End of summer is a time of new beginnings.

Some might feel that freedom is melting away, but in fact it’s perfect timing to reflect on the goals and vision for the upcoming season, rediscover yourself and set the right attitude for fall. The inspiration for the coverstory became Botticelli’s Venice — as she represents the ultimate symbol of new beginnings. The shoot took place at the Rockaway beach with the breathtaking skyline view and beautiful layout of rocks — just like the setting on the painting. To achieve that beautiful morning glow crew started shooting at the early morning hour, and the countdown for fall began.

According to Julia Gudova, NYC-based stylist and creative director, represented by Honey Artists, the wardrobe was inspired by the connecting trends from SS’22 season and FW’22. Sheer, airy textures represent the clarity of thought — exactly what you need for rediscovering yourself and starting a new page. Gold metallic accents and textures stand for the inner freedom which is so important to find and acknowledge, especially when the new season is approaching. Get inspired by the looks tailored to perfection by Christian Dior, Zimmermann, Khaite, Patbo!

For Yongqi (Ivan) Liu, Chinese-born, New York-based fashion photographer, shooting on the beach was a truly meaningful experience as he was able to reconnect with his own ultimate beginning — his hometown island Hainan, located at the southernmost point of China and surrounded by sea, which has heavily influenced his work. By reconnecting with his childhood memories, he put his best efforts to depict this story and the aesthetics behind it.

Valentina Beli, NYC based model, represented by Wilhelmina Models, took her role of representing modern Venus and being a part of such awakening story with powerful context, took very seriously. She’s not only studied the historical aspect of it, but focused on delivering those goddess aesthetic poses and mood.

For NYC-based make up artist Daria Kruchinina, august has always been associated with beach as the place of rebirth, self-reflection, and borderline of SS and FW fashion. For the makeup looks for this story, she took the extravagant New York summertime as the main inspiration, as well as Venus natural glow. She used products that created sun-kissed water-fresh skin and sensorial liquid eyeshadows that brings memories of the sparkling reflections on the boats in open waters. A “feathered” airy brows texture was achieved by Signature Brows Shape procedure and lightweight brows products reminding us of a summer breeze.

According to Maria Barca, hair stylist and the owner of “Self Salon” In New York, working on the hair styles for this story was quite unique experience. To achieve the Venus-like hair, she had to apply different techniques to achieve effortless curls and natural flow of the hair, as well as more structured look for some shots — to showcase the balance between softness and strength.

For Elena Fedoseeva the main goal working on this story was to achieve not only beautiful, but also healthy nails — as beauty comes from within. Using her own methods of restoration and nail design, she came up with two beautiful looks that made story truly completed.

Elena Fedoseeva is a talented nail artist from Russia. The Author of her own methods of restoration and nail design. Her main principle is not only beautiful, but also healthy nails.

Photographer: @YONGQI LIU
Creative Director and Stylist: @JULIA GUDOVA @HONEY ARTISTS
Model: @VALENTINA BELI @WILHELMINA NY
Makeup & Natural Brows Artist: @DARIA KRUCHININA
Hairstylist: @MARIA BARCA @SELF SALON BROOKLYN
Nail Artist: @ELENA FEDOSEEVA