I tried to think of a name for this project, but I came up with nothing. Truth is, these are real women doing real things. Period. I hate seeing a high fashion add with a model in the middle of the desert in an extravagant gown with no water or food. Great picture but it’s not practical. Commercial and catalog adds are always cheesy too. So, I wanted something more natural and realistic. Have models do everyday things effortlessly. (walking the dog, leaving the nail salon, laundry)
I've had a list of women I followed through social media or have met during social events that I wanted to work with. I didn't feel like going through the motions of finding models, so I made this the perfect opportunity to collaborate with everyone all at once. Every woman involved in this project is pursuing a career in style/fashion. Whether it be modeling, styling, or designing. I wanted everyone to benefit from their pictures by styling themselves for their own portfolio.
Models:
Top Left Corner: Sheree. Personal Style Blogger. I discovered Sheree on Instagram (__Vixxenn). I have always admired the way she takes risks with her wardrobe. Sheree was photo’d walking the dog and sucking on a lollipop at the corner store. Something girly and innocent, which was the vibe she gave me when I met her. Subscribe to her Tumblr vixxenn.tumblr.com
Top Right Corner: Tabbitha. Aspiring Model and Songstress. Tabbitha is just simply beautiful to me. I used Tabbitha for both a pool scene and the pay phone. I wanted nothing but attitude and that's exactly what she gave! She was photo’d at the corner store looking aggravated and distressed but flawless.
Middle Left: Caridad. Designer of Legacy Custom. Caridad was such a joy to work with. My idea for the laundry room was ratchet but still of some class and her loud outgoing personality made her perfect for that particular scene. She was stunning even in a white tee and shorts.
Bottom Left Corner: Shantel of Soiree. Designer. Shantel and I met at a social event and she reeked model. I love her bone structure her long legs and her designing skills. Body Con Queen! Shantel was photo’d leaving the nail salon. "It's Friday, I just got paid, I look cute, and I just got my nails done." Typical women things right?! Shop soireestyles.bigcartel.com
Middle Right: Mea: Fashion Consultant. Mea is a bomb full figured model. She helps to style and build women insecure with their size and wardrobe. Mea serves face too so all I wanted her to do was to walk to the car. It’s something about getting dressed, feeling good and officially starting your day. She portrayed that to the tee.
MUA: Sawana and I have wanted to work together for years! This was our moment. She slayed each and every face I placed in front of her. Each girl had a different look and style of makeup. Whether it was sharp, colorful, or bronzed she gave them all a beat! Instagram: @Saimua28
Photographer: Taylor Hyde. I told her what I wanted and my vision became hers. She is both a photographer and designer so she knew all the angles to shoot. Treat yourself and follow/shop @_taylor_ genereuxwear.com.
All I really wanted was a reason to have a whole bunch of black, beautiful, talented, powerful women around me. To show people scenes from reality shows are not everyone's reality. Women especially black women can sit amongst one another, circulate energy, and create this. Black Magic.
-Jo Battle
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