"There's nothing cozier than a cup of hot chocolate during the holidays! In fact, I don't think I drink hot chocolate or cocoa during any other time of the year except December. December always brings cold and snow, and the smell of cinnamon and oranges warms!"
This simple and easy Christmas DIY of hot chocolate is made by our dear guest Daria Ganihina (www.ganihinadaria.com), a great person, photographer, and magic maker!
WHAT YOU NEED IS:
- 1/3 cup of water; - 50 gr. of dark chocolate (70%); - 1 cinnamon stick; - 1 cup of milk; - orange zest; - 3 tablespoons of whipped cream; - cocoa powder, a little bit of grated chocolate for decoration
Also you will ned your magic rings to make it real - Shield , Athena with a moonstone и Tara midi ring (haha, of course, it's a joke!)
Put water, chocolate, cinnamon and orange zest into the saucepan and heat until chocolate is melted. Add milk and bring to a boil. Serve hot with whipped cream, cocoa powder, grated chocolate and a cinnamon stick.
So, I definitely encourage you all to make delicious hot chocolate for you and your loved ones and watch your favorite Christmas movie and if for some reason you don't have a New Year mood yet, you surely will after that! I will follow my advice and make myself a cup of hot chocolate and once again watch Love Actually.
]]>It happened so that the presentation was held during the new year period. Therefore, we took the chance to provide gifts for our guests. At the presentation, the guests were welcomed by music from Dima Midborn, a DJ and a band member of On-The-Go, by special cocktails from our sponsor vodka “Воздух”, and by cosmic treats by Brownie Mama. Besides, we enhanced the festive mood by lucky draws, gifts for each purchase from our partners (cosmetic brand Pure Love, temporary tattoos 2skin, and a beauty salon Woolfy Studio), as well as by discounts on all Aloha Gaia jewelry for any orders in our online store.
The main surprise for us and for the guests was the appearance of the whole Aloha Gaia team. Since we are scattered around the world, it is always a challenge to get together. But NEBO collection got additional symbolism by joining all of us for that evening.
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In many ancient cultures the rhombus, in the global sense, symbolized the beginning of life, time, and process. For example, for the Maya, it was a symbol of the reproducing world border, for the Buddhists – gate on the way of spiritual revival. This symbol in the ALOHA GAIA collection has no accurate binding to the beginning of life, time or process. It's a metaphor for any beginning that each person faces a number of times in variable manifestations.
The collection includes 14 jewelry pieces, four of which – with black onyx and red garnet, two – with gilding. This is everyday jewelry which can be worn as a single piece or as a set of many – for any style and in any life situation. The beginning is in every minute.
This year, our friends and, not being afraid of the word, great musicians celebrate the 10th anniversary of On-The-Go band. Especially for this key date, together with the band, we release a pendant that is named in honor of the momentous song. The design is based on drawing soundtrack, so it is safe to say that this pendant sounds.
The start of sales of the new IN THE WIND pendants will be December 8th – the same day as an acoustic concert of On-The-Go in the Anglican Cathedral of St. Andrew. It can be purchased only in Aloha Gaia online shop and in 12SHOP offline store.
We asked the guys what this single means to every one of them and how they connect it to the jewelry.
"In The Wind” is the first single that we released after moving to Moscow. So it means a lot to us. This is our start in this city. The sound wave that is on the pendant is the beginning of the track. This song we wrote together with Jura in the village of Orlovo. And to shoot the music video we rented a home in the Zhiguli mountains. It was a very cool period. We woke up every day at 6 am, drove to the mountains, walked, and took beautiful shots.
I used to listen to heavy metal and wore earrings, but it was a short period of time. But I sometimes have thoughts to start wearing piercing again.
I also wore pendants. I think the pendants on young people look very nice and stylish. And l love the simple leather bracelets on hands"
Maxim Makarychev,
a singer, guitarist, composer
"Song “In The Wind” is an ode to nature and its natural phenomena that are so powerful that in comparison with them we can be very small and insignificant. The whole beauty of nature and its destructive force inspired us when writing songs.
If we talk about rings, I only wear a wedding one. I like to wear bracelets and chains with interesting weave"
Yury Makarychev,
lyricist, singer
"Song “In The Wind” for me is, first of all, the pace. It seems slow, but actually, the composition is very rapid. The name says it all. It evokes the feeling of being in nature, the openness of the space.
I wear jewelry, especially rings. And I have them for a very long time. We can say that it's a piece of me and an integral part of my wardrobe. I love vampire movies, and, probably, my love to decorate hands comes from there"
Dmitry Midborn,
bass guitar
"For me, this song is a sense of nostalgia for a native land, my native city. This is what I feel while listening to the song.
Not long ago I got my ear pierced and now wear a ring with a cross. Combined with my new black beret, that earring makes a lasting impression on others"
Gregory Dobrynin,
drums
"The song was written during the turning point for the whole band. Then all got more thoughtfulness, more self-exploration.
I wear mostly a leather bracelet, which is the merchandise of the band, and some pins. I have a huge collection of them. Long time ago I wore earrings, and there were lots of rings on my fingers, but it is in the past"
Evgeny Merkushev,
piano
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Tell us how did you meet?
Nastya: It happened a long time ago at a punk concert. I went to say hey to one guy I used to study with at university, and he introduced me to Dasha. She was so sweet: she had a haircut "under the pot" and bright red pants. At those times there were few fashionable shops in Moscow, and not many standing out people. I walked over and asked, "Are you a designer?", and she said, "No, I go to school"
That means that you have known each other since school years?
Nastya: Then I was a freshman, and Dasha was in the 11th grade
Dasha: We were not one group of friends, but often met each other. Although we were right next to each other, we cannot say that we were the best friends. But then, both of us had one episode that really made us good friends. Since then we have not separated from each other
And which professional fields did you adore before?
Nastya: I studied at Moscow State University of Design and Technology and got a degree in fashion design. My studies hardly helped me anyhow and only discouraged from what I used to love
Dasha: I studied journalism, but then gave up and two years studied to be an animator. But never worked in this field
When you make DJ-sets by Maiden Obey, you dress up in awesome costumes! Did you initially have an idea of making performances in costumes?
Nastya: Facebook has recently reminded us that five years ago we held our first party where we played together. There were even two on the same day: looked as if we just started playing and already became famous DJs (laughing). From the very first sets we came up with something, and there was no question about appearance: if we perform, we must look cool!
Moreover, we both have always loved extravagant outfits and finally got an opportunity to express ourselves. For the first few performances we bought some parts of our looks – it could be a wig or rhinestones on the face. But we quickly realized that it was not enough and I started to make even more weird outfits
Dasha: When Nastya started making costumes, she initially argued with me, and I could say my opinion on this matter. But in general, I trust her taste and most often I see the costume right before a set
And how was the music style of Maiden Obey formed? Now your music is quite different from what it was a couple of years ago
Nastya: In the beginning, we started with the 90-s rave, and we loved the "happy hardcore". Now our music style varies a lot: sometimes we play energetic music with good bass so that the whole dance floor is buzzing, and sometimes we are happy to play something very simple and melodic. We are music lovers and can adapt to any mood. Fortunately, the majority of our musical preferences are alike
There are some stereotypes about DJs and musicians: non-stop party, alcohol and many bad habits. How about you?
Nastya: At some point, I got tired of nightlife and it was not yesterday. When you work every weekend and do not sleep at nights, you prefer more quiet weekends with calm, chill and cozy evenings when there is no work. It's hard to be cheerful every weekend. Sometimes you feel like sitting in silence but you need to go and play a set. Now I almost never go to parties if I do not play there. But I'm sure that when we stop playing, I will go to some parties...occasionally
Dasha: Yes, we play every weekend, so no time to go anywhere. Sometimes, of course, we can go to some cool events if we do not have a set. But usually, after the gig, we always go home
And what's your secret – how do you manage to look so good with so many parties?
Dasha: Oh, Nastya will tell all about it, she is an expert!
Nastya: I have recently started to actively recover my regime of life. We refuse to take some sets because of the long flights – it really affects the health, it’s proved. Also, for quite long, I have not drunk neither had I eaten any fried or semi-finished food and rarely I have some meat as I do not know where it comes from and can only imagine how much of damaging ingredients it contains. So I try to carefully choose food that comes into my body.
Dasha: I agree with Nastya. Now I can drink some alcohol but very rarely. How much time can we party indeed? Although, in the past, we let ourselves a lot!
Nastya: Well, yeah... With such lifestyle and Moscow environment, one needs to look after themselves more carefully. I respect non-traditional medicine such as Ayurveda, osteopathy. I am lucky that my man supports my views on a healthy lifestyle: he does not drink or smoke, he's very conscious of what he eats. So, I can surely state that he influenced me, too
Dasha, and you also don't eat meat?
Nope, I do not. I love animals. So I eat a lot of vegetables, cereals, and never fry anything. One time Natya and I were fond of various supplements and have tried a lot. Our favorite online store is IHERB. I have always loved this topic. Earlier I did a lot of yoga, but then I got bored
And tell us about your latest trips and adventures. Which were the most memorable?
Nastya: I have recently been to Iceland – it was just unreal! Going there was a dream of my life. My boyfriend found out about it and made a present not timed to anything. And all my expectations were fully justified. Can't say that in my next life I would like to be born there, but to go back I definitely want. These lava fields, glaciers, mountains, waterfalls... Never seen anything similar or at least as beautiful. I advise everyone to go there
Dasha: This summer I traveled to Italy – the place I have dreamed of visiting. I love southern nature. My boyfriend and I took the car and we were riding for three weeks across the country somewhere near the Alps. I feel very connected to this country, and maybe someday I'll come there to live
Nastya: And would you like to be born there?
Dasha: Of course, given that we were both born in Yakutia!
So you both come from Yakutia, don’t you?
Nastya: Yes, it's a funny story. After two years of friendship, I asked Dasha where she was born, and she said: "in Yakutia". I thought she was joking! But it was serious. Our special Yakut power attracts each other. Though originally we are not from this region – we were just born there. I have been living in Moscow since she was eight years old and Dasha since she was five. So she is more from Moscow than me
To be friends and to work with the best friend sounds like a dream! It’s great when all of this is combined. But there are big risks. How do you manage to not fight and to be best friends for so long?
Dasha: Of course, it is very difficult to keep all this balanced. When we started to play, we had a lot of arguments. But then we suddenly realized that it is not necessary to sort things out this way if we want to go on doing our stuff. Teamwork helps you grow, and you learn to find a compromise and to be more tolerant
Nastya: We also share responsibilities. We have not fully done it in Areola, but in Maiden Obey, it is pretty clear. I make costumes, and Dasha is the manager. In Areola, we do tasks one by one, but all the major projects are done together
Dasha: All in all, we are both very responsible, so there are no troubles with performance
By the way, tell us more about your project “Areola”
Dasha: I was the one who got this idea. When I was much younger, I took a lot of pictures, and some of the first shots in the magazine are mine. Now Nastya and I only supervise this project, and I have not shot for a long time. Areola Mag is a project made for people who love the aesthetics of the female nudity and photography as much as we do. All photoshoots published in the magazine are quite diverse but people still notice that all of them have the same style. I hope that it is true even though it is hard for me to judge when I am in the center of the whole action. Moreover, we love various styles, and we are not only about fashion. We do everything not paying attention to public opinion but only on our flair and taste
Nastya: Also, we have recently launched a model Agency Areola Models. Now, our favorite models already work with our contracts, and soon there will be more male models as well. During our work on Areola, we have collected a huge database of faces, so we can select a model under any criteria. As the project is very new at the moment, we pay most of the attention to it
What is the selection criterion for characters for a photo shoot?
Nastya: In the magazine, there are a lot of different girls: some fit in the criteria for conventional beauty while some don't. There are very thin people, and there are models of plus size. Our value is that beauty is different and no one can say that something is definitely beautiful or something is not. It is important that the photo shoot is aesthetically pleasing, we don't tolerate pretentiousness and vulgarity. In the past we often produced shootings, but for now, we just receive it and check if they are going to be published or not
What's the most important project that gives you pleasure?
Dasha: We are constantly in process, and we find many things to be interesting. Now, we have already started to partially abandon DJ-sets for health reasons. Today, I can say, that we really want to work on Areola developments, and this is exactly what we are doing
At the presentation, we showed not only new jewelry and a new video but new Aloha Gaia. It was the most unforgettable tropical party as it was hotter than it is on Polynesian islands!
We are especially grateful to our sponsors who have made a great input into running an amazing event. We thank Cocktail LAB for delicious tropical cocktails. And FUGA, Chamotte Bakery and Krapiva for decorative elements: succulents in clay pots, ceramics, and wooden handicrafts.
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Aloha, Nadia! Tell us how you eventually got into music even though you are a journalist?
Obviously, I have never really wanted to do journalism and was always looking for ways to avoid it. It was a perfect time to met Vanya, with whom we became friends and began to do something together. After classes, we stayed in the radio room and twisted all sorts of delays, reverbs, and recorded vocal loops. It was so much fun. Then we released the album, and things started to happen. At some point, we both realized that this is not just entertainment.
How long ago did you start getting interested in music?
Since childhood, I have been singing, and when my parents asked me what I would like to play, for some reason I said “the viola“. Vladimir Spivakov was my idol. So, I went to an art school. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish my education, but music has always been present in my life anyway.
For example, we often organized family concerts for the New Year’s Eve: dad played guitar, my elder brother played the trumpet, and my mom – the piano. Then, a pretty drunk and terribly funny Santa Claus came and pretended that he liked all that a lot. He was a friend of our family – Mike – and was wearing a fake beard. Actually, that's funny, but my first stage, like many can recognize themselves, was a chair, and my first and very appreciative audience were friends of my parents.
You have been a fan of making silver jewelry and dreamed all life of doing it. Do you have a follow-up story?
Yes, now I'm finished working on a new album and want to focus more closely on jewelry. I really love to create something with my hands. The shine of molten metal awakens something primal in me. Anyways, this passion does not subside, and now my task is to make it more practical.
Yes, creating jewelry is a real magic, but the songwriting is no less magical and interesting. Do your songs have some special purpose? What do you want to convey to your audience?
When I sit down to write a song, I sink into myself. I think the thoughts of the observer in the process of writing music or thinking about a specific purpose are harmful as they only hinder. That’s why I am so amazed when others write me that my music helps to understand something about themselves, reconciling them with the world. If we think about an ultimate goal, it is concerned with being on the same frequency with others, immersing yourself into the universal experience, and to talk about it simply and clearly. To get into this state I sometimes ask myself: what would Viktor Tsoi do?
In your Tumbler, there is a phrase that "Inspiration comes from self-pity". Does this mean that your muse is melancholy?
It seems that I have found this phrase in an interview with Philip from the band called “Everything is made in China”. There is lots of truth in this: inspiration often comes from self-pity, at least for me. But the truth is that inspiration consists of various inputs and outputs, or, more correctly, access points. I think inspiration is like Wi-Fi. All the time, constantly, it happens in space, and you need to find the right moment to catch it. And, of course, you need to know the password.
You said that your new album "Осколки" will be less dark and even inevitably joyful. Does this mean that Naadia has made a new step in creative development?
It seems to me that it is indeed so. This period is certainly rather forced than natural. Nevertheless, I do not think that there is something particular behind that. This album is not going to be joyful, of course, but it will be more honest and more open. That is what I call “joy” at the moment.
Your shows are always very beautiful. At the last solo gig in the Aglomerat club, the whole stage was decorated with flowers and the atmosphere was intimate and a bit mysterious. What to expect from the presentation on the 23rd of November?
First, I want to invite more musicians. Those who have time to listen to our new album will be very surprised by its live sound. The recording sounds intimate, delicate, and very personal. When we started playing these songs live, it turned out that they are very powerful. Of course, we are going to invite the best lighting designer. I also want to do a new video for the tour. Overall, I'm really looking forward to these concerts! This is, perhaps, my first record that I was up to before the actual recording began, and it is certainly the first in which I was able to say exactly what I wanted.
]]>Behind even the shortest video clips there are weeks of the creation process, negotiations, preparation, and planning. And the success of the venture always depends on the team’s ability to get on well and share the same spirit. We were incredibly lucky: director Nikolay Sidorov-Frantsuzov and cinematographer Klimentiy Hammerschmidt got interested in Aloha Gaia brand and offered us to make a video. Their work for TSUM speaks for themselves: these guys perfectly know how several shots can reveal the soul of the brand. We had no choice but to agree and proceed with references and start searching for shooting locations of our dream.
Dream, by the way, had to be changed right during the process. Initially, we were going to shoot a video in a sand quarry. But a rainy summer had brought about changes in our solar plans, so we said goodbye to the idea to shoot in there.
So we had arrived at the Gorky Film Studio and realized that this was exactly what we needed. Atmospheric and textured premises of an old cinema with the rich history, its own character, and gorgeous surroundings. Lots of wood, old parquet floor, wooden ceiling... We found literally the perfect scene for our video, and thus we have moved on to the most exciting part: choosing who the main characters would be.
We had lots of ideas. Initially, we planned to shoot two girls to create the atmosphere of sisterly love. But soon we realized that ignoring the specialty of the new collection, unisex jewelry, is not completely right. Therefore, we decided to shoot a guy as well and, fortunately, our favorite model Vova was in Moscow. Will you agree if we state that Vova and Sasha do look like brother and sister while Angela has brought the exotic atmosphere to our movie? Some special connection was established between the models and while still being on the site we realized that we have fulfilled the exotic and family story that we wanted.
To add more bright colors, exotic spirit and tropical atmosphere to the video, we have invited a few of other main characters: birds and a beautiful python. This is where the key difficulty was: in predicting the behavior of animals while shooting is impossible. Python can rapidly react to an unexpected noise or a strong smell while birds are extremely difficult to catch if they decide to fly away. One can not believe it, but our bird had a dubbing actor in case it wants to fly away and we will not be able to catch it fast. Now you also know who the main stars on the set were!
Fortunately, the first bird was a true professional and has perfectly coped with its task, so the dubbing one was not taking part in the shooting. Everything went well: Angela and snake liked each other, and they looked harmoniously on the picture. Our makeup artist Anna liked the birds so much that now they live with her.
Of course, a successful shooting day is only a part of the work followed by a demanding period called “post-production”. We wanted to make the video special and added the animation, which was the responsibility of the specially hired artist. The music for the video was composed by ITSU: we now constantly receive questions on what the name of the track is. By the way, there are several official versions of the video: director's cut and Instagram version as well as short videos.
Our main goal in this video was to convey the feeling of complete freedom and inner beauty: the same things that can be seen in the new Tatau jewelry collection.
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Aloha! Tell us about yourself and your work. How did you get started, where did you get the education and when did you deliver your first project?
I was born in Moscow and grew up there, too. In my school years, I wanted to follow in my mother’s footsteps and to become an architect. Then I started to prepare for the Moscow Architectural Institute and at the same time helped my friend to work with props in the theatre. Six months before the exam I have changed my mind about becoming an architect and devoted my time and energy to the drawing, color theory and theater studies.
After school, I have entered the GITIS to become an art director. There, while I was studying, I created some personal works of art. It all started with notebooks and making sketches. From these sketches, I created final works, and till my graduation, I had gathered all of them and joined into a single story.
After graduation in 2015, I made an exhibition to see whether anyone was interested. After the first exhibition, I decided to continue. The exhibition was on the “Elektrozavod”. On my website, there is a publication about the event. There, I try to keep all important moments: the process of work on paintings, exhibitions, and interviews.
This is how my art began, and I try to continue to develop my knowledge and skills. Now I like to work with series, to compose a story through pictures. At this moment, by the way, I am making a new series for the exhibition.
To which extent, in your opinion, childhood has an influence on the future? What would be your answer to the favorite question of adults about your future career? Did you parents support you on your way?
The events that happen in childhood are the foundation of personality. They can be noticed also during adulthood, I think, throughout all life. Behavior and choices that we make are able to tell somewhat about our past.
In early childhood, I liked explorers, archaeologists, and travelers. And when I was 11 I started skateboarding and already at 14 did collaborations with Nike and Fresh Fiction. I thought that my life will be connected with skateboarding. None of my family members was an artist, so my decision to go to GITIS was perceived somewhat disturbing at first. But my mom has always supported me.
In many of your paintings, there is a forest. Is there special symbolism in it? Where do you get inspiration for your paintings?
Each piece has its value. Animals and nature are symbols of inner feelings and mental states. This is the language of symbols. For example, a branch of a weeping willow is a sorrow, a memory of the past and a desire to hold it. As for forest, it is something unconscious, freedom of feelings that lives inside.
The latest works are largely inspired by the Major Arcana and stories by Ray Bradbury about the circus. For example, “Something wicked this way comes”, “Corpse Carnival" and "The Illustrated Man”.
I also study the history of the circus – its origin, development, lifestyle. I am interested in every detail of this aesthetics. Mostly I am fond of the circus of the Victorian era. I think that this period is very interesting: the scientific progress had only begun and the world was still not well studied at that time. It was a great mystery, full of magic.
Do you have live models? Characters on your works exist?
Yes, I have live drawings. I work on sketches for my paintings. Sometimes one can guess who the person is, but it is not my goal. For a specific work, I transform my model look to make the image a bit more general.
How did you create the design of your studio? What are the essential things for your space to live and work?
I did it gradually. There are drawings, paintings and new materials to work with. I love to collect items with stories close to mine: sculptures, prints, books, crystals – it all inspires. That is how I filled the space which eventually has turned into my studio. This all required order and at some point, I began to treat the space as if I was working on its composition and palette.
Often I had to move and for this time I have chosen the factory space. I have searched for a bright, high-ceiling room for a long time and this one matched me well but I had to carry some repair works which took me a month to complete.
There were periods in my life when I had no personal space. Then I only drew in notebooks. So my essential things are always materials and paper, and space can be anything.
Do you have favorite smells? Which home incense do you use?
I like pretty common Zodiac incense, Satya, and Nag Champa. I love a series of wax candles with figs. And the smell of coffee.
What is your typical daily schedule? What do you like to spend your free time on?
Time is a precious resource, and in art, it is important to have a time management rule. I try to follow my schedule and wake up early. In my studio, I usually start with sketches. Then I work on private orders or personal works. I always have a 15-minute break every 2-3 hours. Basically, to answer emails or read my favorite books.
On certain days I make live sketches with the models, which eventually become a part of my works. Of course, it is not always possible to strictly follows the timing for a day or even a week. There are some works and circumstances that are the priority.
In my free time, I usually see my friends. Go to exhibitions, concerts, performances, and movies. Make cinema days at home, play Mortal Kombat, or go skating. And there are days when I just want to stay home with a book or Playstation.
How did you get to know Aloha Gaia brand and why do you love it?
Three years ago I helped to organize Lambada-market for Aloha Gaia: I painted the sign for this event.
Stones, crystals, metals and their combination have a special influence on people. I like that Aloha Gaia focuses on in every detail of its ideas and meaning behind the jewelry. The brand shares precious knowledge which eventually turns into an interesting game to explore the world and its history through jewelry.
Which jewelry from Sacred Path collections did you like most and why?
From this collection I have chosen Maasaw ring with hematite, also Paho, Askwali, and Navoti rings as well as Tawa pendant. I like their minimalism and harmonious way they can be combined with the jewelry from other collections. Also, I really like the new design of Luna pendant.
What are you working on now? What plans do you have for this year?
Now I continue working on an art series called “A Walk In The Dark”. I hope to finish it soon and create an exhibition.
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Tell us, how did you first get into music?
It was like 100 years ago, back to times when my dad was collecting records. Then they have been released for “Melodiya” label. Till I turned fifteen, I had loved to sit on the carpet in the center of the room and to go crazy listening to The Doors, Rolling Stones, Zvuki Mu, and I also remember vinyl by Vladimir Tarasov, a Lithuanian musician (he has the same name as my dad). Recently, I heard that he was going to perform at the "Garage" festival dedicated to John Coltrane, but I don't know how that story ended.
At the age of 17, I moved to Moscow from Nizhny Novgorod, where I continued to study part-time. I remember that the first thing I did was to visit Gorbushka (a marketplace for dealing in music, electronics, and household equipment). There, I met with Ilya Voronin who worked at Dr. Vinyl and launched Mixmag Russia. Ilya helped me to find a job in the trending, at that time, Fixpunkt store where I eventually sold Japanese jazz, experimental techno, and progressive house for four years. There, I met a bunch of real music fans, with some of whom I am still in touch.
After you started working in Oldich Dress & Drink. What were your tasks there?
I graduated from the philological faculty of N. I. Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, and after some time started to work in Oldich. My position there was program director and I was involved in organizing events, parties, concerts, and lectures. We have had dozens of groups from all continents performing, and even a Fashion History professor from Saint Martins once gave a lecture about the influence of pre-Raphaelites on contemporary fashion. To Oldich I was invited by Elena Kamay. She was a buyer and the managing director of the store. And then our friendship started. We were constantly creating something and made each event as if it was the last one.
We know that you're managing all the music on Lambada-market. What is it like?
Initially, I was a DJ on Lambada-market. Now, for five years, I have been a music director of all programs. Currently, we have three scenes on the market: one big stage for concerts, a store called DiG with vinyl records, and the third one is the stage on the new site called “ТЭЦ”, which is located behind the Strelka. This time, on Lambada in August, we are organizing performances together with the SCHOOL community of Brusnikina as well as Harms’ poetry reading and letters of the futurists.
Is it hard to be a serious DJ and producer when you are a girl?
Actually, there are a lot of female DJ's with great preferences in music. This time there will be five female DJs playing on Lambada. In the center of Moscow, most of the times men treat me equally: I have done so much already which is my key proof of being a professional. I am sure that the times when the boys can sell jewelry while girls make great music have come.
Tell us, what is the workflow like in Lambada-market team? Looking at the work of your team one can see that you are very close-knit and friendly. And at the same time, you organize the largest market in Moscow.
We respect the work of each other, which is very important. Everything on the market has to seem relaxed and easy. Visitors do not need to see your workload: there should always be a feeling that you're only trying on dresses, enjoying everything and just having a rest. Although, of course, it’s not like that at all. Every market is months of work, nerves, disagreements, and some other not very pleasant moments that may happen.
As a music director, are your choosing bands and musicians only relying on your taste and experience?
We do it together with Lena Kamay. She always wants to do more than we already have, and it's a super motivation. We try to give chances to young and cool groups. Email box of Lambada is full of messages with demos, and I listen to absolutely everyone's. Sometimes I feel as if was the jury of “The Voice”. Our favorite format is so-called one-day groups. Basically, we invite great musicians to meet, make up the repertoire, the guys rehearse and create groups called “Хвойный сбор” or "Сосна и Дуся", whose performances you can hear only once and only on Lambada market.
What projects are you involved apart from Lambada-market?
Now my favorite project is "Aglaya & Sonya". This is our due-DJ idea with Aglaya Demidenko. It brings me the thrill and complete satisfaction. I think I'm ready to start my own band. But I believe that it will happen in the format of enlightenment. Though I don't know when it will be and what it will look like yet.
Where do you get inspiration from? What gives you strength?
My inspiration is people. I meet a person and can see something in a personality that surpasses themselves. Everything else such as books or travels, in my opinion, just gives me experience. For example, I have recently met keyboardist of singer Luna. In addition to it, he plays Baroque music on harpsichord in the House of Scientists. This is a fantastic combination of academic music and pop industry. I came back to this story when I was creating the music program for a vintage pop-up corner at Aizel.
You love to dress up. Tell us how your unique style was formed?
I have found my own style pretty late: I think it was three years ago. Perhaps, my style is a balance between simple clothing and rare vintage things with their own history. Of course, Oldich has influenced me. There, it was normal to dress up or try on costumes for theater plays. A couple of years after Oldich I was wearing simple clothes, but now I am again attracted to black tie, gold embroidery, stockings and shoes with buckles, and, most importantly, wearing all of these at the same time.
What kind of jewelry do you wear?
It happens very rarely, but I always wear jewelry associated with people. I think if a gold bracelet that someone gave me breaks, that’s the end of the friendship. Let this be my only romantic superstition. Among Aloha Gaia jewelry I choose Navoti ring and Tawa necklace. They are simple and classy.
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Aloha, Masha! For the beginning, tell us a little bit about yourself. How long have you been studying photography?
Hello! Photography is actually a big part of me, and I had a lot of chances in my life only thanks to my profession. I have been taking pictures since I was 16. Approximately at the same time, I became financially independent of my parents, and photography was my only source of income. Although, stability in terms of earnings came to me definitely not before I turned nineteen.
If my interview is read by a person who wants to become a photographer and devote their lives to it, then I will take my chance and give only one piece of advice: do not look for the exact place to study. Take your camera and try to spend every day taking at least one photo that you are happy with.
Where do you live?
Since I try to travel as much as possible, it is already difficult to say where I live. Most of the time I spend in Budapest, Paris, and the USA. But in Moscow is the house of my family. The concept of “home” became a bit blurred for me, but the main thing has remained: home is the place where I can go when I'm mentally and physically tired. Even if no one waits for me, my family is always close by.
What kind of equipment do you shoot with?
Canon 5d Mark II is my friend in war, and he never fails. Together we went through fire and water. He even broke my tooth with the metal part, and somehow I managed to break my nose in Seville when I was shooting while sitting on a horse. My favorite lens is Carl Zeiss 50mm 1.4.
I also like Canon EOS 55, which I once bought on Avito for 2000 roubles (35 USD). I go along with it very easily: it makes me happy like an obedient child. Also, I have very light, sharp and fast mirrorless Fujifilm X100T.
And I love and hate at the same time the medium-format "Amateur". It chews and tears an expensive film, on which there are only 6 or 12 frames. It does not have an exposure meter (that means that I can adjust the settings only by guessing, and this does not always work as it should). And the coil is jamming in it. But all this is offset by the photos I receive by it: it's impossible to repeat with another camera.
Are there any photographers whose works inspire you?
Kolya Bondarev! He takes a very heartfelt live travel, true stories about the world and people around. Another Russian photographer is Yura Treskov. In my opinion, no one else can take pictures of women as cool as he does. And I also like Petros Kuoblis and Eva Kosmas Flores. And if we talk about the classics, Richard Avedon and Peter Lindbergh.
On your website there are many categories: beginning with portrait shootings, ending with travels. Do you have main photography style or do you like to shoot different things?
Previously, my main focus was on commercial portrait photography. Then, from portrait I switched to fashion industry: I made portfolios for models who planned to work in large markets (Asia, USA, France). Last year, most of the time I took pictures of restaurants and hotels, so I was more into interiors and food. And now, more often I shoot nature, food, and interiors while I am traveling. I will devote more time to the development in this sphere.
The website is a working tool that allows me to monetize my experience and knowledge. Though some sections are not matching the others. But soon, my website will be dedicated only to my travel photos. There, I will write city-guides about my favorite cities. By the end of the summer, it should have already been completed.
Do you have your own favorite shoot?
I did not manage to choose only one among these photos:
They do not show any philosophy, in terms of composition they are not unique, they do not have emotions. But each of them is a reflection of me, a kind of movement in silence.
Which place among the ones you have ever taken pictures you cannot forget?
Marrakech, Morocco. Sights on the same street can be very beautiful and at the same time completely disgusting. So many details, the contrast between aesthetically attractive and disgusting. It takes a lot of energy just for noticing every detail and overall picture and does not allow you to forget the city.
Have you ever had extreme shooting?
Relatively extreme was the shooting with Leonid Agutin and Elina Chaga (from the “Voice” TV-show) in Seville, Spain. The temperature in the shadow was around 48°C, and we shot in the sun for 5 days in a row, from 5 am till the dark. The whole team got sunburns, and I also had a strong allergy to the sunburns. Before, I did not know that this even exists.
In general, I think I'm far from extreme. I know that behind the scenes, many would have climbed into a dangerous cliff or hung from a pine tree standing over an abyss. But I would not do it: I still have many plans and such a risk is not my path.
Is your trip to Oregon work-related or is it just a vacation kind of journey?
This is more vacation but an investment in the future at the same time. When I'm going anywhere, I always think whether there is a chance for my development and whether I can be useful there.
Tell us about your impressions. Was everything in your trip exactly as you imagined, or were the places completely different?
Everything was much better than imagined. Each city in which we stayed, was not much like the previous one. Each forest that we passed was different from the others. The weather, nature, food, people – everything constantly changed. No matter how carefully I plan the trip, the country either gives me pleasant surprises or not. And in this case, the States gave me all I needed!
What is the first association that comes to your mind when you think of the trip?
I walked down the cliff to a black beach in Mendocino, and while I was picking up the seashells, the ocean and fog quickly moved on me. It is very majestic, scary and exciting. I could not leave until the tide blocked my access to the dry land, and there were only a few minutes to climb the wet sand on the high cliff.
Have you been to many US states? Do you have any favorite places in the country?
In fact, not in many – I have been to New York, California, Nevada, and Oregon. In urgent plans, there is Washington, Montana, and Wyoming. And now about my favorite places. Since I like to make city guides, I will try to not get carried away.
All of Williamsburg. I'm afraid to blink there so that I won’t miss anything! The districts of Greenwich and East Village, City College (this is Harlem, which may sound a bit odd). For food places, I can recommend Little Collins, and for coffee – Black Fox.
Only Santa Monica and Venice Beach, especially Abbot Kinney Boulevard. That place is so beautiful, especially at sunset!
Sunnyside and Richmond districts. Food on the food courts, which Portland is known for. For Coffee – Coava. Multnomah Falls (only 30 minutes from the center of Portland). The city of Seaside early in the morning, when there are not so many tourists.
North Park district. For Coffee – Coffee & Tea Collective. Food is Ironside, and ice cream in Ghirardelli (take black wild cherry!). Also, Mendocino in California is one more special spot.
Which country would you go to if you could go anywhere?
I'm inclined to say "USA" again, but if we talk about new countries for me, then New Zealand, Tasmania, and Australia. Almost every day I watch the official Instagram of Tasmania and save tons of photos.
What is the most difficult thing for you when you travel?
Get into the right mood and not give organizational moments (three-hour queues, car rental, problems with hotels or apartments, fines, blocked routes or illness) distract me or spoil my mood. Also, to be flexible enough to change my plans depending on the circumstances, but nevertheless have time to complete everything I have planned.
Which things you never leave home when you go on a trip?
Without a camera and everything that is necessary for its smooth operation.
Which countries did you manage to visit this year? Are you already planning your next trip?
If we count exactly one year from now, the route was as follows: Hungary, Austria, Latvia, France, Spain, Croatia, Montenegro, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Ukraine, Portugal, England, Morocco, USA, and Italy.
Almost all trips were related to work, I had not yet learned to rest in beautiful places. I have a great plan, and everything I'm doing now is for turning it into reality. Sometimes I also work, in breaks. The first part of the plan is moving to the US this year!
Do you have your place of power?
And not only one! My room with an attic ceiling at my parents' country house, Lovcen, and Djenovici, which are in Montenegro, the whole state of Oregon at any time of the year and day. It is very important that in times of weakness and decay I can be in physical contact with nature, bury my hands in the sand or touch the leaves. Maybe that's why I never managed to find such a place in Moscow. It seems to me that I pay with my energy for the time spent here.
Do you have a talisman that is always with you?
I found it only this year. This is a small wooden cat with a very serious muzzle, which makes it a hundred times more amusing.
What are your favorite jewelry and why?
Athena ring by Aloha Gaia is absolutely my piece of jewelry, although I cannot explain why. I can never take it off and look at the moonstone endlessly.
And I also love La Clavicule from Voda Jewelry. This is a thin strip of silver, which repeats the outlines of the clavicles. Asymmetric long earrings with pink pearls from the “Saharok” store. This is a gift from Sveta Efremova, the founder of the store. And I love them because of Sveta most of all. Tiffany bracelet with the infinity sign. It's very trivial, I guess, but it has been with me for years and it is always about love.
What do you associate Aloha Gaia with?
With the foggy Mendocino in California and its black beach, where recently I have taken some photos for Aloha Gaia. With internal balance. And, of course, with the founder of the company – Denis Terekhin.
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Aloha, Anna! Tell us your story of exploring Paris. What was your first impression of the city?
Honestly, I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but I began to notice the beauty and charm of Paris only a couple of years ago even though I arrived here in 2011. My first impression of Paris was so unclear. From the first day, I began my apprenticeship at the shop, and all efforts were made to enter the University. From the beginning, I set myself a very clear goal – be admitted to the University and walked towards her, not paying attention to what was around. So, my first impression had nothing to do with the romantic city as most can assume.
Why were you drawn to Paris?
Paris has attracted me to the opportunity to live an independent life of a European student. And education in Paris is quite affordable in terms of cost and procedures for admitting foreign students. Well, in the end, Paris, is PARIS! It seems to me that it is not difficult to be attractive.
Did it take time to get used to the city for the first time or you immediately felt that this city is for you?
Yes, it took me over one and a half years: I was too shy to talk, I was a stranger to the manners and habits of the French. But this is a normal stage: one day I woke up and realized that now all these are for me! Today, I'm so used to my life in France that I do not even see myself in any other place.
Describe your perfect day in Paris.
Early in the morning to walk in the direction of Montmartre near the Abbesses metro station, while there is still not a lot of people. Visit one of my favorite coffee shops Cuiller, and take a latte with you. Then go to the bakery for Pain Pain pistachio snail around the corner. Then walk along des Martyrs street down to the Grands Boulevards through very beautiful indoor passages. Walk to the Marais, get a sandwich or salad, and go down to the banks of the Seine on the island of St Louis, to meet with friends and have a picnic.
Give three reasons why you like Paris and three things you would like to change?
What I like: walking the entire, huge selection of fine cafes and restaurants for any taste and budget. Also, transcendent beauty and aesthetics in everything from a croissant in a bakery to bright boulevards and nice parks.
If we talk about change, I would probably not name anything. Everything that comes to mind, in contrary adds a special charm to France, especially Paris. But I cannot stand long, intricate, and sometimes mindless bureaucratic procedures from a visit to the doctor to making an appointment at my university. Sometimes what upsets me is the hypocrisy and the fact that to the most delicious places sometimes you need to stand a two-hour queue, because they do not accept the booking.
Tell us what you studied and what are you doing now?
Initially, I'm a marketer, and in France, I kind of deepened my knowledge and studied Commerce and International Business Relations. Now I work in an agency which is engaged in commercial development of French fashion brands in Eastern Europe.
Reveal your secrets on how to properly allocate time? In a big city like Paris, it is extremely difficult.
Oh, I would love someone to share this secret with me! For me, who works with an office schedule, it is difficult to effectively manage time. But for myself, I realized that the main thing is to overcome laziness and procrastination. As every day you can do one tiny step towards your goal. I like to visualize: every time I'm too lazy to start something, I can imagine how much joy will the completed task bring me.
If you had a choice to go to any country, you'd probably still be in France?
Yes, I would have stayed in France: first, I am very comfortable here. It is a beautiful country with wonderful cuisine, culture, art and incredible diverse landscapes, ocean, seas. Second, moving somewhere again is a pretty global step, but I do not want to lose a few years on getting comfortable again and miscellaneous processes.
What does it mean for you to be yourself?
To be myself is to understand and accept me as I am, to live in harmony, and to be able to hear what your body and brain are trying to convey to you. I believe that all the answers are hidden in ourselves that completeness and happiness must be born from within not by external factors.
Do you believe that thoughts are material, and even the most unreal dreams still come true?
Yes, I believe in it! I wholeheartedly believe that if we want something a lot, we should literally become this dream and fully focus all your energy on achieving it: think about it, fall asleep and wake up with it. And it's just amazing when you begin to notice that everything feels like pushing you to your dreams, to its achievement.
Which things in your house are your favorite?
I love perfumed candles and blankets: everything that helps to experience one's own world and disconnect from the outside.
Which scents fill your home?
As I have mentioned, I love candles, especially Dyptique – they have very subtle but familiar and incredibly cozy flavors. Wherever I was, I always remember the smells. And then, if you can hear them in other places, they seem to bring me back to past moments.
How do you imagine the perfect home?
The perfect home is a bright and spacious living room with huge Windows and lots of plants. It's very important to have a lot of natural light, as I can't stand the yellow artificial lights. So, when evening falls, I try as much as possible not to turn on electric lighting.
What kind of music do you like? Name three most frequently played tracks on your phone.
Actually, I have no favorite music. I am always looking for tracks according to my mood, therefore, I am constantly changing my playlist. Now I particularly like Bill Withers – Lovely day, and Kaleo, Jose Gonzalez, La femme.
Name your three favorite movies.
I love Sofia Coppola. One of my favorite movies is Marie Antoinette: visually it is as perfect as the soundtrack. One of those films that made a strong impression on me (probably, just found it at the right time) is the Salt of the Earth, about the way of the photographer, Sebastiao Salgado. It is a very beautiful and powerful film.
What kind of jewelry do you wear? Do you have talismans?
Until recently, I never wore jewelry, although bought a lot. But I just simply forget to wear it. Now I love rings most of all, and often wear multiple chains of different metals and with different pendants. But mostly I wear one of kind of thing: either rings, chains, or earrings.
What are your associations with Aloha Gaia?
For me, Aloha Gaia has always been associated with forces of the earth nature, the energy of stones, various elements. I love minimalistic design when talking about jewelry with natural stones. It seems to me even now very few pieces of jewelry with natural stones look really beautiful, stylish, but moderately, not bright.
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Tell us a few words about yourself. What is your name as a musician?
I can be called Jekka. In high school, I had a ridiculous nickname: as I have a long last name and it cannot be made short, everyone called me Jekkson. And then, it transformed into Jekka, and remains the same.
How long have you been looking for your music style?
Music has always been present in my life. All years I can remember I have always sung. Usually, all children sing, but they do it unconsciously. For me, it became a more conscious process when I was 8-9 years. At that time, I started to write tunes in my notebook in the form of texts.
The funny thing is that the first song that I remember was about the carousel, and the song that I first wrote in my notebook was called "Feeling like a kid again’. Then I imagined that I'm an adult, but singing about what it's like to be a young girl. So, I can say that since I was 9 years old I have been recording songs. Now I play electronic music because it is created using the virtual and electronic instruments. I am a composer, arranger, and singer.
And did you play any musical instrument as a child?
No. It so happened that my parents have not brought me to a music school, although I really wanted to play the piano. Therefore, I was trying to learn by myself. My parents had their own direction that they chose for me, and the music was not a priority. So, I never got a traditional musical education. Through trial and error I began to play some melodies on the keys, and then, fortunately, technology came. They allowed me to expand and experiment with sounds, so I learned specifically to convey the sounds that were born in my head.
Have you learned everything on your own or there were mentor musicians?
I have always been a very closed person and not particularly sociable. And even now I think this has not changed a lot. It is always very difficult to be in among a big group of people, so there were no like-minded musicians around. Already at the Architectural Institute, I found the band and started to sing with guys. They were looking for a vocalist: the band was composed of middle-aged British expatriates, and they just loved to get together and play musical instruments.
I was looking for people with whom I can just sing and try me songs in practice. We used to play covers of Diana Ross, different country, and jazz musicians. Usually, we played in all sorts of strange places and bars. Once I remember we played in one club called ‘Point". It was probably our biggest concert place at that time. In fact, in this exact club, I met someone who became my mentor. I usually wrote my own stuff and was not interested in foreign music, neither I was looking for new musicians.
You have just recently released your extended play. There, clearly identifiable voice vibration that reminds us of folk singing can be heard. Tell us, what has inspired you for this EP?
This year I chose the creative direction of Russian folk music. That is an authentic musical folklore: field recordings mixed with records from various expeditions. I was very inspired as it gave me lots of motivation to do something new.
Now, unfortunately, Russian folk art is not taken seriously. Partly because everywhere at fairs and festivals with Russian folklore, it looks ridiculous, with the poor quality of performance and has an entertainment format.
In Russian folklore, each song has its place and time. Certain songs cannot be performed in the summer if they are meant to be for the winter. It is a form of interaction with nature. Everything is timed to the events and ceremonies. For example, in the early spring people were come up to the high places, to awaken the earth and the sun, they sing special songs so that spring could hear them.
Have you always been interested in Russian folklore?
Never. In my youth, I was not a fan of musicians except for Destiny's Сhild and Whitney Huston who have influenced me a lot. In my childhood, I loved R'n'B music.
Do you draw inspiration from nature or traveling?
I recently went to Montenegro: there one can see incredibly beautiful nature, spectacular lakes, and combination of forested mountains and blue sea that are impossible to forget. But local lifestyle seemed too slow and relaxed for me. I'm still more of a city person: I cannot do anything and just lie on the beach. Of course, there were a couple of days when I had to force myself not to rush. So just walk slowly: indeed, in Montenegro, no one is in a hurry. So if you hear “15 minutes", you can confidently transfer it into an hour.
What needs to happen for you to sit down and write songs?
This is always different. But most importantly is that my life had constant changes both inside and outside. And, of course, successfully catching the moment that touches my soul. I even try to find the vibe that can inspire in small things around.
I'm not a musician: I can't sit with the instrument and create music this way. Usually, if an idea comes to my mind, I'm going for a walk and think about it. And then it will become more detailed for me. Also, if we talk about writing lyrics: it is very important for me to be on the move and be distracted by other thoughts.
How many albums have you already released?
I have released two albums and one collaboration. And recently I have released the third mini-album. By the way, I have no label, I release everything by myself.
You wrote a mixtape for Aloha Gaia. Tell us more about it and why do you love our brand?
If we talk about the mixtape, I love melodic music, which can then be repeated and stays in my mind. In the tracks that I have selected, there is an interesting combination of femininity and inner strength. I was guided by this: for example, sensual voice and guitar music. The confrontation of tenderness and strength is about women, I think. Sometimes under a feminine and sophisticated appearance, inner core and strength are hidden.
I love that all Aloha Gaia jewelry is quite subtle but pretty massive and serious. This combination of confidence and gentleness has impressed me a lot. Natural motifs and ornaments in the design are very delicately embedded with every detail so that everything looks magical.
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Daria / @dariakrut
Is it important for you to follow fashion trends or do you create your own style not paying attention to current trends?
I try to follow the trends, but at the same time, I never wear something that I don't like. For example, I know exactly what kind of pants don't fit me right, and they can be three times “must-have” of this summer, I will never wear them. For me, the style and clothes help my real self to speak. Thus, I think that the style is primary to fashion.
Have you prepared for prom? Which outfit do you plan to wear?
My prom was a year ago. I finished school in Kaliningrad, Russia, and my prom took place there, too. I had a typical prom with a restaurant, a concert hall with the master of ceremonies, and in the morning, we went to see the sunrise at sea.
Like many other girls, I had been preparing for that day. I had my dress sewed by the tailor. It was important for me to have a perfectly looking dress. I chose a simple style, so my dress had two parts with a double-breasted jacket. And the whole emphasis was on footwear and accessories.
Jewelry can be a great match to your look or completely change it. Which jewelry are you wearing to prom?
I had the craziest shoes with fringe, so I had a velvet choker and long earrings. I believe that accessories can lift your dress and yourself to a whole new level. But you have to be careful not to overdo it. I always wear earrings and I think they should be mandatory at least stud earrings. And have a lot of pendants, necklaces, and chokers, but with still can’t fall in love with rings.
Do you have a special talisman that is always with you?
For my eighteenth’ birthday, my mom gave me earrings with garnet when we were in Prague. Now I live by myself and really miss my mom, and these earrings always remind me of her and make my soul warm. Actually, I really love minerals and stones. I got this love from my grandmother, who collects minerals and keeps them in boxes of chocolates. Since childhood, when we visit her, I have loved to look through her collection and enjoyed the minerals.
You have chosen your own set of jewelry. Tell us, why you loved these pieces most of all?
I have chosen Tawa pendant with hematite as I fell in love with this immaculate and stylish jewelry once I saw it. I tried to create a set of this jewelry and added Maasaw earrings with hematite and Nadir earring. With them, the whole outfit becomes lighter and more playful. And, the icing on the cake, the Maasaw ring with the same stone as in the pendant and earrings.
What are your associations with Aloha Gaia?
Aloha is about purity, freshness, and magic. Silver is my favorite metal. It is noble and pure. Freshness is related to the image of a young girl: creative, easy-going, ready for the new and not afraid of the future. And magic, of course, is tight to stones. Minerals are inextricably linked with elves, fairies, and magic! I fell in love with the design and style of Aloha Gaia jewelry.
Vasilisa / @lisaeeva
Is it important for you to follow fashion trends or do you create your own style not paying attention to current trends?
In my opinion, the fashion trends can really inspire and complement our own style. Of course, it doesn't always happen. So just following fashion trends is not me. I would most likely call my style minimalism with a bit of retro. I always wear black jeans and a white t-shirt mixing such simple looks with different accessories.
If we are talking about trends in fashion today: fishnet tights, mom-jeans or t-shirts with rock prints, I can confidently say that these all are 100% for me. So, I'm happy to wear mom-jeans, fishnet stockings and a plain, white t-shirt, to choose my favorite jewelry and always feel at ease.
Have you prepared for prom? Which outfit do you plan to wear?
I finished school in Vietnam last year, and if my prom was now, I would certainly wear the same thing! Imagine embroidered with gray stones dress of deep blue color, floor-length, and soft fabric with the neckline on the back heart-shaped front. My shoes were gray high heels. But if you are uncomfortable in heels, it is best to choose shoes with flat soles or low heels as at prom you need to stand a lot, to take pictures or to dance.
Jewelry can be a great match to your look or completely change it. Which jewelry are you wearing to prom?
For my graduation, I only wore stud earrings to not overdo the look, as my dress was quite self-sufficient. The best advice: if the dress is simple and plain, add jewelry, and get a beautiful combination. And if the dress is more like mine, with embroidery and mesh, just put on a couple of minimalistic, simple jewelry.
Do you have a special talisman that is always with you?
I used to wear a thread from the temple in Vietnam. Simple, of muted orange color. It was given to me for good luck by the monk. But when I arrived in Russia, I tore it up and then began to wear a wristwatch. Now I do not even notice it, but if I forget it at home, I start feeling uncomfortable. I can even go back home on my way to the University. So, most likely, my wristwatch is my main talisman. Although, it does not help me to not to be late for meetings and events.
You have chosen your own set of jewelry. Tell us, why you loved these pieces most of all?
I chose Small Luna pendant, Iris ring with blue topaz, Strong ring on the second phalanx, Nadir earring, and Orion pendant with moonstone. It seems to me that this jewelry is feminine and delicate. Necklace with moonstones emphasizes the sensuality and harmony with the surrounding world. For a set, I have picked up a minimalistic but very special ring that can be combined or worn by itself for various occasions.
What are your associations with Aloha Gaia?
Aloha Gaia brand is, first and foremost, associated with nature and harmony with everything that surrounds us: waterfalls, mountains, rivers. Most likely, this is bounded to the symbolism reflected in the names of the jewelry, stones, special aesthetics, and minimalism. Such jewelry can be a match to any outfit and will certainly make it better.
Daria / @sky_april
Is it important for you to follow fashion trends or do you create your own style not paying attention to current trends?
No, I do not follow fashion. I would even say that it is impossible to follow because every day something somewhere is changing. Today, everyone is wearing bell bottoms, tomorrow – the striped pants, and so on. So, I stick to the opinion "to wear what you like and what is comfortable".
For inspiration, sometimes I browse my favorite boards on Pinterest, and when choosing what to wear, repelled only by their mood and, of course, weather conditions. I love vintage stuff, and my new French hat has become my favorite and the most frequently worn thing in my wardrobe.
Have you prepared for prom? Which outfit do you plan to wear?
On my prom in school I had the classic outfit but with a twist. It was a dressy jumpsuit in khaki color. I looked very feminine in it. But my mistake was that I did not pay attention to accessories at that time and now when I look at the pictures, I can see that the look is not finished. I had not enough jewelry and other accessories that could have completed my outfit. So, my advice is to take the time to accent the outfit. In my opinion, this is the most important thing.
Actually, I'm one of those who likes to solve these issues in advance and consider all the details. Make mood boards, matching different things and after looking for them in stores (I love shopping, any online purchases will not be able to replace real shopping for me).
Have I prepared for graduation from the university? Of course, I've got everything ready! As for the outfit, as I said, vintage is my love! I decided to wear a transparent blouse with flared sleeves and a black top under it that will match with black pleated pants-skirt and white espadrilles. And my favorite French cap will complete the look.
Jewelry can be a great match to your look or completely change it. Which jewelry are you wearing to prom?
I would like to choose the jewelry that will emphasize and complement my simple and concise look, and become its integral part.
Do you have a special talisman that is always with you?
Yes, a pendant with two heart-shaped elements. It's small, barely noticeable and almost always fitting any of my outfits (of course, there are exceptions, but even then I do not take it off and just hide under the clothes). When I feel sad or lonely, I squeeze it in the palm of my hand and remember all people who are important for me. Then I start to feel better, and everything that disturbs seems to not exist anymore.
You have chosen your own set of jewelry. Tell us, why you loved these pieces most of all?
I was not able to limit my selection to a single collection. All pieces are so beautiful and breathtaking! I look and think: "Ah! I want this, that, and those ones, too, please!". So, I chose Theia ring and Iris ring with moonstone from Sunlight collection, Air/Earth, Fire/Water, Luna, Ohana and Strong rings on the second phalanx from Voices of the Gaia collection, Navoti ring and Askwali ring on the second phalanx, Yaktama bracelet and Paho ear jacket from Sacred Path collection, and, finally, Axis necklace.
As you can see, I just can't stop! Besides, even though all my chosen jewelry is from different collections, it can be perfectly combined with each other. These are jewelry pieces wearing which I feel comfortable, they seem to match not only my outfit, but also myself, and become an integral part of me.
What are your associations with Aloha Gaia?
Aloha Gaia brand is associated with ease and harmony between man and nature. Unique jewelry with magic and its own personality. This jewelry is something you definitely want to wear all the time, and I think they can become a great match to any look!
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Daria Boronina is a famous blogger, traveler, and food photographer from Moscow. She told us about her life path of turning a dream into reality, her journeys and future plans, and, of course, her choice of Aloha Gaia jewelry.
Aloha, Daria! Tell us, how have you become a product photographer? Was it your old dream and goal, or just fate?
Aloha! I would say, it was fate. It all started with the fact that I became a food photographer (and still I am), and then I started to love product photography along with lots of beautiful things around that I wanted to capture. But becoming a food photographer was probably my main goal after I took my first shot of food on camera.
I still remember that feeling of euphoria I got looking at photos of food and understanding how beautiful and amazing they were! At that exact moment, I realized that I wanted to photograph food every day.
You are the author of the beautiful layouts online course. You not just inspires by your own works but also helps to improve skills of others. How did you get the idea to create this course?
Generally, helping someone with something is very nice! I was just thinking about how I can be useful to others. And that’s when this idea was born. Many do not believe that they can create the beauty, and I wanted to convince them in the opposite. I believe that talent is not only given by nature but is also hiding among a great desire to develop in your favorite field, in motivation and daily practice.
In your experience: what are the main mistakes while shooting in the style of a flat lay?
The biggest mistake when you shoot any subject is flash photography in the forehead or under the lamp/chandelier. This is literally the death of a beautiful layout. If we talk about flat lay, a typical mistake is shooting not straight down with a wrong angle. Flat lay is shooting from above with the 90 degrees angle so that objects can be clearly seen.
Where do you find inspiration?
Actually, inspiration can be found everywhere! But the maximum charge of it I get from communication with interesting people, especially when dealing with new information on an exciting subject.
And, of course, I find inspiration in travels. Generally, a change of scenery helps us to see things from another angle and to find answers to questions that we could not understand before (this is true if you're traveling alone).
New things I fall in love with are also very inspiring. Not necessarily they should be sold somewhere in a store. Even a nice plate at a restaurant can give me the extra inspiration.
Do you have moments when you want to think about some aspects and take a new start or try yourself in a completely different activity?
Yes, of course, I have my moments when I just want to stop and to think of something. That's what happens when I work too much, and creative flow does not like a lot of work: it loves spontaneity. Then I just stop and give myself a break.
In general, such moments are very helpful: when we are too busy we do not notice anything around. Currently, I cannot see myself doing something apart from photography. It is not just my job, it's my life!
Do you prefer to take pictures on iPhone or on your camera?
I prefer to shoot on camera, I feel more comfortable this way. But if it is not in my hands, and I feel too lazy to find it, then I will just take a picture on my iPhone. That’s not so vital. One thing is the most importantly: the joy you get from taking that picture!
How do you usually spend your time? Describe your perfect day.
Oh, this is a very difficult question for me. I'm still in search of the perfect balance between work and my free time. My perfect day is just doing what I want at this very moment.
What do you like doing in your free time or you do not have so much of it? Do you have any hobbies besides photography and travels?
In my spare time, I like socializing and meeting with friends. Actually, I do not have any major hobby apart from photography, but I try to pay attention to other things (for instance, learning English, sports, reading, etc.) to develop myself and to relieve tension.
Do you like to live in Moscow or you have any ideas about moving elsewhere?
I like Moscow, but maybe I am just used to the city. There is everything there and I know where to find what I need. It is convenient. Maybe I would move somewhere, but I first need to understand why I need it and what will I get from it. And I have not gotten the idea yet. I would like to have freedom of movement. Then, it would be possible to live in slightly different countries.
You have so many amazing photos from your travels! Which countries have you visited this year?
This year I have been only to Georgia, Latvia, and Greece. But I hope more is yet to come!
Do you prefer spontaneous trips or planning everything in advance?
If I travel alone, I always plan everything in advance and prepare myself for all possible situations. If I go with someone, I am totally ready for spontaneity. Because together with someone I am not afraid of anything!
We love your photos from Georgia: they are perfectly illustrating the freedom and happiness of the unity with nature. But still, what do you prefer, ocean or mountains?
I can’t choose! Will say both. I love the mountains and the sea equally.
Imagine that now you have the opportunity to go anywhere on this planet. Say, for a month. Where would you go?
To Indonesia or to the United States.
Tell us about your plans for this summer.
I'd really like to enjoy life and small thing: the sunshine, fresh air, and lemonade. And to meet more often with my dearest people.
Do you have a motto in life? The one that helps to never give up no matter what, and always gives you endless motivation.
Smile to the world every day. Do what you love and escape from things that do not bring you happiness. And always listen to yourself. We get motivation from things that give us joy, and belief in ourselves helps us to never give up.
What kind of music do you like? Name 3 of the most popular tracks in the phone.
I like different music but mostly calm, for the background so that I could read or think, and also energetic that makes me want to dance. Popular tracks that I have now are:
How did you get acquainted with Aloha Gaia?
It was a very long time. Now it is even difficult to remember a time when I first found the brand. But I remember how happy I way when the jewelry was first sold offline in Moscow, and not only on the website.
Why do you like the brand and which three words are associated with it?
Freedom, nature, and originality. Apparently so and that’s why I like Aloha Gaia.
Which jewelry is your favorite?
I do not have a particular piece as I like the combination of jewelry. Especially Tethys with blue topaz and Nani and Ohana midi-rings.
Do you have crystals and minerals? And do you like Palo Santo or other home scents?
Yes, I have white quartz, rose quartz, fluorite, and amethyst. I also have Palo Santo, but I don't use it for its intended purpose because I have an intolerance to any smoke. But I like to just hold sticks in my hands and smell this unusual tree. I'm more of a fan of candles, and I have a lot of them, and I can't stop buying.
Aloha, Elina! We are so happy to meet you and learn about the travels. For starters, please tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, what is your profession?
I live in Krasnodar, which is a city in the south of Russia. On workdays, I am a standard office clerk. But I try to devote all my free time to photography and try to travel more. I took pictures long before Instagram started its existence. But when it became popular, my photography acquired a certain goal and became even more interesting and creative.
Your profile in Instagram is a wonderful combination of photographs from travels around the beautiful spots of the planet. One day you're in Turkey, the other – in Abkhazia. How long have you been traveling?
Actually, not as much as it seems. In my collection of a traveler, there are only ten countries now. My first trip was five years ago. It was a package trip to Spain from the tour agency. Since then, I realized that this format of traveling is not for me, and began to travel by myself.
What determines the direction of your next journey?
I have a list of places I definitely want to visit. That's not the plan just for the year, but rather must-have for my travels. All the trips I have had were spontaneous. For instance, I came across cheap tickets or saw some photos taken in cool places and realized that I immediately wanted to go there.
And I also like to break stereotypes. When you first learn about the country from news, articles or Wikipedia, and have some perception in your mind, a certain stereotype. And then, once you arrive and see everything with your own eyes, everything is usually quite different. Thus you get a real image of the country and people there.
Name three things you always need when you go on a trip.
The most important thing without which I never go anywhere is a camera and a couple of photogenic things. Everything else is, to be honest, irrelevant.
What is a dream-journey like for you?
I don't really have particular travel dreams. I would rather call my dream to leave the office and just aimlessly travel by van. Actually, all my trips happen this way. But there are a few countries where I could go right away. If I have a chance to find myself in any part of the world now, I would definitely choose Iceland.
What are those things you find hard to get used to while traveling?
I would say there are none as I easily manage during all my trips. So I can’t even choose anything that seems complicated. I guess I just haven't been to a really dangerous country.
What's your favorite music during the journey?
That’s country music for sure!
Which place among latest visited did you like the most and why?
I would say it’s Armenia. One of the most sincere and hospitable countries. Soon I plan one more visit there but in a different season. Last time when I went there it was winter.
What has changed for you after you started traveling?
My perception of many things has changed. When you travel independently, communicate with locals and live a normal city life in another country, you do not feel as if you are a tourist. And you begin to feel love (or vice versa) towards this country. And, what is more interesting, you begin to appreciate your home country and feel patriotic.
Our latest Axis mini-collection is inspired by the mythical axis of the world - the connection of earth and sky. Ancient people imagined mountains to be such place. And what's your place of power?
The place of power for me are also mountains. They give me such a powerful charge of energy, inspiration, and clear thoughts.
What are your hobbies besides traveling?
In addition to travels, of course, photography. As long as I can remember, I have always had a camera in my hands. When I started photography I even shot on old film cameras. I had no intention to turn this hobby into a job. It's something that helps me grow and to look differently at this world.
What inspires you?
I am always inspired by the atmosphere of places that I visit. My Instagram profile is mostly about my travels, no matter whether it's another country or neighboring towns.
Tell us why do you like Aloha Gaia?
Aloha Gaia is a jewelry brand with special philosophy. Somehow magically jewelry is so attractive and gives me incredible energy.
Which jewelry would you like to wear?
I am now looking for earrings and rings with blue topaz and amethyst. These stones are so attractive!
Aloha, Beliz! We are so happy to have you as our guest for the blog. Please, tell us a bit about your way as an artist: when did you start drawing, have you graduated from an arts college, and what is your main activity now?
Hello everyone, I’m also very happy to сreate something for Aloha Gaia. You have been a big inspiration for me for a long time. Talking about myself, I’ve always had a passion for painting and drawing since I was a kid. I live in Istanbul and in high school, I decided to put my focus on architecture because Istanbul is a very inspiring city.
After graduating from college, I worked in an architecture firm for a year. But I felt that I had more passion for illustrations and graphic design than architecture. So, I quit my job and worked as a freelance illustrator last year.
I also started my small business, a stationery shop called “Mazu Studio” and I’m planning to expand it soon. But before getting into that, I decided to get a solid education about illustration & graphic design, so this year I’m doing my Master’s degree in Italy, Florence.
Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day starts early, with a very good breakfast. I’m usually very productive early in the day, so my day continues as I take my watercolors and create illustrations for a couple of hours – preferably in a cozy café.
Also, I am doing the photo shoots and the packaging of my products. The process is incredibly fun for me, so I work on my brand for the rest of the day. And my perfect day ends with a chill night out with my close friends and my boyfriend.
Where do you work: at home or in a studio?
In Istanbul, I was working at home, but I always felt the need to rent a studio. I usually need a lot of space and a lot of light, but there I didn’t have enough space. Right now, in Florence, I’m working at home as well and now I have a lot of space, but not enough light. So, I’m hoping to find a nice studio, when I go back home. The only thing that disturbs my creative process is when someone is watching me draw. I never found the way to cope with that, I hope I will one day :)
As we can see, your art is nature-inspired. Where else do you find inspiration?
That’s true: my main inspiration is nature, usually flowers and plants. I’m always charmed by their forms, colors, and dynamics. Even as a kid, I was painting florals. I have photo archive in my phone with plant photos from the botanical gardens I visited all around the world and that archive helps me a lot.
Other than nature, I get inspired by what I search and see online. I get inspired especially by good jewelry, natural stones, and crystals. That’s how I found Aloha Gaia and I’ve been inspired by your philosophy and world perception a lot.
I also have a few favorite stationery designers and I buy their products whenever I find them. Actually, the stationery brand, Rifle Paper Co. was one of the main reasons I decided to focus my energy on my illustrations and start my own line of products.
What are your hobbies? Do you have enough time to do everything you want and what is your time-management advice that helps you?
Well, my hobby was watercolors and now it has turned into my full-time job. I’m really lucky because I somehow managed to turn my hobby into my job. Even now, whenever I find the time, I paint random things and create random illustrations just for fun. It’s a major stress relief for me. But I still feel the need to find something new as a hobby. Maybe calligraphy or ceramics… Not sure yet.
What kind of music do you like? What was your favorite movie of the ones you have recently watched?
It sounds a little lame, but I listen to all kinds of music. I was really into alternative rock when I was younger, but now what I listen to totally depends on my mood. Also, after going to a classical music concert in Italy, I developed a new interest in classical music. It’s very soothing.
It’s very hard to pick, but I guess the best movies I watched recently are Nocturnal Animals and Hidden Figures. I also hadn’t watched Back to the Future until very recently and I was blown away by it!
What do you love about living in Italy? Do you like traveling abroad or across your country?
Living in Italy changed me a lot. Back in Istanbul, I was very stressed and in a hurry, all the time. Istanbul is definitely a crazy city. But life in Florence is very slow and relaxed. It took me a while to adjust myself, but after I started living more freely and less stressed. Now I feel like I enjoy life more than before.
Which place in the world would you visit right now if you were offered any destination?
I love traveling and seeing new places and cultures (who doesn’t?!), so it really doesn’t matter if I travel abroad or across my country. But the truth is, I travelled abroad a lot and still haven’t seen so many beautiful places in my own country and I feel like I’m missing out. So, this summer I’ll be travelling across the country for sure.
Our new mini-collection Axis is related to the symbolism that is inspired by the place of power. What is your place of power if there are any?
I have a world travel wish list in my mind and there are a LOT of places in that list, but Cambodia, Angkor Wat, is definitely on the top. It’s a magical place and I would love to go there someday.
How did you find Aloha Gaia and why do you like us?
I found Aloha Gaia on Instagram a couple of years ago and I’ve been following it ever since. The general perception and the atmosphere of Aloha Gaia are very interesting to me, especially because I’m very fascinated by nature and symbolism. I think Aloha Gaia is very special in that sense and it gives me so much inspiration.
Which jewelry is your favorite?
I’m thinking about getting an earring or an ear jacket. Starlight ear jacket is my favorite!
One day, you will accidentally find yourself at the right time in the right place, and millions of roads will converge at one point...
Tell us about music for the mixtape? Why did you choose these tracks for Aloha Gaia?
I chose most of the tracks in the ambient genre as I usually listen to this kind of music. By the way, a lot of the tracks in the mixtape come from our trip to Mexico. There, we rented a cool old 1972 Volkswagen, where we lived and rode along the country roads. We drove all the way from Cancun to Tulum and went to the Islands to celebrate the New Year.
I can’t forget how we went through the jungle, where the whole road was strewn with sand between tall palm trees. While driving, we were listening to electronic music of Brain Eno and Nabukazo Takemura, and these were perfect soundtracks to our trip. This music is suitable for joyful travels somewhere close to nature.
Just imagine: the only light was a headlight on the road, the sides of a car were touched by the leaves, and in a moment you find yourself on the beautiful seaside.
It seems that you love to travel to the unexplored parts of the world. Have you already found your place of power, where you feel calm and right?
For me, this is a workplace in the house. The place where I can make music. Not long ago, I finally had some time to do it. And I was so happy to just sit in the apartment of nowhere to go and write music. Usually, I sleep less, but work always gives me some power. Here it is, my happiness.
So, to compose music you don't even need inspiration? Just some rest and time with yourself?
I think people are mistaken when they say that for writing music there must be some kind of inspiration. I always wonder how others approach this process. I watched and read interviews with various musicians. And it was said that many compare inspiration with appetite: as appetite comes with eating, inspiration comes the moment when you sit down and start to work.
We know how much stress creative people face. Tell us, how do you find the internal balance and regulate your mood?
I suddenly found that I feel good and calm when I spend a lot of time making music. If I do it sufficiently, I start feeling mega happy. During the process, I relax, become much happier, I'm not sleepy and have nothing that can make me feel frustrated. All in all, for me it's the best hobby ever.
I believe that people cannot get tired of their favorite things. Even if it has nothing to do with creativity. It just doesn't seem to work. When I get tired of other things, all I want is to make music.
We noticed that you have a tattoo in the shape of a crescent on your arm. The moon is one of the symbols that we use in the design of Aloha Gaia jewelry. Tell us, why the moon is special for you as well?
Actually, I have had my lucky star since childhood, and this is the Sun. I remember how I often talked to it, just sat down on the windowsill and had long conversations. But the Moon for me is a special thing. In fact, it affects each of us. I really like the moon as a symbol: it's like a double circle, in which one figure is superimposed on the other.
There is one more thing associated with the moon, which greatly influenced my perception of the world in my childhood. And this is the cartoon “Sailor Moon”. When growing up, we find ourselves under the influence of society and after we experience some things, the colors of life can fade, you know. Thus, this cartoon for me is the opportunity to remind myself about life perception from the times when I was a child. When I watch it again and again, I feel as if I am going back to childhood and tell myself: “Kate, nothing has changed”.
Generally, when you are doing creative work, there is always some emotional instability. Your inner child is the most truthful of what is in you and in others. When you're composing music, it's great to raise an inner child, to get rid of all limitations and voices of society in your head. Just start to listen to yourself and your desires.
What's your plan for this summer?
My plan is to finish the album “NV”. Now I have a lot of material for 2 albums, but need to find time to finalize them. Recently, my disk with multiple tracks has been released. For the whole May, I'm going on a big tour with Jessy Lanza in America. Then I return to Moscow for several concerts, then again go to New York, and so it goes on. I usually live between important dates and each time I notice that time seems to shrink. But despite the stress, still, have time to do more.
Hope you enjoyed the mixtape, and look forward to new releases, gigs, and projects!
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Aloha, Zhenya! You have recently visited Hawaii. Each journey teaches us something new. What did you learn while your trip to Hawaii?
The Hawaiian islands, above all, taught me how to love myself, in a new and special way to love others, to love nature, to respect customs of others. And I learned how to cure myself with the powers of nature. It seems that I knew how to do it before, but the Hawaiian nature is so unique and unexplored that you unintentionally feel the close connection with it. It cures the soul and relieves all bad things accumulated life in the city. And all the mental disease of our century disappear by themselves.
Which is the song associated with your travels?
As soon as we arrived at our first island of Kauai and checked in our hostel that was located right on the shore of the ocean, we heard a song playing from the cafe next door. It is Israel “IR” Ka'ano'i Kamakawiwo'ole “Over the Rainbow”. I believe you've heard it many times. Now imagine how during the night on the island these sounds are mixed with wind and sound of the waves. That is why the song is perceived as an integral part of this place, as the national anthem, and the guiding melody that travels with us wherever we go.
Often we may have some stereotypes about the place. What surprised you in Hawaii and which stereotypes were gone eventually?
The main stereotype that I've managed to get rid of is the fact that Hawaii is an overpopulated resort with a huge number of Americans, traditional dances for tourists, braided wreaths of flowers, and lookalike expensive hotels for spending the honeymoon. Of course, you can also find all these, but only in Waikiki in Honolulu, that is on the island of Oahu. This place gathers all the stereotypes about these islands.
In other places, you can find empty beaches, incredible national parks, waterfalls, and mountains. Add the kindest people, especially locals who lead the simple life. Native Hawaiians who play ukulele somewhere on a bench under a wide Banyan and cozy bonfires on the beach when on Wednesdays and Saturdays a few dozens of people gather. People sing, run barefoot on the sand, and just enjoy this incredible and amazing life, tell each other stories of their travels.
Tell us about the national parks that you have been to?
The main parks we managed to visit are Napali Coast State Wilderness Park on the island of Kauai. It was there when we made the famous Kalalau Trail which is 50 kilometers long. And also, we were impressed by Waimea Canyon State Park. It is on Kauai and called a small canyon of the US, although I would argue about its size.
On Big Island, we visited the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where real lava flows flow right into the ocean. And on Maui, the main park was Haleakala National Park, which means "House of the Sun". It was here that we saw the dawn on top of Haleakala volcano.
When did you decide to choose photography for your professional field? What was your first camera?
I started shooting when I was 15. And my first camera was… I don’t remember exactly but it was a digital Sony, which managed to take bright, contrast picture, which then seemed to be my own small masterpieces. Now I cannot look at them without shame. I started shooting when I was on the journey. Later, I was doing it more seriously in my university. Thus, my first commercial shooting happened about five years ago, and now I even cannot imagine myself without my camera in hands.
Have you ever had shootings in extreme conditions?
On the Kamchatka Peninsula, during altitude changes the weather was often merciless. Ice storms, gloomy fog, snow, and incredible wind. In such moments, all I wanted was to be somewhere in a warm place. However, my desire helped me to stay. I would even say that in extreme conditions your courage increases, and I always wanted to take interesting shots, and then, looking at them, to remember, in which conditions this shot was taken.
We have recently presented a collection Axis. Axis mundi means "world axis" – the place where earth and sky meet. Such places keep special energy. Tell us, what is a place of power for you?
My place of power is always wild nature. For example, in regions with mountains or volcanos where the new soil is formed, and these processes generate amazing energy streams that physically nourish you from the inside.
On the Big Island, I felt all four elements that were united in a single moment. We met the sunrise at the lava field, where lava – Fire, flowed into the ocean and merged with Water. Thus, the formed steam of Air was carried away by the wind and then settled on Earth. The feeling of transience and reality of what was happening forced the whole body to shiver and to feel the immediacy of being on this planet.
What is the most complicated part of travelling for you? Maybe it is fear of something unknown and distant in cultures that are different from what we are used to?
Actually, I'm not afraid of it. This is exactly what I'm looking for while travelling. The feeling of the unknown, unusual surroundings, a complete change of scenery, new people, previously unseen landscapes, and unexplored culture.
Sometimes I think, "Well, how is it that we all live on the same planet, but we are so different, amazing, interesting… Why do we have so little time to explore it all?".
You said correctly that travelling teaches us. Every time I come back with wealth of knowledge, which is then naturally used in daily life, at work and even in search of ourselves. And the most difficult is, perhaps, returning home when you know that tickets for the next trip are still not purchased.
Aloha is a way of life. How do you define Aloha?
Aloha is the attitude towards life. It is love, peace, and compassion. The man whose soul is filled with what the Hawaiians call "Aloha" lives with sincerity in the heart. The spirit of Aloha is easily spread to others: it is contagious once you spend some time with others.
There are three words you need to know in Hawaiian: Aloha, Ohana, and Mahalo. Ohana is family, but not only relatives – the family in its global sense. It's the people – friends, relatives or even strangers. But when we are with each other and filled with the spirit of Aloha, we become "Ohana". And then "Mahalo", which is gratitude, is born.
Do you have any talismans? Or something you always take with you while going on a journey?
Actually, for two years I have taken at least two Aloha Gaia rings with moonstone. And I always wear a small plastic pendant with mantras inside. This pendant is from Nepal, where I was given it by the monks from the monastery in Pokhara after the ceremony.
Which Aloha Gaia jewelry you already have and which jewelry pieces are your favorite?
I have quite a lot of rings, because I'm a big fan of this attribute. My favorite ones are Falcon and Iris with moonstone. When I wear them, I feel very comfortable, get used to them and even forget to take them off. I also have Aurora earrings and wear them with great pleasure.
In Hawaii, there are quite a few hiking trails. One of your photos was taken at sunrise on a hike called "Stairway to Heaven". Tell us, which dawn was the most beautiful in your life and where you watched it?
I think this was the sunrise on mount Haleakala on Maui. I remember every moment. We woke up while it was still dark, and the sky was full of stars. Then it was an hour and a half driving to the top. The wind was cold, and we could see light on the horizon.
It is surprising that such phenomenon as dawn makes people come together, and capture moments of ascending the sun above the horizon to celebrate the new day. Once you climb to the highest point and visit the most beautiful places, you know this incredible, exciting and awesome feeling of being a witness of the true miracle of life.
We often talk about our true “home”. Maybe this is the place where we spent our childhood, or the place every time coming to which, we feel harmony and happiness. But home is not exactly a specific place. For example, the name of the “Shantaram” book character translates as “man of peace”. And what does “home” mean for you and where is it?
I believe that such place there is somewhere, but I haven't found it yet. I just know that each of us has something they call home. For me, this is the place where my heart is happy and calm. But currently, I am still on my way with a search of it. Apparently, I've never felt that Russia is my home or the place where I was supposed to stay and start a family. I feel comfortable when I am on my way, especially if there is someone I love nearby. Of course, it cannot last forever, but I know that the moment when I find such a place and decide to stay there will come one day.
In Hawaii, surfing is much more than just a hobby. Have you tried to catch a wave?
The first time I tried surfing happened in Kamchatka. However, I was not brave enough in Hawaii as waves were big enough. Winter is always like this, especially on Maui. It is perfect for lovers of extreme sports and thrilling adventures, but not for beginners as I am.
In Hawaii, you can see a lot of rescuers on all public beaches, and they always have things to do. Ocean currents are extremely dangerous, and even experienced surfers and swimmers sometimes fall into these hidden traps. So, I decided to postpone my surfing activity until better times when I get the opportunity to try it one more time in a more peaceful place.
Imagine you can choose any destination in the world. Where would you like to go right now and why?
I would go to Patagonia. I would take a horse there and would drive for three weeks through the most beautiful mountain ranges, welcoming each mountain top and enjoying each new turn. Actually, after I have watched the movie called “The Motorcycle Diaries”, I could not get rid of my thoughts about South America. And now I dream of coming there to work on a significant project for a couple of months.
This mini playlist is dedicated to constant progress, getting better, and not overthinking of what others say. Day by day we are changing, and this is so joyful when we accept all these changes and are happy to be who we are ✨ Aloha!
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Majestic melody found its place in this mini-playlist to make you relax, get ready for a small journey to the Orient and in the end feel its spirit. Music can be inconceivable and hard to describe thanks to its almost magical nature. Just listen and enjoy ✨
]]>With the right music, you either forget everything or remember everything 🎶
]]>For many centuries ancient Indians have prayed to beings of a great might called 'Kachina', which means 'spirits of the invisible powers'. Rituals are performed on the holy mountain called Oraibi from the winter to the summer solstice, which is from December to June. To always remember the powers of the gods, Hopi carved out wooden dolls that represent the spirits of nature powers as well as all living beings – plants, trees, birds, animals, and the spirits of their ancestors.
Hopis live in pueblos that are made of stone and mud, walls of which keeps a lot of secrets. Their underground chambers found in pueblo homes are called ‘kivas’ and are still used to talk and have religious ceremonies in. The Indians believe that if they climb to the surface on the stairs of the temple and get out through a small opening in the ceiling, they will find themselves in a new and different world. Such sacred ritual remind them of the perfect world, and help to never forget about our close relationship with the planet.
Hopi believed that image of a maze is a talisman, and walking in it is a metaphor of life: the way a maze changes unexpectedly, sometimes distracting us from the main goal, but ultimately leading to the center. Labyrinth is a sacred space in which time slows down, and we feel the potential for growth, progress and change. When one reaches the center, he is left alone and has the opportunity to discover something important and significant that would eventually change his direction. When we come out of the maze we are different from those who we were when entering it. It is thought that we can find our dreams and goals, and when they come true, we are reborn for a new stage of life.
On the photo are Yaktama ring, Navoti ring and Navoti midi-ring.
]]>How did you eventually become an tattoo artist?
In my student years, people asked me to draw sketches for their future tattoos from time to time, and when they sent me the results, I was kind of disappointed with what I saw. Almost every time I felt this way, therefore I thought that if someone entrusted me to make a tattoo sketch, it would be perfect l to give people this so-called 'eternity' myself, starting with the idea and ending with its implementation. But my plan was to stay an artist, paint the walls, canvases, doing illustrations, like it was in the past, and only sometimes, on request, to be able to make the most of their own tattoo pattern. And you can see the result: my main occupation now is the art of tattooing, which is fantastically interesting to know and learn from the inside. Now it is an integral part of my life.
Where did you study?
I had a teacher – it was damn informative, but quite expensive. And I knew from the beginning that the starting point of becoming a tattoo artist will not be easy. From his lessons I learned the basics and fundamentals of all the technical side, but lines technique I studied in practice by trial and error making tattoos to my friends. They, of course, were fully aware that it will be not perfect tattoos as I was only learning but still they gave me the chance to try tattooing on their arms and legs, which was a kind of 'blank canvas training' for me. That time I did not have a studio and tattoo was just a hobby, and I took charge only for the materials. It was 2.5 years ago. Now, according to my calculations, about 600-700 people inked by me are walking around the globe. My head starts spinning when I am thinking about it.
How do people usually learn about you: via Instagram or just see friends inked by you?
It's true. Most of my clients come to me because they found me on Instagram: as soon as I upload a photo, several people are requesting the tattoo by me. And, of course, word of mouth still has its powers by bringing new friends quite often. I try to respond to everyone, but I am not accepting each request. I'm concerned with a story that is put into the new job, and I trust my imagination and hands.
Which patterns or objects do you do more often in your tattoo designs?
Mostly people come to me for mountains and forests, for nature, to be precise. I, myself, never chose this topic – it chose me itself. For example, recently I have realized that I rarely do sketches for tattoos with flowers. There's nothing personal in that, I'm just not interested in doing it. Much more, I love to portray animals. I was once asked by my friend to draw mountains and, apparently, I was able to somehow miraculously get to the point precisely right. Thus, almost immediately when discussing tattoo ideas, there appeared the phrase 'your mountains'. Just the other day some guys traveled be train around 1000 km, the whole night – 17 hours, traveling by train, so that I could do mountain tattoo for them. I have no words to express my feelings! It's just fantastic.
Which techniques do you use in your work and which ones do you like more?
Lines, dots, but it is not 'dotwork'. I use the 'noise' style, too. I do not have clear rules for this style. I like the color tattoos, but only in combination with clear contours. I'm still in search of how to combine color with my style. In the meantime, my life is all about black and white tattoos.
On the photo are Stardust and Mawu rings.
You have a non-standard way from fine artist to tattoo artist. What would you like to spend more time on?
Actually, I would not call my way unusual, it is now more like a trend: many run on the way from paper to skin. I want to once again be a fine artist. I feel so bad about those unfinished canvases which give me sad look when I walk past to open the door to the next guest. And I also want to learn Japanese, do not know why but I insanely want to at least to try it. But the problem is that it require a lot of attention and time for learning, and learning it just a little bit does not make sense. So, I still weigh all 'for' and 'against'. But I do like Japanese culture, mentality, thinking, nature, writing and calligraphy. As I am a visual, I feel that their aesthetic touches me deeply. I find beautiful everything that is connected with Japan so I want to learn more about it. I want to go to Japan so much!
What are other places on the planet you wanted to go to?
My list for today: Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, and States again. Of course, I like Asia, too. This spring, I wandered around rice fields of Vietnam, had my soul rest in the Bayon temple complex in Cambodia, made a couple of tattoos in a bungalow on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand, and had a lot of coolest adventures with my best friend! How one can possibly not love Asia? There lives the magic, for sure.
Do you like living in Moscow? Many creative people are leaving this city. Have you ever had such thoughts?
I constantly have the desire to leave but only to experience living in another country, as long as there is no obligation. But in Moscow I have My Forest Ink, which is only one year old and is still being renovated. Even one month ago, everything was different, and month by month something is changing very fast and I do not want to leave my studio during this active time. Now some guest artists come, so there is always something interesting going on here.
What kind of music do you listen to and what movies do you watch?
Only today I realized that this year I went to movie only twice. I liked Captain Fantastic from what I have recently watched. And a very cute movie What We Do in the Shadows. Actually, I rarely watch something and mainly listen to my old music. But currently I discover a lot of new bands and songs thanks to online sources. Sometimes I like to listen to my old hip-hop playlists, and while drawing, I turn on electronic music with broken bits and natural sounds. Among my favorites are Alt-J, Glass Animals, The Album Leaf, and my most loved ones are Bonobo and Nujabes.
What are you reading now?
I have just begun ‘Cloud Atlas’. From the last book I read I liked 'The Book Thief' – one of few books that I want to keep in print edition. 'Martin Eden', 'The house, in which...", and for inspiration – 'Lust for Life'. My own rating of books is based on unstoppable desire to illustrate what I have read, but it appears not every time.
On the photo are Mawu and Stellar rings.
Tell us how you got to know Aloha Gaia.
I love silver and different symbols in jewelry, it just makes my soul feel warm. Honestly, I do not remember how I found you, probably via Instagram. I realized how close your jewelry was to me when saw your Tipi ring. Actually, tipi is a tiny element that is on one of my very first tattooes. Most often I wear Mawu ring, and I also have a ring Stardust, which is amazing. I love the phrase inside the ring which says 'Make a wish'. Actually, I found it not on purpose: it was in the plane on my way to Asia. So I wished that trip to be great, and it really was incredible!
Which of our jewelry pieces would you like to purchase?
I really like the suspension Supermoon with a large moon! One of the earliest jewelry pieces made by Aloha Gaia. In general, all I like all jewelry as they are easy to combine with each other.
What would you like to see in the upcoming collection by Aloha Gaia?
I stopped wearing earrings long time ago and never put them on again. Previously, I liked massive earrings, especially with feathers, but the last time I wore stud earrings. It would be great to buy some small earrings.
]]>Autumn is the season for warm sweaters and pumpkin latte. This is the time for comfort and relaxation. We would like to present you our new melodic and tranquil playlist 'Memory Lane' by our friend Dmitry Titov.
Turn it on tonight and hear the story of love, separation, farewell and forgiveness. You will hear the Icelandic romance, St. Petersburg electronics and saxophone interlude.
When did you start getting involved in illustration art and at what point did you realize that this is your cup of tea?
I fell in love with it ever since I have attended an art school. I liked illustrations in any format in magazines, books, or animations. At that moment I could not even imagine that the illustration art would be such an important part of my life. During my studies I began trying my hand at different art styles and finally fell in love with illustration art during one project in my institute. After graduation, I already knew that I want to be an illustrator for sure.
Do you have a degree in arts or you just learned everything by yourself?
Fine art has always been a huge part of my life. I went to school where we learned not only general subjects but also some art classes. After that I studied in a private studio for two years, and then I was admitted to the Institute of Architecture, Design and Visual Arts to the bachelor’s program in design. When I studied in school, I did not see myself as a 'classical' artist who always sits with a paintbrush in front of an easel. I've always liked cartoons, and now I like them even more than movies. And I have always wanted to be a woman who comes up with interesting ideas and creates cartoons! I did not know how and where I could learn to do that, but I really wanted to. As time passed by, the moment when I had to choose my specialty came. The most suitable for me was design. After studying for two years, I realized that the chosen specialty was very broad. This is what I liked about it mostly: I had an opportunity to get a deep insight into almost every art and to choose something that I thought suited me better. This is how I finally came to illustration art, and then over some time I realized that everything happens for the best. Now I can create a ‘world’ and characters exactly as I want them to be, even though they are static.
Prisma Infinity ring, Orion ring and bracelet with moonstone.
Are illustrations your main activity or do you have any other projects in addition to your personal blog?
I devote most of my time to Illustrations. But fine art is such an incredibly vast field that I get different tasks each time. And in addition to watercolor illustrations, I do graphic design and painting. Sometimes I have a desire to take all paints, a big canvas and express all emotions on it. I think that we should not get stuck on one thing only. It is necessary to use fantasy and let our hands and imagination do the work. It helps us relax, learn and may even reveal something new about ourselves. Now I'd like to improve my language and be able to write beautiful texts. I have a channel on YouTube where I practice to edit videos and compose a scenario for my future text. This is what I really like. A I often remind myself that I have the blog and the website, and need to update them as well.
What is the most enjoyable thing in your work?
The ability to express myself and thus to show others my perception of everything. I come up with my characters exactly as I want them to be, and with each of my works I create my own world with its own history. I believe that by looking at my illustrations people can get an idea of my personality. Also, one of the advantages can be the new people I meet who are somehow connected with art or just interested in it. New friends, new work as well as an opportunity to grow professionally.
What inspires you?
Nothing. Really, there is nothing certain outside that inspires me to create something. The key thing for me is my internal harmony, this warm and calm feeling. It appears thanks to a lot of things, but I lose it, I know how to get it back! For example, a pleasant conversation, funny stories or a comfortable silence. Also, delicious food, exciting activities, watching movies or life stories of other people can help me to feel my inner peace.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Walking around the city, drinking coffee or tea. It's always a pleasure at any time of the year. Especially I like walks on a sunny day or in early morning, which is, unfortunately, a very, very rare thing for me. I am for having a walk with my friends as well as just being alone. Actually, I love it when I have 'time slots' of free time for myself. That's when I start to deal with everything put off for the future. I create something, write, learn, or read... And, of course, there comes a girly time when I treat myself with aroma oils, facial masks and other miscellaneous beauty secrets.
What are your favorite song and a movie?
It is very difficult to choose! I love watching cartoons and documentaries as much as I enjoy watching movies about nature and natural phenomena. What concerns my music tastes, I cannot point at anything specific as I like different genres. But here is an interesting fact: most of my cute illustrations were created when 'heavy' music was playing.
When and how did you learn about Aloha Gaia brand?
About 3 years ago I found your Instagram page with a lot of inspiring photos. It was the love from the first sight. I liked everything: colors, design, photo composition... Each photograph of your jewelry just fascinated me. I realized that I have always wanted to see exactly such jewelry on my body. And it seemed as if I just look into my own perception of jewelry design and someone had just made all my wishes a reality. You know, it is like music: it plays in my heart and head, and when I hear something close, I can say with certainty that it’s my 'inner' music. It's so exciting!
Which jewelry piece by Aloha Gaia is your favorite?
My favorite jewelry piece is Athena ring.
Which jewelry or maybe other products would you like to see in Aloha Gaia?
I like absolutely everything, that’s why I will be so glad to see something new in your catalogue. What it will be - does not really matter. In my personal jewelry collection there are no pendants and necklace so maybe it would be nice to have them. All in all, I fully trust Aloha Gaia team and support their thoughts and set of mind! I always look forward to seeing something new, and each time I do that – I wonder and admire.
]]>This summer Aloha Gaia team went on a journey across Europe. In Paris we have met up with our friend and talented photographer Anna Pavlova. She shared her story of getting to know the jewelry created by Aloha Gaia.
Is your trip to Paris somehow connected with business or you came here just for leisure?
Almost all of my trips happen unexpectedly if they are not business-related ones. And this time I came to Paris for the presentation of the smartphone, which I will write about in my Instagram account. Short trips like that bring me pleasure but consume a lot of energy because apart from exploring the city, I must firstly concentrate on my work.
Name your favourite places in Paris, why do you love them?
Unfortunately, I had only 24 hours to explore Paris, and most of this time I spent in Versailles, which I liked a lot. Also, I think the Eiffel Tower is beautiful only from a distance.
Which things you cannot imagine your trips without?
Without a camera, a laptop and a notebook. Perhaps last two items would remain unpacked in my suitcase, but I need a laptop for sorting and editing photos during my trips. It is very convenient, especially when there is no break between one journey and next one.
Gala ring with moonstone, Kokon ring.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the people who write me that they like my works. Their feedback gives me energy for a long time, and I want to go on making people happy. And it's so nice when our views and attitudes coincide! And, of course, my family and friends who are always ready to give me a "magic kick" when I really need that. Thanks to that I never sit on one place and am constantly involved into something new. Who knows where I would be now if I did not have all those people in my life.
How did you find Aloha Gaia brand?
I got acquainted with the brand two years ago. It happened in Monoroom store in Moscow. I saw the beautiful jewelry and chose Luna ring. It deeply touched my soul even though I did not wear rings so often at that time, but eventually this spontaneous purchase made me pay more attention to jewelry in general.
Why do you like our jewelry?
I cannot say that I like all jewelry by Aloha Gaia but I found something very familiar and unique for me in your jewelry designs, and I believe that everyone can find something special for themselves as well. For example, Tipi ring is basically my home, which is always with me, and Gala ring reminds me of my grandfather, who knew a lot about various stones and gave me jewelry with moonstone that suits my horoscope. I usually wear a combination of Tipi and Kokon rings. And I also have Compass earrings with moonstone that I almost never put off.
Which jewelry piece by Aloha Gaia you would like to buy next?
I am thinking about buying Iris pendant with moonstone from the new collection Sunlight. I think it looks very concise and feminine.
Which jewelry would you like to see in our future collections?
I would like Aloha Gaia to create more concise thin rings for every day, and I also want to see more pictures with your jewelry shot in beautiful places around the world in your Instagram account. I love to take pictures of your rings when I am travelling – they perfectly match the design of my Instagram profile.
Tipi and Theia ring, Orion ring with moonstone, Iris ring with labradorite and moonstone, Eos ring with black onyx, Tara midi ring.
Every time you take a picture of our jewelry from various beautiful places on our planet, you fill our hearts with happiness and joy!
Travel with Aloha Gaia and tag your photos with #alohagaia_everywhere!
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