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  • Brigitte Bardot (1934–2025): The Woman Who Redefined Cinema, Style, and Freedom

    Photos Getty Images and ShutterStock Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress, model, singer, and cultural icon, has died at the age of 91. A defining figure of postwar cinema, Bardot was far more than a screen siren — she was a symbol of liberation, rebellion, and a new way of occupying space as a woman in art and society. Born in Paris on September 28, 1934, Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot began her artistic path far from movie sets. Trained as a classical ballerina at the Conservatoire de Paris, her discipline and elegance first caught attention through fashion. At just 15, she appeared on the cover of Elle, launching a modeling career that soon led her to the film industry. Her screen debut came in 1952, but global recognition followed in 1956 with And God Created Woman, directed by Roger Vadim. The film was revolutionary for its time — and so was Bardot. Her portrayal of Juliette, a young woman driven by desire rather than convention, challenged traditional representations of femininity and sexual morality. The role transformed her into an international star and cemented her as an emblem of youthful freedom and sensual independence. Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Bardot dominated European cinema, appearing in nearly 50 films. She collaborated with some of the most influential directors of the era and became closely associated with the French New Wave. Her performance in Jean-Luc Godard’s Contempt (1963) remains one of her most iconic, blending vulnerability, introspection, and cinematic modernism. Visually, Bardot reshaped beauty standards. Her tousled blonde hair, winged eyeliner, bare feet, and effortless attitude gave birth to what would become the enduring “French girl” aesthetic — a style language rooted in natural sensuality and nonchalant confidence. This image transcended cinema and continues to inspire fashion runways, beauty trends, and pop culture decades later. At the height of her fame, Bardot made an unprecedented decision. In 1973, at just 39 years old, she retired permanently from acting. Turning her back on celebrity culture, she relocated to Saint-Tropez and redirected her passion toward a cause that would define the second half of her life: animal rights. In 1986, she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals, becoming one of the world’s most visible advocates against animal cruelty. Her activism spanned campaigns against seal hunting, animal testing, and inhumane farming practices. While outspoken and at times polarizing, her commitment to animal welfare was unwavering and reshaped public debate in France and beyond. Bardot’s life was not without controversy. Her outspoken political views and public statements often drew criticism and legal consequences. Yet her cultural impact remains undeniable. She inspired artists from Jean-Luc Godard to Andy Warhol and influenced generations of filmmakers, designers, and performers. At one point, her likeness was even chosen as Marianne, the national symbol of the French Republic — a testament to her role in representing freedom, modernity, and national identity. Brigitte Bardot leaves behind a legacy that transcends cinema. She transformed how women could be seen, desired, and heard on screen. She embraced contradictions, rejected expectations, and lived on her own terms — from global stardom to radical withdrawal, from sex symbol to activist. In redefining glamour, rebellion, and autonomy, Bardot became not just a star of her era, but a figure who continues to resonate across generations.

  • On Global Stages, PP Krit Chooses Artemisi

    Photo Courtesy Artemisi The relationship between fashion and performance has never been more strategic. In an era where wardrobe becomes an extension of artistic narrative, visual choices carry cultural weight and symbolic power. It is within this context that Artemisi asserts its growing international presence, chosen by PP Krit, one of Asia’s most influential names in music and entertainment, to dress his tour across China. Appearing on stage, the brand expands not only its global visibility but also its ability to communicate with contemporary audiences through a distinctive and forward-looking aesthetic. Renowned for his refined visual identity and for crafting an image that transcends trends, PP Krit found a natural creative alignment with Artemisi. The selected pieces reflect an approach to fashion that combines strong visual impact, aesthetic engineering, and a futuristic vision. These elements resonate with the artist’s powerful stage presence and the grandeur of global performances. The singer’s choice signals a broader movement within the industry. There is a growing interest in independent fashion houses that operate beyond the traditional fashion capitals, yet deliver innovation, craftsmanship, and conceptual depth on par with the world’s most established luxury names. On stage, Artemisi moves beyond the role of costume and becomes a visual language, shaping a bold, technological, and emotionally charged performance narrative. Photo Courtesy Artemisi This moment aligns with a phase of consistent international expansion for the brand. In 2025, Artemisi was selected to present its creations in Japan and to participate in a global BRICS event in Moscow, reinforcing its presence within high-profile cultural and fashion agendas. These milestones highlight a brand that understands luxury as experience, storytelling, and future-oriented vision rather than geography. Another chapter in Artemisi’s international trajectory is marked by the choice of Bulgarian singer Galena, a celebrated figure in her country, who wore the brand in a highly visible setting alongside some of the world’s most respected fashion houses. Artemisi’s design was exhibited next to names such as Schiaparelli and Maison Margiela, positioning the brand within an elite global context and generating strong local and international attention. Behind this expanding narrative stands Mayari Jubini, the creative force driving Artemisi’s distinct identity. Recognized for transforming fashion into artistic expression, Jubini’s work exists at the intersection of art, technology, and haute couture. Her designs incorporate materials and techniques that extend far beyond traditional textiles. These include 3D printing, resin, metal, wood, hand painting, embroidered crystals, and even motorized structures, all contributing to a redefinition of contemporary luxury. Founded in 2019, Artemisi has built a signature rooted in high-impact visuals and technical precision, earning both industry recognition and adoption by global artists and public figures. More than dressing bodies, the brand creates visual experiences that speak to the future and to a new generation of creators, performers, and luxury consumers.

  • Bianca Zuber: The face as identity, aesthetics as awareness

    “BEAUTY” COVER EDITION - DECEMBER 2025 ISSUE Photos: Karina Rocha / Hair: Jeff Moslinger / Make: Jhon Oliver Bianca Zuber did not build her career on haste or trends. Graduating in Dentistry in 2013, she began her professional path through the most traditional route of the field, where technique, precision, and predictability usually set the pace. Even so, from the very beginning, her perspective went beyond functionality. It was not only teeth that drew her attention, but the face as a whole and what it communicates even before a single word is spoken. Facial aesthetics was always present as a form of language. In 2014, when she completed her first course in the area, this inclination gained depth and direction. What began as interest became a conscious choice. In 2016, the opening of her first clinic in Campo Largo marked the start of a practice that combined technical expertise, careful observation, and a growing understanding that working with faces requires more than mastering procedures. It requires human insight. Over the years, her work shifted almost entirely toward facial harmonization, until it became her exclusive focus. Not as a break from dentistry, but as a natural progression. For Bianca, harmonization has never meant transformation. Her work is guided by naturalness, elegance, and the appreciation of individual beauty. The ideal result does not draw attention to the procedure, but to presence. It does not erase features; it reveals identity. In 2024, the opening of a clinic in Curitiba expanded this vision. Today, Bianca Zuber leads two clinics fully dedicated to facial harmonization, in Campo Largo and Curitiba, spaces designed to welcome, care for, and respect the essence of each patient. More than expansion, this step reflects a solid, ethical, and consistent journey. In this interview, Bianca speaks about the face as a territory of identity, about ethics in a world saturated with unrealistic standards, about motherhood, female authority, and the quiet responsibility of those who work directly with people’s image and self-esteem. Check out the full interview: 1. Facial harmonization is often associated with aesthetics, but you see the face as a territory of identity. What does it reveal beyond appearance? I have never seen the face as just aesthetics. The face is a territory of identity. It carries history, fatigue, strength, joys, and pains that words cannot fully express. Before any needle, I observe: how this person occupies their own space, how they express themselves, where time has left a heavier mark. The face reveals who the person is and, often, who they have stopped allowing themselves to be. 2. In a world dominated by filters and unrealistic standards, what is today the greatest ethical responsibility of those who work with the human face? In a world dominated by filters and unrealistic standards, the greatest ethical responsibility of those who work with the human face is not to erase people. It is not to turn insecurity into dependency, nor desire into excess. My role is not to create unreal versions, but to restore truth, proportion, and coherence. It is to remember, every day, that beauty is not standardization, it is presence. 3. There is a fine line between enhancing and distorting. How do you recognize this limit, and what makes you say no in certain cases? The line between enhancing and distorting exists, and it is very clear to those who truly listen. I recognize this limit when I realize that expectations do not come from the mirror, but from comparison. When the request is not born from personal discomfort, but from an attempt to fit in. Saying no is an act of respect for the patient and for my own ethics. 4. When does technique stop being protocol and become sensitivity? Technique stops being protocol the moment I understand that no face is the same as another, neither on the outside nor on the inside. Sensitivity is not born in courses; it is born in listening, in silent observation, in mistakes that teach more than successes. Today, my hands work together with my intuition, and that only came with time, experience, and the courage not to be automatic. 5. Did motherhood change anything in your professional perspective? Motherhood changed everything. It changed my view of time, of the body, and of care. After becoming a mother, I understood that every woman who comes to me carries much more than an aesthetic concern. She carries responsibilities, fatigue, and sacrifices. That made me more human, more patient, and more aware of the impact my work has on each woman’s self-esteem and life. 6. How do you build female authority in a field shaped by such rigid aesthetic expectations? Building authority in this scenario requires consistency, positioning, and truth. I did not need to shout to be heard, nor masculinize myself to be respected. I built my identity through study, results, posture, and clear boundaries. Respect does not come from rigidity; it comes from coherence between what you do, what you say, and what you accept. 7. If harmonization were not about aesthetics, but about presence, what would you want your patients to take with them? If harmonization were not about aesthetics, but about presence, I would want my patients to take lightness with them. To look at themselves with more kindness. To feel secure enough to exist without hiding. To leave my office not only more beautiful, but more confident, more self-possessed, and more whole. 8. And last but not least: what is your voice? What would you like to shout to humanity if you had the chance? My voice is that of silent truth. If I could shout something to the world, I would say: you do not need to transform yourself to be enough. You only need to recognize yourself. Buy the physical edition of this cover:

  • Paola Gabardo closes out 2025 with great success in both her personal and professional life

    A woman of many talents, Paola Gabardo is a model, international beauty queen, legal advisor, and DJ. Photographer: @mariizi.fotografia / Studio: @mammuestudio / Makeup: @andermachadooo / Hair: @brunolisant / PR & Management: @gio.prates Paola began her career as a model, representing Brazil at the Miss International competition in 2009. However, her passion for music led her to become a successful DJ, performing at renowned events such as Café de La Musique in Jurerê Internacional and the Playboy Mansion Party. Her musical style blends House, Deep, and Tech sounds, with subtle vocal elements. Among the many events she performed at throughout the year, Paola was also graciously invited to play at the Red Bull Tetris event. Photo Disclosure By Press As a constant and influential presence at Red Bull events, she works as a DJ and actively participates in the brand’s activations, connecting sports and music. A model for the brand Água Viva, she stands out by showcasing her physical attributes and an impeccable body. A reflection of daily self-care for both body and mind. Mens sana in corpore sano. Happily married, Paola radiates positive energy, happiness, and unwavering love, a reflection of her current phase in life. With a devoted and attentive husband, Paola has been living true fairy-tale days. It has been this way since her wedding, worthy of a storybook romance, held at the Castelo do Batel in Curitiba. Photo Disclosure By Press Photo Disclosure By Press Recently returned from an international trip, the couple demonstrates strong chemistry and connection, as well as friendship, complicity, and unity — elements that make all the difference in a marriage. Photo Disclosure By Press In her mansion, a work of art filled with vibrant colors and gold leaf stands out for its striking beauty, created by the talented visual artist Ale Baggio. The piece, gifted just a few days ago, has been drawing significant attention from her followers and from guests who visit her home. 2026 already has a calendar full of commitments and great hope for a prosperous and promising year.

  • The biggest risk of 2026 is not the economy, but the mindset of brands, warns Alê Vazz

    Photos Disclosure Press Ignoring trends such as consumer exhaustion, large-scale artificial intelligence, and the new test of corporate purpose could put companies on a path to obsolescence as early as 2026. The analysis comes from Legacy Strategist Alê Vazz, a Brazilian based in London who works with CEOs and founders on building long-term strategies. According to Vazz, the greatest risk for the coming year is not economic growth or competitiveness, but a mindset that insists on repeating old patterns in a landscape that has changed radically. “The danger of 2026 is not slower growth. It’s continuing to play the wrong game,” he says. International reports already point to 2026 as a major inflection point for the global market, driven by a combination of factors such as consumer burnout, the rise of the so-called “joyconomy,” the real stress test of corporate purpose, the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, and increasing pressure for social and environmental impact. For the strategist, “more of the same” may become a serious strategic risk in the months ahead. Five forces that will define corporate survival or obsolescence in 2026 Vazz highlights key forces that are already shaping decision-making within large corporations: Consumer exhaustion and the economy of small pleasures:  widespread fatigue is driving demand for experiences with less noise and more meaning. Purpose under scrutiny:  empty narratives will be quickly exposed and penalized. AI at scale:  efficiency is no longer a differentiator but a baseline expectation; the real risk now is becoming an undifferentiated brand. ESG as a minimum requirement:  no longer a competitive advantage, but a basic condition for survival. The search for significance:  talent, investors, and consumers are demanding coherence and real impact. The strategist warns that brands entering 2026 operating with a 2016 mindset will already be behind. “It’s not about being more visible. It’s about remaining relevant when the noise fades,” he notes. Legacy as the new strategic axis For Vazz, thinking in terms of legacy rather than purpose alone will be the dividing line between brands that endure and those that disappear. “Legacy is the ultimate test of purpose. It’s asking whether, 20 years from now, we will feel pride or shame about what we built.” He points out that leading companies are already moving in this direction, from the strategic use of AI to free up long-term thinking capacity, to concrete succession plans and decisions that sacrifice short-term gains to protect the future. What CEOs and founders need to do now Among the urgent actions highlighted by the specialist are: defining the desired impact for the next decade; aligning narrative, product, and operations; placing succession at the center of strategy; using AI to strengthen identity, not standardize it; reviewing decisions through a long-term lens. About the specialist Alê Vazz is a Legacy Strategist based in London, specializing in guiding Brazilian CEOs and founders in building lasting impact. With international experience in branding and positioning, he connects global trends to practical decisions, helping leaders transform success into significance. Known for his permanence-driven approach, Vazz works with companies committed to creating legacies that withstand economic cycles and shifting market trends.

  • Renovando Luxo prepares to open a physical store in São Paulo and consolidates its expansion after more than a decade in the premium second-hand market

    Photo Disclosure By Press The luxury second-hand market is experiencing accelerated growth in Brazil, driven by more conscious consumers, the search for iconic pieces, and the professionalization of the sector. Within this context, Renovando Luxo, a company led by entrepreneur and influencer Kamilla Agacci Boing, is opening its first physical store in São Paulo, marking a decisive step in its more than ten-year journey. The brand’s story began in a simple and organic way. Kamilla, still at the beginning of her career, decided to part with some personal items through Facebook groups. For her, it made no sense to keep a closet full of high-value pieces that were not being used. The success of these initial resales caught the attention of friends, who began asking her to mediate the sale of their own items as well. From this movement emerged the DNA of Renovando Luxo, built on careful curation, appreciation of each item’s story, and a refined perspective on smart consumption. Over time, the company grew in a structured way and became a reference in the segment. Today, it has its headquarters in the southern region of the country and a solid base of consumers who value authenticity, provenance, and conscious luxury. The preparation for the opening of the São Paulo store represents a new chapter in this expansion process. Renovando Luxo’s growth takes place within an extremely favorable context. According to a study by Deep Market Insights, the Brazilian luxury resale market generated 751 million dollars in 2024, with projections to exceed 3 billion dollars by 2033. The projected annual growth rate is approximately 16.9 percent. This expansion mirrors the movement of the luxury sector as a whole in the country. According to research by E-commerce Brasil, the Brazilian luxury market recorded revenues of 98 billion reais in 2024, maintaining an average annual growth of 12 percent. A report by Bain & Company also points out that fashion and personal items are the strongest segments of this market among higher-income consumers in Brazil. The brand’s arrival in São Paulo directly reflects this rise. Kamilla states that she has always wanted to bring Renovando Luxo to a city where fashion is strong and where luxury consumption is lived authentically, in an environment conducive to the growth of purpose-driven second-hand. She highlights that São Paulo embraced the brand even before the official opening, with daily acquisitions and an intense, piece-by-piece curation process already underway. The entrepreneur explains that the new space was designed to be more than just a store. The goal is to create an experience that celebrates stories, values true curation, and shows that luxury is also about awareness, longevity, and care. Through direct contact with the São Paulo audience, Kamilla has noticed clear trends. The São Paulo woman is practical, well-informed, and clear about what she is looking for. She seeks classics such as Hermès, Chanel, and Dior, as well as standout pieces that naturally elevate a look. Another observed point is the maturity of local consumers in relation to the second-hand market. They value provenance and recognize the work behind curation, which are essential factors for the sustainable growth of the sector. This new phase positions Renovando Luxo as one of the natural leaders of the segment in Brazil. The brand combines a robust digital operation, a structured headquarters in the South, and now a physical presence in the largest fashion and luxury consumption hub in Latin America. With more than a decade of transforming resales into new stories, Kamilla Agacci Boing celebrates the moment and looks toward new horizons. She says she began by reselling a few pieces on Facebook and that witnessing the business’s maturation is a source of pride. Entering São Paulo symbolizes, for her, the beginning of an even more promising cycle.

  • DLK: the Brazilian fitness brand that turned clothing into a tool for empowerment and female entrepreneurship

    Photos Disclosure By Press In a market flooded with fast trends and disposable collections, DLK has carved out an uncommon path in the fitness fashion universe. The brand achieved national growth by building its identity on strong values and an emotional narrative that speaks directly to the Brazilian woman in motion. Founded by Arianny Vianna, the company presents itself not merely as a producer of workout apparel, but as a brand that interprets behavior, energy, and identity. The core proposition is built around a concept that has become almost a manifesto: dressing for movement is not about dressing for the gym; it is about dressing for life. For DLK, the customer experience begins before the workout, in front of the mirror, in the relationship with one’s own body, and in the intention that guides the day. This emotional, almost spiritual perspective has become one of the brand’s competitive differentiators, as it sees clothing as a catalyst for focus, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging. This vision, however, is not expressed through motivational discourse, but through business strategy. While much of the market operates driven by the frenetic flow of trends, DLK structures its creative process around enduring values: authenticity, aesthetic longevity, and performance with meaning. The logic is simple, yet rare in the sector: create less noise and more identity. By prioritizing collections that speak to one another and build a distinctive visual language, the brand began to stand out not only for its products, but for its consistency. This positioning helped attract the attention of highly influential figures in the Brazilian market, with whom DLK has carried out projects and activations over the past few years. Deborah Secco, Lorena Improta, Erika Schneider, Virgínia Fonseca, Mel Maia, and other personalities have crossed paths with the brand, contributing to the expansion of its presence and reinforcing its identity on the national scene. Another factor that drove the company’s growth was the understanding that women who train demand more than textile technology. They seek an emotional state, genuine comfort, and an aesthetic that elevates how they perceive themselves. DLK transformed this demand into a method: from pattern-making to color studies, everything is designed to support the routines of women who balance work, personal life, fatigue, and self-care. The brand also projects its role beyond the product itself. By acknowledging its influence on behavior, self-esteem, and well-being practices, DLK positions itself as an active agent within a culture that values movement, health, and confidence. In a country entrepreneurial by nature, where the body and rhythm are part of everyday life, the brand has claimed a symbolic space by connecting fitness fashion to emotional strength and life narrative. Today, as it achieves national recognition, the company takes on a new kind of responsibility: to lead with purpose and preserve the essence that has set it apart since the beginning. It is not about following trends, but about sustaining a distinctive language capable of standing the test of time and continuing to represent Brazilian women in all their complexity.

  • Cau Saad represents Brazil at BYD’s immersion program in China, reinforcing a commitment to mobility, well-being, and sustainability

    Photos Disclosure Press Digital influencer and health and fitness specialist Cau Saad represented Brazil in a special immersion promoted by automaker BYD in China. The initiative was part of the brand’s global movement, which has been strengthening its market presence and expanding initiatives focused on electric mobility, technology, and sustainability. Prior to the trip, Cau had already taken part in BYD activations in Italy and Brazil this year, further strengthening her relationship with the automaker and aligning her image with values such as environmental awareness, quality of life, and a sustainable future. “It was exciting to represent Brazil in this BYD immersion in China. I believe that mobility, health, and environmental awareness go hand in hand. My mission has always been to promote well-being and quality of life, and I felt honored to bring this message into the world of electric mobility and sustainability as well,” said Cau Saad. During the immersion, Cau visited BYD’s global headquarters, attended presentations on innovation and technological development, tested electric vehicles, and took part in discussions about the future of sustainable mobility worldwide. With a strong digital presence and an audience that values health, an active lifestyle, and socio-environmental responsibility, Cau Saad reinforces BYD’s role in bringing electric mobility closer to real people and inspiring more conscious and sustainable choices.

  • Emily in Paris: Season 5 — When Fashion Meets La Dolce Vita

    Photo Courtesy Netflix Set to premiere on December 18, 2025, the highly anticipated fifth season of Emily in Paris marks a stylish turning point for the series. While Paris remains part of Emily Cooper’s world, the spotlight now shifts to Italy, with Rome emerging as the new fashion and emotional epicenter. The change of scenery signals more than a narrative twist — it represents a maturation of style, identity, and storytelling. A New Fashion Chapter Begins in Italy Photo Courtesy Netflix Known for its playful Parisian maximalism, Emily in Paris now embraces a more cinematic and sensual aesthetic inspired by Italian fashion and culture. The new season draws from the elegance of classic Italian cinema, blending timeless silhouettes with modern styling. Expect richer color palettes, refined tailoring, silk scarves, structured coats, and accessories that feel intentional rather than impulsive. Italy brings a different rhythm to Emily’s wardrobe — one that values craftsmanship, confidence, and effortless glamour. The streets of Rome become a living runway, where historical architecture meets contemporary luxury, reinforcing fashion as both art and lifestyle. Emily’s Evolution: Style with Substance Photo Courtesy Netflix As Emily navigates new professional and personal challenges abroad, her fashion choices reflect growth and self-awareness. The bold experimentation of previous seasons gives way to a more assured, grounded approach to style — still expressive, but now deeply connected to place and emotion. Speaking about this transformation, Lily Collins, who stars as Emily Cooper: “She’s bolder, braver, stronger, and more adventurous — figuring out her life, love, and work in a new city and a new country.” According to Collins, this season allows Emily to fully immerse herself in the culture around her, rather than simply observing it. Fashion becomes an extension of that immersion — less about standing out and more about belonging. Italian Influence on the Wardrobe Photo Courtesy Netflix Season 5 highlights the influence of iconic Italian fashion houses and heritage craftsmanship. The styling pays homage to legendary Italian muses while remaining firmly contemporary. The looks are designed to move with the city — chic flats for cobblestone streets, elegant tailoring for professional settings, and statement pieces that capture the romance of Roman nights. This wardrobe shift also mirrors Emily’s internal journey. As Lily Collins explained in interviews, Emily is no longer just experimenting with fashion — she is living in it, allowing clothing to reflect her confidence, emotional depth, and evolving priorities. More Than a Setting: Italy as a Mood Rome is not merely a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right. The season leans into the philosophy of la dolce vita — slowing down, savoring moments, and embracing beauty in everyday life. This atmosphere influences everything from the narrative pace to the styling choices, offering viewers a more intimate, luxurious viewing experience. “This season is about presence — being where you are, emotionally and creatively,” Collins hinted, reinforcing the idea that Emily’s journey is now as much internal as it is geographical. A Fashion-Forward Future With its Italian focus, Emily in Paris Season 5 promises a refined yet passionate chapter — where romance, ambition, and fashion intersect under the Roman sun. As the series continues to influence global style conversations, this new era positions Emily not just as a fashion risk-taker, but as a woman who understands the power of elegance, culture, and authenticity.

  • JUJU SALIMENI — A CHRISTMAS OF LIGHT, AFFECTION AND BEAUTY

    'CHRISTMAS' EDITION COVER - GLOBAL ISSUE Photos: @hallysonbysmarck / Curation: @reinalldodecarvalho / Decoration: @on.decor.oficial / Table Styling: @suamesasuasvontades / Artist’s Publicist: @kaiocezzar_ / Designer Cover and Editor-In-Chief: @directorhooks In this special Christmas edition, Hooks Magazine opens the doors to Juju Salimeni’s home to reveal not only her stunning décor, but also the essence of a celebration that, for her, goes far beyond the sparkle of lights. Photographed in front of her impressive tree in the living room, Juju invites us into a Christmas that is at once aesthetic, emotional, and deeply human. The mansion located in Alphaville, Barueri (Brazil) — now the setting of our editorial — is fully prepared to welcome the presenter and entrepreneur’s family. And, as Juju makes a point of emphasizing, decorating the house is only the surface of something much deeper: “I hope for a Christmas filled with love, joy, and unity. Many times, we forget the true essence of Christmas. The date is about sharing love and reflecting on what you can do differently to make someone else’s life better — and your own as well.” At a time when the world seeks to rediscover meaning and reconnection, Juju offers a powerful reminder: Christmas is made of gestures, generosity, and the small lights we ignite within ourselves. “It’s also a time to spread positive words, to forgive, and to be supportive. I wish everyone an unforgettable Christmas,” she adds. And just as unforgettable is the décor created exclusively for her by renowned designer Reinaldo de Carvalho . The chosen theme — Butterfly Garden   — seems to perfectly reflect the presenter’s current moment: transformation, delicacy, and rebirth. The tree, standing over three meters tall, is the showpiece of the room. It features around 250 ornaments in varying sizes and shades, branches and details in a pink palette, warm white LED lights, and touches that make the eye wander through every centimeter. The standout elements are a pink bear and the butterflies resting among the branches, as if they were messengers of a new cycle. The composition extends throughout the home: sophisticated arrangements on the coffee table, an impressive wreath, and lights adorning the façade, creating a warm and magical atmosphere from the very first step inside. Juju welcomes Christmas with intention, beauty, and purpose — exactly how she approaches every phase of her life. By posing for Hooks Magazine in front of the tree that symbolizes her story, her affections, and her hopes for the future, she becomes the perfect reflection of what we aim to celebrate in this edition: moments that illuminate, people who inspire, and stories that transform.

  • BEKA — THE FORCE THAT RECONNECTS AFRO HOUSE TO ITS ORIGINS

    'MUSIC' COVER EDITION - DECEMBER 2025 ISSUE Photographer Indi Nunez / Sylist: vescah / Hair stylist: Kakau There are artists who create music — and there are those who create movement. BEKA, DJ and music producer, belongs to the second group. Throughout her journey, she has transformed Afro House into a bridge, a ritual, and a return to origins. That’s why she now becomes the face of the MUSIC edition of Hooks Magazine: a symbol of a generation that honors its roots while projecting the future with sophistication, spirituality, and cultural power. Right at the beginning of the interview, BEKA made clear that her path has never been just about beats, but about belonging. “I’ve always felt deeply connected to the South African scene because of the spiritual and ancestral strength of the sound,” she said. This connection wasn’t planned — it blossomed naturally, as if the music recognized in her a guardian of its origin. From her collaborations with Lizwi, Soul Madondo, Natasha MD, and DJ/producer Charley Dixon to her recent encounter with the collective African Movers, everything emerges from genuine exchanges that cross borders, geographies, and rhythms. BEKA sees each partnership as a creative sanctuary where different ancestralities coexist. “These projects are built with a lot of listening and respect,” she says. “The sound is born from the encounter, never from overlap.” Her approach serves as a reminder that collaboration, when done consciously, is also a political act: preserving identities while creating something new. Her creative process goes far beyond the mixing desk. Before any beat exists, there is conversation, spiritual exchange, and an alignment of intentions. From this deep dive emerge tracks that work on the dance floor — but also within each listener. “We talk about life, spirituality, ancestry, and intentions. Only then does the music take shape,” she explains. And when the process involves a collective energy as vibrant as that of the African Movers, the creation gains an extra layer of strength and meaning. It’s no exaggeration to say that BEKA has become an essential link between the global expansion of Afro House and its African roots. She understands that the genre only grows authentically when its origin is respected. “Working with South African artists and collectives is about recognizing where it all began and building the future with cultural responsibility.” In times of appropriation and aesthetic dilution, her stance becomes almost revolutionary. And what comes next? BEKA isn’t slowing down. She is preparing new releases, new collaborations, and live experiences that promise to expand her sonic narrative even further — a narrative that is ancestral, contemporary, and deeply connected to the land that inspired it all. Her mission is clear: to amplify voices, stories, and rhythms that carry truth. Check out the exclusive interview: 1. How did your connection with South African artists begin? This connection was born very organically. I’ve always felt deeply linked to the South African scene because of the spiritual and ancestral strength of the sound. The collaborations with Lizwi, Soul Madondo, Natasha MD, DJ and producer Charley Dixon, and now also with the collective African Movers, came from this mutual recognition and a genuine artistic exchange that crosses borders. 2. How do you balance collaboration and cultural respect in these projects? These projects are built with a lot of listening and respect. Each artist and collective brings their identity, their story, and their energy. My role is to create a space where all these forces can coexist. With Lizwi, Soul Madondo, Natasha MD, Charley Dixon, and the African Movers, the sound is born from the encounter — never from overlap. 3. What is the creative process like in these international collaborations? The process begins long before the studio. We talk about life, spirituality, ancestry, and intentions. Only then does the music take shape. Working with artists and collectives like the African Movers expands this exchange even more, because there is a very strong collective energy that guides the creation. 4. What message do these releases carry? These tracks speak about healing, belonging, and collective strength. We want the music to work both on the dance floor and internally. Each collaboration carries a truth — whether in the voice, the rhythm, or the shared energy. 5. How do these partnerships influence the global Afro House scene? These collaborations reinforce the importance of keeping the roots of Afro House alive as it grows globally. Working with South African artists and collectives, such as the African Movers, is about recognizing where it all began and building the future with cultural responsibility. 6. What’s coming next? More releases with artists and collectives, new collaborative projects, and live experiences. My focus is to deepen these connections and take this sonic narrative — powerful, ancestral, and contemporary — to new stages and audiences around the world.

  • Dr. Denise Torejane: where medicine meets aesthetics, sensitivity, and purpose

    'HEALTH' COVER EDITION - DECEMBER 2025 ISSUE Photo: @andersonmmacedo_ @demmacedo / Beauty: @g.make.hair / Video: @olivervideomaker_ / Styling: @callmebylacerda / Studio: @openestudio There are doctors who operate on bodies. There are doctors who transform lives. And then there are doctors like Dr. Denise Torejane, who does both with the same precision she uses to choose her surgical techniques and shape her gestures. Between scalpels, the cool lights of the operating room, and meticulous medical records, she has built something rare: a universe where science, compassion, and aesthetics walk side by side. Founder of DT Plastic Surgery, a specialist in body contouring and a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery since 2010, Denise has turned technique and sensitivity into two forces that don’t cancel each other out, but instead strengthen one another. Her approach is rigorous, detailed, evidence-based, yet warm and human. It’s no coincidence that many patients call her a fairy godmother—not for the fantasy of the impossible, but for her real ability to restore self-esteem with safety, delicacy, and truth. In a sector that registered more than two million procedures in Brazil, according to ISAPS, Denise could have chosen the path of automation. Instead, she did the opposite. DT Plastic Surgery operates as a full-care ecosystem: bioimpedance, thermography, preparation technologies, laser treatments, advanced physiotherapy, a nutritionist, and specialized nurses who monitor every stage individually. The strategy is not a trend. It’s a philosophy. “Safety, performance, and compassionate care are part of everything we offer,” she explains. “A patient doesn’t receive just a surgery. She receives structure, guidance, and presence.” The model includes the “360 Post-Operative Care”  seal, which follows the patient from the moment she leaves the operating room until she fully returns to her daily routine. It is functional medicine applied to plastic surgery. It is technology placed in service of a faster, more comfortable, more human recovery. Although she has always been dedicated and meticulous, Denise says that motherhood reshaped her perspective. “I walk into the operating room with the same knowledge as always, but with a new kind of baggage,” she says. “Motherhood taught me that every patient arrives with a story, a fear, a dream.” This understanding is what gives structure to her method. It sustains a consultation rhythm that listens more than it dictates, that welcomes more than it imposes, that recognizes that self-esteem is an emotional construction before it is an aesthetic one. Among the most sought-after procedures is the Mommy Makeover, not only for its promise to redefine contours, but for returning something deeper: the feeling of belonging to one’s own body. “After motherhood, many women experience significant changes, discomfort, and a drop in self-esteem,” Denise explains. With advanced protocols, safe surgical combinations, and supportive technologies, the Mommy Makeover restores naturality to the abdomen, elegance to the breasts, and definition to the silhouette. For many women, it becomes the starting point of a new chapter. By caring for women who want to feel better in their own bodies, Denise also experiences firsthand the importance of aesthetics as a symbol of self-respect. She enjoys fashion. She enjoys dressing well. She values the silent communication that a thoughtful choice conveys. To her, getting dressed is self-care. It is message. It is posture. And perhaps that is why her clinic carries an aesthetic as refined as her medical practice. Because form also communicates. And Denise understands this deeply – not as vanity, but as intention. There is something poetic about the fact that she is called a fairy godmother. The title comes from the perception many patients have when experiencing her care. She doesn’t deliver only results. She delivers safety. She delivers truth. She delivers presence. Technique and warmth together, as she says, are the key to restoring self-esteem with security. The philosophy of DT Plastic Surgery doesn’t end with the result. Surgery is the beginning, not the end. The body requires maintenance, attention, and respect. Often, it needs reconnection. And that is what Denise offers: a doorway into a new chapter in a woman’s life. After exploring her story and professional philosophy, we invited Dr. Denise to share, with authenticity and depth, the behind-the-scenes of the woman and the surgeon behind DT Plastic Surgery. Medicine has always been part of your journey. At what moment did you realize that plastic surgery would be your way of transforming lives? Since childhood, I felt an early calling toward medicine. I entered medical school very young, at 17, and immediately became captivated by the possibility of intervening and helping people find new paths, whether through health or through guidance. The world of plastic surgery drew my attention because of its global view of the individual, the analysis of tridimensionality and proportionality. As I listened to each life story, I realized that true transformation happened from the inside out. There was a blooming of self-esteem and self-confidence that made the aesthetic results even more beautiful. You are known for your technical precision and attention to detail. How do these qualities shape your surgical style and the results you deliver? Details have always guided my choices. From the elegant shading in a work of art to the complex melody of classical music. I transfer this same sensitivity to the unique methodology I apply in my surgeries, always focused on harmony and natural results. Motherhood is a transformative experience, and it was no different for you. In what ways did it redefine your sensitivity and your perspective on patient care? Motherhood opened the door to a more empathetic understanding of the transformations pregnancy brings and of the level of support each patient deserves. It brought lightness, understanding and a more attentive care toward the pains and stories of every woman. Today your clinic adopts an advanced surgical planning model. What does it mean, in practice, to offer an integrated journey before, during and after surgery? Undergoing surgery requires planning, and we bring that concept into the clinic and into the mindset of our patients. There are many stories of resilience. Women who placed self-care in the background, prioritizing family and career. The first step is understanding that a multidisciplinary team is prioritizing your health. Nutrition, nursing and physiotherapy work within protocols designed with me to ensure safety and consistent results. DT Plastic Surgery brings together a multidisciplinary team. Why is this approach so important for patient safety and experience? The health of each patient is our absolute priority. We implement supplementation and treatments that enhance metabolic performance. With parameters based on functional plastic surgery, the body responds more smoothly to procedures, providing greater safety and overall well-being. You use technologies such as bioimpedance, thermography and laser to personalize treatments. How does technology enhance — rather than replace — the human touch? "Know all the theories and master all the techniques, but when touching a human soul, be just another human soul," as Carl Jung says. This quote guides my approach with patients. The human gaze will always be irreplaceable. Technology amplifies that gaze, serving as a valuable tool that allows for deeper personalization and precision in every treatment. The 360-degree care offered at your clinic has gained recognition for its innovative postoperative support structure. What impact does this methodology have on recovery? Each patient carries insecurities and stories of resilience. That is why the program is designed so that every woman feels unique and truly supported. With a coordinated and specialized team, the postoperative experience becomes lighter, safer and more comforting. The Mommy Makeover has become increasingly sought after. What do you observe emotionally and physically in the women who pursue this procedure after motherhood? Motherhood is wonderful, but it can leave physical and emotional marks. Many mothers look for a safe solution to reclaim their self-esteem. We use a secure methodology to combine procedures and deliver consistent results with real, meaningful changes. Feeling confident in front of the mirror is one of the most powerful sensations they report. Patients from other countries also seek your clinic. How do you adapt your protocols to ensure an efficient and safe recovery for those who have limited time in Brazil? With the growing number of patients living abroad, we created protocols focused specifically on recovery. We personalize everything according to the patient’s length of stay in Brazil and adjust advanced physiotherapy, functional nutrition and intensive nursing care accordingly. In addition, we provide ongoing follow-up and direct access to the team even from a distance, ensuring safety and peace of mind. Many patients have started calling you a fairy godmother. What does this nickname represent to you and to the way you approach care at DT Plastic Surgery? I believe it is a loving way of expressing gratitude for having experienced a true transformation. It represents the recognition that each woman was able to reconnect with her essence. What has been the most defining moment of your career — the one that reaffirmed that you were exactly where you were meant to be? Receiving daughters, friends or relatives of former patients is the greatest vote of confidence I could ever receive. It shows that my work was built on solid foundations and that it truly touched lives. Knowing that women trust their loved ones to my care reaffirms that I am on the right path. Fashion resonates with body, identity and self-esteem. How does your eye for aesthetics and proportion align with your personal interest in fashion and influence the way you guide your patients? Fashion is a form of expression and perception. I believe true beauty transcends trends. The beautiful will always be timeless. This is the principle that guides every contour I design for my patients — always focusing on elegance and naturalness. And last, but definitely not least: if you could “shout” one message to the world, what would it be? When you put yourself first, you’re telling the universe that you deserve the very best it can offer.

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