Newstyle Issue 38

HIGHLIGHT

MODEL OF THE MONTH

THE AFRICAN MARQUIS & ELEGANZ FABRICS @newstylemauritius | www.newstyle.mu

PHOTOGRAPHY

KOUNAL GOPAUL AKHILESH RAMKURRUN

A LOVE STORY FASHION SHOW ISSUE 38 A p r

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COMF COMF

Airbus A330

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with the latest additions to our fleet: the two Airbus A350 and t

with the latest additions to our fleet: the two Airbus A350 and th

30neo / A350

FORT FORT

0neo / A350

new heights

new heights

the two newly landed Airbus A330neo. More comfort is on its way.

he two newly landed Airbus A330neo. More comfort is on its way.

CONTENTS

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THE AFRICAN MARQUIS & ELEGANZ FABRICS A LOVE STORY - FASHON SHOW KOUNAL GOPAUL PHOTOGRAPHY AKHILESH RAMKURRUN PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL OF THE MONTH HIGHLIGHT

ISSUE 38 EDITOR’S NOTE I ventured out on my own. It was difficult actually; I came to Mauritius to explore and see where the streets could take me. The culture shock hit me head on. I grew up in India, known as a bit conservative country. Aesthetic-wise, took me some time to search and I must admit that I’m still learning today. Be it avant-garde, minimalist, daring or vintage. I like to mix the different styles. I think it comes from my love for art.

Newstyle magazine is simply what my perspective of fashion is. To always create and innovate. To always learn new things and get out of the comfort zone. To love what is…UNUSUAL. I wanted to integrate a bit of creativity, psychology and wonder in this magazine.

Who are you? What do you love? What is fashion? Who is behind? These are things that we may constantly ask whether we admit it or not. The concept of dwelling to is not the typical “I’m lost right now” imagery. I would rather say that this is a subconscious voice.

Saachin Sagar

Director

We wake up every day, we dress up a certain way, we talk, we move. We have this routine that we follow. Are you happy? Is this what you want? Is this your style? Are you really living?

Find your thing and be who you want to be. Get out of the box and think that this is the most enjoyable journey that you could ever embark on.

Lots of goof vibes to you during this lockdown period.

Stay home and stay safe.

Saachin Sagar Director

For any queries regarding the magazine, please do not hesitate to contact us on our Instagram and Facebook page.

Newstyle is uniquely suited to bring the world of international fashion closer to Mauritians. With the promotion of local skills through photography, Newstyle leaves no room for money transactions. Our collaboration with make-up artists, fitness enthusiasts, designers or models gives them the opportunity to highlight their work and help them gain further expertise. Our goal is to be at the vanguard of fashion. Each issue of Newstyle focuses on a new face to highlight them.

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by

THE AFROMODA THE AFRICAN MARQUIS

Designer & Styling: THE AFRICAN MARQUIS

by Gabriel Froid Makeup: Ashish Rughoobur & El-Mehsen from MAC Cosmetics Mauritius Accessories & Fabrics: ELEGANZ FABRICS Hair: Pauline from Cameroon Models: Melissa Sendeck, Raviro Muzorori, Valerie Martinet, Annabelle Nadal, Amellia Leonard & Stephano Chévatian

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INTERVIEW WITH THE AFRICAN MARQUIS & ELEGANZ FABRICS Designer Gabriel Froid recently created his fashion brand “The African Marquis”. Valeska Ferdinand is sales manager at ELEGANZ FABRICS. Godwin Attah is the CEO of ELEGANZ FABRICS. In the atelier, they create modern and timeless African clothing for all occasions, with an emphasis on quality materials and attention to detail. In this interview, they share their journey with us and their collaboration.

Gabriel Froid is the founder and creator of the Mauritian brand The African Marquis, an Afro-centric brand focused on the perfect blend of couture and culture, located in Phoenix, Mauritius.

Eleganz fabrics is a continuously growing brand launched in 2016 and present in West Africa, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, which evolves with the satisfaction of its customers by offering high quality and exquisite textile prints. Valeska Ferdinand, Sales Director and Godwin Attah CEO of Eleganz fabrics met on Facebook when Gabriel Froid was looking for African printed fabrics to create his own clothing. His selection criterias consisted in the quality and originality of the fabrics, which were not available everywhere. Eleganz fabrics was the only fabric store to offer a wide range of fabrics with eccentric prints in bright colors, so he decided to buy his fabrics to create his designs.

They really started working together at the official launch of The African Marquis for the first fashion show of Gabriel Froid as the designer and creative director of his brand at the “SHOTZ GOES FASHION” event which was, for them, an amazing way to present the essence of their collaboration in strengthening African culture and the Mauritian-African Diaspora.

Their fashion show is this time called “AFROMODA”, a show highlighting African fashion through classic and chic creations.

The collaboration with Eleganz fabrics has allowed The African Marquis to highlight this concept because the fabrics and designs are unique and give an unusual choice to the public and customers. It is also the occasion to launch The African Marquis’ Easter collection, consisting of unique garments, and Eleganz fabrics’ Easter collection, consisting of unique fabrics.

A perfect blend.

Mauritius, who was first developed by African slaves and the commemoration and celebration of African culture remains our top priority. The African Marquis and Eleganz Fabrics aims to give a different representation of African fashion by presenting something chic rather than the traditional prêt-à-porter clothes. The African Marquis favours the sense of aristocracy and bourgeoisie associated with the designs whereas Eleganz Fabrics shows its richness with bright colours and quality fabrics.

This striking team has various future projects on which they are working. However, they want to complete them before announcing the results. “We promise you that it will be great and we take our time to work on these projects to make them unique”, they let out!

Both parties expect the magazine to shed light on the local entrepreneurs and help show a new perspective on Africa and its rich culture. They also hope that this article will increase the visibility of their brands and help them develop their business in Africa.

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Models: Miss Reunion 2019-2020 Morgane Lebon, other Ex Miss Reunion winners & Mr Aziz Patel (Delegue Regional du Comite Miss Reunion) Make up: El Mehsen Clothing and accessories : Oui Oui Fashion Photography : Saachin Sagar Location : Backstage, Henessy Park Hotel 18

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A LOVE STORY FASHION SHOW BY HANS DAX, SD HAIRSTYLE & FABIAN BRUNET Models : Alexandrine Belle-Etoile, Anais Lagrosse, Felicia Lagrosse, Aurelie Biram, Ezra, Onezya Chung Yen, Danidza Diolle, Emily Bauluck, Mason, Yevin Rajiah Makeup : Hans Dax Hairstyling : SD Hairstyle Outfits : Fabian Brunet Photography : Saachin Sagar

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A LOVE STORY by

BY HANS DAX, SD HAIRSTYLE & FABIAN BRUNET Hans Dax and Samuel David are both young creative arts enthusiasts. With their performances as make-up artists and hairdressers, they quickly made a name for themselves in the fashion industry. So quickly that they even assisted in organizing the last Fashion Week show at the Hennessy Park Hotel last year. In addition to being project planners for the models, designers and castings, they are also involved in the creative arts for a number of fashion shows. We met him for him to tell us more about his latest show. Follow us...

A Love Story in collaboration with Fabian Brunet is a fashion show directed by Hans Dax and SD Hairstyle.The idea was to showcase the beauty of women in all their majesty. This event, which took place at the prestigious Hennessy Park Hotel, featured the theme of love, all in red. The models were enhanced by a glittering glamorous make-up with the unconditional “red lips”. The show took place on February 14, 2020, where 10 models were present: Alexandrine Belle-Etoile, Anaïs Lagrosse, Felicia Lagrosse, Aurelie Biram, Mason, Danidza Diolle, Onezya Chung Yen, Enza, Yevin Rajiah and Emily Bauluck.

Models : Vanessa Veerasamy Wardrobe : Own Hair & Make up: Ashish Rughoobur Photography : Saachin Sagar Location : Le Suffren Hotel & Marina

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” n o i t a t s o i d a r d o o g l e e f “Your u a M n i o i d a r n o i t a r e n e g w e N “

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TUNE INTO 103.2 CENTRE I 100.5 N

” s u i t i r u

NORTH/SOUTH I 106.5 EAST/WEST

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CLICKING WITH

KOUNAL GOPAUL PHOTOGRAPHY BACKSTAGE AWARD WINNER 2017

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INTERVIEW WITH KOUNAL GOPAUL Kounal Gopaul, 28 years old, Mauritian photographer from Beau Bassin, with experience in wedding, portrait, corporate, wildlife, fashion and commercial photography. We talked to Kounal about his career and the importance of photography in his life.

Encounter...

Kounal is one of the most talented photographers in Mauritius. During the first years of his photographic work, he featured the most famous Mauritian fashion brands such as Citadel Clothing, Bata Shoes, Adopt, Lemon Yellow and Mauritian designers. In terms of editorial photography, Kounal Gopaul Photography has been collaborating with Lifestyle magazine, Essentielle magazine and many others. During his career as a photographer, he also shooted with industries such as My gym, The Irish, Mauritius Telecom, Roberlo Mauritius, Pizza inn-Vidae Café and Wildlife for the BBC Affiliates documentary channel and his work has been used for various commercials such as Citadel Clothing, The Irish, My gym, Pizza INN - Vidae Cafe & Bata, Dhruv Bandwal Designer, Koovs India .

His motivation for taking a camera was largely to somehow be able to satisfy an instinct that he always had in his life. He likes to be creative in any way he can. Kounal likes to tell stories in any way he can. A camera simply gave him the opportunity to do it in a way that was personally satisfying. “Almost 5 years (this year) of struggle, ups and downs, here we are today,” he relates. His team consists of himself (owner of Kounal Gopaul Photography), his secretary Avisha, two secondary photographers from his team and his driver Ashwin. “I can’t forget those people who worked with me to structure and build this business.

Kounal Gopaul Photography has a motto: To be versatile and provide quality work.” Their main categories feature wedding, food and beverage and fashion photography. They offer different types of sub-category services such as: retouching services, portraits, studio shoots, product/commercial photography and wildlife photography.

Kounal’s interest in shooting all started with the sunset / stars (Milkyway) which was followed by the portrait photography. However, the main thing that makes our man happy in what he does is when he must shoot at a wedding. He goes through the photos, while editing the pictures where he sees emotions and hilarious shots that bring a smile all the time. The key points he pays the most attention to before accepting any new project. Authenticity and the client’s request! For Kounal, his greatest achievement so far is leaving his job as assistant project manager in the field of optical networking. He started doing photography on his own and learned everything by himself. “Starting from scratch and being among the best is the greatest achievement,” he says. Our young artist has also been nominated “Best Photographer” at the Backstage Awards and is more than proud of this title. He mentions that It certainly helps a lot in the marketing strategy because nowadays customers tend to book the best. “I am grateful to my fans and the Hennessy Park Hotel for giving me the privilege to be named the best backstage photographer of the year and to present myself in their Fashion week expo gallery,” he says. Furthermore, Kounal has recently been working on a project named “Incredible India” where the images have been filmed in different parts of India. Project that has been presented at the University of South Delhi. “I am expecting many more results for the Bird Photography of the Year Award and the 35-year-old Photography Award in which I am currently participating.” According to him, good communication and good chemistry to facilitate both parties while working is essential for a successful collaboration. “As far as my experience with my clients is concerned, it has been wonderful so far,” he says.

His advice to photography lovers who would like to make a career in Photography is to simply learn poetry, understand what you want to capture and to never be afraid. The next steps for Kounal? Shoot the international market, India. “My dream is the European market! And of course, the fashion industry and wedding events.”

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“WORKSHOP”

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THROUGH THE LENS OF

AKHILESH RAMKURRUN BACKSTAGE AWARD WINNER 2019

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INTERVIEW WITH AKHILESH RAMKURRUN He is a 27-year-old artist, named Akhilesh Ramkurrun. Living in the north of Mauritius in Pamplemousses. He is a full-time photographer and part time teacher in a secondary school where he teaches fine arts. He specializes in Wedding, Portrait and Fashion photography.

Akhilesh started photography as a passion while he was studying for his HSC. He had a point-and-shoot camera that he used to capture random objects, including insects or plants, as which was his major source of inspiration at that time. It wasn’t until his second year at university in 2012 that he was introduced to the world of photography again. He had a module where he had to work in a darkroom using an analogue camera. Right after that, Akhilesh bought his first DSLR camera and started taking pictures on campus. He was mainly taking pictures of students, events and beauty contests organized by a club. Akhilesh was one of the main photographers of the Miss University of Mauritius beauty pageant. At the same time, in 2014, he obtained his first wedding photography contract and became a wedding photographer since then. His interest in fashion photography grew in April 2019 thanks to his studies in arts. He wanted to merge fashion and fine arts to create.

The Akhilesh R studio was established in August 2014 by providing wedding photo coverage at a professional level. “I have a small team where everyone is motivated by the same passion. We offer services such as wedding coverage, corporate events, portraits and fashion,” explains the young man. His interest in fashion started last year because he felt like he was leaving behind his artistic side which was a very big part of the photographer’s life. “Doing wedding photos for five years left a dull feeling and I felt that I needed something to further develop my artistic abilities.” He began to create photography concepts and contacted people in the fashion area for help. While starting to follow fashion photographers in Mauritius and internationally, the young man started to work on many projects with make-up artists, designers and other people related to the fashion world. Before accepting a new project, the key points Akhilesh pays attention to are the authenticity of the concept and the artistic idea. He explains that the project must have an impact on the public and generate appreciation and criticism. “When I work on a project, I always focus on my inspirations and try to do something that has an important meaning, because at the end of the day, photography is about art.”

Winning the Backstage Awards, held by the Hennessy Park Hotel, in the field of photography is Akhilesh’s greatest achievement. This award was a turning point in his career as it has allowed him to further develop his skills in photography. Also, winning the Backstage Awards allowed him to meet many people who had the same expertise in the field, taking him to connect to the artistic world. “This is the greatest achievement because it required a hard team that works together. I didn’t win this award alone, I would honour every single person who worked for it,” mentions our artist. Social media is, for him a great asset to feature his work.

“I started to publish my first pictures on Facebook and today I have my professional account on Facebook and Instagram, namely Akhilesh R studio. I have an audience that constantly motivates me to work harder.” He relates. Good communication and sharing of ideas form part of his way of working. His advice to anyone who is just starting out in the world of photography is to always be patient and carry on in what they are doing. “You should never give up negative criticism and always be open to criticism.” Learning photography is a constant and never-ending process.

Our young artist’s upcoming projects will, hence, be more focused on environmental concerns. He is planning to integrate the environment into the fashion realm and create concepts that would make humans more aware of the world and the issues we are facing.

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MOdel of the month

HIGHLIGHTS

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Newstyle magazine’s owner Sachin Sagar and his team have been highlighting since long to feature new modelling icons, artists etc through his fashion photoshoot and online platform. Newstyle is uniquely suited to bring the world of international fashion closer to Mauritians.

With the promotion of local skills through photography, Newstyle leaves no room for money transactions. The magazine’s collaboration with make-up artists, fitness enthusiasts, designers or models gives them the opportunity to highlight their work and help them gain further expertise. Our goal is to be at the vanguard of fashion and lifestyle. Each issue of Newstyle focuses on a new face to highlight them.

Model of the Month is a contest launched by the magazine on Facebook where users can vote among 4 faces.

The aim of this contest is to find new faces and new talents and give chances to everyone to become a model.

New faces are chosen and nominated by the team and a poll opened on Facebook for 14 days. Facebook users can make their choice upon subscription first to the magazine. The Grand Winner gains a free make-up session, a free professional shoot with Sachin Sagar, free exposure in the magazine and free pictures.

Newtsyle magazine will certainly carry on to introducing its readers to the personalities behind the world of fashion and retail in Mauritius. The team promises to always honour our designers, makeup artists, models... to shorten it up, celebrate THEIR PEOPLE who make it all happen in Mauritius.

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MODEL OF THE MONTH

Kirty Sujeewon

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