Category: Behind the Scenes
Be Our Guest…
Friday, October 28, 2011
As a creative professional, there’s no greater feeling than having your talent recognized by one of the largest brands in the world. Last September, LaTanya Beauregard, an art director with Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group, contacted me about styling an editorial for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons Marketing Division. I must admit, when I received the initial email, I was in denial. I wondered why my spam filter didn’t catch the message because THIS was unreal. After a few email exchanges, the contract was solidified; I was to be the fashion stylist for an upcoming wedding editorial and promotional campaign. *pops bottle of sparkling cider while hitting my dougie*
I calmed my nerves, and began two weeks of preparation for the project. LaTanya’s storyboard was laid out perfectly, so I knew the direction. This was one of the first shoots where I wasn’t heavily involved in the planning and concept creation; I was slightly apprehensive. Mickey Mouse and I go back like cornrows – naturally, I did not want to let him down. However, once the contract was signed, Mickey was the least of my concerns.I was legally bound to produce awesomeness.
To ensure I was on the same page as the team, I had conference calls with Mark Drennen, the producer, and LaTanya. We established a budget, virtually ran through the shoot and made sure I was equipped with all necessary information to do an amazing job.
Once I arrived in Orlando, I had access to the entire Disney costume vault. Can you say “OVERWHELMING?” It was surreal. To actually hold your childhood in your hand brought on many bouts of nostalgia. *cues Somewhere Over the Rainbow* Once I perused the vast inventory, I pulled the actual crown and jewels of Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella’s glass slipper and Prince Charming’s tuxedo and scepter. Wedding gowns were pulled from designer Alfred Angelo, and I went shopping to complete the looks.
Instead of hiring models, Greg and Kristen Griffin, an actual couple married at Disney World,were cast for the campaign. This was a nice touch – there’s nothing like feeling the love and genuine happiness on set. LaTanya assembled a rockstar team and I was happy to be apart. Enjoy some behind the scenes photos and the editorial below.
***Photography and concept was for Disney’s Fairy tale Weddings & Honeymoons Marketing Division. Photographer, Diana Zalucky, Hair/MUA, Ana Rivera
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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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Veronica
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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Aja Chandler
Apuje, your Epicurean! days gave you great preparation to find pieces within a short time frame on a specific budget,
. Great job as always.
10 Comments
I was THRILLED to work with you on this shoot! It was amazing to see everything come to life in these photos after the fact. Nothing made me happier was to have 3 Famuans working on a shoot for one of the biggest brands in the world!! I wish you continued success!
-Maki
Congrats Apuje! That’s huge, and SO fun!
This is awesome man. You never cease to amaze me. I’m proud of you brother. Continue to strive for your dreams and never look back. Great things in store for you. God Bless!- TRG3
Great job as usual!
WOW! Congratulations, Apuje! This is a big, big deal. I can imagine the awe of walking through that Disney vault. I think I would’ve fainted. ha! Anywho, love the editorial! What I like the best is that a real couple was used for the editorial. Nice touch.
Great job, the wardrobe is literally a fairytale!
Wow Apuje! This is so very very awesome!!! You are so truly talented and it’s exciting to see you ever moving forward. Keep pushing!
Wow, what an experience! Congrats.
It was awesome to work with you.. You did a great job. I just checked out your blog and saw this post and it felt like we were right back on the set in the middle of the Magic Kingdom. Your portfolio of work is amazing and I wish you much success! Thanks for your help on this.. I agree with Courtney it was great to have 3 Famu Alum working together.
Thanks so much, LaTanya Beauregard
Can we say movin on up!? SO proud of you Good Brother! Its acknowledgments that come at random that show the most respect for your work.
Word Up!