She is Doing Amazing Things, Again!

Project Runway: Meet the season 16 designers
(including Minneapolis' Samantha Rei!)

Photography by Lifetime's Project Runway

If ever there was a reason to watch Project Runway again, it is this!  Minneapolis Fashion Scene Darling, Samantha Rei, is a contestant for Season 16! 

I had the honor of shooting editorials for Samantha Rei's Second Star and Black Pearl collections, as well as seeing some of those images then published in her fashion design book Steampunk & Cosplay Fashion Design & Illustration. What I can tell you that in addition to being wildly talented and detail driven in the construction of her pieces, she has a beautiful way of bringing her concepts and ideas to a tangible product. Every collection tells a story and they are uniquely fun to explore and wear.

    Check out her latest collections on her website at www.samantharei.com.

     

    Watch her video on this link and you will see how incredibly charming she is, too! I mean... how can you not just love her!?

    Mi by House of Nguyen

    In what has become my third fashion photography collaboration with the ever talented Mimi Nguyen, I was delighted to work this designer and this dynamic team on her latest line soon to appear at Showroom in Minneapolis.  

    Mi's work is easily recognizable for its wonderfully feminine and beautifully detailed style.  It showcases the beauty and shape of women, emphasizing a woman's grace, elegance and natural beauty.  (Check her out on facebook!)  If ever I had a fitness goal, it would be to actually wear one of her signature gowns!

    Thank you to the team that brought this shoot so seamlessly and beautifully together!

    Fashion Designer
    MI BY HOUSE OF NGUYENN

    Models
    LINEA HER
    NESHA DONNELL

    Makeup Artists
    TODDI RODGERS
    TEANNA MOYE

    Hairstylists
    DRE DEMRY-SANDERS
    MELISSA CABLE

    Photographer's Assistant
    ARIADNE SNYDER

    Videographer
    TREVOR KIMOTO

    Logistics & Planning
    JR WALKER, SR

    Looking for something amazing and unique to set your style off? Check out MiMi's Mi House of Nguyen line at Showroom (615 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408)!

    Fashion Odds Editorial: Men of Style, Influence & Culture

    2015 marked the start of a series of new working relationships for me, including the introduction to Fashion Odds writer and stylist Parker XL.  After a brief introduction on a prior fashion shoot, I was delighted to have the opportunity to work with him again -  this time shooting an editorial for Fashion Odds magazine with an article centered on men's fashion and urban style, as well as artists who represent Twin Cities arts culture.

    Combining the stellar designs of Blagk Customs with contributions from Macy's and the grace of several creative artists, the end result was a fantastic day strolling the streets of St. Paul soaking up the beautiful cobalt blue pieces against the crisp winter air.  I was delighted to have my world expanded to know these exceptional artists and see what amazing talents we have within our vibrant metropolis.   (And, being published again certainly didn't hurt!)

    PS.  If you haven't checked out Blagk Customs, do it.  Do it now!  Seriously killer destructive pieces that are evocative, interesting and unique.  (www.facebook.com/BLAGKCustoms)

    Thank you to this exceptional team for all that you brought to the table!

    Creative Director
    PARKER XL

    Project Manager
    JOSEPHINE REID

    Assistant Creative Director
    CHRISTIE RACHELLE

    Stylists
    PARKER XL, lead
    ANTHONY AIGBOGUN

    Wardrobe Provided By
    BLAGK CUSTOMS
    PARCS & PARKER
    MACY'S

    Make-up Artist
    CHRISTIAN YBARROW

    Models
    KENICHI THOMAS, DJ
    MOHAMED SAMATAR, Creative Planner & Performance Artist
    ROMATIS, Music Artist
    ANTHONY AIGBOGUN, Fashion Designer
    PARKER XL, Stylist, Editor, Designer
    ANDY FITTON, Musician & Electronic Artist

    Videography
    DESTINY ROBERTS

    Part of the fun of seeing your work in print?  Collecting the tear sheets afterwards and seeing what images they choose to tell their story!  Click on the image below for a closer look!

    Seeing More Work Published!

    In all the wonderful craziness of summer weddings, military events and other photography events, I have been delighted to also see more of my photography published.

    This time, it was finally receiving my finished copy of Samantha Rei Crossland's new book 'Steampunk & Cosplay Fashion Design & Illustration' that brought me added joy.  

    Samantha and I worked together on her 2012 line 'Second Star' where I photographed her Peter Pan inspired collection before heading into Minneapolis Fashion Week.  Since then, Samantha has gone on to release two more collections, including  'Isabelle et Collette' - a 1940's French inspired look of two lovers and 'Black Pearl Lounge' - a 1920's Shanghai collection that premiers this past season.  With a tag line of Beauty. Strength. Rebellion.,  Samantha strives to help women feel confident, strong and comfortable in their own skin. Trust me when I say, you need to check her out at www.samantharei.com.

    For me, it simply another treasure as I realize my dream - to spend my days surrounded by creative people doing creative things.  I never imagined I would see my work published, but this past year alone has brought such a reward three times!  Such wonderful blessings and joy!

    Here is a sneak peak at Samantha's new book and some of the pages and the back cover where my work appears.

    Get Dressed for Fashion Week!

    Working within the fashion industry is always an inspiring aesthetic in which to paint the landscape of your life.  You are surrounded by creative people, beautiful things and encouraged to share your work with the joy and talents of others.

    This past week, I was honored to work with the design team at MiTa as they prepared to launch sales of their latest couture gowns as part of Showroom's 'Get Dressed for Fashion Week' event.  The dresses were beautifully detailed, vibrant and structured to show the amazing assets of a woman's body.  Though I won't be likely wearing one anytime soon (too much dieting to do!), I definitely encourage everyone to check them out on facebook! 

    PS.  The day after our shoot, they did a flash mob fashion event in Minneapolis, so perhaps you saw them on WCCO & KARE 11!

    Models
    SARAH HOLOVNIA
    LIZZ GULLICKSON

    Makeup
    LAURIE CHARBONEAU

    Styling
    SHERITA MOSS
    MIMI NGUYEN

    Creative Director
    PARKER PARKER

    Positive words from the client are always such wonderful things to hear.  They were such a fun and talented group.  Definitely made my job easy!