<div>I am really excited about sharing with all of my readers this interview with one of the best Spanish-international top models. I met her a few years ago at Madrid Fashion Week, I was so happy about this interview because I think she is a really interesting person, not just in the fashion world but also in the everyday real world. I thought that she was perfect for the first "interview-post" on our Club Fashionista blog.</div><div><br></div><div>We had an amazing time during lunch and our casual coffee break in Starbucks!!! In my life, on the one hand, I have met too many fashion world people, who are really obsessed with their weight; Marina, on the other hand, as I saw first-hand does eat and drink just like the rest of us.  I have fallen in love with her sweetness, her way of thinking,  and her cleverness. Here is our conversation:</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Let's look back at how you started modeling, in another words, tell me about how you were discovered?</div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2910/thumb_marina-jamieson-1.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2910/thumb_marina-jamieson-1.jpg"></a></p><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;">Marina Jamieson in Madame Magazine</p></div><div><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">Marina: At the age of eleven, my father's friend suggested that I begin modeling. Two years later, I gave it a chance and by then already twelve agencies were interested in me. It was in Elite Chicago, at the age of thirteen, when I did my first fashion campaign: it was for Abercrombie Kids, the one with Bruce Weber in Miami. Then, I moved to NY and I did some fashion shows. Later I was pictured in the Seventeen magazine. Afterwards, I took a break (from 16-17) to study. I graduated new Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois.  </span><br></div><div><br></div><div>After completing high school, I moved to Spain. I started to work with Traffic Models. I traveled to  Milano, London, Paris, Tokyo, Australia, NY, and L.A.!!! I Lived in Milano for a  few months and did some campaigns for Trussardi Jeans, Fay, Just Cavalli, etc. Then, I moved to London for 18 months and did many different fashion weeks (e.g., Paul Smith) and traveled around Europe. After my European tour, there came so many HUGE shows and campaigns; for example, I worked with Kate Moss in her Collection for Top Shop, Dolce & Gabbana, Diane Von Furstenberg. Wow, I can't remember all of it; so many things happened during these years. EVERYTHING I HAVE IN MY LIFE IS BECAUSE I HAVE WORKED HARD TO EARN IT!"</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What do you do on the backstage of a fashion show while you are waiting to walk the runway?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: I have fun, laugh, take pictures, I am just myself, I enjoy the moment...I listen to cool music to motivate me before the runway and put me in a cool mood.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Just out of curiosity, what did you buy with the money you earned from your first modeling job?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: I bought a bag from Max Mara; it is my lucky charm.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What is the most stressful factor about being a top model?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: I never know how my next day will turn out; therefore, I am never able to make plans with my friends or family. I always have to be flexible. I love the quote "live and let live."</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What kinds of gifts do you like the best? </div><div><br></div><div>Marina: The kind of gifts that I like the most are the ones that are customized by my friends for me.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Who is the most amazing person you have ever met in your life?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Without a doubt, my Mom.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: And in the fashion world?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Although we could consider David Beckham a superstar, I really like his humanity  and his simplicity of life. I have met many celebrities, who think that they are superior in many ways. However, you always get surprised with other people like Bar Refaeli, who is a gorgeous woman. </div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2911/thumb_marina-jamieson-2.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px; line-height: 1.42857143; background-color: rgb(217, 223, 235);"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2911/thumb_marina-jamieson-2.jpg"></a><br></p></div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: The best work that you have done?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: With Eugenio Recuenco.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: The coolest experience in life?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: I have had the opportunity to travel, and I have met many interesting people; both are important for me.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Is the economic crisis affecting the fashion world?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: In my point of view, the economic crisis is not affecting the fashion world too much; in some countries, people only buy things to make themselves happy.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What was one really bad experience in your life? </div><div><br></div><div>Marina: The death of my father in October 2005.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Your current favorite songs?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: The Lightning Seeds; "Pure" by Cloud Cuckoo Land;  "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes; "I Just Want to Make that Sad Boy Smile" by Kleerup; "Big jet Plane" by Angus and Julia Stone; "As the Rush Comes" by Motorcycle; "Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts" by Brandon Flowers. </div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Your favorite movies?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Ordinary People; in general, American comedy movies. I really love the Sandra Bullock movies.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What is your favorite part of the day?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Waking up and looking forward to my day.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What are your favourite holiday destinations? </div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Cambodia, Australia (Sydney), Japan, and the U.S. (Chicago). </div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What is your favorite place to escape?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Hontoria del Pinar in Burgos, in the hills outside the town to see the the sunset or sunrise, to watch the stars; being in the nature is awesome, it really energizes me.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: How do you define your true happiness?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: To live my life in the way that I love: relaxing and simple.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What is the most glamorous part of your career and what is the worst thing about it?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: The most glamourous part is the process behind the cameras: spending time with the hairstylist, having my make up done, i.e. when they transform me into the character that the clients wants. The worst part is the stress; but I do my best not to focus on the negative.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Define yourself in four words: </div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Sweet, genuine, simple, and pure.</div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px;"><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2914/thumb_marina-jamieson-5.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2914/thumb_marina-jamieson-5.jpg"></a></p></div></div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Tell us something interesting about your passions: </div><div><br></div><div>Marina: I am in love with the Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki. His movies include Totoro, Ponyo, Howl´s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke. I love cinema, theatre, and ballet; I love all arts in general.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Tell us about some exclusive secrets about yourself:</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: I enjoy spending hours by cooking for family and friends. I wish to be a really good actress, a movie director, and a mother.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Tell us about your secret beauty products: </div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Face mask from Shu Uemura ( the Hydrating Mask); I love the products from Germaine de Cappucini; the best products for the hair are from Kérastasse. <span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">My mascara from Yves Saint Laurent; my favorite nail polish is Chanel Rouge. The best lipsticks are from Mac. </span><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">I can't live without the Ydille perfume from Guerlain. I feel so confident and sexy when I put this perfume on me. In the summer, I love Eau Teindre from Chanel.</span></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><br></p></div><div>Aless G.: Tell us about your fitness routine:</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: I love my new gym in Madrid  (Omnia); it is completely different than the rest of the gyms in the city. I do spinning, yoga, and meditation. At least 3 times per week, I work out with my personal trainer. When I am working out of Madrid, I always try to find a way to work out: in parks and in the gym at the hotel. I general, I walk to see the cities, where I am working/visiting, or even inside my hotel room. The key to consistently working out is to push and motivate yourself.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What are your style tricks?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: My stylists. I don't know what I am going to do without my stylists David García Mirás and Sofia Stein; they know who I am; they find the best outfits for my fashion events or parties. In general, I love to have my own style and be different from everyone else.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What is your favorite look in winter and in the summer?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Winter-- Leather leggings from (Helmut Lang); my favorite boots: All Saints; a t-shirt from Eleven Paris (I love the new ones with the celebrities doing the mustache with the finger); an XXL (Sandro) Sweater; a black leather jacket ; a foulard from Barbara Lonmann.  This fall-winter, I will wear my new coat from Jorge Vazquez.</div><div><br></div><div>Summer--Wripped shorts from Abercrombie; t-shirts from Eleven Paris; and I love the basics from the Gap; the best shoes for the summer are from the Spanish brand: Pretty Ballerinas. </div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What is your favorite accessory?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: My glitter cover for iPhone: rabbit.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Your favorite Sunglasses?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Ray Ban, Tom Ford, and Person.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What is your favorite "it" bag/s? </div><div><br></div><div>Marina: The bags come from Gucci, Marc Jacob, and Yves Saint Laurent.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Are you addicted to technology? </div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Yessss!!! I can´t live without my cell phones; my Blackberry and my iPod. I love Twitter and Facebook. You can follow me @marinajamieson or on my fan page on Facebook. </div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What are your favorite low cost brands?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Zara and H&M. </div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What are your favorite luxury brands?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Yves Saint Laurent, Hermés, Sandro, La condesa, and Balmain. I also love vintage shops and customize my own clothes, e.g. I bought a jacket from Zara and customized it to match my personality. </div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2912/thumb_marina-jamieson-3.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px; line-height: 1.42857143; background-color: rgb(217, 223, 235);"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2912/thumb_marina-jamieson-3.jpg"></a><br></p></div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What style do you like for this Fall/Winter (2012 - 2013)?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Army style.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What is the most expensive thing in your closet ?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: My Yvsl Muse Bag.</div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><br></p></div><div>Aless G.: Tell us something interesting that people generally do not know about you. </div><div><br></div><div>Marina: I have collected magnets from all the places that I visited during my travels, and I always send postcards to my mom from wherever I visit.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: Who are your biggest fans? </div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Three women: my grandma from Burgos, my mom, and my sister Adriana.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What do you eat usually?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: I eat everything, I can't live without eating. I love hand made foods, I love Thai food and Mexican good!!! Yummy!!! My favorite plate is spanish eggs fried with french fries and ketchup!!! I love vegetable creams.</div><div>I love organic food like soy milk, Muesli; what I eat depends of my mood.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What is your perfect free weekend?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: I love to escape far from the city with the car and get lost in the little towns with my best friends; I really love them, and I know they really love me, respect me and admire me. I stay far from evil people.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: You also have friends in the fashion industry?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Yes.... International and National models: Bar Refaeli, Clara Alonso, Sam Webb, and Antonio Navas.</div><div>Also, I am friends with designers like Aki Zazarashvili.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What is your dream in life ?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: To be an access. </div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What are your future projects?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Book 365 with photographer Eugenio Recuenco and a fashion film for Louis Vuitton.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What are your best runway moments?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Modeling for Diane Von Furstenberg, Giambattista Valli, Helmut Lang, and Paul Smith.</div><div><br></div><div>Aless G.: What are your favorite TV shows?</div><div><br></div><div>Marina: Revenge, Castle, and Bones.</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you Marina for this stunning interview. Club Fashionista wishes you the best in your career and personal life, you deserve it!!! Good luck honey!!!</div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px;"><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2913/thumb_marina-jamieson-4.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2913/thumb_marina-jamieson-4.jpg"></a></p></div></div><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><br></p>

<div>Helloooo Fashionistas!!!! Desde hace mucho tiempo queríamos hacer esta entrevista con el top model internacional Ryan Barrett! Ryan ha trabajado con los mejores fotógrafos, diseñadores, y modelos del mundo! Nos encanta! Thank you RYAN! YOU ROCK! No te puedes perder esta entrevista! </div><div><br></div><div>For a long time, we wanted to do an interview with the  international top model from Great Britain: Ryan Barrett! Ryan has worked with some of the most respected photographers (e.g., Adriano Russo and David Bradshaw), internationally acclaimed designers (e.g., Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and John Galliano) and ultra top-models (e.g., Gisele Bundchen and Kendra Spears). We adore his style, natural beauty and chameleon like looks. Ryan, thank you for taking the time to do this interview! </div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2928/thumb_ryan-barrett-3.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2928/thumb_ryan-barrett-3.jpg"></a></p><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;">Ryan Barrett on the cover of Men’s Health Best Fashion Spain<br></p></div><div><br></div><div>Club Fashionista ("CF"): Who suggested for you to model? </div><div><br></div><div>Ryan Barrett ("RB"): I was scouted when I began studying at Goldsmiths University in London. I was studying Fine Art Textiles. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Do you always enjoy modeling? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: Modeling has its ups and its downs just like any other job. With that said, the best aspect is that you have the chance to meet a lot of interesting people.</div><div><br></div><div>CF: How do you feel when you see yourself on billboards on the streets? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: It is strange at first, especially when the photos date a couple of months back. In the fashion industry, sometimes we have to wait a few months before the images are released. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: From 1 to 10 how much do you like fashion? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I am a huge fan. I did not realize the vast size of the fashion industry until I began working. Now, fashion is definitely a part of my life.</div><div><br></div><div>CF: Among all of the campaigns you have done, tell us which one was your best experience? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I guess the Versace men’s mainline because I had a chance to shoot it in Palm Springs, which I found to be a gorgeous setting. Also, I loved working with David Bradshaw. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Who are your favorite fashion designers? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I am a big fan of Dolce & Gabban; they do great ad-campaigns. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Have you ever worked for any of them? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: Yes. Versace has been great to me; recently, I did their underwear campaign. I ended up on their underwear box, which was pretty cool. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Which runaway show was your best experience? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I would have to say John Galliano shows; I used to LOVE working in his shows because they were always so creative and fun! </div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px;"><div style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px;"><div style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px;"><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2927/thumb_ryan-barrett-2.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2927/thumb_ryan-barrett-2.jpg"></a></p><div><br></div></div></div></div></div><div>CF: Which do you think has been the most important lesson you have learned in life? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: Be Yourself!! No one likes a fake. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Which is your key fashion item? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: Currently my Alden J-Crew 405 Indy boots. I LOVE THEM!</div><div><br></div><div>CF: Do you spend a lot on clothing? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I try not to spend too much. With that said, if I need an item/s, I have to have them. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Do you consider yourself a fashion victim? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: No, not yet.</div><div><br></div><div>CF: What is a typical day in Ryan Barrett’s life? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I try to keep as busy as possible through castings, modeling, textile design or photography. Check out my work at www.ryanthomasbarrett.com. I hate to sit still. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Where can your fans find you? Please give them a clue so they can find you easier! Hahahahaha. </div><div><br></div><div>RB: Hahaha, on Twitter @ryanbarrettuk </div><div><br></div><div>CF: A great number of our followers are gym addicts; your figure says that you spend sometime working out. How much time approximately do you spend in the gym? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: Some weeks I love to go to the gym; other weeks, I am less enthusiastic about working out in the gym. Thus, I mix-up my work-out routine between home and the gym. Also, after I am finished with my workout, I like to take a swim.</div><div><br></div><div>CF: Do you like exercising or do you see it more as a choir? What is your favorite sport? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I do like to exercise. I have a KTM dirt bike so I love to race motocross when I have free time. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: How many times do you eat per day? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: It depends; I actually eat a lot! I love meat and if I have to exercise in the gym, I will have a protein shake as well. It is difficult for me to gain weight. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Do you have a strict diet? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: My diet consists of: meat meat and more meat! I love it tooo much; also, I have a bit of a sweet tooth.</div><div><br></div><div>CF: Do you face a lot of competition in the male modeling market? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: Yes, there are always new faces and new agencies popping-up all over the world. Thus, you you have to make the most of it. </div><div><div style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px;"><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><br></p></div></div><div>CF: What do you think about using Photoshop? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I actually use Photoshop a lot for my own photography; it is great if it is use it properly. It is a way of enhancing and making a great picture even better. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Do you support the overuse of Photoshop in mostly every strong campaign? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I think Photoshop has just opened doors to creativity and gives creative minds more tools to work with.  </div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px;"><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2931/thumb_ryan-barrett-6.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2931/thumb_ryan-barrett-6.jpg"></a></p><div><br></div></div></div><div>CF: Years ago models used to turn into actors or actresses. Nowadays, a majority are putting aside their modeling skills and moving into the music industry. Would you like to become a DJ? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: No, it’s really not for me. I love music but would not make it into a career. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Which are your next projects? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I will travel to NYC very soon for some up-coming projects. I am very excited. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Who is the person you love or even have loved the most? Do you like animals?</div><div><br></div><div>RB: My Grandmother. She is amazing and very active just like me; she breeds African Grey Parrots as a hobby. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Which are your favorite places? Which is the most amazing place you have ever visited? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: One of the most amazing places I have visited is India. I found it fascinating and very picturesque. Also, I found Nigeria and Thailand fascinating. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Who or what makes you happy in your everyday life? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: As long as I am busy being creative, somehow I am a happy boy. :)</div><div><br></div><div>CF: Do you think your industry and job is vulnerable to stereotypes? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: In some moments in my career, I have thought so; however, most of the times, I have met many people who are unique and stand out from others in the fashion industry. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Spring has just arrived! Do you have any plans for the summer or not yet? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: In the summer, I am sure I will be out on my motocross bike. My plan is to pass the test to obtain my full road bike license and go on a holiday somewhere. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: What are your hobbies? Any addictions?</div><div><br></div><div>RB: As I mentioned, I love to ride my motocross bike. I am addicted to TEA! I love cups of tea along with a slice of cake. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: As for your beauty rituals, do you have any beauty secrets? Are there any key products that you use? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I am a big fan of Kielh’s products. All of them have worked out very well for me. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: If we borrow your IPod, which kind of music can we find on your iTunes playlist? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: A bit of everything; my iPod is FULL! I mainly listen to Hip-hop, Soul, and RnB. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: What kind of music do you prefer? What is your favorite song or singer? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I am a big fan of old school garage; I still love the new classics like Lauryn Hill, Anthony Hamilton, and Musiq Soul Child. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Which is your favorite movie, actor/actress, and film director? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: OMG, I have SO many. I love watching films! Last year, I was fascinated with the movie Lawless. The film was epic. Also, I love the Gangs of New York, American Gangster and Flight. There are so many actors/actresses whom I admire; it is difficult to choose one. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Which superhero do you think best fits your personality? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I would love to be IRON MAN! With that said, I am not sure whether our personalities are similar. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: If you could play the main character in a film, which film would you choose? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: JAMES BOND, which would be the ultimate experience! </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Are you addicted to any social network? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: I think pretty much EVERYONE has a Facebook profile now; even my Grandmother has one. I am not addicted to any single social network, I use them just for fun. </div><div><br></div><div>CF: Where can your fans follow you? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: My fans can follow me onTwitter @ryanbarrettuk; Facebook Page is ryanbarrettuk; and on my website at www.Ryanthomasbarrett.com</div><div><br></div><div>CF: We know you love photography…if you could choose any place in the world, where would you do a photoshoot? </div><div><br></div><div>RB: India! I found it full of rich color, amazing texture and photogenic people, I would love to spend a year there just shooting scenery.</div><div><br></div><div>CF: Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to us. We really enjoyed learning more about it and look forward to seeing more of you. Club Fashionista wishes you much success in your feature endeavors!</div><div><br></div> <p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2925/thumb_212168f08a5de6e64bf4bf249bdab5ef.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2925/thumb_212168f08a5de6e64bf4bf249bdab5ef.jpg"></a></p><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2926/thumb_ryan-barrett-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2926/thumb_ryan-barrett-1.jpg"></a></p><br>

<div>A brilliant movie producer and a well-known fashion photographer, Harun Mehmedinovic, has been finding inspiration in ordinary subjects and nature. His work has a fairy tale like feel that make his subjects appear like magical creatures out of a storybook. His latest work has been published by Vogue Italia as a part of their collection on best international photographers (www.vogue.it). </div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2915/thumb_harun-mehmedinovic-1.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2915/thumb_harun-mehmedinovic-1.jpg"></a></p></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><br></p></div><div>AB: Harun, thank you for taking the time to speak with Club Fashionista about your work and life. Can you please tell us a little bit more about what inspires you to direct movies and capture unique moments in photos?</div><div><br></div><div>HM: I'm primarily interested in storytelling. Film and photography are mediums fit to tell different types of stories. This very concept of what is a story is important, and perhaps in today's somewhat cynical world that aspect is overlooked. Stories help us discuss things under the surface, forward certain ideas, empower individuals to make moves are they hesitant to make, they stir up inside of us that need for adventure we feel as humans.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">Going back to campfire tales of hunters (now just about a dead art form in the western world) on one side of my family, I always found storytelling important but I never quite digested the true importance of stories until encountering Joseph Campbell. He has a quote that very much points to why stories are important: "I think what we're seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonance within our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive." Stories are ultimately reflections of someone's else's journey, recounts of a rite of passage, which has led to some sort of wisdom which they then pass on to those who haven't undergone such a journey as to empower them to seek their own adventures. This is very much what made me fall in love with Mark Twain's writings as a kid for example. As kids, we all connect with the adventures in his stories, we all want that sense of freedom and wonder, and a rejection of norms and ideologies. We all want to rebel, pave our own way through adventures, and experience that "rapture of being alive."</span><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">The decision to take up photography more actively came from my increased interest in improvisation and spontaneity, a way to tell stories in less structured medium and environments, engage my friends who don't do arts and tend to be mired in 9-5 lives with very little experience of awe and wonder they so much enjoyed as kids. The idea was to get all of them to pick a place and 0what to wear, then take a whole day and go on an adventure, see where things take us, not plan it out so much. I ultimately called this process a "seance." These shoots sometimes go on for 10-15 hours. They have been long hikes through mountains, head on collisions with heavy rain, hail and snow, walks on foot through swamps and lakes, and counting the mosquito bites and bruises after.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2917/thumb_harun-mehmedinovic-3.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px; line-height: 1.42857143; background-color: rgb(217, 223, 235);"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2917/thumb_harun-mehmedinovic-3.jpg"></a><br></p><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;">Portrait, Séance (2013)</p></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;"><br></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">The experience of the day is the most important, and if images came along with it, that's great, but the point is that you could never predict what would come of it, the idea was letting go and letting things come together by circumstance. Let nature, or perhaps universe dictate it. This is very much the opposite of the ideas of safety and caution we hear about so much being part of the "civilization." Although this may seem uncomfortable to some, and many of my subjects also don't feel comfortable about a camera, after these "seances" just about everyone wanted to keep going or to have another one. They finally let go and had a lot of fun, as do I on all these shoots. It's the adrenaline, the energy and a feeling like one is a kid again, uninhibited and free to do as they wish no matter now silly or dangerous. It's liberating. And it's the experience that counts, photos may or may not happen, but the experience is tangible. I called the project "Bloodhoney," a reference to Balkans, region I am from which is a combination of two Turkish works, Bal and Kan, honey and blood. It refers to this bittersweet nature of life, embracing it all as it comes.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>As far as themes in stories, I'm drawn to subject of human identity more so than anything else and perhaps it's a product of never having had a place I firmly call home. I've been mostly a nomad throughout my life, and I have embraced the unknown. I like going to new places and meeting new people. </div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><br></p></div><div>AB: Your work has taken you to destinations all over the world. What are some of your favorite destinations and what exactly makes these spots “magical?”</div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2919/thumb_harun-mehmedinovic-5.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2919/thumb_harun-mehmedinovic-5.jpg"></a></p><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;">Portrait, Persona (2015)</p></div><div><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">HM: I think this very much ties back to the process of photography I described above, many locations being their own surprises, it's about being open to that idea and not try to control it. I like the idea of capturing "ordinary" spaces in such a way that they appear extraordinary. It's not such a hard thing to do, it's merely about taking time there and being open to surprises that come. For example, one one of the shoots, we went up to Mt. Wilson, 30min from L.A. to shoot in the early morning fog in what was forecast to be a sunny day. We got there and the biggest hailstorm in the recorded history of Los Angeles began. Most people would try to get off the mountain as soon as possible, in fast, I only saw two more cars on the road into those mountains that day so nobody wanted to go and experience this wonder it seems. For the two of us on the shoot, this was the enormous miracle one hopes for on a shoot, the dusty desert landscape turned completely white and frozen. It was an image that road had seen maybe once or twice in an entire century, and never in recorded history to this extent. It's a moment we couldn't have planned out, and it's moment we cannot repeat exactly as it was that day. This was all about taking a chance, going somewhere, taking time and running into a surprise along the way. Many locations we take for granted take on, as you say, magical qualities at times, it's just about being there to observe it. It's as simple as that Rumi saying "Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don't claim them. Feel the artistry moving through, and be silent."</span><br></div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2918/thumb_harun-mehmedinovic-4.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px; line-height: 1.42857143; background-color: rgb(217, 223, 235);"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2918/thumb_harun-mehmedinovic-4.jpg"></a><br></p><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;">Portrait, Séance (2013)</p></div><div><br></div><div>With that being said, there are also locations which have a distinctly different energy about them, quite simply something in the air that feels different. A good example for this would be places like Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, where the Civil War is said to have begun when John Brown was caught and executed. Or a place such as Antietam battlefield where thousands of men died in a single day. The first time I went to Harper's Ferry, I had no idea of it's history. I was a kid still in middle school and I remember not even wanting to be on that trip that day, but I felt something about the place and it staid with me, and learning the history only shed part of the light on this. Places such as "Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump" in Alberta, Canada where Native Americans of the Plains used to send thousands of buffalo over the cliffs in what has to be the biggest annual hunt world has ever seen. This process had been done for thousands of years, underneath those cliffs is layers and layers upon buffalo bones over hundreds of centuries. That place, although completely unrelated to Harper's Ferry, had a similar feel. The sheer sublime was in the air and it was undeniable. The place itself demanded more than a moment of solitude. In fact, America is full of these, as I would call, "magical" places such as this, where the sublime of nature meets the sublime of man and leaves behind a tangible tension in the air. I think the subjects of these shoots felt this too, as do many people who go to these places every year. </div><div><br></div><div>AB: What has been your experience when living in L.A.?</div><div><br></div><div>HM: Los Angeles seems to be very polarizing, some either love it or hate it. I think I loved Los Angeles before I came here and that hasn't stopped since. It's a place that inspires incredible loneliness in people, I would not even call it conducive to creativity per se, and I do not disagree with the phrase "city of broken dreams" that some for the more cynical visitors have propagated. I think L.A. is all that, but it's also a place of incredible cultural diversity, I have met friends from all over the planet here and I am grateful for it. Also, the city lies in an area of incredible beauty. Snowy mountains just a couple hours away, scorching earth desert, some of the most astonishing forests just a few hours north, large expanses of open space and wilderness. There is not much I can say about California that John Muir already has not said. Having finished school here, I've also built a solid network of people I enjoy doing creative things with. Lets just say, every time I travel West, it feels like where I'm supposed to be. </div><div><br></div><div>AB: Can you tell us a little bit about the Hollywood, i.e. the good and the bad side of the movie industry?</div><div><br></div><div>HM: Like any industry, it's exactly what we're calling it, an industry. They make and deliver products. A lot of us from European background can smirk at this and say that such a thing sucks the art out of the medium, but there have been films I could call first rate Art films made in Hollywood in the past. Nothing is set in stone, and ultimately we live at a time when making a film is easier than ever as far as equipment goes. However, it's as challeging as ever as far as stories go, the globalization has changed much of our concepts of identity. The whole concept of local has done away with, and that's where stories have been rooted, along with the concept of the "unknown". Very little has been left of the "unknown" in today's world, and not all stories can be reduced to science fiction. Hollywood, like any other entity that makes films with pretension of being universal, has a challenge now how to engage the entire planet. As Campbell said, storytellers need to invent global myths now, but since there is no clear global set of values to respond to, or hardly any values to point to, there's a challenge for storytellers to break through the cynicism and uncertainty of the times we live in. People will always have a love for stories, it's on genetic level, but now we need the artists to reinvent the wheel a bit and engage the entire planet. The internet makes such possible, despite the oversaturation many point to. If the idea is strong, it will find it's audience. </div><div><br></div><div>AB: Your movie “ In the name of the son” has received numerous awards, including winner of the American Film Institute Schaffner Award, Winner of the Best Fiction Short Film of the USA Film Festival, Winner of the Stony Brook Film Festival, and Official Selection of Festival de Cannes, just to name a few. Your photos have also been featured numerous times in Vogue Italia. What do you feel has contributed to your success as a movie producer and photographer?</div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2916/thumb_harun-mehmedinovic-2.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px; line-height: 1.42857143; background-color: rgb(217, 223, 235);"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2916/thumb_harun-mehmedinovic-2.jpg"></a></p></div><div><br></div><div>HM: First of all, I think it's the support and open mindedness of my parents, family and friends while growing up. They always fostered in me this drive for creativity and storytelling.They never tried to shove their agenda down my throat or dictate to me what it is I am or am not supposed to do. Secondly, its the wartime experience in Bosnia. When the whole social fabric came apart and the world I knew changed completely in a week, it removed any illusions or naive notions I may have had about the world. It also strenghtened my interest in the adventure and in the sublime, ridding onself of fears and embracing adventure. It's a miracle I made it out alive, but I attribute that partly to letting go of things that may have held me back and taking (what in retrospect may seem crazy) chances. Tempting fate by spending time outside where grenades and snipers were part of everyday life during the siege for four years. This embrace of the unknown, going out of the comfort zone, definitely influences just about everything I do. But also, there is a certain patience and grit instilled in you from that experience as well. First year of the war, I spent most of the time in cellars and atomic shelters, often whole days without any light. There was hardly anything else one could do but meditate. It taught me tenacity, something important in the world where one encounters roadblocks and far more "NO" than "Yes" coming out of others' mouths. One has to be patient and endurant with certain projects, no matter what comes in the way. Take for example this photography project. Every day I go out on a "seance," there may not be a single usable or good image I walk away with. Some artists would run as far as they could from that, they have a need to control, spontaneity is something of a chaos to them they do not want to deal with. I however embrace that uncertainty, I want to be surprised by the process.</div><div><br></div><div>AB: Thank you again for speaking with us. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and hope to see more spectacular art projects from you!</div><br>

<div>Blogging in Southeastern Europe is increasing as we speak, trendsetters are making statements with their everyday outfits, revealing their beauty secrets and everything else related to the world of beauty, fashion and luxury. We have been tracking a large number of bloggers through their daily fashion diaries. Finally, I spotted an outrageously beautiful blond, who is quite the diva and a local celebrity with over 51,000 fans on Facebook. She was educated in Milan, Italy (the fashion Accademia del Lusso School of Fashion) and currently resides in Belgrade Serbia. Her name is Zorana Jovanovic, and she is the proud owner of her spectacular blog called Zorannah's Fashion Corner. She goes by the pen name Zorannah.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">Her hair is stunning with its fullness, shine and curls; her closet is full of designer items, and she has a multitude of fun videoclips (scroll down to see). So, we decided to contact her on behalf of Club Fashionista and exchange a friendly chat. Her street-style is simply irresistible as she shows it off in cosmopolitan cities around the world. </span><br></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px;"><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2909/thumb_zorannah-5.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2909/thumb_zorannah-5.jpg"></a></p><div><br></div></div></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">Her story as exposed on her blog started out differently: she began writing during a very ugly period in her life. She did not get out of the bed for about three months, and her only wardrobe changes consisted of sweatpants and pajamas. Without further ado, let's go and meet her!</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Zorannah: I needed something that would motivate me to wakeup, get out of the house and to fix whatever I was going through. At the time, I was following one or two blogs; before deciding to study in Milan, I decided to start writing my own blog and share with the world what I had to say. </div><div><br></div><div>She has been a blondie as far back as she could remember, well not quite literally but...</div><div><br></div><div>Zorannah: Sometime in elementary school, I decided to try blond highlights; my mother is blond, and she is the main culprit here :) Subsequently, somewhere in the first or second year of high school, I completely dyed my hair to blond. I have only been a brunette for two weeks two years ago. Maintaining the blond color has been easy since I am not someone who likes to experiment with her hair.</div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2905/thumb_zorannah-1.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2905/thumb_zorannah-1.jpg"></a></p></div><div><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">Zorannah, as most of us women, has too many clothes that she does not need; so, is there an abundant amount that you have never worn?</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Zorannah: Definitely, I have a lot of things; but there is nothing in my closets that I have not worn. After every photo session, I wear my outfits for the next couple of weeks and then the problem beings: my clothes start to pile-up. As far as shopping, I buy my clothes mainly in Belgrade; for my accessories, i.e. handbags and shoes, I go abroad for shopping sprees. </div><div><br></div><div>Her favorite destinations for shopping: LA, Paris and London. In fact, here she gives us a "Closet Tour," watch her video clip:</div><div><br></div><div>The beauty about fashion is that it is a universal "language," which everyone speaks; here, although Zorannah speaks in Serbian, you can recognize many of the luxury designers, e.g., Louboutin and Louis Vuitton, which many of us adore.</div><div><br></div><div>What are some of your top choices for the autumn? </div><div><br></div><div>Zorannah: black leather pants, tights, light gray oversized sweater, wedge sneakers, a scarf and sunglasses. There is a t-shirt that says "All blogs post the same stuff," which in fact is true because there are "it" pieces that all of us fashion bloggers own or desire to own. Currently, I have spotted one fashion blogger trend: checkered long sleeved shirt that is being tied around the waist. See the photos below.</div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2906/thumb_zorannah-2.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2906/thumb_zorannah-2.jpg"></a></p></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2907/thumb_zorannah-3.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px; line-height: 1.42857143; background-color: rgb(217, 223, 235);"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2907/thumb_zorannah-3.jpg"></a></p><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><br></p></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">After many posts and photos, Zorannah decided to publish fun tutorial videos...</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Zorannah: The logical sequence of events was that on certain subject matters I make videos because that would be useful to my followers, e.g., what makeup to use, what beauty products to use, to review perfumes and many other beauty insider tips. </div><div><br></div><div>This successful blogger enjoys all the benefits of the social media era so she is faithful to Instagramu, where she likes to follow Russian fashionistas and "it" girls like Miroslava Duma and American fashion icons like Nicole Richie, Rachel Zoe and Mary Kate Olsen. Also, she follows Cassie although she has completely opposite style.</div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px;"><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2908/thumb_zorannah-4.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px; line-height: 1.42857143; background-color: rgb(217, 223, 235);"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2908/thumb_zorannah-4.jpg"></a><br></p><div><br></div></div></div><div>Club Fashionista: You must dish, approximately how much do you spend monthly and your beauty products, including makeup? What is your favorite make up look?</div><div><br></div><div>Zorannah: I must admit I do not do the math! I will abstain from shopping for periods of time; however, when I am out, I will make some large damage to my wallet. My favorite makeup look is the Mary-Kate Olsen look with brown eyeshadow around the entire eye, nude lips, pale face but perfectly blended contours.</div><div><br></div><div>In this video clip, Zorannah discusses her favorite beauty products:</div><div><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">Zorannah is girl who stands firmly with both feet on the ground, and without too much planning, she takes action and immerses herself in work. As far as her dreams are concerned, she said </span><br></div><div><br></div><div>Zorannah: My dream is not related to my blog and the fashion world but primarily revolves around family. I dream of having a large yard, four children, a funny husband, and lots of friends of my children, with whom the home will never be a boring and a quiet place! </div><div><br></div><div>A huge thanks to Zorannah on this beauty and style chat, and I wish to her all the happiness and success (and the four children)! :) We look forward to following you around the world in all of your colorful ensembles. </div><div><br></div><div>Zorannah: Lots of hugs from the rainy Belgrade to all Club Fashionistas!</div><div>I want to let you know that this is just the beginning of our fashion escapades in the Balkans! Stay tuned for more...</div><div>X O X O</div><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><br></p>

I have known Amra since we were just teenagers; we met one evening in an aerobics class and have been friends since then. Her beauty struck me even when we were tee<span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">ns. She has these incredibly-stunning-unique looks and a personality that could easily light not just one room but an entire building. </span><div><br><div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">Amra Silajdzic is currently the top model in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is quickly gaining the same reputation around the world. She has been featured in multiple videos including: a campaign for New 2013 LS Lexus, a campaign for Mercedes Benz B class, an Enrique Iglesias's music video “No Me Digas Que No,”  Taio Cruz's music video “Dynamite,” Blake Shelton's “Honey Bee” and much more!</span><br></div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2900/thumb_amra-silajdzic-1.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2900/thumb_amra-silajdzic-1.jpg"></a></p><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;">Amra Silajdzic on the cover of South Coast Magazine</p></div><div><br></div><div>Amra Silajdzic ("AS") has a heart of gold. Besides being an incredible woman and a friend (I will attest to both), she is a philanthropist and is the ambassador of Bosana Foundation (www.bosanafoundation.org). <br></div><div><br></div><div>AB: Amra, I would like to thank you for taking the time to do an interview for Club Fashionista. Can you tell me a little bit about your experience when moving to Los Angeles (L.A.) and how has this decision changed your life?</div><div><br></div><div>AS: The idea of moving to L.A. happened suddenly. However, I needed about a year to make a decision to do so. I was not psychologically ready to make this big move. My self-esteem was not on the level I wanted it to be so that I would truly feel prepared. I felt that this was an enormous change for my family especially considering that my daughter was still in  elementary school. During this time, I was responsible for ensuring the best environment for my daughter, and I was not just able to pack up and leave. </div><div><br></div><div>It was not in LA  that I gained my first exposure to the U.S.: I had lived briefly in Miami, Florida. However, moving to LA was always a dream. It is a very cosmopolitan city, and it is the center of show business; specifically, it is the center of the film industry. <br></div><div><br></div><div>My current manager and the woman who is responsible for me living in L.A. is Marina Masovjetski. Coincidently, Marina had seen my photos through a mutual friend and had contacted me. As I mentioned before, although I felt my self-esteem was not adequate for me to tackle such an immense change, she believed it would be the right decision for me. Marina spent almost an entire year encouraging me to try and live in L.A. In the end, her efforts were worth it: I flew to the U.S. as soon as my visa was approved. Almost three years have passed since and I am living my dream thanks to this remarkable woman.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Although I did not know anyone when I first arrived, today, I feel right at home in California. I feel like I have grown so much since my first days in the U.S. Living in L.A. has made me become a lot more responsible. For the first time in my life, I was all alone since the beginning. Despite the fact that I left home at quite an early age (I was only 16) to pursue my modeling career, this was the first time I was alone and without the support of my mother and sister. I did not know anyone, and my daughter accompanied me. The whole experience of living on my own has made me more aware of my inner strength. <br></div><div><br></div><div>After my move to California, my work picked up immensely. I was determined, and I knew what I wanted to achieve since the first day I arrived. However, I also feel like I had a lot of luck. Luck is one of the factors in the entertainment business that essentially determines the future of many people. Through my job, I had met a lot of amazingly talented actors, singers, and other entertainers, who didn't have an opportunity to do what they love. They are often incapable of pursuing their passion because there is an enormous amount of competition in this industry. It is very sad to see these people with such an enormous potential often working in coffee shops and restaurants to make ends meet. It is true that in L.A. every other person on the street is an actor in addition to his or her everyday job. Some of them may just be trying out their hand in acting, while others have completed academies in this discipline. <br></div><div><br></div><div>I was blessed to have an opportunity to start and continue working in this tough industry. I am still able to live off  modeling and acting. Although I have been a model for many years, I must say that I especially enjoy acting. I feel amazing when I am in front of the camera and making a movie. I love playing different roles and having the freedom to be someone else. I do feel, however, that there is still so much to learn; there is no such thing as having "too much of an education," especially when it comes to acting. Like my acting coach said: "You become a better actor with age. As you gain more experience, you are better capable of depicting your emotions in front of the camera." I am very happy with my work right now, and I feel that it truly fulfills me. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Like with all things, however, there is a negative side to my life in LA as well: I am very far from the people I love the most. Although I do have many friends in L.A., and truly consider them to be some of the closest confidants, I feel like there is still this large part of my life that is missing. In L.A., many people are extremely busy, and this rapid schedule does not allow them to see each other as often as they would like. The size of the city and the rhythm does not let me nurture those friendships in the way I am used to and the way I would like. Although L.A. is one of the most international places I have ever lived, there is also a large cultural barrier. <br></div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2899/thumb_amra_silajdzic-2.JPG" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2899/thumb_amra_silajdzic-2.JPG"></a></p></div><div><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">AB: You are a big supporter of living a healthy and balanced life. You often take trips to mountains and enjoy the amazing hiking trails around L.A. Can you tell us about the importance of fitness (and healthy living habits in general) in your life?</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>AS: I was lucky that my mom had encouraged me to do sports from my early childhood. I practiced karate, gymnastics, taekwondo, athletics, basketball, and volleyball. In the end, I had seriously started practicing athletics and taekwondo, and earned multiple awards from regional and international competitions. Sports had become a part of my everyday life, and I cannot imagine my life without them. Additionally, my love for sports had aided my career in modeling as well.<br></div><div><br></div><div>I am a huge fan of exercising out in the open, and this is one of the reasons why I love L.A. so much. The place where I am currently residing in West Hollywood is right besides the entrance to the Ranyon Canyon. Although L.A. does not exactly have a city center, West Hollywood could be considered the "center" of the entertainment industry as all of the castings occur there. Also, this is a place where you can find the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one of the busiest places in the city. The Runyon Canyon is where many people go for sports. They go hiking or practice yoga outside. I like running the best; also, I tend to do a lot of hiking in this area. There are many other canyons about 10 minutes driving from where I live, and Malibu beach is not far either. In sum, there are a lot of choices for sport lovers in this area. I suppose it was this healthy lifestyle that had most attracted me to L.A. I might be wrong, but it seems to me that people in show business use every free minute they can spare to engage in different healthy outdoor activities.  <br></div><div><br></div><div><div>I go to the beach very often and run/practice yoga there.  Also, I tend to do kickboxing quite often and visit the gym, but I like to keep those visits minimal. I love attending aerobic classes and generally try to be active as much as possible. I feel like without sports I could not survive. Furthermore, the more opportunities I have to exercise, the happier I feel. My belief is that a healthy mind and a healthy body lie at the root of all beauty.  I exercise because I primarily love to do so and not because I am obligated! Additionally, I am lucky that California has some of the best weather and feel like this an enormous plus of living in this beautiful city.</div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2903/thumb_amra-silajdzic-5.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2903/thumb_amra-silajdzic-5.jpg"></a></p><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><br></p></div></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">AB: Ever since I have know you, you have had a natural beauty that glows (I will attest that Amra’s looks are a gift from mother nature). Can you tell me a little bit about your everyday beauty routine and any tips that you may have?</span><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>AS: I don't have a special beauty routine I follow each day. I don't like makeup and special creams/lotions. Although many have told me that I will need to start using anti-wrinkle creams as soon as I turn 30, I currently use only organic or baby lotion. However, I am aware that we live in a world where no matter how much we try to eat healthy and drink a lot of water, we may require some additional skin treatments. </div><div><br></div></div><div><div>I spend most of my time ensuring that my skin is clean and moisturized, but even then I try and do a minimum amount of treatments and ensure all the ingredients are organic. I drink tons of water. I am not the one to usually eat healthy, and I love to pig out. I adore chocolate as well! I suppose what helps is my enormous love of sports and the ability to spend at least two hours a day exercising. I make sure that whenever I do exercise, it also involves some type of a cardio workout. I suppose I get rid of all the toxins and extra calories by just sweating a lot in the gym. </div><div><br></div></div><div>When it comes to skin, I try and keep all the makeup and creams to the minimum as I spend much of my working day under heavy makeup. Even when working, I make sure that all the brushes used on me are clean and sanitized. I must admit that in the U.S., makeup artists are extremely professional and ensure that all the brushes and sponges are clean and well maintained. In my free time, I try and let my skin breathe and rarely wear makeup. <br></div><div><br></div><div><div>Additionally, I have never colored my hair. It is entirely natural. I suppose it is a bit easier as I never worry about it too much. I only wash my hair. I don't even own a hair dryer. I try to teach my daughter to do the same and she has hardly used a hair dryer since she was a baby. </div><div><br></div></div><div>AB: We know that you have also worked with some of the biggest names in show business. Can you tell us about your most memorable projects and celebrities that have left a special impression upon you?<br></div><div><br></div><div>AS: In Hollywood, it is quite usual to encounter a celebrity on the street or to work with them. Although I have never been extremely fascinated by big Hollywood stars, I respect many people that have achieved a celebrity status in this industry. I especially admire the ones that have achieved success through their hard work and dedication. I truly believe that many of them have reached this popularity because they were extremely good at their job.  I am not, however, the one to get star struck when I meet a big celebrity.<br></div><div><br></div><div>One of the celebrities I worked with is Enrique Iglesias. I did a music video with him and it was a great experience. However, I do not believe that many music videos I recorded assisted me much in my career. This is one of the reasons I had stopped appearing in music videos: they take a lot of time to complete and are not paid that well. Also, I am not able to use them as a part of my "real show" experience, as I usually tend to appear as a model. Currently, I would only accept to appear in a video if there was a scenario and I was able to act.  Most of my work now tends to focus on the TV appearances, and I try to minimize my work as a model. <br></div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2902/thumb_amra-silajdzic-4.JPG" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px; line-height: 1.42857143; background-color: rgb(217, 223, 235);"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2902/thumb_amra-silajdzic-4.JPG"></a></p></div><div><br></div><div>I have to mention that it is quite challenging in Hollywood to transition from the modeling industry into the acting industry. As a model, you have to try and prove yourself even more. Many are very impervious of hiring a model as an actress and tend not to take models seriously. Right now, I am in the process of attending the New York Academy for acting, and I hope that during this time I will be able to strengthen my acting skills further. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Going back to Enrique Iglesias, I had attended a casting and was chosen for a part of the main "heroin" in his video. When I booked the casting, I was originally playing a part on the CSI in New York City. While on the set of CSI, I was booked for seven days and was supposed to star in Enrique's video on the last day of my shooting. I spent the entire day recording before I arrived to the destination where the music video was to be shot. Although the agent had suggested that Enrique and his crew go with another girl, they were insisting on having me:  they waited all the way until midnight. Enrique and his crew had begun shooting in the early morning and completed most of the video by the time I arrived. One of the interesting things about recording music videos is that they require long hours: sometimes it takes 20 plus hours to complete the shooting and the crew can even work overnight. It can be quite demanding and exhausting, and it is not one of the most well paid engagements in the modeling industry. <br></div><div><br></div><div>When I arrived finally to the set of Enrique's video, most of the work had already been completed. They had us first record the common scenes, which lasted for about two hours. While taking a break, we had a chance to get to know each other. Once you get to know some of the biggest stars, you truly start to understand what makes them so special: besides being amazingly talented, these individuals have an amazing heart. Enrique was a true star in this sense, and I was taken back by how simple, relaxed, and down to earth he really is. Although there were many extras on the set, Enrique was kind enough to say hello to all of them. One part of the video took place in the club, and many girls were eager to take photos with him. Although I adore Enrique as a person, I must say that I am not that familiar with his music. However, I am a HUGE fan of his father, Julio Iglesias.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Another celebrity that left a lasting impression on me was Angelina Jolie. I met her while in Sarajevo for the Sarajevo Film Festival. Although I don’t have an idol (aside from my mother), she is one of these people that truly inspired me. I adore the movies that she has done and appreciate how she always plays these strong heroines. I hope to play similar roles in the future. Angelina is extremely cool, relaxed, and unbelievably beautiful. She radiates with charisma and internal beauty. <br></div><div><br></div><div>My other major project involved an appearance on the CSI New York City, where I was able to meet some amazing people. In general, I must say that when I am involved in these types of productions, everything is incredibly well put together. From casting to actual recording, everyone maintains a great degree of professionalism and dedication. I very much love work, discipline, and order.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Even when recording a commercial, I always know I am working with highly respected individuals that maintain a degree of professionalism.  Generally, models are paid each time the commercial is aired. In this sense, I never have a need to check anything and place my trust fully in my agent and manager. This type of collaboration makes my life a lot easier and allows me focus my energy towards my part of the work.<br></div><div><br></div><div><div style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px;"><p class="separator" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2901/thumb_amra-silajdzic-3.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px; line-height: 1.42857143; background-color: rgb(217, 223, 235);"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2901/thumb_amra-silajdzic-3.jpg"></a><br></p><div><br></div></div></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">AB: Finally, you and I are both from the same city, Sarajevo, and tend to always travel there in our free time. Can you tell me what makes this place special for you, and why you think people from around the world should visit Bosnia and Herzegovina? Also, do you have any tips on places that are a “must see” there? </span><br></div><div><br></div><div>AS: Sarajevo is home. It is a city where I will always return. This is where all my immediate family lives and where they are from. I have spent my entire childhood there and was residing there during the war. No matter what kind of crisis we experience in Bosnia, I will always hope for the better. <br></div><div><br></div><div>I travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina very often and always look for an excuse to stay as long as possible. I am extremely close with my family, and I try to spend as much time as possible in Sarajevo. I also miss the actual city. Although, I get disappointed once in a while, I still believe there is a sense of tradition and family in Bosnia and Herzegovina that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. We have still maintained a sense of morals and ethical principles we call “merhamet.” I feel we are an amazing nation with many talented young individuals, and it is not hard to find many extremely successful Bosnians around the world. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Many people, who visit Bosnia, often yearn to go back. There is something very special about this country: we have an amazing mix of oriental and Austro-Hungarian influences. Also, we have a mix of many religions and are proud to have a Catholic church, a synagogue, an Orthodox church, and a mosque located just five hundred meters of each other. <br></div><div><br></div><div><div>Bosnia and Herzegovina has a lot of natural resources: we have beautiful mountains ideal for skiing and hiking and some of the BEST water in the world. I would never dare buy bottled water in Sarajevo as the one from the faucet tastes better than Evian. The food is ALL organic. I dare not eat meat while I am in L.A., but in Sarajevo, I am a definite carnivore. </div></div><div><br></div> <p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2904/thumb_amra-silajdzic-6.jpg" style="line-height: 24.2857151031494px; margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: underline; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(217, 223, 235);"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2904/thumb_amra-silajdzic-6.jpg"></a><br></p><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;">Amra Silajdzic with Amra Beganovich, founder of Club Fashionista</p><div><br></div><br></div></div>

Interview by Amra Beganovich<div><br></div><div>The first time I saw Sarah Cerkez was on New Years Eve in Sarajevo at Hotel Europa. This striking woman was celebrating with her group of friends looking “oh so effortlessly gorgeous” and radiating with positive energy. Her beauty is one of those rare types that you don’t see much in the modeling world. She is a brunette with deep brown hair, paleish skin, and piercing green eyes.  Her style is also unique in the sense that she does not look like an ordinary model: she combines both casual/formal pieces and makes them look amazingly chic. Sarah’s beauty and unique personality has not gone unnoticed in the fashion industry. She has just become the face of Dolce & Gabanna’s new swimwear line. Sarah has also been featured in Maxim magazine and has been the face of many campaigns  throughout Europe.</div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2828/thumb_sarah-cerkez-2.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2828/thumb_sarah-cerkez-2.jpg"></a></p><div><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">AB: Can you tell me more about your decision to leave Bosnia and move to Milano? How has your move to Milano changed your life? </span><br></div><div><br>AB: What has been your experience with the modeling industry? Can you tell us more about the “highs and the lows” of the fashion world? <br></div><div><br></div><div>SC: From the very beginning, I was lucky to have met the right people with good intentions. I have not had any negative experience that many models often talk about and I am very greatful for that. I am currently being represented by one of the most prestigious agencies, Women Management, in Paris and Milan. Also, this can be a very exhausting job because you work sometime from dusk until dawn, multiple jobs, without a break, and you have to neglect some parts of your personal life and completely dedicate yourself to what you are doing. Agents, bookers, and clients are the ones that decide on your schedule, and you tend to spend most of your time alone sometimes feeling quite lonely. <br></div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2831/thumb_sarah-cerkez-3.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2831/thumb_sarah-cerkez-3.jpg"></a></p></div><div><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.42857143;">AB: I am a big supporter of healthy living and I have noticed that you too love to work out! Can you share with us more about your fitness routine and healthy eating? </span><br></div><div><br></div><div>SC: Since my childhood, I learned to take care of myself: my body and my health. I have never smoked, and have never consumed large amounts of alchohol and not to mention drugs. I practice a very calm and stable life: I sleep a lot and try to spend as much time as possible outside and in nature. I choose carefully what I eat, and I like homemade cooking the most. I also prefer produce that has been grown in “my garden” because this is when I am the most sure that there were no pesticides or chemicals used. I eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, grains, and enjoy fish and meat. I try to stay away from too many carbohydrates. I love sushi and Asian cuisine and I like to eat smaller portions throughout the day without stuffing myself. My biggest vice is chocolate and sweets, which I enjoy very much, but try to eat as few as possible. <br></div><div><br></div><div>I go to the gym almost everyday. For one period, I have also employed a personal trainer so that I understand the types of exercises that I should be doing. I like to run, and you can see me many times in the park in my tracksuits as I am exercising. I love to bike; once in a while, I meet with friends to do from 50 to 80 km bike-tour. I enjoy swimming, sking, and long walks in the nature. All of this has influenced my looks and has given me the ability to provide advice for my friends on healthy eating, living, and exercise. <br></div><div><br></div><div>AB: Your style seems to be very practical and chic. Many girls feel that in order to look their best they need to go overboard with makeup, accessories, and clothes. Can you share with us your tips on dressing when roaming around the city, going to parties, and going to fashion week? <br></div><div><br></div><div>SC: My advice is that you should always be yourself and simple. In my private life, I don’t like to overdo anything and I always stick to the philosophy “less is more.” <br></div><div><br></div><div><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2830/thumb_sarah-cerkez-1.jpeg" style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2830/thumb_sarah-cerkez-1.jpeg"></a></p><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"></p></div><div><br></div><div><div>My daytime look is always simple and casual: flat shoes, with very little or no makeup. On the other hand, when I go out I love to dress up and always wear high-heeled shoes and choose elegant combinations and understated jewelry.</div><div><br></div><div> As far as the fashion week goes, I have never attended fashion shows as a guest. I am always there working and in the backstage. During that time, I like to wear loose clothing that is also warm and comfortable. </div></div><div><br></div><div>AB: Your profession requires you to travel often and you have visited some of the most beautiful places in the world. Can you share with me your favorite spots to travel and what makes these places unique for you?</div><div><div><br></div><div> I enjoy Paris the most, and I am completely in love with this city. I have lived there six months last year, and this period was the most amazing time in my life. I spent my free time reading books, roaming the parks around the Eifel tower, and enjoying long walks around Monmartre. I would eat crepes in St. Michel and would drink black tea in some old-small bar near the Seine River.</div><div><br></div><div> Also, I was impressed with Barcelona and Madrid; but I would still choose to live in Alicante, which is a small city in the south of Spain. This would be my favorite place to retire with my husband and grandchildren.</div><div><br></div><div> I have also spent one month in Africa, specifically in Madagascar. This experience has left a lasting impression on me. The people there live without basic amenities in their life like electricity, clean water, and food. Surprisingly, the aforementioned people manage to get along exceptionally well and be happy. This is when I realized that for happiness you do not need wealth and power. Instead, you need love, friendships, and little things that make our lives everyday special and beautiful.</div></div><div><br></div><div>AB. Finally, you and I both come from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We both are in love with the beauty of our country and our city. We travel there very often. Can you share what makes Sarajevo special and what spots you recommend for our readers to visit? <br></div><div><br></div><div><div>SC: Sarajevo is my hometown and my first love. I never forget where I come from. No matter where I go, I dream about my city and coming back home. I believe that everyone should eat “Cevape” and “Pies” in Bascarsija, drink “salep” and eat a cake in Slatko Cose, walk in Ferhadija street, and visit small shops in Saraci.</div><div><br></div><div> I also believe that once in Sarajevo, you should take a moment to enjoy some old rock band, watch the locally produced movies, and visit the city’s theater (Narodono Pozoriste). Also, be sure to spend a weekend on mountains Bijelasnica and Jahorina, and take a walk in Vrelo Bosne, or just enjoy the spectacular view of the city from Vidikovac.  Also, I wish to visit some central parts of the country and enjoy all the breathtaking beauty that this unique country offers. </div></div></div><br><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"></p><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2832/thumb_sarah-cerkez-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2832/thumb_sarah-cerkez-4.jpg"></a></p><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2833/thumb_sarah-cerkez-5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://clubfashionista.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/micropost_image/picture/2833/thumb_sarah-cerkez-5.jpeg"></a></p><p class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"></p><br>