Natasa Vojnovic for Purple magazine issue#11

I love Natasa Vojnovic....I think she is one of those eccentric type of models who knows how to bring out her full on self in front of the camera......just a total craze who is completely dramatic, and in a good way too. She's been shot by Steven Meisel, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, and many other top photographers. She has also scored major campaigns for Pucci, YSL, Chanel, Gucci, and Mulberry.

I have come across a youtube video of a shoot for Purple Magazine issue #11( the recent one), where she pulled off another one of her delirious moments.....it was fun to watch. I'm sure Terry Richardson (photographer who shot her) was caught by surprise.....he laughed it off!

Vintage Bike shop Project.

I styled a shoot this past Sunday (Memorial Day Weekend) at a Vintage Bike Shop in Red Hook, Brooklyn. It was awesome beyond words. It was shot both for video and editorial. There was a big team, Isak Tiner shot the story, hair was created my buddy Jamal Hodges, and make-up by another good friend, Jenni Kline. We had some fabulous models: Kate from Red Model Management, a platinum blonde Australian beauty. We had 2 amazing male models as well, a Brazilian young man also from Red Model Management by the name of Vinucius Costa, and another hot beau from Fusion Model Management, Ryan Greeley.

The concept was to create a dark, futuristic glam feel inspired by movies like 2046, Blade Runner, and Mad Max. We had such great props like Vintage motorbikes (Moto Guzzi, Ducati, BMW), smoke machines, fabrication machinery, and tools. I pulled from Giorgio Armani, PORTS 1961, Helen Yarmak, Haleh, John Fluevog, Ganache Couture, and many more.

It was a big production made up of a great team of talented people and their assistants. Isak had 4 diligent assistants,: Jupiter, Al Thompson (another photographer and friend whom I've shot with), Evan, and Paul. Shawna (Isak's wife) was just terrific, she took care of all of us, helping out and feeding the crew! I too had my top assistants, Rana and Allia, 2 of my trusted and wonderful friends. Honestly, I don't think I would have survived 12 hours of shooting without them......talk about organizing 12 major pulls from different showrooms, setting up in a gallery, helping dress the models, and all in a super hot and muggy day!! So I thank them highly for an amazing and fabulous job done! Thank you my dears:))

I think we achieved something major here. It was hard enough to make this all happen without so much thought put into it, however, the crew was excellent, the energy was unbelieveable, we had great laughs and intense moments, and I'm sure that the outcome will be exceptional!
Laters.....

ICP Auction and Party @ Sandbox Studios

I went to an awesome event this evening.....An art show and silent auction @ the Sandbox Studio NYC. The theme was "Elements", and several artists produced and donated their amazing work. One of the talented photographers who's work was being showcased was Isak Tiner ( whom I'm looking forward to be working with this Sunday in an "out of this world" project, more to come!).


The whole crew was there: Jenni Kline and her fiance, Jamal Hodges, Al Thompson and many more. The space was just unbelievably capacious filled with many creative heads. We laughed and had a ball of fun.....ambiance was just great.

I just love it when it gets warm in the city, everything in it becomes so alive......I'm looking forward to attending more of these type of events:) Enjoy the long weekend!

Future Fashion.

I came across this through someone on facebook this morning......Is this the future of runway presentation?? Creepy yet brilliant, check it out:

Follow me on TWITTER!!!

Yes....Yes.....I have joined the TWITTER nation. You can follow me there @:

http://twitter.com/DinaSY

Will be tweeting every now and then......

Editor-Go-See: Custo Barcelona....

Was invited to the Custo Barcelona Editor-Go-See today to view the entire Fall'09 collection straight from the runway......Textures, colors and virile prints. I walked out of there with a series of great ideas that I can't wait to share with some fellow team mates.......


Editor-Go-Sees has officially become another one of my favorite pastimes....I mean, its quite a solace looking at beautiful clothes:))

Lines Solitaire.....the outcome!

Just wanted to share with you a preview of the editorial story we shot with Lisa Jackson....And the story is called "Lines Solitaire" which will be featured entirely in my updated website, coming soon;)

Photography: Julia Pogodina Hair and Make-up: Anetta Klemens Styling: Me!

Ethnic African Craze.....

I've been noticing several editorials that have been inspired by the various African cultures. Whether its from the deserts of North Africa or from the mainlands of Central Africa, it has definitely made a big statement in recent fashion history. I believe with the Obama's currently in the White House, society is now acknowledging other important customs of minority groups in different parts of the world.

In the March 2009 issue of Time magazine, Arlenis Sosa was featured on the cover story "Fashion's New Attitude" which was shot by Chad Pitman and styled by Katie Mossman. There was a lot of influence from West Africa, especially with the rich prints on the clothing, the chunky jewelry, the dark and metallic makeup, and the whole feel of the backdrop and set. I was mesmerized by this editorial, but most of all, how much impact the styling had on me (and several readers I'm sure!!) because I could relate to it.

In the recent May 2009 issue of Vogue Italia's cover story and editorial, Sasha Pivovarova is featured in "Moroccan Holiday" shot by the renowned Steven Meisel. Vibrant, dusty, seductive, and a fairy tale painting-like set was brought about in this fable. I was able to see the similarities of one of the shots with the famous Grande Odalisque painting by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres.

I'm wondering if this is the direction that fashion will continue on with for the next few years, as we have seen it back in the 80's with Kenzo and Yves Saint Laurent. I know for a fact that I'm looking forward to see what is to become of this fascinating and strong comeback of this trend, AND in this very interesting time we're facing with the world. I'm also excited to possibly work on something that is influenced by it......More to come on that note!

Mother's Day.

I wanted to wish all the Mother's out there including my wonderful mum a "Happy Mother's Day". In my culture (the Islamic custom) Mother's Day is celebrated on March 21st. However, since I'm living in the West, with an Eastern heritage, I celebrate it twice a year...what a treat for all Mothers globally!

My Mother, Jamila, has been such a big part of my life, and I have so many beautiful memories of her. She has been the truest friend I ever had and the angel on my side at all times. I love her dearly (and unconditionally!!) and leave you all with a quote that really best describes my thoughts:


"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother" Abraham Lincoln.

WEIRD BEAUTY/THIS IS NOT A FASHION PHOTOGRAPH

I caught the last day of this exhibit today at the ICP.....WEIRD BEAUTY and THIS IS NOT A FASHION PHOTOGRAPH. A great way to end the weekend, by getting inspired!

Anyway, WEIRD BEAUTY portrayed fashion photography from the past few years till now--how its been influenced by art, sexuality, digital media and youth culture. There were many tear sheets, covers as well as original prints on display. Photographers from Steven Meisel, Karl Lagerfeld, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot, Steven Klein and other notorious shutterbugs. Amazing stylists who collaborated with them included Camilla Nickerson, Carine Roitfeld, Cathy Edwards, and Karl Templer. Famous muses from Kelly Osborne and Charlotte Gainsbourg to top models like Naomi Campbell and Eliza Cummings. It was fascinating.....simply because I was thinking, hoping, and planning for my next few projects;)

Moving on dowstairs, THIS IS NOT A FASHION PHOTOGRAPH, draws closely the famous works of Edward Steichen, Gordon Parks, Ben Stahn, and others who's intentions were not to create fashion images but rather to create style as a mean of personal expression....I wonder if that evolution would ever make a statement today??? It was great to see the archives of images and older magazines so well kept.

I can't wait to catch the next exhibit, AVEDON FASHION 1944-2000, May 15-September 6 2009. Will have some great feedback on that...I'm quite sure:)

Auburn Beauty.....Camille

Today, I shot with Camille from New York Models. This gorgeous 15 year old editorial model had the most angelic features with unbelievable long red hair. Almost 6ft tall, she stood out against the set made up of indigo with fluorescent yellow details and black with fuchsia details, which was built by Angela Campos, a set designer represented by Creative Management NYC (worked with her for the first time today, and she was great). Make-up was very natural and pure looking with a few touches below the eye similar in color to the auburn mane, composed by Anetta Klemens. With hair, which was rendered by Caroline Prince, also from Creative Management NYC (and first time working with her too), started off with a very simple and clean hair-down to a finale with wild teases.

With clothing, I went for basic black and white structured pieces to go with the whole illusory and abstracted ambiance. Designer items included Josef Statkus, Complex Geometries, PORTS 1961, Alexandre Herchcovitch, etc. The story was shot by no other than my dear and ingenious
photographer friend, Julia Pogodina.

Lisa Jackson (ANTM Cycle 9) in Newton Creek Park.

I shot with Lisa J. today from Major. You may also know her as Lisa Jackson from America's Next Top Model (Cycle 9). Gorgeous and tall Jamaican girl who came to look like anyone from Christie Turlington to Carmen Kass.....Amazing metamorphosis with each look.


The idea was to create a crisp and clean abstraction. The vibe and notion was brought about by the choice of location, Newton Creek Park, a treasure discovered by no other than Julia Pogodina who also shot the story. It was somewhere in Greenpoint, Brooklyn that sheltered beautiful concrete architecture and shapes.......felt like it was a dimension of its own. We had a sleek-back wet hair look and very natural yet enhancing the bones and features type of make-up that was detailed and executed by Anetta Klemens.


Clothes were all flawless and simple, with great structures that adorned the tall beauty. Designers I pulled from were Yeohlee, Iris Loeffler, Krelwear, Dusica Dusica, Preen and many more. We managed to pull off all the looks in 3 hours, just minutes before it started pouring. I can't wait to share the pictures with you all very soon.....