QP FASHION MAGAZINE - FEBRUARY 2026 VOL 2

SHOPPING GUIDE

Early Spring Layers

FASHION

Pre-Spring Forecast

INTERVIEWS

Samuel Gärtner & Gabi Lopes

FEBRUARY 2026 VOL. 2 TRAVEL

Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

SARA ELIZABETH MCNALLY

BY CHRIS RANKIN

WWW.DIANAKASSABOV.COM

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITORIAL PRODUCERs

TEAM

JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

TIFFANY BANKS

YASMINE KATEB

AREZOO JALALI

YVES BRIGHT

MATTHEW SEIFNIA

KARINA DOBRA

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear QP Readers,

FASHION EDITOR

CONTENT CREATORS retoucher

GRAPHIC designer

JUANDA B. RUSTAM

CLAUDIA LOMBARDO SHARON JANE

MARK SAPRYKIN

ANDRE FERNANDEZ

This is a month suspended between seasons — where winter still lingers, yet the promise of spring begins to whisper. It is in this in-between space that creativity thrives, and for our February 2026, Volumen 2 issue, we embrace that transition with strength, elegance, and fearless individuality.

On our cover, we proudly present fashion model SARAH ELIZABETH MCNALLY, the striking face of PAUL HEYMAN’s #HustleBootyTempTats brand. SARAH embodies the spirit of modern femininity — bold, entrepreneurial, and unapologetically confident. Her presence is a celebration of power, reinvention, and the evolving narrative of beauty in today’s fashion landscape.

This issue also features an exclusive interview with visionary fashion designer SAMUEL GÄRTNER, whose craftsmanship and refined aesthetic continue to captivate the international fashion community. His perspective on tailoring, structure, and innovation offers a compelling look into the artistry shaping tomorrow’s silhouettes.

From the world of entertainment, we are delighted to sit down with BRAZILIAN television star and actress GABI LOPES, now based in Los Angeles. Gabi represents a new generation of global talent — crossing borders, industries, and languages with grace and determination. Her journey from Brazil to Hollywood reflects ambition fueled by authenticity.

We are also proud to spotlight COLOMBIAN supermodel VALENTINA RUEDA, signed by international Mother Agency IKON MANAGEMENT and placed in the UNITED STATES with the prestigious Ford Models. VALENTINA represents the strength of LATIN AMERICAN talent on the global stage, and her rise reflects the power of discipline, presence, and perseverance.

With admiration and excitement,

TIFFANY BANKS

Editor-in-Chief // QPmag

IN THIS ISSUE

8-19| 20-29| 30-41| 42-51| 52-63| 64-77| 78-85| 86-87| 88-99| 100-103| 104-121| 122-123|

EDITORIAL: MODERN CHIC

EDITORIAL: BLACK DAHLIA

INTERVIEW: GABI LOPES

EDITORIAL: ETERNAL SUMMER

COVER: SARA ELIZABETH MCNALLY

EDITORIAL: CRIMSON & CLOVER

INTERVIEW: SAMUEL GÄRTNER

FASHION: PRE-SPRING FORECAST

BACK COVER: VALENTINA RUEDA

TRAVEL: HÔTEL DE CRILLON , PARIS

EDITORIAL: KATIE

SHOPPING GUIDE: LAYER UP, STYLE ON

MODERN CHIC

PHOTOGRAPHER: MAURIZIO MONTANI @mauriziomontani_

MODEL: SRNA KOVACEVIC @srnakovacevic AGENCY: REAL WOMAN AGENCY @real_woman_agency

BLACK DAHLIA

GABI LOPES LIVING THE ART OF BECOMING

Interview by JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

Gabi Lopes has never separated life from performance. From stepping into advertising and television at just eight years old to navigating international film festivals and building her own production company, the Brazilian actress embodies a rare blend of discipline, introspection, and creative courage. Her journey is not one of shortcuts or spectacle, but of sustained curiosity—about human behavior, emotional truth, and the responsibility that comes with visibility. For Gabi , acting is not simply a craft; it is a way of inhabiting the world with intention.

Now based in Los Angeles and entering a new chapter of global expansion, Gabi reflects on more than two decades in the industry with striking clarity. Whether discussing fame at 19, the psychological demands of intense roles, or her evolution as a producer, author, and entrepreneur, her perspective remains grounded in presence, spirituality, and growth. In conversation with QP , Gabi Lopes opens up about legacy, reinvention, and why truth—on screen, online, and in life—is the most powerful currency of all.

TALENT: GABI LOPES @gabilopess

PHOTOGRAPHER: LINDY LIN @lindylinphoto

Make Up artist: ALEX JAIRUS @alexjairus

HAIR STYLIST: SYDNEY STAEHLE @sydstaehle

Production assistant: GABRIELA DEL'MORO @gabialmeidaj

Gabi, you began working in advertising and television at just eight years old. Looking back, how did that early exposure to the industry shape your discipline and relationship with performance?

Since I started my professional life at a very young age, it shaped my character into that of a serious person from early on. I have always approached my work, my life, and relationships in general with a strong sense of responsibility, even before maturity fully set in. I remember handling large sums of money and major responsibilities at a young age, and understanding the market while I was still just a teenager. Without a doubt, this helped me develop a strong, businessfocused mindset from very early on, as well as a highly disciplined way of thinking. My relationship with performance is something intrinsic to who I am. I believe we are all actors in life, performing characters within our own bodies as we move through the human experience. There is no separation. To live is to perform in the world.

Your adolescence was marked by theatre studies and an intense routine. What lessons from that formative period still guide you today as an actress?

I built myself as an actress while I was also forming myself as a human being, and an actor’s work is, in itself, a practice of human exploration and research. I believe I became much deeper over the course of that journey. My grandmother always jokes with me, “Can’t you think a little less? You’re so deep, Gabi ,” and I think she’s right, laughs . When I was a teenager, I remember diving deeply into Stanislavski ; later on, I connected with Chekhov and Meisner . I carry all of these methods and teachings with me to this day, but when I step into a scene, after long periods of studying the character, my focus is presence and truth. I want to be fully there, no matter the method.

of your life?

It was my first major project on Brazilian television, after ten years into my career. I felt completely ready for it, it was the moment I had been waiting for, for years. It was a blessing, and remains one of my greatest achievements to this day. It was the moment my image became public. It was far less about acting, and much more about beginning to understand my career choice, how to direct my image… I entered a new phase of my life, and in addition to everything I was already navigating, I also began to navigate fame.

“Since I started my professional life very young, responsibility became part of my character before maturity even arrived.”

That role made you a household name in Brazil. How did you navigate the sudden visibility and responsibility that came with national recognition?

Like everything new in our lives, it came accompanied by fear, and by some wrong choices, which, in the end, also felt right, because at their core, everything was a learning experience. I believe I handled the visibility well, and I remember really enjoying giving interviews and appearing on TV shows. It was all very fun at the time. Alongside the soap opera, I starred in my first play and in film as well. It was quite a phase! As we often say in Brazil , “everything all at once,” and for a young adult of just 19 years old, I did the best I could with what I had at the time.

In The Girl Who Killed Her Parents and The Boy Who Killed My Parents, you portrayed Carol in stories rooted in real and complex events. How do you emotionally prepare for characters with such psychological weight?

Malhação – Sonhos was a turning point in your career. How did playing Priscila “Pri” challenge you emotionally and professionally at that stage

Honestly? With a lot of therapy. I’m already someone who goes to therapy to understand myself, to understand the phases I’m moving through… but when I work with heavy dramatic material, I intensify that process. I think it’s important to be fully present in dense scenes, but afterward I need an equally intense professional release. In the last film I starred in, Entrelaçados , I did a psychoanalysis session as if I were the character, and it was incredibly liberating. I want to do that from now on. Even

though it wasn’t a heavy film—it was actually a romantic comedy—it helped me understand that universe even more deeply. Every film and every character is an imaginary universe to be developed, and it’s up to us, as artists, to work deeply in building that. And that is my favorite part.

Your performance in VIEW earned you Best Actress at the First Glance Film Festival in Los Angeles. What did that international recognition mean to you personally?

Especially because it was a national film receiving an international award, it meant a great deal to me and to my career. An almost unbelievable achievement. It was the moment I understood that my art could cross borders, and that one day, what I am living today could become a reality. This happened over ten years ago, and without a doubt, it was a necessary milestone for me to be living here in Los Angeles today.

Do you approach roles differently when you know a project has global reach versus a primarily national audience?

I don’t think that’s really the case. Once you grow and expand, there’s no going back. Ever since I pushed my craft further and learned American techniques, I started bringing that into my characters back in Brazil . Nowadays, any project can reach a global audience, even if it’s made for a local one, so I always give my absolute best in everything I do.

Authenticity and intensity are often used to describe your acting. How do you protect your own emotional well-being while delivering such powerful performances?

Through spirituality. That’s where I rest and recharge. A person with aligned chakras doesn’t want conflict with anyone. I also see acting as a very spiritual practice, it’s necessary to have your energy vibrating high in order to convey emotions clearly. Taking care of your body, energy, and mind is something we owe to ourselves.

Beyond acting, you founded Marilyn Films. What motivated you to step into production, and what kind of stories are you most passionate about developing?

I started working in executive production because I felt the need to create new opportunities for myself. I was getting a bit tired of always being offered the same types of roles, so I decided to study production and learn how to make happen the projects I wanted to see myself acting in. I’m drawn to real, deep stories that create an explosion of feelings in the audience. I like to move viewers’ emotions through intensity and truth.

As a producer, how do you balance creative freedom with the realities of financing, structure, and industry expectations?

This is the biggest challenge for a producer. Every time I read a script I’ve been invited to produce and I see scenes like “rain, car flipping, explosions,” I always think, “Can’t we just cut this?” laughs . The complexity of a project always drives up costs, and naturally makes financing harder, depending on the themes. It’s always a constant balancing act between the creative side and the practical side… but nothing that a good conversation can’t fix.

You’ve also built a massive presence as a digital content creator. How do you ensure that your online voice remains aligned with your artistic values?

I believe that when you’re an artist, the only way you can do anything in life is through art. Whether it’s a Reel, a lecture, or even writing a book, our perspective on it will always be artistic. I’ve always cared about the aesthetics of my work, and audiovisual quality has always been a part of everything I create.

In 2023, you created Creators Summit Brasil. What gap did you see in the creative industry that inspired this initiative? – she didn’t create it, ASKED TO CHANGE THE QUESTION TO: You’re the CEO of Influent Summit. What gap did you see in the creative industry that inspired this initiative?

I was one of the first influencers in Brazil . I started back in 2009, even before Instagram existed, using just 100 characters on Twitter I shared my thoughts, the stories I was living, and quickly started connecting with people. But in the early days of this market, there

“To live is to perform in the world. There is no separation between life and performance.”

“Winning an international award showed me that my art could cross borders.”

were no titles for us, no "profession". The term “influencer” came many years later. This is still a very informal industry to this day. Our mission with ‘Influent Summit' is to help professionalize the creator economy, and we’re already on our fourth edition, with many more to come, including one in Los Angeles later this year. Our international expansion has already begun.

Your book Antes Feito Do Que Perfeito resonates strongly with women navigating pressure and perfectionism. What personal experience pushed you to write it?

It's a funny story, but I wrote the book after ending a toxic relationship. I was literally at rock bottom, and my “revenge” was to do something I had been putting off for a long time: write my first book. A childhood dream, especially having grown up watching my father write more than 20 books. I’ve always had a lot to say, and I went through experiences that could have been traumatic, but I’ve always reframed them as lessons. In the book, I shared the most painful experiences I’ve gone through, but always with the insights they brought me. It was liberating. I carried all of that inside me for many years, maturing along the way, and at 25, I decided to finally let it all out.

If you could distill the core message of that book into one sentence for young women, what would it be?

Do the best you can with what you have, while preparing for the opportunity of your life… because it will always come.

Fashion often plays a role in how artists express identity. How would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved alongside your career?

When I look at old photos, I get so anxious laughs . I didn’t usually dress very well, I didn’t know much about fashion, and I was more interested in other things. But as I grew up, my love for fashion grew too, and I started learning a lot more and studying references. Today, I’d describe my style as situational. I like to be comfortable, feel good, but also match the context of wherever I’m going. I don’t like to define myself with a specific label; I like to adapt to the occasion. I think it’s important to be open-minded in fashion. I can’t define

myself as just one thing, I’m multiple. You moved to Los Angeles in 2025 to expand your international career. What has been the most challenging—and most exciting—part of starting fresh in a new industry?

The most challenging part is adjusting to a new culture and a completely different way of living than the one I’ve had since I was born. And the most exciting part is that everything is new. It’s a new way of acting, a new way of managing my career, a new talent agency office… And since I love novelty, I’m feeling really good here. I spent over two decades in Brazil, building an incredible journey that I’m deeply proud of, a multifaceted, carefully crafted career… but I was starting to feel stagnant. I knew it was time for something new, to challenge myself, and that’s how I ended up here. It’s been both fun and challenging at the same time… like riding a roller coaster, the butterflies in your stomach are inevitable.

How do you maintain your Brazilian identity while positioning yourself within a global entertainment landscape?

I carry my Brazilian identity with me. What’s most beautiful about us Brazilians is our passion for life, our passion for people, our passion in general. We are so alive, so full of feeling, and this identity cannot be taken away—and thank goodness for that. I don’t want to move or change who I am just to fit into a global scene; I want to translate the best of myself and my country into a universal language: love.

As someone who constantly reinvents herself, how do you recognize when it’s time to pivot or expand creatively?

When I feel stagnant or stuck in a comfort zone. I’m always looking for challenges and I love novelty. So when I start feeling bored with what I’m doing, it’s a sign that something isn’t right, and it’s time to move to the next level. After all, we’re all here seeking growth. Acting will always be the main focus of my career, but becoming an executive producer, for example, took my acting to another level, just like when I became a showrunner, and so on. retailers

What does success look like for you now, compared to how you defined it at the beginning of your career?

More calm, more natural… I’ve learned to

“Acting is a spiritual practice. Your energy has to be aligned to communicate emotion clearly.”

handle it much better over the years. An artistic career is like a roller coaster in terms of visibility. There are many films, many TV shows, and you’re not always going to be at your peak. Since my career is now 23 years old, after all these ups and downs, I feel much more prepared for the next moment of high visibility than I did when I started. Today, I see success as something relative. You can achieve great success within a specific community and still not be recognized elsewhere. Success can come in different ways, with a single role or across multiple successful films. When I started, I didn’t have that understanding and would get easily dazzled. Today, I see it as part of the craft

and that’s just how it is. It’s part of the journey. Finally, what legacy do you hope to build— not only as an actress, but as a producer, entrepreneur, and voice for the next generation of creators?

I started building this legacy from the very first moment I set foot on this planet. It’s a legacy of inspiration. In the end, we don’t take anything with us from this place, we only leave something for the next generations. So I hope that my story can echo in this world, even after I’m gone, and inspire people to build their own legacy. That we can all inspire each other in a positive way. as something relative. You can achieve great

“In the end, legacy is about inspiration— what we leave behind for the next generation.”

ETERNAL SUMMER

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVID BENOLIEL @davidbenolielphotography

MODEL: MAIA VOSS @maia_voss_official

AGENCY: HEYEYE STUDIO @heyeyestudio

SARA ELIZABETH MCNALLY

#HUSTLEBOOTYTEMPTATS SUPERMODEL

Text by JOAQUIN MATEO

Sara Elizabeth McNally is QP ’s fashion-forward cover superstar this month, as the #HustleBootyTempTats supermodel brand’s All American Girl continues her rise to the very top of the modeling world! Born and bred in Portland , Maine , McNally is of Polish , Irish and French descent and started modeling at the age of 14 when she did a local ad for a hair salon in her neighborhood. Since then, her reach has expanded every single day, and now the entire world eagerly awaits her very next post, shoot and magazine cover feature!

MODEL: SARA ELIZABETH MCNALLY @SaraElizabethMcNally

PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS RANKIN @CrankPhotography

PRODUCER: KARI NAUTIQUE @kari.nautique

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: PAUL HEYMAN @paulheyman

SARA ELIZABETH MCNALLY

Sara was personally recruited for the #HustleBootyTempTats supermodel roster by WWE legend and Hall of Famer Paul Heyman, the multi-industry disruptor who appears every Monday night live on WWE RAW alongside Logan Paul, The Vision, “The Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns, “The Best in the World” CM Punk and “The Beast” Brock Lesnar. Heyman is not only a Mr. Rushmore-level performer and writer –producer in the sports entertainment world, but he’s also a mover and shaker in the modeling business. He is, after all, the founder of the #HustleBootyTempTats brand.

It all actually started out as a joke, a funny hashtag on Twitter (now “X”) in 2012, but the #HustleBootyTempTats concept hit and hit big, with supermodels around the world vying to be a #HustleBootyTempTats supermodel. It’s akin to Gwyneth Paltrow’s ridiculously named Goop brand, which continues to dominate its space in the marketplace. In 2025 and now in 2026, the modeling world has taken notice of a four-way Battle Royale for the no. 1 spot on the analytics and metrics charts pitting the upstart #HBTT brand against the legacy brands of Victoria’s Secret, Paul Marciano’s Guess and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

The #HustleBootyTempTats supermodel roster includes fellow QP Magazine cover sensation “The World’s Most Beautiful Athlete” Jala Sue; Super Influencer Veronika Rajek; Independent Film Festival Best Actress Award Winner Laura Petersen; Miami “It Girl” Presley Sullivan; “The Beauty of Budapest” Borbala Kreutz; Female Boxing contender Whitney Johns ; the breathtaking Dr. Hannah Nicole; the amazing Taylor Gallo; and Playmate of the Year Kari Nautique, who now also works with Heyman as a Producer of the exclusive #HustleBootyTempTats supermodel pictorials.

On television, Heyman has coined the phrase “that’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler.” As we get deeper into 2026, it is becoming apparent that this is going to be Sara Elizabeth McNally’s year. Her global reach is expanding by the day, and her fan base grows more and more passionate about her exquisite looks and the content that is built around her stunning beauty. So when you hear the assessment, “2026 will be the Year of Sara Elizabeth McNally,” we here at QP can honestly tell you, it’s not a prediction. It’s a #HustleBootyTempTats-delivered spoiler!

“it is becoming apparent that this is going to be Sara Elizabeth McNally’s year.”

CRIMSON & CLOVER

PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE V. GOTTLIEB @victorofvalencia

MODEL: JO @jodean_amen

AGENCY: WOLVES MANAGEMENT @_wolvesmanagement

LOCATION: RIGHT ON DOVER @right_on_dover

SAMUEL GÄRTNER PRECISION & POETRY

Interview by JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

In an era where fashion is constantly redefining its boundaries between heritage and innovation, designer Samuel Gärtner stands at the intersection of precision and poetry. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship and quietly subversive silhouettes, Gärtner has built a reputation for creating garments that feel both architectural and intimate. His work speaks to a new generation of style-conscious individuals who crave substance behind the spectacle—where every seam, fabric choice, and proportion tells a deeper story about identity, discipline, and creative courage.

For this exclusive conversation with QP , we step inside Gärtner ’s world to explore the philosophy shaping his collections, the cultural influences that inform his aesthetic, and the evolution of his brand in today’s global fashion landscape. From the technical rigor behind his tailoring to the emotional narratives woven into his designs, Gärtner reveals how he balances artistry with wearability—proving that modern luxury is not just about what we wear, but what we choose to express.

FASHION DESIGNER: SAMUEL GÄRTNER @samuelgaertner

Your designs feel both architectural and emotionally expressive. How would you define the core philosophy behind the Samuel Gärtner brand?

The core philosophy of my brand is to encourage expression. I want people to be able to express themselves through fashion, because I believe clothing is the only tool that allows you to communicate deeply without saying a single word. Fashion makes personality visible and allows emotions to be carried outward. At the same time, fashion is my own artistic medium — a way to channel my feelings, thoughts, and creativity. My philosophy is to create something new that moves people, evokes emotion, and leaves an impact.

What first drew you to fashion design, and was there a defining moment when you knew this would be your path?

Fashion has been a part of me for as long as I can remember — honestly, since birth. There was never a moment in my life when fashion did not matter to me. As a child, I loved dressing up, first unconsciously and later very consciously engaging with clothing and style. I learned sewing in school, which gave me an early technical foundation. A major influence was my time at the Frankfurt Opera, first in the children’s choir and later performing in small stage roles. The world of costumes and theatrical creation inspired me deeply and is one reason my work often carries an abstract and expressive character.

allows me to express complexity — much like the complexity within human nature. Walk us through your creative process — does a collection begin with fabric, mood, music, art, or something more abstract?

My creative process usually begins with material. I search for fabrics and allow textures, weight, and surfaces to inspire me — from there, ideas evolve naturally. I rarely start with rigid concepts, as they can feel limiting; I prefer working intuitively. Art and music are constant companions in my process. I love museums, classical painting, and atmosphere created through sound. I also enjoy listening to audio dramas, which inspire my imagination and creative thinking.

“I believe clothing is the only tool that allows you to communicate deeply without saying a single word.”

Sustainability is reshaping the industry. How do you approach responsible design and production within your brand?

Sustainability is very important to me. I work with short production chains, produce in small quantities, and many pieces are created only on demand. This avoids overproduction and waste. Much of my work consists of unique pieces, especially for stage, concerts, and red carpet projects. Conscious production is a key part of my philosophy.

What role does craftsmanship play in your work, and how important is traditional technique in a modern collection?

Your silhouettes often balance structure and fluidity. What inspires this tension between strength and softness?

This balance develops intuitively through my creative process and my understanding of fashion as emotional expression. Structure represents presence, clarity, and strength, while fluidity reflects movement, sensitivity, and emotion. Bringing these opposites together

Craftsmanship is essential to my work. I design and produce most pieces myself and developed strong technical skills early on through sewing. This allows me to fully understand construction, fabric behavior, and processing. Traditional techniques form the foundation that enables modern expression.

If you could describe your latest collection in three words, what would they be — and why?

Couture. Streetstyle. Inner self.

My work exists between couture and streetwear — between extravagance and wearability. At the same time, every collection is a very personal reflection of my inner world.

Who is the Samuel Gärtner woman or muse? How would you describe the person wearing your designs?

There is no single muse. My designs are created for everyone — regardless of body type, size, or identity. Inclusivity is very important to me. Fashion should not exclude; it should allow everyone to feel represented and expressive. Fashion often mirrors the cultural climate. What conversations or emotions are you responding to in your recent work?

I don’t consciously try to mirror a specific cultural moment. My work comes from within — from emotion and instinct. Of course, the outside world influences me, but my goal is to create independently, to set statements, and to shape rather than follow trends.

What has been the most challenging moment in building your brand, and what did it teach you?

The biggest challenge was simply starting — taking the leap. My personal motto is just do it. Often, the hardest part is overcoming fear and beginning. That experience taught me courage and trust in my own path. Challenges continue, but they are part of a fulfilling journey.

How do you balance commercial viability with artistic integrity?

My designs are often extravagant, but I always try to find a balance between artistic expression and wearability. I describe my style as a fusion of couture and streetstyle. At the same time, I collaborate on selected projects that focus more on wearable collections, allowing me to maintain artistic freedom while staying accessible..

Are there designers, artists, architects, or musicians who continually influence your vision?

There is no single figure — I draw inspiration from many. I am inspired not only by fashion

itself, but also by the vision, journey, and brandbuilding of creative personalities, especially in marketing, which is a strong passion of mine. Karl Lagerfeld inspires me through his iconic, spectacular shows for Chanel . JeanPaul Gaultier through his fusion of fashion, presentation, and marketing. Jeremy Scott through his bold, provocative yet aesthetic language, and Vivienne Westwood through her cultural impact and attitude.

Beyond fashion, music has also deeply shaped me. Nelly Furtado has accompanied me since childhood, and her music has had a lasting influence on me. I also had the honor of designing and creating her stage outfits for her Germany tour last year — a very special and meaningful moment for me. Artists like Rihanna inspire me with her independence and authenticity, and Lana Del Rey with her consistency and artistic identity. Many individuals influence me through their vision, courage, and individuality.

What does luxury mean to you in today’s fashion landscape?

I believe the meaning of luxury is currently changing. In recent years, luxury has often been reduced to branding and commercial image, losing much of its original depth. For me, true luxury lies in creativity, artistry, and the idea behind fashion. That is where luxury should return — to substance, vision, and artistic value.

Looking ahead, what is the ultimate legacy you hope to build with Samuel Gärtner?

I want to create a world of fashion where everyone feels represented. Fashion should be for everyone — free, expressive, and joyful, not bound by rigid rules or stereotypes. I want fashion to be colorful, open, and empowering. At the same time, my personal dream is to realize myself through my work and share my vision with the world through fashion.

“My designs are created for everyone — regardless of body type, size, or identity. Inclusivity is very important to me.”

PRE-SPRING FORECAST

THE FIRST TRENDS TO INVEST IN NOW

As fashion pivots from winter’s cozy cocoon to the optimism of spring, early-season trends are already shaping what savvy style lovers will be wearing in 2026. Runway collections from New York to Paris have revealed a mix of bold statements and wearable novelties — and the savvy shopper can start investing now to build a wardrobe that feels fresh, intentional, and future-forward.

SHEER LAYERING: TRANSPARENCY WITH DEPTH

Iconic fashion houses continue to inspire everyday wardrobes. Bold tailoring, unexpected proportion play and elevated basics have all trickled down from the catwalk to everyday outfits. Oversized blazers, metallic finishes, and statement accessories — once seen under bright lights — now define city strolls and café culture.

ICY AND PASTEL TONES: A COOL PALETTE AWAKENS

Cool, soft hues like icy blue, dusty pastel pinks, and cerulean are predicted to dominate spring wardrobes. These shades act as a refreshing alternative to winter neutrals and signal a shift toward lighter, airier color stories.

FRINGE & MOVEMENT: TEXTURE TAKES CENTER

Fringe — whether on belts, skirts, or accessories — brings playful motion to outfits, offering tactile excitement that contrasts with structured tailoring. This trend highlights fashion’s renewed focus on texture and motion.

LOW-RISE & Y2K REFERENCES: NOSTALGIA WITH REFINEMENT

Low-rise silhouettes are still lingering on runways, but in more refined fabrics and elevated tailoring — think luxe denim and sleek trousers with contemporary cuts. This is classic Y2K with a couture twist.

BOLD COLOR & HEAD-TO-TOE STATEMENTS

2026 fashion doesn’t play small with color. Vibrant reds, cobalt blues, and citrus hues are being styled from head to toe, marking a departure from winter’s muted tones. These bold statements are both energizing and editorially potent.

VALENTINA RUEDA

HÔTEL DE CRILLON, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL

PARIS’ PALACE OF TIMELESS GLAMOUR

BY JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

In the heart of Paris ’ most illustrious quarter, where history meets haute couture and every cobblestone whispers tales of style, stands one of the City of Light ’s most coveted addresses: Hôtel de Crillon , A Rosewood Hotel . This isn’t merely a place to rest your head — it is a destination unto itself, a sanctuary of impeccable taste perfectly suited to the fashion-savvy traveler seeking Parisian grandeur in winter’s soft glow.

A LEGACY OF STYLE AND STORY

Originally built in the 18th century as a royal palace, Hôtel de Crillon has always occupied a special place in Paris’ cultural narrative. Its elegant neoclassical façade looks out over Place de la Concorde , positioning guests moments from the ChampsÉlysées , the Seine , and the city’s most illustrious fashion houses. Over the centuries this “palace hotel” has hosted heads of state, icons of art, and

the world’s fashion elite — all drawn by its unique blend of history and contemporary sophistication.

Stepping inside feels like entering a curated private collection: expansive salons marked by marble floors, bespoke furnishings, and objets d’art that bridge ancien régime refinement and modern creative expression.

SUITES WITH SOUL

Every stay at the Crillon is personal — in the literal sense. The hotel offers just 78 rooms, 36 suites, and 10 signature suites, each crafted to feel like an elegant Parisian residence. Many feature bespoke pieces, antiques, and artisanal touches that elevate the classic “grand hôtel” experience. A standout highlight is Les Grands Appartements , designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld — a tribute to French refinement with subtle contemporary reinvention.

From balcony views over Place de la Concorde to interiors that feel like living works of art, these rooms are a study in restrained opulence — the ideal setting for a high-fashion city escape.

GASTRONOMY AS COUTURE

Culinary excellence here rivals the couture houses just steps away. The celebrated L’Ecrin restaurant — Michelin-starred and inspired by global travel and French terroir — delivers artistry on every plate. For more relaxed chic, Jardin d’Hiver offers tea and Champagne beneath a verdant glass canopy, while Bar Les Ambassadeurs — recently crowned a top international hotel bar — hums with energy and refined indulgence.

Whether it’s savoring seasonal delicacies or clinking flutes after an afternoon of couture browsing, each moment here feels styled with precision.

L’ECRIN RESTAURANT

WELLNESS IN ABSOLUTE PARISIAN STYLE

After a day tracing the corridors of the Louvre or strolling the Golden Triangle , Sense , A Rosewood Spa provides a restorative respite. Below street level, a serene oasis awaits: a luminous indoor pool framed by artistic design and treatment rooms offering bespoke rituals that melt away jet-lag and fatigue alike. Add a session at the David Lucas Salon or a tailored facial, and the experience transcends typical hotel pampering — it’s pure self-care elevated to art.

THE CRILLON EXPERIENCE

What sets Crillon apart isn’t just its location or luxury — it’s the moment. Arrive via limousine or the Metro just steps from the entrance; be welcomed with personalized service that knows your preferences before you do; sip a crafted cocktail as the night unfurls across Place de la Concorde . Every detail — from the artisanal chocolates served on the pillow to the tailored itinerary suggestion from the concierge — is curated to enchant.

KATIE

PHOTOGRAPHER: AREZOO JALALI @arezoojalali_photography

MODEL: KATIE BOZNER @realkatiebozner

AGENCY: ASTON MODELS @astonmodels

FASHION STYLIST: DANIEL ALAMILLO @danielalamillo_

HMUA: SAFFIYA LAKHANI @saffiyaslays

RETOUCHER: MARK SAPRYKIN @mark_s_retouch

Dress

JOVANI COUTURE

Fur jacket

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

Boots NORDSTROM

Dress

JOVANI COUTURE

Fur

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

Boots NORDSTROM

LAYER UP, STYLE ON

EARLY SPRING ESSENTIALS FOR THE IN-BETWEEN SEASON

Early spring weather can be unpredictable — cool mornings and warmer afternoons call for practical yet chic layers that you can mix and match all season long. Think structured outerwear, breathable knits, and versatile cardigans you’ll reach for week after week.

TRANSITIONAL OUTERWEAR & JACKETS

CARDIGANS & LIGHTWEIGHT KNIT LAYERS

CARDIGANS ARE LAYERING HEROES IN SPRING — THEY ADD WARMTH WITHOUT BULK AND PAIR EASILY WITH EVERYTHING FROM DRESSES TO JEANS.

ONLY BEIGE CARDIGAN CROPPED SILHOUETTE WITH A FLATTERING FIT — PERFECT WITH HIGH-WAISTED TROUSERS OR SKIRTS FOR AN EDITORIAL SPRING LOOK.

$44.85

MANGO KNITTED CARDIGAN TEXTURED KNIT PIECE FROM MANGO, A TRANSITIONAL STAPLE THAT FEELS EFFORTLESS AND CHIC.

$35.40

LEVI'S WOMEN'S KNIT CARDIGAN A LIGHT-WEIGHT LAYER IN A SOFT BLUE-GREY BLEND, NEUTRAL ENOUGH FOR DAYTO-NIGHT OUTFITS AND IDEAL OVER A TEE OR SILK BLOUSE. $53.60

FEBRUARY 2026

VOL. 2

BACK COVER

VALENTINA RUEDA

BY NEBO UYANWAH