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  • LIA HERRMANN: From Individual Signature to Brand Building — A Journey Through Architecture, Entrepreneurship, and Purpose

    Architecture Cover Edition - October 2026 Issue Photo: Vinícius Schmitt - @vsfotogram / Beauty: @bossa.hairspa / Stylist: @tatys.s78 Between interpreting her clients’ needs and building a company with an identity of its own, Lia Herrmann has found new ways to express her creative authorship. A home can reveal a great deal about the people who live in it, but its residents do not always know how to translate that into a design. Some habits are difficult to explain, needs only emerge through everyday routines, and desires cannot always be captured in visual references saved for a meeting. It is in this space between what a client asks for and what they truly need that Lia Herrmann’s work begins. Before putting pencil to paper, Lia listens. She wants to understand how people live, what they enjoy doing at home, what is missing from their daily routines, and what bothers them about the spaces they inhabit. A conversation about aesthetics can ultimately reveal a very specific need: having a table where everyone can gather, entertain friends, or keep an eye on the children while someone prepares a meal. For her, these discoveries are what give meaning to the decisions behind each project. Her signature lies not in repeating an aesthetic formula. Lia has her own references and a distinct perspective, but she strives to organize each client's needs and preferences in a way that allows the final result to belong just as much to the people who will inhabit the space. It is an exercise in balancing the identity of the designer with that of the people who will call it home. This relationship between creative authorship and building something of her own also runs through her professional journey. When the construction company's office where she worked closed, Lia had to find her own clients. She began by meeting clients in their homes and in cafés, without having everything in place. She was determined to make the work happen and felt a strong sense of responsibility toward the people who placed their trust in her. The experience brought lessons that extended far beyond architecture. To keep the business running, she had to learn how to sell, set prices, organize processes, manage finances, and lead people. Over time, she realized she could no longer handle every stage of the business herself. Growth required a team and a structure capable of supporting the work. In 2022, the firm became Studio Zaliah. The change reflected her desire to build a company with an identity of its own, one that could also represent the people working alongside her. The new name was only the beginning of a transformation that involved rethinking processes, aligning the team, and sharing responsibilities. Learning to delegate also meant learning to trust. Lia had to make room for others to grow and take part in building the firm. Today, she feels proud when clients recognize the care and quality of the work delivered by her team. To her, that recognition shows that what she believes in is being built by more people. Motherhood brought another perspective to her choices. Since Helena's arrival, Lia has become more mindful of how she allocates her time and the place work occupies in her life. Being present for her daughter, nurturing her marriage, and caring for her health and faith are also part of what she considers a successful life. A full schedule may represent an achievement, but it is not enough to define success. The desire to grow remains. Lia continues to make plans and pursue meaningful projects, but today, she also considers the kind of life she wants to lead while working toward those goals. The challenge lies in balancing her ambitions with the relationships and experiences that give meaning to each day. As the firm has grown, Lia's responsibilities have taken on a new dimension. In the beginning, she needed to attract clients and establish a foundation for her own work. Today, she must also share responsibilities and build a structure that allows the business to grow. Lia began by learning to recognize what would truly make a difference in her clients' spaces, looking beyond their requests to understand their underlying needs. In building Studio Zaliah, she had to extend that same perspective to her own business. Her story shows how a vision can find room to grow when it becomes something built by others, too. In a conversation about architecture, leadership, and life choices, Lia Herrmann reflects on what has changed in the way she creates, builds a business, and understands success. 1. When the construction company's office where you worked closed, you had to find your own clients, even meeting them in your home and in cafés. Looking back at those early days and the company you have built since then, what was the most important shift in the way you viewed your profession and what it would take to turn it into a business? The most important change was understanding that being a good architect was only one part of what I needed to build a company. I loved creating, thinking about spaces, and watching a project come to life, but I had to learn how to sell my work, price my services, organize processes, lead people, and manage finances. When the construction company's office closed, I simply did what I could with the resources available to me. I met clients at home, in cafés, wherever possible. I didn't have everything in place, but I was determined to make it work and felt a strong sense of responsibility toward the people who trusted me. Over time, I realized that I couldn't let everything depend on my individual effort. I needed to build a team, learn to delegate, and create a structure that could sustain growth. That was a major turning point: beginning to see myself as an entrepreneur, too, and taking responsibility for the decisions that came with that role. 2. Your projects are shaped by highly personal stories, habits, and expectations. How do you translate a client's identity into architecture without losing your own creative signature? Has there been a particular project that broadened your understanding of this relationship? I always say that before I start designing, I need to listen. I want to understand how that person lives, what they enjoy doing at home, what is missing from their daily routine, and even what bothers them about their current living space. Often, what will make the biggest difference in a project emerges from a simple conversation. My signature lies in the way I organize this information and transform it into a space that is beautiful, welcoming, and functional. Of course, I have my own references and perspective, but I want clients to walk into a room and recognize themselves in it. Designing homes for families has taught me a great deal about this. Sometimes, we begin by discussing aesthetics and discover that their greatest wish is to have a table where everyone can sit together, entertain friends, or keep an eye on the children while preparing a meal. These are the discoveries that give meaning to the design decisions. Since becoming a mother, I have developed an even greater sensitivity to some of these needs. 3. In 2022, your firm became Studio Zaliah, moving away from a brand directly associated with your name. What motivated this change, and what did it take to build a business identity capable of standing on its own, beyond the founder's image? The change came from a desire to build a company with an identity of its own and room to grow. My story remains very much a part of Studio Zaliah, but I wanted the brand to also represent the people who were building it alongside me. To achieve that, changing the name was only the beginning. We had to mature the way we worked, organize our processes, align the team, and gain greater clarity about the experience we wanted to deliver to our clients. That also required a change in me. I had to learn to share responsibilities, trust others, and make room for people to grow. I feel incredibly proud when I see a client recognize the care and quality of our firm in the work delivered by the team. It means seeing what I believe in being built by more people. 4. Faith is also reflected in your work, particularly in the way you support women and young people. How does this experience influence the way you listen to and guide others, and what do these relationships reveal to you about yourself? My faith is part of who I am, so it is present in the way I work, lead, and care for people. As a pastor, especially through my interactions with women and young people, I am constantly learning that we know very little about someone when we see only what they choose to show us. This teaches me to listen more patiently and to be thoughtful before offering an opinion. People do not always need an immediate answer. Sometimes, they need to be able to speak, feel welcomed and supported, and realize they are not alone. These relationships also help me recognize my own limits. I want to help, solve problems, and take care of everyone, but I also need to be cared for. I have doubts, I get tired, and I need God, too. Being in a leadership position reminds me of the responsibility I have toward others and the importance of continuing to learn. 5. Looking back at the woman who began this journey and the person you are today, is there an achievement that once seemed essential but no longer holds the same place in your definition of success? How has your perspective changed over the years? In the beginning, attracting clients, having an office, and seeing my work recognized occupied a very large place in my life. I was building everything from the ground up, and I wanted to see that I was making progress. I still have big dreams, and I love what I do. But today, I think more about how I want to live while pursuing those dreams. A full schedule can be an achievement, but I also need to be present with my family, take care of my health, and make time to live out my faith. Motherhood brought this into focus in a very tangible way. I want to grow and build meaningful things, but I also want to watch Helena grow up and be present in my marriage. My definition of success has come to include these choices. Today, a professional achievement needs to make sense within the life I want to lead. 6. To conclude, if you could speak to the entire world and knew your message would be heard, what would you say? Is there something you deeply believe in that you wish more people understood? I would say: don't wait until you have everything figured out to begin. We often look at other people's lives and think that ours is the only one filled with fear, difficulties, and days when it feels like nothing will work out. But there is so much behind every story that we cannot see. I deeply believe in God and in His care for us, including during the times when I didn't understand what was happening. My faith has given me the strength to keep going on so many occasions, and I wish more people could experience that love. I would also encourage people to take care of those around them. Dream, work, build, but pay attention to the people who are sharing this life with you. I still have so much I want to accomplish, but I want the people walking alongside me to feel loved throughout the journey. Get your print edition featuring LIA HERRMANN by clicking below. Worldwide Shipping Available:

  • ARTEMISI : THE HOLY MATTER

    Photos Disclosure Press - @agfotosite In her collection for SPFW N61, Mayari Jubini brings mysticism, technology, and craftsmanship into dialogue. To understand Artemisi’s visual language, one must also look at the cultural background that precedes her creations. I remember the first time I encountered Artemisi. My connection with Mayari Jubini’s work took on a new dimension when I heard her speak about cultural references. I recognized a curiosity that drives me as well: the desire to move between different worlds and discover what happens when they intersect. Dostoevsky and Stanley Kubrick belong to distinct forms of expression, yet both can contribute to shaping the same perspective. What caught my attention was not the variety of references itself, but the possibility of transforming them into a distinctive way of seeing the world. Cultural repertoire is not measured by the number of works we know, but by what we do with them. A book can reshape our perception of characters; a film can stay with us through its atmosphere, rhythm, or the way it constructs a narrative. These experiences intersect, acquire new meanings, and, over time, begin to influence our choices. In the creative process, this accumulated knowledge becomes particularly compelling when it no longer needs to be explicitly referenced to be present. This perspective helps us understand Artemisi beyond the appearance of its pieces. In an interview published by Hooks Magazine in 2025, Mayari spoke about revisiting experiences that had left a lasting impression on her and transforming them into the brand’s aesthetic. In The Holy Matter, this relationship between imagination and creation finds expression in a collection that relies not only on its chosen symbols, but also on the way shapes, materials, and volumes come together to create an atmosphere of its own. Presented at São Paulo Fashion Week N61 in October 2026, the collection featured 27 looks shaped by references to alchemy, mysticism, and hands-on craftsmanship. Sculptural corsets, embroidered dresses, feathers, gemstones, masks, and halo-inspired accessories come together to create a universe where the angelic and the profane coexist. The effect emerges not only from the symbolic elements themselves, but also from the contrast between rigid structures and ornate surfaces, which reshape the silhouette and move the body away from its everyday representation. The masks deserve particular attention. By concealing the faces, they shift the focus to posture, body contours, and the composition of each look. The accessory ceases to function merely as a complement and becomes an integral part of the construction of a figure. There is something ritualistic about this choice: individual identity recedes, while the clothing and its elements take on greater prominence. The image does not rely on a face to convey meaning; instead, it is shaped by the relationship between body, material, and form. The creation of these images required an extraordinary scale of work. According to figures released about the collection, the process involved more than 20,000 hours of manual labor and approximately 700,000 crystals and gemstones. Some pieces featured over 100,000 individual embellishments, while certain creations required up to 1,200 hours to complete. 3D printing also features in dresses and accessories, expanding the brand’s construction possibilities. The opening look offers a concrete example of this exploration. Achieving the desired chrome finish required months of testing. After printing, the structure still undergoes several stages of preparation, sanding, polishing, and hand-painting. Technology makes it possible to develop the form, but it does not deliver the finished result. Solutions must be found for the surface, materials must be tested, and the process must be refined until the object aligns with the original visual intention. This combination goes beyond the simultaneous presence of modern and artisanal techniques. Each process must serve a specific purpose within the creative vision. 3D printing makes certain structures possible; crystals add density and texture; and the finishing process determines how the surface interacts with light. The challenge lies in coordinating these choices so that the complexity of the materials does not overshadow the concept behind the piece. When clothing moves closer to sculpture, its relationship with the body also demands careful consideration. Weight, support, and mobility become integral to the development of structures that challenge conventional pattern-making. Not every runway creation needs to be designed for everyday wear, but formal experimentation still depends on practical solutions for the body that wears each piece. Freedom of form does not diminish the importance of technical knowledge; it makes its role even more evident. It is at this point that the discussion of cultural references meets the materiality of the collection. Familiarity with literature, cinema, and other forms of expression can expand the possibilities for association, but it does not determine the outcome. Between a cultural reference and a garment lies a process of interpretation, decision-making, and execution. At Artemisi, this process must respond both to the mystical imaginary of The Holy Matter and to the practical demands of its construction. My connection with Mayari goes beyond the visual impact of the runway show. I am drawn to the possibility of a designer nurturing her work through experiences that extend beyond the boundaries of her own profession and finding ways to translate them into what she creates. What makes a creation distinctive is not the reference itself, but the way it is absorbed and transformed. In The Holy Matter, the result is right before us: three-dimensional structures, hand-crafted surfaces, and imagery that moves between the sacred and the profane. Behind them lies a process of research that involves both the cultivation of a discerning eye and the discovery of the means necessary to bring that vision to life. At Artemisi, cultural references do not serve as captions for the pieces. They emerge through the decisions that make them possible.

  • Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato Reunite for Rare Beauty in a Nostalgic Celebration of Friendship

    From childhood memories to a beauty collaboration, the two stars revisit their shared history in a campaign that celebrates friendship, nostalgia, and the enduring connection between two generations of Disney icons. Photos Courtesy Rare Beauty Some friendships carry the rare ability to transcend time, distance, and the different directions life can take. For Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, a relationship that began in childhood has inspired a new chapter, bringing together beauty, nostalgia, and the memories that helped shape their early careers. With the launch of the Delena: Soft Pinch Blush Bundle, the two artists reconnect through Rare Beauty in a campaign that celebrates not only their shared past but also the women they have become. Introduced through the playful message “Once a Princess, always a Princess,” the collaboration revisits the nostalgia surrounding their Disney years while reminding fans of a friendship that has been part of their stories since childhood. The campaign’s accompanying line, “Best friends don’t just have each other’s backs. They make them blush too,” captures its spirit, combining the language of beauty with a message about the importance of supporting the people who have been part of our lives from the beginning. For Selena, bringing their stories together again carries a meaning that extends beyond a product launch. Reflecting on their shared experiences, the singer and Rare Beauty founder described their connection as something truly special. “The experiences I’ve shared with Demi are truly unique,” Selena expressed, describing the campaign as “a beautiful reminder of that history and a chance to celebrate who we are today.” Her words capture the emotional foundation of the collaboration. Rather than simply revisiting familiar images from the past, the campaign creates an opportunity for both artists to acknowledge their history from the perspective of adulthood, with a renewed appreciation for the experiences that brought them together. Their connection dates back to their childhood appearances on Barney & Friends, long before their individual careers reached international prominence. They later became part of the same Disney generation, with their shared screen history culminating in the 2009 television film Princess Protection Program. Their performances helped establish a cultural association between the two stars that continues to resonate with fans years later. The film’s legacy is particularly relevant to the new campaign. Its princess-inspired imagery provides a nostalgic reference point, allowing Rare Beauty to revisit a memorable chapter of their careers while presenting a collaboration grounded in their present-day identities. For Demi, the reunion also offers an opportunity to celebrate the personal significance of their relationship. The singer has expressed enduring affection for Selena, emphasizing the place she continues to hold in her life. “But Selena is someone that I’ve always loved and adored,” Demi shared. The sentiment captures an essential aspect of the campaign: friendships can evolve without losing the significance of their beginnings. As careers develop, personal lives change, and new experiences emerge, relationships may take different forms. Yet the memories shared during formative years can continue to occupy a distinctive place in someone’s life. The two artists have also revisited the playful atmosphere of their childhood, recalling the videos they made together and their early experiments with makeup. These memories lend the campaign a personal quality, transforming the collaboration into more than a conventional beauty launch. For Demi, working with Selena again was a particularly meaningful experience. Their shared memories made the project feel like a return to a familiar chapter of their lives, while the opportunity to reconnect as adults gave those memories a new perspective. Demi has also expressed her enthusiasm for Selena’s beauty brand, revealing that she has loved its liquid blush since Rare Beauty first introduced the product. That personal connection is reflected in the Delena: Soft Pinch Blush Bundle, which features two shades of the brand’s popular liquid blush: Hope, a nude mauve, and Virtue, a beige peach. The set also includes a Soft Pinch Blush Brush, bringing together the products at the center of the collaboration. The selection of shades gives the launch a personal dimension, with each artist associated with a different color. Beyond the makeup itself, however, the bundle functions as an extension of the campaign’s central message: beauty can become a way to express affection, celebrate individuality, and create shared experiences. Rare Beauty has built its identity around a broader conversation about beauty and self-acceptance. Founded by Selena, the brand has consistently connected its products with messages about confidence and emotional well-being. Bringing Demi into this campaign creates an opportunity to extend that conversation through a relationship that audiences have followed since the two were young. Their reunion also reflects the enduring appeal of nostalgia in contemporary entertainment and beauty culture. For fans who grew up watching their Disney projects, the collaboration offers a reminder of a formative period in pop culture. For younger audiences, it introduces the history behind a partnership that brings two established artists together in a new context. The campaign’s message is ultimately less about recreating the past than recognizing its influence. Selena and Demi are no longer the children who first appeared together on screen. They have developed distinct careers, navigated public attention, and built individual identities. Their collaboration acknowledges those differences while celebrating the memories they continue to share. In a culture that often places celebrity relationships under constant scrutiny, their renewed connection offers a more personal narrative: one in which friendship is allowed to change, mature, and find new ways of expressing itself. The Delena bundle may be the immediate reason for their reunion, but the story behind it is what gives the campaign its emotional resonance. By bringing together beauty, shared memories, and a familiar chapter of their careers, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato have created a collaboration that speaks to the lasting significance of the people who accompany us through different stages of life. Once a princess, always a princess. And sometimes, the most meaningful collaborations are the ones that remind us where a story began — and how much it can still mean years later.

  • VITÓRIA GUARIZO: THE ART OF STARTING OVER AND THE LEGACY OF A NEW STORY

    LEGACY COVER EDITION - OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE Photography: Caio Oviedo @caiooviedo / Photography Assistant: Murilo Stabile @mukastabile / Styling: Isabela Coimbra @isabelacoimbra_ / Video: Julia Emanuele @juliaa.emanuele / Studio: Dois 8 @dois.8 At 28, Vitória Guarizo is embracing a period of rebuilding, personal growth, and new beginnings. An artist and public figure, she is pursuing a career in acting, preparing for her first major film project, and developing a reality show that promises to offer a more intimate perspective on her life. Featured on the LEGACY cover of Hooks Magazine, Vitória embodies the ability to turn experiences into lessons and keep dreaming, even when the journey calls for new beginnings. Her journey is marked by transformations that extend beyond her professional life. Today, Vitória recognizes that maturity also means reassessing priorities, valuing genuine relationships, and learning to set boundaries. Family, friends, and those who have stood by her have become even more important, while the need to meet external expectations has given way to more conscious choices. “Growing up meant exactly that: no longer trying to fit in everywhere, but beginning to choose, more consciously, what makes sense for the woman I am today,” she reveals. One of the priorities of this new chapter is her acting career. Having studied performing arts since childhood, Vitória considers acting an essential part of her identity. Now, she is preparing for her first major film project, a Brazilian comedy directed by Eva Pereira. Although she cannot yet reveal many details about the production, the artist highlights the warm welcome she has received and the opportunity to grow professionally. “I want to build a solid career, portray characters that challenge me, and tell stories that stay with people,” she says. When asked about her greatest ambitions, Vitória answers without hesitation: “I’ll be ambitious and state the obvious: I want an Oscar. Dreaming big has never scared me.” The statement reflects her determination to build an artistic career that goes beyond her public image, driven by dedication, study, and roles that allow her to explore new possibilities. For her, cinema represents not only a professional achievement but also an opportunity to turn a long-standing passion into an increasingly tangible career. This desire to reveal other dimensions of her personality is also at the heart of Vitória Guarizo: No Filter, an upcoming reality show that aims to follow her daily life, career, family, and the events that have shaped her story. The project stems from a desire to show the woman behind the public figure, revealing how time has changed her and the perspectives that now guide her choices. Vitória believes there is a significant difference between the woman the public first came to know at 21 and the person she has become nearly a decade later. By revisiting her past with greater maturity, she hopes to present a story that goes beyond the events people already know, revealing everything that has happened since. “Not to erase or rewrite what happened, but to finally answer a question that has remained unanswered all these years: what happened next?” she explains. One of the most difficult chapters of her journey involved a period of intense public scrutiny, marked by accusations that Vitória maintains she did not commit the acts she was accused of. According to her, the situation had profound personal and professional consequences and required a process of rebuilding that went far beyond restoring her public image. “Rebuilding my life meant, first and foremost, rebuilding myself,” she says. For a long time, she explains, she felt the need to tell her side of the story and convince people of who she truly was. With maturity, she came to understand that she could not spend her life constantly responding to other people's interpretations. Instead, she chose to keep studying, working, and developing new projects, directing her energy toward the future she wants to build. “I learned that reputations can be damaged and people can create their own versions of you, but no one can determine who you will become afterward,” she says. This reflection reflects an important shift in how she understands her own journey. Vitória has no intention of erasing the past, but she refuses to let it define every chapter that follows. Her priority now is to be recognized for her work, her art, and the opportunities she hopes to pursue, without being confined to a single narrative about her life. As a trans woman, artist, and public figure, she also hopes to occupy new spaces with the freedom to exist beyond labels. Her goal is to build a career in which her identity remains part of her story without determining the limits of her achievements. For Vitória, the legacy she hopes to leave is not about perfection, but about the ability to change, learn, and continue believing in her dreams. “I don’t want to be an example of perfection for anyone. I’m human, full of flaws. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve gotten things right, and I’ve had to start over many times. And perhaps that is precisely where the message I want to leave lies,” she says. At 28, Vitória understands that a journey does not have to be flawless to be meaningful. It is possible to change direction, face difficult times, and discover new possibilities without allowing negative experiences to determine the future. This perspective also guides her professional ambitions and the way she hopes to present herself to the public in this new chapter. When speaking about the legacy she hopes to build, she shares a message that captures her outlook on life: “I want people to look at my journey and understand that you don’t need to have a perfect life to keep believing in your dreams.” In the LEGACY edition of Hooks Magazine, Vitória Guarizo represents a story that is still unfolding. Between new challenges in cinema, anticipation surrounding her reality show, and her pursuit of a lasting career, she demonstrates that maturity also means recognizing one's own ability to begin again. More than being remembered for the events that shaped her past, Vitória wants to build a legacy defined by her choices, her work, and her determination. Her story is still being written, and perhaps her greatest achievement at this moment is reclaiming the freedom to envision her future without allowing the past to determine how far she can go. Because, for Vitória, life is so much bigger than our worst days. And the next chapter may still be the most important one of all. Read the exclusive interview below: 1. At 28, you are going through a period of rebuilding and personal growth. What has changed the most about the woman you are today? “I think what has changed the most about me is my outlook on the world and, above all, my values. At 28, I have a much clearer understanding of what deserves a place in my life. Today, I value what makes me feel good, what helps me grow, and, above all, the people who are genuinely by my side. My family, my friends, and the relationships that truly matter. I have also learned something that, to me, represents a great deal of personal growth: saying no. I have learned to set boundaries without feeling guilty about it and to understand that not everything needs to remain in our lives simply because it was once part of them. I think growing up meant exactly that: no longer trying to fit in everywhere, but beginning to choose, more consciously, what makes sense for the woman I am today.” 2. You are preparing for your first major film project. What has the preparation process been like, and what do you hope to achieve as an actress? “I have been studying performing arts since I was very young, for as long as I can remember. So, for me, acting has never been simply a career choice. It has always been part of who I am. I genuinely feel that I was born to be an actress. This preparation has been very special. I had the honor of being welcomed from the very beginning by director Eva Pereira for a wonderful Brazilian comedy. I still cannot reveal many details about the project, but I can say that I have felt incredibly supported while also being challenged to grow as an artist. I am approaching this experience with complete dedication, a commitment to learning, and respect for the craft. I want to build a solid career, portray characters that challenge me, and tell stories that stay with people. And what do I want to achieve? I’ll be ambitious and state the obvious: I want an Oscar. Dreaming big has never scared me. But more than simply reaching that goal, I want to build a career that makes that dream meaningful.” 3. The reality show Vitória Guarizo: No Filter promises to reveal a more intimate side of your life. What will audiences discover about you that they don't know yet? “I can tell you that people will be surprised. I think the public knows many versions of me, but that doesn't necessarily mean they know the woman behind everything they have seen or heard about me. There is a huge difference between the Vitória people knew at 21 and the woman I am today. Nearly a decade has passed, filled with experiences, choices, mistakes, achievements, personal growth, and stories that have never been told in their entirety. And that is one of the most beautiful aspects of this new chapter with Vitória Guarizo: Sem Filtro: revisiting the past through the eyes I have today. Not to erase or rewrite what happened, but to finally answer a question that has remained open all these years: what happened next? Audiences will discover behind-the-scenes moments, new perspectives, and sides of me they may not expect. Some moments will be moving, while others will probably come as a real surprise. But above all, I want people to get to know the Vitória of today, unfiltered, this time with the maturity of someone who finally knows who she is.” 4. After facing a difficult period of public scrutiny, what was it like to rebuild your life and your public image? What did you learn from that experience? “Rebuilding my life meant, first and foremost, rebuilding myself. For a long time, I thought I had to convince people of who I was, explain my story, and respond to everything. Until I realized that my truth didn't need to be proven every single day. It was an incredibly difficult period, but it was also the time that revealed a strength within me that I hadn't yet discovered. I could have allowed that moment to define the rest of my story. Instead, I chose to do the opposite. I continued studying, working, dreaming, and developing new projects. I turned pain into momentum. Today, when I look back, I realize that the greatest rebuilding wasn't about my public image. It was about my relationship with myself. I learned that reputations can be damaged and people can create their own versions of you, but no one can determine who you will become afterward. And perhaps that is the message I most want to share: our worst moments don't have to be the final chapter. Sometimes, they are precisely where the strongest, most self-aware, and most authentic version of ourselves begins. I don't want to be remembered for what people tried to make of me. I want to be remembered for everything I chose to build afterward.” 5. As a trans woman, artist, and public figure, what legacy do you hope to build in this new chapter of your career and life? “I don't want to be an example of perfection for anyone. I'm human, full of flaws. I've made mistakes, I've gotten things right, and I've had to start over many times. And perhaps that is precisely where the message I want to leave lies. I want people to look at my journey and understand that you don't need to have a perfect life to keep believing in your dreams. You can lose your way, change direction, fall, rebuild yourself, and still reach places that once seemed impossible. As a trans woman, artist, and public figure, I want to occupy the spaces I've always dreamed of being in, but I want to do so with the freedom to exist beyond labels. I want to be recognized for my work, my art, the woman I've become, and everything I still have to build. If there is a legacy I would like to leave behind, it is this: keep dreaming. Don't let a difficult moment, a mistake, or someone else's opinion determine how far you can go. Life is so much bigger than our worst days. It is wonderful, unpredictable, and still has so much to offer. I continue to believe that. And, above all, I continue to believe in my dreams.”

  • CARLA SILVA: BETWEEN FASHION, CARNIVAL, AND THE ART OF WRITING HER OWN STORY

    STARS COVER EDITION - OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE Photos: @picsmarioficial / Make : @bycarolfranca / Style: @ericksonramoss / Advisor: @kaiocezzar_ Entrepreneur, mother of three daughters, and Muse of São Paulo Carnival, Carla Silva transforms her passion for fashion into business opportunities, using her image as a platform to broaden her horizons. At 36, the Brazilian native of Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, is experiencing a period of professional growth, balancing the management of Recloset, her clothing boutique, motherhood, and preparations for Carnival 2027. Carla’s relationship with fashion began with an interest in style and personal image, but took on new meaning when she decided to become an entrepreneur. At the helm of Recloset, she seeks to celebrate women’s individuality through a carefully curated selection of pieces and personalized customer service. For her, dressing well goes beyond following trends; it is about expressing personality and strengthening self-confidence. “I don’t simply want to sell clothes. I want a woman to wear something and feel amazing. Trends come and go, but confidence stays,” she says. Running a business, however, involves much more than a passion for fashion. Between business decisions, planning, and behind-the-scenes work, Carla is also devoted to raising Melissa, Ágatha, and Maya. Balancing these responsibilities requires organization and determination, qualities she considers essential to moving forward with her projects. São Paulo Carnival represents another important dimension of her journey. After beginning her Carnival career at Colorado do Brás, Carla continues her journey with Barroca Zona Sul, finding in samba an opportunity for personal and professional growth. The experience increases her visibility and allows her to establish new connections, but it also demands preparation, discipline, and investment. “I want to use this visibility to show that there’s a businesswoman behind the costume,” she emphasizes. For Carla, sensuality, motherhood, and entrepreneurship are not incompatible identities. She believes a woman can occupy different spaces, embrace her personality, and build a career without having to limit herself to a single role. This perspective also shapes her social media presence, where she shares outfits, trips, workouts, Carnival behind-the-scenes moments, and authentic glimpses into her family and professional life. “I don’t want to create a character for the internet. I want to grow while being who I am,” she explains. By sharing both glamorous moments and everyday challenges, Carla seeks to build an authentic connection with her audience. Digital platforms have also become strategic tools for promoting Recloset, strengthening her personal brand, and expanding opportunities for commercial partnerships. Her plans for the coming years reflect an ambition that extends beyond fashion and Carnival. Carla hopes to expand her businesses, collaborate with major brands, and explore opportunities in media and television. At the same time, she is focusing on her preparations for an unforgettable Carnival experience in 2027. More than simply increasing her visibility, she wants to build a career defined by her achievements. She does not want to be remembered solely for her appearance or a striking Carnival costume, but also for her entrepreneurial spirit, her ability to reinvent herself, and her determination to turn opportunities into tangible projects. In the STARS Edition of Hooks Magazine, Carla Silva represents a woman who is writing her own story across different worlds without compromising her essence. Entrepreneur, mother, influencer, and Carnival muse, she continues to explore new paths, demonstrating that while image can open doors, it is hard work, vision, and determination that help shape what comes next. Read the exclusive interview: 1. How did your desire to become an entrepreneur begin, and what were the main challenges in turning your vision into your own business? I’ve always loved fashion, dressing well, and working with my image. But at a certain point, I wanted to go further, to have something of my own and build a real business. Recloset represents exactly that. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about choosing beautiful clothes and posting them on Instagram. It involves a great deal of responsibility, difficult decisions, and behind-the-scenes work. I keep up with trends, study fashion, and select pieces that empower women and boost their self-confidence. On top of that, I have to balance everything with motherhood. I’m a mother of three! But I’m the kind of person who, once I set my mind to something, goes after it until it happens. 2. How would you define Recloset’s identity, and what do you consider essential to differentiating your brand and earning your customers’ trust? I believe fashion has much more to do with personality than with labels. Recloset aims to celebrate every woman’s individual style through a carefully curated selection of pieces and personalized customer service. I like to get involved, offer my opinions, suggest outfit combinations, and build a connection with my customers. I don’t simply want to sell clothes. I want a woman to wear something and feel amazing. Trends come and go, but confidence stays. And confidence is what makes a woman come back. 3. How has your experience as a Muse of São Paulo Carnival contributed to your career, professional image, and the opportunities that have come your way? Carnival has opened many doors for me. I started at Colorado do Brás, and now I’m with Barroca Zona Sul, alongside women I admire, such as Juju Salimeni. It’s an enormous platform for visibility, but it also requires preparation, discipline, and investment. I love being bold and turning heads, I won’t deny that! But I want to use this visibility to show that there’s a businesswoman behind the costume. Women can embrace many identities, have their own personalities, occupy different spaces, express their sensuality, be entrepreneurs, be mothers, and still dare to be bold. I love challenges, I’m driven by new experiences, and that’s why I embraced Carnival. Beauty may open doors, but you need substance and the ability to seize opportunities to keep growing. 4. How do you use digital platforms to strengthen your personal brand, expand your professional opportunities, and build a genuine connection with your audience? I show my life as it really is. There are outfits, trips, work, workouts, and behind-the-scenes moments from Carnival, but there’s also the hustle of being a mother of three and running my businesses. There’s humor, everyday life, and plenty of challenges. My content is unfiltered. Not every day is glamorous, and I have no reason to pretend it is. I think people enjoy that mix. I’m very into beauty and love expressing my sensuality, but I also work hard. Today, social media is an incredibly important tool for me, both for promoting Recloset and securing partnerships, inspiring other women, and opening new doors. I don’t want to create a character for the internet. I want to grow while being who I am. 5. Looking at your journey as a woman, mother, and entrepreneur, what are your main professional goals for the coming years? I want to see Recloset grow, expand my businesses, and establish an even stronger presence in fashion, beauty, and entertainment. I also want to make Carnival 2027 an unforgettable experience because I’m dedicating a great deal of effort to preparing for it. But I don’t want to be limited to a single industry. I’m eager to develop new projects, work with major brands, and explore opportunities in media and television. I’m a mother, entrepreneur, influencer, and Carnival muse, but I still have so much more to accomplish. I don’t want to be known only for my body or a beautiful Carnival costume. I also want to be recognized for what I’m capable of building, my ability to reinvent myself, and my power to inspire other women. Buy your printed magazine, global shipping:

  • Payment without machine and legal protection: new management platform arrives to revolutionize the beauty market

    Photos by Leandro Torres: @leandrotorres.oficial Developed as the technological arm of the Autentis System, a methodology created by Rafaela de la Lastra, the platformaims to become the most comprehensive, simple, and efficient solution for beauty space owners. This Black Friday, it willoffer one exclusive deal: unlimited professional registrations. A new platform designed specifically for beauty space owners and beauty professionals who rent workspaces is enteringthe market with an ambitious proposition: bringing together, in a single system, management tools that currently mayrequire multiple different solutions, all in an exceptionally simple and efficient way. Technology is the latest frontier for Sistema Autentis, an innovative methodology that promises to eliminate commission-based payments and even double the profits of beauty businesses. It was created by Rafaela de la Lastra, a managementspecialist, salon owner, and actively practicing hairstylist with more than 27 years of experience. After bringing themethod to more than 300 beauty businesses in Brazil and abroad, Rafaela decided to turn part of the expertise she hadaccumulated over the years into her own platform. But the idea was not simply to digitize what already existed. The platform began to take shape around a broader question:what could technology do not only to make management easier, but also to help business owners build a stronger structureand protect their businesses? “When we envisioned the platform, we looked beyond scheduling, inventory, and financial management. We wanted tounderstand how technology could simplify operations, reduce costs, and also help create a more secure business structurefor salon owners, including when it comes to labor and tax matters,” says Rafaela. The result is a platform built around five key areas: business management, professional management, client management,inventory management, and personal financial management. The last of these is one of the platform’s mostunconventional features. In addition to managing their businesses, users—whether owners or beauty professionals—can organize their personalfinances by tracking income, expenses, and personal financial obligations directly within the platform. The launch of the technology will also coincide with a special Black Friday offer. Among the exclusive benefits preparedfor the campaign is unlimited professional registration, along with a special access offer that, according to Rafaela, wasdesigned to make Sistema Autentis particularly affordable given the extensive range of features it provides. “We wanted to take advantage of this launch to create an offer that truly stands out from the rest. Those who join during Black Friday will receive benefits that are not included in the platform’s standard offering. One of them is the ability to register an unlimited number of professionals. And there are still other special conditions that we’ll reveal at the launch,” Rafaela teases. Owners of beauty businesses who are interested in receiving advance details about the Black Friday offer and following the platform’s launch can already register on the campaign’s official page: https://rafaeladelalastra.com.br/autentis-black/?utm_source=hooks_magazine&utm_medium=artigo&utm_campaign=autentis_black_nov26&utm_content=nota Among the new features to be presented at the launch is one of the most groundbreaking aspects of this technology: how a management platform can help make the operations of a beauty business more secure from an employment law and tax compliance perspective. The answer begins even before the platform was created. That is because the technology inherited an approach that had already been part of the Autentis System since its methodology was first developed. Over the years, Rafaela and a team of professionals specializing in management, law, accounting, human resources, and other fields developed the method with a focus not only on making administration more efficient, but also on reducing expenses, clarifying responsibilities, and minimizing potential risks arising from the relationship between beauty business owners and the professionals who work in their spaces. When it came time to develop the platform, these same concerns therefore had to be incorporated into the technology. “The platform was not created separately from the methodology. If we spent years building a framework designed to help owners run leaner, more organized, and better-protected operations, the technology had to help put that framework into practice. It would make no sense to have a contract stating one thing while the actual operation worked in a completely different way,” Rafaela explains. One example is the separation between the beauty business’s financial operations and those of the individual professionals. In the Autentis System model, each tenant operates as an independent business and receives payments directly for their own services through their own payment terminal—a pioneering and unconventional approach. Payments are recorded on the platform, but each professional has access to an individual workspace, with visibility limited to their own management activities and no access to other tenants’ data or the beauty business owner’s management dashboard. Meanwhile, the owner has a comprehensive view of the operation and can monitor all the information needed to manage the business as a whole from a single environment. According to Rafaela, this distinction is about more than finances. It is part of a framework designed to clarify each business’s responsibilities and help reduce employment law and tax exposure. This concern becomes even more relevant in light of the changes introduced by Brazil’s Tax Reform, which aims, among other objectives, to reduce taxes. How this framework works in practice and what beauty business owners need to consider in the face of the new tax landscape will be among the topics Rafaela addresses during the launch. You can register by clicking here: https://rafaeladelalastra.com.br/autentis-black/?utm_source=hooks_magazine&utm_medium=artigo&utm_campaign=autentis_black_nov26&utm_content=nota The same focus on protection and organization also guided another objective of the platform: reducing the number of tools needed to manage a business without replacing them with a system that is difficult to use. To achieve more comprehensive management, beauty business owners may end up spreading their operations across different platforms, spreadsheets, and tracking systems. In addition to increasing the number of tools they need to monitor, this fragmentation can also mean more subscriptions and, consequently, higher costs. The new platform was designed to take the opposite approach: bring different business management needs together in a single environment without allowing that breadth of functionality to translate into complexity. “There’s no point in calling a platform comprehensive if the owner has to spend hours learning how to use it or still depends on other tools to manage the entire business. From the beginning, that was precisely our challenge: to deliver as much as possible while demanding as little as possible from the people who use it,” Rafaela says. It is this combination that underpins one of the Autentis System’s most ambitious goals. According to Rafaela, the platform is being launched with the aim of becoming the most comprehensive solution on the market for beauty business owners and professionals while remaining the easiest to operate. The effort to eliminate unnecessary steps also extends to payment processing. Through integrations with payment service providers, the platform allows professionals to use their own smartphones to accept payments, without the need for a physical payment terminal. For Rafaela, this feature, which is already in operation, illustrates the principle that guided the entire development process: technology only makes sense when it removes steps from daily routines rather than adding new ones. “That’s what we mean when we talk about efficiency. It’s not about cramming a hundred features into a system just to call it comprehensive. It’s about looking at what consumes time, generates costs, or creates difficulties and asking how we can make it simpler and faster,” she explains. Perhaps the biggest difference, however, lies less in any individual feature and more in the structure behind all of them. The platform does not replace the Autentis System methodology; it was created to make that methodology work in an even more integrated, automated, and user-friendly way in everyday operations. According to Rafaela, this combination places the Autentis System in an unprecedented position. She states that it is currently the only management system for beauty businesses in the world to combine its own proprietary methodology with a platform specifically developed to work in an integrated way with that methodology—without a centralized cash register, using a decentralized model, and designed with the needs of professionals in mind as well. “There are certainly platforms that help people carry out tasks. What we have built starts from a different place. First, we developed a methodology to solve real management problems faced by beauty businesses. Now, we have technology designed to help put that methodology into practice. It’s the combination of these two things that makes the Autentis System unique,” she says. It is precisely this new phase that will be unveiled during the Black Friday launch, when Rafaela will also reveal the other special offers prepared for those who join the Autentis System during the campaign. Registration is now open on the campaign’s official page for anyone who wants to receive advance information about the Black Friday offers: https://rafaeladelalastra.com.br/autentis-black/?utm_source=hooks_magazine&utm_medium=artigo&utm_campaign=autentis_black_nov26&utm_content=nota For Rafaela, however, the launch represents something much bigger than simply adding a platform to the Autentis System. “Our goal was never simply to create another platform. It was to use technology to make a management framework that took years to build simpler, more accessible, and more efficient. Everything is designed to help owners manage their businesses better, save significant time on day-to-day operations, and make decisions with complete clarity and confidence. And now, our students are confirming that the technology has fulfilled its purpose!” Rafaela concludes.

  • SODIÊ SWEETS: EMPIRE OF SWEETNESS

    By Giovanna Prates Photos Disclosure Press From a small 20-square-meter space to one of the largest confectionery chains in the country, a story of perseverance, entrepreneurial vision, and love for family. The journey of Cleusa Maria da Silva, founder of Sodiê Doces, is an inspiration for Brazilian entrepreneurship. Comingfrom a humble background, she worked as a day laborer in the fields, a sugarcane cutter, and a domestic worker beforediscovering in confectionery an opportunity to transform her life. In 1997, in the city of Salto, in the countryside of SãoPaulo state, she started a small business that would eventually become a brand with significant national and internationalrecognition. The name Sodiê embodies the essence of her personal story: it was created by combining the names of her children, Sofia and Diego, reflecting the importance of family in her life and in building her legacy. Together with her mother, Cleusaturned challenges into opportunities and built a journey defined by courage, perseverance, and the ability to innovate. Her son, Diego, also plays an important role in this story. Leading expansion projects and the development of newbusinesses, he has stood out particularly for the creation of Sodiê Salgados, expanding the family’s presence in the foodindustry and contributing to the continuity of a business built on dedication and a forward-looking vision. Today, Sodiê Doces has more than 400 stores in Brazil and abroad, with a portfolio featuring over 80 cake flavors,including traditional recipes, specialty options, homemade cakes, sugar-free varieties, and new offerings that keep pacewith market trends. The brand has expanded its offerings far beyond cakes, providing savory snacks, traditional and gourmet bite-sizedsweets, bonbons, premium chocolates, coconut candies, and the convenient Party Kit, which brings together a variety ofproducts to make celebrations even more special. Its portfolio also keeps up with evolving consumer preferences,featuring new products such as the Bolo Morango do Amor (Love Strawberry Cake) and Morango Cravejado (Chocolate-Covered Strawberry), as well as distinctive options such as whey protein cakes and beverages available at locations thatoffer these alternatives. This diversity demonstrates the company’s ability to innovate without losing its essence: delivering flavor, quality, and happy moments. More than just a confectionery chain, Sodiê has become a brand that is part of birthdays, family gatherings, and celebrations that hold a special place in its customers’ memories. Cleusa and Diego represent two generations of entrepreneurship, united by the strength of family and the desire to build alasting legacy. She embodies the courage to start from scratch and the vision that transformed a small business into amajor chain; he contributes to its expansion and the pursuit of new opportunities for the company.

  • The Power of Non-Negotiables: How Keeping Small Promises to Yourself Builds a Stronger Mind

    Entrepreneur Brock Holyoak shares a philosophy of discipline, self-trust, and intentional living that challenges the way we think about personal growth Credits: Tucano Media What if the secret to building a stronger mind wasn't a dramatic life transformation, but the small promises we make to ourselves every day? Going to bed on time. Getting up when the alarm rings. Making it to the gym even when motivation is nowhere to be found. These seemingly ordinary decisions might not look like life-changing moments, but according to entrepreneur Brock Holyoak, they form the foundation of something much bigger: self-confidence. "How to build self-confidence: start keeping the promises you make to yourself," Holyoak stated. "Little wins, stacked day after day, until you actually trust yourself again." It's a simple idea with a challenging premise: confidence isn't necessarily something we wait to feel before taking action. It can be something we develop by consistently following through. Beyond Motivation: The Non-Negotiable Mindset For Holyoak, the concept of "non-negotiables" centers on establishing personal standards that remain in place regardless of circumstances, distractions, or temporary motivation. Through his Blue Collar Built philosophy, he introduces a structured approach to daily discipline, outlined in a framework called The Non-Negotiable Log: 24 Hours of Execution. Rather than offering another conventional to-do list, the framework organizes daily commitments around physical well-being, financial progress, mental resilience, and personal accountability. Its message is clear: meaningful change requires more than good intentions. It requires consistent execution. Credits: Tucano Media The physical component emphasizes movement, early rising, and mindful eating. The financial component encourages focused work, identifying opportunities, and taking calculated risks. The mental component challenges individuals to confront uncomfortable decisions, manage chaos, and evaluate their own behavior. Together, these principles reflect an approach to personal development in which progress is measured not only by major accomplishments but also by the standards maintained along the way. Why Small Wins Matter One of the most relatable aspects of Holyoak's philosophy is the connection he draws between physical fitness and self-belief. "Fitness is the easiest needle to move. Because you can SEE the results. You see them and it's proof you can commit. That proof becomes confidence," he wrote. The gym, in this context, becomes more than a place to improve physical appearance. It becomes an environment where commitment produces tangible evidence of progress.Completing a workout, improving endurance, or maintaining a routine can reinforce the belief that personal promises are worth keeping. That perspective extends beyond fitness. Whether the goal is building a business, developing healthier habits, or navigating a difficult transition, the underlying principle remains the same: consistency can help turn intentions into actions. Importantly, a non-negotiable mindset doesn't have to mean adopting someone else's schedule or pursuing perfection. Its broader relevance lies in identifying the commitments that genuinely matter and developing the discipline to honor them. Living With Intention, Not Regret Discipline, however, is only part of the equation. Another recurring theme in Holyoak's message is intentional living. "Act with intent. That's it. That's the whole standard," he shared in his Instagram post. For Holyoak, the emphasis is not simply on staying busy or accomplishing more tasks. It's about approaching decisions with purpose. In a separate reflection, he describes two possible versions of a life: one filled with risks, failures, victories, heartbreak, and experiences; the other marked by questions about what might have happened if those opportunities had been pursued. The contrast introduces a deeper dimension to his philosophy. Building a strong mind isn't just about enduring discomfort or maintaining a demanding routine. It's also about developing the courage to participate fully in one's own life. The Strength of Showing Up In a culture fascinated by instant transformations, productivity hacks, and overnight success stories, Holyoak's approach offers a different perspective: lasting personal growth may begin with ordinary decisions repeated consistently. His Non-Negotiable Log closes each day with a personal inspection, encouraging individuals to identify strengths, recognize weaknesses, and take responsibility for their progress. It's a reminder that discipline isn't limited to what happens when everything goes according to plan. It also involves recognizing when we fall short and deciding what to do differently tomorrow. Ultimately, the power of non-negotiables may have less to do with rigid routines than with the relationship we build with ourselves. Because every promise kept is another opportunity to strengthen that relationship. And perhaps the first step toward a stronger mind isn't making a bigger promise. It's keeping the next one.

  • Coco Bambu New Year’s Eve 2027 – A GRAND NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION

    Coco Bambu Curitiba Welcomes 2027 with Gastronomy and Sophistication NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – NEW YEAR’S EVE AT COCO BAMBU – AQUARIUM 2027 THEMED PARTY – FEATURING JORGE HENRI WITH LIVE MUSIC FROM 8 PM TO 1 AM. TICKETS STARTING AT R$400 (VIA PIX) OR R$440 IN UP TO 3 INSTALLMENTS (INCLUDING R$200 IN DINING CREDIT). FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT +55 41 99538-2716. CHILDREN UP TO 5 YEARS OLD ENTER FREE OF CHARGE. CHILDREN AGED 6 TO 11 PAY ONLY 50% OF THE TICKET PRICE, INCLUDING 50% OF THE DINING CREDIT. CHILDREN AGED 11 AND OLDER PAY THE FULL PRICE. The arrival of a new year deserves a celebration to match. In Curitiba, Coco Bambu sets the stage for a special evening, bringing together exceptional gastronomy, great music, and an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to raise a glass to life and embrace new hopes for the year ahead. A nationally recognized name in Brazil’s dining scene, the brand combines outstanding flavors, warm hospitality, and a welcoming ambiance, creating the perfect setting to celebrate alongside family and friends. NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – NEW YEAR’S EVE AT COCO BAMBU CURITIBA – AQUARIUM 2027 THEMED PARTY – FEATURING MARCELA AND BAND, WITH LIVE MUSIC FROM 8 PM TO 1 AM. TICKETS STARTING AT R$420 (VIA PIX) OR R$440 IN UP TO 3 INSTALLMENTS (INCLUDING R$200 IN DINING CREDIT). FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT +55 41 99538-2716. CHILDREN UP TO 5 YEARS OLD ENTER FREE OF CHARGE. CHILDREN AGED 6 TO 11 PAY ONLY 50% OF THE TICKET PRICE, INCLUDING 50% OF THE DINING CREDIT. CHILDREN AGED 11 AND ABOVE PAY THE FULL PRICE. Amid special gatherings, celebratory toasts, and anticipation for a new chapter, Coco Bambu Curitiba’s New Year’s Eve celebration promises an opportunity to celebrate achievements, share memorable moments, and welcome 2027 with elegance and positive energy. Because starting a new year surrounded by great company, unforgettable experiences, and exceptional flavors is undoubtedly a special way to celebrate life.

  • ALYCE ASSUNÇÃO: From the Pantanal to the International Debate on the Future of Aesthetics

    HEALTH COVER EDITION - OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE Photo: @demmacedo / Beauty: @dariobion / Video: @olivervideomaker_ / Styling: @eduardomurari @diegobbueno / Studio: @openstudio Dr. Alyce Assunção’s journey begins in Poconé, Mato Grosso, amid the landscapes of the Pantanal, and now reaches the international stage of discussions surrounding the future of aesthetics. A biomedical professional, entrepreneur, and founder of AFA Instituto in Cuiabá, she has built her career at the intersection of clinical practice, international training, and a pursuit of knowledge that has taken her to several countries, including South Korea. It is along this journey that her interest in regeneration has taken shape: understanding what happens within tissues before a transformation becomes visible. This perspective lies at the heart of The Regeneration Code, a subject she brings to the international debate, proposing a broader view that goes beyond procedures to consider the biological processes involved in the body’s response. Her experience in South Korea holds a particular place in her professional development. Through meeting professionals such as Dr. Kwon Hanjin and visiting local clinics, Alyce encountered an approach that sparked her interest in skin quality and the continuity of care. The experience broadened her perspective on a field in which the pursuit of immediate corrections often shares space with less visible, yet decisive, considerations in each patient’s assessment. This perspective requires an understanding that similar procedures can produce different responses. Technology is part of the treatment, but its application depends on tissue characteristics, individual conditions, and the achievable goals in each case. For Alyce, this understanding begins before selecting the equipment or technique. It is during the assessment that both the possibilities for intervention and the limitations that must be communicated to the patient are established. The same caution guides her business decisions. As the head of AFA Instituto in Cuiabá, she must assess new developments entering the market, distinguish commercial opportunities from advances supported by evidence, and determine what makes sense to incorporate into clinical practice. In a sector defined by the rapid pace of new launches, knowing when to reject a trend is also part of building an institution. In this context, trust depends as much on the quality of the services offered as on the clarity with which the limitations of each treatment are explained. This is where The Regeneration Code finds its central question: to what extent can an understanding of biological processes contribute to better-informed aesthetic decisions? The subject encompasses aspects such as metabolism, cellular communication, and tissue remodeling, but it also demands rigor in distinguishing established mechanisms, hypotheses under investigation, and conclusions that science has yet to substantiate. The discussion becomes particularly relevant as scientific terminology circulates through a market that does not always demonstrate the same level of commitment to evidence. At AMWC Dubai, Alyce brings this interest to an international forum for professional exchange. Her participation offers an opportunity to share the perspective she has been developing in Brazil and engage in dialogue with other professional experiences. Beyond her presence at an internationally recognized event, what matters is the substance of the ideas she intends to advocate: the need to bring aesthetic practice closer to a more rigorous understanding of the processes underlying treatment outcomes. The distance between Poconé and Dubai helps illustrate the scope of her journey, but it does not fully explain what sustains it. Alyce retains a connection to her origins that extends beyond personal memories. Her familiarity with the Pantanal’s natural cycles, her relationship with the local community, and the image of the jaguar, a symbol of the region, all inform the way she interprets choices and change. Adapting to new environments without losing one's identity is an idea that runs through both her personal story and her understanding of her profession. Behind the travels, training programs, and professional commitments that accompany her career, there is also a family structure that makes this journey possible. The support of her husband and children emerges in her account as an essential part of this process, shaped by time apart, adjustments, and shared decisions. It is a dimension that rarely takes center stage in professional narratives, yet it helps explain what makes long-term ambitions sustainable. Between clinical practice, the management of AFA Instituto, and international training, Alyce is building her work around a question that remains open to further investigation: how can a deeper understanding of tissue responses translate into more responsible decisions? The answer cannot be found in a single technique or in promises of universal results. It depends on individualized assessment, up-to-date knowledge, and a willingness to recognize what is known, what still requires further study, and what should never be promised. In the following conversation, Alyce reflects on the influences that have shaped her journey, the principles that guide her decisions, and the personal commitments that remain with her as her work reaches new horizons. 1. You were born in Poconé, in the Pantanal, and today your work reaches other countries. Much has changed along the way. What has life taught you since those early days that still influences your decisions, even when opportunities arise that could lead you down different paths? “The Pantanal taught me to respect the natural rhythm of things. There, everything depends on the cycles of water, drought, and flooding. No one can rush nature, and those who try always lose. I carry that lesson into my profession: the body has its own rhythm, too, and I don't promise shortcuts. I also learned that we never forget where we come from. I grew up in a small town where people know one another by name and a person's word means a great deal. Today, even when major opportunities arise, I ask myself whether they align with who I am. If they don't, they're not for me, no matter how brilliant they may seem. And then there's the jaguar, the symbol of my homeland. It survives because it adapts to its environment without losing its strength. I think that's what I try to do: adapt to every new place without losing the woman who left Poconé.” 2. Your training includes experiences in different countries, including South Korea. Getting to know other cultures also means encountering different ways of thinking about and practicing a profession. What did you discover during that experience that you brought back to your own practice and might never have learned if you had remained exclusively in Brazil? “In South Korea, I encountered a different relationship with the skin. There, skincare begins early and is part of a daily routine. Skin isn't treated only when a problem appears; it's cared for to maintain its health. The focus is on skin quality, radiance, and texture, rather than simply correcting or adding volume. That changed the way I look at my patients. I began thinking less about ‘what do I need to correct?’ and more about ‘how can I make this tissue healthier?’ I was also impressed by the discipline and technical precision of Korean professionals, including Dr. Kwon Hanjin, and the clinics I visited. The United States gave me my foundation in anatomy, but South Korea showed me that the most enduring beauty comes from healthy skin. That perspective is the foundation of what I do today at AFA Instituto.” 3. In The Regeneration Code, you draw attention to something that doesn't always receive the same emphasis as the aesthetic outcome: tissue health and the biological processes involved in each treatment. In practice, how does this understanding change a patient's assessment and the decisions that follow? And how do you navigate this conversation when a patient's expectations don't necessarily align with the body's response time? “The device delivers the stimulus, but the tissue determines the response. Two patients can undergo the same laser treatment with identical parameters and achieve very different results. The difference may lie in their skin condition, repair capacity, and factors that influence collagen production. That's why my assessment goes beyond what I see in the mirror. I look at nutrition, protein intake, the rate of weight loss, and signs that may indicate changes in the body. Today, many patients lose weight rapidly, which can also lead to a loss of lean body mass. Collagen production depends on several factors, including adequate nutrition. Sometimes, the first step isn't a procedure, but rather assessing what needs attention before proceeding. When it comes to expectations, I prefer to be honest from the very first consultation. I explain that tissue responses develop over time and that results depend on each individual's body and the treatment recommended. When patients understand the process, they're better equipped to evaluate what they can realistically expect. To me, a responsible outcome is worth more than a quick promise.” 4. As the head of AFA Instituto, your responsibilities extend beyond clinical care. Entrepreneurship also requires deciding what is worth expanding, which opportunities to pursue, and which boundaries to maintain. Have you ever had to turn something down that seemed promising because it didn't align with the professional or the business you wanted to build? “Yes, more than once. Being an entrepreneur in the aesthetics industry means constantly facing offers: the latest device, the product that promises everything, the procedure everyone wants to try. Not everything that generates quick revenue helps build a solid brand. My criterion is simple: I only introduce something at AFA Instituto if it's something I would use on myself or my own family, and if it's supported by scientific evidence. Saying no is also a way of caring for patients and the team. Every refusal protects the trust people place in our work, and that trust is the greatest asset a clinic can have.” 5. Your participation in AMWC Dubai brings your work into contact with professionals and discussions on an international scale. In this environment, what would you like to see addressed more seriously regarding the future of aesthetics? Is there an idea that still faces resistance within the industry but that you consider essential to its evolution? “I would like to see greater scientific honesty. Aesthetic medicine is evolving very quickly, and marketing often gets ahead of the evidence. In my presentation, I make a point of showing what has already been proven, what is still being studied, and what we don't yet know. Saying ‘we don't have that data yet’ doesn't diminish a professional. On the contrary, it builds trust. The idea that still faces resistance is that aesthetics doesn't begin with the procedure. It begins with tissue health, the patient's nutrition, and metabolism. There is still a very strong culture of volume and fillers. I believe in an approach to aesthetics that builds skin quality, respects biology, and delivers natural, long-lasting results.” 6. To conclude, I'd like to step away from the professional side of things for a moment. Those who follow your journey know the biomedical professional, the entrepreneur, and the projects you develop. But is there a part of you that rarely comes into view when the conversation turns to work? What would you like people to know about the woman behind it all? “Behind the biomedical professional and the entrepreneur, there is a family-oriented woman. My husband and children are my foundation. Every trip, every course abroad, and every stage I step onto comes at a cost at home, and they have understood every absence and shared every dream with me. None of this would have been possible without them. There is also the girl from the Pantanal, who is still moved by nature and the simple things in life. I would like people to know that I also have doubts, feel exhausted, and experience fear, just like any woman trying to balance it all. The difference is that I've chosen not to let fear make my decisions for me. If a woman from a small town in Brazil can reach a stage in Dubai, other women can reach the places they've always dreamed of, too.”

  • KRIS JENNER BECOMES THE MATRIARCH OF THE FERRAGAMO FAMILY IN THE BRAND’S HOLIDAY 2026 CAMPAIGN

    With The Joy of Loving, the Italian luxury house brings together Kris Jenner, multiple generations, and stories of affection in a celebration of family heritage, creativity, and timeless luxury. Photograph by Ilya Lipkin; Courtesy of Ferragamo The holiday season is beginning to take shape in the world of fashion, and Ferragamo has chosen to celebrate one of its most universal themes: the importance of family. For its Holiday 2026 campaign, titled The Joy of Loving, the Italian maison presents Kris Jenner as the matriarch of a fictional family in a narrative that combines cinema, human connection, and the heritage of one of Italy’s most recognizable luxury houses. Known for her influence on popular culture and her ability to transform her own family into a global phenomenon, Kris Jenner takes on a role that closely reflects her public persona. This time, however, she appears as more than a central figure. She becomes the director of a fictional film, leading screen tests and introducing characters whose stories are rooted in real-life relationships. Photograph by Ilya Lipkin; Courtesy of Ferragamo The casting reinforces Ferragamo’s intention to present luxury beyond its material dimension. In The Joy of Loving, what connects people is not simply what they wear, but the memories, affection, and shared experiences that accompany them throughout their lives. A Campaign About the Meaning of Belonging Kris Jenner’s presence establishes the tone of the narrative. As a public figure whose career has been shaped by family, business, and communication, she represents a bridge between generations and different forms of cultural expression. The campaign brings together personalities from diverse creative backgrounds, including model Paloma Elsesser and her brother, Sage Elsesser; musical group The Womack Sisters; and Sofia Testino, accompanied by her dog, Syko. Actress Joan Chen appears alongside her daughter, Audrey Hui, while casting coach Nancy Banks is featured with her son, actor Benny Buckley. These relationships are central to the campaign’s visual storytelling. Rather than presenting a single definition of family, Ferragamo embraces different forms of companionship, intimacy, and connection. Siblings, mothers and daughters, creative professionals, and four-legged companions become part of a narrative suggesting that belonging can take many forms. Photograph by Ilya Lipkin; Courtesy of Ferragamo The cinematic approach further strengthens the concept. By casting Kris Jenner as the director of an imaginary film, the campaign creates a framework in which each participant seems to carry a story of their own. The result brings fashion advertising closer to cinematic storytelling, inviting audiences to observe the relationships between the characters and recognize elements of their own lives in them. Maximilian Davis and the Idea of Luxury Across Generations The campaign’s focus on family is directly connected to the vision of Maximilian Davis, Ferragamo’s creative director. For the designer, the brand’s heritage extends beyond preserving aesthetic codes. It also lies in the way its creations accompany people throughout their lives and are passed down from one generation to the next. “Ferragamo is all about family.” — Maximilian Davis, Creative Director of Ferragamo. Photograph by Ilya Lipkin; Courtesy of Ferragamo The statement captures the principle guiding the campaign. In a market often driven by the rapid pace of trends, the idea of continuity offers a different perspective on luxury consumption. A piece can represent more than a styling choice for a particular occasion. It can accompany different chapters of life, acquire personal meaning, and remain relevant long after its release. This philosophy resonates with Ferragamo’s history, which was built on a combination of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and attention to the needs of those who wear its creations. Under Davis’s creative direction, these elements take on a contemporary interpretation, allowing tradition and modernity to coexist without one overshadowing the other. The Legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo Founded by Salvatore Ferragamo, the maison emerged from its founder’s ambition to build a better life for his family through creativity and innovation. His journey, marked by experimentation and the development of distinctive footwear designs, became an essential part of the brand’s identity. Photograph by Ilya Lipkin; Courtesy of Ferragamo It is precisely this human dimension that the campaign seeks to revisit. Family is not presented merely as a fitting theme for the holiday season, but as an integral part of the company’s origins and creative philosophy. Leonardo Ferragamo, son of the founder, highlights the connection between the maison’s historical values and the message conveyed through the campaign. “Beauty that develops from craftsmanship, humanity, and joy.” — Leonardo Ferragamo, on the values underpinning the campaign. This perspective reinforces the idea that Ferragamo’s legacy is not confined to its archives or iconic creations. It is also expressed through the continuity of a vision: the belief that beauty, technical excellence, and human sensitivity can coexist to create something that extends beyond the present moment. In The Joy of Loving, this heritage is translated into a contemporary visual language, connecting the story of an Italian family with the universal experience of sharing life with others. The Holiday Spirit Begins Before December The campaign’s release also reflects a growing trend in the fashion calendar: the anticipation of year-end celebrations. Major fashion houses are increasingly unveiling their holiday narratives before December arrives, transforming the preparation for the festive season into an opportunity for communication, inspiration, and desire. In Ferragamo’s case, the concept goes beyond presenting gift ideas. The brand uses the holiday season to reaffirm its identity and communicate a message that remains relevant throughout the year. The act of giving therefore takes on a symbolic dimension. Luxury objects may be chosen for their beauty, quality, and design, but also for the meaning they carry for both the giver and the recipient. The idea of a treasured piece passing between generations brings this gesture even closer to memory and intimacy. By placing human relationships at the heart of its communication, Ferragamo finds a way to connect with audiences without relying exclusively on product presentation. The campaign encourages emotional identification, using fashion as the setting for a story about what truly lasts. When Luxury Meets Emotion Kris Jenner’s participation gives the campaign an instantly recognizable presence, connecting Ferragamo’s historical heritage with contemporary culture. Her image as a matriarch adds familiarity to the project, while its cinematic structure allows the brand to explore a theme that transcends generations and borders. More than a holiday celebration, The Joy of Loving offers a reflection on continuity. In an industry where new collections emerge constantly, Ferragamo chooses to highlight the value of what withstands the passage of time: relationships, memories, and creations that accompany different chapters of a story. By bringing together Salvatore Ferragamo’s legacy, Maximilian Davis’s creative vision, and Kris Jenner’s unmistakable presence, the maison reaffirms that the true meaning of luxury can be found both in the excellence of an object and in the story built around it. After all, some pieces are remembered for their design. Others become special because they carry a part of who we were, who we are, and who will come after us. It is at this intersection of beauty, affection, and permanence that Ferragamo finds the essence of The Joy of Loving.

  • AMIRA KALAF: The Luxury of Living Life to the Fullest

    BUSINESS COVER EDITION - OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE Photos: Anna Ramos - @annaramosfotografia - Makeup/Hair: @gustavosouzabeauty - Styling: @tatimedeirosnegro @eliasballamino - Studio: @estudionove7 When I try to imagine someone capable of moving beyond the many expectations imposed on us — everything we are told to do, who we should be, and even how life is supposed to sound — I think of Amira Kalaf. Not because she exists outside these demands, but because there is a freedom in the way she lives that seems to depend on no one’s approval. Amira has the personality to stand by her own tastes and the lightness to avoid turning every choice into a matter of principle. She loves fashion, takes pride in her appearance, has a sense of humor, and speaks about the things she loves with an enthusiasm that is contagious. She doesn’t seem interested in portraying a carefully edited version of herself. There is something generous about the way she presents herself, as though sharing her life were also a way of sharing with other women a little of the joy she finds in it. This story began more than ten years ago, when Amira, a law graduate, started sharing glimpses of her daily life on Snapchat without imagining that it would become her profession. There was no carefully planned career waiting to unfold. Her audience grew, opportunities emerged, and little by little, what she had done for pleasure found its place in the professional world. Today, her journey also includes entrepreneurship, yet it retains an important characteristic of its beginnings: a personal connection to everything she does. The women who follow Amira, affectionately known as the Amiretes, are part of this journey. Over the years, her presence on social media has evolved from a way of sharing her interests into an integral part of her professional life. There is something special about a relationship that witnesses so many changes while remaining connected to the person who was there from the very beginning. Amira has grown in front of her audience, but she does not treat this story as though it belongs to her alone. With the creation of Amira Kalaf, her jewelry brand, came the opportunity to bring her name to a venture of her own. It marks an important step in her professional life, one that requires a different perspective from the one she brings to content creation: it is no longer enough to share a personal preference; she must give shape to an idea and build a business around it. The brand represents this initiative and expands the space Amira has carved out for herself, now also as an entrepreneur. But it would be incomplete to tell her story solely through her work. Amira is a mother and a wife, and there is an entire life beyond the woman her audience sees. Family, responsibilities, and projects coexist with her love of beauty, personal interests, and desire to keep discovering new things. She does not need to erase any of these sides of herself for the others to be taken seriously. Perhaps it is precisely this coexistence, without the obligation to fit into a single definition, that makes her way of living so uniquely her own. Faith also has a place in her story. Amira turns to her beliefs when facing difficulties and seeks to move forward without allowing frustrations to take over. This sense of trust goes hand in hand with the enthusiasm she brings to conversations about her projects, the people who matter in her life, and the things that bring her joy. One does not need to imagine a perfect life to recognize this disposition. What stands out is her willingness to keep going, to explore, and to fully embrace whatever she chooses to do. There are achievements worth celebrating: a career that began unexpectedly, a community that grew around her, and a brand of her own. But what makes Amira so interesting cannot be captured in that list. It lies in the woman who moves through it all with humor, a love of beauty, affection, and a deeply personal passion for life. There is warmth in her presence. Her enthusiasm never feels like a professional obligation. And her story becomes all the more compelling because, even as so much has changed, she continues to find joy in what she does. In her conversation with Hooks Magazine, Amira reflects on the choices that have shaped her life, the values she holds close, and the lessons she has learned along the way. No ready-made formulas, no pretense of offering answers for every woman. Just the straightforward, good-humored, and vibrant personality that is so much a part of who she is. 1. You graduated with a law degree but eventually pursued a different professional path. More than ten years ago, when you started sharing your daily life on Snapchat, did you imagine it could become your profession, or did that possibility emerge gradually as more people began following you? I never imagined that it could become my profession. In fact, I confess that even today, I still find it a little difficult to think of everything in terms of a formal business. For me, it is so enjoyable, and I do everything with such passion that I simply cannot see it as work. 2. After so many years of sharing your life with the public, I imagine your relationship with social media has changed quite a bit. Is there anything you used to share naturally in the beginning that you now prefer to keep just for yourself? What has changed in the way you navigate this level of exposure? Nothing has changed. I’m still the same person, and I continue to share everything I love doing and everything I believe will add value to the lives of my followers, my Amiretes! I’m very genuine, and they know that.They can feel it. I believe that’s why our connection is so strong. I’m still the same person I was back in the Snapchat days, just an upgraded version of myself (laughs). 3. You have a phrase that captures so much of your approach to life: “Here, we eat. Here, we drink. Here, we work out.” I love how it shows that discipline and pleasure can go hand in hand. How did you find this balance without turning self-care into yet another obligation? I’m passionate about life, and I love living it to the fullest. The present! Today! I do what brings me joy, but I always strive for balance. The secret is learning to see your routine differently. I don’t see working out or eating healthily as obligations. The power to take care of our bodies is in our own hands. Is there any greater pleasure than that? And wine comes as a reward. It’s there to take care of the mind. You’re a mother, a wife, an entrepreneur, taking care of your home and everyone around you. Is there any greater pleasure than reaching the end of the day, taking that premium shower, and savoring a glass of wine during your skincare routine? Or rather, vitamin V! That’s what my Amiretes and I call it! But there’s no secret. If you want your dream body, you have to work out. I enjoy my vitamin V every day, and the next day, I’m back to sweating it out. This is the routine that brings me joy and the life I’ve chosen to live. That’s how I love. That’s how I live. 4. You once shared that you used to take off your jewelry to live your life, whereas today you choose jewelry that is made to live alongside you. This shift in perspective caught my attention because it brings jewelry into everyday life rather than reserving it for special occasions. How did this idea inspire the creation of Amira Kalaf? And what would you like to convey to someone who chooses a piece from your brand? Gold is energy. What you wear has power, essence, and meaning. Once you begin to understand the true value of a piece of jewelry, everything changes. And this isn’t about material value. Jewelry sitting in a box is energy standing still. Life needs to flow. Gold needs to live with you. When my followers purchase a piece of Amira Kalaf jewelry, they understand the power of what they are bringing into their lives. These are pieces that become talismans of strength, self-love, protection, and faith. It’s something indescribable. Only those who wear them truly know what I’m talking about. 5. The way you dress also draws a lot of attention, and I believe it’s a way of connecting genuinely with your followers. You often talk about how your style goes from SHEIN to Chanel, mixing affordable pieces with luxury brands. I believe not everyone can pull that off so effortlessly. Tell us more about how you put your looks together. A look is about attitude, not brands. I do invest in designer handbags and shoes because I’m genuinely passionate about them. At the same time, I love playing around with fast-fashion trends. On most days, I’m wearing a SHEIN outfit with my Chanel bag and Prada shoes. I absolutely love this high-low mix. And that’s the real fun of getting dressed.Elegance isn’t about price. Attitude has very little to do with how much you paid. When we feel confident in who we are, and our energy and self-esteem are high, any outfit can make us shine. At the end of the day, it’s not about clothes, and certainly not about the price tag. 6. You often speak about love, faith, and gratitude. But life also brings difficult phases, frustrations, and moments when things don’t turn out as we hoped. When you go through a period like that, what helps you move forward and maintain your trust in what you believe in? Our energy is the most powerful thing we have. I never let mine drop. We all have problems. What changes is the way we look at them. Does complaining solve anything? No. Does feeling sad make the problem go away? Neither does that. So, choosing to vibrate positively, even in challenging situations, helps us face them with a lighter heart.If something went wrong, it was meant to be that way. That’s how I choose to think. Something didn’t happen the way I wanted? It was meant to be that way. I simply live life! I feel life. I think that’s what it comes down to. Get your printed magazine by clicking below, gobal shipping:

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