March 2023 Issue

CHASITY

FELICIANO

Embracing Diversity and Confidence

ALEXANDRA STEPANOVA

Color Mess | Good Day feat. Victoria Palagushina

CAROLINE MILLER KING

Balancing Career, Creativity and Motherhood

YUJI HUANG

From Passion for Fashion to the Runway

Virality

Model: Anna Kwan @annakwanlol

Photo by: Barion McQueen @framedbydavinci

Assistant: Angel Martinez @famousangel Location: Miami, FL

Photo

LANDRY WEBBER

Model: Landry Webber @landry.webber

Photo by: Aaron Gilbert @imageberne)

Landry Webber Shares Insights on Balancing Authenticity and Virality as a Content Creator and Entrepreneur –

by Angel Martinez

Allow me to introduce you to the remarkable Landry Webber –a true multi-hyphenate talent hailing from East Tennessee At just 29 years old, Landry has already made a name for herself as a skilled marketer, designer, and artist with a passion for all things fashion Despite her humble beginnings in Johnson City, Tennessee, Landry’s star rose quickly as a standout track athlete on a D1 scholarship. However, her creative drive eventually led her to pursue a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Tennessee Tech University.

After graduation, Landry’s talents caught the attention of a national engineering firm in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she served as a professional marketing specialist for over six years. But that was just the beginning of her journey – fueled by a desire to pursue her own creative vision, Landry founded her own apparel brand and has since become a respected content creator and brand campaign model. “I had always loved fashion and the idea of being able to create something beautiful through modeling,” Landry says “Moving to Florida was a big step for me, but I knew it was the right decision ”

Growing up in a big family, Landry’s parents were public school teachers, and education was emphasized as mandatory. Her love for fashion, design, and art began at an early age when she would play with clothes, design outfits for herself or her dolls, and experiment with colors and textures until she had the perfect outfit Her aunt, who had her clothing brand and storefront, also influenced her love for fashion.

Landry Webber’s journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions. Despite her deep love for fashion and design, Landry initially chose to pursue a degree in Business Administration with a marketing focus in order to ensure her financial stability and security. While she excelled in her corporate marketing role at a prestigious engineering firm, Landry soon realized that something was missing Long hours spent working for a paycheck left her feeling unfulfilled and yearning for a more creative outlet.

In search of a way to flex her artistic muscles outside of work, Landry began exploring opportunities that would allow her to delve deeper into the worlds of fashion and art From participating in artistic photoshoots to attending fashion design workshops, Landry found ways to scratch that creative itch and express herself in ways that felt meaningful and fulfilling Through brand-hosted collaborations and other projects, she began to carve out a niche for herself as a skilled content creator and brand campaign model

Photo by: Kaitlyn Mahneke @kaitlynkairosphotography

Model: Landry Webber @landry.webber

Photo by: Angel Martinez @famousangel

“I saw how other models were using social media to promote themselves and connect with their audience,” Landry explains “I knew that if I wanted to take my career to the next level, I needed to do the same.”

Last year, Landry finally made the decision to leave the paycheck, leave her firm, and focus on what she was passionate about full-time She started doing even more modeling and opening her weekday calendar to opportunities within the fashion world, which has spiraled into other creative avenues. Six months ago, she became her boss by launching her apparel brand, Creative Webber Goods (CWG).

Landry started sharing her modeling photos and videos on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. She also started creating her own content, which helped her build a following and gain recognition in the digital space As her following grew, Landry began working with brands and companies to promote their products and services.

“I never expected social media to be such a big part of my modeling career,” Landry says. “But it has been a game-changer for me It has allowed me to reach a larger audience and connect with people all over the world.”

Landry’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that success and fulfillment don’t always come from the most obvious paths. By pursuing her passions and finding ways to incorporate them into her professional and personal lives, Landry has built a thriving career that allows her to thrive creatively and financially.

“I think it’s important to be authentic and share your true self with your followers,” Landry explains. “People want to connect with someone they can relate to and who they feel like they know ”

Landry’s dedication to building her personal brand and connecting with her audience has paid off in many ways As a versatile model, she has worked with a diverse range of local brands in Florida, including surf shops, bridal boutiques, and small boutiques She has also collaborated with a vodka company and several restaurants, showcasing her willingness to embrace new opportunities and explore different industries.

One of her proudest achievements has been modeling for her own brand, CWG. Wearing and promoting a product that she has created herself is a truly special experience, and it’s clear that she takes great pride in this accomplishment

Networking and cultivating relationships within her creative community have played a key role in her success By remaining open to new experiences and leveraging her connections, she has built a thriving modeling career that is both rewarding and exciting

“I feel incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities that have come my way,” Landry says “It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s also been so rewarding.”

In the fast-paced world of modeling and content creation, it can be easy to become complacent after achieving a certain level of success. However, for Landry, the pursuit of growth and improvement is a never-ending journey As she explains, “I don’t ever want to become complacent. I always want to be learning and growing as a model and as a content creator.”

One of the things that make Landry stand apart from other models is her unique perspective on creativity. She views it as a crucial component of her work and believes that it is what distinguishes her from others in the industry. “I think creativity is what allows you to bring something new and fresh to the table. It’s what allows you to create something that hasn’t been seen before,” she explains.

Authenticity is also at the core of Landry’s approach to content creation. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections with her followers by sharing real parts of her life, even the not-so-perfect moments. “I always try to be real and authentic with my audience, sharing both the good and the bad. I want to build a community of people who feel like they know me and can relate to me,” she says.

Landry’s authenticity has certainly resonated with her audience, as she has cultivated a devoted fanbase and transformed her social media presence into a thriving business. Her success is a testament to the power of passion and hard work. As Landry notes, “When you’re passionate about something, you’re more likely to work harder and push yourself to be the best you can be. That’s what has helped me build my brand and grow my business.”

Of course, achieving success in the modeling and content creation industries is no easy feat. Landry has had to confront numerous challenges along the way, including learning to deal with criticism and negative comments. However, she maintains a positive outlook and uses these experiences as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Looking to the future, Landry is excited to continue expanding her brand and using her platform to make a positive impact on the world. With her unwavering dedication and infectious smile, there is no doubt that she will continue to shine in the fashion world and beyond.

CHASITY FELICIANO

Photo by: @jordanphotog

Embracing Diversity and Confidence: A

Look into the World of Lingerie

Designer Chasity Feliciano – by

Angel Martinez

Meet Chasity Feliciano, the CEO of Embrace Me by Chasity, an exquisite lingerie line that celebrates diversity and encourages women to embrace their flaws. In this interview, Chasity shares her journey in the fashion industry, her inspirations, and her plans for the future.

Chasity’s interest in fashion started when she was a published model and struggled with finding lingerie that suited her diverse body type. She saw an opportunity to create a brand that catered to women of all shapes and sizes, and Embrace Me by Chasity was born. One of her biggest inspirations is Rihanna, who also promotes diversity in her lingerie line, Savage X Fenty.

Social media plays a significant role in promoting and growing Chasity’s brand, as it allows her to showcase her unique designs and reach a wider audience. In just one year, Chasity has achieved many milestones, including participating in multiple shows such as Miami Swim Week 2022, LAFW, PAFW, and NYFW.

Chasity defines creativity as something that comes from the mind, soul, and heart. She sees herself as a visionary designer who sees the magic before creating it. Her music playlist is also diverse, just like her brand, with a love for EDM.

As an entrepreneur, Chasity is also passionate about coaching, gymnastics, and cheerleading. One of the biggest misconceptions about being a fashion designer in the industry is that they are all the same, but Chasity is a Latina who stands out because of her diverse style.

Chasity draws her inspiration from what she knows women love, which includes glittery and girly designs that are adjustable and cater to all angles. She believes that sex appeal is confidence and that every woman should feel sexy in their skin.

Looking ahead to the future, Chasity sees her brand growing and becoming even more significant than it is today. She has set her sights on achieving even more significant milestones in the next five years.

Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers, or anyone you would like to give a shoutout to? In her own words.

“I want to thank all my supporters, my models and all the great people I have worked with so far that have seen my vision and helped me get where I am now. I would never forget those who believe in me, because if I didn’t believe in myself, who would?” – Chasity Feliciana

Photo by: @gkphotonyc

COLOR MESS

CAROLINE MILLER KING

Modeling Icon Caroline Miller King: Balancing Career, Creativity, and Motherhood with Confidence and Empowerment –

by Angel Martinez

Caroline Miller King is a name synonymous with the fashion industry and modeling. With a career spanning over 13 years, Caroline has achieved numerous accolades and has been published in various fashion magazines In this interview, Caroline sheds light on her journey in the modeling industry and shares her perspective on social media, creativity, and misconceptions about modeling

Caroline’s modeling career started at 13 when she walked runway shows for the Atlanta Apparel Mart and did commercial print work. Her passion for modeling and fashion led her to become an emerging fashion designer and model agency owner

When asked about the importance of social media in promoting and growing her personal brand as a model, Caroline stated that social media is one of the best ways to grow your business and personal brand. However, she also highlighted that social media isn’t everything and that it should be used to one’s benefit rather than a detriment. Caroline believes in building relationships in the industry and does not solely rely on social media for her success

Caroline takes immense pride in the relationships she has built throughout her 13 years in the modeling industry so far and gives massive credit to everyone who has helped shape her into the model she is today. She is thrilled to be able to say at this point in her career that she has been published in major magazines such as Harpers Bazaar Vietnam, had two huge billboard ads premiere in Times Square, and have both opened and closed NYFW shows for the past few years! These accomplishments are a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent in the industry.

Reflecting on her career, Caroline stated that she would change nothing about her start in the industry. She relied on her networking skills and trusted the teams she worked with to get to where she is now. For Caroline, creativity means thinking outside the status quo and taking chances on an idea or concept. Creativity plays an essential role in her career as a fashion model, whether it be through working with photographers on a concept for publication or personal branding.

One of the biggest misconceptions about being a model in the fashion industry, according to Caroline, is that it is all about being glamorous and having a perfect appearance She believes that there is a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into being a model, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying in shape, and constantly improving oneself

Looking ahead to the future, Caroline is excited and hopeful

In the next two years, she sees herself continuing to grow as a model and entrepreneur. Her goals and aspirations for this time period include expanding her personal brand, building a larger team for her business ventures, and working with other professionals in the industry to bring new and innovative ideas to life

When asked about how she plans to balance her career with motherhood, Caroline emphasizes the importance of having a support system She also plans to prioritize her time and responsibilities, making sure to give her daughter the attention she needs while still pursuing her passions.

As a model, Caroline has learned the importance of self-confidence and accepting oneself She hopes to instill these values in her daughter, encouraging her to embrace her uniqueness and beauty. “What makes her different, makes her beautiful,” Caroline says

Caroline also looks up to models like Adriana Lima and Gigi Hadid, who have successfully balanced motherhood and a successful modeling career She hopes that her experience as a model and mother will influence other women to have confidence in themselves and their bodies throughout all stages of their lives

For models who may be considering starting a family while pursuing a career in modeling, Caroline offers this advice: “Believe in yourself and rely on the support of your loved ones ” She emphasizes that family is one of the greatest gifts in the world and that the unconditional love it offers is worth every challenge.

Caroline Miller King’s journey in the modeling industry, as well as her experience balancing career and motherhood, serves as an inspiration to aspiring models, creatives, and women everywhere. Her hard work, dedication, and networking skills have led to numerous accomplishments in the industry, while her perspective on social media, creativity, and misconceptions about modeling offer valuable insights to those looking to pursue a career in fashion

Balancing a successful modeling career and motherhood can be challenging, but with the right support system and prioritization, it’s possible to achieve both Caroline’s experience as a model and mother highlights the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness, having confidence in oneself, and pursuing passions with determination and empowerment.

Photo by: @michaeltodaro

Photo by: @michaeltodaro

YUJI HUANG

Photos by: Anna Paola Pizzocaro @appstudiophotography

Photo by: Tony Thanawat @tonychuvani

The Rise of Yuji Huang: From a Passion for Fashion to the Runway – by

Angel Martinez

Meet Yuji Huang, an Asian female model with a passion for fashion and high heels that dates back to her childhood. People on the streets have often mistaken her for a model, and her love for fashion has always been a delightful fantasy Recent challenges in her life have motivated her to work on herself physically and mentally, hitting the gym regularly and learning new things has become her new habit

Last June, Sadhguru’s New Year message to Matthew McConaughey had a profound impact on Yuji He said, “May your dream not come true. May things that you could never dream of happen to you ” These words resonated deeply with me and soon after, I was discovered by my agency, “Chez Les Mannequins” while shopping at Target in flat shoes, of all places It was a surreal experience that marked the beginning of my modeling career As Sadhguru said, sometimes the things we never even thought to dream of can happen to us, and it’s important to be open to unexpected opportunities and experiences Marking the beginning of her modeling career

As a model, Yuji believes that social media is an indispensable tool for publicity and promotion, but she also emphasizes the importance of improving her professional skills. Balancing her online presence with meaningful real-world experiences is essential to her growth

Yuji’s biggest accomplishment in her modeling career has been opening two shows and closing another at this year’s NYFW, marking her third runway appearance. She attributes her success to her tireless effort, comprehensive training, and rigorous practice, and she hopes to continue building on her achievements, gaining even more visibility and opportunities. When it comes to her music playlist, Yuji’s diverse taste reflects her wide-ranging interests, including Enya’s ethereal harmonies, techno’s invigorating beats, and meditation music’s calming effects She believes that music is an incredibly powerful art form that evokes a spectrum of emotions and creates immersive experiences, helping her to shut out distractions and tap into her creativity

To Yuji, creativity involves embracing and appreciating diversity, which is critical to innovation in the fashion industry Beyond her modeling career, Yuji has a passion for philosophy and physics and enjoys playing the piano and cooking in her free time

As for her favorite clothing brand, Yuji loves Lululemon for its functional apparel that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and style, enhancing her look while improving the efficiency and comfort of her workouts.

Looking ahead to the future, Yuji sees herself continuing to work hard and refine her skills as a fashion model, knowing that success requires constant effort and dedication. In the next two years, she aspires to gain even more visibility and opportunities, building on her achievements and thriving in the fashion industry.

Yuji is a true inspiration to anyone who aspires to follow their passions and achieve their goals. From her childhood love for fashion and high heels to her recent success as a model, Yuji has pursued her dreams with unrelenting passion and commitment. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and a reminder that with the right mindset and attitude, anyone can achieve great things.

AI in Fashion: Transforming Design, Sustainability, and Personalization– by

Barion McQueen

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing several industries, and the fashion industry is no exception. It has the potential to transform the way we design, produce, and consume fashion By leveraging AI, we can expect a more efficient, sustainable, and personalized fashion industry.

AI-Powered Fashion Design

One of the significant applications of AI in fashion is in design AI can help designers with the creative process from start to finish. With AI-powered design tools, designers can analyze different style trends, customer preferences, and even generate new designs. These tools can analyze vast amounts of data from social media, run image recognition algorithms to identify patterns, and generate ideas that designers can use as inspiration.

AI is already making an impact on the fashion industry. For instance, Gucci partnered with CogniFashion, a San Franciscobased start-up, last year to use AI-powered tools for designing clothes. CogniFashion's platform uses data analysis and AI algorithms to develop designs based on customer preferences and feedback

AI can also be used for creating personalized designs. With AI algorithms, designers can analyze customer data and create customized designs that cater to individual tastes and preferences. This can help brands create unique collections that resonate with their customers, leading to increased customer loyalty and engagement

Sustainable Fashion withAI

Sustainability is a critical issue in the fashion industry, and AI can help promote sustainable practices AI-powered tools can help brands reduce waste by predicting demand and optimizing production schedules. By analyzing sales data and social media trends, these tools can forecast which products will sell and in what quantity This helps brands reduce overproduction and waste, which is a significant problem in the fashion industry.

AI can also help brands make more sustainable fabric choices

By analyzing the environmental impact of different fabrics, AIpowered tools can suggest more sustainable alternatives. This can help brands reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable fashion practices

The fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global carbon emissions, and AI-powered tools can help the industry become more sustainable and reduce its impact on the environment.

Personalized Shopping withAI

AI-powered personalization is another exciting application of AI in fashion. By analyzing customer data, AI algorithms can create personalized shopping experiences for customers This can include personalized product recommendations, styling advice, and even virtual try-ons.

Personalized experiences can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty Brands that offer personalized experiences can expect to see increased engagement and sales

AI is transforming the fashion industry, making it more efficient, sustainable, and customer-centric. Brands that embrace AI can expect to see increased customer engagement and loyalty, as well as reduced environmental impact.

However, AI also presents some challenges. For example, there are concerns about the impact of AI on jobs in the industry, and there are ethical implications associated with usingAI to analyze customer data.

Brands need to approach AI responsibly and address these concerns With the right approach, AI can help create a fashion industry that is more efficient, sustainable, and personalized

Despite the challenges and concerns associated with AI, its potential in the fashion industry is vast. AI can enable faster and more efficient processes, reduce waste, and offer personalized experiences to customers Here are some examples of how AI is already making a difference in the fashion industry:

Zara's AI-powered store: Zara has implemented AI technology in its stores to offer a personalized shopping experience. The technology includes interactive mirrors that show customers how they would look in different outfits, as well as self-checkout kiosks that reduce wait times

Tommy Hilfiger's AI-powered design: Tommy Hilfiger is using AI to create more sustainable designs The brand is collaborating with a start-up called "Stitch Fix" to use AI algorithms to analyze customer feedback and create customized designs

H&M's AI-powered production: H&M is using AI to optimize its production processes. The brand is using algorithms to analyze sales data and optimize inventory levels, reducing overproduction and waste

Nike's AI-powered sneaker design: Nike is using AI to create customized sneakers. The brand's "Nike Fit" technology uses computer vision to scan customers' feet and recommend the best-fitting sneaker size

AI is also being used in supply chain management, quality control, and customer service For instance, AI-powered chatbots can help customers with their queries and provide 24/7 support.

AI has the potential to transform the fashion industry By leveraging AI, brands can create more efficient, sustainable, and personalized experiences for customers However, brands need to approach AI responsibly and address the concerns associated with its use. With the right approach, AI can help create a fashion industry that meets the needs of customers while reducing its impact on the environment

FASHION DESIGNER

LAURA MIFTARI

Model: Altina Abazi

Model: Altina Abazi

Model: Altina Abazi

Model: Eldiona Ademi

Model: Hana Bucolli

Model: Eldiona Ademi