Behind The Scenes: A to Z Spring 2011 Lookbook

Here are some behind the scene pics from today's photo shoot! Thanks to A to Z, Treats Club, AJ Ragasa, and the Stone Family! 26 looks!

Storyboard: A to Z Spring 2011 Lookbook

It's a Friday night and I'm working out the kinks for a photo shoot for Sunday. It's kind of tricky shooting for "spring" when it's winter and on location. I pulled a great team for this shoot so I'm excited for the outcome. Not only are we shooting the lookbook, but we're also putting a promo video as well. Stay tuned for the finished product! xo.


Lookbooks, magazines, line sheets, notes, oh my...

Color scheme, mood, inspiration.

Pre-Production: Moodboards

Pre-production is everything! Planning before implementing. Making sure everything is cohesive, functional, and most of all aesthetically pleasing. I look forward to working with the Gary Manuel Editorial Team for our first installment of Grocery! I drafted out some moodboards for hair and makeup. People overlook the planning process, and the details, but it is is so important! Anyway, just thought I'd share and give you all a taste of what's to come Tuesday December 7th.

Influencers

INFLUENCERS FULL VERSION from R+I creative on Vimeo.

Of course we all want to think that we are the generators of "cool", but let's not jump the gun. Some people were born artists, talented, and were destined to be musicians, fashion designers, what have you. You either got it or you don't. Some people naturally have the charisma, personality, skills, and drive. While others who lack in the above mentioned traits can easily rummage around the internet and do their research. It's 2010 and Facebook, blogs, Twitter has made it very easy for people to emmulate "cool" and to develop a lifestyle that they can latch on to.

A to Z: Holiday Look book Preview

I have been so busy these past couple of months that I haven't had the time to update! While I am still styling here and there I've been putting more time and energy into production/ creative direction. I'm currently in the process of rebranding a wholesale line called A to Z tees. First thing is first...Holiday 2010 look book. Next step...new e-commerce website!

Photographer: Ikrima Elsahan www.ikrimaphoto.com
Model: Giselle Gonzales of SMG Models
Producer/ Art Director: Osiris Navarro

Gettin My Prop Stylin On: Microsoft Shoot

I got to do the prop styling for the press photos for the Microsoft Arc Keyboard. The homie Kyle Johnson took the photos and got me on board. In many ways prop styling is a lot harder than wardrobe. Making things look "perfect" but not too perfect is not easy! Details are everything...

Sure Why Not?: Old Graphic Design Stuff

Even though fashion is the central theme of this blog, I would have to say graphic design has played a major part in my overall composition with wardrobe styling/ art direction and the way I approach color schemes, textiles, matching, etc. Given the fact that I have a dinosaur for a laptop I am a little limited on what I can do these days. But while I was rummaging through the archives the other day I came across a few things I designed and thought I should share. They aren't the best, and I could probably do better now, but whatevs. Enjoy!


I used to design flyers for Paperboy Productions, then my computer ruined everything for me.


So 80's. A little tittay action never hurt no one?


I was doodling around with all the new Photoshop 7.0 paintbrush shapes. Corny, huh?


Twiggy's face. Beastie Boy slogan. I don't know how they relate, but I was 18 and trying to be cool.


New Jack City Thursdays at Baltic Room with the kind people of Resident Media. I liked the shape of this flyer. More club flyers should use this size. It stands out more.


Just some mumbo jumbo. Scribble scrabblwe. Bla bla bla.


I made this for my good friend Kyle Johnson who was showcasing some of his fixie bike photos at Sole Repair.


The Baltic Room's weekly schedule. It never was utilized, but thought it was a cool layout.


When I was designing this flyer I had a serious artistic block. I couldn't think of an icon or image that epitomized gold, goodness, and luxury...then it came to me...Ms. Monroe herself.


Old school feel. Big Daddy Kane style. Classic hip hop image.


Blue Scholars New Years Eve Party a couple years back


Not my best work, but I was young. This got printed and was distributed by BMG label. I was pretty excited to see the album in the flesh at Tower Records, Cellophane, etc.


The first version of this flyer showed Pam Grier's goodies. It was not approved, so I had to PG-13 it a bit.



Last year me, Sunny, and Jannell had a combined birthday party. It was epic!

Summer Trend: Dress in Dye

This summer season I encourage every girl to cloak and soak herself in an array of wonderful colors. What used to be a trend associated with bands such as The Grateful Dead and the hippie era is back with a futuristic twist. Speaking of dye...check out this vintage 80's dress I had 5 years ago. I was digging through the archives and found this picture. I wish I kept it. The perfectly pleated origami folds, the rich vibrant colors, the luscious textile, the smooth fabric. Unfortunately I gave it up on Ebay. Like Heidi Klum would say..."AVITA-ZEIN!"

Styling and Storyboard: Garden Photo Shoot

A year or so ago when I decided to style a few photo shoots for fun. I was pretty laid back and casual about it. I'd stuff a suitcase with random stuff and just coordinate the looks on set. These days I am applying my OCD in my wardrobe styling and putting a lot more thought into it. I am creating storyboards, pulling from a number of different places, drafting out color schemes, and alas putting the outfits together on a mannequin prior to the shoot. Anyway, I am preparing for Friday's photo shoot with local photographer Kyle Johnson, makeup artist Calvy Tran, and beautiful young fresh face model from Portland Oregon by the name of Mama Wolf. Below are 5 outfits I've put together so far. I am working on 2 more, but time permitting, we will most likely only get 4-5 looks in. I can't wait to see how it all works out.



1) Originally this nightgown was a stained yellow, however when I saw it I knew there was so much potential in this piece. I'm happy I dyed it purple and since the lace didn't dye the exact same color as the rest of the dress it adds a nice effect.

2) A burnt orange ensemble with gold and black belt brings out the rich and luxurious colors of this dress and this look will tie the entire fashion editorial together.

3) Two dresses in one. I wanted to incorporate the mix match floral concept and I thought the contrast of small floral bud prints versus big printed blossoms would be an interesting look.

4) I wanted to go for a fun and chic summer look and used this floral bathing suit as a top with a high waisted skirt, paired with the gold and black belt.

5) Velvet painted tube top with deep purple skirt paired with green leather belt. This is one of the more subtle looks of the bunch, but it will flatter any figure and body type.

Primary Colors

I was inspired to do a storyboard by the work of some artists such as Piet Mondrian, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. I am in the process of pulling clothing and accessories to do a fashion editorial with six or so pieces. I want to focus on primary colors; blue, red, yellow, with black and white of course. The other day I found a vintage tri-color (red, blue, white) tulle petticoat for starters. I am not sure which photographer or model I am working with yet for this project. I also have to scout for some locations. So if anyone knows of any royal blue walls, red doors, or yellow brick roads...let me know!


Roy Lichtenstein


Andy Warhol


Piet Mondrian

Four Little Ponies

After browsing through Self Service Fall/Winter '08 issue, I was inspired to tinker around on Photoshop and create a typography based graphic. Four Little Ponies grazing in the Hamptons... it's an inside joke. It's too late for me to elaborate and I'm long overdue for a good night's rest. Until next time...