Author: Alex

Woman Of Style Of The Week: Introducing The Fabulous Cristina Petroiu

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Cristina Petroiu is a fashionista who loves life and beauty in all its forms. She loves fashion, photography, travelling, and spending time with her family. She’s a mother, a wife, as well as an entrepreneur, and she manages to juggle them all successfully. She’s a lion – in fact, the expression “I can’t” doesn’t exist in her vocabulary!

As for her online activity, it all started in 2020 when, due to the pandemic and the fact that everyone had to isolate themselves and stay home, she became much more active than usual on social media.

She has always been passionate about fashion and photography, which immensely helped her in her relatively rapid rise on social media. Now in 2022, she simultaneously takes care of her business and social media presence even though her professional activity field is the opposite of what can be seen on her Instagram profile. Specifically, since 2018 she has been managing her transport company (domestic and international transport of goods).

Model & Mode magazine recently caught up with Petroiu to discuss her journey in the entertainment industry, and here’s what went down:

Where do you usually shop? Are there any hidden gems when it comes to snapping up some awesome designer clothes?

I do not have a specific store; I always buy what I like either online or from physical stores, including second-hand. I do not necessarily take into account trends; I instead focus on the quality of materials and generally buy pieces in neutral colors that can be used in as many combinations of outfits as possible.

I personally adore Romanian designers; they use quality materials, and the design of the clothes is slightly atypical sometimes, which I love. I like to dress differently.

Mytheresa and Farfetch are my favorites when it comes to buying sports shoes and more.

What are your tips when it comes to fashion for the cooler months?

First of all, the pieces from natural materials such as wool, flannel, and fleece should not be missing from any fashionista’s wardrobe and not only!

I think the trench coat, coats, oversized sweaters, down jackets, and leather pants will be a must many years from now, for the cold months.

Where do you look for creative inspiration?

Everywhere, in nature, in people, absolutely anything inspires me.

Social media and certain influencers also contribute when it comes to inspiration.

Is it hard to stay fashionable?

Depending on our perspective, you can be “fashionable” when your style is well defined and you know how to wear each piece.

I never considered that I was necessarily fashionable, but I always had an attitude, whether I wore a trendy outfit or wore clothes that many considered “out of fashion.” FASHION is you, through what you manage to transmit. Personally, I don’t find it difficult as long as you know how to wear a coat and its quality prevails.

How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?

Certainly, uniqueness is followed by commercial attraction; it depends on what kind of audience you address, what you manage to convey through what you wear, and more.

Are there any key trends you’ve seen for this year?

Oversized jackets, coats, and overalls are trending again. Bags in bright neon or pink colors are also very “on the wave” this year.

What do you think about the state of fashion today?

Like any other field, fashion has developed a lot over the years; it has become a general means of expression, making me very happy. The quality of the materials has improved, and sustainability has also taken on a rather large scale. I like it!

What clothes can we rid our wardrobes of that are considered very ‘last season’?

First of all, those clothes no longer represent us in any form. It depends a lot on the purchases made, any clothes that are in mega trend this year will be “out of fashion” next year, that’s why I recommend the purchase of statement pieces, in neutral colors, white and black shirt, black dress, biker jacket, coats, and trench coats…, they will definitely stay in the wardrobe for many years. They can be easily accessorized each season differently.

What fashion advice would you give an emerging fashionista?

To create your own style, to be unique!

The fashion industry has changed so much in the past few years, what’s the best advice you would give for staying ahead of the curve?

ATTITUDE, whatever you wear, do it with attitude!

Workwear Chic: 5 Stylish Staples You Definitely Need In Your Wardrobe

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Office attire has come a long way for both men and women. There are now far more options than a plain top and a decent pair of slacks when there are so many patterns, colours, and styles making their way into the office. Choosing an outfit for work can be a pain without great staples in your wardrobe. Here are some stylish staples that you need to get you through your Monday to Friday grind. Oh, and don’t be afraid to put your own personal spin on these stylish recommendations. 

Let’s get started!

Your statement pieces

Your office wardrobe is not necessarily about making a statement. Still, everyone needs those pieces to pull out of the wardrobe for an important meeting, an offsite work lunch, networking event, and all those other special events. These items can be expensive, so look into what loyalty programs you’re a part of, as you can earn Qantas points when you shop at Myer. These perks will bring you closer to your goal wardrobe. So, start hunting for a statement jacket, dress, and skirt. 

Silk blouses

You can never have too many silk blouses in your wardrobe. These are great staple items as they perfectly pair with skirts or trousers, and they are professional and smart in appearance. Quality silk will not need to be on a strict ironing schedule, and it sits very favourably throughout the day, making it the perfect office outfit pick. If you are going to choose a few silk blouses for your staple wardrobe, then perhaps opt for some neutral colours. This means tones like white, cream, blush, and black. Also, remember to add a pop of colour too. Something stylish like a navy blue or similar jewel-toned type colour can really make an impact.

Versatile footwear

Comfortable footwear is worth its weight in gold during work hours, so don’t underestimate how important the hunt for great shoes is. Whether you prefer heels or flats, look for something that is both professional and stylish so that you’re able to really get use out of it by wearing it with the majority of your office ensembles. Unfortunately, many of us tend to buy shoes that look good but are cheaply made and so they only last a little while before they begin to disintegrate, and this then starts to cause discomfort, which is not something you want to deal with inbetween running to the coffee machine and inbetween meeting rooms. Choosing genuine leather shoes will be very durable whilst also remaining at the same high quality after many heavy footed uses. The colours and textures you choose will greatly depend on your wardrobe choices, but, if you’re looking for a safe bet, we’d recommend opting for black.

Camisoles and tops

Camisoles and tops can really carry your work wardrobe forward, mainly because they are so easy to wear with trousers, skirts, jackets and even under a pinafore-style dress. Quality is always going to be the goal here as poorly made items like these tend to erode quickly and discolouration or pilling can really take away from your professional aesthetic. If you’re heading out to the shops be sure to bring your staple skirts, trousers and jackets with you so that you can see what those tops look like in situation. The last thing you want to do is invest in a top that is perfect with jeans but doesn’t quite meet te mark when it comes to how appropriate it is for the office. 

Blazers, jackets, cardigans and sweaters

Whether you work in warm or cool climates it is always necessary that you have these staples. Not only are they the professional standard, but some offices operate at chilly temperatures, with the air conditioner blasting 24/7. So, whilst blazers and jackets might be some of the most expensive items in your work wardrobe, if you choose something that is classic and timeless in appearance, you’ll be able to use it for literal decades as it will remain a contant in your style arsenal, even throughout changing trends and preferences. If your work requires you to pin a name badge or anything on your jackets, be sure to do so in a way that does not damage the blazer or jacket.

Quality over quantity

It can be tempting to buy one, two, or even a few articles of clothing when things go on sale, but your office wardrobe should be more about quality over quantity. That means keeping your eyes peeled for those capsules wardrobe pieces, whether you find those clothes to be full price, on sale, or thrift at a secondhand shop. When you identify the brands that look good on you and make you feel great, you’ll have a better idea of where to direct your search. If your work is client-facing or requires you to attend important meetings, then the quality metric is even more important.

We hope this is enough to get you started on curating your perfect work wardrobe. Unlike your other casual clothes, your work wardrobe can be finite, so don’t go overboard in buying any and everything you like, and stick to the staples that are going to get you through to the weekend.

In Pictures: The Miss Earth Australia 2022 Grand Launch and Fashion Show

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On Saturday, July 30, Stargazer Production and the Miss Earth Australia Organization hosted a fashion show to celebrate the latest Earth warriors at Hyatt Regency in Sydney. The event featured Stargazer models showcasing designs by Tommy Ge of Leatheron, Faten Lawn, Lily African Wares, Alies Bol, and Armando Crisostomo. It gave an introduction to the Miss Earth Australia 2022 finalists.

Check out some of the images from Stargazer Production and the Miss Earth Australia Organization below, courtesy of Paul Vasquez:

Chris Hemsworth & Elsa Pataky Crowned Among Instagram’s Most-Loved Celeb Couples

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A new research that names Aussie heartthrob Chris Hemsworth & his beautiful wife Elsa Pataky among the most successful celebrity couples in the world. Read on to see why…
DC Jewellery has revealed the world’s top celebrity couples: From the longest-lasting couples to the most Googled and the most popular on social media.
So, which are the most successful celebrity life partnerships?
The top 10 celebrity couples in the world:

Rank

Celebrity Couple

Combined Search Volume

Combined Instagram Followers

Combined Twitter Followers

Couple Since

Married Since

Celeb Couple Score

1

LeBron James & Savannah James

70,036,800

121,800,000

121,800,000

2002

2013

7.79

2

Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson

30,558,000

10,300,000

10,300,000

1986

1988

7.38

3

Ellen DeGeneres & Portia De Rossi

13,771,000

120,400,000

120,400,000

2004

2008

7.18

4

Tom Brady & Gisele Bündchen

57,552,500

31,000,000

31,000,000

2006

2009

7.13

5

Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds

109,540,000

77,100,000

77,100,000

2011

2012

6.87

6

Elsa Pataky & Chris Hemsworth

55,982,000

59,100,000

59,100,000

2010

2010

6.82

7

Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel

29,680,000

75,600,000

75,600,000

2007

2012

6.62

8

Jessica Alba & Cash Warren

25,151,000

19,885,000

19,885,000

2004

2008

6.56

9

Lisa Kudrow & Michael Stern

14,740,700

8,519,600

8,519,600

1990

1995

6.31

10

Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone

15,455,000

10,808,000

10,808,000

1998

2005

6.21
According to the research:

  • LeBron James and his teenage sweetheart turned wife, Savannah are the most successful celebrity couple, whose relationship is turning 20 years old this year.

  • Among the top 10 most successful celebrity couples feature popular high-profile couples including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Ellen and Portia De Rossi and Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds.

  • The celebrity couples that got married the quickest – taking their wedding vows the same year they started dating, are Tim McGraw & Faith Hill in 1996 and Chris Hemsworth & Elsa Pataky in 2010.

  • The celebrity couples that have lasted the longest – a whopping 36 years are Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson and Oprah Winfrey & Stedman Graham. While Tom and Rita are married, Oprah and Stedman were engaged to be married in November 1992, however, the ceremony never took place, and Oprah has since said in interviews that she simply liked how the relationship was and didn’t want it to change.

  • The celebrity couple that dominates Twitter (with the highest combined following on the platform) are Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn, with as many as 90.39 million followers between them.

  • The celebrity couple that rules Instagram (with the highest combined number of followers on the platform) are Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn (yet again) taking the top spot, with a combined 209.87 million Instagram followers – double their Twitter following.

  • The celebrity couple the world is searching for the most, AKA, the most popular celeb couple are Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, with 106.54 million searches between them over the last year, followed by Adele and Rich Paul, in second place, with 72.99 million searches.

See the full research including the top celebrity couples, the longest-lasting celebrity couples, the celeb couples who got married the quickest, social media dominating celeb couples and the most popular celeb couples here: https://www.dcjewellery.com/couple-goals
Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com
This article was sourced from a media release sent by Rachel Fernandes of Digitaloft

TikTok’s Top 5 Favourite Hairstyles And How To Recreate Them

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New research reveals this season’s trending hairstyles.
From the copper colour that’s taken over TikTok to festival-proof face-framing braids, Hey Discount has analysed social media data, listicles, and beauty reviews to reveal the 5 trending hairstyles this month.
1. Copper hair 
The copper hair trend exploded after Kendall Jenner’s Prada autumn/winter 2022 show appearance and generated 123 million views on TikTok. Copper hair can be the perfect option for summer, with its shades echoing the hues of orange sunsets and the fleeting moments of golden hour. One of the best things about this colour is that it can be tailored and made to work for any skin tone and undertone.

  • In terms of maintenance; you want to focus on enhancing your colour with tinted products, as well as protecting it from heat and environmental factors. Your minimal toolkit would have to include: colour-protecting shampoo, tinted hair gloss/glaze and heat and UV protectant.

  • Another vital step to maintaining the vibrancy of your colour is to ensure that it is sufficiently hydrated, especially if in order to achieve the copper of your dreams your natural colour underwent some pre-lightening.
2. 90’s blowout 
One of the defining hairstyles of the supermodel era – the bombshell blowout is making a loud comeback. With over 30 million views and endless tips and tutorials on TikTok, it is a tempting trend to get behind.

  • This hairstyle is all about using the right tools: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer Brush is a staple in this routine, as well as a set of large velcro rollers.

  • To protect your hair from the heat and combat frizz, try a cult favourite like Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil.

  • In terms of technique, when following tutorials, remember that direction is key: to achieve the most volume where your hair frames your face, direct your strands away from the face. At the top of your head, direct the hair upwards and toward your face, which will make it take the most flattering shape when it falls back.
3. Half up half down 
Hair up or down? This summer trend lets you do both at the same time, so it is not surprising that it generated a staggering 161,800,000 views on TikTok! Dakota Johnson wore this style to this year’s Met Gala which proves that it’s not reserved just for the casual girl next door outfits.

  • In order to achieve your best version of this hairdo, prep the hair by giving it your preferred type of blow-dry. Dakota Johnson’s hair stylist created her Met Gala look by straightening the hair with a flat iron before securing the top part with some hairpins.

  • If you are going for a more effortless look, add dry shampoo or texture spray after styling (Klorane Daily Dry Shampoo or OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray will do the job), and secure the hair at the top with a discreet elastic or a hair clip.
4. Elevated sleek bun 
Sleek buns have been having a moment for a while (with over 76 million views on TikTok), but now we are seeing more inventive versions trending on social media.

  • To create your regular sleek bun, part your hair in the middle and straighten your hair with a hot tool – this will ensure that your hair’s texture is consistent and suited to create a perfect sleek bun.

  • Next, brush your hair back into a ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with an invisible hair net.

  • Top it with products depending on the effect that you want to achieve: OUAI Matte Pomade for a matte finish or Bumble and Bumble Sumogel for an ultra-glossy look.

  • As a final step, your sleek bun can be elevated with braids, a fun hair clip, or some baby hairs pulled out for a less dramatic appearance.
5. Face-framing braids 
Yet another 90’s signature style, face-framing braids, is enjoying a revival and was seen on celebrities like Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber at Coachella.

  • Before braiding, add some texture back into the hair, especially if your hair has been styled or is naturally straight and fine. This can be done by using any texture spray.

  • Choose a style that complements your face shape: you can add an equal amount of braids on either side of your face or go asymmetrical and have more braids on one side.

  • Tie at the ends with discreet micro elastics for a more effortless, natural look, or add some neon-coloured ones for a pop of colour.

  • This article was sourced from a media release sent by Alexandra Munko of Digitaloft

Will NFT’s Be The Key To The Future Of Fashion In The Metaverse?

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Following an exciting month for fashion that saw Victoria’s Secret filing trademark applications in the metaverse; Gucci having purchased a plot of land in The Sandbox, a virtual world on the Ethereum blockchain; and now Roksanda debuting an NFT* collection at the upcoming London Fashion Week;

Amrit Dhami, Thematic Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view on the potential of fashion NFTs and the metaverse:

“While there is significant uncertainty about what the metaverse will look like, we do know that it will be populated by avatars. Gamers already pay substantial amounts of money for in-game skins, so it stands to reason that metaverse visitors will also naturally invest in clothing and accessories for their avatars.

“NFTs are all about certifying ownership of an asset (such as an image)—receiving something that is personally assigned to you and only you. This is perfect for fashion in the metaverse. The ability to buy fashion, or ‘NFT clothing’, is equivalent to getting a custom-made dress or suit. These clothing items will not only allow people to build up virtual premium fashion wardrobes to express themselves in the metaverse, but these digital versions may become more valuable than their real-life counterparts due to their ‘non-fungible’ nature. We have already seen this when the Baby Birkin NFT sold for more than an actual Birkin bag.

“Not only that, but the possibilities for digital fashion NFTs are vast. Designers can unleash their creativity without physical barriers like gravity or practicality. Moreover, designers can use NFTs to build up private communities that get exclusive access to upcoming NFTs—such as Dolce & Gabbana’s ‘DG Family’. The mystique around NFT communities has already spurred extensive media coverage, and there’s no reason why fashion houses can’t use their own metaverse communities to bolster sales.

“With gaming set to be a major part of the metaverse, there is room for collaboration between fashion houses and game developers to create new skins for gamers. From a marketing perspective, multiplayer games present a good opportunity to raise brand awareness and advertise unique outfits to fellow players.

“Away from avatars, there is also the potential for fashion shows in the metaverse, with information about the garments overlaid on the runway and viewers able to get a closer look at the fabrics than at a real-life show.”

* A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unit of data stored on a blockchain to certify ownership of a digital asset, such as an image, video, tweet, or audio.

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

Photo by Ali Pazani from Pexels

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Global Data

Woman Of Style Of The Week: Introducing The Beautiful Tiana Memon

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Tiana Memon is a 21-year-old marketing student and former model since she’s now focusing more of her time on fashion styling and content creation for many Slovenian fashion brands. She’s always loved writing about fashion, traveling, and life in general, so she decided to create a blog called Limemoncello, which features her surname and a known Italian drink Limoncello. Italy has always inspired her style, and she has always loved how Italians lived their life so carefree and positive.

Model & Mode Magazine recently caught up with Tiana to discuss her journey as a fashionista, and here’s what went down:

Where do you usually shop? Are there any hidden gems when it comes to snapping up some awesome designer clothes?

I can honestly say that I’m proud of how much my look at fast fashion has changed. I’m always trying to either work with brands that don’t exploit employees and/or use low-quality materials. My wardrobe used to consist of 90% Zara, but now I use the Zara website for inspiration and try to find sustainable alternatives at Nu-in, Benetton or second-hand shops, which offer amazing vintage pieces.

When it comes to designer pieces, I use the website called Lyst, since It gives me a look through all the luxurious brands.

What are your top tips when it comes to fashion for the cooler months?

Layer up! Layering is insanely fashionable, and people shouldn’t worry about wearing a blouse, a sweater, a blazer, a coat, or a puffer jacket over. If the colors match, it can honestly look amazing. It shows styling skills better than just putting on a dress.

Where do you look for creative inspiration?

I make sure that I always check all the fashion runways; after all – fashion designers are the ones that create trends, and everyone copies them after. My favorite ones are Michael Kors, Jacquemus, and Dior.

Social media, of course, can be very inspiring, but I like Pinterest even more than Instagram.

Is it hard to stay fashionable?

It definitely takes effort, and I’ve got days when I’m not in the mood to be dressed as my best self, but then again – I feel best when I wear something that’s the latest trend. After all, fashion has always been my passion, and it always will be.

How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?

I think my ethnicity helps with the uniqueness since my biological father has Pakistan roots and my mother has Russian roots. I don’t know what to say for commercial appeal – maybe I get inspired by other influencers and try to post similar content. However – I always post and say and tag only the things I genuinely love and believe in; I’d like to stay completely true to myself even if that may not give me thousands more followers.

Are there any key trends you’ve seen for this year?

Video posts are booming thanks to reels and Tiktok, it also shows a non-filtered version of you, and it’s kind of more personal, so videos are definitely the future, even when it comes to fashion.

What do you think about the state of fashion today?

I’m happy it’s moving into a more sustainable point of view and the “less is more” mentality, which helps stop the over-purchasing and polluting the planet.

What clothes can we rid our wardrobes of that are considered very ‘last season’?

Good question! Ripped skinny jeans have been out of fashion for quite some time, but I’d also say oversized models are now replacing tight blouses. Basically, anything tight except dresses are being replaced with loose models, and it will stay that way for quite some time.

What fashion advice would you give an emerging fashionista?

Get inspired by other influencers/models/bloggers you love while still keeping your own identity. Don’t be afraid first to get feedback where they laugh at you, because from my own experience and from the experience of the people who made it, it’s always true that people laugh first, and then they copy. Also, make sure you post content you genuinely love and content that resonates with you; followers will notice if you’re doing something from your heart or not.

The fashion industry has changed so much in the past few years; what’s the best advice you would give for staying ahead of the curve?

Again, being yourself, studying the algorithms and insights, inspire, get inspired, support other influencers/models/bloggers and work on creating a community (liking, following, and commenting back is a part of that). Sometimes you have to fake it till you make it, but I believe everyone can do it if they’re consistent and do it from the heart.

Meet The Rising Star Behind The Cover Of The June 2022 Issue Of Model & Mode Magazine: Kristin Venae

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Kristin Venae is an Australian actor, singer, songwriter, and model – she graduated from the Sydney Academy of Film and Television. She was a host of the documentary series ‘Topical Punch,’ and she’s due to appear in the upcoming Kyle Lovett feature film ‘Lickerish.’ Kristin also happens to be a triple threat performer with soulful and rhythmic vocal tonality. Starting her live performance tours and artist development as a member of various bands such as the Latin group ‘Ritmo De Tropical’, ‘Loose minds’, and The Magnificent Companeros;’ She launched her debut album ‘Black Widow’ last year – a nostalgic and refreshing blend of Pop/RNB/Rock & soul.

Her debut single ‘Still Here’ has been described as an ‘ode to love.’ Its first review described Venae as having ‘the same gripping and soulful vocal eminence as Shania Twain, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey. Keep an eye out for her next single release, ‘I am Woman’. ‘Still Here’ and ‘Lullaby’ which are available now on all streaming platforms.

Model & Mode Magazine recently had a chat with Kristin to discuss her journey in the industry and here is what went down:

Can you tell us more about yourself?

I always find this question difficult to answer because in the types of settings this question is asked, you always want to put your best foot forward and sum yourself up in a way that in a short time showcases who and what you are about. So to avoid self-deprivation or sounding Narcissistic. I’ll say I’m a Cancerian who loves to dance, loves music, literature, movies, tv, and long walks (laughs).

How did you get started in the industry?

I always sang in school; I was part of a Latin band as a teenager, then shot a commercial for Motorola and did a few catalogue print kind of stuff. Then this particular day, I was asked on the spare of the moment to replace an actor who pulled out of a project (the person was asked who they thought could do what was needed without prep, etc., and my name came up). I assumed the role and really fell in love with the creative part and the visual and conceptual aspects and then pursued that further. Even as a kid, I loved getting my picture taken, so later on, it just felt natural and fun to dress up and embody different versions of yourself.

How did you develop an interest in music, and what drove you to pursue that passion onto entertainment?

I think entertainment as a whole is all very similar in the creative approach. How the marketing works, you either are the brand, selling the brand, creating the brand or being the face of the brand—all feeding into the other. I’m very expressive and creative by nature, so I think that drove me here, plus my influences.

Can you tell us about your modelling experience?

I’ve only recently become more focused on pursuing these endeavours. From doing the catalogue stuff as a teen, my focus was music, and you’re in front of a camera for that – a lot for stills and cover art and promo posters. Then I did my first runway show and then another. It happened organically from there; I’m lucky to work so closely with my cousin Natasha Bentancort (BeautyCosmo), a super talented makeup artist and photographer. We work so closely together and with other photographers like Aleksandr Eremeev (Photoshootimage).

What inspires you to be creative? Anything and everything.

What do you like most about being an influencer?

The influence part that I love is when someone tells me that, for example, my song inspired them to do things, like going back to making music themselves, or to peruse a dream they had let slip into the background, or be more themselves. Those things touch my heart and make me happy that I can positively impact someone’s life.

In what way has social media changed your life?

I only recently went from a private account to a public one – you can follow me via @kristinvenae on Insta and Twitter – shameless plug (laughs). Social media is a lot of work. I see why agency staff are assigned tasks for it. I like not to let it change my life too much and just post what’s fun and interesting to me and, of course, as a promotional tool for my projects.

What are some of the difficulties of being in the industry?

Budget, self-promotion, and marketing. When you are independent, it’s hard because it doesn’t matter how amazing your product is; if no one knows about it or you have a limited reach, that affects its success.

How does your thought process differ when modelling versus singing?

I often approach projects from the perspective of themes, what is the direction, what is the content; if the song is light, then your demeanour should be light and happy; if the song is somber or dark, your aesthetic shifts, and the colour palate changes because it needs visual and lyrical support to evoke and emotion from the listener/watcher. Modelling is similar in this regard but driven by the product; a perfume campaign can be more seductive and more flirtatious, whereas clothing is more relatable and grounded. So to answer the question, I believe my thought process is the same.

What are your top tips when it comes to fashion?

When it comes to style, for me, confidence is vital. For me, how I define confidence is knowing that I don’t have to be the prettiest or the most talented or even the most interesting person in the room – but that I can still be secure in knowing what I have to offer, take fashion risks and style risks, it helps you develop your own unique sensibility and make getting dressed way more fun. I live by ‘better to be overdressed than underdressed,’ and I encourage others to really embrace who they are and what they like because we are now in a time where self-expression is such an art form.

Where do you look for creative inspiration?

I’m always just inspired by what catches my eye, unconventional things, people who push boundaries and take creative risks, as well as other artists like Prince and Michael Jackson. I’m very driven career-wise by actor Pedro Pascal. I’m all about the small wins; they are what I believe builds the foundation for the bigger picture and help you achieve your goals. Do what you love for fun, and success will be a bonus.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I’m just happy to keep doing what I love. I have goals, and I’m working towards achieving them. My attitude is much more level-headed. If I get a project, I’m ecstatic; if I don’t, then that’s okay too. It’s all an opportunity to learn, cultivate, and grow within your craft. Don’t be afraid to go for what you want; you’re just asking the wrong person if you get a no.

Kristin Venae’s music is available on various streaming platforms.

Photo Credit: Natasha Bentancort of BeautyCosmo

Sustainable label Gyre Unveils Its 2022 Collection At The Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022

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Sustainable label Gyre dives into a creative ocean of ethereal simplicity with its 2022 collection, Oceania, which was launched Friday, 13 May, at the Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. The Oceania showcase was Gyre’s debut showing at AAFW.

Launched in 2020, the Gyre brand is built on the philosophy of sustainability and a strong commitment to protecting the planet through local Australian manufacturing and the use of natural, recycled, and organic fabric in every piece. Each Gyre garment is carefully designed to ensure longevity, championing circular fashion.

“We are increasingly aware of the impact that traditional fashion industry practices have on the environment, but we believe that fashion and a healthy planet can co-exist,” says Gyre founder and Creative Director Elena Ballantyne.

“It is our responsibility, as an emerging brand, to be part of a more sustainable present and future in turn by being a lighthouse in the ocean of fast fashion.”

Oceania represents the essence of the Gyre brand. The collection captures a passion for classic and refined monochrome silhouettes and celebrates Australia’s natural beauty and creative talent by featuring hand-painted aquatic elements from NSW artist Prudence Demarchi.

The collection starts with luxurious resort wear, featuring classic flowing lines and lightweight linens. Expressed in the choice of stark black and white, these pieces represent boldness and empowerment. This is interspersed with pieces made from beautiful organic peace silk featuring gorgeous ocean-themed and floral prints.

Oceania’s swimwear complements the resort wear and includes a variety of classic and timeless one-piece styles and bikini pieces made from Italian ‘Econyl’- regenerated ocean waste.

Gyre showcased 29 looks throughout the show and was proud to welcome transgender model, speaker, author, and activist, Chaye Hartwell. This was also Chaye’s debut show and made a positive statement on diversity and inclusion on the runway.

Styled with beautiful hats by Lorna Murray, an ethical and sustainable Australian brand, where effortless glamour meets coastal bohemian, and thoughtfully composed elegant jewellery by local Newcastle-NSW Kate & Kole.

Photos Courtesy of Dave Choo