Sweet, sweet Candy.

For those among us who are interested in fashion, art, culture, make-up, glamour, icons and STYLE, but also love the provocative side such as transvestism , transexuality, crossdressing and androgyny, I proudly present you guys the fourth issue of Candy Magazine, by Luis Venegas. It’s a fashion magazine which is completely dedicated to celebrate the wonders of life in all their mindblowing glory. Candy is a magazine for everybody. It’s a space for individual freedom, and a publication that pushes people to take on the persona they’ve always wanted!

I already talked about the changes in the fashion and modeling industry, but none of the previous shoots and models (except for Pejic) can compete with Candy Magazine. The groundbreaking glossy broke boundaries as the first transgender publication and in 3 issues it has garnered a cult-like following in and out of the industry. Candy succeeded to make a big impact on a short time with their impressive group of contributors and the best models, actors and entertainers a photographer could ever ask for. A slew of industry insiders came together to create content that is guaranteed to tantalize.

Androgynous cover star Tilda Swinton delivers a stellar turn in Xevi Muntane’s glamourous images, while Steven Klein’s erotic portfolio explores masculine romance with a sci-fi twist and male pregnancy. The provocative content doesn’t stop there, with fresh edits from David Armstrong who captures drag’s superstars, also demanding attention.

Clothing tells us so much more than we give it credit for: every choice, every decision – even the decision not to choose
- TILDA SWINTON

I would tell the readers that it’s all fluid for me: there’s no real male or female.
- CHRIS CROCKER

I think transvestites are wonderful people -very colorful- and I love it!
- OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

 




I don’t consider myself a woman, ‘cuz I don’t know what that is. I consider myself Lady Chablis and that is who I am.
- THE LADY CHABLIS

LUIS VENEGAS:

“I’m Luis Venegas. I was born in Vitoria, Spain, on 13th March 1979. So I’m a Pisces.
I’m also a Creative Director, Editor and independent Publisher based between Madrid and Barcelona.

My career has led me to collaborate in various capacities with fashion designers -Thierry Mugler, Sybilla-, luxury brands -Carolina Herrera, Loewe-, and fashion and art publications around the world -V Magazine, Acne Paper or Butt, among others- as an art director, writer and occasional freelance photographer.

However, since 2004, the main focus of my energy has been in publishing my three personal editorial projects: FANZINE137, EY! MAGATEEN and CANDY.

Each one of these three magazines is self published, limited edition and with international distribution in selected stores around the world.”

Far East Movement ft. Bill Kaulitz.

Far East movement is an American hip hop quartet based in Los Angeles. Their first claim to fame was their song ‘Round Round’ featured in the Hollywood movie ‘The fast and the furious: Tokyo Drift’, and its subsequent soundtrack, video game and DVD.

Since ‘Round Round’, the group has been featured on various network shows including CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, Entourage, Gossip Girl, and Finishing the Game.

This time, Far East Movement worked together with Bill Kaulitz, lead singer of the German band ‘Tokio Hotel’. A few days ago, they released the song ‘If I Die Tomorrow’ and if everything will go as planned, this soon will be a huge hit just like the other FEM collaborations. There will probably also be a video clip, but unfortunately there’s not a lot I can say about this right now…So I would say: stay tuned. ;)

Far East Movement has also worked with several other big names such as The cataracs, Dev, Justin Bieber and Redfoo from LMFAO.

Vive La Decadence, Jeff Bark.

And once again, I found a rather original fashion shoot for the fashion and photography freaks among us. It’s rather extraordinary and maybe even a little bit vulgar, but top photographer Jeff Bark’s succeeds to once again to shock the audience.

His evocative imagery has garnered admirers and imitators around the globe and also with his latest story for ‘Dazed & Confused’, he created pictures that get people talking. Robyn Lawley, Sojourner Morrela, Myla Dabesio, Hannah Cooper and Dempsey Stewart are starring in this master piece, which shows the destruction of decadence in an artistic manner. More isn’t always more, and along with stylist Katie Shillingford, Bark illustrated this in a manner that is completely original.

Jean Paul Gaultier & Andrej Pejic in Beijing.

Probably the biggest news in the fashion world right now, is that last night Jean Paul Gaultier staged a runway in Beijing at the new Chaoyang Urban Planning Museum. The 11^th of May,about 500 people witnessed the fashion spectacle, a mix of Gaultier’s latest couture, ready-to-wear and men’s collections.

The show is meant to celebrate the French designer’s considerable presence in China, with a unit that opened last November at the Shin Kong Palaca mall in Beijing his latest addition.

On the designer’s twitter we can see how he proudly uploaded a lot of pictures which he took last night during and after the show. Also top model (and my personal favorite) Andrej Pejic was present and owned the catwalk, showing one of Gaultier’s most beautiful outfits. Pejic already stole the show in Gaultier’s wedding dress in the ‘Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 2011 Fashion Show’. Gaultier seems to like Andrej A LOT and loves working with him. That’s obvious after he uploaded a picture from the androgynous boy on twitter last night, still calling him ‘The bride’.

How to make a skull-shirt.

Hej hej,

I bet you guys know those shirts with the shapes of a skull cut out on the back, right? They seem to be pretty popular lately. They’re easy to make yourself as long as you’re patient and perfectionistic. So that’s what I did today, making my own shirt, ahah. It took me moreless 3 hours and I’m satisfied with the result, I expected worse!;p I’ll tell you how I did it.

Some days ago I bought a shirt at H&M, it was only 9 euro and I bought it a couple sizes too big because I like it more loose for this type of shirts. But that’s all about personal taste, ofcourse. First of all, I drew each and every single part of the skull out on paper to see if the size matched with the shirt. I started with the eyes because they’re the biggest part of the skull, then with the nose and then the teeth. After this, I cut it all out and pinned every single piece of paper onto the shirt (even the smallest teeth!) to be sure everything was in the right place and to be sure there was enough space between each part. (make sure your shirt is made out of a decent fabric so it won’t get ripped apart once you start cutting!)

Once the parts are mounted on the paper, take a pen and trace the pieces carefully until they seem perfect for you. Once this is done, take off all the pieces again and then just start cutting out everything. Make sure you’re careful and precise, like this the result will be just like you expected. J

The face of Beauty.

I’m planning on introducing you guys to a beautiful masculine model which  is definitely worth a minute of your attention. Sasha Khanin is born in Minsk at the first of June 1993 and I’ve heard he’s the only known androgynous model in Belarus. Well, by now I still don’t know a lot about him so FORGIVE ME if any of the information that I’m giving you is incorrect!

I’m writing down an interview for him and let’s hope he wants to have a little chat with me so you guys can get to know him a little better. ;) For now on, take a look at these beautiful pictures and admire the soft features of his face and his gorgeous appearance. If some of you have any questions, don’t hesitate to mail this address: automatisch_@hotmail.com. I can write them down in the interview as long as they are appropriate.

Clinical Affair by Marcus Ohlsson, with Moa Hedström.

Marcus Ohlsson (WM Arist Management) delivers a story of austere glamour for the latest issue of Bon International. Wearing ivory ensembles selected by fashion editor Naomi Itkes, models Sara Blomqvist, Hedvig Palm, Moa Hedström and Hanna Svensson slip into the roles of nurse and patient with the clinical setting. / Makeup by Katarina Håkansson, Hair by Mike Lundgren

Moa Hedström, a classical beauty.

It isn’t a secret that the fashion world is font of extreme models which can keep fascinating the media and spectators. There are more androgynous models, and even tattoos and piercings are becoming more common. As example, Alice Dellal, who is known for her rough appearance and image, and half shaved hair, is a huge fashion icon nowadays. With this, the fashion world is breaking its own rules and becomes more and more fun and interesting.

As you might know by now, I’m fascinated by ‘special’ models, so today I was looking around on the internet and like this I found a shoot with Moa Hedström. She grew up in Karlstad, Sweden, and was scouted online by the fashion editor of Rodeo Magazine not so long ago. She has a fabulous personality and as you guys can see, she’s pretty extreme and yet a classical beauty. She’s signed with Nisch Management and already in the first three weeks of her modeling career she was booked for the three most important magazines in Sweden: Elle Sweden with Andreas Sjödin and Robert Ryberg, as well Bon Magazine with Marcus Ohlsson and Naomi Itkes and Rodeo Magazine.

Aftershow party @ PURE, Stockholm.

Hej hej!

Just like I told you a few days ago; I will tell you guys about our aftershow party in Sweden! Like everyone seemed to know that night, Eric Saade threw an aftershow party to celebrate the success of his amazing ‘Pop Explosion’ tour. The 28^th of April the tour ended as Eric Saade blew his audience away in Stockholm.

After the concert, we returned to the hotel and got all dressed up and ready to party all night long at ‘PURE’, one of the new nightclubs in Stockholm. ‘PURE’ is a club for an accustomed and selective audience. It has a modern design and it’s the place to be for those who are over 22 years and looking for a pleasant evening with a professional approach, good service, groovy and happy music and relaxed and euphoric mood!

When we arrived there, everything was pretty overwhelming. Our names were on the guest list and once we entered the place we were surprised by the posh and luxury this club owns. There were couches, tables, an amazing dance floor and great light effects which added perfectly to the relaxing but pleasant sphere.

We ordered a few drinks (and got drunk way sooner than we expected) and suddenly I was approached by a photographer. He came to me and complimented me on my shoes, and he asked me if he could take a few pictures of them. I said yes, but didn’t pay a lot of attention to him at first. Then suddenly he gave me his phone number and invited Kim and me to go to another club with him later. He told me he could get us in everywhere we wanted, even into VIP lounges etc. I think he could read the disbelief on my face cus suddenly he told me “Come with me.” And before we knew what happened, we walked through the club straight into the VIP lounge of PURE where the Swedish famous people were partying.

We got free champagne, chilled in the sofa’s and got to meet models and artists, etc. Also Eric Saade was there (as expected, because it was his party after all.) We don’t remember a lot about this night, unfortunately. Once we got the free booze it went downhill with us, especially with me, hahah. We had a lot of fun, though. It was amazing to have the opportunity to party in this secluded area of the club with these great and friendly people.

We got back at the hotel early in the morning and I remember falling asleep almost immediately as I crashed on my bed. I guess the pictures say enough… It was a perfect evening, though, and when I think back, I wish we were still there right now. When you’re in Stockholm for holidays, please, don’t hesitate to visit this nightclub! It’s brilliant. J

Magdaléna Gray

As you guys know, I’m a huge fan of photography. When I post fashion posts on this blog, it’s mostly about the models or the photographer, not really about the brand which they promote. This time I wanted to introduce you to the work of a young artist who, in my opinion, deserves a minute of your attention. As an upcoming talent nowadays, it’s rather difficult to be seen and noticed because there is so much competition and the possibilities are HUGE, so for today I decided to give you guys the chance to get to know the work of one of my dear friends: Magdaléna Gray.

Born and raised, she grew up in France in a city near Paris. The 24-year old is passionate about photography and spends every single day behind the lens of her camera.

      1) Where did your passion for photography come from?

-Well... I have a passion for Art in general, I sing, draw, act, design... Many members of my family are painters. My mum was a drawer and designer so I Kind of grew up with it. And Photography came quite late but very naturaly when I realized that I could not spend a day without thinking at least 15 times a day "this or that would make a good picture". And actually taking those 15 pictures a day lol

2) With which cameras do you work?

-I am a Canon girl. I have an EOS 450D, and an EOS7D with three lenses and an external flash.
But I also work with my blackberry torch !
Oh and for special moments I use my Fujifilm Instax (polaroid)

3) What does photography mean to you?

-Photography is making things beautiful. Or at least, showing a side of something that doesn't come to people's mind when they first look at it. It is also a way to take things, people and situations out of their first purpose.

4) What are you looking for when you want to shoot something?

-I want the picture to be strong. I want it to give more a feeling than a one way interpretation. I like when two people talk about my pictures and see different things.

5) Is there a kind of ritual or a habit which you do before starting a photoshoot?

-I check the settings, because I forgot once and half of my shoot was impossible to use...

6) What’s your inspiration? What do you want to achieve?

-My inspiration is mostly in other photographer's work, I also ask my models to bring ideas of what they would like to do in a shoot.
My goal is to show beauty. I had a few times shootings where models told me at the end "I usually hate myself on pictures but I do like the pictures that we did together. I feel confident". That's one of the best thing I can hear!

7) Are there any kind of feelings you want to bring up within people with your work?

-I may have to work on this but I don't want people to feel disturbed by my pictures. At least not in a brutal way. I like to have people charmed by every picture so they can accept things that would usually frighten them.
So I would say Attractive Disturbance :)

 
8) Is there something what you prefer to shoot more than anything else? For example; do you prefer to shoot people, landscapes or just other random subjects?

-My favorite shootings are portraits and fashion shootings. Fashion shootings are very complicated but you can bring a lot of freedom and originality in your shots.

9) When you shoot people, do you prefer to know them or do you prefer to work with people you’ve never seen before? 

-I like both, I actually don't have any problem making people comfortable so at the end I know the model anyway lol

10) What’s the most daring or touching subject you ever had to shoot?

-I recently shot my first nephew who is a bit less than a month. They were kind of the first "real" pictures of him so it was a touching moment.
For the daring part, I once shot four guys and two of them suddenly took off their shirts. They were very tall and very strong so I felt a bit impressed lol

11) Where do you see yourself and your photography in ten years?

-With my own studio in NYC, doing Fashion Photography :)

12) What would be your advice for other people who are interested in photography?

-You can find a lot of advice on which way to do this art or another. Advices that sometimes make you feel like you're not a real artist because you don't do this or that.
So just go with your own flow, work hard. And above all, read the userguide of your camera, it is the answer to many photographic failures :)

13) Can you show me your personal top 3 of your own taken pictures?

-My Top three pictures would probably the next three pictures I'll take ...
The first picture I have been really proud of came from a Shoot that I did with a good friend where she is holding a Vogue magazine.

14) Is there anything else you want to tell me and the readers?

-I'm single so if Johnny Depp or Jessie J are passing by, please leave a message :)

If you’re curious to see some of her work, click HERE to visit her page and feel free to leave a comment.