Collab: Sho Sho Esquiro and Turquoise Soul

I've been slackin'!

So, if you recall, I had an awesome opportunity to tag along on a photoshoot this past summer with Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez and Sho Sho Esquiro, who were working with photographer Anthony Thosh Collins and models Amberae Wood and Miigwaans Cameron. Click here to see my behind-the-scenes images before you scroll down to check out the awesome pro images that came out of that shoot:

Miigwaans Cameron models a Pendleton Leather Graff Zip-up by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and large beaded hoop earrings and beaded bracelet by Turquoise Soul. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti, NM.

Amberae Wood models a long-sleeve print dress by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and extra-long bangin' beaded earrings by Turquoise Soul. Extra-long legs by Amberae Wood. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti, NM.

Amberae Wood models a High Waisted Skirt with Leather Ruffle by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and extra-long beaded earrings and necklace by Turquoise Soul. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti, NM.

DJ Young Native models a Men's Pendleton Jacket by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti Pueblo, NM.

DJ Young Native models a Men's Pendleton Jacket with Leather Sleeves and a Fitted Beaded Hat with 14K Gold Beads, both by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. Photography by Thoshography. Location: Cochiti, NM.

DJ Young Native models a men's Pendleton jacket, custom t-shirt, and beaded cap by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. DJ equipment is model's own. Photography by Thoshography. Location: Cochiti, NM.

DJ Young Native models this Pendleton Jacket by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. Bingo card print on the inside of the hood. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti Pueblo, NM.

Miigwaans Cameron models a Black Leather Top with Carved Bone Feathers and Sterling Silver Beads by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and Turquoise Soul earrings and necklace. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti Pueblo, NM.

Behind-the-Scenes Photo Shoot

Yesterday I went to an amazing photo shoot.

Jewelry designer Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez of Turquoise Soul invited me to meet up with her for a behind-the-scene look at her latest stuff, and of course I jumped at the opportunity.  Designers Sho Sho Esquiro and Virgil Ortiz were also bringing their gear.

Photographer Thosh Collins was shooting, and Wabanoonkwe’s younger sister Miigwaans was modeling, along with Winnipeg-based model Amberae Wood and Navajo ‘mixing legend’ Matt Manymules (aka DJ Young Native).

I love doing ‘behind-the-scenes’ posts, because it gives readers a chance to see all of the effort that goes into Native fashion (and fashion in general).  Not only is there a lot of prep work, but when the ball actually gets rolling, it’s a lot more work!

What really stuck out for me was the fact that this shoot was such an awesome collaboration – everyone pitched in where they could (as you’ll see in the pictures below).  So, a model became an assistant, a designer became a hairstylist, a photographer became a set designer, and a DJ became a model. But it was all so natural.  When it comes to this world, you have to wear many hats.  And this crew does it well.

You’ve probably heard me say this before, but I know I don’t say it enough – I have so much respect for Native fashion designers.

Not only do they produce objects that are aesthetically cool, but they also have amazing skills in producing items that look good on the body (and you know all of us have different body shapes!) and the clothes and jewelry look great in motion (to produce something that looks good when it moves requires an intimate understanding of movement).  This takes a unique combination of talents acquired through years of experience, trial and error, and taking risks when it comes to creativity.

In addition, these guys (and gals!) spend hours upon hours designing this stuff, then, when a collection is complete they spend hours upon hours prepping for fashion shows and getting models ready for photoshoots.  THEN, they spend hours upon hours selling their work at events like the Gathering of Nations (this weekend in Albuquerque!).  Thank goodness awesome individuals exist who step up and support each other with collabs like this.

Below are the sneak peek images. It is important to note that these are amateur/candid shots. Once you see Thosh's photos, you will be blown away at the sheer talent that this guy has. In addition, I have so much respect for the models. It was cold and windy, and it was a long day of switching locations. They never complained, and they helped out a great deal (all the while keeping a fun and playful attitude while they were pinned, dressed, and had their hair and make-up done and re-done). They rocked out the gear with great poses and positive energy, and I can't wait to see the final images.

(Miigwaans wears a red Virgil Ortiz dress at scenic Tent Rocks National Monument)

(Thosh shoots Miigwaans in a Cochiti No-Trespassing Zone)

(On location - hiking to great sites and dodging cow patties)

(Thosh giving direction)

(Matt practices his Magnum look, while Wabanoonkwe styles Amberae's hair)

(And on to the lashes! Insider glue secrets revealed. We all refuel with coffee. This was about 5 hours into the shoot.)

(Supplies)

(Matt rocks the Sho Sho zipper hoodie and beaded cap)

(Sho Sho gear)

(Loooong Turquoise Soul Indian Bling)

(Great shoots are all about the right photographer, the right designer, and the right model getting the right angles, the right lighting, and the right background)

(Amberae with a purple jacket by Sho Sho and white Turquoise Soul beaded earrings)

(Virgil Ortiz fixes up model Amberae while the rest of the crew helps out)

 

If you're in the ABQ region for GON, check out the upcoming fashion show featuring the designs of Sho Sho Esquiro and Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez!:

Art of Fashion | Patricia Michaels

Check out these behind-the-scenes photos by Michael P. "Martini Mike" D'Arco (shot during the Art of Fashion Reality TV Show filming) of Patricia Michaels' latest fashion designs -




View the full set of photos on D'Arco's flicker account - they are amazing images.

Art of Fashion is a monthly show hosted by Stephen Cuomo and Buzz Networking. It is designed to encourage networking among designers, models, photographers, and other creative individuals in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, but also to bring fashion to local nightlife.

Read more about the past Art of Fashion events by clicking here.

Fashion Shoot

Photographic Lighting For Fashion Shoot

To begin with this form of photography requires experience and knowledge in the different forms of photographic lighting available in the market. This knowledge comes in handy when it comes to the photo shoots as the overall outlook of the subject is greatly influenced by the lighting and the photographer of choice.

There are three main sources of lighting available during these shoots and the first main type is the key light. This is mainly focused on the good side of the subject or model and is placed quite close to the model to highlight all their good qualities.




Though there are many light sources available during the fashion shoot their positioning must be accurate enough to achieve the desired results and not create shadows where there should not be any. The natural light in a room should be used to bring out the best in the subject and if it is fixed as in a window or sky light then the camera and subject should move around to accommodate it. With the sky light the general feel of the room is altered as it makes the room not only warmer but roomier as would a ceiling that is approximately 14 feet high.

The second artificial light that is used is the fill light that is placed on the opposite side of the key light and slightly further away from the subject. This prevents the formation of shadows when the key light is directly in front of the subject.

Last but not least there is the back light that is used to make the subject "pop" and the clothes they are wearing stand out all the more.

The overall effect of these three lights is that the subject appears in 3D as opposed to 2D and with white or stark background to match then the model stands out all the more.(http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Johannasen)

Find out the other information on Fashion Colleges.

Fashion Shoot!

Ah- fashion shoots!

Last Friday I had the great opportunity to see the behind the scenes action of a fashion photo shoot.

My friend and designer Consuelo Pascual (along with her colleagues Lynne Kudus and Rachael Maestas) were having their latest designs shot by photographer Jake Goldbogen, and she invited me to tag along.

So much goes into a shoot - the concept, the clothing, hairstyles, extreme make-up, the setting, creative poses, props, perfect lighting, emergency safety pins, tables to jump on to get the right angle, dozens of shoes, and lots of hairspray. The people in this industry work hard - physically, mentally - they work long hours creating a unique form of art that combines function and beauty.

I helped out where I could (note: I discovered that I'm not good at making paper airplanes), but I am a bump-it queen.

The models, Galina, Candace, Angela, and Krista, were troopers. Changing clothing multiple times, having their faces covered with make-up, black eyeliner, and silver eye shadow, getting their hair curled, then straightened, then curled again, and holding so many different poses (many of which required some uncomfortable body contorting). But throughout, they were fun, suggesting ideas, and calling their bosses to stay with us longer so that the designers could get all the shots they needed. It was also with these girls that I had my first "fashion show behind-the-scenes experience." And, I must say, you can't be modest if you're going into this business. There's little time to change, so clothes are flying everywhere, and nudity happens. Much goes into the prep work for a show, and chaos behind the stage during the show is also a staple - yet the girls come out, composed and focused, delivering us an image of the garments in beautiful motion.

It was great fun to see the designers, photographer, and models working together - an awesome collaborative effort. The group expects to have the images by May 12, and from what I could see, Jake was capturing some awesome shots. Here are some of my photos from Lynne's classroom shoot:





And here are some images from Consuelo's planetarium shoot:




It was too dark to capture photos from my camera, so I snapped some shots outside of the planetarium after Jake was done-

Angela DeMontigny's Skins & Stones F/W 2010 Collection

Angela DeMontigny rocks it out with her Skins & Stones F/W 2010 Collection. It's totally 21st Century Urban Indian Chic:

(Men's Distressed Lambsuede shirt in Brown and Appaloosa Duffle)

(Black Fringed Goatsuede/leather Halter Dress)

(Fitted Glazed Lambskin Halter Vest in Whiskey, Orange Mongolian Lamb Shrug, Navy Goatsuede Pants and Aspen Weekender in Brown)

(Black Shearling Shrug with Black Goatsuede/leather Fringed Cocktail Dress)

(Black Mongolian Lamb Maxi Vest with Stretch Lamb Skinny Jeans, Custom Gem Belt and Rock'n Gem Leather Cuffs)

DeMontigny says: "A few pics of my new line for Fall 2010....fab pics courtesy of Dexter Quinto. Special thanks to Marianna and Leila from THEY rep for the make-up and styling :-) and my amazing assistants Arielle and Cam! Special thanks to my wonderful models: Christina, Angelina and Chris and to Town Shoes for the cool footwear"

Ontario designer Angela DeMontigny's contemporary ready-to-wear collection with one-of-a-kind wearable art draws from Chippewa, Cree and Métis elements. Her trademark is hand-painted symbols and beaded accents, executed with an artistic skill handed down by her ancestors.

“As a Métis/Cree woman, I feel honoured to represent Canadian Aboriginal fashion in such a unified way with my brothers and sisters from many Aboriginal nations across Canada to a world audience during this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said fashion designer Angela DeMontigny. “Louie Riel once said: ‘My people will sleep for one hundred years. When they awake, it will be the artists that give them their spirit back.’ I believe that we are carrying out his prophecy. I feel humble to know that my ancestors are proud as I carry the torch forward, leading the way so that future generations may create and live their dreams as I am.”

Playing Indian: Artistic or Insulting? Blog repost

(Image from America's Next Top Model)

Today I stumbled across this blog by Eli’s Fashion Chronicles – she writes about fashion, and this particular post questions the ethics of dressing models up as a different race, often using stereotypical garb, but also sometimes using ‘black face’ in order to make white models appear black. She asks, is this artistic? Or is it insulting?

Eli writes:
Artistic? or Insulting?

It is happening again and this time just in time for Black History Month. The most current controversial expression of Fashion has now been followed by the question "Offensive or Artistic". The act of changing models nationality with body paint, & make-up for editorials, and ads. This story has been hitting news for over a year now. It begin when French Vogue's editor-in-chief Carine Roitfield styled a shoot in which she decided to paint Dutch model Lara Stone's face, arms and legs in dark make-up to resemble what we can all assume to be a black person. Perhaps even more controversial is the fact that this specific edition was marketed as the "Women of Color Issue" yet no women of color were displayed on any of its pages.

As weeks passed from that event the trend continued to hit mainstream news. As more images emerged of women of different nationalities portraying different ethnicities with the help of body paint and make-up. The question is now being asked "Should we be offended?". Another case was examined when African-American model Tyra Banks, and host of Americas Next Top Model a, show dedicated to giving aspiring models their big break, aired an episode where the finalist contestants were transformed into different nationalities, all in inspiration of "Hapa" (that's Hawaiian for mixed-race). The nationalities varied in this case between "Russian-Moroccan", "Native American-East Indian", "Botswanan-Polynesian". All the models were portrayed in stereo-typical clothes and head dress. As some look at this as a flattering, and beautiful way to embrace different cultures, colors, and ethnicities; some are asking why not just hire a model of that race or culture?

It's back this month and in time for Black History Month. Editors at L'Officel Hommes have placed this spread in their latest issue. In this editorial spread Caucasian male models get painted a darker shade and outfitted with Afro wigs, chains, etc in order to pantomime being African-American. The spread is questionably entitled “Keep It Goin’ Louder Part 1.” As if the pictures weren’t already controversial the titles meaning is even more unclear.

So I close asking: Would you be flattered or would you be offended if your ethnicity or nationality? Are we being to sensitive? Are we looking to far into this? Are we taking a step back by being offended? Should they just hire models of the chosen decent? And, lastly what do you think, Artistic? or Insulting?
xoxo
eli

Vogue Goes Native, Part II

Two issues of Vogue (for March 2010) feature Native motifs. The first is for Vogue Germany, and the second is Vogue US.

Here's the US version: "Avatar has entered the fashion world with this editorial entitled, “The Warrior Way” featuring Daria Werbowy photographed by David Sims and styled by Grace Coddington for Vogue US , March 2010."

The visually stunning imagery of the film Avatar has designers and stylists inspired to 'fashion' their own versions of Warrior Chic - drawing off of stereotypical tropes of the huntress and Amazonian wild female.

So while the New York Fashion Week shows displayed little Native American or tribal influences for Fall/Winter 2010, the stylist for this photo spread selected print dresses with tribal patterns and exotic accessories, and these (in combination with black body tattoo art and a 'jungle' setting) create quite a stunning visual. Alas, the Tribal Trend lives!

Once again, for your viewing pleasure: