American Elle June 2010 Editorial
Model: Yulia Kharlapanova
Photographer: Serge Leblon
Stylist: Samira Nasr
Makeup: Kaoru Okubo
Hair: Rudi Lewis
Friday, May 28, 2010
American Elle editorial - Yulia Kharlapanova, ph: Serge Leblon, stylist:
Serge Leblon photographed Yulia Kharlapanova for American Elle on February 20-21, 2010 in Miami, Florida with stylist Samira Nasr.
American Elle June 2010 Editorial
Model: Yulia Kharlapanova
Photographer: Serge Leblon
Stylist: Samira Nasr
Makeup: Kaoru Okubo
Hair: Rudi Lewis
American Elle June 2010 Editorial
Model: Yulia Kharlapanova
Photographer: Serge Leblon
Stylist: Samira Nasr
Makeup: Kaoru Okubo
Hair: Rudi Lewis
American Elle editorial - Yulia Kharlapanova, ph: Serge Leblon, stylist:
Serge Leblon photographed Yulia Kharlapanova for American Elle on February 20-21, 2010 in Miami, Florida with stylist Samira Nasr.
American Elle June 2010 Editorial
Model: Yulia Kharlapanova
Photographer: Serge Leblon
Stylist: Samira Nasr
Makeup: Kaoru Okubo
Hair: Rudi Lewis
American Elle June 2010 Editorial
Model: Yulia Kharlapanova
Photographer: Serge Leblon
Stylist: Samira Nasr
Makeup: Kaoru Okubo
Hair: Rudi Lewis
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Spur Magazine July 2010 interview: Fei Fei Sun by Wayne Sterling
Wayne Sterling of Models.Com and TheImagist.com interviewed Fei Fei Sun for Spur Magazine on April 26, 2010.
It started as a glimmer when Fei Fei a 20 year old fashion student from China came ambling down the Jil Sander FW 10 runway . Because of her presence and her poise in that engagement, instantly the queries started to pour in as to who this sensational new find ,might be. Casting directors found themselves cross-comparing notes, a rare occurrence in a modeling world marked by an overflow of too many new faces at the same time. By the time the dust settled in Paris, Fei Fei had marched down the catwalk for the likes of luxury brands like Celine, Miu Miu and Hermes signaling just how unique a beauty she was. The feedback from the fittings and the go-sees was that Fei Fei was a rare proposition offering a new look that was so distinct and editorial you could sense that her success was not a fad but rather the first steps in what could be a truly breakthrough career. Spur caught with this fascinating newcomer in her first week in New York. We found that all the advance buzz about Fei Fei's intelligence, grace, humor and humility were all totally true. What we found most touching was her determination to share her wonderful new experiences with her classmates back in her Shanghai University. That is the mark of a truly sensitive spirit, the feature that will render Fei Fei a very memorable model for a long time to come.
Wayne Sterling: Where in China are you from Fei Fei?
Fei Fei Sun: I'm from a small town near to Shanghai. I model in Shanghai though.
WS Your agent tells me you studied fashion at your University.
FF. Yes I was studying clothing design and there was a little bit of modeling to that.At Suzhou University they allow you to study just about anything. Taking photographs…modeling…clothing design…or singing…playing the piano…You could study anything at my school.
WS: What did you use as your reference for learning about international modeling world from China?
FF: As you know I have many friends and they are starting out as clothing designers. We talk among each other about the Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan, Paris so everyday we would check models.comand style.com and look at the pictures of the shows and the backstage. We also would buy the magazines like Vogue and Elle in China. We'd buy foreign books too like ID and Pop. My school in Shanghai is a very good university . When you finish your high school and are trying to get into the university…my university..the entry requirement is very high. You have to study hard to get into that university so my friends…everyone there is very bright (laughs)
WS:Does China has a main fashion city?
FF: In China Shanghai and Bejing is like New York vs Paris. Shanghai is the New York and Beijing is more like Paris. It is very different. I chose Shanghai because my university is near Shanghai and for modeling every day I have castings and jobs there. So I told my school I wanted to give international modeling a try so I could travel and see everywhere. This is my first time ever in New York and so was London, Milan , Paris so everything to me is new.
WS: How does New York strike you as a first time experience?
FF: My friends told me that New York was going to be a lot like Shanghai but I think New York is better. I love my agency. Everyone here is friendly to me. Once I had some rest I started just walking everywhere in New York. I went to Times Square because my friends told me if you come to New York, you must go to Times Square.
WS: Are there lots of young girls in China deeply into fashion?
FF: It is different than the way it is in Europe. Girls are in school and the teachers don't like young girls in China to wear in make-up. Maybe Saturdays and Sundays. But Monday to Friday you wear your school clothes.
WS: Do you think you're going to be famous in China?
FF: In China the Market Directors always come to the shows in Milan and Paris.. When the fashion editors see me in the shows they stop me after the show to say congratulations. It is my first time in Europe. I'm a new face there. My friends and the fashion editors are very supportive because sometimes it is hard to get into those shows when you are a Chinese girl. Maybe 1 or 2 shows would be good.
WS: But not so many top shows in your first season was amazing! Are there Chinese designers becoming big stars at home?
FF: Shanghai and Bejing both have Fashion Weeks. The time is March to May. Do you know Qiu Hao? . Foreign people call him Hao Qui. He started in London at St Martins . In China the Fashion Week is not like Paris or New York. The Fashion Week has many clothing designers showing and many Chinese models.
WS: It means it is a growing market.How was experiencing Europe for the first time?
FF: I liked it . During the day you had many to things to do and you had very little free time. I got to see many famous models. Many super girls and Top Models.
WS: And now you're one of them (laughs)
FF: It was very interesting the Fashion Week. When I first came to London, I thought…wow ..this is really different. I didn't know where to go…where to buy clothes…what area I was in. But the people in London were very friendly and when you were standing there and you don't know where to go , maybe some people would say "Do you need some help?" .The city of Paris is very beautiful. Fashion Week in Paris is very busy. Everyday it was fittings till very late , maybe until midnight. But my driver was so friendly and he would tell me what the name of the famous buildings were. He cared for me especially at lunch time and dinner time. After Fashion Week I went back to Shanghai and told my friends that the people were really kind and I didn't feel lonely.
WS: Were there any specific shows where you thought "Wow..these clothes are so beautiful"
FF: Every fashion show I go to is a new one for me. For me all the clothes were a surprise. I enjoyed all the designers. They were different. Different people had a different style. You could see their personality in the clothes they made.
WS: You said it so perfectly. Are you going back to university soon?
FF: Modeling is the first thing now but school will always be important too. In school you can learn a lot of different things. Your friends and you are all growing together. When I am finished modeling I will go back to school to study to be a clothing designer.
WS: What if the modeling is for a long time like 10 years?
FF: I hope I can do this for a long time. I love shooting and the shows and meeting different people. I'm trying my best to do it for a long time.
WS: The longer you work in New York and Europe the more famous you'll become in China.
FF: That would be fun but I was not modeling just to be famous. I was doing it just because I like it. I don't know how to say…I like modeling not because I want people to know me but because I enjoy it and it helps to learn so many new things.
WS: Well I adored speaking with you Fei Fei . I think you are so beautiful and you have the spirit to match it. Thank you for talking time out for Spur.
FF: Thank you it was very nice to meet you!
It started as a glimmer when Fei Fei a 20 year old fashion student from China came ambling down the Jil Sander FW 10 runway . Because of her presence and her poise in that engagement, instantly the queries started to pour in as to who this sensational new find ,might be. Casting directors found themselves cross-comparing notes, a rare occurrence in a modeling world marked by an overflow of too many new faces at the same time. By the time the dust settled in Paris, Fei Fei had marched down the catwalk for the likes of luxury brands like Celine, Miu Miu and Hermes signaling just how unique a beauty she was. The feedback from the fittings and the go-sees was that Fei Fei was a rare proposition offering a new look that was so distinct and editorial you could sense that her success was not a fad but rather the first steps in what could be a truly breakthrough career. Spur caught with this fascinating newcomer in her first week in New York. We found that all the advance buzz about Fei Fei's intelligence, grace, humor and humility were all totally true. What we found most touching was her determination to share her wonderful new experiences with her classmates back in her Shanghai University. That is the mark of a truly sensitive spirit, the feature that will render Fei Fei a very memorable model for a long time to come.
Wayne Sterling: Where in China are you from Fei Fei?
Fei Fei Sun: I'm from a small town near to Shanghai. I model in Shanghai though.
WS Your agent tells me you studied fashion at your University.
FF. Yes I was studying clothing design and there was a little bit of modeling to that.At Suzhou University they allow you to study just about anything. Taking photographs…modeling…clothing design…or singing…playing the piano…You could study anything at my school.
WS: What did you use as your reference for learning about international modeling world from China?
FF: As you know I have many friends and they are starting out as clothing designers. We talk among each other about the Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan, Paris so everyday we would check models.com
WS:Does China has a main fashion city?
FF: In China Shanghai and Bejing is like New York vs Paris. Shanghai is the New York and Beijing is more like Paris. It is very different. I chose Shanghai because my university is near Shanghai and for modeling every day I have castings and jobs there. So I told my school I wanted to give international modeling a try so I could travel and see everywhere. This is my first time ever in New York and so was London, Milan , Paris so everything to me is new.
WS: How does New York strike you as a first time experience?
FF: My friends told me that New York was going to be a lot like Shanghai but I think New York is better. I love my agency. Everyone here is friendly to me. Once I had some rest I started just walking everywhere in New York. I went to Times Square because my friends told me if you come to New York, you must go to Times Square.
WS: Are there lots of young girls in China deeply into fashion?
FF: It is different than the way it is in Europe. Girls are in school and the teachers don't like young girls in China to wear in make-up. Maybe Saturdays and Sundays. But Monday to Friday you wear your school clothes.
WS: Do you think you're going to be famous in China?
FF: In China the Market Directors always come to the shows in Milan and Paris.. When the fashion editors see me in the shows they stop me after the show to say congratulations. It is my first time in Europe. I'm a new face there. My friends and the fashion editors are very supportive because sometimes it is hard to get into those shows when you are a Chinese girl. Maybe 1 or 2 shows would be good.
WS: But not so many top shows in your first season was amazing! Are there Chinese designers becoming big stars at home?
FF: Shanghai and Bejing both have Fashion Weeks. The time is March to May. Do you know Qiu Hao? . Foreign people call him Hao Qui. He started in London at St Martins . In China the Fashion Week is not like Paris or New York. The Fashion Week has many clothing designers showing and many Chinese models.
WS: It means it is a growing market.How was experiencing Europe for the first time?
FF: I liked it . During the day you had many to things to do and you had very little free time. I got to see many famous models. Many super girls and Top Models.
WS: And now you're one of them (laughs)
FF: It was very interesting the Fashion Week. When I first came to London, I thought…wow ..this is really different. I didn't know where to go…where to buy clothes…what area I was in. But the people in London were very friendly and when you were standing there and you don't know where to go , maybe some people would say "Do you need some help?" .The city of Paris is very beautiful. Fashion Week in Paris is very busy. Everyday it was fittings till very late , maybe until midnight. But my driver was so friendly and he would tell me what the name of the famous buildings were. He cared for me especially at lunch time and dinner time. After Fashion Week I went back to Shanghai and told my friends that the people were really kind and I didn't feel lonely.
WS: Were there any specific shows where you thought "Wow..these clothes are so beautiful"
FF: Every fashion show I go to is a new one for me. For me all the clothes were a surprise. I enjoyed all the designers. They were different. Different people had a different style. You could see their personality in the clothes they made.
WS: You said it so perfectly. Are you going back to university soon?
FF: Modeling is the first thing now but school will always be important too. In school you can learn a lot of different things. Your friends and you are all growing together. When I am finished modeling I will go back to school to study to be a clothing designer.
WS: What if the modeling is for a long time like 10 years?
FF: I hope I can do this for a long time. I love shooting and the shows and meeting different people. I'm trying my best to do it for a long time.
WS: The longer you work in New York and Europe the more famous you'll become in China.
FF: That would be fun but I was not modeling just to be famous. I was doing it just because I like it. I don't know how to say…I like modeling not because I want people to know me but because I enjoy it and it helps to learn so many new things.
WS: Well I adored speaking with you Fei Fei . I think you are so beautiful and you have the spirit to match it. Thank you for talking time out for Spur.
FF: Thank you it was very nice to meet you!
Spur Magazine July 2010 interview: Fei Fei Sun by Wayne Sterling
Wayne Sterling of Models.Com and TheImagist.com interviewed Fei Fei Sun for Spur Magazine on April 26, 2010.
It started as a glimmer when Fei Fei a 20 year old fashion student from China came ambling down the Jil Sander FW 10 runway . Because of her presence and her poise in that engagement, instantly the queries started to pour in as to who this sensational new find ,might be. Casting directors found themselves cross-comparing notes, a rare occurrence in a modeling world marked by an overflow of too many new faces at the same time. By the time the dust settled in Paris, Fei Fei had marched down the catwalk for the likes of luxury brands like Celine, Miu Miu and Hermes signaling just how unique a beauty she was. The feedback from the fittings and the go-sees was that Fei Fei was a rare proposition offering a new look that was so distinct and editorial you could sense that her success was not a fad but rather the first steps in what could be a truly breakthrough career. Spur caught with this fascinating newcomer in her first week in New York. We found that all the advance buzz about Fei Fei's intelligence, grace, humor and humility were all totally true. What we found most touching was her determination to share her wonderful new experiences with her classmates back in her Shanghai University. That is the mark of a truly sensitive spirit, the feature that will render Fei Fei a very memorable model for a long time to come.
Wayne Sterling: Where in China are you from Fei Fei?
Fei Fei Sun: I'm from a small town near to Shanghai. I model in Shanghai though.
WS Your agent tells me you studied fashion at your University.
FF. Yes I was studying clothing design and there was a little bit of modeling to that.At Suzhou University they allow you to study just about anything. Taking photographs…modeling…clothing design…or singing…playing the piano…You could study anything at my school.
WS: What did you use as your reference for learning about international modeling world from China?
FF: As you know I have many friends and they are starting out as clothing designers. We talk among each other about the Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan, Paris so everyday we would check models.comand style.com and look at the pictures of the shows and the backstage. We also would buy the magazines like Vogue and Elle in China. We'd buy foreign books too like ID and Pop. My school in Shanghai is a very good university . When you finish your high school and are trying to get into the university…my university..the entry requirement is very high. You have to study hard to get into that university so my friends…everyone there is very bright (laughs)
WS:Does China has a main fashion city?
FF: In China Shanghai and Bejing is like New York vs Paris. Shanghai is the New York and Beijing is more like Paris. It is very different. I chose Shanghai because my university is near Shanghai and for modeling every day I have castings and jobs there. So I told my school I wanted to give international modeling a try so I could travel and see everywhere. This is my first time ever in New York and so was London, Milan , Paris so everything to me is new.
WS: How does New York strike you as a first time experience?
FF: My friends told me that New York was going to be a lot like Shanghai but I think New York is better. I love my agency. Everyone here is friendly to me. Once I had some rest I started just walking everywhere in New York. I went to Times Square because my friends told me if you come to New York, you must go to Times Square.
WS: Are there lots of young girls in China deeply into fashion?
FF: It is different than the way it is in Europe. Girls are in school and the teachers don't like young girls in China to wear in make-up. Maybe Saturdays and Sundays. But Monday to Friday you wear your school clothes.
WS: Do you think you're going to be famous in China?
FF: In China the Market Directors always come to the shows in Milan and Paris.. When the fashion editors see me in the shows they stop me after the show to say congratulations. It is my first time in Europe. I'm a new face there. My friends and the fashion editors are very supportive because sometimes it is hard to get into those shows when you are a Chinese girl. Maybe 1 or 2 shows would be good.
WS: But not so many top shows in your first season was amazing! Are there Chinese designers becoming big stars at home?
FF: Shanghai and Bejing both have Fashion Weeks. The time is March to May. Do you know Qiu Hao? . Foreign people call him Hao Qui. He started in London at St Martins . In China the Fashion Week is not like Paris or New York. The Fashion Week has many clothing designers showing and many Chinese models.
WS: It means it is a growing market.How was experiencing Europe for the first time?
FF: I liked it . During the day you had many to things to do and you had very little free time. I got to see many famous models. Many super girls and Top Models.
WS: And now you're one of them (laughs)
FF: It was very interesting the Fashion Week. When I first came to London, I thought…wow ..this is really different. I didn't know where to go…where to buy clothes…what area I was in. But the people in London were very friendly and when you were standing there and you don't know where to go , maybe some people would say "Do you need some help?" .The city of Paris is very beautiful. Fashion Week in Paris is very busy. Everyday it was fittings till very late , maybe until midnight. But my driver was so friendly and he would tell me what the name of the famous buildings were. He cared for me especially at lunch time and dinner time. After Fashion Week I went back to Shanghai and told my friends that the people were really kind and I didn't feel lonely.
WS: Were there any specific shows where you thought "Wow..these clothes are so beautiful"
FF: Every fashion show I go to is a new one for me. For me all the clothes were a surprise. I enjoyed all the designers. They were different. Different people had a different style. You could see their personality in the clothes they made.
WS: You said it so perfectly. Are you going back to university soon?
FF: Modeling is the first thing now but school will always be important too. In school you can learn a lot of different things. Your friends and you are all growing together. When I am finished modeling I will go back to school to study to be a clothing designer.
WS: What if the modeling is for a long time like 10 years?
FF: I hope I can do this for a long time. I love shooting and the shows and meeting different people. I'm trying my best to do it for a long time.
WS: The longer you work in New York and Europe the more famous you'll become in China.
FF: That would be fun but I was not modeling just to be famous. I was doing it just because I like it. I don't know how to say…I like modeling not because I want people to know me but because I enjoy it and it helps to learn so many new things.
WS: Well I adored speaking with you Fei Fei . I think you are so beautiful and you have the spirit to match it. Thank you for talking time out for Spur.
FF: Thank you it was very nice to meet you!
It started as a glimmer when Fei Fei a 20 year old fashion student from China came ambling down the Jil Sander FW 10 runway . Because of her presence and her poise in that engagement, instantly the queries started to pour in as to who this sensational new find ,might be. Casting directors found themselves cross-comparing notes, a rare occurrence in a modeling world marked by an overflow of too many new faces at the same time. By the time the dust settled in Paris, Fei Fei had marched down the catwalk for the likes of luxury brands like Celine, Miu Miu and Hermes signaling just how unique a beauty she was. The feedback from the fittings and the go-sees was that Fei Fei was a rare proposition offering a new look that was so distinct and editorial you could sense that her success was not a fad but rather the first steps in what could be a truly breakthrough career. Spur caught with this fascinating newcomer in her first week in New York. We found that all the advance buzz about Fei Fei's intelligence, grace, humor and humility were all totally true. What we found most touching was her determination to share her wonderful new experiences with her classmates back in her Shanghai University. That is the mark of a truly sensitive spirit, the feature that will render Fei Fei a very memorable model for a long time to come.
Wayne Sterling: Where in China are you from Fei Fei?
Fei Fei Sun: I'm from a small town near to Shanghai. I model in Shanghai though.
WS Your agent tells me you studied fashion at your University.
FF. Yes I was studying clothing design and there was a little bit of modeling to that.At Suzhou University they allow you to study just about anything. Taking photographs…modeling…clothing design…or singing…playing the piano…You could study anything at my school.
WS: What did you use as your reference for learning about international modeling world from China?
FF: As you know I have many friends and they are starting out as clothing designers. We talk among each other about the Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan, Paris so everyday we would check models.com
WS:Does China has a main fashion city?
FF: In China Shanghai and Bejing is like New York vs Paris. Shanghai is the New York and Beijing is more like Paris. It is very different. I chose Shanghai because my university is near Shanghai and for modeling every day I have castings and jobs there. So I told my school I wanted to give international modeling a try so I could travel and see everywhere. This is my first time ever in New York and so was London, Milan , Paris so everything to me is new.
WS: How does New York strike you as a first time experience?
FF: My friends told me that New York was going to be a lot like Shanghai but I think New York is better. I love my agency. Everyone here is friendly to me. Once I had some rest I started just walking everywhere in New York. I went to Times Square because my friends told me if you come to New York, you must go to Times Square.
WS: Are there lots of young girls in China deeply into fashion?
FF: It is different than the way it is in Europe. Girls are in school and the teachers don't like young girls in China to wear in make-up. Maybe Saturdays and Sundays. But Monday to Friday you wear your school clothes.
WS: Do you think you're going to be famous in China?
FF: In China the Market Directors always come to the shows in Milan and Paris.. When the fashion editors see me in the shows they stop me after the show to say congratulations. It is my first time in Europe. I'm a new face there. My friends and the fashion editors are very supportive because sometimes it is hard to get into those shows when you are a Chinese girl. Maybe 1 or 2 shows would be good.
WS: But not so many top shows in your first season was amazing! Are there Chinese designers becoming big stars at home?
FF: Shanghai and Bejing both have Fashion Weeks. The time is March to May. Do you know Qiu Hao? . Foreign people call him Hao Qui. He started in London at St Martins . In China the Fashion Week is not like Paris or New York. The Fashion Week has many clothing designers showing and many Chinese models.
WS: It means it is a growing market.How was experiencing Europe for the first time?
FF: I liked it . During the day you had many to things to do and you had very little free time. I got to see many famous models. Many super girls and Top Models.
WS: And now you're one of them (laughs)
FF: It was very interesting the Fashion Week. When I first came to London, I thought…wow ..this is really different. I didn't know where to go…where to buy clothes…what area I was in. But the people in London were very friendly and when you were standing there and you don't know where to go , maybe some people would say "Do you need some help?" .The city of Paris is very beautiful. Fashion Week in Paris is very busy. Everyday it was fittings till very late , maybe until midnight. But my driver was so friendly and he would tell me what the name of the famous buildings were. He cared for me especially at lunch time and dinner time. After Fashion Week I went back to Shanghai and told my friends that the people were really kind and I didn't feel lonely.
WS: Were there any specific shows where you thought "Wow..these clothes are so beautiful"
FF: Every fashion show I go to is a new one for me. For me all the clothes were a surprise. I enjoyed all the designers. They were different. Different people had a different style. You could see their personality in the clothes they made.
WS: You said it so perfectly. Are you going back to university soon?
FF: Modeling is the first thing now but school will always be important too. In school you can learn a lot of different things. Your friends and you are all growing together. When I am finished modeling I will go back to school to study to be a clothing designer.
WS: What if the modeling is for a long time like 10 years?
FF: I hope I can do this for a long time. I love shooting and the shows and meeting different people. I'm trying my best to do it for a long time.
WS: The longer you work in New York and Europe the more famous you'll become in China.
FF: That would be fun but I was not modeling just to be famous. I was doing it just because I like it. I don't know how to say…I like modeling not because I want people to know me but because I enjoy it and it helps to learn so many new things.
WS: Well I adored speaking with you Fei Fei . I think you are so beautiful and you have the spirit to match it. Thank you for talking time out for Spur.
FF: Thank you it was very nice to meet you!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Karen Elson - Cruel Summer video on style.com
Karen Elson's Cruel Summer video can be seen at Style.Com
Karen Elson interview with Matthew Schneier from style.com:
Many of Karen Elson’s fans are more used to seeing than hearing the redheaded stunner: in countless editorials and campaigns, and on runways all over the world. But that changes tomorrow, when the multitalented English beauty (don’t call her a “model-slash”) releases her first album, The Ghost Who Walks. Her countrified ballads—recorded in her adopted city of Nashville and produced by her husband, Jack White—should earn her a whole new set of devoted admirers. Below, Elson spoke to Style.com about mournful music, onstage fashion, and her vote for the most heartbreaking sound there is. And click here to check out her acoustic video performance of “Cruel Summer” and hear her sound for yourself.
Your first album, The Ghost Who Walks, is out tomorrow. What sound were you going for with it?
I have a real love for melancholy songs that express the everyday—what’s the word? What’s the right one without sounding too depressing? Honestly, I like songs that are mournful and express heartache and longing. They just feel right to me. It feeds me in a very strange way. I’ve always had a long love of Hank Williams and Tammy Wynette and Patsy Cline, and even Nick Cave and PJ Harvey and Mazzy Star. They all—in varying degrees of mournful—they all represent that. It just moves me, that’s all. When I started writing the record, it came out. I think every woman in the span of her life, even me in my thirties, I’ve experienced a lot. I’ve experienced all sides of life. I feel like I’m putting all of those experiences out in my songs, as a way of purging myself of things that maybe I’ve held on to for too long.
You mention country legends like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, and the record has a very country feel. You and your family live in Nashville, one of the great country-music capitals—how did your surroundings contribute to that sound?
Naturally, being in Nashville, it’s hard not to have a somewhat country-esque vibe. Carl Broemel from My Morning Jacket played the pedal steel on the record, and when he came into the studio and started playing, I was just in love. Pedal steel with reverb is just the most heartbreaking sound to me—it’s just so gorgeous, I wanted it on every song. There’s definite country leanings, and that’s definitely a byproduct of living in Nashville. But at the same time, I liked those songs even before I moved to Nashville; I had a love for Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris. It just feels good to me.
You’re part of a musical family, and this record is something of a family affair—your husband Jack White [also of the White Stripes and the Dead Weather] convinced you to record, your brother-in-law plays in the band. Did working with them introduce any complications?
It was just what it was. Everybody in our life, we all just sort of contribute any way we can. I’ve been in the studio with Jack before, contributing some backing vocals on a song. Or Jackson [Smith], Meg’s husband, has come into town to play guitar on other projects Jack’s working on. Friends of ours just pop in and do that—it was really quite natural. It wasn’t this thing where it was all of a sudden, Shit, it’s my turn! Damn, better bring the family in. That’s just life down here. We all just chip in and make music and occasionally pat each other on the back and help each other out.
But Jack was incredibly supportive and is incredibly supportive of my record. I feel really lucky to have his support. It was essential to get me over myself—I had to get over myself big time—and have confidence. I was nervous about putting my music out there. “Model-slash-anything”—I cared too much about that. Once I stopped caring, I could get out there and sing my songs, but it took a lot.
There seem to be a lot of model-slash girls out there now—slash designer, slash musician, slash artist. Have you seen a lot of models with hidden talents throughout your runway career?
Actually, plenty. I think it’s such a shame that model-slash-whatever it is has become such a coined phrase for a pathetic thing. The models I know—and I’m probably speaking about a small percentage of the model population, so to speak—but the models I’ve worked with, they’re all interesting girls. Most of them have so many other things going on in their life, and modeling’s just a moment in time for them, it’s not the be-all and end-all. I think most people think that models are these sort of dim women who, all they have ever wanted to do in life is be pretty. What I found is the exact opposite: Most of the models have come into being models completely by surprise. They’re just taking it as a chance to travel the world and figure out more about themselves and use it as an opportunity in life. So, yeah, I know so many talented women who are models. But of course, there are a few who give [it] a bad name.
You’ve got a long history in fashion. Have you given a lot of thought to how you’re going to dress onstage?
I definitely am very much aware of how style is very effective, and how a visual element in any live performance—it’s not the be-all and end-all; obviously the music has to stand up on its own two feet, it absolutely has to—but there is something to be said about a haunting visual element that complements the music.
What are you planning to wear in particular? I feel like I’ve seen you in a lot of orange dresses.
All of my stage clothes are vintage. They’re all Southern gothic sort of gowns and little country-esque outfits. I have been wearing peach dresses, cotton dresses that’ve been dyed a dusty shade of peach, with black lace embellishments here and there. I don’t know, it just feels right. I remember PJ Harvey, years ago, when she did To Bring You My Love, she had a really strong visual element. She looked like a semi-possessed, sort of forlorn and forsaken woman of the desert. I think it’s very powerful. I want to evoke not a similar image, but I want to use that idea of creating a character and having that character have clothes to wear.
The color orange is one that I tend to identify with you, thanks to your red hair.
I guess so—it really happened the way it happened; it wasn’t overly conscious.
We recently did a roundup of our favorite rocker redheads. There are a ton of them. Do you think there’s a connection—maybe a redhead rocker gene?
I wonder—I would love to know, to be honest! Melissa Auf der Mar is an old friend, and Jenny Lewis and Neko Case are two absolutely brilliant songwriters. I’m doing the red justice, I hope!
—Matthew Schneier
Karen Elson - Cruel Summer video on style.com
Karen Elson's Cruel Summer video can be seen at Style.Com
Karen Elson interview with Matthew Schneier from style.com:
Many of Karen Elson’s fans are more used to seeing than hearing the redheaded stunner: in countless editorials and campaigns, and on runways all over the world. But that changes tomorrow, when the multitalented English beauty (don’t call her a “model-slash”) releases her first album, The Ghost Who Walks. Her countrified ballads—recorded in her adopted city of Nashville and produced by her husband, Jack White—should earn her a whole new set of devoted admirers. Below, Elson spoke to Style.com about mournful music, onstage fashion, and her vote for the most heartbreaking sound there is. And click here to check out her acoustic video performance of “Cruel Summer” and hear her sound for yourself.
Your first album, The Ghost Who Walks, is out tomorrow. What sound were you going for with it?
I have a real love for melancholy songs that express the everyday—what’s the word? What’s the right one without sounding too depressing? Honestly, I like songs that are mournful and express heartache and longing. They just feel right to me. It feeds me in a very strange way. I’ve always had a long love of Hank Williams and Tammy Wynette and Patsy Cline, and even Nick Cave and PJ Harvey and Mazzy Star. They all—in varying degrees of mournful—they all represent that. It just moves me, that’s all. When I started writing the record, it came out. I think every woman in the span of her life, even me in my thirties, I’ve experienced a lot. I’ve experienced all sides of life. I feel like I’m putting all of those experiences out in my songs, as a way of purging myself of things that maybe I’ve held on to for too long.
You mention country legends like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, and the record has a very country feel. You and your family live in Nashville, one of the great country-music capitals—how did your surroundings contribute to that sound?
Naturally, being in Nashville, it’s hard not to have a somewhat country-esque vibe. Carl Broemel from My Morning Jacket played the pedal steel on the record, and when he came into the studio and started playing, I was just in love. Pedal steel with reverb is just the most heartbreaking sound to me—it’s just so gorgeous, I wanted it on every song. There’s definite country leanings, and that’s definitely a byproduct of living in Nashville. But at the same time, I liked those songs even before I moved to Nashville; I had a love for Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris. It just feels good to me.
You’re part of a musical family, and this record is something of a family affair—your husband Jack White [also of the White Stripes and the Dead Weather] convinced you to record, your brother-in-law plays in the band. Did working with them introduce any complications?
It was just what it was. Everybody in our life, we all just sort of contribute any way we can. I’ve been in the studio with Jack before, contributing some backing vocals on a song. Or Jackson [Smith], Meg’s husband, has come into town to play guitar on other projects Jack’s working on. Friends of ours just pop in and do that—it was really quite natural. It wasn’t this thing where it was all of a sudden, Shit, it’s my turn! Damn, better bring the family in. That’s just life down here. We all just chip in and make music and occasionally pat each other on the back and help each other out.
But Jack was incredibly supportive and is incredibly supportive of my record. I feel really lucky to have his support. It was essential to get me over myself—I had to get over myself big time—and have confidence. I was nervous about putting my music out there. “Model-slash-anything”—I cared too much about that. Once I stopped caring, I could get out there and sing my songs, but it took a lot.
There seem to be a lot of model-slash girls out there now—slash designer, slash musician, slash artist. Have you seen a lot of models with hidden talents throughout your runway career?
Actually, plenty. I think it’s such a shame that model-slash-whatever it is has become such a coined phrase for a pathetic thing. The models I know—and I’m probably speaking about a small percentage of the model population, so to speak—but the models I’ve worked with, they’re all interesting girls. Most of them have so many other things going on in their life, and modeling’s just a moment in time for them, it’s not the be-all and end-all. I think most people think that models are these sort of dim women who, all they have ever wanted to do in life is be pretty. What I found is the exact opposite: Most of the models have come into being models completely by surprise. They’re just taking it as a chance to travel the world and figure out more about themselves and use it as an opportunity in life. So, yeah, I know so many talented women who are models. But of course, there are a few who give [it] a bad name.
You’ve got a long history in fashion. Have you given a lot of thought to how you’re going to dress onstage?
I definitely am very much aware of how style is very effective, and how a visual element in any live performance—it’s not the be-all and end-all; obviously the music has to stand up on its own two feet, it absolutely has to—but there is something to be said about a haunting visual element that complements the music.
What are you planning to wear in particular? I feel like I’ve seen you in a lot of orange dresses.
All of my stage clothes are vintage. They’re all Southern gothic sort of gowns and little country-esque outfits. I have been wearing peach dresses, cotton dresses that’ve been dyed a dusty shade of peach, with black lace embellishments here and there. I don’t know, it just feels right. I remember PJ Harvey, years ago, when she did To Bring You My Love, she had a really strong visual element. She looked like a semi-possessed, sort of forlorn and forsaken woman of the desert. I think it’s very powerful. I want to evoke not a similar image, but I want to use that idea of creating a character and having that character have clothes to wear.
The color orange is one that I tend to identify with you, thanks to your red hair.
I guess so—it really happened the way it happened; it wasn’t overly conscious.
We recently did a roundup of our favorite rocker redheads. There are a ton of them. Do you think there’s a connection—maybe a redhead rocker gene?
I wonder—I would love to know, to be honest! Melissa Auf der Mar is an old friend, and Jenny Lewis and Neko Case are two absolutely brilliant songwriters. I’m doing the red justice, I hope!
—Matthew Schneier
Monday, May 24, 2010
W Korea June 2010 preview: Valentina Zelyaeva, ph: Jeffrey Graetsch
Jeffrey Graetsch photographed Valentina Zelyaeva for W Korea on April 20, 2010 in New York with stylist Brylie Fowler
W Korea June 2010 Cover
Model: Valentina Zelyaeva
Photographer: Jeffrey Graetsch
Stylist: Brylie Fowler
Makeup: Rie Omoto
Hair: Dennis Gots
Scan Source: See Management Blog
W Korea June 2010 Cover
Model: Valentina Zelyaeva
Photographer: Jeffrey Graetsch
Stylist: Brylie Fowler
Makeup: Rie Omoto
Hair: Dennis Gots
Scan Source: See Management Blog
W Korea June 2010 preview: Valentina Zelyaeva, ph: Jeffrey Graetsch
Jeffrey Graetsch photographed Valentina Zelyaeva for W Korea on April 20, 2010 in New York with stylist Brylie Fowler
W Korea June 2010 Cover
Model: Valentina Zelyaeva
Photographer: Jeffrey Graetsch
Stylist: Brylie Fowler
Makeup: Rie Omoto
Hair: Dennis Gots
Scan Source: See Management Blog
W Korea June 2010 Cover
Model: Valentina Zelyaeva
Photographer: Jeffrey Graetsch
Stylist: Brylie Fowler
Makeup: Rie Omoto
Hair: Dennis Gots
Scan Source: See Management Blog
Friday, May 21, 2010
Bottega Veneta Resort 2011
Bottega Veneta Resort 2011 Show
Time: May 12, 2010
Location: Milk Studios, NY
Designer: Tomas Maier
Hair: Eugene Souleiman
Makeup: Mark Carrasquillo
Castign Director: John Pfeiffer
Alla Kostromichova
Vlada Roslyakova
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Alla Kostromichova
Daria Strokous
Martha Streck
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Martha Streck
Alla Kostromichova
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Time: May 12, 2010
Location: Milk Studios, NY
Designer: Tomas Maier
Hair: Eugene Souleiman
Makeup: Mark Carrasquillo
Castign Director: John Pfeiffer
Alla Kostromichova
Vlada Roslyakova
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Alla Kostromichova
Daria Strokous
Martha Streck
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Martha Streck
Alla Kostromichova
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Bottega Veneta Resort 2011
Bottega Veneta Resort 2011 Show
Time: May 12, 2010
Location: Milk Studios, NY
Designer: Tomas Maier
Hair: Eugene Souleiman
Makeup: Mark Carrasquillo
Castign Director: John Pfeiffer
Alla Kostromichova
Vlada Roslyakova
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Alla Kostromichova
Daria Strokous
Martha Streck
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Martha Streck
Alla Kostromichova
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Time: May 12, 2010
Location: Milk Studios, NY
Designer: Tomas Maier
Hair: Eugene Souleiman
Makeup: Mark Carrasquillo
Castign Director: John Pfeiffer
Alla Kostromichova
Vlada Roslyakova
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Alla Kostromichova
Daria Strokous
Martha Streck
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
Martha Streck
Alla Kostromichova
Vlada Roslyakova
Daria Strokous
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