ON THE COVER
Fashion Model and actress Marielena GQ boldly saunters through the eastern edge of the Florida Everglades with a fierceness that even the most hungry alligator isn't willing to mess with on the cover of our 2023 Fall Fashion Issue. Wearing a stunning sheer black polka dotted tulle dress by Austrian design duo MIRIMARI, Marielena's energy flows in harmony with the warm evening summer breeze that surrounds her. Born to Cuban & Colombian parents, she embodies all of the fire and soul that one would expect from such a blend of Latino culture. Marielena is not only a seasoned model, but she is also a highly sought after fashion stylist who manages the very successful (and very exclusive) Confessional Showroom fashion house in Miami. (See more of Marielena on Pages 16-33)
Cover Photo by John Enot
You can follow Marielena GQ on Instagram at: @marielenagq20
high fashion with cutting-edge modern appeal. Both brands are a testament to luxury, design freedom, gender-blurring silhouettes, and environmental responsibility. With sharp lines, bold styles, and a little bit of well-placed bling, these two designers are redefining what luxury fashion is.
As I flip further through the pages… I am extremely excited to unveil our special Fall Feature. We've traveled to the “City of Love” and embarked on a photographic tour of Paris… exploring its diverse regions, museums and culture, and other historic landmarks. And while being in the heart of arguably the World’s most romantic city, we couldn't resist delving into the history of the enigmatic Femme Fatale… a staple of French cinema and culture. Guard your souls carefully gentlemen!
Our adventure continues as we join Maurah Ruiz, the reigning Miss Global Mexico Pageant Queen, in the picturesque Colombian mountains of Medellín. Her story is one of beauty, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact on children in underserved communities. Maurah is set to compete for the Miss Global World crown this November in Vietnam. We will be cheering for her indeed!
Finally, we introduce you to artist Alicia Hobbs, whose paintings are an immersive visual feast for the senses. I haphazardly stumbled upon her booth During Art Basel last December and was mesmerized… literally stopping dead in my tracks like a deer caught in headlights on a busy country road. Her unique use of color palettes and hidden riddles within her artwork will leave you awestruck! She is one of my favorite discoveries in a very very long time.
As the final touches are put on this issue, I'm struck by the sheer diversity of our content. It's like a splendid tapestry woven from threads of fashion, art, and culture. Our mission has always been to fuel your imagination, and I believe this issue will do just that. Happy September everyone! Cheers to a wonderful fall season!
EDITOR'S LETTER
10
John J. Enot
Dear Readers,
As I sit down to pen this letter, I can't help but marvel at how quickly the seasons change. It seems like just yesterday I was sipping on a margarita basking in the warm balmy glow of the summer evening air. But now, as I glance outside my office window on this late Wednesday afternoon, it is inescapable to notice that the leaves have already started to turn here in the midwest. Soon the landscape will be dominated by a rich parade of orange, red, and golden hues… and the temperatures will begin to slowly creep downward. Summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye, and soon we will once again be turning the clocks forward to usher in shorter and darker days with winter not too far away. But fret not my dear readers, for within these pages of AVANTI MODA’s Fall Fashion Issue we have the power to transport your senses back to sun-kissed skies, exotic locales, and the vibrant world of art and fashion. The days might indeed be getting shorter, but with every season comes a new adventure!
As we have been navigating in and around the fashion world this summer, we've discovered an exciting design duo from Austria named MIRIMARI Fashion. This dynamically creative pair of sisters have been making waves with their out of this world Couture creations. Their designs are more than just clothing… they're wearable works of art that have since graced the pages of some of the most iconic fashion magazines and runways in the fashion world. They've proven that they're not just competing with the biggest names in high fashion, but they're carving their own unique niche.
Next, we merge the worlds of HARDCARE FASHION and HALEIA, two design brands that seamlessly melds