Formo Magazine Feb. 2021

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OUR TEAM Jose Valdez Jr - Editor-in-chief/Owner Michael Gonzalez - Head Photographer Kassandra Lozano - Content Director / Layout & Design Cassandra Garza - Content Editor / Writer Advenio Studios - Web Design

ON THE COVER Model: Wren Haslet @tywrenasaurus Hair: Johnny Serafin @jserafin5 Photographer: Mike Blue @mikebluephotography Assistant/DT: Oscar Sanchez @oscarsanchezphotography

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Editor’s Note Welcome Back All! We are so glad and happy to be back and publishing amazing content for all of you! 2020 was a year that none of us were expecting, but we have made it to 2021 and we will slowly and safely bring y’all new content as well as revisiting old content from late 2019 and 2020 content that we were not able to cover or follow up with that we were hoping to. Also please make sure to get one of our 2020 Fiesta Medals that we were unfortunately not able to sell to help the arts in 2020 due to COVID-19. This issue will be covering a lot of recap from 2019 and 2020. We are currently working on our next issue that will be featuring more fashion, music and art and to see how all of these things have survived and even thrived during the pandemic! Here is to 2021 being an amazing and fantastic year! Whether you are having to quarantine at home for safety reasons or have received your vaccine and are ready to tackle the world, we hope you find time to read our content and to send us anything new you may have to share with us and all of our amazing readers!

Jose Valdez Jr. Editor-in-Chief / Owner

Inspirational Tidbit - “A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances.” - Max Lucado

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FEB. 2021

A few of our favorite things: San Antonio Edition 42

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Futuristic 80’s Fashion, Photo Editorial 34

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Lakeside Photo Editorial | Mike Blue 29

Formo Magazine Awards 2019 Nominees and Winners 8

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2019

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2019

This section is a LONG time coming. While one of our final 2020 events was a virtual awards show, we wanted to bring the nominees and winners to our pages now that we are back in print. We hope that you take a moment to appreciate the artists across these pages: follow them on social media, feature them on your page, look to their shops for your local buys and show them the support that our local art community is known for. *** Congratulations to all the nominees and winners! We hope your passion for your art continues into 2021 year.

- Formo Magazine Team

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FASHION

Nominees | Fashion Model

Elyse Briggs Elyse Briggs is a Texas based fashion and editorial model. She has worked with many local photographers and designers. She is known best for her ability to bring energy and poise to creative editorials, and fashion shots.

You can follow her @enchantingelyse to see her work, as well as the many collaborations with other local artists.

Ayla Hartung Ayla Hartung is a Texas based fashion model, actress, and Air Force veteran.

She has done many creative character shoots with local photographers.

She is known best for her ability to embody the character during creative shoots and smoldering expressions.

You can follow her @ahart1222 or @ thenewestface on FB

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Jayla Little

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Jayla Little is a Texas based runway and fashion model. She had her first runway show at the age of 17 and has collaborated with local designers and photographers ever since. She is known for bringing experience and poise to any runway she walks. You can follow her @jaylamodels

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FASHION

FASHION MODEL OF THE YEAR

Jayla Little As a high fashion and runway model Jayla Little walked numerous local runways and consistently brings her experience and poise to the show. She has modeled for multiple local designers and photographers, including 2017 Fashion Designer of the Year, Britney Newman. She has a natural talent for runway walks, and has a knack for standing out, no matter the size of the runway. The pictures below are her runway walks in La Santa Luna Cybergloss show, wearing BN, and the 2019 Ever After Fashion Show. You can follow her @jaylamodels on Instagram

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FASHION

A Cherie couture is owned by Ashley Pugh and based in Fair Oaks, Texas. A. Cherie is known for its custom wedding dresses, but also offer custom evening gowns and bridal accessories with couture quality for local and world wide clients. Their designs are a unique combo of bridal vision and artistic design, and the experience they provide brides is truly memorable, as it’s crafted by a designer who understands how to make the custom design process both accessible and fun, while keeping a couture quality and vibe.

Malen Reyes Malen Reyes is owned by mother-daughter duo, Malen and Monic Reyes. The duo provides high end couture fashion that combines the timeless fashion and experience of Malen with the modern twist from Monic. Their designs are a timeless, modern take on casual, evening, bridal, and special occasion designs. Follow them @malenreyescouture to see their latest designs.

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Rah Rah Designs is owned by designer Stacy Fisher. And based in Sonora, Texas. Rah Rah designs provides custom high fashion pieces, as well as monogrammed apparel and custom swim separates. You can view their current collection at rahrahdesigns.com and follow them on social media @rahrabdesigns

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Rah Rah Designs

Nominees | Fashion Designer

A. Cherie Couture

FASHION

FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Rah Rah Designs is owned by designer Stacy Fisher and based in Sonora, Texas.

Rah Rah designs provides custom fashion pieces, as well as monogrammed apparel and custom swim separates you can view their current collection at rahrahdesigns.com and @rahrabdesigns

Profile picturePhotographer: Brook Gulley Photography MUA: Karina d. Mata Fashions imagesPhotographer: Kenneth Hammes

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FASHION

Moodchild Boutique

The Red Cat Co. The Red Cat Co., owned by Jessica Brown, is a San Antonio based boutique offering a range of apparel, accessories, jewelry, and home goods. The boutique is based out of a unique bus, allowing for pop up locations, but is permanently located on Broadway street among the well loved local shopping scene.

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Socorro Society is a sustainable fashion and lifestyle brand and boutique pop up owned by Lauren Gonzalez that focuses on refashioning thrift store finds into sustainable fashion pieces.

The boutique is also known for their Wire Wrap club, and embroidery workshops for all ages throughout the year. You can follow the brand @socorrosociety on social media - where you’ll also find a welcoming and energizing sustainable fashion community and keep up with Lauren’s current projects.

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Socorro Society

Nominees | Boutique

Moonchild Boutique is a Texas based boho-chic pop up shop that is owned by Alex Hernandez.

Their collections feature casual styles and evening wear with a city twist on the boho vibe.

You can see their current collection online at www.moonchildboutique.com

FASHION

Moonchild Boutique Moonchild boutique is a pop up shop found throughout the greater San Antonio area. Owned by Alex Hernandez, the boutique embraces “…the free-spirited, gypsy living, moon loving, go where the wind takes you, bohemian soul,” and provides boho chic apparel perfect for their southern city customers. Their collections provide a wide range of everyday styles to evening wear with a bohemian vibe across their apparel. They also curate annual Fiesta pieces that have been showcased on SA Live.

@moonchildboutique / Instagram

BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR You can find information about their next pop up and current collections at www.moonchildboutique.com and @moonchildboutique

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MUSIC

Donella Drive

Smoke Wagon Band

Tera Ferna is a rock/soul band based in San Antonio, Texas. The band is made up of founder and singer/songwriter Matthew Charles, bassist Brandon Kent, lead guitarist James “Jolly” Perez, and drummer Anthony “Junie” Washington. Their top 2 songs are “Tangled in You” and “Redbone.” Their music is available to stream, and can be found on social media @teraferna

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Tera Ferna

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Smoke Wagon is a rock/country band, known for their edgy yet polished Texas and Red Dirt Country sound. Their music is produced locally by Michael Morales and Mixed by Ron Morales, both multi-Grammy Award winners at Studio M in San Antonio, Texas. Their albums and most popular song, “Where Did I Go Wrong,” is available on all streaming services. You can find them on FB and Instagram @smokewagonband

Nominees | Band

Donella Drive is a progressive alternative rock band from San Antonio, Texas. On guitar and lead vocals is Aidan Escalante. Backing up Aidan is vocalist and bass player Andrew Salazar. Rounding out the group on drums is Steven Rodriguez. The band is a frequent performer at The Rock Box, a popular San Antonio live music venue and bar. Their most played song is their single, “Uncertainty of Now,” from 2020 album, Bloomer - available on all streaming services. To stay up to date on their latest shows and songs, follow them @donelladrive

MUSIC

BAND OF THE YEAR

@smokewagonband / Facebook

Smoke Wagon Band is a rock n’ roll country band based in San Antonio, Texas. From their incredible vocals to their hot fiddle, they are well known and loved throughout the Texas country music scene. They formed in 2011 as a cover band, eventually found their own sound and released their first original album, Smoke Wagon, in 2015. From the guitar riffs to the red-hot fiddle, they definitely bring that rock n’ roll energy to the stage, but their country soul is just as strong in their smooth ballads.

The band is currently made up of 6 members: Jay Brown (Lead Vocals/Acoustic Guitar/Harmonica) Stephen Ochsner (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals) Brandon Neumann (Drums) Dave James (Bass) Deborah Peltier (Fiddle/Vocals) Dave Bond (Lead Guitar) Their music is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and Youtube www.smokewagonband.com @smokewagonband

And their current top 5 Songs are: Where Did I Go Wrong Strong Man Old Dirt Road Brooks Bad Ride 16

MUSIC

DJ Bonnie Stoneman

DJ Mister Zee

DJ SteReyo is a Texas based DJ and music producer known for his tech house, garage vibes.

His tracks have a groove element that blend well with his house style. His recent tracks “Con Premiso” and “Socially Distanced House Party” are available on Mixcloud (stereyo). You can also follow him on Instagram @SteReyo

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DJ SteReyo

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DJ Mister Zee is a Texas based DJ known for his house style and ability to match the crowd’s vibes.

He recently relocated to Austin, Texas from San Antonio. He embraced the Austin music scene, including the Scratchouse in Austin’s Red River Cultural District, prior to its closing. He often spins at the Somersault, and his playlists and tracks can be found on soundcloud. You can also find him on social media @djmisterzee

N o m i n e e s | DJ

DJ Bonnie Stoneman is a Texas based DJ known for her Techno and Tech House style. Her mixes have house vibe with Chicago, funk, and soul vibes. She has been a part of the music scene since the late 90’s and has played across the U.S., including Florida and Alaska. Bonnie is currently a resident DJ for Cross Border Warriors in Dallas, Texas and recently opened for Monoloc. You can find her mixes on soundcloud and mixcloud (/djbonniestoneman) and keep up with her new shows and projects on social media @djbonniestoneman

MUSIC

DJ Mister Zee DJ OF THE YEAR Zach Ramirez - DJ Mister Zee – is originally from San Antonio, Texas. Zach started spinning at a young age and has continued to pursue it over the years. He thrives on the crowd’s energy and his experience allows him to match their vibes with his mixes. His experience with playing for different live crowds is a skill he has taken to his new home in Austin, Texas. He has since embraced the Austin music scene, including the Scratchouse in Austin’s Red River Cultural District, prior to its closing. During the early months of the pandemic he hosted live shows to provide his listeners with house music and club vibes from the safety of their homes and his. He also co-hosts a podcast called Thee Most Valuable Podcast. He currently spins at the Somersault in Austin, Texas and drops playlists for his followers on Soundcloud.

To find his next show, you can follow him @djmisterzee across social media.

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Above: @ djmisterzee / Facebook | @djmisterzee / Instagram

MUSIC

San Antonio, TX Marcy Grace is a Texas Singer/Songwriter based in San Antonio, Texas. Her unique sound has resonated with the local country and alt-country fans of central Texas, who have come to know and love her sound.

Her country twang and alt-country sound comes with skill on the drums, guitar, keyboard, and banjo. You can find her next shows @marcygracemusic and her music is available to stream.

Kelsey Wilson Austin, TX

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Kelsey Wilson, now known as solo artist, Sir Woman, is an Austin based artist. She is the co-founder of Wild Child and member of Glorietta. After branching out as a solo artist, Kelsey has found her sound by embracing her soul, gospel, and R&B vibe. Her new music is available to stream. You can also keep up with her @sirwomanmusic on social media

Nominees | Solo Artist

Marcy Grace

MUSIC

SOLO ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Marcy Grace Singer/songwriter, Marcy Grace currently resides in San Antonio, Texas. She won the New Female Vocalist of the Year from the Big Star 97 Awards in 2018 and was recently nominated by the 2021 Texas Radio Music Awards for Best New Female Artist. She’s had 2 Top 40 singles on the Texas

photos 3-4 / AQPhotosTX

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Regional Radio Chart and was featured Top 40 on the Texas Music Pickers Spotify chart & playlist.

She is known in central Texas for her country twang and altcountry style, and is a regular of the local music scene. She has also performed in Nashville, TN at places including The Bluebird Café, Douglas Corner, Two Old Hippies, Red Rooster, and Antique Archaeology.

As a songwriter her music fits her power vocals and twang perfectly. Her skills with the guitar, drums, keyboard, and banjo add to her unique style.

Her songs are mostly based on personal experiences and the people in her life. Her music certainly has a soul style to it that is unique to her sound.

Ironically she began with pop music, but her sound was more country than pop and it won out in the end!

You can also catch her live at San Antonio music venues like the Rustic, Sam’s Burger Joint, and local music festivals. Her weekly Sports Talk and Tunes sessions can be found on Faceboook and her latest singles “Like I Do” and “Empty Hearted” can be streamed across music services, including Spotify, Pandora, and Youtube. @marcygracemusic www.marcygrace.com

ART

Elyse Brown is a Helotes based painter and potter. Her artwork is known for its upbeat colors and smooth design. Her ceramics and other artwork are available through her company, ECB Designs. And you can follow Elyse at @ecbdesigns_satx

Nora Boardman

Vy Ngo is an Austin based artist, who draws influences from her life as a VietnameseAmerican, a physician, and mother. She has had solo exhibitions and group shows in various public art spaces and galleries, and is well known for her abstract paintings and creative installations, like her recent 1000 Arks. Her abstract and conceptual work is often based on memories, neuroscience and human emotions.

You can see more of her work at vyngostudio. com and on her instagram @vjngo_art

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Vy Ngo

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Nora Boardman is a San Antonio based artist.

She is primarily a painter and sketch artist.

Her acrylic work leans towards a modern form of expressionism and realism with an almost abstract feel in the brush work. Her use of color tends to add a bold heat to the more abstract works and her sketches are detailed in a way that brings out the depth of the darker themed works. Her art is available for purchase on Fine Art America and can be viewed on her instagram @noraboardman

Nominees | Artist

Elyse Brown

ART

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Elyse Brown

Elyse is a painter, potter, and creator in Helotes, Texas. She studied Art at the University of Texas at San Antonio and is constantly learning and developing ideas into original handmade creations available through her company, ECB Designs. Her collections are inspired by travels and personal experiences, as all good art is. Her personality and passion imbue her work with a positivity and warmth that often comes only from handmade designs. Her ceramics, in particular have an upbeat, personal feel and are perfect for the modern, southern home. As she produces her art in small batches, she does offer custom orders and also ornaments during the holidays. Her current collection includes tableware, earrings, and home accessories. To view the collections visit www. ecb-designs.com/ or follow her at @ecbdesigns_satx

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ART

Megan is a San Antonio tattoo artist known for her micro-realism & fineline tattoos. Tattoos by Megan Fox is currently located at the Salons by JC. To see her work, follow her @meganfox. tattoos

Amber Necole Amber Necole is an artist based in San Antonio, Texas. She is a known for work as a body artist and has showcased her work at multiple Beyond the Canvas events and assisted in Texas Body Paint Competitions.

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Rebecca “Red” Rojas is a born and raised San Antonio artist. She is best known for her body art but is also a face painter and tattoo artist. She is currently a lead artist for Beyond the Canvas, and has participated and helped organize the Texas Body Paint Competitions, as well as shown her work at the local Paint Jams hosted by BTC at the Parish in San Antonio, Texas.

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Rebecca Rojas

Nominees | Body Artist

Megan Fox

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BODY ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Megan Fox Megan is a San Antonio based tattoo artist known for her micro-realism & fine-line style. Her attention to detail makes her a go-to for custom line art and portrait designs.

Her command of color and shading make up a unique style that shines through her work. In particular she has mastered shading with color and ink within portrait work,

@meganfoc.tattoos / Instagram

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which with precision line art has developed into a personal style that can be seen across her designs. Tattoos by Megan Fox is currently located at the Salons

by JC in San Antonio, Texas and open by appointment only.

To see her work, follow her @meganfox.tattoos

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Maria Garcia is a San Antonio based professional MUA. From fashion makeup for creative photo editorials to weddings and quinceañeras, Maria has been an MUA for 12 years. She has collaborated with local designers, models, and photographers, like Maricar with Kunan Photography.

Ysabel Ramirez Ysabel Ramirez is a San Antonio based MUA. She is a Paul Mitchell alum and has worked with local designers, like Theresa Satterwhite.

Her skill with hair and make up provides a base for full hair and makeup looks for fashion shoots and special occasions. You can see her work by following @beautybyysa

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Suzanne Syrek Is a San Antonio based MUA and Licensed Esthetician. Suzanne brings over ten years of experience to each look, from bold fashion looks to flawless bridal makeup. She has collaborated with local photographers, including editorial photographer, Jennifer Crowder. You can see her work by following her on Instragram @makeupartistrybysuzanne

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Suzanne Syrek

N o m i n e e s | F a s h i o n MUA

Maria Garcia

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MARIA GARCIA FASHION MUA OF THE YEAR

Maria Garcia is a San Antonio based MUA. She has been doing freelance makeup for the past 12 years. She got her start at a Lancome counter at Dillards and eventually studied under makeup artists such as Priscilla Ono, Mario Dedivanovic, and Kevin James Bennett. She often collaborates with local photographers, like Maricar with Kunan Photography and Mike Blue Photography. Her fashion work was published in BeautyMute Magazine as well as our own. She always brings experience and artistry to her work. To see more of her work follow her @mariagarcia_mua - also note her gorgeous custom color mix on local model Andrea Bazarte in the burgundy gown above!

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@SORIGINSSOAPCO | SORIGINSSOAPCO@GMAIL.COM | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

FASHION

LAKESIDE PHOTO EDITORIAL mike blue photography 29

FASHION

Model: Alicia Ramon @aleedlelee MUA: Suzanne Syrek @makeupartistrybysuzanne Location: Canyon Lake, Texas

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FASHION

canyon lake | texas

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FASHION

Model: Angelica Cortez @seraphelinexx MUA: Suzanne Syrek @makeupartistrybysuzanne Location: Canyon Lake, Texas

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FASHION

Mike Gonzalez is the owner and head photographer of Mike Blue Photography. He is an award winning-internationally published Commercial and Portrait photographer and Camera Exchange Ambassador based in San Antonio, Texas. He is known for his love of black and white photos, as well as his experience with fashion shoots and creative editorials. This lakeside photo editorial was shot at Canyon Lake in Texas with models Angelica Cortez and Alicia Ramon.

San Antonio, Texas @mikebluephotography ww.mikebluephotography.com

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ART

Jennifer Crowder 80’S INSPIRED PHOTO EDITORIAL Jennifer received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Photography from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2009. She is known for her creative portrait photography and beauty images.

She currently focuses on conceptual portraiture and creating innovative installations for photo shoots.

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ART

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Model: Stormy Lopez MUA: Suzanne Syrek Hair: Terri Rehkopf, Ipodarro Salon Location: The Parish in San Antonio, Texas

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ART

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ART

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Her playful and imaginative installments and ability to find the balance between fine art and fashion secured her a 2018 nomination for Formo Magazine Photo Artist of the Year.

She is influenced by photographers Richard Avedon, Tim Walker, and contemporary installation artist and photographer Sandy Skoglund, all of whom are known for portraying a narrative within their work.

This shoot was inspired by 80’s fashion and shot at the Parish in San Antonio, Texas as a collaboration with model Stormy Lopez, MUA Suzanne Syrek, and hairstylist Terri Rehkopf of Ipodarro Salon.

www.jennifercrowderartist.com @jennifer_crowder_artist

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Model: Stormy Lopez MUA: Suzanne Syrek Hair: Terri Rehkopf, Ipodarro Salon Location: The Parish in San Antonio, Texas

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We are currenttly planning our 2021 content!

If you have a local artist you’d like us to feature or would like to be considered for an editorial or interview, please DM or contact us at: info@formomag.com

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www.formomag.com @formomagazine