Posts Tagged ‘XI Exclusive Photos’

Last night the pink carpet was rolled out and the fabulous men and women in entertainment came out for the 2nd annual Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network Awards (WEEN).

The carpet was poppin’ with celebs! Everyone from Oprah’s BFF Gayle King, to the beautiful Nia Long in a red strapless dress to Bilal who stopped by (freckles, faux hawk and all) right before heading to his NY listening session. It was all smiles and bling and wonderful compliments from everyone XI spoke to regarding the recipients.

Honored this year were Nia Long, Latoya Luckett, international HIV/AIDS Activist Hydeia Broadbent, Angie Martinez, Soledad O’Brien, and Esther Silver-Parker. Presenters and entertainment included Estelle, Bilal, Lyfe Jennings, Mashonda, Kandi Buress and more!

Board member Alesha Renee spoke to XI and expressed how excited she is that WEEN provides mentorship and education, along with encouragement and support to its members via programs and mentor/mentee initiatives. Comedienne Kim Coles (looking adorable in her black v-neck jersey dress and gorgeous neck-piece) said that WEEN was amazing for supporting and celebrating these amazing women. And social media maven Necole Bitchie expressed that she was there to support Alesha and the honorees and that she does her best as a woman to share info with and support other women in the business.

I had an amazing night! Our Director of Photography, Brian Everett Francis caught all of the fabulous photos below and videographer José Arias caught it all on tape! Stylist and today’s Guest Blogger, Zulema George had me dolled up in a one-shoulder all white sheath that everyone complimented throughout the evening. I accessorized with a white Ginger Pinks ruffled, gold chain linked bracelet and strappy nude platforms from Aldo. And to top it off, resident Make-up diva LaQuanna Chong ‘beat’ my face so I’d be glam and camera ready! (P.S. – Kim Coles loved the eyes LQ *wink*) However, the highlight of my night…interviewing and laughing with Gayle! She’s super funny and so down-to-earth!

Definitely check out the pics and look into WEEN membership if you are interested in some form of entertainment mentorship! Wisdom says seek assistance from those that have done it right…and these ladies are definitely the personification of ‘doing it right!’

*Click bigger image to enlarge*

On Tuesday, I attended the FAB’s Network (Fashion, Arts and Beauty) one year anniversary at La Pomme in New York City. FAB is a professional consulting firm founded by Jessica Styles. FAB is dedicated to fostering career and social opportunities for young adults to help build and enhance their careers in the world of Fashion, Arts, Beauty and other related industries. The organization provides creative career development services and exclusive industry knowledge that educates and prepares individuals to succeed both professionally and personally. FAB also offers individual services to students, colleges, professionals and companies.

Jessica says the creation of FAB was a direct link to her reflecting on her experience as a post graduate, and the fears and challenges one may face as they transition from student to professional. Jessica’s previous workforce experience as a National Accounts Coordinator for MTV/BET Networks and Education Sales Manager for Givenchy/Emilio Pucci/Guerlain has given her an advantage to help others pursue and accomplish their dreams.

The event was FABulous and everyone in the venue looked amazing!  There was plenty of mingling and dancing as the DJ rocked, and we were treated to a live performance by Universal recording artist Stefani Vara. The moderator of the night was Kela Walker (Emmy-nominated Entertainment/Lifestyle TV personality), and the honorary speaker was Keith Campbell (Celebrity Hairstylist and Author). The panelists in attendance were Laurel DeWitt, Founder & Designer of LaurelLuxe Metal Couture & Jewelry; Hillary Flowers, Boutique Owner, Designer, & Singer/Songwriter; Michelle Miller, Senior Chemist of L’Oreal R&I; and Stephanie Tramontozzi, Independent Artist/Painter, Surface and Variety Accessories Textile Designer.

The panelists addressed a variety of questions from the audience and gave advice on how to succeed in the Fashion, Arts and Beauty business.  They all agreed it’s a lot of hard work but if you have a passion for what you do it’s definitely worth the sacrifice. The panelists also recommended the key to success is networking. Whether you’re looking for your dream job or trying to enhance your business, meeting as many people as you can and using social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook will get the word out and definitely give you the advantage you need to succeed.

I had the opportunity to speak one on one with Keith Campbell the “Hair Architect” and Hillary Flowers.

Keith is well known for his innovative hair cutting techniques and natural flair. He has styled some of the best in the industry such as America’s Next Top Model winner Eva Pigford, singer/songwriter Keri Hilson, and tennis great Serena Williams. Keith told me he doesn’t want to be known as just the “Hair Architect” anymore, and that he would like to be looked at as a beauty consultant. With all of the TV work and makeovers he has done, people are always inquiring about his beauty knowledge.  I asked Keith if he had any advice for women and their hair and he said, “Be your best you, go for a look that will suite your style and not try to always look like someone else.”  His reality TV show, Hair Architect, will be making a comeback the first week of September and it’s based on Keith’s search for an assistant. He currently has a book out called Cuts for Our Infirmities.  To learn more about Keith, visit www.keithcampbell.com.

Hillary Flowers is the owner of Hillary Flowers Designer Collective boutique located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Her boutique allows emerging designers to showcase their own products to directly test the retail market. The designer has control over their inventory and products as well as set their own price points. Hillary consults each designer and assists with PR events and marketing strategies. The products that are sold in the boutique cater to women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, and jewelry. Hillary is also a singer/songwriter who has written and recorded more than 50 original songs in various genres. She has performed at venues around the city – CBGB and The Cutting Room, just to name a few. For more information on Hillary and her boutique, check out her website: www.hillaryflowers.com.

I also had the chance to meet with Kimberly Riley, founder and owner of FSL Cosmetics. As a young child, Kimberly always knew she wanted to have a career in beauty so after earning a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering she set out to make her dreams a reality. In 2009, she started researching and developing formulas for her anticipated color cosmetics line, and in January 2010 FSL Cosmetics was launched. FSL Cosmetics uses high quality botanicals to help improve the skin’s current condition. They incorporate exotic fruits, vitamins, and antioxidants to help protect the skin from the harsh environment. You can check out Kimberly’s line at www.fslcosmetics.com.

Overall the FAB night was a success! I met a lot of wonderful and extraordinary people and made a lot of contacts. Can’t wait until the next event!

To learn more about the FAB Network, visit www.thefabnetwork.com.

Photos by Nathaniel Johnson

Hey beauties… You guys know I’m always combing the streets literally looking for “What’s New. What’s Now. What’s NEXT!” when I discovered this amazing custom hat designer, Hats by Selima, in Henri Bendel. The hat’s designer, Virginie Promeyrat, also creates these adorable little hair accessories called bon bons. She truly blessed us by granting XI exclusive access to her studio and also an inspiring interview… Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

XI: Where are you from?

Virginie: I’m from France, a small elegant lil place called Vichy. It has been referred to as a mini Paris. I grew up there.

XI: How long have you been designing cocktail hats and bon bons?

Virginie: I started designing two years ago, with no formal training.

XI: For those who don’t know exactly what the difference between a cocktail hat & a bon bon, can you please explain?

Virginie: Bon bon in French means sweet. That’s where I got the name. A bon bon is a  mini cocktail hat, it’s either on an elastic band or can be customized by being put on a comb as well. It can worn and taken off and put into your handbag. It’s affordable! Our best seller!

XI: You have some amazing hats for ladies, do you also design hats for men?

Virginie: Yes, I design hats for men. A lot of the men’s hats are custom ordered.

XI: You mentioned that you had no formal training? So that means that you haven’t attended a design school?

Virginie: No time to go to school. I learn everyday. I love hats…just always loved hats. What I want I could find nowhere so I studied on the internet, YouTube, etc… asked a lot of questions and actually it was not so difficult.

XI: If you weren’t designing hats & bon bons, what would you be doing?

Virginie: Being that I spent 10 years trying to find what I wanted to do before hats, I have an MBA in International Business. I’ve done lots of jobs but when I discovered hats I love designing them. I’m doing exactly what I love. I’m so happy to be working on my 4th collection especially in NY where everything is possible.

XI: How do you incorporate the vintage feel with today’s trends without looking like a costume?

Virginie: Every piece can be customized, depends on the client, but I do costumes as well. I use vintage shapes but modernize them by using different materials like Swarovski crystals, chains, feathers and denim. I love to mix old and new, make it young.

XI: Being that you use so many textures and materials would you say that your cocktail hats are one of a kind?

Virginie: Yes, but they can be duplicated if the clients wants.

XI: What inspires you?

Virginie: Every time I do a trip, I get inspiration from local markets. I research the history of where I’m going and their fashion.

XI: We know you sell on your website but where else can we find your creations? In any retail stores?

Virginie: Yes, five Selima Optiques locations. Three Otte locations and Henri Bendel. We’re in Paris, Dubai, Belguim, St. Tropez, and Japan to name a few.

XI: What’s next for Selima?

Virgine: Selima’s known first for glasses and then hats. I don’t know I will make a decision soon. We will get a hand on all accessories.

Check out these unique Hats by Selima photographed exclusively for XI Magazine by Photographer Brian Everett Francis.

**Click bigger image to enlarge**

XI Magazine did a hair & make-up photo shoot to show off some day & night looks for the remainder of this balmy season. Models Tanya, Jasmine, and Makeda show off lovely looks created by LQ Chong & Gabrielle Corney for XI. Media Director Brian Everett Francis and videographer Allan Volcy capture it all! Click here to read the beauty article full of summer hair & make-up tips, and check out all of the behind the scenes footage from our photo shoot only on XI TV!

Check out the behind the scenes footage of our Sizzling Summer Wind-Down Photo Shoot!

It was a hot summer day in New York City and XI Magazine set out to do their Summer Wind-down Hair and Make-Up photo shoot. We were on location in the heart of the Meat Packing district and it was a major production. Spearheading the shoot were Kim Martin (ME!), Fashion/Beauty Contributor and Brian Everett Francis, Director of Photography and Media. Our hair and make-up team on hand were make-up artist La Quanna Chong of LQ Chong Artistry and Gabrielle Corney “Hairstylist to the Stars” and XI Beauty Contributor. The creative brilliance of these two ladies was phenomenal!

Also on scene for the shoot was Khai J. Gordon (Editor in Chief), Llaren V. Wynn (Editor in Chief), and Okema T. Moore (Director of Entertainment) who assisted in directing the shoot.  The team also included several volunteers that so graciously assisted Brian and our staff along with Allan Volcy, Videographer for XI Magazine.

The Models: The subjects of this flagship editorial shoot were three amazing models, each with their own individual looks and styles!

Tanya Lue Tsing – Tanya is a nurse, part-time baker and is also pursuing a modeling career. Tanya has appeared in a commercial, several print ads, hair shows and several fashion shows in the Upstate New York area. Tanya hopes to eventually transition from nursing and pursue her modeling career full time.

Jasmine Williams – Jasmine just recently graduated from college and is currently working in Health Care while pursuing modeling as well. She always dreamt of becoming a model but never had the time to pursue her dream until now. Jasmine is exploring various opportunities while building her portfolio doing print ads and shoots.

Makeda Abraham – Growing up Makeda wanted to become a doctor but always had a creative side to her. When she met her mentor at the age of 15, she was introduced to theater and it changed her life. Makeda decided to start working in theater and after graduating from college she toured with a dance company. Makeda always had an interest in modeling but never really pursued it due to her petite stature.  Height aside, Makeda recently moved to New York to pursue the arts full time, including being a print and petite model.

The Looks: Our hair and make-up team gave each model a day look and then a look with a bit more pinach that could go from day to night.  As the summer winds down, it’s still important to keep it light and airy during the day; from make-up to hair to attire…less is often more!

Tanya started with a fabulous fresh look! Her eyes were done in a sheer shimmer and LQ then used a soft colored eye shadow to outline them and black mascara to make the eyes pop. A light foundation was used (best for hot days like this one) and a rosy cheek was added for color along with a light pink lip. Gabi gave her 2 asymmetrical French braids and pulled them back into a bun for an easy carefree style that is perfect for those arid summer days. For her 2nd look, Tanya’s eyes were dramatic and smoky.  A little more foundation was applied for color and additional coverage while keeping the rosy cheek and light pink lip. Our Hair Guru Gabi then took out her original braids and pulled Tanya’s hair back into a neat, easy, breezy bun with a side swept bang that made it perfect for a night out on the town.

Jasmine’s first look was a more natural look. A light foundation was used and for her eyes, bronze, coral and peach eye shadows were applied.  *Tip-on more pigmented or tanned skin, bright colors can create a golden glow where applied and brighten the face. LQ then added black eye liner and mascara to again, make the eye pop and accentuate their deep almond shape.  On her cheeks a rosy orange color was used and a nude lip color was applied. *Tip-when eyes are fairly busy, be it with color or smoked out, a nude lip is a nice balance. For Jasmine’s hair, she was given two small braids that were pulled back to show off more of her face; a little twist to go along with her already wet and wavy look. Jasmine’s second make-up look was centered around a reddish-orange lip color; a little was even applied to her cheeks for a bit more spice. *Tip-using a punchy lip color sparingly on cheeks can often give a dewy blush to cheeks. A feathery head band was added and Jasmine’s hair was swept across one shoulder, giving her that vintage 1940’s look.

The first look created for Makeda was that clean Cover Girl look. Her natural, curly, cropped cut was finger combed and Gabi added a little product for shine and curl definition.  Her dark cocoa complexion is almost flawless, allowing accents to be her best make-up route as opposed to a heavy application. On her eyes a brighter eye shadow was used as a liner giving her a little more pop and black mascara was applied to open up the eye. Orange based colors were used for her lips and cheeks and a light foundation was applied to even it all out. *Tip-an alternative to foundation for my blemish-free (or blemish light) beauties is a tinted moisturizer with SPF in the summer for an airy feel. For Makeda’s second look a feathery headband was added to her natural curly cut as well and the colors from the head band were used to create her next make-up look. Orange, blue and green eye shadows gave her that wow factor to go along with her already rosy cheeks and lips. Her look easily resembled Josephine Baker and her attitude on-camera was just as sassy.

The Group Shot: XI represents “What’s New. What’s Now. What’s NEXT!” as our models come together and show us the Power of Three!

What’s New: Jasmine

Jasmine kept her already wet and wavy style, minus the headband and with a little more product to moisturize and give some sheen to the hair.  It’s “What’s New.” because gone are the flat sleek hair days; volume and texture are what’s in demand! Do what you want, how you want!

What’s Now: Tanya

A bouffant hairstyle with two long braids was created for Tanya. Bouffants, pumped up hair and braids were a large part of Summer looks on 2010 catwalks last Fashion Week! So it’s officially “What’s Now.”

What’s NEXT: Makeda

Makeda’s short trendy cropped hair completes our slogan. Close-cut, short hair is on the rise again, from Janet to Chrisette Michele, ladies are giving FACE!  Whether you are natural or chemically enhanced for color or texture, short is “What’s NEXT!”

LQ kept each model’s make-up looks from their second shoots, as they too represent “What’s New. What’s Now. What’s NEXT!”

Overall, the XI Magazine Sizzling Summer Wind-down Hair and Make-Up photo shoot was a success and so much fun! Check out the full shoot under photos and check XI TV for model interviews and behind the scenes sneak peeks!