The Detroit Art Scene is Lady Gaga's Kind of Place

Techtown's Cadillac Warhouse Hosted 1 x 1 Event

Artist In Warhouse

I'm a huge fan of Trisha Holt's Still Life Photography Work, Trishaholt@gmail.com

I purchased this print from photographer Nick Olsen

Metalwork Student: 'Tangled" jewelry study Katie Macdonald

Brian DuBois, "Detroit on A Platter"

Miniature Resin Model - The City of Detroit

They come in various colors

Matthew Plumstead Furniture Designer

This table is a sleek and functional piece of Art

Organize your wardrobe with"Space Dots" Functional Art by Professor: Scott Klinker

Ying Qing Liu's Silver petal rings are a wonderful tactile experience

liu_ying_qing@yahoo.com

Gender and Power Hanging Ceramic Sculpture

Artist Sid Caldwell featured Suede Leather Covered Stones

Chris Ulrich, paint and canvas sculputural Art

It looks very simple, but I assure you they are amazing pieces,

Skin Like (leather hide) Metal Brooches by Jane Ritchie

3D color mesh fabric sculpture by artist.junelee@gmail.com

She is also showing work at The Detroit Artist Market

"Honeyruffle" is the work of Amy Weiks - I'm a huge fan of her work and this piece

Artist also designed the package for his Sculpture

Colorized Panel Wall Sculpture

Edgar Mosa's Modern Pearl Necklace made of Wood

Heated Felt Fiber Lamp Cover and Arm Cuff

Younghee Hong Models her Work

Her perfectly scaled Sculptural Wall Art/Brooch Series

A young girl observing the Mobile Hot Dog Stand "Franks Anatra"

Learn more about these cool "Metal Vessels" at Mark Baker Studios

Melissa Duckworth "Dirty Confessions" Poetry Book/Dress Exhibit is Fantastic

Anna Adler typed up dictated letters and sent them off to.....
adler.anna@gmail.com

A Ceramic Emergency Book Sculpture by Sigrid Espelien


Check out Malene's Amazing work: Portfolio

Artist for me are cultural Rock Stars, they re-define the boundaries of what we know and how we experience the world around us. The work I got to see at Cranbrook's first Stand alone Student, Alumni and Faculty show in Detroit was a unique collective experience. The vacant warehouse and Artist uniforms belied the serious art showcased and sold over it's two day installation. The 1 x 1 format was a guideline for featuring a single piece of work from an artist's portfolio.

The evening of Friday February 25th was the opening gala for collectors and supporters of Cranbrook Academy of Art. I found food, live music and an eclectic mix of people busily engaged with Students and Faculty purchasing Art. The second day of the show had a minimal admission fee and ran all day for the Art loving general public.

The photos I snapped of the Student and Faculty Artist above were just a few of my favorite. Check out their websites for more information or contact them by e-mail.

As a Stylist, I'm always looking for new ways to connect the sociological dots between, Art, Fashion, and Music, because I believe they are a powerful "Cultural Triad". They produce democratic signs of change.

Think Lady Gaga, she has a firm grip on this philosophy. Detroit is her kind of place, ripe with inspiration. When she calls, Cranbrook's community of artist will welcome the opportunity and Detroit will be ready to export it's distinctive beauty to the rest of the world. Artist Rebekah Frank is already getting calls from New York's Fashion Stylist about her amazing "Body and Material" Metal-Wear. It's good to be living and working in Detroit if you are looking for a golden creative grapevine. Our doors and minds are open to innovation and Art is our collective language!

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!

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.

Fashion Blogger, Photographer, Local Girl: Elaine Von Vintage

Ashlee Harris...AKA Elaine Von Vintage

Ashlee's Fashion Photo Shoot Work

Ashlee Harris aka Elaine Von Vintage is the real deal. Model, Photographer, Vintage Guru, and creative visionary. For here 22 years, I was thoroughly impressed with her confidence and fashion knowledge. She works at Forever 21 and hones her photography skills shooting various friends and events on the side.

I have been a fan of her stylish blog: "Elaine Von Vintage" for the last year, and adore her shopping adventures featuring thrift finds and her diverse stylish ensembles. She often models the clothes and also shares what she pays for each item.

Ashlee collects vintage handbags and enjoys thrift store shopping to find various pieces that are "one of a kind items" to add to her wardrobe.

I was tickled to find out she loves James Taylor, whom I am also a huge fan.

Check out Ashlee's flickr page "FancyDior" for her latest fashion photography and make sure to follow her blog: Elaine Von Vintage for more on this Detroit Girl Gone Fashion...and local rising star.

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!

Fashioning Fiction - Photography, Art and Fashion

"The viewer was slowly, incrementally, being drawn down a path that was bringing the images of fashion closer to the realities of life." - Susan Kismaric and Eva Respini co - curators of Fashioning Fiction in Photography.

I'm beyond thrilled to have this book in my library. I have a deep appreciation for History and especially enjoy the research canonized in this exhibition. So much of what the current generation is consuming in the way of Fashion Marketing today was forged by previous masters featured in this book. Similarly many Photographers in Art and Fashion are working in one of these genres weather they realize it or not. It is a critical resource for the Art Photography and Fashion community at large.