From the Boardroom to the Weight Room
Thursday, July 21, 2011
I always enjoy styling my family and friends for events and photo shoots. It’s a testament to my skill, and speaks volumes of my craft when the people that knew me as an industrial engineer want to hire me as a fashion stylist. So, when I received the call about a photo shoot last August from Sterling, my good friend/fraternity brother, I was more than ready to make this brother FLY-ER!
Sterling works for the government, or as we say in D.C., “gubment,” and is a fitness model/bodybuilder on the side. He wanted some updates to his portfolio, so he flew to Miami Labor Day weekend for a small vacation and lifestyle photo shoot. During the offseason, Sterling is at his leanest maintained by a very strict workout and diet regimen.
After a long day of shopping and fittings, I thought we would indulge in some fattening grub, however I was sadly mistaken. Sterling whipped out this Ziploc bag of yams and an UNSEASONED, UN-FRIED chicken breast, then proceeded to have “dinner.” *deep, bacon-filled sigh* While my mind respected his regimen, my stomach politely walked to Five Guys and scarfed down a real meal.
The shoot was photographed by Creative Hostel co-inhabitant, Cendino Teme. I picked locations throughout South Beach and Miami to reflect Sterling’s personality and diverse looks. We had a great time working together, and I know it will not be our last. This shoot demonstrated the difference in lifting weights vs. lifting strips of bacon. I may have picked up some tips on physical fitness, but Sterling learned a thing or two about fashion.” Enjoy!
P.S.: The cigar was only for effect; no judgment.
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Rockin' Steady with Di'Ja
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
It is always a pleasure working with emerging recording artists. Not only are they purpose-driven and humble, but hungry. Often, that hunger and passion resonates throughout their sound and personality. The same can be said and much, much more about Nigerian/Sierra Leonean/Lebanese singer-songwriter, Di’Ja.
Last August, Di’Ja, born Hadiza Blell, reached out to me about styling and creative directing her next photo shoot. After listening to her hit single, Rock Steady, and reading her bio, I was excited to get to work with my first Nigerian-born starlet. *waves green & white flag* Di’Ja’s cultural background radiates through her unique sound as her music effortlessly merges pop, R&B and a hint of reggae. Like most Nigerians, Di’Ja is also degreed UP! She earned dual bachelor’s degrees with majors in psychology and biology, before pursuing what she knew to be her destiny: entertainment.
Her energy is infectious. If you ever have the opportunity to meet Di’Ja, you’ll know what I mean; people gravitate toward her as if they already know she’s a superstar. Once Di’Ja and I had our initial consultation, I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game. The looks had to match her diversity in sound and culture without losing her as an artist. Di’Ja’s unique personality simply had to emanate through every look. I immediately enlisted the help of some amazing designers to bring my vision to life:
Dominique Auxilly: Look (1 &3), coral dress, and look (7), pewter dress.
Parfait Designs by Esosa: Look (4), unity skirt.
Delilah Johnson: Look (5), babydoll dress.
Artistic Aya: Look (5), paper earrings & bracelet and printed purse.
After pulling from designers, I went shopping to complete each look, and found great pieces from Betsey Johnson, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Steve Madden and ALDO. The mix of custom designs and off-the-rack pieces were the perfect fusion for the shoot.
As a fashion stylist, it is not only important to listen with your ears, but also with your eyes. Clients speak to you in many different forms and it’s your job to pick up on the minute details. Where possible, I infuse elements of my clients’ personal style. It provides them a fresh perspective on how to wear pieces in their current wardrobe. Using some of Di’Ja’s jewelry and shoes for this shoot ultimately helped her own each look.
The story below is what happens when an amazing team works with an even more amazing artist.
- Like Di’Ja’s Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/DiJa/184440925984
- Listen to her music on MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/musicdija
- Follow Di’Ja on Twitter - @aphroDIJA
- Download Di’Ja’s new single, Private Room on iTunes – http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/private-show-single/id435835147
***Photographer, Elton Anderson, Hair Stylist, R. Nicole Jenkins, MUA, Leontyne Reaves
30 Comments
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Damon
Okay, kay, kay… Impressive as usual! Keep up the good work.
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Gorgeous photos!!
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Kaven
Great write up and equally amazing images! I love Di’Ja’s sound. Looking forward to hearing more.
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Wow.. this is dope. I know Elton and i he does amazing work. Very exciting…
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Lelsey
I’m an aspiring fashion stylist and I really appreciate the tips you provide in your posts. I hope you continue letting us be apart of your journey. YOUR ROCK!
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Ummmm where can I get the jacket in the second to last row of pictures? I am serious Apuje!!!
No Really, I am Serious. -
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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
12 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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Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say superb blog!
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Great post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Kudos!
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We took her in for what I thought was a lick granuloma which is a sore from excessive licking and biting that was on her leg. The vet gave me some solution and steroids for the sore. A week later she was not getting better so we took her back to our vet.
23 Comments
Why Sterling look like DJ Drama on the pay phone pic though…
LOL @ Fabo & Kels…Not DJ Drama…But I have to agree. Good work per usual, Kalu….
You killed this Apuje! Very nice shoot!DOPE STYLE!
Hope you’re updating daily.. Would love to read up on more of your posts!
Yes please!!!
You sure his other side side hobby isn’t being a model? Because he got that down pat. OMWord. Great, great photos. My favorite is him jumping over the rail. Nice. Fantastic job with the shoot, Apuje.
oh my damn he is FINE
Fabian… why was i thinking the SAME thing tho…. #dead
This shoot is Dope… you can truly tell someone that takes their craft seriously, from those that simply put clothes together and take pictures. The pieces, the composition, everything! Great work Apuje!
There is only one way to describe not only the photographs but the fashions you put together HOT!! Apuje you’ve always had a cutting edge and great sense of style. I only wish that I could hire you to ADD some style to this teachers life.
amazing job frat!
Wow, NICE!!! Now why didn’t you call me for grooming???!! LOL =) Awesome work Apuje…
LOL, this was before we met last September. Next time I’ll be sure to reach out.
Puje, I know I am supposed to be looking at the styling here, but I must say your subject is distracting, to say the least. lol In all seriousness, you know how I feel, so in short…Apuje does it again!
What is his number? #jesustakethewheel I love the versatility of each outfit. He wears them all well. He actually wears nothing well too…
Styling is on point and he’s a freakin hottie! LOL!
Good God. Bless your heart. Jesus take the wheel indeed. But.. Jesus can’t drive. Save us all.
Dopeness! Loved this Apuje!
Ummm he fine. Is he single. #famulife
Love the styling choices Apuje! Your frat brother, aka the model, wasn’t too bad to look at either.
Great website man, hope it lasts
Hope you keep updating, I will be back and read up on more of your interesting stuff 
You really make it seem so easy together with your presentation however I to find this matter to be actually one thing that I think I’d by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and very wide for me. I am looking ahead on your subsequent post, I’ll try to get the cling of it!
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