Vivre et Apprendre

I went to one of the best, live, hustler, street markets I have ever been to. It is in the heart of Istanbul and you can literally find anything and everything there. Lots of colour, people, loud noises and great things to see. I bought myself a cool evil eye necklace & bracelet. Later in the day I visited the Blue Mosque. It is still a religious place, not knowing that, I went in a top dress, that showed my arms and legs; I was greeted by a security guard, who then told me the policies of the place, and handed me a blue hospital cloth to wrap around myself to cover up. Once inside I noticed they do their prayers facing Mecca: the Holy Land, men and women worship separately, and it had beautiful marble, intricate water taps everywhere so they can wash their feet, face and hands before their prayers. Very interesting and different from a Christian perspective. I finished my day with a legit Turkish bath. I have never felt so relaxed and was cleaned on top of a round marble structure, being washed by a 300 pound  lady. I think she was able to even clean my soul ;)

Wearing: JNBY Top Dress, American Apparel Lace Bra, Urban Outfitters Bag, Ray Ban Sunglasses, Vintage Necklace, Forever 21 rings and Istanbul Market Evil Eye Bracelet

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Holga & Fujica Mes Amis

Some exciting projects happening here in Spain. This was my first shoot in Europe, I met Joe Wray, photographer and artist from London based in Barcelona. We hit it off right away at a Masquarade party I went to, talking away about Art, Fashion and the impact of media in the world. We decided to meet again for a shoot. This time out of my element, no digital cameras. He introduced me to Holga and Fujica. It was love at first sight and we went around Barcelona all day, not only shooting but drinking Sangrias, talking, eating and sightseeing. It was quite the experience. I was nervous to see the results because the whole time I had no idea if we had even one good shot. I was scared I would be blinking or making funny faces. It was a great challenge not knowing what you have until you develop the film. There is something special about film and the whole process of understading light, shadows and the waiting game of seeinf the final result. I am wearing one of my new designs, this dress can be worn  4 different ways (oh yeah!) but this is my favourite version. My new collection is coming out soon. Here is a sneak preview on my favourite garment, I am kinda obsessing over this piece, it is so easy to wear.
Holga:

Fujica:

Wearing: Melissa Araujo Dress, American Apparel Bra, Ray Ban Sunglasses, Dalia Eduarda Neckalce and H&M High Heels
Photos by Joe Wray

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Basilique Sainte Sophie

This day consisted of exploring Istanbul most famous Mosque, the St. Sophia Basilic. It was built in 360 AD ,two fires destroyed the building but twice it was rebuilt. The Emperor at the time employed someone who was not only a skilled mathematician, but also someone who also was artistic. St Sophia exults in an indescribable beauty, amazing art all over the walls and a sense of extraordinary is in the air. I was in awe the whole time. Beautiful Catholic paintings mixed with different Muslim writings. World collides and yet it is so peaceful and mighty in there. One of the best buildings I have ever seen so far. Yes I am a geek, History was my favourite subject in high school, I love it.

Wearing: Club Monaco Top, American Apparel High Waist shorts, Longchamp Bag, Ray Ban Sunglasses

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Sable et la Mer.

Humm where to start, everytime I am going to post something new my heart gets a rush; a rush from wanting to share all the wonderful things I have been seeing, and living. But I also get this weird feeling from thinking if anyone even read or care I am posting/blogging. A way to express one's self is always a welcoming process, it puts into perspective what you have today or lacked a few months ago and with that thought in mind I do another post.
Right now I have an immense freedom that I have not had a chance to experiment for a while. My mind and personal time can be more in tune, and it is not to say I am just hanging out over here in Europe. That is not the case, I have a job, I am learning about Spanish Art, also working on my latest project, and sightseeing. I was having a Brooke Shields day in the middle of dunes and ocean:

WEARING: Gap Men Shirt, American Apparel High Waist Shorts and Vintage Sunglasses
Photos by Jeffrey Nicholls

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TRAVELS

WEARING: All American Apparel and boyfriend's Ray ban aviators Sunglasses
Photos by Jeffrey Nicholls
I can't complaint about my life right now. I am living a beautiful adventure, enjoying an endless Summer and trying to absorb all that is good around me. I don't feel guilty as I know how hard I have worked to get here, what I had given up to be able to save up and sometimes choose B over A so I could get to C. Life is all about options and what you do with those decisions.I feel I have choosen well and l'm now harvesting a whole year of hard work. There is not enough words in the world to express the happiness I feel to be under the hot sun, by a beautiful clear water ocean, swim, play and enjoy life. For those who sit at home dreamming about new paths and new cultures my advice is work hard so you can play hard when you get to where you want to be. I love doing what others think I can't do. It motivates me, like you woud not believe it. I am expecting friends to arrive from back home in a week, which I am really excited for it. It will be one for all and a huge playground to share.

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Want Feature

I was really excited when Eliza Nguyen contacted me to do an interview for Want Magazine. We met up in a sunny afternoon and talked about my designs, dreams and future aspirations. It was a great day for catching up and enjoy being outside. Please click here if you want to read the interview.Thank you Eliza and the Want Magazine team for giving unknown designers a place to speak their minds and show their work.
Speaking of work here are the iIllustrations I have done for my Cosmopolitan Silk Collection.  I am also super excited about an upcoming project here in Barcelona, more details once things are confirmed and happening!

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EAU ET LE FEU

I got busy and never posted the other two final elements I've done for this series. So here it is:
Water: Meet Slava, she is a creative professional who loves architecture and design, political economy, fashion photography. Slava has worked as a model  and  we worked together on my Functionality and Raw Collections. She loves the ocean, the sun and happen to have one of the coolest photos of  her travels out there.

And to finish this Series nothing better than Fire. For this element I could have not chosen another friend but Natasha from SnowBlack. She is HOT and  fierce. Not only she is a model in London-UK, she has a Photography degree and has travel the globe. She is one of the most stylish girls I know and the thing is, it all comes very natural. I can't wait to be able to hang out together again, this time in Europe!

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Tea time

One of my favourite things to do is to drink tea (I know it seems like mojitos and sangrias only). While in Turkey I have discovered they have the same passion as me if not more, everywhere you look, there are tea houses, or people(especially men) having tea in the streets. They don't have much of a variety of tea but somehow it is their national pride. The boyfriend and I usually had our tea in this well decorated Summer tea patio. That day we walked around town and also tried their famous pancakes. Nothing like the Westernized version of pancakes. The place we went the lady who created our lunch never moved from her spot and made it from scratch and then cooked in a home made clay oven. Her daughter then made us fresh squeezed pomegranate juice which is also big in Turkey. It was such a good day, really experiencing someone else's culture and enjoying it.

Wearing: All American Apparel, Vintage Sunglasses and Tiffany Key Pendant Necklace
Photos by Jeffrey Nicholls

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