Dancing Eyes

Had the pleasure of styling this video on my Birthday this past November. It was so much fun jamming out to such a cool tune! Check out the recently released video and listen to Zords music.

Directed by: Justin Ceksters
Producer: Misha Teixeira

Actors: Morgan Leigh, Daniel Henkel

Gaffer: Ramit Arora
Camera: Misha Teixeira
Electric: Dragos Morariu
Stylist: Thea Acierno
Make-up: Vanessa Helseth
Editor: Justin Ceksters
Colourist: Ramit Arora

Anon

A month ago, I worked on Andrea Iyamah's Fall/Winter 2013 campaign video. It is always such an interesting experience to work with incredibly creative people. William Turner, who wrote and directed the film, has such a unique point of view on the world. Check out the video below and more of his amazing work here.

Andrea Iyamah Swimwear

A few weeks back I was invited to be a part of the production for Andrea Iyamah's 2013 swimwear campaign. The day was full blown back-to-back shooting. First with the campaign video, followed by the campaign images as well as the product shots for her e-commerce. We had four models, a behind the scenes videographer and a full team of hair, makeup and a styling team. I was very excited to have had a hand in directing the makeup looks for the models as well, it was a great feeling to be able to put my touch on multiple aspects of the shoot. Check out the fashion film below, shot by Willyverse, followed by the behind the scenes video by Andrew Zidichouski.

Andrea Iyamah Swimwear 2013 - "Nkwor" from William Turner on Vimeo.

The collection is inspired by her ethnic background but has a modern twist with unexpected cutouts, neons and colour-blocking. There are so many looks in this collection that I have my eye on once swimsuit season starts. Check out the collection on her website.

Secret Garden

This summer I also had the opportunity to assist on Imperial Style Group's second shoot with Hamilton Magazine. We were very fortunate to have been able to shoot at the Royal Botanical Gardens with one of our favourite photogs, Daniela Majic. It is always a pleasure getting to spend the day with my team at Imperial and Mark from the magazine. Our friend Brian Gauer at Inspired One shot the behind the scenes video so check that out.

Hamilton Magazine Summer Issue 2012

Photographer: Daniela Majic

Styling: Afrodita, Marija and Thea B. for Imperial Style Group

Makeup: Jessica Panetta for Imperial Style Group

Hair: Nata Durlov for Imperial Style Group

Models: Kaytlyn, Jessica and Shivani (all from Spot6)

Music: Gore Park by Buckeye Red

Film: Bryan Gauer for Inspired One

Déjeuner

We had Bryan Gauer of Inspired One New Media Productions come on board and create a behind the scenes look at an editorial shoot we recently shot. Five models, one hair stylist, one MUA, the three of us for wardrobe, and a photographer. We shot at Mulberry St. Coffee House on James St. N.

Mulberry Déjeuner from Imperial Style Group on Vimeo.

FASHION films

They say a camera takes a piece of the soul and watching that footage back, seeing the creativity or rawness, can help you get to know someone like you never had before. Film is an amazing medium by which to share an idea and when those images are focusing on fashion, I can't help myself. It's a great way to visualize the designer's inspiration for a collection. Who is the woman wearing this? How does she feel?

I've been following a new series of videos conceptualized by Fashion Magazine's online editor Randi Bergman. As producer, Randi is connecting Canadian designers and directors for weekly collaboratives. In it's third week, each short thus far has had a completely different feeling. Although I haven't read how long this series will last, I'm really excited to see more of these unions. This kind of project is special to me because it is a great way to bring more attention to the Canadian fashion industry. And I'd like to see that happening on an international scale in the future.

Check out the first installment by Eva Michon featuring Calla Haynes and follow the rest of the series here.

Girl Panic!

I love this video! It`s so stylized and glamourously edgy.

Duran Duran were one of the first bands to start using models in their music videos and their newest single features the Supers! This is rock and roll.

December Sky

Back in November, the amazing ladies I intern for at Peacock Chic Boutique took me along as a wardrobe assistant for the video shoot of Tomi Swick's collaboration with Julian Lennon called December Sky. The team at Fenian Films did such an amazing job getting the details perfect. It was such a blast working on set; despite the long hours, I could do this kind of work for the rest of my life! I met some great people and really enjoyed being in an environment that fostered so much creativity. Watch it below! Behind the scenes to come!

Nuit Nouvelles

NUITS NOUVELLES from John Londono on Vimeo.
The final slot at this past season's LGFW belonged to Montreal's very own Denis Gagnon. Prior to the runway, Gagnon debuted a fashion film titled Nuit Nouvelles (above). It was moody, mysterious, hazy and edgy. Models frolicked in a forested area, floated in water and danced around fireworks. It felt a little bit like The Virgin Suicides, which I very much enjoyed. My followers should know by now that Gagnon is my absolute favourite Canadian designer and based on who I saw front row, it is clear that the top taste-makers of  the Canadian fashion scene adore him too.

Fashion Television's Jeanne Beker and Greta Constantine designers Stephen Wong and Kirk Pickersgill.

Contrary to the video's moodiness, the runway was actually very light-hearted, romantic and very French. Models skipped down the runway in florals, gingham, satin and pleats with fresh, simple make-up and loose, dishevelled hair styles to the sound of C'est Si Bon playing above.

Gagnon's trademarks were present in black, white and leather goods but the champagne shade was something new. The looks were fully accessorized from head to toe, featuring belts, watches and bags. The floral backpack was the biggest hit (not pictured). There was a juxtaposition of de-construction and tailoring offered with femininity and a laid-back sexy cool. Seeing the floral pattern layered on top of itself in different garments was interesting and pulled me into a lavish, over-indulgent feeling.

To give the audience even more cheer, Gagnon gave us two wedding looks and a playful makeshift ceremony. The beautiful model wearing a springy take on the tuxedo wed another model wearing a lovely, lady-like satin trench coat. The nuptials were officiated by the camera pit, and the models shared a kiss while church bells rung in the background.

This past summer I visited the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to see The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, where I picked up the table top book and saw an interview with Denis about how JPG has influenced him as a designer. He said "I adored his energy, I even dressed like him. I followed everything he was doing closely and tried to interpret the designs he showed on the runway." Gagnon reminded me a lot about what I had learned about Gaultier this past summer and it was evident that what inspires me about him still inspires Denis too. If you read my post about the experience you would see the similarities.

It was all there: the energy, the humour, the effervescence. And I loved it.

V Magazine is Pro-Choice

In this issue V Magazine dares to be bold! They are PRO choice. Yes, at first I thought they were taking a stand against abortion too, but that's not what this is about. All about transformation, the mag is letting you know that this season, we can throw "signature style" out the window. Try on as many images as you like, be someone different for a day. Experiment and mix the unconventional with the predictable! I really like this message. As someone who likes to draw inspiration from a little bit of everything, these beauty shots are right up my alley, because I consider myself somewhat of a shifter if you will.

I would like to say that the final look from the video was my inspiration BUT I had this idea two days before I saw this video, when I bought purple lipstick at Sephora (you can tell because I'm wearing the same blouse in the previous post). I've been leaning towards some dark witchy/gothic and old religion vibes (probably derived from my True Blood obsession). That doesn't mean that I have to go ALL tack. I can still look stylish and I can still do sexy. All in all, I thought  the beauty editorial fit with the themes I had going on here.

With that in mind, I went for a strapless bra under a sheer polka dotted blouse (bit of Marc Jacobs reference) and this faux leather skirt from H&M, which is my new favourite item for fall. Paired with tribal tights, clunky Jimmy Choo for H&M cuff and a witchy boot to ad some unexpected as well as slightly cliché touches.

If you would like to know what products Lindsay Lullman is wearing check out the article online.
I am wearing Lancôme Artliner, Blush Subtil in sheer amorôse and Hypnôse Drama Mascara, Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush in dollymix, and Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick 15.

Garden of Roses

saturday was the second last day of Luminato, and as i mentioned in a previous post, i really wanted to check out Denis Gagnon's piece, sponsored by Lancôme. the dressed weighs about 25 lbs and much of the material was sourced in Paris. beginning his career in costume design, Gagnon has been in the industry for over a decade and his signature style is unmatched. this is a breathtaking piece, that to me, is so stunning would almost be a mortal sin to put it on! this is a piece of art that is for display only.

last year i had been blown away by his spring/summer 2011 show at LGFW when i saw it for an assignment. and last year he was the very first canadian designer featured at La Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal. Gagnon is famous for his use of leather, lace and chain. there is no doubt that this dress could have been an additional piece to the collection. he loves fringe and hardware and draping. every garment is consistent in theme but has it's own interpretation, it's own freshness and surprise. the photos from the show were taken by my friend Evania from ELV.

i follow both denis gagnon and jeanne beker (who wears his deisgns) on twitter, and i pretty much witnessed them making dinner plans together before the Luminato launch and i must say, having a personal friendship and the support/fandom of the famous FTV host kind of makes you legit. i really hope this inspires people to check out canadian fashion. canada is not just the dsquared2 jeans madonna wore in the don't tell me video. alot of our designers like Mark Fast, Erdem and Jeremy Laing have had great success internationally, so i hope we start getting recognized a little more for what we do. there's amazing talent in our own backyard!

CFDA Awards

i just finished reading what style.com had to share about the events that took place the other night. go here to read it yourself and get a feel for what the atmosphere was like. tommy ton took photos for them too and here are my faves:

of course lady gaga won fashion icon and wowed in a turquoise bob. i have to say between the hair, the train, and the height those shoes gave her she had a really mystical thing about her that i quite enjoyed. other-worldly. liya kebede looked like a goddess, so fresh and airy. i loved the contrast in sevigny's look when it came to both the black and white aspect, as well as the leather and eyelet combo; mixing hard and soft for a dangerous and feminine look. leelee's suit and this shot reminds me of jodie foster, upgraded. and what is there not to love about ms. harper's fantastic dress?

these photos are from MYDFBlog

here's lady gaga's acceptance speech