M A R K
A REY exclusive Editorial photographed in Cyprus.
Produced and Photographed by Stavros Christodoulou.
Introducing Mark Keerati
The Queer 2022 Calendar by French artist & photographer Romain Berger
Romain Berger is a French artist and photographer who focus on the LGBTQ+ community for his artwork. He has seen his work published in European and US magazines, the SUM gallery in Vancouver has exhibited his work during the Queer Art Show, and he is now organising his new exhibition which will take place in his home country during Pride month.
‘‘Openly queer, I highlight, without modesty, a community often excluded and pointed out (gays, women, trans, drag queens...), trying to change mentalities at my humble level. This work allows me to talk about social and topical issues, but also to give a representation of the LGBTQ+ community on a background of ultra colourful, offbeat and erotic settings. I like to play with the codes of crypto-gay cinema and not leave the viewer indifferent’’ Romain noted.
The 33 years old artist has published a new 2022 calendar and he shares some of the pages of his latest project. A REY online exclusive:
Christos Katsavochristos x REY
Christos Katsavochristos from VN Models has been one of our favourites from day one,
The last three years, we have seen his career growing and him being the main face of big campaigns in Europe and the world.
REY: Finally we meet again!
Christos: Hello again! Thank you for having me Xx
When did you start modelling?
Well, it was about 7 years ago! At the beginning of my career I wasn’t really focused on that. It took me around a year to start seeing things more professionally!
Who was the first person to offer you job?
The owner of an agency approached me in a pool party in Mykonos and proposed to me to be represented by him in the model industry. I took the chance of course and a year after I signed with a bigger agency.
Have you always wanted to be a model?
It was on my mind cause some people used to tell me about it but I wasn’t sure that I want to do it. I used to be like “it would be nice, but I don’t know” haha
Do you have any male model as an idol or inspiration for modelling?
David Gandy is one of my favourites! I don’t really have him as an idol or specific source of inspiration though. I admire him as I do with a lot of models as well but that’s it! I don’t try to be someone else, we are all unique.
Here at REY, we are Katsavochristos fans from day one! We have seen you growing in the industry and finally your face was all around Europe and the world with your latest D Squared campaign. Tell us more about your experience.
Well it still looks weird to me every time I look back to think about this journey. It was a super interesting experience with ups and downs but in the end I am winner just because I lived it! The Dsq2 campaign it is one of the biggest in my career I have to admit! Thanks to Dean & Christian Oita and their beautiful mood and energy the photoshoot turned into a fun day and that’s the most important part of it - the journey! And of course I’m so grateful for the great material (pics+videos) I got!
Which photo shooting is your favourite so far?
Oh there are so many that I can’t compare them. Actually, my favourite ones are the shootings that I got treated well, the team was kind and I didn’t get too much tired. But I can’t reveal more for the clients hehe.
Any future plans you can share with us?
.Nowadays everything changes so fast in unexpected ways. Since we all have to live with Covid19 in our life I’m trying to make new plans that could stand the current situation. I am already in discussions for new projects but you’ll see more very soon ;)
Tell us something about you that we didn’t expect to hear.
I love singing! I sing all the time, in the shower, in the car, on my bicycle etc but I’m the worst singer all around the world!
Are you in love this period?
I’m not and I started worrying about that from the time you asked me hahaha
What is the song you are always listening to these days?
Oh that’s easy, my favourite song the last 2 years is the “Iron Sky” by Paolo Nutini
Photographed in Athens by Dimitrios Kleanthous.
Art Direction & Styling Christos Christou
Grooming Christos Theophanous
Agency is VN Models
Ciao Bello
Christian Santamaria exclusively on REY. Photographed in Barcelona.
Photographed by Alejandro Ramirez
Starring Christian @ View Management
ROMEO
A REY exclusive underwear editorial story, photographed in Milan.
Photographed by Roberto Chiovitti
Starring @just.nick_of
STRANGE TIDES
A REY exclusive editorial, photographed at the Dutch coastline (area Scheveningen/Den Haag).
Photographed by Armando Branco
Styling & Direction JoniaZ
Starring artist & preformer Bobby Snijder
Grooming Bobby Snijder
Assistant Stylists: Caspar Lapré & Bobby Snijder
Wardrobe: JoniaZ
sunkissed.
A REY exclusive fashion editorial.
Photographed by George Lavantsiotis
Styling Filip Vlajovic / Starring Filip Vlajovic
Our Conversation with Dimitris Theocharis about COVID-19, Changes in the Fashion Industry and more
The Greek American Fashion and Portrait photographer Dimitris Theocharis has seen his work in many leading publications including Vanity Fair, Harpers Bazaar, ELLE and Vogue. Currenlly based in South London, the innovative, award-winning photographer talks exclusively to our Editor in Chief about the life after quarantine, all the changes in fashion, and a lot more.
REY: Hello Dimitris and thank you for accepting our invitation. How are your days during quarantine? Has the lockdown changed a lot from your daily routine?
Yes and no…my days are full, just as before, I have redirected my energy and focus on different aspects of my career and life. Apart from the obvious physical limitations of not going out, or taking on new projects, there are a plethora of ways to stay busy and be creative.
For example, I've started cooking again, so no more food deliveries and a good part of my day revolves around the food and the quality of the food I am going to make. I am lucky to have set up a small gym at my place so I can continue with my fitness routine with the addition of mediation, tai chi and cycling.
I socialise with my friends and family regularly over FaceTime and have had few zoom parties..
The list goes on, we are fortunate to live in an age that we can still conduct our lives with a good level of “normality” during these difficult times.
Work wise, I am focusing on archiving and editing past material in the hope to create a retrospective book of some of my work. I am still in the process of putting a magazine together….(need to find the time for this) as well as finding the time to kick start a couple of business ideas I’ve had for a while.
REY: Do you think that our ‘everyday life’ and routine will change after covid-19? Or actually are we going to change as people?
Whilst this pandemic has been hyped as doomsday by the media, in reality it is one of many in a long history of pandemics (and by now it looks like we have managed to contain it to a certain level).
I don’t think in the long run Covid-19 will change radically or notably the progress or the path of life as we know it. Until we have an effective treatment we will be living with uncertainty…. we will be facing the same issues as we do now, home schooling, working from home, closures, lockdowns, the economy shrinking and sadly loss of life.
Nonetheless, I hope that this situation brings some positive changes to humanity as we unite to resolve this crisis and will give a push to science and technology to come up with solutions and methods of preventing or containing outbreaks similar to this one in a more effective, efficient and humane way.
From investing more money in medical research, modernising the health care systems of each and every country, improving aviation conditions, restructuring public transportation and office spaces and even the way we run entire cities etc but again Rome was not built in a day… or even in a few millennia….
However I fear that we are not mature enough to see the bigger picture and we will end up focusing on all non vital things and once again waste our energy in trivial matters.
On an individual level, people tend to fall back into their habits however good or bad these are, so yes undoubtably life for some people has and will change, because they have been directly affected by this virus, maybe some of us will think twice about handshakes or travelling, maybe some will continue to look after themselves as intensely as they have during this period, but as I said I doubt major changes will take place or will come abruptly or exclusively because of Covid-19.
Covid-19 could be the catalyst, or fast-forward changes that had to happen.
REY: COVID-19 has affected the world's economy and the fashion industry is one of the sections which has been affected the most. What, in your opinion, could help Fashion to bounce back to the level it was before?
First we need to ask why? Why should fashion bounce back? What has fashion got left to offer? What is the role and significance of fashion in 2020 when we are facing a pandemic?
When we are facing a global crisis, people spend on essentials or on low risk secure investments. I don’t think anyone was worrying about stockpiling in Hermes scarves in the early days of this pandemic but instead they went for toilet paper. Retrospectively you can reuse a scarf… so maybe it wouldn’t have been a bad idea after all. (No disrespect to Hermes or to toilet paper).
Jokes aside, the fashion industry needs to evolve, it’s been riding on aggressive marketing strategies for a few decades with little “real” innovation. In essence, it has been focusing and capitalising on style over substance.
This symbiotic relationship of creating a false need for a constant update of our style/clothing with the continued supply of new products/collections has contributed to hyper consumerism. This has resulted in constant revenue growth for the fashion industry with a 14% jump in 2019 making it $2.2 trillion industry (including footwear and jewellery).
It’s an ingenious but highly flawed system.
Fashion is not essential, but clothing is, so when the times get tough non essentials take a secondary role.
REY: Does this mean that the 'fashion bubble' (which lasted for years) is about to burst?
Burst no. Temporarily shrink? Yes, like many industries will. The fashion industry needs to go into survival mode and some sort of damage control strategy has to be implemented whilst we are facing this pandemic.
From brands hibernating for a season or two, to investing on online-virtual/augmented reality shopping experiences, to diversifying product range, to utilising stock from previous seasons, to introducing rent and resale strategies, to reduction in prices - there are always ways to entice and cut corners but still make revenue.
Heritage luxury brands: whilst some may thrive (as in the case of Hermes after the 2008 economic crisis) will take a small hit as their product can be translated as a “low risk investment”. Items that are not defined by season, are made to last and hold their value are always a safe buy.
High street fashion: will take a hit, but because they form the main staple of peoples apparel, their product can be considered as essentials and thus it will recover quickly.
Sadly, I believe the ones that are going to be affected the most are the vulnerable brands, the ones that fall in the in-between category; new brands and startups, that haven’t yet established a loyal client base, cutting edge experimental brands and so on. However in some countries government funding is in place to help businesses through these difficult times.
I believe this recession will be a short lived one, and fashion will continue its economic growth. But to what end…?
Slowing down could be the way forward, when it comes to environmental issues.
REY: Yes, I have to admit that we have seen changes happening during the last years, especially with thesome big fashion houses. For example, Gucci is working on its collections every season in order to create a continuity between them. So let's say if you have bought a piece in 2016 you can definitely combine it with a piece from 2020's collection . Other fashion houses have started presenting only two collections per year instead of four (cutting out the pre-collections).
True, some houses are adapting to the new reality.
Nonetheless this is a great opportunity for introspection and true innovation in both design and production chains. Covid 19, may be the necessary break that the fashion industry needs in order to refocus, re-envision, restructure and solve its bigger issues.
Sustainability, ethically/ environmentally conscious production chains and transparency are the flaming issues of this industry.
Creating tanseasonal, long lasting garments could be one of the solutions to the environmental issues we are facing. Certified and recycled fabrics are available and already few brands are finally adapting to this greener reality.
REY: Yes, we have seen some changes and recycled materials coming into use. Prada for example, has presented new techniques for its Linea Rossa collection and the directors have presented the ReNylon collection using recycled nylon. The brand admits that it will use only recycled nylon material and it hopes to roll out this approach across the board in the next few years, a goal that would see all 700,000 meters of nylon used every year by the company go green. All the above and many more will be part of the Sustainability deal that Prada signed and it will be complete in the next 5 years. (€50 million sustainability term loan with Crédit Agricole Group)
Nonetheless changing consumer’s attitude towards fashion is another issue.
For decades fashion has pushed the “I’d rather die than be seen twice in the same outfit” mentality… and now we are facing the consequences of this propaganda.
We consume fashion faster than ever before so we produce more fashion than ever before and vice versa.
Blaming high street giants is not the answer, when the reality is that this mentality was created and is still maintained by the constant creation of new collections, trends and more invasive marketing strategies by the high end fashion corporations.
Reshaping consumer mentality is a key part of this process. Becoming environmentally conscious about our buying choices can speed up the shift towards sustainability.
It is the responsibility of the brands to communicate their ethos and transparency of their production chain to their customers, so the consumer can make informed choices.
But where is the importance and vision in the fashion industry? Is it a mere rehashing of patterns or decorating fabrics? Why not create a Prada or a Primark garment that can protect you from environmental pollutants and viruses whilst it is polymorphic, doesn’t stain, it’s adaptable to temperature, it can change colour to fit your mood, has zero emission in its production and you can recycle or compost?
New fabric research and new technologies should be at the forefront of the industry, we all know cotton is the most popular but one of the most thirsty in production fibbers, whilst water scarcity is a reality for two thirds of the world’s population.
For an industry that claims to be trendsetting, cutting edge, progressive with liberal sensitivities, it still feels stuck in a self indulgent stage. These environmental issues have been known for decades…. finally some in the fashion industry are taking action.
REY: Would Covid-19 speed up this process?
I hope so, but I doubt it. After Covid-19 I think more invasive marketing strategies will be the main focus as brands will try to regain some of their losses, whilst funding research on new materials and technologies will move to the bottom of the investment agenda.
Thankfully as highlighted by the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action which was created in 2018, clear targets and timetables are set out for the industry to meet in the foreseeable future.
It is a difficult and complex conundrum, but it must be solved quickly.
I really don’t want to demonise or diminish the recent initiatives and progress on environmental issues by some in the fashion industry, its cultural contribution and importance for the global economy, or the creativity and the craftsmanship that often characterises fashion i.e the love and care that goes into the construction of a haute couture garment. It can be and it is art at its purest forms.
Nor do I want to diminish the industry’s applaudable response, humanitarian and fund raising efforts during this pandemic.
These are the aspects of the Fashion Industry that need to be preserved, cherished, celebrated and respected.
Thank you for having me.
Iasonas Mandilas x REY Magazine
IASONAS MANDILAS EXCLUSIVE
Photographed by Dimitris Kleanthous
Styling & Direction Christos Christou
Grooming Christos Theophanous
24 HOURS WITH TOMI LAPPI - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
The Finnish dancer, choreographer and model Tomi Lappi speaks exclusively on REY Magazine about all you would love to know about him and his work.
Tomi travels mainly around Europe for his work but has been based in Spain since 2017, even though we know him from huge productions like the Kinky Boots, Lio Smeralda and from his work with the Finnish superstar Saara Alto.
During his latest visit in Cyprus, we had the opportunity to work and spend 24 hours with the super talented Tomi Lappi.
Describe to us your 24 hours of a normal day of work in Spain.
Honestly the concept of a 'normal day' has never really existed in my life. We're in mid September now and since late June I think I can count my days off with my fingers but in exchange going back to Madrid now I'm first looking at some well deserved down time. Some days are working ridiculous hours and some are easier but it's how the industry works and honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.
Where can we actually watch your show live?
I went straight from Kinky to Lio Costa Smeralda from where I travelled straight to Austria so for the moment the plan is to stay off stage for a short while, but I've said this before and something exciting has come up and well, there I go again. But for now the plans are open and in negotiation until late 2020.
Have you done the choreography of the show as well ?
Lately I've been doing choreography work and dancer work separately, and the plan is to first establish myself as a dancer in Spain and then maybe look into choreography if the opportunity presents itself - moving from a country to another sometimes resembles starting from scratch but I've felt very welcome and appreciated in Spain so far so I'm excited to finally settle down there without having to rush away for contracts abroad.
We know that you have performed as a lady "drag queen" during your previous show. How dificult was for you to get ready for the role and perfom on stage?
Well performing in a musical in general was a completely new challenge for me and came with a lot of challenges and opportunities for both personal and professional growth. The rehearsal period was a lot about making friends with my own demons and insecurities about what other people might think but in the end it's a conversation you have with yourself about your self-worth and how you perceive yourself as a person. I don't want to sound like a cliche because finding security and peace within yourself in the masculine, feminine, the external and the internal is a tough and draining process of work but it's definitely worth the while. I loved the process from the beginning to the end and being able to perform as an angel in a musical that great definitely changed me for the better in a way the other productions haven't so far.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I find it impossible to rationalise where my inspiration comes from because I honestly have no idea - I get a lot from music, the people that I work with and their energies and I'm, a very visual and estethic person. My best inspiration comes from somewhere outside of myself and most of the time I feel like I'm a instrument translating something from a collective source into something that people can feel and perceive. Whether you call that outside (or inside) source the universe, god, the collective subconscious or whatever has very little importance.
After posting our first editorial with you, we received tones of messages about you and your sexy body. REY readers definetely LOVE Tomi Lappi! How often do you work out? Are you following a specific program or diet?
I workout 5 days a week with the Jonathan Sevillano and all my results are practically thanks to him, he's a great guy and in my down months it's the perfect way to bring some structure and stability into my life. I don't follow specific diets, I try to eat intuitively and when I'm hungry and listen to my body as much as possible, if somethings doesn't feel right, it probably isn't right. I sustain a diet of food that feels good and is nourishing all year round and I feel following diets is a losing game because of the amount of contradictory information out there. When I'm touring and travelling I do my best to maintain but with a lot fo compassion to my body - If I can't get out of bed in the morning, you won't see me at the gym either.
Your favourite pop star:
I think that'd be a tie between Dua Lipa and Justin Bieber.
You have travelled to a lot of countries for work or holidays. Your favourite destination?
I rarely travel for holidays, my ideal vacation is not travelling anywhere and just staying in my routine and stability, I get enough travel for work. I don't have a favourite, wherever I get a glimpse of the local culture makes me feel like I've learned and experienced and grown more but I feel also like it's impossible to travel without expanding and growing a little.
Relationship status:
I'm single.
What's your opinion on the dating apps? Do you think people can still flirt in the club or go for a date without the use of them?
Of course. I think in whatever you do in life you should be extremely honest without yourself about the motivation behind your actions. If you use the apps to meet people and have a good time, good on you - but if you find yourself lost on the phone trying to fill a void within yourself or finding external validation your not going to get very far. The same goes for going out though, alcohol, drugs... everything. You can't really make mistakes in life, what works for you works for you and what works for you today might not work for you tomorrow.
Would you be in an open relationship?
Yes - I don't have a preset image of what a relationship should look or be like and I think it's healthy that the norms of a typical monogamous relationship are being shaken down a little. I think every relationship is unique and couldn't possible work by the same book of terms and agreements. Creating your own rules if it's based on love and respect and mutual and individual growth is where the magic is. I could see myself in one, but I could also see myself in a monogamous one, or something in between. Life always knows better.
Have you planned your next journey?
After settling down to Madrid I will go to Ibiza for a few days to see my friends and colleagues and then priority number 1 is going to Finland to see my family to spend some time with them. What happens after... We'll well see 🙂
Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey - Don’t Call Me Angel: OUT NOW
Ariana, Lana and Miley SLAY in the new videoclip and song ‘DON’T CALL ME ANGEL’, the soundtrack of the new movie of the CHARLIE’S ANGELS.
Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, who's previously worked with Ariana on music videos, the new videclip has already been in the TOP10 youtube trends worldwide, just 6 hours after it’s official release.
WATCH IT LOUD ON REPEAT:
Fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh dies at 74
Fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh, whose trademark was the dramatic black and white portrait, has died at 74.
The German photographer passed away on Tuesday, his official Instagram account said, leaving a "big void".
Born in 1944 in what is now Poland, Lindbergh worked with many fashion designers along with international magazines throughout his career.
In the 1990s, Lindbergh was known for his photographs of models Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford.
Recently he worked with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, on the September edition of Vogue magazine.
source: bbc.com
BOYS WITH FEELINGS
Photographed by Kostis Fokas
starring Christos Tzovaras & Yannis Mamolis
IN YOUR EYES
Photographed by Jose Espaillat
Styling & Direction Brandon Garr
Apostolos Mitropoulos Fall 2019: The REY edition
The Greek Designer Apostolos Mitropoulos admits that ‘‘Fashion has changed’’ and he proposes the new streetstyle - made in Greece. Our creative team has reviewed the Fall & Beyond 2019 collection and here it is the REY edition of it. Reviewed, Restyled, Reedited.
Photographer Nina Lass
Styling Christos Christou
Grooming Christos Theophanous
Models are Vasilis Amadasoun & Kostas Tripolitsiotis @ ACE Models
Bold quotes, loose lines and unisex sportswear are the main characteristics of Apostolos’ new collection, which is available online.
CAN YOU SEE ME NOW
Photographed by Armando Branco
Styling Jeroen Kamphorst
Richard Biedul x King & Tuckfield AW18 collaboration collection
King & Tuckfield is a new menswear contemporary brand, founded by Stacey Wood just 3 years ago. Its signature aesthetic fuses a distinctly British 1950’s feel, with sharp contemporary styling inspired by the colourful stories of Stacey's family history.
The design team is passionate with quality and sustainable materials, and their inspiration comes from the British fashion heritage and culture. They always love to mix everything that looks vintage with something that looks modern creating the new classic.
Model, Art and Style director, Richard Biedul joined that team to create his first 5 pieces-capsule collection and with these AW18 pieces makes his debut in the design world.
The collection consists of pieces which everyone needs all the time and every piece seems to be ideal for your wardrobe. Richard mentioned "We've created almost an off-duty uniform… it is about comfort, it's about function and formality"
And it's actually true. Everything can go from casual to formal depends on the way you style them on you. Modern, elegant pieces that will always be in fashion.
During this collaboration Richard has discovered a new found love for quality denim and has merged this new passion on his designs too. Focusing also on 100% fine merino wool in a bold spectrum of Navy, Fiesta Red and Clover Green, the collection is inspired with vintage references and a 1950's notion.
. Richard Biedul x King & Tuckfield AW18 capsule collection translates back to the main SS19 collection which we had the opportunity to see during London Fashion Week and we have to admit that we fell in love with...
The AW18 collection is now available on kingandtuckfield.com
MY NEW FLIRT
Photographer Aldo Giarelli
Art Direction & Styling Christos Christou
