Eye candy galore.

Belts, wedges, sandals, ornate rings, statement jewelry, bright clutches, flowy silk scarves -the little room to the side was a treasure chest for fashionistas. Marissa, Anne, Michelle, and I had ventured to Pitaya and Zeizos and picked out looks prior to the photo shoot. Everything we chose reflected our theme, Bohemian Chic. We had the models' sizes and pictures and kept that in mind as well. However, the best part was seeing if we got it right -matching the right looks with the right models.

The important thing about an editorial shoot is not only having a vision and carrying that out, but also the learning process -this was my first shoot. It was exhausting, but an amazing experience. It was managing, styling, assisting, and chauffeuring all at once. Styleta gives college students the opportunity to be entrepreneurs by establishing and running Styleta campuses at different colleges. What it also does is give students a chance to express themselves and learn, by doing, what throwing a fashion show or executing an editorial shoot may be like. As one of the Creative Directors at WashU, I was able to do that. I am too excited for the next shoot!

April 9th, 2011.
It was a great editorial shoot. A 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. shoot on an over 80 degrees humid day, our models, photographer and Styleta staff did an excellent job.

These are sneak peaks of what is to come -taken by the amateur photographer that I am! Wait until you see the real photos by James -they are absolutely amazing.

Some tips to remember for future shoots, in addition to Yifan’s advice

1. Be aware when the St Louis marathon is occurring and if the path to our location is shut down because of that. Thankfully after an hour it reopened.
2. Bring lots and lots of water and snacks, especially when shooting outside
3. Foundation is essential. A mineral based foundation is idea.
4. Tools : safety pins, tape, and scissors. You never know what you might need
5. An inventory person. Relationships with boutiques that kindly lend us clothes are crucial, and it’s up to us to maintain that trust for future endeavors.
6. Make sure there is enough time to finish the looks -you never know how much preparation time you will need.
7. Have fun :)

It was a great experience.

I'd like to thank our photographer James Harrang, models Tina Zhou, Julie Devinsky, and Andrea Adams, the stores from which we borrowed clothes, Pitaya and Zeizos, and the WashU Styleta Team: Marissa Pomerance,  Anne Chen, Jentien Pan, and Kelsea Anderson. It was truly a team effort.

 

 

Stay tuned for a Behind the Scenes Post!

 

 

We see them as we flip through the pages of Vogue. We watch them in action via internet as they walk the runway. We see them on billboards, catalogues, online boutiques, and even reality shows. Models: the ones who showcase designs and in some way represent the designer; but how often do we disregard the individual models and focus in on the fashion? I wonder, when I view an ad or campaign, do I notice the fashion or model or the set? Perhaps somewhere in between –after all, every element comes together to portray the creative vision.

I had the chance to interview Simona Stoyanova, Bulgarian model who left school in pursuit of her modeling career. Her enthusiasm, passion, and incessant motivation shine through her responses, and even more so through her gorgeous portfolio. Simona reveals an insider perspective in the busy world of fashion modeling.

 

1. What is your background and how did you become a fashion model?

I was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. I grew up there and was a student at the American College of Sofia when I decided to go to modeling classes. They were organized by Ivet Fashion, my Bulgarian agency, and that's where I got noticed and started working with them. After that there was a contest, similar to Elite Model Look, but in Bulgaria, organized by Ivet Fashion. A lot of international scouts came to be part of the jury and that's when they scouted me and I started to travel. I won the contest, by the way. :-D

2. What made you decide to enroll in modeling school?

I was continuously being told that I could be a model and that I should try to go to an agency, so I thought... why not? I was 16. I didn't start traveling until my last year in high school, though, when I was 17 and a half.

3. Was it hard for you to choose modeling over school?

Yes, it was hard. Especially because the American College of Sofia is considered one of the best schools in Bulgaria and it's really hard to get in. That's why my decision to quit and become a private student was very hard and I received a lot of doubtful concerns and skeptical comments. But my family was always extremely supportive, as well as my close friends, which made the decision a bit easier. Also, back home you don't see very often people, who don't go to University, like I chose to do. But this decision was not so hard because I had already seen the world and had become so much more independent. Modeling is an amazing school, and I feel/felt that I have so much more to learn and to take from it before going to University, as well as take advantage of the amazing career opportunity, that I am confident with my decision to postpone studies for the moment. I can not say with certainty what I will want next year, but for now I am focused on my career. :)

4. Favorite designer?

I don't have a favorite designer, but I love Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel), Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Alber Elbaz (Lanvin), Elie Saab, Balmain..... and many more

5. What designers have you modeled for?

To have modeled for... It's a bit broad, but I have worked for D&G, Dolce & Gabbana, Iceberg, Viktor&Rolf, Dsquared2, Valentino, Gucci etc.

6. Photoshoots or runways?

They are very different. Shootings are longer and not as stressful, but more tiring.. at least for me. However, in the end you have this amazing feeling inside you.. a feeling of achievement and success.. You feel like you've spent your day creating beauty. Runway is all about speed. You get your hair and make-up done quickly, you make rehearsal, you spend 10-20sec on the runway, you change quickly.. it's a lot of stress, but as soon as you get out on the runway you forget about it and you listen to the music, you enjoy the lights on you and the movement of the clothes and you just walk. There is quite an adrenaline rush.. which feels great! It's more risky and scary not to mess up or fall, whereas on the photo-shoot there is no such risk. I love both. When I've been having a lot of shoots I miss doing a show; when I've been doing a lot of shows I wish to have a shoot... :)

7. 3 fashion tips (anything!)

Be confident! Don't be afraid to express your personal style! Smile! And the world will smile back at you ;)

* All photos provided by Simona

I had way too much fun selecting photos.

 

A photographer,  a note-taker, two models, and two stylists -Washington University Styleta team gathered to photograph all the lovely garments donated by Washington University community. We met up from all over campus at Steinberg Hall, each lugging a bin or a bag filled with clothes. We huddled in an empty student gallery space, perfect with incandescent lighting and white walls.

Campus Director Jentien Pan, Creative Director Anne Chen also serving as a model, and Director of Logistics Michelle Turgeon.

What a variety! From tops from Forever21 to coats from Banana Republic, we photographed shirts, jeans, belts, jackets, and dresses. Get excited for the influx of new merchandise!

Here are a few of my favorites: an azure flow-y halter dress perfect for lounging on the beach, this lovely pair of olive green oxford heels that "[she] can wear and walk around in all day", as Alice, our model, describes, and a pure white, classic trench from Banana Republic.

Just sneak peaks :)

With warmer temperatures comes the need for an updated wardrobe.