QP FASHION MAGAZINE - DECEMBER 2020

FASHION and lifestyle MAGAZINE

QP DECEMBER 2020

BARBARA & ALESKA GENESIS & MICHELL

CASTELLANOS AZUAJE

BY EDSON SMITTER

TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ CREATIVE DIRECTOR YASMINE KATEB SENIOR DIRECTOR CLAUDIA LOMBARDO OF SELECTED PROJECTS

FASHION STYLISTS MICHELLE WU CARA GORDON KATHRYN GOSIK HANNAH KERRI

SENIOR EDITOR ALEXANDRA BONNET FASHION EDITOR SHARON JANE

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS JUSTINE DUCLAUX SHANNEN TIERNEY MATT KOGER CONTENT CREATORS ALEXANDRA BONNET

SHARON JANE

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR No matter the holiday you are celebrating, it’s important to remember that there is always a light on the other side!!

2020 has been very chaotic to say the least but as we ring in the New Year, let’s think about the good that came out, however small it may be! Now is the time to find that Holiday cheer and remind those you care about that you love them. Singing, dance, sleep, eat…whatever it is, do it and ENJOY! Here at QP, we wish you all a blessed holiday and despite the pandemic, wishing you all a marvelous 2021 filled with love, joy, and success!

For our last issue of this year, we are so excited to share with you some amazing editorials which includes fashion pieces, interviews, and more. Our cover with the gorgeous Castellanos Azuaje sisters will make your jaw drop alongside interviews with Cara Gordon and Kathryn Gosik who are amazing and talented stylists. These are just to name a few so stay tuned and make sure to check out the full issue!

Happy Holiday.

Stay Happy. Stay Safe. Stay Loving.

ALEXANDRA BONNET & JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

Senior Editor & Editor-in-Chief QPmag

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COVER

TALENTS: GENESIS ALESKA @aleskagenesis & MICHELL ROXANA @michellroxana & BARBARA @c.bstefani ART DIRECTION: ELIZABETH LUGO @elizabethmua & CLAUDIA FERNANDES PHOTOGRAPHER: EDSON SMITTER @edsmitter WARDROBE STYLIST: HASSNI CAINA @styledbyhassni STYLIST´s assistants: NICOLE MENDOZA @marienicole19 & PAOLA BACALAO @paobacalao MAKEUP artistS: LUCIA ALBUIN & LARISSA SANDOVAL & HAROL PRADO HAIR STYLISTS: CAROLINA FANUCCHI & SILDI HAIR production: ELIZABETH LUGO @elizabethmua production ASSISTANTS: IVONY HERNANDEZ & MIGUEL DITROLIO rETOUCHER: JESUS MARCANO 5

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IN THIS ISSUE 8-13 | EDITORIAL: KILLING ME SOFTLY 14-25 | EDITORIAL: DITA E LABRA 26-39 | COVER: CASTELLANOS AZUAJE SISTERS 40-49 | EDITORIAL: WILD BEAUTY 50-61 | EDITORIAL: BLINDING LIGHTS 62-77 | INTERVIEW: KATHRYN GOSNIK & CARA GORDON 78-93 | EDITORIAL: DJELLZA

SUBMISSIONS hello@qpmag.com ww.qpmag.com QP FASHION MAGAZINE BELLO MEDIA GROUP @BELLOmediaGroup 8285 Sunset Blvd, Suite 01 WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046

www.qpmag.com hello@QPMAG.com

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Dress NAKED TIGER

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KILLING ME SOFTLY 9

PHOTOGRAPHER: SONNY MATSON @sonnychaotic MODEL: BIANCA RICHARDS @bianca_richards AGENCY: BOUNTY LA @_bountyla wardrobe STYLIST: CHERIE NOEL @cherienoel HAIR & Makeup: JETON MULLALIU @iamjetonfashion

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Dress NAKED TIGER Heels CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

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Black Suit ZARA

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Top ALL SAINTS

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DITA E LABRA

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PHOTOGRAPHER: JAMIE CHARLES @jaycedoeswork MODEL: LAURA @laura.iva AGENCY: CAROLINE GLEASON MANAGEMENT @cgmmodels wardrobe STYLIST: JAMIE CHARLES @jaycedoeswork HAIR AND Makeup ARTIST: LAUREN CARNY @_makeupandhairbylulu_

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Shirt NANUSHKA

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Bodysuit ALL SAINTS

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Top ALICE + OLIVIA

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COVER

ALESKA GENESIS & MICHELL & BARBARA

CASTELLANOS AZUAJE Interview by ALEXANDRA BONNET @alexbonnetwrites

TALENTS: GENESIS ALESKA @aleskagenesis & MICHELL ROXANA @michellroxana & BARBARA @c.bstefani ART DIRECTION: ELIZABETH LUGO @elizabethmua & CLAUDIA FERNANDES PHOTOGRAPHER: EDSON SMITTER @edsmitter WARDROBE STYLIST: HASSNI CAINA @styledbyhassni STYLIST´s assistants: NICOLE MENDOZA @marienicole19 & PAOLA BACALAO @paobacalao MAKEUP artistS: LUCIA ALBUIN & LARISSA SANDOVAL & HAROL PRADO HAIR STYLISTS: CAROLINA FANUCCHI & SILDI HAIR production: ELIZABETH LUGO @elizabethmua production ASSISTANTS: IVONY HERNANDEZ & MIGUEL DITROLIO rETOUCHER: JESUS MARCANO

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Dress ROBERTO CAVALLI

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GENESIS ALESKA

hen did you decide to launch your swimwear brand and what inspired you to do so?

It was 2 years ago, I was at my home seeing the sunset from the terrace. At that moment I decided to bring something cool and different inspired by the colors of the sunset of the places that I love the most.

If you could describe your brand in 3 words, what would they be?

Fresh, sexy, and sport.

What are the top components you must pay attention to when launching a swimwear brand?

The three key factors are the fabrics, the colors, and the shapes.

What does fashion mean to you?

At this time, it is a lifestyle.

“My mom has taught me the values of life, and to never give up.”

If you could describe yourself as one of your swimsuits, which one would you pick and why?

I would choose the “Malibu” one. Pink and baby blue are my favorite colors, I love the sunset in California. I love the sand and the beach over there. I think it perfectly describes me, I am a surfer girl.

In a world where people are still body shaming etc, how do you show acceptance and promote it too?

I show it and promote it through my brand, where 31

one of the good things of the designs is that they can fit any type of body shape, you do not have to be super fit or slim. Neoprene has the advantage of conforming to your body, and that's the way to promote it.

Who has been your biggest supporter(s) in life up until now? What lessons have they taught you?

Definitely my mom. She has taught me the values of life, and to never give up.

If you could be any designer for a day, who would you pick and why?

CHANEL, that's where all the cardinal points meet. It is chic, sexy, unique, stylish, … It is the reference and statement on the industry. Definitely my mom.

She has taught me the values of life, and to never give up.

Any secret hobby most people do not know you have?

I build LEGOs. What do you hope for in the New Year?

That everyone remains safe and healthy.

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BARBARA

hat was your favorite part of working at the Palm House?

Sharing the experience with such talented Latina women, where they all opened their hearts.

Do you remember the day you booked this? Share with us how you felt.

I don’t remember the exact day, but I remember I was excited and nervous. And then, when I went to the casting and they told me that I was without a doubt selected, it was a great satisfaction. I cried of happiness.

If you could go back in time to give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Dare to do what you dream of, with no fear of being wrong.

Who did you connect with the most on set?

I felt a great connection with all the girls, they are incredible people.

“I’m happy with who I am, and the path that I’m taking, expecting to inspire others.”

What do you hope your viewers will get from watching the show?

I hope they see the reality behind those happy and perfect characters that are shown on social networks.

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What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty is relative, depends on the eyes of the one who sees it. For me, inner beauty is the most important, it is what you reflect.

Who is someone who has really inspired you and why?

My parents.

They have undoubtedly been my driving force and an example that with constant dedication you can achieve what you dream of.

Tell us what motivates you to work hard every day.

The satisfaction of proving myself that I can do anything, that dreams are possible.

If you could be anyone else for one day, who would you choose and why?

I wouldn’t be anybody else, I would be me. Trying to meet your goals is an everyday job. I’m happy with who I am, and the path that I’m taking, expecting to inspire others.

What will 2021 be like?

It will be full of surprises, new goals and projects to fulfill, I guess everyone will be driven by the hope of restoring the normal way of doing things even with the pandemic, realizing that together we can win this.

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Dress ROBERTO CAVALLI

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MICHELL ROXANA

ell us more about your children’s book coming out soon.

My new book talks about the pollution on Earth and how this is affecting life on this planet and what we can do to start a change on this matter.

What inspired you to write it?

When I became Miss Earth Venezuela, I started to be more conscious about how we treat the planet we live in, and I realize that the best way to stop this is by changing the mind of future generations.

Share with us your favorite moment in creating it.

The moment when I saw the first draft. Also, when the first copy was in my hands and I could see that this was getting real.

Tell us what you hope this book will do for kids who read it.

I hope that this book can put a seed on the kids´ minds, and they can have an opinion and become more conscious about their planet, and if they want to enjoy it in the future they could be the grain on the sand that promotes the change.

Growing up, what role did books play in who you are today?

Books gave me the criteria to discern about life, and how knowledge is the most powerful tool that we have to fulfill our goals.

“I always knew that I wanted to do something that could improve our society.”

Have you always known you wanted to be a writer?

More than being a writer, I always knew that I wanted to do something that could improve our society for the common good of humanity.

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When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I love to exercise. Running and biking helps me to think, to relax, to enjoy the air and nature.

How would you describe your fashion?

Modern, fresh, chic but comfortable, I like to be the example that you can be dressed with what fits you best, regarding the style on vogue and still be you and be up to date with fashion at the same time.

Something between classic and modern, as well as youthful.

What is your purpose?

You can be whatever you want if you work hard and have a constant plan and maintain it. Also, you can have many aspects in your life that can collide without sacrificing one or another.

New Year’s Resolutions?

Publish my book, inspire others to be the best version of themselves, being the best version of myself. I would also love to be the host of a TV show, as well as being a statement on fashion and lifestyle.

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Dress ROBERTO CAVALLI

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WILD BEAUTY

PHOTOGRAPHER: KENT AVERY @kentaveryphoto MODEL: CAITLYN MWENIFUMBO @bby_cai AGENCY: THE INDUSTRY MODEL MANAGEMENT LA @theindustryla wardrobe STYLIST: HANNAH KERRI @hannahkerrri hair and Makeup ARTIST: KESHA @keshabyme location: DECLAN @5thletter

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Dress FOREVER 21 Earrings PANGEA KALIVIRGA

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SHORE DREAMS

PHOTOGRAPHER: KENT AVERY @kentaveryphoto MODEL: CAITLYN MWENIFUMBO @bby_cai AGENCY: THE INDUSTRY MODEL MANAGEMENT LA @theindustryla wardrobe STYLIST: HANNAH KERRI @hannahkerrri HAIR AND Makeup ARTIST: KESHA @keshabyme LOCATION: DECLAN @5thletter

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Dress LEXI Boots MIU MIU

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Dress LEXI Corset LILAH GARMENTS Earrings STUDIO BALOGE

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Dress LEXI Corset LILAH GARMENTS Earrings STUDIO BALOGE

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Lingerie GUESS Shoes MARCIANO 47

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White Silky Shirt AMATERAS

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Dress NOW PR PRIVATE LABEL Earrings NOA Rings LADA LEGINA Heels CHARLES DAVID SHOES

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BLINDING LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS MARTIN @bychrismartin MODEL: MARI FONSECA @marianne_fonseca AGENCY: NEXT MANAGEMENT @nextmodels wardrobe STYLIST: MICHELLE WU @michellewustylist Makeup ARTIST: TEAL DRUDA @tealmuah HAIR STYLIST: LEA JOURNO @leajournosalon

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Dress STELLO Heels SHOEDAZZLE Ring LADA LEGINA Necklace ELLIE VAIL JEWELRY

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Dress NANA JACQUELINE Earrings & Rings SHY SIREN Gloves LILITH VIPER Boots CHARLES DAVID SHOES

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Dress NATHALIE KARAM Earrings MISAHARA Rings SHY SIREN Gloves LILITH VIPER Bag RUBEUS MILANO Heels CHARLES DAVID SHOES

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Blazer & Pants KARIGAM Crop Top LILITH VIPER Choker ARIEL TAUB Earrings LADA LEGINA Rings MAISON LOUELLA Heels CHARLES DAVID SHOES

Swimsuit SUPERDOWN Earrings VINTAGE

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INTERVIEW

KATHRYN GOSIK & CARA GORDON

THE FUTURE OF FASHION Introduction by RYAN MICHAELS @ryanmichaelsss

Meet Cara Gordon and Kathryn Gosik, Los Angeles’ newest styling duo. The two complement each other’s strengths: bending any style or gender into something undeniable, sensual, and potent. They are electric in their creativity while sophisticated in their attitude.

PHOTOGRAPHER: GEORGOS KARAMANUS @geogoskaramanus WARDROBE STYLISTs: KATHRYN GOSIK @kathryngosik & CARA GORDON @cara_gordon MAKEUP artist: ASHLEN @glamxashlen

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KAT T-Shirt & Tights VETEMENTS Sunglasses VERSACE

KAT

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CARA Bra HONEY BIRDETTE Jacket GUESS Sunglasses GUCCI

PHOTOGRAPHER: MEGAN BATSON @megbatphoto MODEL: ALLI MARTINEZ @allimartinez AGENCY: WILHELMINA LOS ANGELES @wilhelminalosangeles

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KATHRYN GOSIK & CARA GORDON

Gordon started at Condé Nast and W Mag before moving to Los Angeles, working closely with the likes of Janelle Monáe, Selena Gomez and Katy Perry.

Gosik comes from a music background, spending time at Warner Bros Records and in management, before her 2019 pivot to styling.

Gordon’s style is often recklessly expressive: vivid colors, varied silhouettes and a distinct sexiness. Gosik is just as bold with her colors while aiming at an effortless, composed kind of cool, something that has translated well to her professional athlete clientele and rappers alike.

Recently, Gordon and Gosik were signed to The Wall Group, propelling them to a new level in the styling world. We can’t wait to see what they do next, but we do know it’ll be good.

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hat are the benefits of working as a duo?

Kat: So many, but having an extra set of eyes is definitely up there. Cara will see the art we are making from a different perspective than I sometimes do, getting me out of my comfort zone, and vice versa. We both bring different elements to the table, Cara is a pro at editorial work, whereas I am more fluent in street style, and we both meet in the middle.

Cara: They say the more the merrier and that definitely applies to styling as well. Kat opens my eyes to a lot of concepts creatively that I wouldn’t think twice about and vice versa. She is constantly motivating me to be better.

Additionally, no one understands what we are going through more than each other and I’m so grateful for that. Two heads are better than one and together we are truly unstoppable.

What inspires your personal style?

Kat: I think the coolest thing is when a girl looks sexy without showing too much skin. I would say I’m more drawn towards androgynous pieces, it is not unlikely to find me shopping in the men’s section for myself. I like to look put together but also effortless.

Cara: Anything that makes you think twice and deviates from the norm. I don’t really take trends into consideration. I’m drawn to anything larger than life, polarizing, youthful, and unique.

I have a deep satisfaction knowing no one else can emulate my style successfully. It is truly one of a kind.

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Where do you get your inspiration from?

Kat: Hmm… it’s not easy for me to pinpoint one thing or moment and say: “There. That’s my inspiration”. I think moving through life, experiencing art, watching music videos, walking around the streets of Los Angeles, traveling, I draw inspiration that way. Usually late at night I get bursts of creativity, and I’ll be on my laptop emailing designers and putting together mood boards until I can’t keep my eyes open anymore.

Cara: Before fashion, it was figure skating so I inevitably draw a lot of my inspiration from skating costumes (especially for music videos and editorial). I ironically try not to look to other people too much because I think it fails to be original if you do. I’m inspired by technology, astronomy, robotics, books, art, love, music, the whimsy of fantasy and romance. I certainly consider myself a romantic. I’m inspired by anything that makes me feel something. If it doesn’t, I don’t want it.

What advice do you have for aspiring stylists?

Kat: It may sound corny, but always remember that no one else is you and that’s your superpower.

I feel as though there’s an unspoken competition among stylists in LA, but really the only person you should be in competition with is yourself. I try to outdo myself on every new project and always give 110%. When stylists come to me for questions or advice, I have no problem helping them, you can give someone else the recipe, but the sauce won’t taste the same. Stay in your own lane, have a clear vision and goal, put your head down, and work, the reward will reveal itself.

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Bra HONEY BIRDETTE Jacket GUESS Sunglasses GUCCI

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T-Shirt & Tights VETEMENTS Sunglasses VERSACE

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Cara: No one makes it overnight so putting yourself out there is invaluable. There is something to gain from every internship, assistant job, shoot, and so forth. I live by the quote “put your heart on a platter and let people stab it.” In short, it means to never hold back. Do it all. Wear your heart on your sleeve. What if it can turn out better than you can imagine?

What are your career goals?

Kat: Be at the top, and I know we will be. I also want to diversify in my field, I want to create product lines, a clothing brand, start a podcast.

A lot of my short-term goals have been reached this year, but I have long term goals, very close to my heart, which you’ll see materialize over the next few years.

Cara: Everything is possible if you are willing to work for it. There are certain career milestones I’m looking forward to (for instance, styling a client for the Met Gala) but I want Kat and I to be bigger than just stylists. I want to create art that will transcend beyond us. I know that this is just the beginning.

How did you get into fashion/styling?

Kat: I worked in music management for 5 years before getting into styling, though always had an interest in fashion. My boss at the time knew it was a passion, so he would send me to photoshoots with clients to be his eyes on set. I vividly remember watching the stylists do their jobs and thinking, “Wow, I want to do that”. I started helping some friends who are performers with their looks for shoots and events and really developed my interest in the field. After interning with a couple of stylists and learning the fundamentals of the job, I found a stylist who gave me a chance in a more creative role, and I assisted him before breaking off and working with my own clients. It has been a lot of learning along the way, but I feel so fulfilled with the sense that this is God’s plan for me.

Cara: I’ve known my entire life I’d work in fashion. That was never a question for me.

After graduating, I moved to New York City and worked at DuJour, Marie Claire, Brides and W magazines then went on to assist former British Vogue editor Bronwyn Cosgrave. Bronwyn told me she saw me as a stylist based in Los Angeles and that stuck with me. However, working under Alexandra Mandelkorn was really my introduction to the celebrity styling world and my

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shove to move to Los Angeles full-time. It was scary at the beginning to make the commitment to be self-employed and show up for myself but taking the plunge was the best thing that ever happened to me.

What are your favorite designers/brands?

Kat: As much as I love designers, I’m not really a ‘designer girl’. I believe clothing is how you wear something and you can make a $20 shirt look as dope as a $2,000 top. Buuuuttt…. I do love Balenciaga, YSL, Helmut Lang, Heron Preston... some Off-White is cool, and who doesn’t love vintage Chanel and Versace? I’m also into Sally LaPointe, Jacquemus, y/Project, Maisie Wisen is dope, AREA, Unravel, Saks Potts, Mugler, 1017 ALYX 9SM…. the list goes on. I love where fashion is at right now. I love the unexpected collaborations that are happening more often than not nowadays - NBA x Louis Vuitton?? Yes, please!

Cara: This changes all the time but currently Olivier Rousteing of Balmain, Jeremy Scott of Moschino, Hedi Slimane of Celine, Alexander McQueen, LaQuan Smith, and Christian Cowan.

Anyone who understands the times (past present and future), uses their power and influence for the better, isn’t afraid to be fun (and sexy of course), and morphs the scope of trends through their own creative lens.

What is the biggest misconception about working as a fashion stylist?

Kat: Biggest misconception is definitely that we always have a bunch of clothes sitting at home waiting to be styled. Yes, we have our kits; but when a client calls me an hour before an event thinking I have a rack just ready and waiting for this moment, that's not the case. Just like any artist, stylists take pride in their work and I never give less than my absolute best, never put something out that I’m not proud of. When I’m given a project, I am sourcing items all over LA and the world for that specific project, which can take over a week. There are so many moving parts to styling, you have to be extremely organized and really love it because it's not easy.

Cara: My friend Victor Vaughns (who is now at WWD) and I would joke that people not in the industry think we just throw Prada bags around all day but working in fashion takes a lot more grit and relentlessness than that. It’s really a fight but is worth every second of that fight.

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Black Suit HELMUT LANG Necklace SHAY JEWELRY

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Dress VETEMENTS

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Sweatsuit BALENCIAGA Sunglasses FENTY

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Kat: “I never give less than my absolute best, never put something out that I’m not proud of.” QP

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Cara: “I have a deep satisfaction knowing no one else can emulate my style successfully.

It is truly one of a kind.�

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Dress THE ATTICO

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Dress SUPERDOWN Earrings VINTAGE Heels ALDO

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DJELLZA

PHOTOGRAPHER: MAYK AZZATO @mayk_azzato MODEL: DJELLZA @gugidjellza PRODUCTION: FRANCESCA BONO AZZATO @thecreatives assistants: FLORIAN SCHÖWALD & NIKLAS WINKLER

Dress SUPERDOWN

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Pants Suit JOHN MADDOX

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Fur Coat YASAMIN D´JOUR

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Top SUPERDOWN Pants SUPERDOWN

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Fur Coat YASAMIN D´JOUR

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BY CHRIS MARTIN

FASHION and lifestyle MAGAZINE

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