Zulay’s Edit: How To Set the Mood for Thanksgiving

Can you believe Thanksgiving is already this week? For those celebrating, we hope you enjoy your time off with loved ones and delicious food!  But beyond food, we want to highlight the dinner table setting, which is one of our CEO Zulay Henao’s favorite parts of the holidays.

To get into the Thanksgiving spirit, here are Henao’s exclusive tips on how she prepares her Thanksgiving table setting. From perfecting small details such as the table’s seasonal florals and candlelight setting, to curating the overall mood and being intentional about each aspect, here are 10 tips to make your next dinner party one for the books.

 

Tip #1: Start with seasonal florals.

Terracotta, olive, cream, rust tones; mix high-low arrangements with greenery for movement.

Tip #2: Add a touch of whimsy.

Incorporate edible flowers throughout the spread — on platters, cocktails, and place settings.

Tip #3: Let candlelight lead.

Layer slender tapers, low votives, and soft, warm lighting to create an intimate, cinematic glow.

Tip #4: Bring out the best china.

Holidays deserve your most beautiful pieces; keep the rest of the décor minimal to let them shine.

Tip #5: Create a self-serve banquet. 

Move the food to a sideboard; vary levels using stands and risers; label dishes for an editorial touch.

 

 

Tip #6: Design a wine and cocktail station. 

Use glass decanters, a signature seasonal cocktail, and a garnish tray with herbs and edible blooms.

Tip #7: Curate the mood.

Dim overhead lights, play soft Latin jazz or modern chill, and let the atmosphere feel warm, welcoming, and chic.

Tip #8: Invite connection.

Encourage guests to move freely, serve themselves, mingle, and share something they’re grateful for.

Tip #9: Make room for magic.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s creating a moment that feels intentional, elevated, and full of heart.

Tip #10: Add a personal touch.

Henao always adds some Latin flair. This year, it will be empanadas and coquito to take it up a notch.

 

What are you planning for your loved ones?

Who Is Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, the New Miss Universe?

This is just in — Mexico’s Fátima Bosch won this year’s Miss Universe! The Mexican beauty queen received her new crown at the Impact Challenger Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, after the three-week competition.

“Today I confirmed once again that what God has destined for you cannot be stopped by envy, aborted by fate, or changed by luck. Long live Christ the King,” Bosch wrote in Spanish on her social media. 

Bosch was crowned by last year’s winner Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Miss Universe 2025’s runner-ups were Thailand’s Praveenar Singh, followed by Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé, per CNN. 

What else do we know about Fátima Bosch?

You might remember her name from the major controversy during the Miss Universe pageant when contestants walked out after an organizer’s remarks. After the commotion, Bosch continued her pathway to compete in the popular pageant.

But she’s more than a scandal. Originally from Teapa, Tabasco, 25-year-old studied fashion design at the Ibero-American University in Mexico City, Mexico, and at the Nuova Accademia delle Belle Arti (NABA) in Milan, Italy. She also studied at the Lyndon Institute in the U.S., according to the BBC. It’s known that one of her main professional goals is to create sustainable designs and work with recycled materials. With this new win, we’re excited to see where she takes her fashion vision and how she’ll represent Mexico while at it.

“To all those Latina girls who are inspired by my story tonight, I would say to always believe in yourselves, in the beauty of your soul, your voice, and what you are capable of achieving. Never let anyone make you doubt your worth,” she wrote on her social media in Spanish after receiving the prestigious crown. “If a dream has touched your heart, it’s because you have the ability to achieve it. The road won’t be easy, there will be obstacles, but if you work hard, you will get there. I send you all my love and good vibes.” 

Meet the Indigenous Women Transforming Fashion and Representation

Fashion has long borrowed from Indigenous cultures, but this Native American Heritage Month, we are honoring the women who are reclaiming the narrative.

Meet the designers — Jamie Okuma, Bethany Yellowtail, and Lesley Hampton — blending legacy with modern design, matriarchal power with bold expression, tradition with unapologetic trendsetting. From beadwork to runways, from storytelling to silhouettes, these creators are reminding the world: heritage isn’t a trend. It’s the original thread.

From Okuma’s stunning hand-beaded statement pieces to Hampton’s Indigenous-influenced fashionable runway looks, here are three outstanding designers who are leaving their culture’s mark in the fashion industry. 

Jamie Okuma

Okuma, a member of the Luiseño and Shoshone-Bannock, is known for hand-beaded statement pieces, custom shoes, and high-end ready-to-wear that blend contemporary fashion with Indigenous symbolism. Her pieces have appeared in major museums, proving fashion can be fine art. At the same time, Okuma’s work honors heritage through craftsmanship and unapologetic excellence, giving couture artistry meets Native luxury.

In September, she became the first Native American designer to showcase her designs on the main CFDA New York Fashion Week calendar. How’s that for making history? 

Bethany Yellowtail

Yellowtail, a member of the Crow & Northern Cheyenne Nation, is all about expressing activism as fashion. Through her brand B.Yellowtail and the B.Yellowtail Collective, she centers Indigenous identity and community. Her designs honor matriarchal power and storytelling — with each collection connecting back to women who lead and protect.

An example of this is on a recent post, where she praised the Apsaalooke Nation Lady Warriors for wearing her fabric and scarves, calling them “such powerful women.”

Lesley Hampton

Hampton, a member of the Anishinaabe and Temagami First Nation, is all about inclusivity and empowerment. She’s a leader in representation – and you can tell by her runway looks that merge Indigenous influences with modern all-body silhouettes. To date, her pieces have appeared at Toronto Fashion Week and on red carpets — proof that Indigenous women belong everywhere fashion is made. 

Overall, Hampton redefines beauty as strength, identity, and inclusion. And we’re absolutely here for it!

 

Who is Paloma Morphy, the 2025 Latin Grammy’s Best New Artist?

The 26th edition of the Latin Grammys officially wrapped up! The annual award show took place back at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, last night (November 13). Among the multi-awarded winners were Puerto Rican icon Bad Bunny, Argentine duo Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso, and Spanish emblematic singer Alejandro Sanz. But a new name in the Latin industry game who took a major award was Paloma Morphy, who won for Best New Artist.

“I want to thank everyone who believed in me, who did so to such a degree that they made me believe in myself,” Paloma Morphy said when she received the award, per an official press release. “If you have a song you’re embarrassed to upload, do it. If you’re sad and don’t see a way forward or can’t find the will to keep going, do it, because you might end up at the GRAMMYs.”

 

Who is Paloma Morphy?

Morphy is a 25-year-old Mexican criminal defense attorney-turned alternative pop singer known for her songs like her breakout hit “lo que un día fue,” and others like “(sola), and “SEB.” She recently released her debut album, Au, on May 14. According to Spotify, her first track was called “La Idiota Soy Yo,” released back on November 10, 2022. Who would’ve thought that only three years later, she’d be crowned Best New Artist by the Recording Academy?

Moreover, her newest single is called “la mexicana,” a powerful track about gender-based violence that affects many women in Latin America. “I wrote this song to Mexico as if it were a person I love, but who I feel doesn’t love me back the way I love them,” she said about the song per a press release. “I witnessed cases of femicides, abuse, disappearances, and domestic violence that were minimized. That’s not justice, it’s impunity.”

Check out “la mexicana” below.

How Karmel Bortoleti Embraces Beauty & Pain In “Beneath The Still Waters”

It takes a lot of courage to write a book that is inspired by your own story. It takes even more when it has to do with abuse, isolation, and public humiliation. Such is the case of Karmel Bortoleti’s Beneath The Still Waters, a fiction book influenced by her personal ups and downs. 

In this new book, the Miami-based former Brazilian international model explores themes of resilience, advocacy, justice, motherhood, and faith as she continues her healing journey. Instead of staying silent, the 39-year-old believes that speaking about her personal troubles could help others to speak their truth. And although this may seem intimidating for many, knowing she can help someone change their lives empowers Bortoleti to share her story with the masses.

To get a better insight into her background, Modern Muze spoke to Bortoleti about her goal for Beneath The Still Waters, her advice to other women facing the same troubles, and what she hopes readers get from her book.

How do your Brazilian roots influence your writing?

My Brazilian roots keep me grounded and connected to authenticity, emotion, and resilience. Growing up surrounded by passionate people taught me to express myself with heart and honesty, and I carry that energy into every story I tell.

Tell us about your journey and why you decided to document it for “Beneath The Still Waters.”

My journey has been filled with both beauty and pain. I’ve faced many ups and downs and made choices that led me through difficult chapters of my life. But rather than seeing myself as a victim, I chose to rise, to learn from my traumas and transform them into purpose. Through faith, love, and perseverance, I rebuilt my life with meaning. Beneath The Still Waters was born from that transformation and it is a message of hope for women who need to know that healing and freedom are possible.

The book is described as “a gripping fiction inspired by my own experiences.” While writing this, how did you decide what to include from your personal life?

I wanted to write a work of fiction rather than a memoir, so I didn’t focus on retelling specific events. Instead, I infused the story with the emotions I truly lived like fear, uncertainty, pain, and ultimately, faith and strength. Those feelings became the heartbeat of the story, making it authentic and relatable without being confined to my own life.

What inspired you to recount your own experiences in this book?

I was inspired by the realization that silence protects pain. For years, I carried stories I was too afraid to tell. Writing this book became a form of liberation not only for myself but for others who have walked through darkness. I wanted to give a voice to women who feel unseen, to remind them that their stories matter, and that they are never truly alone.

You’ve faced many challenges. What would you advise other people who might be going through something similar?

I would tell them that no matter how dark life may seem, there is always a way out. Faith and perseverance can move mountains even when you’re walking through fire. As a single mother, an immigrant, and a survivor of abuse, I know how heavy pain can be. But I also know that healing begins when we decide to let go of what broke us and keep moving forward.

Tell us about your goal with “Beneath The Still Waters” and what you hope the audience takes away from it.

My greatest hope is to reach women who feel trapped, lost, or powerless, and to show them that it’s never too late to rebuild. Healing is possible. Freedom is real. Beneath The Still Waters is a story of courage and rebirth, and I want readers to close the book believing that they, too, can rise again.

Anything else you’d like to include?

Yes, healing is painful, and it can often feel lonely. But it’s worth every step. We all deserve to be respected, to be safe, and to live a life filled with peace and love. My wish is for every reader to know that no matter what they’ve been through, they are capable of creating a new beginning.

Bad Bunny’s Plena Track “DtMF” Is Now Grammy-Nominated

Bad Bunny is the Latin artist of our generation. Earlier today (November 7), he made history as the first Spanish-language artist to be nominated at the 2026 Grammys in three major categories. The Puerto Rican icon’s album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS received a total of six Grammy nominations. But get this: the album’s standout plena track “DtMF” received nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, giving the traditional Boricua genre an incredible spotlight.

Who said a traditional genre couldn’t make it to the Grammys? Not Bad Bunny. His latest album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS featured classic sounds like salsa, plena, and bomba, but the now Grammy-nominated track “DtMF” is redefining what the Recording Academy usually champions. Let’s talk about the cultural impact “DtMF” had this year. The sentimental plena track sparked a TikTok trend in which social media users posted photos of their past loved ones with the song in the background, giving it heartfelt virality. And guess what? Benito caught wind of it, posting himself in tears after seeing his fans’ interpretations of his song. How’s that for cultural impact? We can only hope that Bad Bunny performs “DtMF” at the Grammys.

Beyond nominations in the “Big 3” categories, Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS was also nomiated for Best Música Urbana Album and Best Album Cover. The album’s “EoO” was also nominated for Best Global Music Performance.

If you thought this year was huge with Bad Bunny’s “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico, think again. 2026 is going to be even bigger with a huge performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show and now the Grammy Awards on deck.

The 68th annual Grammy Awards will take place on Feb. 1, 2026.

Here’s Who We’re Rooting for at the 2025 Latin Grammys

Latin Grammys are around the corner! On November 13, the 26th annual awards will return to Sin City. The prestigious award show will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be televised by Univision, starting at 8 p.m. ET. 

This year, the Latin Grammys are shaping up to be a night to remember. The award show is counting on performances by our favorite and popular Latin artists such as Karol G, Bad Bunny, Pepe Aguilar, Los Tigres del Norte, and Gloria Estefan — all under one roof. It will also count on performances by emerging artists like Chuwi, Ivan Cornejo, and DannyLux. And that’s just performances. We can’t wait to see who shows up on the iconic red carpet. Who’s going to be best dressed? We’ll have to wait and see!

To get hyped for the upcoming event, we are showcasing our favorite and diverse Latina artists who are nominated for the award show this year. From Karol G to Joaquina, here are five Latinas who deserve their flowers — at the show and beyond.

Karol G

Besides gracing the stage, the Colombian icon is nominated for a total of three awards this year. Her nominations include Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best Tropical Song for “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.”

Natalia Lafourcade

The Mexican songstress is a Recording Academy favorite — and with reason, too. Her songs just hit deeply. This year, her nominations include Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best Singer-Songwriter Song for “Cancionera”; Album Of The Year and Best Singer-Songwriter Album for Cancionera; and Best Traditional Pop Album for Natalia Lafourcade Live At Carnegie Hall.

Tokischa 

One of our favorite unapologetic rappers is Dominican artist Tokischa. This year, she is nominated for Best Urban/Urban Fusion Performance thanks to her collaboration with Nathy Peluso called “De Maravisha.”

Ruzzi

Ruzzi has been around the indie scene since 2018. Fast forward to now, the Mexican singer-songwriter and artist is finally being recognized in the category of Best New Artist.

Joaquina

Joaquina is representing Venezuela in the Latin Grammys this year. The singer and songwriter is up for nominations like Album Of The Year and Best Contemporary Pop Album for al romper la burbuja; Best Pop/Rock Song for “no llames lo mio nuestro,” and Best Singer-Songwriter Song for “aeropuerto.”

Good luck to all the nominees!

How To Navigate Hard Conversations During the Holidays

How is it already the end of the year? It feels like we were just celebrating the Fourth of July yesterday, and now we’re plotting our holiday plans. 

After eleven long months of productivity, the holiday season comes with much-needed breaks and time with your loved ones. But with those gatherings, there may also be hard questions that we’re trying to avoid. And let’s be honest: even though it’s an annual affair, there’s always that one curious family member who goes beyond the small talk and tries to get under your skin with deep questions.

But that’s why we’re here: to help navigate hard conversations during the holidays. We’re over brushing questions aside. If people want to ask something, let them. Here’s how you can prepare for unsolicited questions about your life.

 

What happened with you and so-and-so?

Annual holiday gatherings come with either showing up with your partner or not. And when you’ve been with someone for a while, people start to raise eyebrows when you arrive solo. Which, honestly, is exhausting. What if your partner decided to skip this one due to mental health reasons? What if y’all are on a break? Whatever the case may be, it’s nobody’s business. The less they know, the better.

A way to respond: “I decided to come alone today to keep my focus on you all.”

 

Are you still single?

Your relationship status is your own. You don’t have to hard launch your relationship status with anyone — especially in an era where partners are now “embarrassing” to have. Vogue recently explored a cultural trend in which women’s perspectives are shifting from essentially wanting a relationship to being better off alone. So next time someone asks about your personal life, why not have a cheeky response up your sleeve?

A way to respond: “Depends on who’s asking.”

 

When are you having children?

Being a woman comes with different challenges. Some of these challenges have to do with infertility, mental, physical — the list goes on. Unfortunately, sometimes people don’t know the levels of discomfort one gets when asked about reproduction. Without getting too deep into it, why not respond with a playful response that also serves as a topic changer?

A way to respond: “In this economy?”

 

What other questions are you trying to avoid this holiday season? We’re all ears and happy to help.

October: Beauty & Wellness Products We Are Actually Buying Right Now

Although October is coming to a close, we can’t get enough of the beauty and wellness products that we’ve been enjoying throughout the month. From skincare to makeup, we compiled a list of ten products that women are actually buying right now — us included.

In an era where we’re bombarded with different products online, it’s time to step back and actually look into quality products that are worth our coin. For starters, some of our favorite brands include Rare Beauty, Fenty Beauty, Bomba Curls, and Rizos Curls, which are all examples of creating brands that cater to specific needs. For example, have you ever tried Bomba Curls’ Dominican Forbidden Oil? It legit leaves your curly hair shiny and smelling fantastic throughout the day.

But that’s not all we’ve loved throughout October. For those looking to get ahead of their Christmas gift game or wanting to give a little somethin’ somethin’ for yourself, here are ten beauty and wellness products to put on your radar.

ILIA The Look Set

The description reads: “From SPF to long-wear lipstick—it delivers everything you need for an everyday routine.”

Check out this product here.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is described as a “weightless liquid blush delivers high-impact color with just one dot, blending seamlessly for a pinch-perfect flush that lasts up to 12 hours.”

Check out this product here.

Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

Fenty Beauty’s blurring skin tint is described as a “lightweight, light-to-medium coverage tint delivers smooth, instantly blurred skin in just a few easy drops.”

Check out this product here.

Jones Road Miracle Balm

This balm is describes as “a light-reflecting balm that gives your skin a fresh, healthy glow. It’s a highlighter, blush, bronzer, and so much more.”

Check out this product here.

Tower 28 BeachPlease Cream Blush

Tower 28’s cream blush is described as “a silicone-free, multi-use cream blush that blends seamlessly for a natural luminous finish. Made for cheeks + lips.”

Check out this product here.

Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Beauty Light Wand

This beauty light wand is described as “a pearlescent pink liquid highlighter-blush.”

Check out this product here.

Rhode Skin The Glam On + Off Set

Rhode Skin’s set is described as “three rhode essentials for your everyday glam routine that help prep skin for makeup and wash it off at the end of the day.”

Check out this product here.

Bomba Curls Dominican Forbidden Oil

Bomba Curels’ oil is described as a “100% natural, silicone-free [oil that’s a] lightweight, multipurpose miracle oil. Formulated using never before shared generational growth secrets and methods unique to the Dominican Republic.”

Check out this product here.

Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream

Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream is described as “weightless curl defining and enhancing cream.”

Check out this product here.

Dezi Skin Claro Que C Vitamin C Glow Serum

Dezi Skin’s serum is described to have an “innovative formula made with 15% PURE VITAMIN C.”

Check out this product here.

Empowering Pop Culture Icons to Dress Up as This Halloween

Halloween is finally around the corner! With so much going on at home with family and work, sometimes it’s easy to forget about the fun moments in life, such as Halloween costumes. But don’t worry — we’ve already thought of iconic pop culture Halloween outfits for you to try on.

Let’s keep it real: we love Halloween because it’s a time to relax, get a little silly and be someone — or something — else for one night. This year, the October 31 lands on a Friday, making it that much more exciting to start the weekend on a high note.

So, what are you thinking of wearing this year? From famous Mexican painter and poet Frida Kahlo to the American iconic media personality and businesswoman Kris Jenner, here are five ideas to get your creative juices flowing for next Friday night.

Frida Kahlo

Kahlo is one of the most popular outfits when it comes to celebrating legendary Latina figures. However, when done correctly, the outfit goes beyond commemorating Kahlo. It celebrates the rich Mexican culture that she used to be inspired by. With bright-colored patterns, and a poetic spirit, this costume is one of our favorites during the Halloween season.

Celia Cruz

Cuban singer and icon Celia Cruz is one of the most popular singers of all time thanks to her stunning contributions to genres like salsa, guaracha, and bolero. Also known for her vibrant and flamboyant attire, she’s another iconic pop culture we’d love to see more people dress as.

@jeannettyconfetti Because Celia Cruz FOREVER ✨💙 #celiacruz #celiacruzazucar ♬ Bemba Colorá - Celia Cruz

Selena Quintanilla

Hear us out! There’s a reason Selena Quintanilla is always trendy and talked about. She’s the most iconic Tex-Mex queen that nobody will ever forget – and with reason! Recently, her estate revealed a new upcoming documentary called Selena y Los Dinos that’s streaming on Netflix on November 17. So why not celebrate this achievement by dressing up as her this Halloween? We know Kim Kardashian rocked her signature purple outfit back in 2017.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé deserves all of her flowers. Her recent 2025 Cowboy Carter Tour gave us a lot of Western-influenced costume inspiration. So why not make a full-on costume happen on Halloween?

@_.adriiannaa._ 🤠 #fyp #fypシ゚viral #cowboycarter #beyonce #halloweencostume ♬ original sound - liam

Kris Jenner

Kris Jenner is one of the most successful and popular businesswomen of the era. With the signature sunglasses and short hair, it would be fun to pretend to be her luxurious self for a day. With a strong vodka martini in her honor! 



@hallaienhelene iconic @krisjenner 🫶🏼 husk å følge for inspo til årets halloweenkostyme🎃👻 #krisjenner #31daysofhalloween #costumeideas #hallaienhelene ♬ original sound - kardashsian quotes