Tuesday, February 22, 2011

ThinkThis! Designs: Hip 2B Smart



Above photos: Work of photOtassa photography
Styled by Adriana Pavon
Nichole Christian - Founder of ThinkThis! Designs

There are times when we cross paths with individuals that seem to be divine appointments. I got that impression when I met Nichole Christian last year at a Women's Art show at the Crofoot in Pontiac where she was selling her cool T-shirts. The next time I found myself in her company, at a Birthday gathering my first impression was confirmed.

You may have seen her work in a few of the shops around Metro-Detroit, including Bureau of Urban Living, and Nakka, which carry a creative mix of "Detroitcentric" products. ThinkThis! Designs is one of those urban T-shirt brands to emerge with a powerful social voice. It's founder, Nichole Christian is deft at rolling complex social experiences and emotions into a simple tag line. She is a Detroit native and professional journalist with experience at The Wall street Journal, New York Times, and The Detroit FreePress. Ever the curious story teller, she collects portrait photography, and a large variety of journals which hold her many ideas and reflections.

Nichole notes her young daughter, her 90-year-old grandmother and Dr. Maya Angelou as constant sources of Inspiration. Each providing a different kind of wisdom. Speaking of wisdom we can't overlook the blockbuster movie oracle of Star Wars the oddly humble and powerful Yoda, whom Nichole is fascinated with.

"I didn't create ThinkThis! Designs to be just another T-Shirt company. I'm out to ignite more inspired living, unleashing the power of Words, Ideas, and Images on whatever canvas speaks to me. My T-shirts are just chapter one."

"Visit ThinkThis! Designs at VegFest on March 27. Nichole's inspired journey is taking her to this year's premier Vegetarian Tastefest and expo. It has been said "Where the Mind is lead the feet will follow" so be smart, get your "Style On" with ThinkThis! Designer T-shirts and feed the visual world around you with hip and healthy fashion. Bon Appetite Detroit!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Styling Cleopatra: Modern and Glamorus

Photo Shoot Team: James Merlo, Cheryl Salinas Tucker, Alvita, and Elizabeth Kincaid
Mr. Eric Peoples of Epic Images is behind Camera Lens

Elizabeth wore A Jennifer Vermeersch Custom Art Necklace and a Vintage Collar (Council Thrift Collection) Layered on top

I added a Feather Stick and simple gold necklace to her hair
Top is Silk BCBG, Skirt is Vintage Silk Cache - private collection

Elizabeth with Two of her Beautiful bags from the "Minandieres Collection"



Elizabeth was a delight to work with
All Photos Above are "Epic Images" The talented Mr. Eric Peoples

Elizabeth Kincaid is also featured on the cover of B.L.A.C.
Magazine this month as part of the 'Multi-Racial Identity In the Age of Obama Article
This Photo is work of: Shawn Lee Studios

The goal of this photo shoot was threefold 1. A Modern Day Cleopatra Theme featuring Elizabeth Kincaid as Model and Muse. 2. Product Promotion: Include Elizabeth's custom handbags and rings from her "Minandieries Collection". 3. Include the Stunning Jewelry of Local Artist Jennifer Vermeersch. With that in mind I went to work pulling a team together to make this happen and you can see the fruit of our work. ROUGE Makeup and Nail Salon was a gracious host and Cheryl Salinas Tucker's professional and creative Makeup work is one I trust completely. Eric Peoples of Epic Image was someone I've wanted to work with so I was thrilled when he agreed to the project. Jennifer Vermeersch who is somewhat elusive was also tremendously helpful and generous with allowing me to select and use what I needed to create the look I had envisioned. James Merlo is a talented and hardworking newcomer to the Hair Stylist scene. He is currently in school at David Presley school of Cosmetology in Royal Oak and works part time for a salon in Farmington hills.

Elizabeth Kincaid is a humble yet successful Women of Style. She is passionate about "Emotionally Battered Women" advocacy in addition to her custom handbag designs. Her latest evolution of bags and accessories is titled "Minandieres" which is French for little bag. These elaborate little jewels are indeed attached to rings and carefully crafted with the finest materials and imagination. They are tiny luxuries with a hint of historical association, the sort Cleopatra would have found irresistible. For more information and pricing please contact her by e-mail: ek6976@gmail.com

Elizabeth also serves on the Detroit board of FGI (Fashion Group International), The Arts Institutes's program advisory committee, and is also asked to speak at Fashion Forums.
Make sure to pick up the latest copy of B.L.A.C. magazine as well, she is featured in a cover story on Multi- Racial Identity.

I hope you will agree this Modern Day Cleopatra is an original perspective stirring up the Fashion and Style Story here In Detroit.