Sammy H. Mourabit / Make up artist (N-Y)

Sammy Mourabit, emerged from a cross-culturally influenced upbringing in Europe.

While studying the intricacies of the human body in medical school, he became enamored with its symmetrical beauty and was drawn to artistic endeavors. The allure of classic theatre, set design, and cinema enticed him to study art history, special FX, theatrical make up, and wig making from an original master at Cinecitta' Studios in Rome.

The Paris fashion scene soon beckoned him to take a role in creating the transition from the era of supermodels into a row, ground-breaking androgynous period.

He did fashion show with Gaulthier, Valentino, Lagerfeld, Balmain, Lacroix and Ferre', as well as, producing an impressive body of editorial work which took him on assignment to London, Milan, Bracelona, Nyc, and Tokyo.

A continued admiration for theatre and his expertise were used to advantage as the Artistic/Creative Director of Makeup department for the Dragone production show in Las Vegas "A New Day".

He was Celine Dion's personal makeup artist for the aforementioned show in Las Vegas.

The critically-acclaimed show achieved tremendous success; and his work was spotlighted.

Celebrity work followed, and his client list grew.

His makeup has appeared on prominent starlets from the Academy Awards to the Golden Globes.

He has created fashion editorials in Italian Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, V, and W; received accolades in numerous music videos, and continues to collaborate with leading photographers Patrick Demarchelier, Steven Klein, Annie Liebovitz, Peter Lindberg, Ellen Von Unwerth, and Terry Richardson among others.

In 2012 Sammy was invited by Madonna to be her personal make up artist for her 2012 MDNA international tour.

Sammy received praise for his work on tour an was asked to work alongside  Steven Klein and Madonna to create a highly-anticipated video to be released in 2013.

Rooted in art, biological and mathematical sciences and recognized for is wicked sense of humor approach, the iconic actress Lauren Bacall dubbed him, "The DaVinci of Makeup."

His delicate touch and humility, coupled with mind-blogging speed and agility have been described as "magical".

Sammy currently resides between New-York and London.

Art for freedom

How has evolved you approach to make up sinds the beginning ?

The approach of my make up techniques has evolved tremendously from day one (25 years ago) and still is. You can't beat experience and the time you devote to your craft, practice definitely makes it perfect.
I challenge myself everyday and still learn easiest, fastest way to enhance a face. I truly believe that I can be better and spend a lot of time observing people, read books, go to museums and art galleries, theaters and Opera, watch old movies, follow new trends and textures in fashion and cosmetics world.

Who inspires you ? 

Everything and all around me really! Just open your eyes, ears and senses and embrace the world. As I always say the world is a catwalk!

What's the most beautiful thing, idea or concept you've seen this year ?

"Secret project" @ Art for freedom is one of the most beautiful project I've seen this year. Not only because I had the chance to work on it with Madonna and Steven Klein, Arianne Phillips and Giovani Bianco who are the master in the entertain world but because I understand the true meaning and message behind it.

Would you like people to know about you that they don't know ?

What would I like people to know about me that they don't know is that "I can careless of what people thing about me" I have so much fun with my life and do what I love.

What's songs do you consider to be timeless ?

"Imagine" by John Lennon is the timeless song.

Best decaded for music, art and fashion ?

Best decade for music and fashion the 80's no doubt!

What is exciting for you at the moment ?

What's exciting for me at the moment, more traveling in beautiful islands and a new career direction...."Never stop dreaming if you can see it you can make it happen for yourself!"

C.

Dakota Fanning

Elle Fanning 

www.sammymourabit.com

Virginie Muys (Paris)

Who are you ?

I'm of French and Belgian origins. I spent a few years in Brussels before settling in Paris, ten years ago. My world always revolved around music.

Back in those days, Brussels was the place to be for electronic music. I got my experience from organizing parties and working at Fuse club, during the nineties. I also worked at Prive Joke and Sergio Rossi, and all this while remote-studying in a French school. My influences were Street, Luxury and Music.

When I was young, I roamed through festivals and skateboard competitions. I was always attracted by the extreme end of things, by worlds that are in true opposition.

I started as a PR in an office in Paris, but I couldn't be involved in it completely so chose to work in the event industry for luxury brands.

I liked to create scenographies and atmospheres in a visual way but also through international musicians and DJ. After 8 years I had this crazy idea of creating my own clothing brand. It was obvious that I had to do it and the people I previously met in my life gave me the energy to make that big jump.

We were three and we left everything to create this wonderful brand that is PIECE D'ANARCHIVE.

I was obviously not the designer but the three of us participated to the synergy of the brand, its values, public image and creations. 

I left this beautiful adventure for personal reasons, but it confirmed my pleasure of mixing fashion with other fields, and most of all dealing with projects, placing the right people and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Today I also have other projects, like the development of a concept created by Sarah Joe and André Cymbalista :"THE SOUND OF THE SEASON".

Joining them was obvious since this project had all the ingredients I liked. THE SOUND OF THE SEASON is an album compiling all the best songs used during fashion shows. In between each track, we placed some excerpts of sound recordings of fashion shows entrance, or backstage bits. The idea is to give a musical colour to each season.

This idea seduced me from the start, and I wanted to be part of it, to push the concept further. That's why nowadays I'm working on creating my sound design agency.

For each album release, we try to organize a party during the fashion week. It was during the Paris Fashion Week that, in collaboration with Colette, we mixed worlds that are usually separated. Today, the success for the Belgian parties come from the mix of different people, united in partying and good music. This is what I believe in, and this is what we try to do with "The sound of Season".

We need to mix people from the art world, music and fashion industry, and of course our friends. Besides that project I also continue to do consultant jobs in scenography, image and sound for brands. And of course I still DJ as much as I can.

What are your influence ?

There are many of them. Years after years I mingled with very different worlds. I went from skateboarding competitions, to some of the biggest european clubs and Parisian fashion shows. I loved going to London where, back in those days, you could still see some real punks with red and green hair. I dreamed of New York, the Velvets, Andy Warhol, Patti Smith, Larry Levan, television,... I've always liked to mix the opposites and it was visible in my look, especially when I was young and everything was allowed. I like more or less all the ages, all the worlds, but I select very personal things in them, pictures and sounds that I feel attracted to. My identity is varied and precise at the same time.

Where is the best place to DJ ?

I like to mix everywhere, to share my tastes and my influences. I don't do concessions in music. I like when people participate, touching them with tracks that touch me. I'm not shy. I'm not a jukebox. People say that I'm too connoisseur, but I think I'm not connoisseur enough !

The most difficult situation is when you don't sync with the people. I recently emptied a dance-floor in a party in Brussels. There was only 3 people left but one came to me and said :" I really like what you do, and my favorite DJ is Yvan Smagghe". No concessions that night. There was another room and people were free to go around, but I don't regret anything. That person saved my night ! THANKS 

What do you listen to at the moment ?

Tons of things ! I'm a big fan of the compilation album "A man & a machine" from my Parisian friend, or the metal-dance-industrial-post punk compilation album of Trevor Jackson. There's a lot of new wave gems in there.

I still listen to the Talking heads, fad gadget, the smith, Joy Division, the clash, the doors, the velvet underground.

For recent stuff, it's more difficult to explain since I may like only one track of and artist I don't usually like. My top 5 would be : Yvan Smagghe, Tim Paris, Chloé, Barnt, Andrew Weatherall.

And for the latest albums : Sachienne, art department, pantha du prince, David Shaw and the beat, the eyes in the Heat, Yan Wagner, Daniel Maloso, the compilation albums dirty and get a room.

What is the role of Fashion ?

Fashion has always been a big part of my life. My mother was a fashion addict, one of the first women to wear the man's suit from YSL. I was bathed in the beauty world thanks to her. Since my parents were quite old, it was a style where women had a strong character, classy, elegant, stunning, a cold beauty that puts them out of reach. Fashion has no role per se, but it is still naturally a part of my life. It's part of my job, past present and future, but I quite don't know how to explain it. Fashion is so overused, so subjective. One day you're fashionable, and the next day you're not. It all depends on what's on your path. I've never thought about it, I was born in it. It's not only clothes, it's the way people mix and wear,,,, and broadcast a message. Sensibility is very important. I'm attracted to people who can use fashion to highlight a part of their personality. Fashion Week party people are usually the least fashionable people. 

It's a matter of personality.

Can you describe your style ?

I'm a chameleon. Most of the time I feel at ease in ample clothes, tomboy style (large black denim, tee-shirt or shirt, sweater, navy caban, a beanie during winter/ short blue denim, white t-shirt, Vans or Derbie, Céline clutch or denim backpack during summer). It's because of my Parisian scooter life.

I also like to be elegant and classy, but when I wear a dress, I always «break» my look with a masculine accessory (hat, derbie,...).

Any addiction ?

Red wine, shrimps croquettes, drinks and good restaurants.

Sun, Eres underwear and "éclairs au chocolat"

Any beauty tip ?

Beauty water from Caudalie

Body oil from Avène, 

Golden glitter eyeliner under the eye and Musc oil from Colette .

Any books ?

Dolce agonia from Nancy Huston

Kids, Patti smith

Tout ce que j'aimais, Siri Hustvedt

Please Kill me, Legs Mcneil & Gillian Mc Can

Fragments, Marylin Monroe

Linving, Jenny Holzer
Bonjour Tristesse, Françoise Sagan

What do you have in your bag ?

A pack of Marlboro Light

My Iphone, earphones and keys.

What about your films ?

Les valseuses

Mister Freedom

Un Singe en Hiver

24 hour Party People

The party

Who are you, polly maggou ?

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest 

Clockwork Orange

Le mépris

Paris Texas

Les frissons de l’angoisse

Pierrot le fou

Permanent Vacation

La boum

Ciao Manhanttan

Midnight Express

Control

Melancolia

Some good places in Brussels ?

I unfortunately visit Brussels less often, but I still keep some good adresses :

 Shopping :

Stijn underwear,

The Dansaert neighborhood

The Charlotte boutique « La meute »

 Resto :

The Old saint martin, 

The Canterbury

Club : 

Cat club of course

What are your icons ?

Nico,

Jane Birkin

Patti Smith

Serge Gainsbourg

Prince

Yves Saint Laurent

Bob Dylan

David Bowie

Aurore Daerden

Romy Schneider

Ingrid Bergman

Mia Farrow

Anna Karina

Julianne Moore

Favorite designers ?

Phoebe Philo pour Céline

Julien David

Nicolas Gesquière

Rei Kawakubo

Proenza Schouler

Artists ?

Olafur Elianson

Mark Borthwick

Francesca Woodman

Herb Luballin

Jean Michel Basquiat

Andy Warhol

Hiroshi Sugimoto

Todd Hido

Claude Leveque

Olaf Breuning

Maëlle André

Who are you ?


My name is Maëlle André, I'm 25 years old, born in Brussels, Los Angeles lover. I'm a freelance photographer since 2010, mostly into fashion photography, for magazines, models, agencies and private clients. Also I'm working for the Belgian radio Pure FM since 2011 and every summer I'm busy taking pictures at music festivals where I have load of fun. 
About my upbringing, I studied art in high school, I got a lot of art history courses and I started to use Photoshop in 2005 for my projects. Then I did a year in fashion design at Francisco Ferrer in Brussels, then 3 years of graphic design at Erg in Brussels, after all I did a training at Cepegra Brussels and got graduated of Adobe Creative Suite. So the truth is that I never took a photography lesson... I learned all by myself, I've always been self-taught and very curious to learn new things. 

I started to shoot my entourage for fun, when I realized that I was really enjoying it! I did a photo project about tattooed people during a year, which helped me to meet a lot of new people and to get myself talked about. I got my first contract in 2010 when I was discovered by a French singer Medi (drummer of Charlie Winston) which allowed me to travel in Los Angeles to shoot his music album pictures. After that I decided to start doing photography seriously and I got new contracts. I've been really lucky because a few magazines, webzines and blogs started talking about me and publishing my work (like Inked Girls Magazine based in NYC which was a great publicity and Victoire Magazine here in Belgium) I've build my portfolio over the years and gain experience. At the same time I was still traveling in California very often; I definitely felt in love with the US and this year I've decided to get a visa and to move there, it's my main goal for 2013! Beside my photography job and regular clients; I started producing, filming and editing music videos, it's another way to express my creativity and I'm looking to do more productions in thefuture.


What are your Influences ?


Well of course the US mentality and the California atmosphere are really representative of what I like in many ways. I love the light, the sun, the nature, the vibrancy of colors, the empty spaces far from the crowed city, I don't like busy environment that much, that's why I love California because it's warm and sunny (so I don't have to worry about the weather because I mostly work outdoor with natural light, I can shoot every day without complaining about rain or snow),  it's big and nature is everywhere (so I can find nice empty locations easily). Also I'm seeking inside peace of mind, I pay attention about my health and over there I've found many people with the same state of mind; there is no stress and negativity as in here, people are friendly and relax. 
I'm influenced by everything that's around me, that's why it's important to get surrounded by good people! My world is full of positive thoughts, of karma, of hopes, of dreams, of creativity, of nature, of music, of sun, of fashion, of beautiful images that are waiting to become real!



Tell us about your pictures ?


I love my pictures to be the reflection of my mind; I want them full of colors, of light, of femininity, I like them to be like a fresh breath for people. I'd like to make people dream more, to give them happy  thoughts. It's the way I found to touch the world around me and to give a message; it's the role of every artist so I want mine to be a positive one. 
I like to work with females models because I think women are fascinating! Girls can express a story just with the look of their eyes, their body and their attitude. Maybe it's because I'm a girl too, but I imagine the model like an actress, she can play every role in every situation. I love to work outdoor because I love using natural light, I'm much skilled with it than any artificial light which I really don't like to use. I love it cause it's going out of my limits, letting fate playing his role, I always have my idea when I start shooting but I always respect what will happened on set, random is part of the process, magic happened outside your comfort zone so I consider every shoot as a new challenge. 





What is the role of Fashion ?


I've always been obsessed with fashion since my young age, reading Vogue with fascinated eyes. That's why I started fashion design studies, cause I thought that was my thing. Finally I'm glad I've took the way of photography cause I can still be in the fashion industry but in another way. I love to work with stylist and fashion designer, style is really important in the construction of my pictures. I'm aiming to become a high fashion photographer so I need to be focused on the styling. I always try to do better and better, to propose new things, to surprise with aesthetic details and originality. By now, I'm obsessed with amount of jewelry, accessories, patterns diversity, crazy colored hair, flowers and colors mix! 



Can you describe your style ? 


My style is a mix of street wear and hippie rock type of clothing. I wear many rings and gemstones necklaces. I wear classic black vans shoes or leather boots most of the time. I don't wear heels which is cool cause I'm tall. I like comfy clothes! I wear mostly large t shirts and over sized sweaters with legging pants, beanies, large denim or leather jacket (I like to wear music bands tee and old fashioned ones with wolfs and motorbikes on them!).



Any addiction ? 


My phone, rings, crystals and stones, nails, my lipbalm, MAC & NARS lipsticks, coffee...

What are you listening to at this moment ? 
Currently in my playlist : HAIM, Grimes, A$AP Rocky, MS MR, Widowspeak, The Weeknd, Drake, Kendrick Lamar...



Any beauty trick ?


A fresh lemon juice every morning. Hydrating creme every day & every night! I wear MAC & NARS cosmetics and my daily makeup is based on BBcreme + pink blush + black mascara + red or pink lipstick + neat manicure & my Chanel "Coco Mademoiselle" perfume.



Your books ? 


Currently reading "No Steak" from Aymeric Caron and a book about "Sacred Geometry". 



What can we found in your bag ?

 
Makeup case, phone, headphone, business cards, "Rescue" pastilles, nail polish, gemstones, tissues, beanie, sunglasses, lip balm, essential oil...



Your movies ?


Mostly Sci-fi and Romantic Comedy : "Star Trek", "Sunshine", "Lord Of the Ring", "Wayne's World", "Truman Show", "Drive", "500 days of Summer", "Pretty Woman", "The Note Book"...



Some cool spots in Brussels ?


Shopping : I do mostly online shopping; Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Joyrich, H&M, Vans... 
Restos : I don't eat outside, I'm vegetarian so I like to cook my food myself but you can find me at Starbucks, Sushishop, Exki, Lilycup, Mamaroma and Fontainas...
Sorties : I don't go out very much, I'm more a "home lover" type of person.



What are your icons ?


Kate Moss, Chloe Norgaard, Charlotte Free, Vanessa Paradis, Karl Lagerfeld, Gwen Stefani, Audrey Kitching...



What about your favorite artists ?

 
Guy Bourdin, Lina Tesch, Zoey Grossman, Lara Jade, Tim Walker, Bettina Rheims, Neil Krug, Caitlin Bellah, Manish Arora... 



Links :


website : www.maelleandre.com


facebook : facebook.com/maelleandrephotography


twitter : twitter.com/_MaelleAndre_


instagram : maelleandre
tumblr : http://maelleandre.tumblr.com/


behance : behance.net/maelleandre


pinterest: pinterest.com/maelleandre


flickr : flickr.com/photos/_maelle_/

Marjorie Vermeulen

Who are you ?

My name is Marjorie, 30 years old.

I studied fashion design at La Cambre in Brussels.

Fashion has always been a part of me, it's my passion.

After graduating, I worked at Chloé in Paris and at "Rue du Mail", by Martine Sitbon.

But I did not enjoy that much the Parisian way of life, so I came back to Brussels and decided to launch my own brand of prêt-à-porter for women in 2012. The first summer collection was called "Diurne".

What are your influences ?

My influences are very diversified. I get inspired by everything around me. 

Nature, landscapes, illustrations, drawings, objects, my travel dreams, poetry, romanticism, colors, images,... 

I am also deeply fascinated by photography.

Tell us more about your brand.

I've created MV at the end of 2012. It is a prêt-à-porter brand for women. It is aimed at all the women who associate themselves with the brand. I want to develop my pieces with great raw materials, fabrics and subtle details. I want my pieces to adapt to every wardrobe and therefore to be easily mixable and wearable. My goal 

is to enhance the look of women, to make them elegant and sexy.

What is the role of Fashion ?

Well, I do believe that fashion is part of a materialistic preoccupation and therefor a bit futile sometimes. But it is also a way of expressing oneself, that help us understand who we really are. 

It helps self acceptance and self affirmation.

It helps us on how to act, and how to change character.

It helps us to hold a position and be "out there".

It's for all those reasons that I believe fashion is a modern armor, that we put on every day to deal with the world around us.

Can you describe your style ?

I don't believe I'm in the best position to describe my own style.

You never see yourself as you really are, or as others see you.

I like beautiful materials, comfortable clothes and dark tones. 

I usually always wear the same style of clothes : A slim pair of jeans, T-shirt, big jumper or sweat-shirt, a leather jacket, sneakers or biker's boots.

In the summer I wear jeans shorts or a T-shirt skirt in jersey (from my summer collection 2013)

In the evening I wear the silk pieces of my collection. I like to play with transparencies and lingerie.

And sometimes, high heels

Any addiction ?

Photos and cosmetics. I usually fall for a beautiful packaging, a miracle product or a newly released product...

Bags and court shoes.

Fashion magazines... I'm not good a trashing them so I have a big collection of Vogue, Jalouse and Numero.

What are you listening to at the moment ?

For music, I have a very wide scope of tastes. I listen to everything. As for now I'm in my R&B and hip hop mood.So Asap Rocky, Drake, Tyga, T>I>, Snoop Dogg...

Any beauty trick ?

Laughing a lot, seeing my friends, falling in love,... you're more beautiful when you're happy.

Drinking water (I don't drink enough water myself!)

Every morning I moisturize my skin after shower with the « Super moisturizing body balm » cream from Clarins, I just love the smell of that cream so much. 

For my face, because I have a very dry and sensitive skin, I use "creme de la mer", but because of my tight budget, i alternate with a anti-redness Lierac cream, and cold cream from Avène.

I also protect my skin from the sun at all cost. Total sun block is the best anti-wrinkles remedy !

I also care a lot about my hands and feet.

For me there's nothing worst than a women with neglected nails. So I don't allow myself to have dented nail polish or badly filed nails

And if I don't wear nail polish, I like to have my nails very white.

What can we find in your bag ?

My black Balenciaga wallet.

A heart-shaped coin purse.

My keys with a "I LOVE NYC" key-chain.

My Muji business card holder.

A tiny bottle of perfume from Marc Jacob. 

A Sisley lips balm, a karité butter creme for my hands from L'Occitane.

A nail file and some chewing gum...

Some cool spots in Brussels ?

Shopping : Icon, Hunting&collecting, Sandro, LOL, Zara, H&M, The Boardshop, Rose… 

Internet shopping : Net-a- porter, Nasty gal, Asos, Browns, The Corner, Luisaviaroma

Restaurants : Strofilia, Gusto, La Piola, Guignol, La Meilleure Jeunesse, Ellis Burger, Gaudron, Lily Cup, Choupy’s Makisu, Yamayu Santatsu, Les Larmes du tigre, and McDonalds.

Going out : Everywhere, as long as my friends are there. I don't care much about the place.

I love old dorky and cheesy bars where nobody goes and where you can meet up without caring about the way you look. I also like place like Chez Franz, BDM, Le Belga, Le Tigre, Le Café de la presse, Wood, Mr Wong, Mirano, and Fuse.

Your books ?

« No Exit », Sartre

« Afterwards...  », Guillaume Musso

« The Shadow of the Wind» Carlos Ruiz Zafón,

« Ask the Dust » John Fante.

« Le plus petit Zoo du monde » Thomas Gunzig.

Your movies ?

« Retour vers Oz », « The NeverEnding Story », « Ladyhawke », « Romeo and Juliet » from Baz Luhrmann, « Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind », « Abre los ojos » Amenàbar, « Inception », « Dolls » from Takeshi Kitano

What about your favorite artists ?

Takashi Murakami, Don Brown, Yoshitomo Nara, Ernesto Neto, Bruce Nauman, Joseph Kosuth, Robert Smithson, 

Christo et Jeanne-Claude, Mario Sorrenti, Peter Lindbergh, Helmut Newton Jean loup Sieff, Guy Bourdin Ed Templeton, Irving Penn ,...

Links :

Marjorie Vermeulen Official

Facebook

 Photography : Julie Calbert