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
I need those purple shoes in my life!!! I love the outfits in Janell’s photoshoot! Fabulous!
Gotta love those YSL’s. The shoes in this shoot had to be my favorite!
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.
Love it!
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!!!!
I always loved these pictures. They tell such an incredible story. Janell is beautiful. Styling perfect.
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.
FAB! I held my breath throughout the pics!