Celebrating Vintage
I was minding my business late one night and scrolling through Instagram, like most people who can't sleep, when I came across a photo of Tiffany Pratt for Krylon (see below). Instantly, I knew that I had to recreate her look, but with my own pieces - HAD TOO. Have you ever had a similar feeling, where inspiration set in and lit a fire in you? Well, her photo did just that! I was drawn to the playfulness of the photo and collection of colorful pieces. The way she is posed in that chair is cool as hell and says, ‘Yeah I'm "THEE" Tiffany Pratt’. I immediately sent a text to Kathryn Goodwin, owner of Studio Cultivate (go see her work) because I knew I needed her help to recreate the look and make this shoot happen. Not only did she coordinate the photographer (Laura Sumrak - hire her) and make-up artist (Lovely by Patrice - her too) but she offered up her studio and styled my shoot to capture the best of ME and my brand!
Inspiration Photo: Tiffany Pratt
My brand offers an artistic collection of vintage pieces in fresh color combinations with a mix of ethnic pieces. My favorite pieces have warm woods, worn leathers, fretwork, faux bamboo, brass and chrome. I am a designer who has a playful and graphic aesthetic with a heavy dose of glam. This photo shoot was the perfect opportunity to illustrate how Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio is personified and made personal in each style choice I make. Kathryn and her team did an excellent job of capturing all that in the photos.
I am photographed with some of my signature vintage finds and colors. Using Krylon paint, I painted both the mid century pottery lamp and shade (available for sale at the shop) and the crespi-style rattan table in fuchsia. Those who have followed me for sometime on social media ( Instagram, Facebook ) know I am an introvert and do not enjoy having my photo taken. But, this shoot provided the perfect opportunity to share my passion for design and express my love for color, pattern, ethnic pieces and fashion with you.
Photo Credit: Laura Sumrak
Styling: S Studio Cultivate
THE SHOOT
I always feel awkward and unsure of what to do with my body in front of the camera. And huge part of me feels like having pictures taken of myself is egocentric. I enjoy being behind the camera, taking styled shots and not in front of it. I stepped out of my comfort zone and in front of the camera because of my friends’ reminder that I am my brand. Even more important, I am very aware that I have to be willing to create visibility for myself and the other Women of Color who are often overlooked in this industry.
One of my absolute favorite shots of the day is of me holding the mask (above left). This was the last shot of the day. My vision was to illustrate my love for layering and mixing styles - an African Mask with a Asian Kimono. I was unsure that it was going to work. I almost scrapped the shot because we were running short on time, but I am glad we did not. I am pictured with the side profile wearing a vintage silk Kimono. I would just love to lounge around wearing that Kimono all day. Ordinarily it stays on a mannequin stand in my family room. Why you ask? Because, - why not (smiles)?
I'm so thankful to have such wonderful and talented women to help me make my inspiration photo shoot a reality. Thank you Kathryn Goodwin, Laura Sumrack and Patrice Shannon. This has been the best present I've given myself in a long while. Little did Tiffany Pratt know she inspired all of this, which proves you never know who your work may inspire. Be an inspiration.
SOURCE LIST:
Inventory : Owned by Ariene Bethea
Kimono : Vintage
Mask : Vintage
Necklace : Vintage
Dress : Tracy Reese for Anthropologie
Shoes : Vintage
Earrings : Free People
Green Moss Ball : Marshall's
