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!?

    A Glimpse Into Black Pearl

    Recently, I was honored with the opportunity to work again with Samantha Rei, one of the Twin Cities most stylish of designers.   Don't know her?  You should!  Check out the latest on this inspiring designer:

    I worked with Samantha Rei years ago under her Blasphemina's Closet label on her Second Star line, and was delighted to see those photographs published in her latest book.  When she approached me to work with her again, it was like... ummmm YEAH!  Is that even a question?!

    This time, we were celebrating her latest line 'Black Pearl', a collection inspired by 1920's Shanghai.  Beautiful silhouettes, textures and details, this collection captures the most beautiful aspects of vintage style.  With a tag line of Beauty. Strength. Rebellion.,  Samantha strives to help women feel confident, strong and comfortable in their own skin. She believes they can all be beautiful warriors and with this latest series, they can be!

    Learn more about Samantha Rei on her website.

    Designer: Samantha Rei
    Makeup Artist & Hair: Miranda Carlson
    Models: Jeweldine McGee, Kiyanna Greene, Kyle Wagner, Faraz Ghassemi
    Headpieces: Apatico
    Jewelry: Realia by Jen
    Shoes: Call It Spring
    Location:  Clubhouse Jager

    So many more images to come, but for today, enjoy a sneak peak into Black Pearl!

    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.

    Congratulations, Samantha Rei!

    City Pages has announced their Artists of the Year and I am delighted to see one of my favorite designers and past clients on the list - Samantha Rei!

                                                                                                                                                    Photo Deviance

    With a tagline for her fashion line that is Beauty. Strength. Rebellion. you know you are in for something great and unforgettable!  Samantha's work is playfully creative with wonderful storyline concepts and creative elements.  She is a joyful soul and passionate artists - so recognition like this is well deserved!  Congratulations, Samantha!

    Check out Samantha Rei's website and her latest line Isabelle et Collette. 

    This collection, which received a standing ovation at Envision, is inspired by a clandestine love story between two girls at college in 1940s France. Their pet names for each other, Fox and Sparrow, became motifs throughout the collection, with little felt animals carefully stitched onto sweaters and vests as symbols of love.

    Head over to the City Pages website to read the entire Artist of the Year article here!

    I was blessed to work with Samantha Rei on her Blasphemina's Closet line in 2012 called Second Star - a beautifully feminine and playful collection based on the story of Peter Pan.  To see images from that Look Book photography session, head over to my gallery.

    Samantha is a shining example of what value lies in doing with you love,  Her passion for this art form radiates throughout her and her collections.  I cannot wait to see the next line, Samantha!