Must-See Event Of The Week: Global Elite Fashion Festival 2022

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What: The first-ever GEFF (Global Elite Fashion Festival) is set to hit Sydney on Saturday, October 22, and we can’t be more excited!

Global Elite Fashion Festival is a platform pioneered by Global Elite Media Group and GEQ Magazine in collaboration with StarCentral Magazine, Flagcom group and Millionaires Alliance. It provides a sustainable platform for international and emerging designers that effectively engage with Australia’s diverse communities and presents an opportunity for designers to showcase their uniqueness and cultural nuances.

There will be three incredible events on October 22; The Australian Golden Sash Awards – the Oscars of beauty pageants will be happening first at 4 pm, followed by the Global Elite Fashion Festival then lastly, Global Elite International Awards.

When: Saturday, October 22. (Program starts 4 pm for the Australian Golden Sash Awards)

Where: Sir Stamford Plaza Grand Ballroom (241 O’Riordan St, Mascot NSW 2020)

Tickets: Please contact Sue Turner – 0402 281 721

Introducing one of the designers showcasing at the 2022 Global Elite Fashion Festival… The fabulous Zara Rachidi!

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Zara Rachidi is the founder of CaftanHouse couture. Zara is the Moroccan Caftan ambassador in Australia and represents young Arab women designers worldwide. She has showcased her collection nationally and internationally, working with love and respect to her traditional wear with a modern touch allowing women around the globe to enjoy and wear her Caftan dress.
To see Zara’s latest collection, please join us on Saturday, 22nd of October, 2022, at the Stamford Plaza Grand Ballroom for an unforgettable evening of fashion!

Introducing one of the designers showcasing at the 2022 Global Elite Fashion Festival… The fabulous Faten Lawn!

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Faten Lawn was initially born in Egypt. She was born to a very humble father from a small country town who was a Chef and a mother who was a seamstress; she started working from the age of fourteen to help support her mother, father, and six other siblings. She has a brother who is seven years older than her. They moved to Australia to start a new promising life when she was just five, and she feels very blessed to have been brought up and loved by two very humble parents. Her father taught her to embrace her individuality and encouraged her decisions, especially how she dressed and her personal style. She was lucky to have two talented parents to inspire her, which got her to where she is today as the main designer behind The Cleopatra Collection by Horus.
Faten is currently 45 years old and has three amazing sons whom she’s very proud of – she encourages her sons to explore their own individuality and style. Her purpose in being a part of the fashion industry is to inspire others to think outside the box, embrace their individuality and recognise and embrace their own individual style. To explore different patterns, styles, materials, colours, and textures. Her designs are daring, and that really reflects her personality – she aims to give everyone the confidence to be daring and get comfortable with themselves. She also wants to highlight the talent of people with special needs and disabilities by giving them a platform in the fashion world.

Introducing one of the designers showcasing at the 2022 Global Elite Fashion Festival… The fabulous Silky Lane Boutique!

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Silky Lane Boutique is an exciting way to drape everyone and anyone individually. It was launched in response to the fashion needs of today.
Silky Lane’s effortless and feminine silhouettes, enhanced with intricate embroideries, are apt for any up-and-coming occasions or celebrations.
The label is devoted to bringing a selection of unique, wearable, and affordable clothing and accessories by contemporary designers and independent brands from local creators and beyond.
To see Silky Lane Boutique’s latest collection, please join us on Saturday, 22nd of October, 2022, at the Stamford Plaza Grand Ballroom for an unforgettable evening of fashion!
To purchase your tickets for this incredible event, please contact Sue Turner.

The Big Reveal: Meet The 2022 Miss Earth Australia Winners

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Photo Credit: Dave Choo

Fourteen worthy queens vied for a single crown on Sunday, September 4, 2022, and the coronation night turned out to be a smashing success!

This year’s competition also included musical performances from Angel Charms, Queeness Gutierrez, Deuc3s, Adlips, and Darius Vevo, dance performances from the Philippine Dance Ensemble and Rommel Reyes Olson of Olson Dance World with his dance partner, Jane Standish, as well as a fashion showcase featuring Faten Lawn, Kruz La Mode, Caftan House, and Maricris Delapena Couture. We also got introduced to the Miss Little, Junior, and Teen Earth Australia Princesses, as well as the Mrs. Earth Australia 2022 official candidates Analieze Bella Newton, Anie Benitez, Irene Evangelista, Jenina Cotelo, Judith Nguyen, Kristine Tadem, Louise Veronica, Mary Venus, Mel Diaz, and Rhea Tecson.

The Miss Earth Australia 2022 coronation night went down at the grand ballroom in Hyatt Regency Hotel Sydney. This year’s cream of the crop for Miss Earth Australia consisted of Jaisy Molina, Ariel Beninca, Haley Cobb, Jessika Bassan, Kajol Chand. Kelsy Prest, Naomie White, Riley Aston, Robyn Russell, Sheridan Mortlock, Himaya Wijayaweera, Jaisy Molina, Mariah Whyte, Sofiia Starchevska, and Judith Sanougah.

Following a four-hour showdown of environmental speeches, gowns, glams, and game-changing questions, here’s how things turned out for this year’s hopefuls…

Sponsors’ Awards

StarCentral’s Choice: Kelsy Prest (New South Wales)
Miss Budgy Smuggler: Jessika Bassan (New South Wales)
Miss Millionaires Alliance: Naomie White (New South Wales)
Miss Megaworld International: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Miss Hyatt Regency Sydney: Ariel Beninca (Queensland)
Miss Lari Sports Active: Robyn Russel (Australia Capital Territory)
Miss UME: Riley Aston (Queensland)
Miss Cruz Lamont: Mariah Whyte (Victoria)

Special Awards

Best in Swimwear: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Miss Photogenic: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Best in Evening Gown: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)
Miss Congeniality: Kelsy Prest (New South Wales)
Miss Talent: Robyn Russel (Australia Capital Territory)
Best in Environmental Speech: Naomie White (New South Wales)
Darling of the Press: Riley Aston (Queensland)
People’s Choice Award: Himaya Wijeyaweera (Victoria)
Green Achievers Award: Himaya Wijeyaweera (Victoria)

Top 5 Winners

Miss Earth Charity Australia: Himaya Wijeyaweera (Victoria)


Miss Earth Water Australia: Riley Aston (Queensland)


Miss Earth Fire Australia: Robyn Russel (Australia Capital Territory)


Miss Earth Air Australia: Naomie White (New South Wales)


Miss Earth Australia 2022: Sheridan Mortlock (New South Wales)

Congratulations to the current National Directors Juliet De Leon and managing director Marc Baylon for pulling off the incredible event. Hats off to the Miss Earth Australia 2022 team – it was an amazing effort. Congratulations also to all the beautiful ladies, and best of luck to the new Miss Earth Australia 2022, Sheridan Mortlock!

You can watch the full pageant via this link: Miss Earth Australia 2022

The Big Reveal: Meet The 2022 Miss Earth Australia National Finalists

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Miss Earth Australia is one of the most prestigious pageants in the land down under to date. It is held annually to choose which beauty queen will represent Australia in the international and global annual environmental-themed competition, Miss Earth. It was established 18 years ago and aims to utilize its beauty, brains, and talents to promote social awareness regarding environmental concerns and compassion towards our one and only Mother Earth.

Over the years, Miss Earth Australia has aimed to promote pageantry as something that is not always just about the crown, sash, and beauty. It continues to integrate and embrace more inner qualities such as substance, intelligence, kindness, and diversity.

After passing regional screenings, 18 finalists were selected to compete for the Miss Earth Australia 2022 title. Below is the list of candidates:

Himaya Wijeyaweera | Victoria

Her advocacy: “Living in Australia has made me so appreciative of the beauty that we carry throughout nature and the diversity of cultures. My – STRIVE FOR SUSTAINABILITY- approach targets everyone on how we as a collective need to work in unity to incorporate sustainable practices in our everyday lives! This pageant encourages the fulfillment of a purpose toward the protection and preservation of our mother Earth. By taking small steps to educate others on sustainability, I aim to use my platform to target the healthcare industry to bring light to how we can make the change to be more considerate.”

Judith Sanougah | Victoria

Her advocacy: “My decision to join Miss Earth Australia stems from my belief for the environmental problems with a special focus, especially on deforestation – this is my chance to have the journey where I try my best to make a change and leave my mark on our planet, along with teaching young women especially ones like myself with my kind of skin colour and my kind of hair that they are also considered beautiful, and that beauty is not based purely on looks, but that beauty stems from having a purpose.”

Zena Skuthorpe Dowel | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I joined Miss Earth Australia as I believe this organisation gives young women, whose voices are generally silenced, a large platform to talk about huge global issues to do with the environment.”

Jaisy Molina | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I chose to compete in Miss Earth Australia because it is an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing climate crisis. MEA stands for more than just beauty; it also stands for bravery and courage. Owing to this, I can speak out and inspire others to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution. Let’s protect our precious mother Earth. We are stronger when we work together.”

Fulla Sami | New South Wales

Despina Karpathiou | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “We need a change in the world! There’s so many things happening that aren’t being noticed! Gold mining in Uganda, kids working underground and dying. The weather events happening! The constant floods and devastation. We gotta stand up and do something!

Mariah Whyte | Victoria

Her advocacy: “I joined Miss Earth Australia as I believe this organisation gives young women, whose voices are generally silenced, a large platform to talk about huge global issues to do with the environment.”

Simonne Meiers | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I’m really passionate about the environment, in particular, climate change and what we as a whole population can do to lessen our carbon footprint on the planet and the greenhouse gases and carbon emissions released into our air. Miss Earth Australia is a really great platform where I am surrounded by like-minded people who care about the environment and our Mother Earth, where I believe I can really make a difference and be in a position to advocate for real change.

Haley Cobb | Queensland

Her advocacy: “I found Miss Earth Australia aligned very closely with my values and beliefs, and I believe Miss Earth Australia will allow me to further develop my self-confidence in my advocacy by raising environmental awareness towards businesses’ social responsibility.”

Sheridan Mortlock | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I joined MEA because fighting for the conservation and protection of our planet is the most significant battle we must overcome. I’ve always been an advocate for the environment, but this has been further intensified by my university studies. Currently, I’m undertaking a double degree in Global Sustainability and Politics. Miss Earth Australia provides an excellent platform to amplify our voices and action as we protect mother earth.”

Kajol Chand | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I decided to join Miss Earth Australia to pursue my interests in serving and preserving our environment. My love for nature stems from my upbringing and my background – having Fijian blood meant I was attached to nature. Nature is a big part of the Fijian culture, with much emphasis on keeping it thriving. I share this journey of mine with my sister Shayal who was born with a rare disability – she continues to inspire me to believe that we can create the perfect environment for coexistence between humans and the natural world.”

Robyn Russel | Australia Capital Territory

Her advocacy: “I joined Miss Earth Australia because I love the mission behind the organisation. I will be able to meet like-minded girls who have the same mission as me. It aligns with my morals and views to save Mother Earth. In my current full-time job, I am educating people about sustainability and the impact of internal combustion cars on climate change. Through this platform, I can broaden my audience and educate more people. Miss Earth Australia truly is beauty for a cause.”

Sofiia Starchevska | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I’ve decided to participate in Miss Earth Australia this year as I believe my life goals and values align with this pageant’s ethos. I’m here to learn more about what we can do to create the best future for the next generations, collaborate our minds, and drive a global change!”

Riley Aston | Queensland

Her advocacy: “I joined Miss Earth Australia 2022 because I believe in promoting environmental awareness, conservation, and social responsibility towards Mother Earth. I will utilise the Miss Earth Australia platform to make a difference by highlighting the importance of our environmental actions and acting on our social responsibilities to conserve the natural beauty of this planet we call home. I am excited to lead by example and share my eco-friendly tips with everyone throughout my Miss Earth Australia journey.”

Jessika Bassan | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “Coming to Miss Earth Australia, I can be a voice to empower everyone to be independent, believe in their potential, and don’t lose their essence of life. Being the eldest sister of my three younger sisters, I believe that I should be a good role model for them, where I live a humble and respectful life – while genuinely learning and finding my life’s true purpose.”

Ariel Beninca | Queensland

Her advocacy: “Our environment through Miss Earth Australia is such a solid cause to speak for and represent my advocacy – “Political Change for Climate Change.” Climate change is the greatest threat to our existence, and there’s only so much we, as individuals, can do about this issue. We need all governments worldwide to act on climate change, and we need to implement renewable infrastructure and hold corporations to account.”

Kelsy Prest | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I joined Miss Earth Australia because I absolutely love what the competition stands for. As a scientist, our job is to provide facts and information, so I wanted to do just that and use this opportunity and platform to promote biodiversity, encourage sustainability and create awareness, and will back it all with scientific evidence.”

Naomie White | New South Wales

Her advocacy: “I gravitated toward the Miss Earth Australia pageant as I was inspired by my trip to the Philippines in 2018 and met former Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco – she opened my eyes to the fact that young women have a voice to be a catalyst of change. As a young woman who has been proactive about the idea of a sustainable Earth, I find this the utmost opportunity to become a quintessential part of the change.”

In Photos: Miss Earth Australia 2022’s Official Sashing Ceremony

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The journey to Miss Earth Australia 2022 has officially begun as some of the finalists (majority from Sydney) turned up last July 30 to participate in one of the most important pageants in the world. The grand finale will be held on the 4th of September 2022, and at the conclusion of the grand finale, Miss Earth Australia 2021 Phoebe Soegiono will be crowning her successor. The Miss Earth Australia Organization recently held its grand launch and sashing ceremony, which saw National Director Julieta De Leon sashing all the beautiful finalists. The ceremony was held in Hyatt Regency.

The sashes looked fabulous, more so because of their simplicity. Its colour was the usual green, with the Miss Earth Australia emblem in white. The Earth Australia 2022 coronation night will be a fabulous event with delegates from all over Australia competing for the prestigious crown and the honourable duties that come with it. We can’t wait to see who gets to take the crown home this year!

Check out the photos below to see highlights from the Miss Earth Australia 2022 Sashing Ceremony courtesy of Ricky Yunata Photography.

The Best Fashion From The Miss Earth Australia 2022 Grand Launch and Fashion Show

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Set in the backdrop of Hyatt Regency, various fashionistas, models, and photographers flocked together to witness an event featuring the 2022 Miss Earth Australia finalists. The event is the brainchild of Miss Earth Australia National Director Julieta De Leon and Managing Director Marc Baylon.

Amongst flashing lights, media coverage, and music was Stargazer Production and the Miss Earth Australia Organization right in the middle of it all. It was a great night filled with world-class fashion and entertainment as they celebrated their love and commitment to Mother Earth.

The 2022 Miss Earth Australia 2022 Grand Launch and Fashion Show featured some of the most incredibly talented Sydney designers, such as Tommy Ge of Leatheron, Faten Lawn, Lily African Wares, Alies Bol, and Armando Crisostomo.

Check out some of the photos below from the fashion show courtesy of George Azmy:

 

Introducing The Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The July 2022 Issue Of Global Elite Entrepreneur Magazine: Guruji Shrii Arnav

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In a major scoop, Global Elite Entrepreneur magazine was able to get in touch with the Grandmaster and Guru of Gurus- Guruji Shrii Arnav, for a no holds barred interview.

The revered and beloved Guruji Shrii Arnav is the father of Astro Gemology and an internationally acclaimed spiritual Guru who uses techniques based on spirituality, Astro Gemology, and modern management methods – he’s a mentor to statesmen and millionaires.

The author of the Magnum Opus” Secrets of Jyotish Gems” (translated into six languages), he is the mentor of the world’s largest E-commerce portal to buy natural Gemstones online (Gemstoneuniverse.com). The website has a mind-boggling reach of 4 million monthly users and has been around since the early days of the Internet in 1996.

From consultants to start-ups as well as superstars, we’re pretty confident our readers will enjoy straight-from-the-heart candid answers from the man who is in the business of changing lives for the better.

Guruji, congratulations on winning the Best Thailand Personality of the Year 2021 award! How does it feel? What was the process for you to find what you wanted to do?

I am very honoured, and a bit surprised in equal measure. To win an award of this magnitude and being the first foreigner and non-Thai person to win this award is very humbling.

I dedicate this award to all human beings who consciously think of their fellow men; yes, they still exist. Thank God for that.

As far as finding the process of what I wanted to do was fairly simple.

I did not want to do anything nor had a step-by-step plan. I just do what I like to do and by which I can make a difference.

Once I had complete confidence in my guru and absolute faith in his words, there was no confusion.

This was further cemented by the feedback I received from people who engaged and interacted with me. That I can positively contribute to their lives is an added reinforcement.

A Beautiful Poignant Moment from Guruji Shrii Arnav’s Birthday

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the Gemstone industry so far?

At Gemstoneuniverse and in my life in general, we are blessed with many memorable experiences every day, so singularly pointing out a single experience would be difficult.

However, last night I was recounting the experience of one man who was suffering from Psoriasis. It was both an uncomfortable and distressing situation for him.

After trying out conventional allopathic treatment with no measurable difference (No improvement – the Psoriasis was manageable) and not cured, he sought my advice.

I advised him to wear a Natural Pearl and Coral combination, massage with a specific herb-infused oil, and listen to a certain audio frequency for 6 minutes daily.

By the Grace of God, his situation improved by nearly 70% within eight weeks.

In addition to improving his condition, the remarkable change in his confidence and attitude was very satisfying.

I am also pleased that gracious people with their names and designations share their experience with Gem therapy and other combination therapies on video at Gemstoneuniverse. You can view them in our testimonial section or on social media pages.

The Grandmaster casts a Vedic Horoscope & Position of Planets as per date, place, and time of birth to reveal amazing details of a Person’s Life and Destiny

It was amazing to see that Global Personalities like Donald Trump Jr., Sporting superstars like Carl Lewis, and other celebrities wish you such warmth on your birthday. Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

Every person I meet is a superstar, a seed with the potential to be a giant, and I am blessed to meet people from all walks of life.

From a milkman to a conglomerate owning a major dairy operation, from a motorcycle mechanic to a conglomerate manufacturing engine for the latest cutting-edge aircraft – I meet all sorts of fascinating people.

That phenomenal people with rare accomplishments decided to surprise me for my birthday, and it was indeed a special gift.

However, as I said, I love and respect every individual who wishes to engage and interact with me, and I am nonjudgemental. I do not classify them with the tags that society gives them. That is the only way I can give them my best and bring out the best in them.

Guruji Shrii Arnav with Admiral Chanchai Charoensuwan of the Royal Armed Forces, Group Captain Prasong P of the Air force Academy Thailand & other senior officers.

What makes your company different than your competitors?

I actually like this question, so I am quite glad you asked me that.

From my standpoint, we are NOT a company.

We are an organization and a movement driven by excellence and values of compassion. Our motto is “Patron Benefit first, and profits are a by-product.”

We love Gem Therapy, we love and respect the ancient spiritual sciences, and we love our patrons. Those individuals from more than 70 nations actively engaging with us is a testimony to the impact of Gemstoneuniverse.

As far as competitors are concerned, I would like to believe and practice that we are our own competition and strive to be always in a state of Kaizen.

We are not cut, copy, and paste masters but inspired scientists and artists.

And till we stay in a constant state of relentless innovation and pursuit of knowledge, we will not have to bother about the so-called competition.


Guruji Shrii Arnav receiving the Best Thailand Personality of the year award 2021.

Your social media posts are quite good and they deliver so much value. People eagerly look forward to meeting you in the Humans of Gemstoneuniverse program. How does one seek your mentorship or be your disciple?

I feel happy that I can deliver some unique value to the amazing people who interact and like to assimilate my posts or the information I share.

This primarily shows two things:

The vast range of avenues available to us to lead a better life and find solutions to our problems, and second, there is no one size fits all solution to problems.

Unique DNA, unique people, and unique methods of life optimization.

Yesterday in my Facebook post, I said I had a problem with the word mindset.

How can a dynamic MIND be SET? That is an absurdity. I was asked to simulate an interview-like situation and to get hired by specifying five words or less about myself. That was a cathartic life-changing exercise for some.

I also said if you are still looking for some course or mindset, etc., as part of your vocabulary, then there is still time to seek me out.

Once the individual is ready, nature automatically connects us. That is the magic and miracle of life.

Latest Yellow Sapphire ring and Nine Gem Talisman collections 2022 designed by Guruji Shrii Arnav & offered by the House of Gemstoneuniverse.

You advise some of the biggest corporations and individuals on finance and investment. What is your take on bitcoin, cryptos, NFT, etc.?

Whatever the economic situation, one should stick to basic solid foundation rules that always deliver.

God’s currency is land, gold, silver, Gemstones, and knowledge – these will never give a negative return despite COVID, stagflation, recession, depression, or whatever fancy words so-called experts throw at you.

Be conservative rather than greedy, and let the power of compounding do wonders for you.

For young entrepreneurs and individuals, a good primary goal is to have extra funds for one whole year in case you won’t be doing anything.

If you can calculate your yearly burn and work towards having that in reserve, you will automatically have excellent learning and practice, which should be enough.

Guruji Shrii Arnav appointed as the Mentor and Head of Strategy of Udon Thani Football club.

Your life is a roller coaster with so many fascinating things happening. What are your big-ticket items for 2022?

I think the primary focus now is on the Gem Art, ensuring that Gem supply and pricing remain stable and cutting-edge alternative healing centres including working with sacred herbs including legalized Cannabis (Smiles). I cannot say more at his juncture, and my heartfelt regards and best wishes to your team and readers. Stay well and Stay Blessed.

You can follow the amazing Guruji Shrii Arnav on social media via the links below:

Website: www.gemstoneuniverse.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gemstoneuniverse

Instagram: @gemstoneuniverse

You can also follow Guruji Shrii Arnav’s public updates on his Facebook for daily energy contemplations via the address below:

www.facebook.com/emeraldriverindia

Wearing Love on his Heart- Guruji Shrii Arnav on a Cannabis Plantation

Meet The Rising Star Behind The Cover Of The July 2022 Issue Of GEQ Magazine: Cleopatra Fitzgerald

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New York City powerhouse Cleopatra Fitzgerald is a philanthropist, experienced researcher, politician, writer, activist of causes, and celebrity/influencer. Fitzgerald is also an interfaith minister who can officiate weddings, funerals, and baptisms from all types of religions – she is able to work with the various ideas and beliefs of each religion.

Many will recognize the politician/influencer as an NYC Mayoral Candidate. She was awarded the Martin Luther King’s award for her leadership and fight against discrimination of all types. At first, she was a longtime Democrat; then for several years she became independent as a Republican, and then she eventually returned back to the Democratic Party in early 2021. Throughout the years, she’s been an active voice who has worked towards fixing broken systems. She has met with many of the city’s politicians, including the Manhattan Borough President, a U.S. representative, as well as a Senate candidate. She’s been featured on Twiplomacy’s Twitter accounts most followed by world leaders and has been invited to attend high-profile events such as George W. Bush’s Official President’s Dinner Invitation, Barack Obama’s World Leaders Forum/gathering at the Hilton Hotel, and President Trump’s inaugural celebration, opening of the campaign office for an Independence Party presidential candidate to name a few. If Fitzgerald ever decides to run for political office again, she will be doing so for the awareness campaign causes of global issues that matter to the populace.

Fitzgerald was born on February 16th, 1984 in Manhattan, New York City. As a teen, she took several theatre classes and spent time acting and playwriting while in college. She also graduated with a degree in political science. At one point Fitzgerald attended a music college and was invited to perform with her violin various times at the Lincoln Center. She wants to rescue preoccupied minds from doubts with compassion. Her passions are varied and dynamic. Fitzgerald has participated in art drawing, and her work has been featured in museums – in fact, at the age of 12, she drew and sculpted nude life models from both genders at the academy.

GEQ magazine recently caught up with Fitzgerald to discuss her journey in the industry and here’s what she said:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

Our families in general come from a variety of performing arts, arts, and diverse industries that value fashion in view of their hereditary traditions, aesthetics, social status, global ethnicity, and other components. Primarily, my participation in fashion was when I began studying a hobby “art and sculpture” at the academy and I started to design fashion sketches as a mode of art – my instructor was a fashion designer. I have studied the history of fashion and was accepted into a fashion institute but did not attend because I was already enrolled at another school with differing subjects. In high school, they offered designing classes and I took art classes. As a global celebrity and fashion model, I believe that fashion can be educational and anyone with devotion and inspiration can become a designer. In my fashion modeling, I have used fashion in diverse settings and for various front cover stories.

What do you like most about being a designer?

Designing is about mixing themes, historical eras, concepts, etc. The part I appreciate about fashion is that it is about the human senses to raise awareness, to resolve situations of the present and the future. Fashion gives shape and meaning to a design that can heal, and transform our globe with betterment and not as a world upside down with deficiencies and broken systems. We can see trending for instance: Fashion for the environment, political issues, charity, prevention of diseases and so much more.

Downside to being a designer?

The time can be somewhat of a downside for designers. Considering the time spent in putting together all elements of the design which are visual geometry, symbols, textures, and so forth that should be meticulously, and properly placed in order. Whatever the focus of the theme to be depicted it takes concentration and organization to produce a marketable product.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

I was in a Halloween pageantry and my topic was titled “The Masked Senorita Costume” -I did not have the sole thought that I was going to be selected. When the judges without even knowing who I was, rewarded me – that is how I increased my motivation by portraying with my fashion the multitude of cultures in the world.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I have met many distinguished people in my life including those dearly departed and those I had the pleasure of meeting during different events. In the fashion industry, while I was part of the art house the previous principal and art-house director Ms.Needler introduced me to fashion designer Norma Kamali. Additionally, on the street, Steven Kolb happened to be passing by and we spoke for a while. Among these are countless others I had the pleasure of meeting.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry? This can be about the industry or about yourself.

The important lesson is that women, men, and children models in the fashion industry should not be exploited. Sadly, many models are subjected to unfair wages, rape, sexual trafficking, child abuse, health problems like anorexia, and further types of abuse. Hopefully, human rights groups, organizations, law enforcement, and investigative journalists have made the planet alert and laws are being passed.

Is your family supportive of you being a designer?

Yes, they are supportive because my mission is not for my own benefit it is for the public wellbeing.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I am satisfied with my past – however, I believe that throughout my educational years up till now, we are still in need of school reform. When something was wrong in the schools, I contacted the principal, sergeant, and the educational authorities. Nonetheless, more should be done to prevent bias, discrimination, harassment, stereotyping, bullying, and crimes. The surveillance cameras, metal detectors, guards, and policies might solve a portion of the issue but there is an abundance of defects that keep on persisting.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

I do not forget the plenty of honest people whose words of advice were truly uplifting. I even give credit to and thank critics as everyone is entitled to their own opinions. One of the most important pieces of advice I received was from my math teacher Mr. Greco who said, “never change the way you are.” Optimistic affirmations really make a difference.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it?

Plans are continuous as long as there are causes to advocate for and learning from others is a lifelong process. “Cosmic Worlds” and “Causes” signifies that I am advocating for the world and cosmic issues which present new concerns as times keep on advancing. Thus, finding resolutions to recurring dilemmas.