Janell-1

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

15 Comments

  • A Diva State of Mind · Posted Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 9:01 pm · Link · Reply

    I need those purple shoes in my life!!! I love the outfits in Janell’s photoshoot! Fabulous!

    • Apuje · Posted Monday, August 30, 2010 at 10:20 am · Link · Reply

      Gotta love those YSL’s. The shoes in this shoot had to be my favorite!

  • Raemu · Posted Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 12:23 am · Link · Reply

    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.

  • Veronica · Posted Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 9:28 am · Link · Reply

    Love it!

  • Vivi · Posted Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 11:57 am · Link · Reply

    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).

  • Raemu · Posted Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 11:33 pm · Link · Reply

    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!!!!

  • J. Bland · Posted Sunday, September 5, 2010 at 3:35 am · Link · Reply

    I always loved these pictures. They tell such an incredible story. Janell is beautiful. Styling perfect.

  • Kerri E. · Posted Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 6:15 pm · Link · Reply

    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.

  • Chandia · Posted Monday, September 27, 2010 at 5:22 pm · Link · Reply

    FAB! I held my breath throughout the pics!

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3WB-0

3whobelieve inc. ◊ i too can be president

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

September of 2009, I was asked to style and direct my first campaign for 3whobelieve inc. *bbm dancing face* with no budget and a week to execute in a city I did not live *bbm straight face*. Initially, this seemed like a daunting task, but hey, I graduated from a HBCU (Historically Black College or University) and have seen tougher times *waits for AMEN Corner to chime in & gives neighbor a high 5*. But honestly, what compelled me to take on this project was the message behind burgeoning brand and the story of its inception.

3whobelieve inc. was created by 3 friends, Bernice, Joy and Kristin who found inspiration and hope in the new birth of  freedom that now offers opportunities without limits to all Americans, regardless of race, creed, or color. The core mission of their brand is to design clothing that promotes positive messages to all people with a twist of style, funk, and social awareness. In addition to its clothing line, 3whobelieve inc. provides charitable funds to creative minds and effective institutions committed to empowering, uplifting, and inspiring people to be catalysts for positive change.

Check out this video for a behind the scenes view into how the project came together.

Video: i too can be president.

***Special thanks to Photographer, Elton Anderson, Make-Up Artist, Mia Scott, Videographer, George Twopointoh, and Lauren Grant for making this day possible.

20 Comments

  • courtney savoy · Posted Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 10:35 am · Link · Reply

    i smile looking at these. bravo

    • Apuje · Posted Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 10:58 am · Link · Reply

      Its a proud day for me as well Court! That’s one of my favorite t-shirts.

  • Adeleke · Posted Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 10:52 am · Link · Reply

    Inspiring work man… Your talent keeps evolving.

    • Apuje · Posted Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 10:59 am · Link · Reply

      Preciate ya my Naija Broda

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    Beautiful photos!!

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