Framed Network/ Miss Aniela Fashion Shoot in the Hamptons, NY/ April 2013

Now that the Framed Episode has aired, I am allowed to finally post these images that have been crying to get off my hard drive!
What a fantastic shoot! With top models, hair and makeup artists, and Leonid Gurevich as our stylist how could we possibly go wrong?

HUGE thank you to the Framed Network! Mellissa Nui and company. Miss Aniela and company. And all of those involved who made this day a complete success. I wish every shoot were this seamless....

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CREDITS:

Set One...... 

Model: Ploymanee S.
Dress: Leonid Gurevich
Leather harness and mask: Jade Chiu
Rings: Clara Kasavina
Shoes: Uta Bekaia
Hair: Numi Empire
Makeup: Nadine Vendryes
Stylist: Leonid Gurevich
Stylist’s assistants: Marina Gurevich, Michelle Ortega
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Set Two.....

Model: Maleen Rike Johannsen
Dress: Alex Teih
Hat:  Raquel Livia
Earring, bracelet, necklace: Clara Kasavina
Shoes: Kilame design by Pamela Quinzi
Hair: Kisha Marie
Makeup: Chifumi Nambashi
Stylist: Leonid Gurevich
Stylist’s assistants: Marina Gurevich, Michelle Ortega
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Set Three....

Model: Annabelle Lyttle
Dress: Daniel Feld 
Hat: Anya Caliendo Couture Millinery Atelier
Earring, bracelet, ring: Clara Kasavina
Shoes: Stylist’s own
Hair: Numi Empire
Makeup: Nadine Vendryes
Stylist: Leonid Gurevich
Stylist’s assistants: Marina Gurevich, Michelle Ortega

 

Bohemian Bridal Portraits...

I love collaborating with other artists to create something truly fun to shoot. Recently I have been working with two very talented artists in the arena of hair and make up, and I have been having an amazing time!!!

Today we were to shoot one part of a three part session, but as the day progressed I had a change of heart. You see, I did not do enough research when it came to the choice I made for my models wardrobe and I felt that it did not compare to the costuming we will be shooting on Sunday. So... I decided to scrap the entire thing a go a completely different route.

So we did some great braided hair that formed a crown on the models head. Then Amy added some wire through 2 of the braids so we could bend and pose them anyway we wanted to.  The remaining hair cascaded over her shoulders and down her back. It was all hers, no pieces added and I was super jealous!!! Then we added a crystal broach to the center of her forehead. Because what woman doesn't want bling in her hair?  :) Then I chose MY wedding gown for Sierra to shoot in, and did she ever look amazing!!! At least now I have some great CLEAR pictures of my dress since my photographer shot almost our entire event with a "tilt shift lens". YUCK!!!  So I have not one image of my beautiful gown that is clear, and full length. :(

We ran SUPER late, and only had about 30 minutes of true light, so we did what we could and was able to capture a few really good ones. We are going to do another shoot with this model, this time giving ourselves more time to be ready to go.

Enjoy... 
  

Brunch Sewing Party...

Today I played hostess to a "Brunch Sewing Party" for two new friends that I met on a recent shoot. Well, one I met on a shoot as she was my make up artist, and after speaking so highly of the other I had to have her introduce me to to this oh so fabulous man, who is my new go to gay. :)

The 3 of us are working on a stylized shoot that is set for this coming weekend. Amongst all of the excitement we are trying to contain our excitement concerning our recent ticket purchase to see Lady Gaga in Atlanta!!! 
Now that is going to be so incredible!!!

We all seem like long lost princess sisters who love everything that can be covered, to be covered in sparkly, shining, eye catching bling, and tons and tons and tons of tulle!!! We can often be found wandering for hours at a time in the downtown fabric store, staring at all the pretty things. 
(I was told a little secret that all the best drag queens shop there so you know it has to be good! :))

As I love to do, I put on quite the princess spread, and we all lunched on quiche, brown sugar bacon wrapped smokies, fruit skewers, deviled eggs, croissants and jams, meringue balls, and mimosas. Lots and lots of mimosas. Which, as you can imagine, makes for very interesting conversations and amazingly imaginative sewing creations!

Thanks for a great afternoon you two. I had a fantastic time and I laughed like I haven't laughed in so long now. :)                  

Mini Top Hat... Haute Couture!

Today I took my top hat into the sun for a little photo shoot. I wanted to use some vintage postcard stock layers to create a vintage vibe to the pictures.

Now you can really see her beauty. 
I am in love with this hat!

My Mini Top Hat!

I have been feverishly working on a new project coming up in October. Daily I you can find me at Home Depot, or Michaels Crafts, or House of Fabrics digging my way through all things crafty.

As of recent, my favorite store by far has to be Roundabouts. It is this amazing consignment store overflowing with tons of great finds. I have been purchasing, deconstructing, and reconstructing dresses, shirts, and lingerie all in preparation for their brand new roles.  Its been a great week!!!

Today my project was to make the mini top hat that will go with the Nickers and Shrug (Lovechild Boudoir) that our model could wear on one of the sets during the shoot. I have ordered the wigs and most of the props, which all should arrive on Monday. So until those things come in I figured it would make good sense to get the "crafty" projects out of the way. I have a feeling the sewing is going to be much easier.

I tried to pull out my camera to document the making of this little hat, but found myself consumed by a project that was a bit more intense to make than the video instruction led me to believe. The woman who is demonstrating the construction makes it look super simple, but I am quite sure that it wasn't her first little gem. She is really talented. :)

Me being, well... me. I went well beyond what she demonstrated by adding some felt padding to the top of the hat to make it appear a bit more dome shaped. Then some tulle, florals, and a broach, which I am sure is what made my project quite the... well, project! :)

You can find her and her video HERE on YouTube.

But I can't lie, it was such a blast to make! I love when I can take the time to mix and match colors and textures. I had a hard time deciding on embellishments. With this being my first attempt ever I was going crazy trying to stay on track and not get carried away. I could have made another 3-4 hats easy with all the amazing fabric choices.... Thank you Hobby Lobby. 

First few images are of my choices and just how I started to construct the hat. As it grew more tedious I forgot to take more pictures so the next set you will see are of the final product.

Enjoy... 
 


I must have searched hundreds of fabric bolts to find the floral I wanted in the right colors.



This is the body of the hat. You can see the padded top. I also added extra ribbon over the bias, and later I added a pearl strip to the top as well.




And here she is.... I think it turned out really nice for my first attempt. Little over achiever here. :)



I am in love with the little lime green polka dots on the fabric. I was lucky and came across these cream feathers with pink polka dots on them too. Great match! :)






This is a back view of the hat. I plan on taking more pictures to show the size and colors a little better.

Fallen Angel Photo Shoot...

There are more than enough posts where I can easily ramble on and on about the subject at hand...

Super excited to share with you the images from today's shoot. Thank you to Jennifer Boatwright my super cool model who braved flying bugs, crawling bugs, cold stream waters, a nice little tumble down a muddy slope, and the vultures of the cliffs. :) Also, thank you to Miss Amy Schaming for your amazing make up and hair talents. I can't wait to work with you again on future projects! Last but never least, HUGE thank you to my hubby for carting my crap up and down that muddy slope, setting up all the props, and keeping me in good spirits. I don't know how I could ever do a shoot without you.

Enjoy...