Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Carlos Mangubat - Stylist

Happy Wednesday everyone :) Today I'm excited to bring you an interview with the extremely dapper Carlos Mangubat. Stylist extraordinaire, this gentleman knows his fashion! Read below for some great insight and fabulous photos. :)  

Tell me about your background as a stylist and how you got into the industry?
I have a fashion degree from RMIT and in the beginning I wanted to be a trend forecaster, but after volunteering at fashion week I decided I loved the idea of styling much more, and in 2009 I decided to pursue this as a career.  

What fashion photographers have you worked with, and in the future what fashion photographers would you love to work with?
I have worked with some great photographers in the last few years. Emily Abay, Ed Purnomo, Nicole Corbett, James Pipino, Bernard Gueit, Ziga Mihelcic, Tintin Hedberg, Daniel Archer, Ben Clement, Sam Bisso, Christian Blanchard and Fiona Storey just to name a few. I would love to work with photographers Steven Chee, Georges Antoni, Chris Colls, and pretty much everyone at the Artist Group Agency. 

What are your favourite brands to work with?
Some of my clients and favourite brands are Jack London, Alannah Hill, Bell & Barnett, Dom Bagnato, Dangerfield, and FME Apparel 

What do you look for when sourcing outfits?
The clients brief really determines what I source. However, I do like to support independent and up and coming labels, as well as student work. 

How would you describe your own personal style?
My personal style changes, but mostly I'm preppy. I try to mix it around with my casual wear, but the majority of the time I wear preppy attire. 

Tell me about something funny that has happened on a shoot?
One time I accidentally clipped a model's skin to a garment and she was too polite to tell me.. Oopsy

What inspires you?
Of course I look towards high end fashion, but everyday people and street style is more inspiring, especially students. When you have less access to trend oriented clothing, you have to create something yourself, and that's what I find is on the street. Personal style reflecting current trends, as well as people starting their own trends. 

What advice would you give 'up and coming' stylists?
I would suggest to start off assisting. Build contacts and networks, and shoot as much as you can to build your book, with as many different people as you can.
Once you have found your style, work on the craft to refine it and make a name for yourself. 

What are some tips when styling models?
Go with your gut instincts, if you think a garment won't fit, it probably won’t! Also, commit to your style decisions. A good model can work with any outfit

What are your future career aspirations?
I would love to eventually be an editor of a men's publication, or perhaps even start my own! 

Photographer - Emily Abay
Stylist - Carlos Mangubat

Photographer - Sam Bisso
Stylist - Carlos Mangubat
Hair - Carl Reeves
Grooming - Victoria Martin
Style Assistant - Lucy Cooke
Model - Paul Tockuss

Photographer - Karla Majnaric
Stylist - Carlos Mangubat
MUP - Shella Martin
Model - Camille

Photographer - Ziga Mihelcic 
Stylist - Carlos Mangubat
Hair & MUP - Monica Gingold
Style Assistant - Chloe Naughton & Ross McCallum
Photo Assistant - Wanda Chin   

Photographer - Richard Ibrahim
Stylist - Carlos Mangubat

Photographer - Karla Majnaric
Stylist - Carlos Mangubat
MUP - Caroline Massola
Hair - Caterina di Biase
Model - Nikita

Photographer - Nicole Corbett
Stylist - Carlos Mangubat
MUP - Sue Marshall
Model - Chelsea Scanlan
Photo Assistant - Katerina Anna
Style Assistant - Bri Hill


Peace & Love
K

Monday, July 21, 2014

ZHOE TROTTER - MODEL

I hope everyone has had a wonderful start to their week. I'm bringing you a very special interview this week with model Zhoe Trotter. I'm proud to say that I was the very first photographer she ever worked with!! I could tell back then from her professionalism and ease in front of the camera that she would go on to great things! She's currently in India on a three month contract. Check out her travel blog zhoetrotter.wordpress.com and read her interview below :) 

Tell me about your background as a model, and the various campaigns you have done.
In 2011 When I was 17 I tried out for Australia’s next top model. Although I didn’t make it through the first stage of auditions, I was really determined to get my foot in the door and get signed. I didn’t know of many modelling agencies in Brisbane back then, but after many nights searching, I found Viviens, Dallys and Chic. I sent through my photos, which were mostly just really terrible selfies or photos of me on our back porch (I'd try to make them look as close to a real photo shoot as possible). They are actually quite funny when I look back on them now. Every time I opened my emails I would find rejection letter after rejection letter, but I was determined to get signed! I kept sending new photos through every single week for four months before I got contacted by Viviens in Brisbane. They put me on their ‘in development’ board, and then in Novemeber that year after my first test shoot they signed me onto their main board. I spent about a year and a half with Viviens before I decided to try out for ANTM again, which meant I had to leave the agency. I made it all the way through to the top 50 in Sydney where they held bootcamp, and was sent home when they picked the top 15. Six months after coming home from Sydney I was signed to Que and am still with them now. 
I worked with the Mens fashion brand Vanguard in their Autumn Campaign in 2012, Universal’s online store 2013, Nancy King Spring/Summer 14/15 collection, Amira Summer 12/13 collection, Liberte Apartments at Kangaroo Point 2014 Campaign, Editorial for Frock Paper Scissors 2012, Cover of Australian Times 2014, feature on Italian Vouge 2014.

What are some tips for other models wanting to break into the fashion industry?
Don’t take things personally! This industry can be so brutal sometimes. If they tell you they’re looking for a girl with longer legs, or different coloured eyes, it doesn’t mean you’re ugly, or you’re too short, it just means that they’re after a different look. There are jobs out there where you would probably fit the description perfectly, it’s just unfortunate that it’s not going to be like that every time. Secondly, don’t expect everything to happen immediately. I’ve been in this industry for about three years now, and have only just received my first overseas contract. Don’t expect to be signed one week and off to Paris the next. To be honest I find the longer it takes, the more you appreciate it, and feel like you have worked hard for it.

How would you describe your personal style?
My style is constantly changing, it depends on how I’m feeling that day, and on what I’m doing. I really am one of those girls that loves to wear their sweat pants, hair in a pony tail, and no makeup. It’s such an effort to dress up all the time, and as long as I’m comfortable and feel good, that’s all that matters.

If you could choose to be the face of any brand, which brand would you choose?
Versace, hands down!

What fashion photographers have you worked with, and if you could choose any fashion photographer to work with, who would it be?
I have had the chance to work with some of Brisbane’s greatest photographers, and I am so blessed and grateful to have had that chance. I worked with you for my first ever photo shoot, and have also worked with Aimee Stoddart, Yazzi Williams, Katriena Emmanuel, Ian Chang, Andrea Jankovic, Victoria Aguirre, Amanda Shadforth (who is the creator of Oracle Fox blog) and so many more! If given the opportunity, I would love to work with Steven Meisel. 

What are your career aspirations? 
I would really love to stay in the industry for the rest of my life! I would eventually like to settle down, get married, and start a family, but that won’t be happening for a very long time. Once I do get to that stage in my life, I would really love to start working at an agency as a booker. I am really interested in learning that side of the industry, and hopefully I will get the chance to do that.

How do you stay fit and healthy?
I absolutely love my food! Indian, Mexican, Italian, EVERYTHINNNGGG!!! I use to put on a lot of weight really quickly, and it has only been this year that I have learnt to still be able to eat all of the foods I love, and keep my measurements down. I do this by watching my portions. I don’t have my license yet, so I catch a lot of public transport. Everything that is in walking distance I walk to. I love my fruits and vegetables, and I personally think I make a pretty wicked chicken salad. I don’t really go out of my way to do too much structured exercise because I find that I lose motivation quicker doing it that way. Everywhere I go involves me having to either walk there, or walk a part of the way. People have this false idea that all models either live on lettuce leafs or live in the gym. They would be surprised to know that it’s not like that, we eat healthy, but we love our carbs just as much as the next person.

What is your hidden talent?
I love to write! It is honestly one of my favourite things to do. While I’m away in India for three months, I am starting a blog so all of my friends, family, and whoever else stumbles across it, can read about all the adventures I will have whilst I am over there. 

Favourite place that you’ve travelled to and why?
I actually haven’t been overseas yet, India will be my first time overseas which is really exciting. My dad used to take my friend and I camping when I was young. I must have been about 11 or 12, and we would go with our family friends to a place called Double Island. Even now it’s still one of my favourite places. It’s so beautiful you can actually camp on the beach, and there were these really big cliffs you could climb nestled right behind our camp site. We made one of them into a slide. Looking back it was actually pretty dangerous and explains all the cuts and bruises I walked away! Kids are like that, they think they’re invincible… well I did at least haha!

Image from Zhoe's very first shoot!
Photographer: me!!
Stylist: me again ;)
MUA: Leanne Tucker

Photographer: Natalie Mckain
Stylist: Natalie Mckain
MUA: Nikki Matthews

Photographer: Victoria Aguirre
Stylist: Victoria Aguirre
MUA: NATURAL

Photographer: Aimee Stoddart
Stylist: Aimee Stoddart
MUA: Rebeckah Wurzbacher

Stylist and MUA: Thu Nguyen


Peace & Love
K

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Kim Bailey - East Of Grey

Happy Thursday Everyone! I am very proud to bring you my interview with Kim Bailey owner and creator of fashion label 'East of Grey'. Not only is Kim a fantastic and truly unique designer, she is also a brilliant stylist, (I know first hand, as we have worked on many shoots together) and an excellent sewing teacher! Check out her interview below, along with some awesome photos and a really cool video to keep your entertained :) 
Check out more of her collections on Facebook www.facebook.com/eastofgrey

Tell me about your brand, and how it got started. 
East of grey officially started in 2007, but you might say I've been building it since I was a little girl sewing clothes for my barbies. I completed TAFE after high school and started collecting fabrics from Vintage and second hand stores. The uniqueness of each piece really spoke to me, louder than the fabrics at any commercial store, and that’s how it began. East of grey became a brand that made one-of-a-kind garments for that girl who wants something that no one else has. Handmade by the designer, every detail has a purpose, each garment made for one girl, it's just a matter of finding that girl!
She is eclectic, a mover, can blend in or stand out, it really depends how she feels on that particular day. A girl who knows what she wants when she finds it, but until she finds it, can't stop looking. Below are the different East of Grey ranges I have...
East of grey originals: Handmade one of a kind designer pieces
CIRCA collection: Upstyled vintage and second hand pieces
Vintage: Retro and vintage pieces sourced from around the globe
East of grey Homewares:  Handmade one of a kind cushions and blankets.

What inspires and motivates you?
Nature keeps me sane, it ignites my senses and sets off all sorts of ideas in my brain. I'm always exploring. I like to sit and look, and find the most amazing colours and textures in nature. Animals and flowers inspire me to put the best colours together.

How would you describe your own personal style?
I don't really have a 'style' but I like to dress according to my mood, sometimes I dress rather quirky, sometimes I dress grunge, but I always dress how I feel. I think fashion portrays a person day to day. I enjoy stepping away from trends and just wearing what suits my body and personality.

Who are your favourite designers?
Alexander McQueen and Karl Lagerfeld

What fashion photographers have you worked with?
You, hehe. Katriena Emmanuel. John Pryke. Shane Baker. Michael Hills. Deb from Boots Photography, and Amelia Jane, just to name a few. 

What is your career highlight so far?
Dressing Stonefield, the all-girl band from country Victoria. That's the most recent, but to be honest, earning a living from what was once my hobby is the biggest highlight of all.

What are some tips for fellow designers?
Never give up, chase the dream, anything is possible, be flexible, and enjoy the ride.

Who is your fashion icon?
I don't have a particular icon but I love people who dress how they feel, regardless of labels or trends. If I had to choose, I love Gwen Stefani because she just dresses exactly how she wants.

What are your future career aspirations?
I'm studying my Bachelor of Technology Education so I can further my reach into teaching about sustainability in schools. Also, continuing my expansion of East of Grey.
     




East of Grey at the Sanctuary Cove boat show
East of Grey at the Raw Revolution showcase
Collection:  Pirates Vs Nijas
Photographer: Shane Baker
Hair and makeup:  Zoe Tranter

The fantastic Ms Bailey herself!

Hard at work ;)

Peace & Love
K

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Rachel Walters - Makeup Artist

Hello!! After a relaxing two weeks of rejuvenation in Thailand (photos coming soon), I am so excited to share with you my interview with the stunning, charismatic, and extremely talented Rachel Walters. Rach has been a good friend of mine for years, and it's been an absolute pleasure watching her grow and transform as a uniquely talented artist. :)

Tell me about your background in makeup

I've always had a great love of colour, texture, and playing with different mediums.
Before delving into makeup artistry, I was originally more inclined to play with various types of materials, creating 3D images and painting on canvas.
I would then mix in metals, acrylics, glass, and incorporate recycled materials that I collected over the years through my travels.

When I was 17, I was moved to New York on a modelling assignment.
It was only then, after being around photographers, stylists, and makeup artists on a daily basis that I was opened up to a new world of creativity. I saw that I could take my love for art to another level, and that the human face would be the most exciting and ever-changing medium I'd ever use. 

Once coming back to Australia, I put myself through an extensive diploma in Makeup & Spfx. I fell even more in love with the raw human face, and the ability to create something so magnificent from these bare living canvases.

I began working for various cosmetic companies, before being picked up by prestigious Parisian company LancĂ´me as their Senior Makeup Artist. I eventually worked my way up to State Makeup Artist, whilst still staying true to my individual style, travelling, and continuing with my own business, whether it be working on a music video, a fashion shoot, or a wedding.

What is your advice to fashion photographers when it comes to makeup for fashion shoots?

Communicating with and briefing the makeup artist and styling team on what has inspired the shoot is key. It is then that we can get down to the core of the theme, and find the essence of what's going to create the perfect image, combining makeup, lighting and texture. Discussing the lighting elements is a must, as this is probably the most important thing for a makeup artist to know when going into a shoot. Different lighting will determine how (and what kind of) makeup will be put on the model.

What are your favourite styles of makeup for fashion shoots and who inspires you?

I love being given lease to really transform a face, and enjoy taking this into a realm of ‘fantasy'. I think Pat McGrath always succeeds in this. She does the most incredible job with Dior Couture. She creates something so beautiful, bold, out of the norm, and sexy all in one. The late Kevyn Aucoin, would have to be my earliest influence.
To describe him as an incredible artist is an understatement, he is the master of transformation. His tricks and techniques are timeless, and can be adapted to any style.
I am also strongly inspired by the female form, beauty, colour, and fluidity.

Who is your favourite fashion photographer?

Annie Leibovitz is absolutely incredible. She has the ability to turn a photograph into a painting. Her images are an absolute masterpiece, and she really captures the movement and grace in her subjects so effortlessly.

Brian Bowen Smith is another favourite. It’s admirable the way he intertwines high fashion with fine art. He encapsulates the dance between light and shadow, producing such beautiful clean lines. His quirky methods for getting the perfect shot for those Marc Jacob campaigns are a force to be reckoned with. A truly unique photographer, his eye finds beauty in even the smallest of details.



The beautiful Rachel behind the scenes for CHICKS ON SPEEDS 'Utopia' video shoot 

DIY Bodyart

Photographer- Melissa Cowan
Makeup/Styling/ Hair-Rachel Walters
Model- Emilie Davis
Costume designer- Buttons

Photographer- Sabrina Haley
Makeup/ Hair/ Styling- Rachel Walters
Model- Zena Lythg
o

Photographer- Melissa Cowan
Makeup/Styling- Rachel Walters
Model- Emilie Davis

Rachel & Photographer Brian Bowen Smith

Rach and I have plans to work together soon on upcoming fashion shoots. I can't wait to share our creativity with you all!
Peace & Love
K