Valerie Joseph Boutique at Hawaii Wine and Food event at Ko olina

I had a great time this past Friday, May 18, 2012, at the Grand Tasting, Beachside Barbecue and Fashion Fusion event at Paradise Cove which was part of the Hawaii Wine and Food event at Ko olina.  I was delighted to have the opportunity to serve as a runway model for the Valerie Joseph Boutique fashion show.  I believe this was my third time working on one of Valerie’s shows, and had a wonderful time as always.  It is such a pleasure to be part of a show that is well thought out and skillfully executed.

The Valerie Joseph Fashion Consultants really pulled it off by styling each model in a look that really suited each of us.  I felt so fab on the catwalk in a luxurious piece that works well as a beach cover up or a lovely summer dress.  As a self-proclaimed mini-model I definitely don’t fit the description of a runway model, however, there is nothing like sashaying down the catwalk, it is both nerve racking and truly exhilarating all at the same time, and I just love it!  Valerie knows her demographic and understands that real women, real consumers, are not all 5’-10”.  She really takes that into account by selecting great models that people can relate to, women see the garments on the models and can actually picture themselves wearing these beautiful clothes.

I was equally impressed by the hair and makeup team from the Paul Mitchell School Honolulu that was able to get 21 models ready to go in only 2 hours!!!  They had a great system going and worked so well together.  I was delighted and impressed by the passion, skill, and professionalism of these students.  I truly wish them all great success and I am looking forward to the possibility of working with many of them in the near future.

While the fashion show itself was held on the grounds of Paradise Cove, the superb Spa Director and dear friend, Ms. Robin Desha, of the Ihilani Salon and Spa graciously permitted us to utilize the private bridal suite as our hair and makeup base camp.  On-site that day to make sure all was well was the fun and fabulous Spa Supervisor, Jamie Higashihara.  Jamie and Robin are two of my BFF’s and I was so happy that Jamie was on-site that day and that we had the opportunity to catch up.

The Valerie Joseph Boutique offers an amazing, always updated selection of stylish dresses, separates and accessories.  This is a place that really does have something for every girl or woman of all ages and budgets.  I love this boutique for its selection, quality, and positive sales staff.

Vortex Zine

There is a brand new magazine based in Hawaii - Vortex Magazine.  I don't know too much about it yet, but from what I can gather it's a Lifestyle, Art, Fashion, Music mag.  Vortex features works of local artists with no type of "theme restriction".  I truly think this is a wonderful concept and I am really looking forward to seeing how this magazine develops. 

I decided to check out the online content this morning, and to my very pleasant surprise, there was me in the fashion section!  Please do check out this super awesome fashion video Vortez Magazine - Fashion

Vocess Magazine Cover

I am so honored to be on the cover of the Spring Fashion Issue of  Vocess Magazine 

I also have the privilege of having a 4 page fashion spread in this issue which would not at all have been possible without the dynamic team I got to work with on this project.

Cyrina Hadad-Rayla took control of the reigns as the Producer, Art Director, and Stylist.  Cyrina's vision, direction, creativity, and ambition really was the key factor to the incredible success of this project. 

My very darling friend and talented designer Thomas Downes created the gorgeous garments for this shoot.  I am completely guilty of using the cliche "Boho Chic" when I was sharing the idea of the look for this project with him.  I am so fortunate that he possesses the imagination and creativity that it took to make this shoot truly fashionable and special.  As always, I was so impressed by the beauty, quality, and craftsmanship of his pieces.

I was so happy to have Nia Johansen create the incredible hairstyles and makeup that completely surpassed my expectations.  Nia's talent and creative vision is always mind-blowing, but what she came up with for this shoot was truly incredible.  Her ability to compliment my natural features while creating such a unique and "big" look is truly a rare talent.

It is often times difficult to get two models to work well together, this proved not to be the case with Robert Gibson of Wilhelmina Hawaii playing opposite me.  This was actually the first time I had the pleasure of working with Robert and it was a truly great experience.  He is such a talented model, he really does have that "something special".  Since this was an editorial shoot featuring the pieces created by Thomas Downes it was critical that we focus on those garments.  It takes a truly talented model as Robert to reign in his own charisma while still able create a certain mood and scene that I feel these images provoke.

And of course the shoot would not have happened without the perfect photographer for the look.  Andi Lilikoi Gaspar created these spectacular images.  She has such a knack for actually capturing beauty and is really able to take me a place with her direction where I was able to really project the "Boho Beauty" that lives somewhere inside me.  When working on a production, such as this was, it is so easy to lose focus of the true intent of what we are trying to do.  Andi really was able to capture special moments and avoid making the shot looks too posed, which is incredibly difficult.  I certainly cannot fathom the idea of having had anyone else shoot this, Andi's talent, patience with me, and direction made these images.

This so makes me miss my blond hair ;)

Seaplane Adventure!!!!

I had the pleasure of working with a great team while expanding my Styling portfolio.  Amazing photographer Martin Troy was able to secure a VINTAGE SEAPLANE for our fabulous fashion photo shoot.

I feel so fortunate that premier makeup artist Nathalie Kim of Salon Cookie Couture worked with us on this project.  Nathalie's creative vision and eye for perfection in every detail made certain that the models looked flawless and really paid special attention to color selection to ensure there were no color clashes.

The incredibly creative and talented Vivian K. Lee of Salon Cookie Couture brought my vision to fruition with the hairstyles she created.  Vivian's ideas for the hair totally captured my vague and abstract concept "retro inspired high fashion".

I had two beautiful, fun, and oh so talented models to work with: Jill Hamilton and Sophia Nelson.

I wanted to take advantage of having the rare opportunity to use this fab vintage seaplane without making this a kitschy pin up or vintage fashion shoot.  I'm so pleased with the results!  I really feel like the images have a "vintage meets modern day meets fashion" essence.

I hope you all enjoy the images

Sophia Nelson

Jill Hamilton

Have you ever seen such a beautiful flight crew!

What's to Come

Welcome to my newest adventure.....Blogging!  I intend to blog about fashion, modeling, style, and life in general, just like it says on the banner.

I can't wait to share all of these parts of my life with everyone and will be inviting guest contributors to share their expertise on their respective specialties and interests.

I invite your comments and suggestions and look forward to experiencing this adventure with all of you

First Post Ever...

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