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!

A Disney Engagement - Chapter Two

And so the journey continues with Bryanna and Zach's engagement . . .  This time, we venture into the dramatic and romantic love of Little Mermaid's Arial and Eric.   While fairytales cannot hold a candle to the real romantic love of Bryanna and Zach, it was a fun day to explore this contemporary Disney story.  (PS.  This musical is especially close to their heart as Zach proposed to Bryanna on a Gondola while recreating the beautiful boat scene - complete with Kiss the Girl playing in the background and a photographer lined up to capture the moment!  Now THAT is the way to do it!)

To see chapter one of their engagement story - 101 Dalmatians - click here! 

A Disney Engagement - Chapter Three

In the final chapter of their engagement session, Bryanna and Zach choose to explore the charming and youthful love of Peter Pan.

While everyone remembers this tale for Peter's flights, Neverland and Captain Hook, I love this story for how Peter and Wendy navigate blossoming love for the first time.  A thimble, an acorn and a very jealous Tink!

These two loving hearts have since tied the knot in a beautiful, fun and memorable wedding.  However, before I post the albums dedicated to that time, I wanted to give pause for this last engagement story.  Enjoy!

PS.  To see the other engagement chapters, go to the following:

A Tribute to Military Families

Now that the event is wrapped and photos shipped to the foundation, I am delighted to finally share images from the Dedication Ceremony for the Military Family Tribute at the State Capitol on June 13, 2015

With noteworthy speakers including former Governor Tim Pawlenty and his wife, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Governor Mark Dayton, General Nash and General Votel, it was an engaging day and an exceptionally wonderful experience that I will not soon forget.

Visit my Military Family Tribute album to see more images from the day.  Or, visit the State Capital grounds to experience the Thank You Promenade, Story Stone Garden and Gold Star Table for yourself.  To learn more, visit www.militaryfamilytribute.org.

Thank you to Caroline Zrust for her help in capturing images from this event and a special shout out to Constellation X Photography (Cat Banks) for collaboration on a very rainy, but quite unforgettable day!

Governor Mark Dayton

Members of the Patriot Guard

Country Music Artist Rockie Lynn

Mary Neimeyer, Past President, Minnesota Military Family Tribute

William J. "Bill" Popp, Chair, Minnesota Military Family Tribute

Blue Star Family - Paul Douglas and Laurie Kruhoeffer
Gold Star Family - Jim and Dianna Beardsley

Honorable Tim Pawlenty, Former Governor of Minnesota

National Anthem Performer, Jearlyn Steele

Senator Amy Klobechar

General Richard C. Nash, Adjutant General, Minnesota National Guard

General Joseph Votel and Michelle Votel, Commanding General, US Special Operations

Representative Erik Paulsen, US House of Representatives

Performers "The Steele Family"

Performers "The Lost Wheels"

Members of the Patriot Guard

Commissioner Larry Shellito, MN Department of Veterans Affairs

Teri E. Popp, President, Minnesota Military Family Tribute

Emcee Dave Lee, WCCO Radio

Military Families opening the ceremony in parade.

Former Governor Tim Pawlenty and Governor Mark Dayton

Story Stones