. To also have my own makeup academy.

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Glorious Face and Eye Primer: A truly glorious product that preps the skin for premium application of mineral products!

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Touch Mineral Cream and Pressed Powder Foundations: Touch cream is a supple, lightweight cream Foundation melts into the skin and never cakes on, it leaves your skin feeling touchable! If you prefer a powder Foundation, you will love our breathable, long wearing pressed powder that offers an ultra fine, even finish! www.youniquebykh.com

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Moodstruck Precision Eye and Lip Pencils Long wearing liners with colors that pop and accentuate your assets with precision! 10 eye colors and 5 lip colors to choose from, by them in a set and receive a free sharpener or individually! www.youniquebykh.com

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SHINE REMOVER CLOTHS: strong cloths that take off your makeup while creating a nourishing treat for your skin! www.youniquebykh.com

Interview with Photographer Glenn Cockerill

By Gordon Flynn

Q1- When did you first realise your passion for photography ?

My grandmother had a polaroid camera as far back as I can remember. I was mesmerised. I remember Christmas when I was five years old running around in my new cowboy outfit begging to be photographed (I still have those photographs today). My grandmother was always exceptionally kind and so she bought me a standard 35mm Agfa camera for my next birthday. It took me about 3 days to get through the film that came with it but alas, in those days, film was not cheap, nor were my parents particularly impressed with my efforts, so it didn’t develop from there. I went through school and didn’t pick up a camera again until college. My girlfriend’s father was an amateur photographer and we dabbled a little.

That said, I was training to join the Royal Air Force and that was my priority for the next 20 years or so. My photography was pretty much non-existent until a friend of mine let me use her DSLR at a sports tournament. We were only messing around but it brought back so many lovely memories and in this digital age it was easier than ever. I was hooked all over again!

Q2 - Tell us about the first big shoot you did and how you felt?

Having bought an entry level mid-range camera, a joined a couple of portfolio hosting sites and I took the plunge. My first ‘model’ shoot was probably one of the scariest things I have ever done. So I put the camera on automatic and concentrated on framing and angles. Not a brilliant shoot, but not a disaster either. My next challenge was working with lights. A lovely model from the midlands invited me for a homehsoot and her fiancé set up some lights and sorted the settings on the camera. So far so good! My first venture into studio photography was a steep learning curve. “The kit is over there. I’ll be back in a few hours”. That was scary but I got some lovely fashion shots. My first BIG shoot was at the Cheltenham Film Studios. What made this big was nothing to do with lighting or equipment, nor the number of models I was shooting, it was the fact that I was shooting for someone else, someone else was to use the images I was creating. It was nerve-wracking, but I had some great models who really did me proud and we produced some images that I am still proud of today.

Q3- If you could give any advice to a young up and coming photographer what would it be ?

Respect the industry and respect the people you are working with. I now run a studio and I see a whole range of photographers and models and they all have their own ways of working. I have also allowed young and new photographers the opportunity to use my equipment to take some shots (and take away the images) if they express an interest in photography - even if they thought they were only there to give their friend at the other end of the lens some moral support. My top tip to newcomers to photography is keep it simple, once you have worked out the lighting, concentrate on the framing and try to ensure the images you are taking are flattering. Be bold, if it doesn’t look right on the viewfinder, change the angles or the pose. There is no point in taking 30 shots of something that just doesn’t work. Finally, in the world of selfies etc, being a professional photographer is a tough world. It’s 90% marketing and 10% shooting, that’s why there are some terrible photographers out there doing very well, and some very good photographers struggling.

Q4- We all know the fashion industry can be a crazy to work in - What is your most memorable shoot or show you worked on and why?

That’s a tough one! So many to choose from. I suppose it is this. I was asked by a photographer friend to help out with a fashion show at the London School of Fashion. No problem. We both got there really early and set up (I always used to take studio lights to these events). When asking the stage and lighting guys to show us what lighting set up they were going to use they were pretty dismissive. As the show got close to starting, we realized why. There were photographers everywhere! Some last minute changes to the lighting triggers and sync cables saved the day. Got some great shots and made some great contacts. So we went from being apparently early and well prepared, to manic panic but it all worked out in the end.

Q5 - What would you say was your high point so far in your career ?

Most photographers would love to get published. I have achieved that a few times but sometimes it is disheartening when your images are used and the magazine provides no credit, let alone a fee, for what you have produced. Before today, my highpoint is providing images for a feature on Aleah Leigh Designs in Take-a-Break magazine (a UK weekly) Q6 - Who inspires you in the photography world and why?

There are too many to mention as every shoot inspires different ideas, depending on the outfits and styling, the model(s) and of course the setting. A quick fire response would be Helmut Newton, but in reality the names would be Jack Russell, Mike Crowshaw and Chris Conway. You probably won’t recognize those names but I see a lot of their work on a regular basis and they do it for me!

Q7- If there was any one person or place you would like to shoot who/what would it be ?

I don’t court celebrities, so the one person could be any of many. Who could we entice to Mauritius? Ok, a simple question so a simple answer. Anna Friel on a private island in Mauritius. Sun, sea, sand, beach and some stunning swimwear!

Q8- Do you find there is a lot of competition these days to get your work published and what would your advice be to young photographers trying to make a name for themselves?

Getting published is many photographers’ ambition. The only advice I can give is to research the publication you are aiming for and get an understanding of the sort of images they like to show. That’s your starting point and from there, add an edge. Location and setting can often be far more important than the subject, stylist or designer. Look at what they think sells their magazine....and work towards that style.

Q-9 Im sure you have been on many shoots over the years - What would you say is your most memorable shoot and why?

My most memorable is probably my worst. I was asked to do some web content......let’s just say I made my excuses once the props came out and I left. After that, it has to be the shoot at Hearne Bay, a couple of years ago. Aleah had organised 7 models in various outfits.....it was a hot day on the sea-front and we had crowd watching on every shot that we took. The models were great, as were the outfits, and I still use one of those pictures today as my banner image on facebook. I could sense the eyes staring at me with my back to the crowd, goodness knows how the models coped!

Q10 - Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years from now?

The modelling industry is vibrant in the UK. Even amateur modelling is possible with sites like Purpleport. I would love to relocate to the Mediterranean but I know that it would be seasonal and making a living would be hard with just taking bread and butter portraits. BUT...if the opportunity arises, I may just take it!

Q11 - If I want some shots done, how expensive is it?

Well, it varies. Some people will say pay for quality, some will do their research and save themselves a pretty penny.

Never fall for the hard sell. If someone is trying to sell you your family portrait for $500 walk away and find a more reasonable provider. In this digital age it’s tough to get assignments as an independent photographer, when iPhone selfies are the norm. But, if you do want some proper images, you might be able to grab a bargain with a local photographer, rather than going with a franchise. However, all photographers will have their own terms and conditions, so work out the arrangements beforehand and everyone will (hopefully) be happy.

Cred Front cover Photographer: Glenn Cockerill Model: Phina Stylist/MUA: Aleah Winning photographer spread Photographer: Glenn Cockerill Model: Phina Stylist/MUA: Aleah Photographer: Glenn Cockerill Mua Julia Finch MUA Model Elli Stone Bara Bara Bag Model - Gordon Flynn Photography by Cassandra Mayers Model of the month Model [Kelly Kenubia & Maurisa Coleman] Designer [Kelly Ann - Baccahnalia Masband] Photographer [Rene Connage - Durant] Model [Kelly Kenubia] Photographer [Kraizie Kat] Model [Kelly Kenubia] Photographer [Kraizie Kat] Model [Kelly Kenubia] Photographer [Kraizie Kat] Model [Kelly Kenubia] Designer [Apeel Collection] Photographer [Kraizie Kat]

dits Glow in the dark shoot Photographer Nichole Cherin Preston Director Joelle Oasis at Scott Martinez Studio.

The HMUA for images 1, 2, 3 & 5 is Jessika Beyer The HMUA for images 4 & 6 is Brianna Frost Models: GlowByNCPPhoto (1): Cela Cannon GlowByNCPPhoto (2): Brooklyn Smith GlowByNCPPhoto (3): Jennifer Abernathy-Gibbs GlowByNCPPhoto (4): Amy Grapes GlowByNCPPhoto (5): Elle Richards GlowByNCPPhoto (6): Alisha Heller Model of the month: Image 1 - : Model [Kelly Kenubia & Maurisa Coleman] Designer [Kelly Ann - Baccahnalia Masband] Photographer [Rene Connage - Durant] Image 2 - : Model [Kelly Kenubia] Photographer [Kraizie Kat] Image 3 - : Model [Kelly Kenubia] Photographer [Kraizie Kat] Image 4 - : Model [Kelly Kenubia] Photographer [Kraizie Kat] Image 5 - : Model [Kelly Kenubia] Designer [Apeel Collection] Photographer [Kraizie Kat] Casual Shoot Model: Amy Grace Behind the Scenes: Madelyn Ariana Rennaker Photographer: Abel Carv Lone Wolf Photography

Credits Vintage Shoot Model: Amy Grace Behind the Scenes: Madelyn Ariana Rennaker Photographer: Abel Carv Lone Wolf Photography Forest Shoot Photographer: Brenda Cook Model: Sage Karst Photographer: Gilbert M Looney of the Royal Fox Collective Lighting: Erin Darling, Matthew Hambone Hamblen Posing and Direction: Dolly Darling of Dolly Darling's Pinup and and Model Academy Model: Kristina Trudnich

Team Page

Wanda Julian Editor in Chief contessascourt@gmail.com

Gordon Flynn International PR/ European Fashion Director info@gordonflynnpr.com