[Feature] We Are All Made of Stars @ UNALLIED Magazine

We start this month with the publication of the first issue of Canada-based magazine Unallied! The issue features the editorial We Are All Made of Stars, starring new face Liza Jiménez @ Epic Models. We have chosen a very springy feel to the clothing, using some of our favorite novel designers, with a special feature from Veronika Pagán. We pulled from the lovely Sofía Arana, Ruscherly Huyke, & Tylon Reyes; and mix and matched with stores such as Forever 21 and BCBG Max Azria. I feel Aisha did an awesome job!!

Clothing: Sofía Arana

I was very surprised and flattered when editor-in-chief June Petitt approached us for the first time, as she saw some samples of our previous work and was interested in collaborating for this issue. Having full creative freedom, this project was a little bit closer to our hearts. We had the opportunity to go out of our comfort zone and work on this story for an editorial with a completely different aesthetic that we're used to, inspired by the hipster movement. 

Top & Pants: Huyke by Ruscherly Huyke / jacket BCBG Max Azria

As the title must hint, this shoot was both an embracing and a critique of this attitude. This double entendre consists in the literal and metaphoric turn of the title. The 'hipster' movement prides itself in being a platform for the display and exaggeration of the unique and individual in the midst of a consumerist society. However, clothing being in part predetermined by the commodities available, and style influenced by mass media, this collage of things turns out to be, quite frankly, very kitsch.  (something very hypermodern, don't you think?).  We are all made of stars, in the sense that everyone seems to be looking for those 15 minutes of fame; and in achieving this pointing of individuality, the person is lost both in relation to others, and in relation to their material possessions.

The second part, the literall one, is inspired by cosmology and related to this theme. In order have the elements necessary for planets, earth and human beings like you and me, it is necessary to have an exploding star. Literally, we are all made (our atoms are composed of) particles of exploding stars, we (things and beings) are all composed of the same thing And this is the second sense of the title. 

Designs by Veronika Pagán

This is the first time I use gels this heavily, for very strong, saturated colors. I feel the mix of colors can carry the feeling of an explosion, but this time of colour. Raw, mixed, strong. I'm quite happy with how it turned out, even though its a bit messy (wayyy out of my comfort zone!); but I like to play with my vision, explore other possibilities of expression; so I'm very glad I took the challenge and feel I will be taking on more soon. 

Clothing - Sofía Arana

Aisha also created a story behind the shoot, in which one embarks a process of liberation and expansion. I feel model Liza achieved that beautifully throughout the images, and we are definitely very proud of her! We will be posting the behind-the-scenes and some additional photographs very soon. Keep tuned!

Credits are as follows:

Model: Liza @ Epic Models

Production: Nao Nao Group

Photographer: Naomy QuiñonesStyling & Make-up: Aisha NaomiHair: Rafael QuiñonesAssistant: Alejandro Aldarondo

Remember to make sure to check out the entire Issue 01 at their official website, UnalliedMag.com.
Cover done by Kirsten Becken.