Shades of White

Shades of White is the result of an intricate collaboration and melding of talents into one creative statement.  The concept started with a general idea, an “all white shoot.” White is the sum of all colors combined.  It’s an absolute. Our goal was to take that absolute and break it apart to show the power of nuance, yet remain bold in expression.

Each individual on my team for this project is each masterful in their own right….

Hair and styling – Matthew Tyldesley – Matthew is an integral part of any shoot that I do with him because of his level of creativity with anything that has to do with hair, and his level of engagement with anything that he commits himself to.

“For Shades of White I wanted the hair to be as diverse as the wardrobe and to really showcase contrast within the theme established by our team.  I spent a month making custom hair extensions to build the shape of the models hair and used pastels extensions placed in varying placements to create dimension.  I also used two of my custom-made wigs that showcase both styling and design.  Hair was coiled around varying styling irons to create texture and form for each look.  I hope the viewer is taken to a place that is dream like, surreal, beautiful and unique.”  Matt

Makeup and styling – Isidro Valencia – I have worked with Isidro Valencia for roughly two years, and I’m always impressed by the unique ways that he can combine colors and his careful attention to detail.

“Sometimes it is hard to match a dark skin just with one shade. The secret is to mix two or three shades to come up with the perfect tone.  Before foundation I applied primer to the models face to help the concealer and foundation glide on smoothly.  The goal in this photo shoot was to push my makeup skills over the top… to make it unique, distinct and bold.”  Isidro

Wardrobe, styling and accessories – Genna Yussman – Genna was the perfect artist to fill this role.  She is known for her ability to create fashion out of any material, which really took this shoot to the next level.

“From the windows, the walls, the ceiling to the floor Shades is a clothing line of Amor!  The ingenuity of producing this series consists of using textiles that can be found in any modern home, but has to have that certain je ne sais quoi.  In creating these very unique garments, stepping outside the box is a must as a designer, and remembering to not stay inside the lines is also important in the evolution of any artist.  Ideas for art come from everything, everywhere, at any given time, and it is only our imagination that allows us to open up that window to let people see what it is that we see.”  Genna

Model – Aubé Jolicoeur – Born and raised in Haiti until she was 9, Aubé has been featured in Vogue Africa, Marlene Haute Couture fashion lookbook, etc.  She has walked in Derby City fashion week and Dayton fashion.  She is known for her runway walk and creative poses.  Modeling is a part of who she is, and it’s a way to express herself.  She will be moving to NYC  later this year to pursue her passion.

Model – Anita Mwiruki – Anita was born in Tanzania, and moved to the US when she was 7.  She recently started modeling and has discovered that it is a way to express herself.  She’s very diverse, and can fit the commercial look with a smile, but also likes to get crazy with hair and makeup with shoots that tell a story.  She also loves fashion, and has started her own fashion blog.  She will be walking in her first show in NYC this year.

“Style is more than just clothes that you wear, but it speaks to who you are.”  Anita

Special thanks to Chris Diaz for assisting with this shoot.

Shades of White appeared in the summer white issue of Vigore Magazine, an international fashion publication, based in New York City.  To access the issue, click this link…

http://issuu.com/vigore/docs/vigore_magazine_summer_2013?e=3235647/3990738