Beauty and the Muse

Archive for the ‘Fashion Lookbook’ Category

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(Photo Sets by Reel Clever Films)

 

Bedrock Beauty Leather Ad Campaign

Ken Paves Salon

Clinton Township, MI

11.16.15

 

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An epic situation occurred this fall. I was called on to become the lead stylist with Reel Clever Films to work with an amazing cast of artists to create this bomb set of photos. I am super happy to finally be able to release these photos. I just want to thank the entire team, including the small business, Green & Glamorous of Canton and Flossy’s Suitcase of Highland Park, for hooking us up with some dope wardrobe.

Bedrock Beauty Leather was such a cool duo to work with. They are just starting their handmade luxury leather handbag business and wanted a sophisticated yet timeless touch to promote their new line.

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I chose ten of Detroit’s top models and had Bedrock Beauty choose which one they thought would represent their bags with confidence and grace.

Drum rolllllllll….They chose the fierce Fatima Kojima

For the “Lady in Red” set. I wanted to do a monochromatic look. So I paired this Green & Glamorous long sleeve form fitting dress with the snakeskin clutch. Sprinkled a little sexy into the mix. And bam! An outfit and bag for the nighttime businesswoman.

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For the second set, I wanted to mix it up and go in the opposite direction. I aimed for “European Swag”. We have texture, we have muted colors, and leg skin. Trendy yet very fall.

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All the pieces here were from Green & Glamorous

The hat is mine: Forever 21

Leather bag: Bedrock Beauty

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“Simple Chic”

Ladies want to be able to stylish yet work appropriate. Add that one statement piece that’ll take your style from 0 to 100. Real quick.

Houndstooth Open Poncho: TJ MAXX

Top & Pants: Green & Glamorous

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Perfect  1940’s vintage style from Flossy’s Suitcase

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I was definitely feeling the “Ginger Rogers” vibe going on here.

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We wrapped up the shoot with “Old Hollywood Glam”

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Shades: Pitaya

Fur Throw: Flossy’s Suitcase

Dress: Green & Glamorous

Thanks to Reel Clever Films for making it possible as well as Bedrock Beauty for allowing us to get really creative!

I also want to say thanks to the staff at Ken Paves Salon of Clinton Township. Shout out to Brianna and Hannah for hair and makeup 🙂

 

IMG_9013(Photo: Sumiyyah Abdur-Rasheed, MUA: Bertina B., and Model/Stylist: Leah. V.)

The photo above shows a lady who just got off a plane, had about four hours of sleep, and curated an entire photo-shoot with wardrobe included for four models from another state. Mind blown.

IMG_8468 (Model: Jonda, Photo: Sumiyyah, MUA: Bertina, Turban/Stylist: Leah V.)

So basically, I was introduced to Sumiyyah of Ann Nahari earlier this year. We clicked immediately. She told me she had equipment. I told her I could get models and curate the shoot. We came up with this set of beautiful photos. Our concept was ‘Ragin’ Turbans’.

IMG_8558(Model: Jonda/ Stylist: Leah V.)

I wanted this shoot to be culturally diverse, as well as body-diverse. We wanted to show people that anyone could rock a turban!

IMG_8597(Model: Brittany, Wardrobe/Turban: Leah V.)

I found Brittany off Instagram. She’s also an Atlanta-native. Boy, did she transform!

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I fell in love with this “Golden Girls” sequin top.

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So fierce. I can’t even handle it. I love when my team’s work comes to life!

IMG_8929(1)(Model: Erica, Photo: Sumiyyah, MUA: Bertina, Stylist/Turban: Leah V.)

Erica is also a local Atlanta model and a dance choreographer. Such a pleasure to work with 🙂

For this look, I was going for African Queen. I love how the prints mix and collide.

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Queen Erica.

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I had an idea for a dress. Sumiyyah took my idea and made it come to life. The dress fit like a glove. I love designing!

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So, at the end of the day, this was an amazing shoot. Everyone chipped in when I started to freak out. Clothes and bits of fabric was everywhere. All in all I had a wonderful time curating this shoot. Thanks to everyone who was involved :0 🙂 😮

leah_0884(Photo: Davide Photo, Model: Griselda U., MUA: Madinah M., and Wardrobe Stylist: Leah V. )

June 29, 2015

Pontiac, MI

Leah V.’s Hepburn Inspired Photo Shoot

When I begin any photo shoot or creative process, I always choose a theme or an era. Then I allow it to grow, piece by piece, brick by brick. I wanted a dark-haired model and I wanted to create a billowy tulle skirt in black.

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Griselda and I are friends on Facebook, she responded to my post looking for a sultry dark-haired muse. And it was set. I usually do colorful ensembles with a lot of print and pattern, so for this shoot I wanted to do the complete opposite.

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Initially, I was going for a modern ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ inspired shoot, but then it took a creative turn. Griselda has this Lady Gaga’esque nature about her, so we went with the flow.

IMG_0925Griselda slayed the shoot. She was easy to work with and high-energy. Here’s what she had to say about working with us: “Working with Leah was such a wonderful experience. She let me know her vision, but also gave me the opportunity to give her my personal thoughts. Through laughter and jokes, she kept it professional. I look forward to working with her again.”

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I love working with a team of down-to-earth creative individuals. Davide did a wonderful job (as usual) being patient and adding the cool smoky background. And of course my MUA, Madinah, beat her face to perfection.

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Outfit Details:

Shirt: (turned backwards) Regeneration

Blazer: Regeneration

Velvet Stockings: Pay-Less

Tulle Skirt: Custom Made by Leah V.

Turban: Wrapped by Leah V.

Heels: Model’s own

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Thank you 🙂

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(Photos: Davide Anderson)

This year I wasn’t going to do any photo shoots, wardrobe styling, or fashion curating. I planned on dedicating all of my time toward my literary career, and attempt to find an agent to get my YA novel published. In January, I was asked to assist on a photo shoot. I accepted. My friend needed help. So I recruited local Vietnamese model, Tra Le. I loved her exotic look and let me tell you, she is amazing!

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It was hard to come up with a concept in less than a week, but I Googled and Googled some more, until I stumbled upon a few 60’s Mod photos with Twiggy and “It” girl Goldie Hawn. When you think of this era, you think of white women, liberation, and carefree-ness. I wanted to bring the style forward but mix it up a little by using a cultural aspect into the concept.

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I assembled a team first. I got Madinah Muhammad for makeup and Davide Anderson for photography. My friend, Raushaunah, went shopping with me to find this dope floral dress, which fit perfectly.

Ensemble Breakdown:

Flower Headband: Claire’s

Heart Shaped Frames: Claire’s

Dress: Regeneration

Stockings: Hot Topic

Shoes: Model’s own

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Tra Le not only had this ensemble to model, but three others before this one. She was a pleasure to work with. She was patient and versatile.

img_7978Why has it taken me so long to release these photos? Well, I was trying to send them to magazines and local newspapers to see if they’d like to feature my styles and our story, but no one bit. This industry is hard to break, but I am going to keep funding my own projects until someone notices that Detroit has talent! Quality talent. Please share and support diversity in the fashion and style industry 🙂

Follow Us On Instagram!

Davide Anderson: @Davidefoto

Madinah Muhammad: @Makeup_by_Madinah

Leah Vernon: @Lvernon2000


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