Newstyle Issue 42

LOCAL IS BEAUTIFUL, MADE IN MAURITIUS

HATEEFAH LOW KOM

BLOXXOM FASHION SHOW

MODEL OF THE MONTH

MISS ECO MAURITIUS 2019-2020

NOW FASHION AT BACKSTAGE

TOWEL SERIES

MARIE NATASHA LAFLEUR

DANIA MURDAMOOTOO, GLORIA & SOPHIE LAFLEUR

ORIGIN AFRICA BACKSTAGE

SASH A MOSAFE ER

A S MA SHI N G EN TRY IN TO THE FA SHI O N R E A LM

7TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 42

August

@newstylemauritius | www.newstyle.mu

2020

CONTENTS

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SASHA MOSAFEER HATEEFA LOW KOM - MODEL OF THE MONTH NOW FASHION AT BACKSTAGE ORIGIN AFRICA - CURVY IS BEAUTIFUL TOWEL SERIES BACKSTAGE 7TH ANNIVERSARY

ISSUE 42 EDITOR’S NOTE Here’s to free time with friends and family. OMG — it’s happening.

Sandrina Micha

Editor & Stylist

As you move forward, I hope you have the courage to do things differently, to be the kind of person who takes the risk, to be the kind of person who leads with their heart and shows up in their life with a ruthless dedication to learning, and growing and enjoying the hell out of their moments here. I hope you have the courage to never let comfort or apprehension convince you that you are better off staying still. I hope you have the courage to trust the part of yourself that knows there’s more out there for you, the part of yourself that is easy to quiet when you’re trying to live by the rules and the expectations of a world that has bred so much dissatisfaction and sadness. I hope you have the courage to trust the part of yourself that seeks freedom from those trends, from those boundaries, and I hope you have the courage to go after whatever it is that genuinely makes you want to get up in the morning. I hope you have the courage to find the things in life that ignite you and deepen your understanding of the world and those within it. I hope you have the courage to fight for a future that inspires you, even if it doesn’t look the way you thought it would. I hope you have the courage to change. I hope you have the courage to trust in the person you’re becoming.

Support the children in your life to feel curious and grateful. And maybe even allow yourself to do the same. Take on a child-like curiosity with the world around you.

Stop. Go back, read that again, and let it sink in.

Sandrina Micha Editor & Stylist

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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SASHA MOSAFEER A SMASH ING ENTRY INTO T HE FASH IO N R EALM

Model : Sasha Mosafeer Hair and Styling: Sacha Coiffure Stylist : Jennifer Sacha Wardrobe : Own Photography : Saachin Sagar Location : Sachin Sagar Studio

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INTERVIEW WITH SASHA MOSAFEER TOWARDS THE FASHION ELITE

With a head full of dreams and a clear mind, Sasha Mosafeer is reasonably proud of the career that awaits him. The 18-year-old Mauritian high school student is just about to start his career in the world of fashion, and for this first time, with Newstyle magazine. He chose to try out modelling after working with his father, who used to style hair for the fashion shows. A world that he liked right away. Today he welcomes us into his world.

A world entitled, as you might guess, FASHION. Through Newstyle magazine, Sasha hopes to see this world expand with great opportunities. He is at the same time the boast of his parents, who support him in every way. While he tries to live his youth as normally as possible, Sasha Mosafeer can’t deny his legacy: ‘’My parents know a lot about fashion. Of course, I listen to them because they have great style,” he explains in the pages of Newstyle.

It’ s the birth of a Fashion Icon.

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MODEL

OF THE MONTH

Hateefa Low Kom

MISS ECO INTERNATIONAL MAURITIUS 2019-2020

Model : Hateefa Low Kom, Miss Eco International Mauritius 2019-2020 Stylist : Nuance by Sandrina Dress : Amara Boutique Swimwear : Beachwear Mauritius Photography : Saachin Sagar Location : Sachin Sagar Studio 23

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INTERVIEW WITH

HATEEFA LOW COM

MODEL OF THE MONTH & MISS ECO INTERNATIONAL MAURITIUS (2019-2020) Congratulations on being crowned as Miss Eco International! When was the moment when you realize that you are a beauty queen now?

Around one week after the final Night as first week I was still processing everything that was happening.

Can you please introduce yourself? (Full name, age, location, profession…)

My name is Hateefa Low Kom. I am 23 years old and currently work as software Implementation Consultant. I live at Riviere Du Rempart. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by Animals and Nature. As years went by I realized that I was at my happiest taking care of animals and surrounded by Nature. My hobbies are taking care of my animals, yoga, reading books and writing.

What qualities of a queen do you believe you have always had in you?

I believe that the real quality of a beauty queen is her authenticity, being herself and showing her real values and personality. I’ve always been authentic and true to who I am.

What inspired you to walk on the course of beauty pageants?

I was inspired to get into pageantry firstly because beauty pageants celebrate feminity and the beauty of woman which goes beyond looks and includes qualities such as intelligence, kindness, empathy among others.

The second reason is because pageants gives women a platform to voice our opinions and choices be it protection of the environment, fighting against child abuse, promoting education. It empowers women and it also gives us a doorway to a waterfall of opportunities, for example being able to work with different organizations for our community.

Did you face any moment of disappointment with yourself during the pageant journey, and how did you overcome it?

I didn’t have any disappointment with myself throughout the pageant and after. I was myself throughout the competition, I did my best and I was happy with everything that I achieved especially as it was my first time in the pageant world and on ramp walk.

What is the most memorable moment during the Miss Eco International?

Definitely winning the title and seeing happiness on the faces of people who have been supporting me.

How would you inspire those who are deemed not beautiful or not perfectly shaped?

I genuinely believe that every beings on this planet are beautiful in their own way. It’s just about loving yourself and being true to who you are. My tips would be to always smile and be confident with who you are.

If you were anything but a human, what would it be and why?

I would be a plant as it gives every other living beings oxygen and food without asking anything in return.

Would you like to share any dream or cherished moment of your childhood?

As mentioned above, I grew up with animals, being with them and taking care of them are the memories I cherish the most. It’s actually from animals that I’ve learn the real meaning of being selfless.

What is the most important thing/person in your life, the thing/person you feel blessed to have?

There’s two person actually. The first person is my mother, since I was 8 she took care of me and my siblings as a single parent. She did an amazing job.

She is a fighter and my super woman. I am the woman that I am today thanks to her unconditional love and support. She is a pillar in my life and I am forever grateful for having such an amazing mother. The second person is my best friend, Chetan who has always been there for me supporting me through every ups and downs.

Which one contestant did you secretly admire but feared would take away the crown, before the finale night?

No one in particular all of the other contestants were amazing in their own way.

If you were a judge of a beauty pageant, which qualities would you mark the contestants on?

Authenticity. Someone who is eloquent, simple and true to herself.

How would you like to spend this year of your life as a beauty queen?

I decided to join Miss Eco International Mauritius 2020 to fight for causes that are close to my heart namely protection of the environment and animals. I am currently working on helping people to go for a more eco-friendly lifestyle. I have also joined an NGO that works a lot for the community by helping underprivileged people, taking care of elders among others.

How do you think Newstyle magazine might be helpful to you?

People will get to know more about me.

Any message to our readers?

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.

You don’t need to be accepted by others, love yourself and fight for your dreams. Self love will help you to reach your true potential.

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NOW FASHION

AT BACKSTAGE

BLOXXOM

BY CALL HIM DUDE X FABIEN FAUZOU

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Clothes designers : Call him dude (Cedric Vincent) x Fabien Fauzou Hair and Clutches : Dominic Balthazard Earrings : Fler Kann (Karen Franรงois) x Call him dude Makeup Artists : EL Mehsen x Anouchka Marie Stylist : Nuance by Sandrina Micha Photography : Saachin Sagar Models : Charlotte, Stacy, Elodie, Anne-Sophie C, Amber, Kelly, Alaika, Jeremy, Anne-Sophie F and Oneyza 45

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BLOXXOM BY CHD X FZU

FIRST FASHION SHOW AFTER LOCKDOWN

Fabien Fauzou is one of the most talented designers of his generation in Mauritius. He is passionate about art and fashion, and loves to create and imagine new things. Fashion designer since 2010, it is with love that he designs each of his outfits. Meet him...

Fabien’s main goal in terms of style? Glamorous clothing for women! But he can also create lovely outfits for men or sometimes work on fancy dress events such as the Costumes of the Phantom of the Opera a few years ago and more recently the costumes for the opening and closing ceremonies of the JIOI. In addition, he has had the opportunity to present some of his creations highly inspired by another local and famous artist, Vaco Baissac, in Paris.

At the age of 19, he wanted to sew a dress for a member of his family and that’s how this crazy journey began. He joined the fashion design institute while working with the Lionnet family, which gave birth to Lionnet Fauzou, a brand that focuses mainly on glamorous dresses, wedding dresses and the more formal ones such as uniforms. “I will always be grateful to them for teaching them the basics of sewing, I learned so much from them,” he confesses. Then, years later, he decided it was high time to do something on his own.

As a small businessman, he had a lot to do to keep his business going, but he has always been very happy with his choices. Over the years, he worked with different designers and people within the company. It was important for him to work with different people and learn from them, to work differently and to get out of his comfort zone. This has led Fabien to a unique and out of the zone collection with Cédric Vincent (Call Him Dude) who is now a well known fashion designer in Mauritius for his dark vibe inspired designs.

After his runway show last year at Hennessy Fashion Week, Cédric and Fabien had a quick conversation and suggested that it would be great if they could do something together. Like a lot of people that night, Fabien was impressed by the audacity and vision behind the show. Months later, lockdown happened and they decided to create some outfits out of the fabrics they had at home. Cédric and Fabien had so much fun that they complemented each other by designing and mixing their ideas and visions. They wanted the collection to be very visual and graphic and yet glamorous. You can easily see the character of the men behind the different garments. Cédric wanted to show another facet of his creativity, more colorful and fun, while Fabien wanted to be more on the cutting edge of fashion. Once the lockdown was over, they had 6 or 7 complete outfits and decided to sponsor the model of the month, Onezya. A few days later, they received a call from the Hennessy Hotel to present their collection the following Friday. We created other outfits to complete it and here is BLOXXOM by CHD X FZU. BLOXXOM was originally entitled Blossom of thorns which was a reference to the white dress that Cédric and Fabien had made with golden tips on the shoulders, inspired by a white rose with thorns. We wanted to show something fluid, sexy and different. As for the show, they decided to make a dark and low-key wedding theme. The bride wore yellow, black and white stripes as well as a dark Frida Khalo black rose with a silver thorn headdress. We put a lot of effort into making sure that everyone could feel the emotion of the collection, the collision of two different universes.

Moreover, it was the first fashion show on the whole island after giving birth; “We were under so much pressure to deliver something mesmerizing and we can now say that we did it. Cedric and I invested a lot in this collection, time and patience,” says Fabien.

That is definitely a new adventure for both of them you don’t change a winning team. “Thank you Newstyle and Sachin for the incredible photos and the opportunity to showcase our clothes in Newstyle magazine,” he says.

The two men still have a few things left in our next cover, beware this duo has golden thorns.

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ORIGIN AFRICA CURVY IS BEAUTIFUL

MARIE NATASHA LAFLEUR

Model : Marie Natasha Lafleur Stylist : Nuance by Sandrina Makeup : Marie Natasha Lafleur Dress : by own wardrobe/African Marquis Photo : Saachin Sagar Location : Saachin Sagar Studio

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INTERVIEW WITH NATACHA LAFLEUR

Plus Size Model Of The Month Natacha Lafleur! This name cannot mean indifference to you. Yet it is now synonymous among the Mauritian fashion world. Especially makeup. This woman with magical fingers has a fascinating job.

Her recent collaborations with designers and models left no one indifferent. In this interview, she reveals herself to you through Newstyle magazine...

Working with no fuss, growing up quietly and exploding in the eyes of the world. She knows how to do it!

You can’t change nature. We make an effort to hold on and sometimes we let go. What we can say, however, is that the projects which Natacha has launched have gone through several stages to reach maturity. We can imagine that the reactions have been laudatory.

Natacha Lafleur is 33 years old. Married and proud mother of two boys, she lives in St Pierre. Her great passion is make-up and fashion! In fact, fashion and make-up have always been something that the young mother looked at, and she always thought it was not something she could do. At that time, however, Natasha didn’t really believe in it. What was missing in her was self-confidence. And so it was a dream that she was trying to realize in secret, and now it’s HER reality.

“I’m happy and proud to work in order to be part of the industry,” she reveals.

Her first modeling experience came through a random make-up session with Sylvian Sebille. He did a few tests with her and was actually very satisfied with the result. “The photos were retouched and it created a kind of buzz on my timeline; my friends and family liked it very much and encouraged me to take more pictures”, says Natacha. The young woman’s experience in this field is quite amazing because every time things change, she works on new concepts with different people in the fashion world where she gathers skills. She always says that she is very proud and impressed with the results, when she can clearly see how she is improving her skills. Her first big fashion shows and shoots took place with Hans Dax and SD Hairstyle who gave her the chance to participate in their projects and allowed her to show her talent while living her passion. Afterwards, she had few collabs, namely Fabien Fauzou and Alexandra Juglall.

Besides, Natacha admits being proud to be the Plus size model of the month in Newstyle magazine! An opportunity that she describes as a true honor to represent women with perfect curves, which definitely gives her more self-confidence and also motivates other girls with perfect curves who don’t embrace their curves and are ashamed of them. “I truly felt that one day I would use my image to break down the stereotype that only thin girls can be cover girls. Beauty has no size or restrictions and I always notice that there is a lack of models with perfect curves in our fashion industry and that we don’t appreciate them.

I want to use this title to make chubby girls shine,” she says. Nevertheless, Natacha maintains that at the beginning, her family didn’t really understand her choice and didn’t encourage her to go in that direction because they preferred to see her do more classical work. As time went by, when they saw what she was doing, who she was working with and how happy and accomplished she was in her passion. Eventually, her family began to show her a lot of love and support, and to realize that her family’s support is priceless. “I feel that they are very proud of me and what I am becoming,” When Natacha is not with her heels and her makeup kit, she likes to spend quality time with her family and children. “I make sure that I also get some time for myself. I like to browse social media and go shopping. I have a lot of different ideas and concepts that I will realize. As a perfectionist, I like to take my time and implement everything properly,” she says. As a fashionista and make-up artist, Natacha wanted to be an inspiration to others. She claims that Newstyle magazine gave her that opportunity. Having curves doesn’t make any woman less attractive and feminine, according to her. “We can also be on the cover of the magazine and pose for the outfits of the most popular photographers and stylists. Newstyle platform gives us the opportunity to be more visible as individuals and showcase our art.”

Her goal is not to be a model, but rather an inspiration to all women who have been or still are mistreated and feel ashamed of their curves.

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TEAM JOHNNY 76

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TOWEL SERIES

Pamp Wi 80

pering Yourself ith Friends Models : Dania Murdamootoo, Gloria & Sophie Lafleur Hair & Make up : Sophie Lafleur Photography : Golden Capture Studio Location : Hennessy Park Hotel 81

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BACKSTAGE ANNIVERSARY

Photography : Golden Capture Studio Location : Hennessy Park Hotel 101

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