Archive for the ‘ Photography ’ Category

Top 40 Model Maureen Montagne Named Miss Arizona USA 2015

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Phoenix Fashion Week’s annual Model of the Year competition has quickly become a spring board for top valley models to further their careers and receive the opportunity to sign with a top modeling agency in town, The Agency Arizona.

2012 and 2013 Top 40 Model Maureen Montagne was crowned Miss Arizona USA 2015 and recently teamed up with 2013 Designer of the Year winner Dolcessa Swimwear for an insanely hot swim suit shoot.

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Photography by Justin Grant Photography – Hair by Andy Biggs – Makeup By Heather Wilson

Be sure to follow Maureen’s journey as Miss Arizona USA 2015 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

Studio 3D to Serve as Chic Backdrop for ‘Shop Garment District’

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Studio 3D is a name around town that is synonymous with style, sophistication and technology. Following a successful Industry Mixer event last year, this local photography studio and event space has jumped back on board with Phoenix Fashion Week again this year to host our annual ‘Shop Garment District’ event and Emerging Designer Fashion Show! “Our studio is set up as a multipurpose facility to cater to many different uses. An event like Shop Garment District allows us to showcase everything we have to offer. From having the models hair and make up done in our salon, to the chef preparing food in our full state of the art kitchen, utilizing our bars and sponsors, to using our cyclorama (CYC) wall as the setting for the fashion show, it will allow people to see our full potential as a space,” said Studio Manager Nate Gossage.

Taking place on Friday, August 9th, 7pm at the stylish Studio 3D in Phoenix, this event previews new looks from the fall 2013 Emerging Designer line-up in a high-energy runway show, along with a trunk sale by this year’s emerging and accessory designers where guests can shop the designers direct and enjoy lite bites prepared live by Chef Tim Cobb of Luncha Libre.

“There is always some element of fashion and style that goes into what we do…we designed our space in a way that would be functional and appealing to that audience. From our layout to the color scheme, we hope that people get a modern yet classy feel when in attendance, making us a great space to host an event for other artistic creative minded people, ” said Gossage.

After receiving rave reviews of the 2013 Emerging Designers to show at fashion week in the fall, this event promises an exciting sneak peek into more of these designers’ collections before they are debuted at Phoenix Fashion Week at Talking Stick Resort, October 1-5, 2013. In conjunction with No7’s ‘Model of the Year’ Contest, Shop Garment District will also serve as the Official Runway Challenge for these Top 40 male and female models, with styling provided by TONI&GUY Academy, the Official Hair Partner of PHXFW 2013.

“This fashion event has top models, apparel and accessory designers all under one roof and it’s amazing to be able to shop these looks seen on the runway well before their debut at Phoenix Fashion Week at Talking Stick Resort in October!” said Brian Hill, PHXFW Executive Director. Shop Garment District is supported by Zappos.com, No7, TONI&GUY Hairdressing, Studio 3D, UBER, and Luncha Libre.

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For more details about Shop Garment District, visit Eventbrite: http://shopgarmentdistrict13.eventbrite.com/

For more information about Studio 3D, visit: http://studio3dphotography.com/

Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

CHIC PEEK: Behind the Scenes at Dolcessa Swimwear Photoshoot

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The Valley may be sizzling this summer, but Phoenix Fashion Week Emerging Designer Katya Leoncio and her Las Vegas-based brand, Dolcessa Swimwear sent temps off the charts with a recent look-book shoot featuring The Agency Arizona model Sam Diaz and PHXFW TV Fashion Host Brittany Dawn Brannon. “It’s nice to interview the designer–especially Katya, who I just interviewed last week at the Designer Challenge–and then being able to model for her. I really enjoy being on both sides of the camera. Every single piece is absolutely beautiful…I can’t wait to see how Katya’s show looks because everyone is going to love all of the pieces!” Brannon said.
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Shot by seasoned high-fashion photographer (and makeup artist) Michael Franco at several Phoenix locations, including in-studio and poolside, the shoot was for the swimwear designer’s newest look-book collection to present to buyers following their official announcement as an Emerging Designer and contender for PHXFW 2013 ‘Designer of the Year.’ “My inspiration for Dolcessa is the swimwear itself–the colors, the beauty of the actual swimwear. Beauty is always my inspiration. When you are shooting something as amazing as her swimwear, that’s really inspiring to make the girls, lighting and scene just as beautiful,” Franco said.
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According to Dolcessa designer Katya Leoncio, the 2014 collection features loads of color, plays on texture utilizing techniques including ombre, and guests at fashion week should expect lots of eye candy. “This is our 2014 collection, available early next year and our plans are to showcase all of our swimwear that I recently made from my trip to Europe. We also have a beautiful collection of cover-ups that will be featured in PHXFW in October, so I’m really excited.”
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Once again, Phoenix Fashion Week’s successful Freelance Program is seen in action, assisting Katya in many aspects of the shoot and resulting in pictures that went beyond her expectations. “Brittany is gorgeous and easy to work with, and I couldn’t be happier about working with her. Brian Hill and his team were very beneficial in helping me out in the process of putting together this shoot. They made everything as easy, effortless and seamless as possible, so I am very grateful.”

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For more information about Katya and her brand, Dolcessa Swimwear, visit her website. Be sure to look for her collection when it debuts on the Phoenix Fashion Week at Talking Stick Resort runway in October!
Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week, Behind the Scenes Images by Ricardo Galvez for Phoenix Fashion Week
“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

VIDEO: No7 Model Makeovers at TONI&GUY

After our Model Search in June, our Top 40 Fresh Faced models will go through a series of challenges as a part of our No7 Model of the Year Competition. They were completely made over, receiving dramatic new looks from the top stylists in the valley at internationally-recognized TONI&GUY Academy in Scottsdale, the Official Hair Partner of PHXFW 2013, right before their first challenge, Headshot!

Watch our Top 40 take the runway for Challenge #2 at Shop Garment District August 9th!

Video: Kevin Taylor Films

VIDEO: Model Announcement Sneak Peek

PHXFW TV’s Fashion Host Brittany Brannon is live at our No7 Model Makeovers at TONI&GUY in Scottsdale, the Official Hair Partner of PHXFW 2013! Watch for a sneak peek into our Top 40 models’ new looks, which they will be debuting for the first time at our Official Model Announcement Party July 11th at Mint.

Who will be named our ‘Model of the Year’ 2013 and be signed to The Agency Arizona?Follow along with our Top 40 Models and their journey to fashion week in October on FacebookTwitter and Instagram: @phxfashionweek.

Supermodel Christy Turlington Featured in Jason Wu ’13 Campaign

jasonChristy Turlington has a full fashion plate, overflowing in fact. The 44-year old timeless beauty was recently selected as the new face of Calvin Klein underwear, and is one of a few iconic supermodels featured in Prada’s newest campaign. On top of all that, a just revealed sneak peek at Jason Wu’s fall ’13 campaign in WWD features the gorgeous Turlington front and center. Photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and art directed by Patrick Li.

The pair traveled to uptown NYC to popular celeb magnet MR CHOW — a Chinese restaurant described by designer Givenchy as a “precious jewel box” — to shoot a high fashion series of photographs for his newest campaign. What’s more, the pair apparently hit it off, with Wu describing Turlington as bringing “such inimitable charisma and chic to the image.” Set to launch in the fall, these delectable images are sure to set the fashion mags ablaze.

Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week, Images Courtesy of WWD

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

INSPIRED: Spanish Artist Creates Fashion Photos Influenced by Picasso

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I came upon a blog article recently and was instantly inspired by these creative shots. There’s no doubt that fashion and art have nearly identical DNA, but it’s always refreshing when the two mix. Spanish artist Eugenio Recuenco created this genius fashion photography series inspired by the works of Pablo Picasso. Recuenco is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to art, with his work including photography, fine art, film, and even opera. Visit his site, and you will instantly fall in love too.

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*What do you think? Post a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

Article by Lauren Pfingstag, Images Courtesy of Feature Shoot

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

Studio 3D: Built by Artists for Artists

Whether it be models, designers, photographers or stylists, Phoenix Fashion Week has continued to share our insight with local fashion industry professionals. We recently discovered an amazing local studio space in Phoenix, Studio 3D and had to share it with you! Started by the official Phoenix Suns photographer and former Suns star Boris Diaw, this studio offers a unique work space that truly brings out the creativity of any industry professional, along with featuring a stunning look and feel perfect for any party or event. In fact, Phoenix Fashion Week has partnered with Studio 3D for an exciting Industry Mixer event happening this Saturday, August 18th!

I had the amazing opportunity to catch up with Studio 3D’s own Studio Manager, Nate Gossage, via email to get an inside look into what  this amazing space has to offer, as well as what to expect at the Industry Mixer!

Q: Provide us a brief description/background of Studio 3D:
A: Studio 3D was a concept thought up by Suns Team Photographer, my father Barry Gossage and then Phoenix Suns, now San Antonio Spurs Player, Boris Diaw about three years ago. They both decided to partner up to create a studio that was unique in providing not just a work space for photographers and videographers, but a place that catered to everyone involved. Often times on set, there isn’t a lounge to entertain clients or a place for people to relax when off set, nor is there a work space for the production crew, or proper stations for hair and make up when working with models. So we took everything that was absent at other studios and not only make it available to our clients but made it the best of the best. Our end result turned out so well that our space went from being used only as a production studio to doubling as an amazing event venue, which we regularly use to host parties, charity events, press conferences, fashion shows and other creative concepts that have been brought to life here.

Q: Your studio has a very unique look…how would you describe it and what was your studio design inspired by?
A: I would have to describe our interior design as modern safari. One of Boris’ hobbies is to go on safari in Africa and take photographs of exotic wildlife. Being that we have both Barry and Boris’ works on display throughout the studio, we wanted a look that complimented Barry’s edgy modern photography with Boris’ wildlife shots. So overall, the studio has a modern look with a few tasteful animal print accents that ended up coming together very well. We wanted the space to have a very classy, high end feel, and I think we accomplished that.

Q: Why did PHXFW make such a great fit for your brand to sponsor this year?
A: PHXFW is perfect for us. Being that our business is largely photography and videography, a good portion of that is centered around fashion and modeling, it made obvious sense for us to get involved and be apart of PHXFW. We hope to have the opportunity to work with the designers, models, and sponsors of PHXFW in the near future and hopefully be a great benefit to the industry.

Q: How would local fashion industry professionals benefit from your studio?
A: From a photographers stand point, I haven’t met one who hasn’t loved working in the studio. As I said before, it was our goal to be able to cater to them in a way no one else has, and we have had nothing but positive feedback from our past clients. As far as the designers and models are concerned, Studio 3D is fortunate to have one of the best all around photographers, Barry Gossage, as our in-house photographer. He has been the team photographer for the Phoenix Suns for the past 16 years and has worked with many designers, major brands, and celebrities including BMW, Alice Cooper, Sportique Apparel, and more! Some of his work can be seen at http://www.barrygossagephoto.com. Whether you a designer needing photos for an ad campaign or a model looking to put together an impressive diverse portfolio, Barry is exceptional in all aspects.

Q: Tell us about the Industry Mixer event you are hosting at your studio on August 18th!
A: Our Industry Mixer is something that we are very excited about. Being that we are new to PHXFW, we are excited about adding to our event roster and hosting an exclusive VIP event for those involved in PHXFW. We have a growing list of sponsors that we are fortunate to have benefiting the event, such as Heineken, Vitamin Water, Verve Energy Drink, Buddha Brothers Cigars, EtwoIII Entertainment, 944 magazine, and a few others. We will have a well known local DJ playing throughout the night, bartenders and cocktail waitresses serving drinks, and catered food. Overall, our goal is just to supply a good time for everyone invited and have a fun night.

Q: What can you offer to the local media/fashion community that makes you stand out in the crowd?
A: If it’s for a shoot or business related I think a clean, comfortable, professional work environment is what we provide. And if it’s for an event or fashion show, I think it would just be our space as a whole, being that it was built by artists for artists I don’t think there is any better place for designers, photographers, painters etc. to display their talent. . We also showcase local artists of all crafts on our Facebook page to help get their work seen by our fans and followers, which is another way we try and support local talent.

Q: Any other comments you want to share?
A: On behalf of everyone at Studio 3D thank you to all of you at PHXFW for getting us involved this year and we look forward to continuing our relationship for many years. If people want to check us out on the web or would like to inquire about booking the Studio, visit our website. You can also check us out and like us on Facebook, Thank you again!

Thanks Nate!

Don’t forget to join Studio 3D and Phoenix Fashion Week this Saturday for our Industry Mixer! To RSVP, email lauren@phoenixfashionweek.com. 

Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

Fashion Through the Lens

Photographer Mikel Florman

Fashion and photography have always gone hand in hand. Fashion allows photography to tell stories and capture images beyond reality while photography helps sell fashion as well as imbed a dramatic scene in someone’s mind

“Fashion and photography just need each other,” said Mikel Florman, owner of Mikel Florman Photography and official in-house photographer for Phoenix Fashion Week. “Fashion wouldn’t be that great without photography. You may get to see a runway show or find clothes in stores, but after that you don’t really have anything else. Photography can help capture a runway show, so when it’s over you still have something to look at.”

Fashion photography possesses both commercial and artistic abilities.On the commercial level, fashion photography can also help produce profits. Fashion magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire and Elle are very popular today. The glamourous and creative ads that fill their pages help sell the magazines and attract readers’ eyes, often causing readers to then purchase the products displayed.

“The way a design is captured makes a world of a difference when trying to sell it. The fashion world benefits from great photographers assisting in the selling of the product,” Stella Crowl, owner and photographer for Style Image Studios, and media team member of Phoenix Fashion Week.

According to popphoto.com, “Fashion imagery, at its best, merges art and psychology, enabling viewers to escape into a world of illusion while depicting the styles and symbols that define the real world we live in.” By showing a bright pigment of a new handbag or capturing the twirl in a models gown and she struts down the runway, fashion photography can take an individual to another mindset and help them escape the stresses of every day life.

Through media like fashion magazines, photography often shoots scenes of a different time period or an exotic location. By

Photographer Stella Crowl in action

working together with stylists, models, and make-up and hair teams, photographers express the full essence of an outfit or accessory while also telling a story. When fashion photographers combine such elements their work becomes art.

“Every artist has their own vision of what a product is and should represent,” said Crowl. “So, a designer may see something a certain way, and a photographer is there to enhance it and describe in film what they see in the product. The designer tells the story and the photographer paints the picture.”

 

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Article by Erin Kennedy for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com