Styled by byChez: Action!
I wrote a couple of weeks ago about a really cool project I got to work on, but I couldn’t say much more than that. Now I can. Imagine styling two top models in a swanky New York apartment for a luxury lingerie shoot with one of the most respected photographers in the business. That’s what I did.
America’s Next Top Model standout Eugena Washington, designer and model Mel Rose, and photographer Chris LaPointe—they’re very different yet all really good at what they do. I’ve worked on shows, shoots and other events, and even been around a few celebrities, but this was different. I’ve admired their work for a long time, through billboards, magazines, print campaigns and runway shows, but never thought I’d be working directly with them.
So here we go: Steamer on, outfits laid out, we’re ready for a final fit, hair/makeup check, shoes and accessories. Chris lets us know that he’s just about all set up with the cameras. I begin to wrap up the first look. We go from soft to edgy in our takes, and if you’ve worked with photographers and makeup, then you know it’s easier to build on a look rather than have to re-do after every set.
Action: Eugena is up first. I have her in an Ivory Bridal set from Valery. When reviewing this collection at the CurveNY trade show, I remember being stunned by it. I’m stunned again when I see her in it. The pussy willows and Eugena are a perfect—she moves very naturally, effortlessly, as if she’s in a field and the wind is blowing through her hair. It certainly doesn’t feel like we were in an apartment in New York City. I’m in awe.
Up next is Miss Mel Rose. She’s a ball of fire—full of energy, she lights up a room. I decide that her first take will be in Valery as well, but it’s different look—something soft enough for the daytime but hard enough to roll at night with a glamorous edge. A black balconnet bra designed with lace, tulle and a laddered affect with the matching hi-waisted panty. This playfully edgy set definitely has a retro-vibe to it. These women are rocking it!
The two merge and complement each other in everything…pose, outfit (with a bit of my help), look, personality. This is the essence of teamwork and, boy, am I happy that they chose me as Creative Director and Stylist.
So here’s a sneak peek at just some of the pictures. But it doesn’t end there.
Next up, it moves! We have our own byChez Lingerie Boutique commercial—and if I say so myself, it’s beautiful. Own it!
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- byChez Designer Lingerie Boutique
Open House at byChez
This is my first Lingerie Open House, and I’m nervous.
After all, this isn’t really a showroom. It’s my home, and I want to make sure that everyone feels welcome. I’ve filled the room with a calming and lavender scent, and there’s some great music playing–cool, melodic, like sitting on the beach during a beautiful summer afternoon.
Right there in my living room are two rolling racks set up with my babies: beautiful, endearing intimate apparel from Clo Intimo, La Fee Verte, Elle Macpherson, Samantha Chang, Valery Prestige and Fleur of England, with the newest entries from Claudette andFortnight Lingerie. I’m ready!
The guest start arriving, and my friend Angelique, who helps with everything, greets each with a glass of Rose’. I step up and take them around. They’re in my world now, and I love them for it.
It’s not only about lingerie–we like our guilty pleasures, don’t we? My dear friend (I’m blessed in this department) Kate Bazazian of Katy’s Kakes has come up with an unbelievable array of glam deserts: chocolate covered cake lollipops, almond petite fours, pink whoopee pies(yes, pink) and strawberry cheesecake and crumbled graham. Oh, yeah…these ladies are in a sweet and sinful place.
Now, back to the real fun. The lingerie is sorted by the most popular categories: Luxe, Classic, New Arrivals, Current and Sale. There’s something for everyone, though budget really isn’t necessarily an issue for these lovers of fine knickers, who shop by impulse. I’m there for them as they browse the gallery, giving tips and background. I also offer personalized bra fittings for anyone who needs it, which is everyone(did you know that 85% ofAmerican women who go to a fitting find that they’ve been wearing the wrong bra size?) I’ve prepared my bedroom for this purpose, with fresh-cut flowers and a screen they could step behind.
At first everyone is behind the screen, but the feeling of sisterhood soon settles in, and comfort replaces privacy. I’m quickly styling and fitting five or six women at one time! It’s like we say at byChez Boutique, it’s an intimate affair–own it! These ladies sure did.
You know that our goal at byChez Lingerie boutique is to be a one-stop shop, so we have some other kinds of fun too: posh pleasure objects (for entertainment only) from Lelo, the Swedish based market leader in this special area. There’s an interactive table with three of Lelo’s most popular releases, fully charged and ready to go. And I’ve highlighted Motives for LaLa Cosmetics, the new make-up line from LaLa Vazquez, former VJ and now wife of Knicks star Carmello Anthony. The guests are gong crazy–disposable lip gloss, eye shadow applicators, just gorgeous. And soon, it’ll be right here.
As they leave, I make sure each guest has a personal and handmade gif bag from me. Wish I could tell you what’s in it, but I won’t–come to the next one and get your own. I know I’m having another byChez Boutique Open House soon. It’s just too good!
