Illuminating Pathways of Artistic Evolution and Cultural Empowerment with Nava

Embarking on a transformative journey that transcends boundaries and defies conventions, NAVA, emerges as a beacon of artistic prowess and cultural resurgence. From the eclectic tapestries of Teheran to the vibrant underground music scene of Milan, her narrative unfolds as a symphony of heritage, passion, and audacious self-expression.

Intrinsically tied to her Persian roots and propelled by a thirst for innovation, Nava's musical odyssey encapsulates a spirit of resilience and activism. Her solo endeavors, heralded by the EP "Bloom," resonated profoundly, beckoning listeners into a hypnotic realm where tradition merges seamlessly with experimental arrangements. Through collaborations with visionary talents and a commitment to challenging societal norms, NAVA's artistry becomes a transformative vehicle for social change and individual liberation. Navigating the complexities of gender equality and cultural identity, NAVA's creative vision reverberates as a call to arms against censorship and discrimination.

Through electrifying performances and thought-provoking visuals, she ignites a renaissance of inclusivity and empowerment, inspiring audiences to embrace their true selves and champion diversity in all its forms. As she forges ahead into uncharted territories, NAVA's sonic revolution transcends geographical confines, captivating audiences across continents and cultures. Her magnetic presence and unapologetic authenticity position her as a trailblazer in a musical landscape hungry for innovation and meaningful dialogue. In a world yearning for transformative voices and visionary spirits, NAVA stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire change, bridge divides, and kindle a brighter future. Through her unwavering dedication to creativity, truth, and unity, she illuminates pathways of artistic evolution and cultural empowerment, paving the way for a new era of harmony and artistic exploration.

*circular black dress Davii @daviiofficiel, hard-bodice Vanni Studio @vannistudio, sandals Diesel @diesel, jewels Myril Jewels @myriljewels*

Regardless of the political, economic, social or religious context, the underground music scene is born from the need to convey a message, from freedom of speech to other civil rights, has the power to create revolutions and has even shaped the way of thinking of entire generations. What we take for granted in the Western world, can often be seen as a dangerous thing in other parts of our planet. Artistic manifestations could easily become enemies of the state. Absurd censorships lower the voice of the counterculture. Iran has a millennia-long culture, a culture that still echoes in so many arts even today, despite the suffocating embargo, a situation that has put pressure not only on the Iranian economy, but also on underground culture. Yet, the passion for electronic music has managed to ignite a small but passionate scene in Tehran.

handcrafted body pieces Sara Beatriz Diaz @__sarabe, shoes Hyperobjects @hyperobjects__

NAVA comes from Persia and in Italy she discovered her passion for music, but it couldn't have been otherwise because. NAVA - her name means melody and she uses her art to free women from the shame of their shapes. Her deep roots and her shapes are the common thread of this shooting made together with the students of the master in Fashion Styling of Moodart School of Fashion Communication under the guidance of their teacher and well known celebrity stylist and art director, Veronica Bergamini added by the magical visual touch of Alberto Pelayo.

NAVA was born and raised in Teheran and moved to italy at a very young age, where she discovered her vocation for music and performance. NAVA, in art she is just NAVA, which in her language means melody, sound. "Bloom" is her first solo EP. She made her debut in 2019 with Body, the debut EP of the project born as a collaboration with the producer Francesco Fugazza (producer, composer), Marco Fugazza (drummer) and Elia Pastori (drummer). The four met in Milan in 2016. In 2019 they participated together at the MI AMI Festival and in June 2020 a second EP was released, Sarabe (4 tracks that explore the darkest themes of human nature), continuing to be noticed in the Milanese and national music scene. From which the project takes inspiration, also drawing on the music of international artists such as Arca, Apparat, Burial, Sevdaliza. In August 2021, the four did their last live as a band, and then split up (although they remained friends and collaborated from time to time). NAVA continued his solo project and published Bloom in 2021, the first EP of a new solo journey. In collaboration with five different producers and with Matteo Strocchia and Marco Servina, those who took care of all the visual parts, from the photos to the styling of the Iranian singer.

NAVA speaks perfect Italian, despite the three languages she speaks daily, and she completed her studies at the music academy discovered by chance thanks to an advertisement on the subway and, after working with a collective of musicians like NAVA Project, she is now facing a solo career with successful singles like, “Senti”, followed by “Gaz”, and is currently working hard on her new album. Which doesn’t come easy, as she says, it takes a lot of patience, a lot of research, even if she has no difficulty when it comes to research to find inspiration. Her music mixes electronic atmospheres, Persian echoes (she doesn’t call her country Iran), hypnotic lyrics with an explicit image, an exhibition of her body and an activist use of fashion to demonstrate especially to the women of her country that they shouldn’t be ashamed of being themselves.

NAVA mixes different cultures and fuses her Persian musical background with the experimental arrangements of the musicians who collaborate with her, to create something very particular, magical, hypnotic and visceral. Through a hypnotic voice and a unique style.

NAVA is like a truly explosive star, with such a transparent spontaneity that is difficult to find in the Italian music scene today. She could become an international star, given that many of the codes also reflect them on a visual and cultural level: long hair, deep black eyes, sincerity, love for the underground community and for the entire queer world, very thought out and elaborate visual interweavings, scenographic costumes that could not be more alien, more original and experimental, strong make-up alternating with natural looks, as every self-respecting celebrity knows how to do, we saw her au naturel with her face uncovered during the interview. In short, NAVA has all the credentials to spark a revolution that is so needed today in the music scene in Italy. I see many women in NAVA, above all I see in her the guiding spirit that leads to a certain freedom, so desired by many women, especially human people.

Speaking now with a slight particular accent, I was struck by the beauty of NAVA, inside and out, and how she manages to create art with all her strength through her music, her body, her movements, her smile. The key word that runs through her life is the freedom to be what the soul feels it is.

white net dress with slits Davii @daviiofficiel, sandals Diesel @diesel, solid teardrops earrings Moule Jewelry @moulejewelry

Delving deeper into our inquiry, we question NAVA on the importance of supporting emerging talents in today's landscape. She affirms her increasing collaborations with up-and-coming brands, aligning their ethos with her own soul and cultural identity. Notably, she shares that her collaboration with MOODART School of Fashion Communication for this editorial has been a uniquely rewarding experience. Observing the students' research phases, the creation of mood boards, visual exploration, and brand analysis excites her, and she extends an invitation to fellow artists to partake in this distinctive and genre-defining experience.

Our profound engagement with NAVA's artistic realm has been transformative, resonating deeply with her commitment to gender equality as a cornerstone not only of human rights but also of a harmonious, prosperous, and innovative world. Recognizing the challenges faced by women, queer communities, and other marginalized groups in the music industry, she believes that through artists like NAVA, cultural boundaries can be shattered to create a more inclusive space for these underrepresented voices. Our collaboration with her for RED EYE World has been a fortunate and enlightening experience, reinforcing our belief in the transformative power of art and advocacy in breaking down barriers and fostering diversity.

*haily dress Diesel @diesel, chunky cuff and bold hoops jewels Moule Jewelry @moulejewelry*

Talent @NAVA_Project

Photography Alberto Pelayo @albertopelayo.jpg

Photography Assistant Francesca Lanfranchi @francesca.lanfranchi.3d

Arianna Bacilieri @ariannabacilieri_ph

Interview Mira W. @mirawanderlust

Stylist Mentor & Lecturer Veronica Bergamini @veronica_bergamini

Styling:

Nicole Zia @nicoleeezia; Greta Gualtieri @bi.gg.y;

Elena Cuoghi @elecuogss ; Elena Braga @elenaabraga ;

Martina Pavan @martinapavann; Ilaria Rossi @inspiration1985; Carmen Scannapieco @carmen.scannapieco; Giusy Cozzolino @gici_0; Marta Ambrosioni @martaambrosioni;

Make-up + hair Marco Servina @comevaconma

Educational Project Coordinator Cecilia Bortolazzi @cecilia_bortolazzi

Production Assistant Matteo Faccin @faccinmatteo

Social Coordinator Nicole Zia @nicoleeezia

Backstage Video Sara Bisello @sarabisello_

Backstage Photo Matteo Bagini @matteobagini99

Production powered by MOODART School of Fashion Communication @moodartfashioncommunication

RED-EYE Team:

EIC & Creative director @gloriamariagallery

Editorial Director @danieleverse

Features Editor @eleonoraapirisi

Arti Director @gambardl

RED•EYE WORLD