Month: August, 2010
The Power of @twitter ◊ Resistance is Futile
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
While there are many people who are still against social networking, *bbm confused face* I’m a huge fan. Being on Twitter for close to a year and a half has helped me spark new friendships, solidify others, establish my online brand and make great connections. Case in point, my friend @jayfierce saw a tweet from @AdrienField, the fashion market editor for Vibe Magazine who needed an assistant for a Miami video shoot. He immediately thought of me and started to blow my phone up.
After three attempts, @jayfierce was finally able to reach me. What can I say; I’m a busy man! He informed me about the opportunity and provided the contact information. After doing my research, I sent @AdrienField an e-mail expressing my interest in working with him if he felt my skill set matched his need. He replied, “You might be over qualified given your portfolio, but I would love to have you on set.” And I exclaimed, “As long as I’m not getting the crew coffee and doughnuts, I’m down.” I know @AdrienField was probably thinking, #ohyoufancyhuh, lol.
At any rate, after a few more e-mail exchanges, I found out I would work with him styling the six featured girls in Trey Songz’s newest smash hit, Bottoms Up featuring Nicki Minaj, as well as Trey’s new single, Can’t Be Friends. Can you say, “Excited much?!?!” All I could do was thank the Lord above for continuously blessing me with these opportunities … oh, and @twitter too.
Video shoots are a laborious process. Some can span over two days and there’s a lot, I mean, A LOT of waiting between sets. However, when you see the final product, it’s almost always worth it.
Check out the season finale of Trey Songz: My Moment tonight on BET, 10 p.m. ET/9 CT, where you can see behind the scenes footage of Bottoms Up. View the full video below; the girls look quite delectable if I do say so myself! #YUUUUUUP
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Happy Birthday MJ ◊ A Fashion Story
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Where were you when news broke that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson died? I was in Harlem, NY, home of the Black Renaissance, just one block from the legendary Apollo Theatre. True to form, Rev. Al Sharpton was one of the first figureheads on scene and quickly consoled a growing crowd of devastated fans. Stereos from every corner played MJ tunes while nostalgia filled the air as people cried, laughed and danced in the streets. It was a true life and legacy celebration of the greatest entertainer of all time. *pulls sequined glove out of pocket* Of course, I had to join in and city boy slide one time for ya’ boy *in my best South Florida accent* as Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough played in my head. #iLoveFAMU
I was also in the middle of my first lifestyle shoot with VH1 & CNN correspondent, not to mention huge Michael Jackson fan, Janell Snowden. She has to be one of the coolest and most supportive people I’ve ever met. One look into the shoot, Janell’s phone started to blow up with calls from CNN to be on a panel within the hour. In my mind, I’m thinking, “Party done”. *Jamaican accent* “This shoot is about be rescheduled.” However, in a world/city of people that jumped in reaction to MJ’s death, Janell insisted we stay the course, demonstrating our mutual passion for fashion. *bbm surprised face* Not many people in Janell’s position would have passed up that opportunity. It spoke volumes about her character as a journalist and person. It’s a pleasure to work in this industry with people that share your passion; the end product is always better. Check out Janell’s fashion story with a special MJ tribute in the last look.
***Photographer, Elton Anderson
9 Comments
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I need those purple shoes in my life!!! I love the outfits in Janell’s photoshoot! Fabulous!
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Gotta love those YSL’s. The shoes in this shoot had to be my favorite!
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Love, Love, Love the shoes, concepts, & the realism oozing from the beginning photos where residents are “one” and swallowing that dreaded pill that the King of Pop is….gone.
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Veronica
Love it!
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Loving the blue flower dress & the nude shoes.
I remember being at home when I first got the news of MJ. I was actually watching TV and my sis calls from LA. “OMG, people on the streets saying Michael is dead.” Yeah right, I said. Turned on CNN; reports coming that he was in a coma. Yelled at my sis that MJ ain’t dead cause CNN said so. Then I went on TMZ and it was confirmed, that infact, he was dead. I was flabbergasted (we’re gonna overlook the fact that I believe TMZ over CNN). -
Love, Love, Love the shoes, concepts, & the realism oozing from the beginning photos where residents gather as “one” (i.e.no beef, no hating, nada) and swallowing that dreaded pill that the KIng of Pop is….gone.
p.s. im absolutely IN LOVE with those shoes ft’d in the last 2 looks!!!!
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J. Bland
I always loved these pictures. They tell such an incredible story. Janell is beautiful. Styling perfect.
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Kerri E.
OMG! I love the New York energy in this shoot. Its nothing like New York…I mean nothing. I’ve seen Janell on VH1 and she is absolutely amazing! Keep up the good work Apuje.
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Chandia
FAB! I held my breath throughout the pics!
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Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Forget keeping up with the Jones – I’m trying to keep up with the Kardashians! Well, not really, lol. Earlier this year, I styled Carrie and Donovan of Next Models Miami. Carrie starred in the first season of Khloe and Kourtney Take Miami as an employee of DASH Boutique and Donovan was a new face to the agency.
For this shoot, I chose to keep the styling simple. I wanted to focus on the chemistry I could pull from the models to strengthen my creative direction skills. Carrie was a natural in front of the camera, while Donovan required a bit more coaching. This is often the case with newer models. I had to create stories and concepts to evoke the right emotion out of Donovan, in addition to posing him on set.
Seasoned models tend to change position every time the camera’s shutter clicks. New faces – eehhhhh, not so much. That’s one of the reasons agencies set up test shoots with different photographers. It helps the inexperienced models create a portfolio, get comfortable behind the camera, learn how to take direction, and work with various shooting styles. It’s a testament to the photography team if they can foster the right energy to capture great shots. Who knows, the images from your test shoot could be the ones to propel a model’s career to the top. *crosses fingers*
***Photographer, Elton Anderson, Hair/MUA, Jay Fierce, Producer, Tia Smith
5 Comments
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I really love this shoot! Its is DOPE! Good direction.I might b doing another shoot soon will keep u posted! Nice work:-)
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Aja Chandler
As usual, great work!!! The picture with the Carrie on the skateboard rocking the fadora is fun. I absolute LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the 3rd look. I see you added your personal touch with the bowtie!.
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I try to bring in a bow tie when appropriate lol. Thanks for checking out my blog Aja!
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Gavin
Dude! What’s Carrie’s #? In all seriousness the shoot is great. I love stories you tell around each post. Very well written.
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I could not tell Donovan was nervous. You did a great job creative directing this shoot!
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Right Place. Right Time.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
After a two-month hiatus from Miami, I returned to the Creative Hostel to continue work on launching my website and blog. Unbeknownst to me, Toye Adedipe, a fellow FAMU alum and celebrity stylist, had taken up residence at the Hostel for the weekend. He was in town to style Island Def Jam recording artist Git Fresh Crew’s debut album artwork, and video for their hit single, She Be Like. *singing* Bom Bom Bom…1st round!
While on location styling the seven looks for the album, Toye called and asked if I could come on set to help out for awhile. At that point, I had been up all night putting the finishing touches on my site and blog, but nonetheless, I obliged and hopped in a cab to downtown Miami. It was a great opportunity I was not going to pass up. Besides, sleep is for the weary, and I have moves to make, lol.
After a $20, three-pack cab ride (Sidebar: As a freelance stylist, I count every penny, and equate it to packs of bacon or a meal. $20 = 3 really good packs of bacon or 3.5 meals), I arrived on set and immediately asked Toye how I could be of assistance. Tape shoes? Don’t mind if I do! I have a patent pending technique that will ensure most shoes can go back to the store after being worn. *bbm lips are sealed face* In the middle of my fourth pair of shoes, Toye comes over and tells me the creative direction for tomorrow’s video has changed. He has to stay on set to finish styling the other looks and needs me to go shopping. Toye hands me the keys to a rental car, $2,500 in cash, and gives me a brief description of the three-member group’s aesthetic.
Can we say OVERWHELMED? It was the middle of rush hour traffic, and I had just been tasked with getting three looks apiece with options within a specific color range for each member of Git Fresh Crew. With a smile on my face and book bag on my back, I headed to the mall to GET ‘ER DONE. Needless to say I shut the mall down. I wanted to make sure Toye was in good position to style tomorrow morning because there would be no time for mall runs.
Back at the Hostel, Toye reviewed my pulls and was extremely pleased. A number of looks, including the literal shirt off my back were used in the video. It goes to show that when you’re destined to do anything, your steps are ordered. You just have to be quiet, watch for the signs and follow the path. I could have stayed in DC until I launched my website and blog, however something told me to go to Miami, and I listened.
Check out some behind the scenes pics and the video below….Bing Bing Bing…It’s going down!
13 Comments
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Arminta
You are such an inspiration!!!!
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Dope. Ok Cuz, I see You. “Doing BIG things.” keep up the good work!
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Hey Cuz! Its good to hear from you. Thanks for the support. More “Big Things” on the horizon, so stay tuned.
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What a blessing! Continue to be inspired and work hard the way you do! It will alllll pay off in the end! You are an inspiration to those that are pursuing their dreams as well!
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Mr. FineBoyNoPimple
My broda has done it again!!!!! Keep up the good work nwanne’m. The sky is the limit for you. Question, what happens with the clothes when the shoot is over? I could use a few donations lol. stay blessed bro!
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That is the best story I have read all summer. I am a big fan of both you and Toye. I like when people work together.
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The FAMU Connections runs deep. You never know where we’re going to be. Thanks for the comment big homie.
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Congratulations on the opportunity! Sorry I missed you in Miami but that’s ok, you were working hard down there!! I agree with Arminta, you are definitely an inspiration! Keep up the GREAT work!
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Attayah Ali
Love love love it Puje. Your steps are definitely ordered. But you know I’m dying to know which shirt was yours, lol. You definitely shut the mall down…who but you could pull a rabbit tail as an accessory. You are sick wit it.
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LOL…its in the all black look. Penny (with the Caesar) has on my black shirt with the gold snake on it. It’s actually the same shirt that I have on in my Facebook avatar.
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Jen
I continue to be impressed by your hustle and professionalism. Can I be the President of the Apuje Kalu fan club? Please and Thank you.
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Have I told you I love you today Jen? Sure you can be the President, lol.
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Apuje, your Epicurean! days gave you great preparation to find pieces within a short time frame on a specific budget,
. Great job as always.
18 Comments
#salute
That is a great look and I can speak from expereince too on how Twitter can boost careers and create new opportunities for people. This is a great blog post and it definitely hit home. Hopefully, others utilize Twitter for more than a soapbox…
Good job Bro! Congrats on the blessings.
congrats on the great opportunity! i’m sure more opportunities like that will soon follow.
I worry about people that dont tweet! I mean, are they still rocking hi-top fades too?! It’s rapidly become more uselful to me that FB ever was
I am so proud of you @apuje!! You gave me my first lessons in tweeting a little over a year ago, now I’m a certified tweeter! And I owe it all to you
Honestly, I love all social media, especially @twitter, it’s been really instrumental to the work of @DivasMPH in the community! <– [follow us!] #socialmediarocks
XOXO,
@miss_madie
Congrats on all the good work Bro! May continued success come your way!
And @twitter is OKAY….LOL!
Congrats on that bro! Im glad that your dreams are truly becoming a reality!!!
I was initially a Twitter doubter. Did not understand the appeal. Now, I have seen the light (Hallelujah)! Especially for business people, like yourself. Congratulations on your recent assignment! Hopefully, more will come your way.
Congrats!
**leaves Post-It note** Dear Apuje, Curtis was here. That’s all.
Oh by the way…CONGRATS, LB!!
LOL
#okbye
Congratulations Mr. Kalu on this amazing project. I am so blessed to have friends and FamilE! like you and it’s great to see fellow young urban “professionals” truly following their dreams! Keep rockin it!
Great job bro, I’m happy to see the blessings poor out to young professionals like youself. You inspire me to keep going and keep praying. Congrats!!! B-)
wow freakin amazin Apuje!!!! congrats and i know many more BIG opportunities will be coming ur way #Amen yeaaaa <~trigga's voice
Apuje, I remember you telling me about this shoot. Social networking is such a powerful tool… great post!
Very enlightening and beneficial to someone whose been out of the circuit for a long time.
-Murk
I too, can attest the the usefulness of social networking in building business and creating new opportunities. But we must remember that even when opportunities are present, we must be prepared to take advantage…Your skill proved you were! Congrats and as always, I am so very proud of you! xoxoxo
This is so true Apuje! I started an intense Internet campaign last year&it has helped my buisness tremendously. FB&Twitter has exsposed my work to alot of ppl all over the world. I also have made new connections with other barbers that I follow so we have a cool camaraderie which is great