A little bit of Cuba in Detroit

ROUGE in Ferndale, MI,Model Katie Hearn and Cheryl Salinas Tucker MUA

Photographer: Ashlee Harris

Model Katie Hearn

Model Katie Hearn, All photos, wardrobe styling and creative direction is A. Lozano

A sneak peek photo diary of a Cuban inspired photo shoot we shot today.  Our model/muse is Katie Hearn, MUA is Cheryl Salinas Tucker: ROUGE, professional photos by Ashlee Harris (will follow).

Check out this real estate development and diplomatic relations story on Cuba from the Washington Post.  I've been fascinated with the history of Cuba for many years and this photo shoot is my way of honoring it's distinctive cultures and glory.  This is the first of a series I've organized on the subject.

It also happens that there are interesting urban planning, land asset decay and development parallels between Detroit and Cuba, "Meanwhile, elderly Cubans whose children left the island remained in large homes they couldn't afford to maintain.  There were thousands of homes sitting vacant or half-empty, Coyula said" - Nick Miroff.

As Detroit is on the urban development upswing so is Cuba and I can't help but believe there will be some interesting behind the scene alliances made, in fact I know there will be.  Stay tuned!

Local Jewelry Designer, Artist - Jennifer Vermeersch

Arctic Sea - Erte Vintage Print

Nile - Erte Vintage Print

Model Elizabeth Kincaid wearing a stunning Jennifer Vermeersch Necklace at my Modern Day Cleopatra Photo Shoot - Photo by Alvita Lozano

Another photo shoot I Styled with Jennifer's Necklace on
Model and Photographer - Janna Bissette


Aubrey Beardsley book - with Jennifer's necklace

Two separate and unique pieces layered
Jennifer's work is on display and sold at ROUGE

Jennifer wearing one of her glorious creations


The Lovely and Eclectic Jennifer Vermeersch

Eclectic Bohemian Jewelry is the desire of Women with bold personal style and Jennifer Vermeersch is a unique talent working in this rare aesthetic genre.

The jewelry featured here in my blog are definitely her more elaborate pieces, but she also makes simpler pieces, which include earrings and various custom accessories.

Her work includes a mix of glass, semi precious stones, custom metal work, vintage plastic, and precious metals. They are each finely crafted showing her high level of creativity and craftsmanship. Every piece is an artistic exploration, as she does not duplicate ideas, or materials when creating them.

Jennifer admires the work of artist Aubrey Beardsley, Sergay Smirrov, Kay Nielson, and Erte. Each of those artist has a surreal, romantic, yet graphic element to their work. Erte in particular is classic, glam deco and timeless.

I've had the opportunity to use some of her work in a couple of my fashion photo shoots recently. Jennifer's jewelry has also been used in fashion shows working with Femilia Couture in the past. Her work is currently sold at The Detroit Artist Market and also at ROUGE in Ferndale, MI.

Jennifer teaches several four week classes in jewelry making which include: Metal Smith Techniques, Glass Bead Making, and Bead Stringing. You can contact her directly for more information by e-mail and make sure to follow her Fan Page for current information.

By the way if you ever bump into the amazing Iris Apfel, be sure to tell her about Jennifer's work, I have a feeling it just might make her swoon!