FITNESS TRAINER AND HEALTH COACH

sallida | 18. June 2017 | Lifestyle

Fitness Trainer and Health Coach

Miguel Gonzalez is a fitness trainer and a health coach originally from Venezuela, he moved to Ireland (Dublin) in 2014 in search of a better life. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a NAFC Personal Trainer Certification and CPD Sports Nutritional Advisor Certification. He has over 5 years of experience in the fitness industry, what started as a hobby became a passion, and now he wants to use this passion to help and inspire as many people as he possibly can.

When and why did you know you wanted to be Sports Nutritional Advisor and personal trainer?

I never set out to be a "Personal Trainer or Nutritional Advisor", in fact, that was never my purpose, about 8 years ago, I got tired of people bullying me on how skinny I was. I was unhappy with what I saw on the mirror or how my clothes fit (Yes, this can happen to men too lol). As soon as finished high school I started to go to the gym and I never looked back since, I was always striving to expand my knowledge about nutrition, health, and fitness, but it wasn't until last year that I decided to step out of my comfort zone and got certified and started my own business as an "Online Coach."

What’s it like to be a personal trainer?

The opportunity to inspire and educate people to live happier and healthier, and the ability to make money doing something you love. Now, it is not as easy as some people may think, you need a set of skills that go beyond getting a Certification, you have to take the time to learn how to get to know your clients, develop a sense of mutual trust and understanding, listen to their challenges, goals, likes, dislikes, individual needs, and much, much more. How to motivate them to start or keep with a healthier lifestyle nonetheless you have to take care of yourself and the ones around you, it is a tough and time-consuming job but, when you love what you do it does not matter.

What are the basics of a healthy life?

1-Manage stress.

2- Drink plenty of water.

3- Sleep well.

4- Eat healthily and minimize processed food intake.

5- Keep yourself active, do any kind of physical activity.

What would you say to a person who doesn’t have time to exercise during the week?

What I tell to all my clients, ''I don't have time is just the " a dog ate my homework excuse but adult version." We all have 24 hours in a day; How is it that a person who is in the same conditions as you are, maybe working all day, with kids and husband has time to exercise but you don't? I encourage you to set priorities in your life, we don't have to wait until we experience pain to start doing some physical activity or until a doctor tells us that we need to do it so we get scared and run to the gym. If you really don't have the time to exercise then what about starting to eat healthier? There are thousands of ways to start being a better and healthier version of yourself; you just have to set priorities in your life.

Talk about the changes in your life since you turn into a Nutritional Advisor.

It helped to discover my passion and gave the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and start my own business. It also helped me to realize how much I love helping and educating people in term of Health and Nutrition. The way I look and choice food has changed completely; I look at food as energy/fuel my body needs to function properly, as a car needs petrol to work or as a remote need battery. I now know the importance of being and eating healthy, how much impact it has on our organism. I really understood the concept of "We are what we eat."

What would you tell to a person who wants to get a healthier lifestyle

Start with small changes, when people want to start a new lifestyle they begin doing too much too soon this is a big mistake, we as humans needing a little bit of time to adapt to new things, we have to start like babies first rolling, then crawling, and then walking. Small changes lead to big ones, start by maybe reducing your processed food intake, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to the supermarket instead of driving, then you can maybe start doing 10-20 minutes walking. Focus on making small changes every week instead of trying to completely change your lifestyle in a couple of days.

Top 5 superfood you would recommend

My top advice would be to have a varied and well-balanced diet as different foods provide different kinds and amounts of key nutrients, now if had to recommend five they would be:

Salmon
Eggs
Berries
Spinach/Kale
Potatoes

To know more about his Online Coaching please visit: MG Fitness

FASHION DESIGNER MISHA URSU

sallida | 15. June 2017 | Designers

Fashion Designer Misha Ursu

Misha Ursu is a fashion designer, he was born in Moldova, in a farm village, but he grew up in Romania. Not only that none of his family members have anything to do with fashion and art, but he also hadn't had any access to information as such until very late in his teenage years. At the age of eighteen, he has decided to finally pursue what she deeply desired and moved alone to Denmark to study fashion design. Misha has been living there ever since.

When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

I have known I wanted to be a fashion designer ever since I acknowledged the existence of such an occupation – which was rather late. It was only natural that I would pursue this path anyway, given the fact that unlike most boys my age, I would only choose to play with dolls and sew clothes for them. Despite being bullied for my hobbies and my desire to become a fashion designer – considered not to be a “boyish” occupation- I have managed to rebel against social and mental constraints and become what I am today.

What's it like being in the fashion industry?

From my personal perspective, I would say the fashion industry is nothing as it seems to the untrained eye. Glamorous would definitely not be the word I would use to describe it. At least not nowadays. In my opinion, it has become shallow and hungry for more. Of course, this is a generalized view of it, but at this point, the authentic niche is too small to be counted. Being in the fashion industry is like having hope for a seemingly lost cause. But I would never choose to step out of it – the bigger the challenge, the bigger the accomplishment.

How is the fashion industry in Denmark?

Here I will choose to talk about Denmark since this is the place I developed as a designer. When describing the Danish fashion industry, it’s essential to mention that this description can easily be expanded to the Scandinavian fashion industry. Despite being a fast-growing industry, the Scandinavian fashion platform reveals creative ideas under “moody “minimalism. It is becoming a place that encourages the alchemy between bold idea and practicality. I believe it is a rather easy industry to penetrate, given a supportive attitude towards up-coming designers.

What was your first job in the fashion industry?

The first time I got to work in the fashion industry was during my studies, when I had the opportunity to work for Teresa Helbig, a renowned pret-a-couture designer based in Barcelona, Spain. It was a wonderful experience, for which I am authentically grateful even today. Not only that I have learned enormously, but I was also given the chance to taste the little delights fashion industry has to offer – such as experiencing the thrill of a fashion show.

Changes since I have had my own brand

Since I started the journey of developing my own brand, I’ve been offered the luxury of choosing my own direction. The creative freedom and authenticity are the most valuable elements I aim for. It has given me both the challenge and joy of making decisions and building up my own creative universe. It is an unpredictable and vulnerable path, but it’s a risk I am gladly taking. When deciding to start working towards opening a brand, it is vital to understand that freedom comes with responsibility.

How do you choose your inspiration?

My inspiration revolves around the concept of death and its variations. Not necessarily the act itself, but more the symbolism and emotional understanding behind it. Death has become for me an endless source of inspiration due to various factors. First of all, it is one of the most intriguing phenomena to mankind, since we know nothing about the outcome, thus creating a mysterious atmosphere and a taste of the unknown and human vulnerability. Secondly, our perception upon death has a strong emotional weight – revolving around feelings such as loss, fear, despair and many others. Due to my destructive and constructive approach, my work is aiming to highlight and transcend mental and behavioral patterns, showing a different perspective of a natural evolutive phenomenon.

The actual process of finding the inspiration behind each collection is based upon a constant contemplation and observation of the vulnerability of human nature.

In one word: how would you define yourself as a designer?

Advocate

What advice would you pass along to those starting in the Fashion Business?

In some sense, I don’t feel like I am in the position of giving advice to those starting in the Fashion Business. In my opinion, there is no correct way to do it. Everybody has their own personal journey, and things that work for me might not work for the others. I think it is just important to remember that nothing is a mistake and we are in a constant process of learning. The development of a brand comes with the development of one’s self. They are inseparable. Evolution is not possible if either of those two is left behind.

To get in touch with Misha, please visit: Misha Ursu

Photo-credits:

Photography: Janis Zirnitis

Editing: Dumitrita Negoita

Model: Alexa Tofan

LES TROIS SOEURS BRIDAL’S LUXURY CATWALK SHOW

sallida | 8. June 2017 | Events

Les Trois Soeurs Bridal Luxury Fashion Show - Conde Nast Brides

Les Trois Soeurs Bridal Luxury Show in association with Conde Nast Brides was a sumptuous and decadent evening fashion show. Showcasing the most stunning, ornate bridal gowns by many top designers such as Temperley Bridal, Caroline Castigliano, Amanda Wakeley and, like any fully-fledged bride, adorned with jewelry by Tiffany and Co.

The Fashion Show was gorgeously festooned in divine flora by Maison de Fleurs with a cool contemporary mirror catwalk.

Guests were in fine form celebrating the glittering night sipping Ruinart Champagne with the most tantalizing canapés by Ampersand.

I mingled and met the team at Henry Poole and Co who educated me on the finer things in life with their sharp gentlemen’s tailoring. I also enjoyed a delightful chat with the team behind the luxury hotel guide Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Samantha Ratcliffe from Canary Wharfe magazine.

A guest appearance by shoe guru Professor Jimmy Choo OBE created so much pap bulb activity that his shades struggled to keep up with such attention!

The evening Fashion Show started off by a chat by the wonderful Jade Beer, Brides editor, and Lady Lingfield talking about her history with the sponsors Les Trois Soeurs Bridal.

There were moving words by World Vision Ambassador who kept us grounded with her emphasis on how fortunate we are to be able to have such lavish weddings compared to the less fortunate.

The Fashion Show itself was pure joy. Split into three sections, it was an opportunity for the finest bridal gowns to be complemented by an array of wonderful milliners. Yours truly showcased my Louis Mariette “Bejewelled Collection”, with shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Sophia Webster, Emmy London, and Ganor Dominic London.

The models graced the catwalk elegantly with stunning hair and makeup by Michael van Clarke and Bobbi Brown. It went without saying that her elegant signature styling by Siouxsie shone through.

My love of the evening had to be a wonderful interview and showcase of her bridal gown creations Hayley Paige.

Well with such excitement and decadent dresses, maybe the church bells will be calling in my direction!

Photo-Credits:

@mandorlalondon

Louis Mariette

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER KATERINA KLIO

sallida | 4. June 2017 | Photographers

Fashion Photographer Katerina Klio

Katerina Klio is an amazing fashion photographer from Ukraine, although she is from Ukraine she works in different countries. She specializes in fine art photography; furthermore, her pictures are really special reflecting her true personality. She explores the fantasy world through different types of a model as well as new sceneries, to recreate a powerful shoot to illustrate her imagination. Her journey started in 2009 when she started her career as a photographer, today above all she also teaches photography to those who want to explore the fine art of photography.

For those who don't know you, tell us about yourself

My name is Katerina Klio, I am from Ukraine, but working in different countries.

I started my photography career in 2009. First, I was shooting everything - families, weddings, model looked, so on. But in several years I understood, that it is much better to be professional in one direction - so I've chosen for my further career fine art photography. Now I'm working with any types of models - from professional to inexperienced models. Also, I'm making almost all props for shooting by myself.

Last 3 years I'm working also as a photography teacher. I'm teaching young photographers in photography school and giving retouching lessons to students all over the world.

How is fashion in Ukraine?

In my country, we have many young fashion-designers who are making really fine collections and sell them abroad. Also, we have good makeup artists.

How would you define beauty?

Beauty for me is not only 'good look' or beautiful face. Furthermore is an inner light of the person. That's why I'm making shots of different people, trying to show their natural character and charisma.

Were you educate in photography, or are yourself taught?

I'm a self-taught photographer. I spent a lot of time on my education. And spend every free minute to find some new information and to become better

What camera do you use most of the time?

Last 4 years I'm using Canon 5d Mark 2. And I'm totally happy with it.

Which photo are you currently most proud of?

This is a really hard question. I love almost all of them. It's like to choose between your children - who do you love more:) I pay a lot of attention to all.

To know more about Katerina, please visit: Katerina Klio

FINNISH FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER ESA KAPILA

sallida | 30. May 2017 | Photographers

Finnish Fashion Photographer Esa Kapila

Esa Kapila is a Finnish Fashion and portrait photographer with a background in interior design. He started in the photography world since he can remember, but for a couple of years, he decided to turn it into a profession. He has always been interested in light, colors, textures, and atmospheres; which first took him to do her bachelor's degree in interior design In Finland and Japan. After graduation, he worked as a designer in Bali and Finland. Time passing he realized he is more and more drawn to people instead of just working with space. As we mentioned before she has always been taking pictures, but selecting that as her main thing was the first very frightening yet very rewarding decision.

How is the fashion in Finland?

The fashion scene in Finland is quite strong despite our small population. You might know the Hel- Looks showing people's unique way of wearing or our brands like Marimekko, Formal Friday or Samuji. Since we live in the north, simple and minimal is present and yes we do love black. Lately, Aalto University's (where I study as well) fashion department has done well in international fashion being featured in Italian Vogue and so on.

How would you define beauty?

I am inspired by strong characters and atmospheres that tell a story. I am on a constant pursuit of beauty. A different culture with their visual identity plays a strong part in my work. I love mixing and creating new cultural fusions with my photographs. For me, beauty is something universal like goodness and can be found anywhere. It is a gesture or language I'm trying to use. I can't say I know what beauty is, but every time I'm taking photos and something moves inside me, I know I'm close to it.

Were you educate in photography, or are you taught?

Education is important - whether you get it from school or elsewhere. I have done my BA in interior design in Finland and Japan, and I'm currently doing my MA at Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland on photography. When it comes to photography or other jobs in the creative field, I find it important not to put yourself in a box. Even my field is photography; I have done courses in miniature painting in India as well as mosaic work in Italy. We need to get influenced by numerous things and not just within our own field. This allows me to try new things and not get stuck in my work.

Which photo are you currently most proud of?

Difficult question! Well a few days ago I took photos of the new winner of Finland's Next Top Model and one of those somewhat basic headshots turned out better than I hoped for. It is the moment when everything just fits perfectly and you are able to create a mood and a story to a simple image-showing nothing but a person's face. It might sound funny, but every time I get to capture and share someone’s true beauty, no matter how subjective it is, I feel happy.

Comparing where you are now with where you are when you first started, what could you have done differently to get to where you are sooner?

Nothing! All the detours are what makes life exciting! No, but really, sometimes it takes time and few sidetracks to really find out what you want. Learn from your journey and take the things you have discovered with you. Looking back, of course, there are times when I should have been more determined, more confident, more out there. Building your network is very important. Being nice to work with gets you rebooked. It is essential to try different things, gain knowledge and slowly perceive your own style.

You’ve clearly worked with a wide range of models, what tips can you recommend to people looking to expand their portfolio?

I love different looking people! Different ethnicities and facial structures. What I have learned is not to be shy! If you see an inspiring looking person you wish to have in your images, go and ask him/her to visit your studio. I know it's difficult and I still regret missing so many occasions because of feeling shy or hesitating. Although I shoot for model agencies and many models in my photos are professionals, the interesting looking people can be found in streets and on Instagram as well. Respect your models and make them feel comfortable. Let them know it is about collaboration. Taking photos is about communication.

Describe a typical shoot.

The typical shoot really depends on what you are shooting and for who. Every client is different. I also shoot a lot of pictures just for me and my own archives. These shoots are very simple. Just me and my model in a studio or on location. I come with the idea for the styling and looks and then we just shoot them. No, but for example, it could go something like this: I contact the model or an agency is going to send me a model. I tell him/her what they could bring with them and where to meet. I bring some clothing and accessory as well, or if working with stylist and makeup team they bring what is needed. On the shooting day I set up the gear and when the model arrives I tell the style of pictures, the atmosphere I'm aiming for and what kind of expressions and poses could work. After getting the model ready we start shooting. We try different things and make variations. After the shooting, I take my time to go through the pictures and select the best ones to be finalized. But yes, as mentioned before. Every shoot is different!

How much time do you spend taking photos, versus retouching photos?

There are things that can be done only while taking photos or some that can only be done with Photoshop. So again it really depends on the photo-shoot. I always try to get the picture as good as I can in the actual situation since even things are possible in Photoshop, it takes a lot more time. The time spent on photos and retouching depends on how many looks / sets are being photographed and how many images are to be selected.

Who would you like to work with most?

When it comes to models, I would love to take photos of Luiz Piva, Colby Brittain, and Oliver Kumbi. For magazines, it would definitely be Vogue China, but obviously there are so many great magazines out there!

Favorite photography book?

This is my weak link. There is nothing like a good big book filled with images! At the moment on my desk, I have the Rankin's book Spirit of Ecstasy and a new souvenir from Tehran, Beatrice Minda's Iran, Interrupted. Another inspiring book I'm currently reading is Abu Jani Sandeep Koshla's India Fantastique Fashion.

To know more about Esa, please visit: Esa Kapila