FASHION MANIAC TEAM:
Features Editor: Cassie Elsaesser
All Photography & Managing Editor: Cheryl Gorski
Hair Stylist: Whitney Curry
Makeup: Vanessa Vaz
Bones, Feathers, Fur & Sunglasses: Fashion Accessories Designed by Marilyn Hammer & Yadira Maldonado
Interviewed by: Cassie Elsaesser
The local creative and artistic talent here in Buffalo is impressive, to say the least. Fashion Maniac had the opportunity to sit down and chat with two such talents. Yadira Maldonado and Marilyn Hammer are local Jewelry and Sunglasses Accessory Designers who live in our city. Their work is unique, creative and just like Buffalo artists, its impressive.
Interview with Yadira Maldonado, sunglasses accessory designer:
Fashion Maniac: What is your inspiration for designing your sunglasses?
Yadira Maldonado: I always try and jazz things up. I bought a pair of vintage sunglasses at a flea market one day and added vintage jewelry to them to make them pop and they popped! I realized they looked awesome! I decided to start making them. My inspiration comes from comic books, sci-fi and the Victorian era.
Fashion Maniac: What would you describe as your personal style?
Yadira Maldonado: Eclectic, new wave and Victorian influenced. I am also inspired by Stevie Nicks and David Bowie, music influences my style heavily, anything I listen to can influence my personal style.
Fashion Maniac: Where do you find pieces for your sunglasses?
Yadira Maldonado: My friends often find me pieces. I also use broken pieces of jewelry, necklaces, bracelets anything I think would look nice. I also shop a lot of estate sales and flea markets.
FM: How would everyday women wear your designs?
YM: They will jazz up any outfit! I'm a believer in dressing up and looking your best and these sunglasses are perfect for pulling together any outfit. The great thing about my designs are they can substitute for your necklaces and earrings. You don't need to worry about it when you wear these sunglasses. They are versatile, they can add to your casual look or jazz up a simple black dress... but don't forget the red lipstick! [laughs].
Interview with Marilyn Hammer, Jewelry designer:
Fashion Maniac: What is your inspiration behind your jewelry design?
Marilyn Hammer: My designs are driven by life, death and rebirth. They carry on the energy of the animal after it has passed.
Fashion Maniac: How long have you been designing and what made you start designing?
Marilyn Hammer: I started designing in 2005, I used to be a graphic designer and my computer broke one day. I decided to start designing jewelry to stay creative I really got into sculpture and designing, it felt good to start working with my hands.
FM: Where do you find the pieces you incorporate into your designs?
MH: Most of the bones I search for were found in Warsaw and Clarence. For my more exotic pieces I found in Florida and New Orleans, where I've used armadillo bones for these pieces. The fur I use in my designs I recycle from thrift stores. The fur is old and so the animal didn't suffer in vein it brings a new energy to the fur and the person who wears the pieces.
FM: What would you describe as your personal style?
MH: Gypsy and carnival, also native and tribal. Gypsy in the sense that I travel a lot and I dress to fit the environment that I'm in. Its also very earth based, not just native American but primitive and raw as well.
These two talented designers certainly are one of a kind, and we can't wait to see more of their future designs! If you would like to purchase any of their pieces you can contact Yadira Maldonado for her sunglasses at maldydesign@yahoo.com.
For Marilyn's design you can shop at her etsy shop.
Holiday Specials: I'd like to mention a few up-date's with our team.
Our makeup artist Dani Weiser just launched her new spray tanning business called Hollywood Sunless Tanning. If you're feeling a bit pale these days you should set an appointment. If you plan on wearing a strapless gown to an event, this is the perfect solution to even out your chest, neck, and face.
Cassie Rose & Cameron Richard our stylists are personal clothing shoppers. These days there never seems to be enough time, with the holidays and parties coming up ,they can relieve you of stress and time. They also can help you get rid of clothing that needs to go, and articles that need to stay.You may not have enough time to keep up with the "times" and don't feel comfortable with your attire after work hours, "socializing". This is where Cassie and Cameron can help you attain the essentials for your closet.
James Hickey "The King Of Curl" is definitely the hair stylist you want, to help give your hair volume and body. His hair curling techniques gives you a glamorous style for your holiday parties. You don't always have to resort with an "up do" for events, especially when it's cold out. Your hair won't move!
I'm Cheryl Gorski and I'm starting to book appointments for portraits and event photography for the holidays. A portrait is a timeless gift to offer someone you love. You can also have our make up and hair team style you. I also can set up a portrait area for holiday parties and black tie events where you can buy CDs. My studio is pet friendly, and I can come to your home to photograph you and your cat. Want your business to be Fashion Maniac's official sponsor ? Please contact info@cheylgorski.com. Your business's add can be featured in our section. This would include all the numerous followers on Facebook and our team's personal profile lists.
Want your business to be Fashion Maniac's official sponsor? Please contact info@cheylgorski.com. Your business's add can be featured in our section. This would include all the numerous followers on Facebook and our team's personal profile lists. Looking for models! Acting A+
Booking appointments for head shots. Sign up now! Contact info@cherylgorski.com 716-903-0600
Stay updated with our Twitter and Facebook. Please forward to your friends!
Cheryl Gorski | Photographer & Creative Director | 716-895-1689 | 716-903-0600 | info@cherylgorski.com | Also on Facebook specializing in: Fashion, Headshots/modeling/acting, Editorial, Portraits, Bands/ CD/ Press Kits, Corporate events, Web photography, Run-way
Cassie Rose | Specializing in Visual Merchandising, Styling, Fashion Editorial and Media arts, personal shopper, and blogger. E-mail Cassandraelsaesser@yahoo.com | Facebook - Cassie Rose | Twitter - CassieRosee
Dani Weiser | Makeup Artist www.hollywoodmakeupartist.net | 716-348-1239 | Makeup teacher, weddings, TV, Film, Print and SFX. Hollywood Sunless Tanning, for appointments | Website www.hollywoodsunlesstanning.com | Please call for any questions.
James Hickey | Hair Stylist & Painter | jameshickey@buffalo.com & www.mchezannsalon.com | 716-901- 4499 | Specializing in: Cut/Color, fashion photo shoots, run-way, weddings & social events, oil paintings/ custom interior design paintings
Lucy Perrone-Mancuso | Prop Stylist | Owner of Moda 1509 Hertel Ave | 716-725-6636 | Specializing in accessories, antiques, jewelry, furnishings, buy & sell, motion pictures/films, photo shoots
Todd Warfield | Prop Stylist Extraordinaire | 716-289-1078 | Specializing in special effects, production of designing and building sets, theatre and photo shoots
Whitney Curry | Hair stylist for shoots, films, bridal, personal | Whitfemale@gmail.com | Chezannsalon.com
Richard Renda | Executive Producer / Video Journalist specializing in: Runway , T.V. Production, Fashion Stylist, Production Coordinator | email totallycool@totallycool.net
Cameron Richard | Stylist specializing in : personal shopper, aspiring designer, blogger | Facebook - Cameron Richard | Twitter - camronrichard | email camron-smith@hotmail.com
View image
Features Editor: Cassie Elsaesser
All Photography & Managing Editor: Cheryl Gorski
Hair Stylist: Whitney Curry
Makeup: Vanessa Vaz
Bones, Feathers, Fur & Sunglasses: Fashion Accessories Designed by Marilyn Hammer & Yadira Maldonado
Interviewed by: Cassie Elsaesser
The local creative and artistic talent here in Buffalo is impressive, to say the least. Fashion Maniac had the opportunity to sit down and chat with two such talents. Yadira Maldonado and Marilyn Hammer are local Jewelry and Sunglasses Accessory Designers who live in our city. Their work is unique, creative and just like Buffalo artists, its impressive.
Interview with Yadira Maldonado, sunglasses accessory designer:
Fashion Maniac: What is your inspiration for designing your sunglasses?
Yadira Maldonado: I always try and jazz things up. I bought a pair of vintage sunglasses at a flea market one day and added vintage jewelry to them to make them pop and they popped! I realized they looked awesome! I decided to start making them. My inspiration comes from comic books, sci-fi and the Victorian era.
Fashion Maniac: What would you describe as your personal style?
Yadira Maldonado: Eclectic, new wave and Victorian influenced. I am also inspired by Stevie Nicks and David Bowie, music influences my style heavily, anything I listen to can influence my personal style.
Fashion Maniac: Where do you find pieces for your sunglasses?
Yadira Maldonado: My friends often find me pieces. I also use broken pieces of jewelry, necklaces, bracelets anything I think would look nice. I also shop a lot of estate sales and flea markets.
FM: How would everyday women wear your designs?
YM: They will jazz up any outfit! I'm a believer in dressing up and looking your best and these sunglasses are perfect for pulling together any outfit. The great thing about my designs are they can substitute for your necklaces and earrings. You don't need to worry about it when you wear these sunglasses. They are versatile, they can add to your casual look or jazz up a simple black dress... but don't forget the red lipstick! [laughs].
Interview with Marilyn Hammer, Jewelry designer:
Fashion Maniac: What is your inspiration behind your jewelry design?
Marilyn Hammer: My designs are driven by life, death and rebirth. They carry on the energy of the animal after it has passed.
Fashion Maniac: How long have you been designing and what made you start designing?
Marilyn Hammer: I started designing in 2005, I used to be a graphic designer and my computer broke one day. I decided to start designing jewelry to stay creative I really got into sculpture and designing, it felt good to start working with my hands.
FM: Where do you find the pieces you incorporate into your designs?
MH: Most of the bones I search for were found in Warsaw and Clarence. For my more exotic pieces I found in Florida and New Orleans, where I've used armadillo bones for these pieces. The fur I use in my designs I recycle from thrift stores. The fur is old and so the animal didn't suffer in vein it brings a new energy to the fur and the person who wears the pieces.
FM: What would you describe as your personal style?
MH: Gypsy and carnival, also native and tribal. Gypsy in the sense that I travel a lot and I dress to fit the environment that I'm in. Its also very earth based, not just native American but primitive and raw as well.
These two talented designers certainly are one of a kind, and we can't wait to see more of their future designs! If you would like to purchase any of their pieces you can contact Yadira Maldonado for her sunglasses at maldydesign@yahoo.com.
For Marilyn's design you can shop at her etsy shop.
Holiday Specials: I'd like to mention a few up-date's with our team.
Our makeup artist Dani Weiser just launched her new spray tanning business called Hollywood Sunless Tanning. If you're feeling a bit pale these days you should set an appointment. If you plan on wearing a strapless gown to an event, this is the perfect solution to even out your chest, neck, and face.
Cassie Rose & Cameron Richard our stylists are personal clothing shoppers. These days there never seems to be enough time, with the holidays and parties coming up ,they can relieve you of stress and time. They also can help you get rid of clothing that needs to go, and articles that need to stay.You may not have enough time to keep up with the "times" and don't feel comfortable with your attire after work hours, "socializing". This is where Cassie and Cameron can help you attain the essentials for your closet.
James Hickey "The King Of Curl" is definitely the hair stylist you want, to help give your hair volume and body. His hair curling techniques gives you a glamorous style for your holiday parties. You don't always have to resort with an "up do" for events, especially when it's cold out. Your hair won't move!
I'm Cheryl Gorski and I'm starting to book appointments for portraits and event photography for the holidays. A portrait is a timeless gift to offer someone you love. You can also have our make up and hair team style you. I also can set up a portrait area for holiday parties and black tie events where you can buy CDs. My studio is pet friendly, and I can come to your home to photograph you and your cat. Want your business to be Fashion Maniac's official sponsor ? Please contact info@cheylgorski.com. Your business's add can be featured in our section. This would include all the numerous followers on Facebook and our team's personal profile lists.
Want your business to be Fashion Maniac's official sponsor? Please contact info@cheylgorski.com. Your business's add can be featured in our section. This would include all the numerous followers on Facebook and our team's personal profile lists. Looking for models! Acting A+
Booking appointments for head shots. Sign up now! Contact info@cherylgorski.com 716-903-0600
Stay updated with our Twitter and Facebook. Please forward to your friends!
Cheryl Gorski | Photographer & Creative Director | 716-895-1689 | 716-903-0600 | info@cherylgorski.com | Also on Facebook specializing in: Fashion, Headshots/modeling/acting, Editorial, Portraits, Bands/ CD/ Press Kits, Corporate events, Web photography, Run-way
Cassie Rose | Specializing in Visual Merchandising, Styling, Fashion Editorial and Media arts, personal shopper, and blogger. E-mail Cassandraelsaesser@yahoo.com | Facebook - Cassie Rose | Twitter - CassieRosee
Dani Weiser | Makeup Artist www.hollywoodmakeupartist.net | 716-348-1239 | Makeup teacher, weddings, TV, Film, Print and SFX. Hollywood Sunless Tanning, for appointments | Website www.hollywoodsunlesstanning.com | Please call for any questions.
James Hickey | Hair Stylist & Painter | jameshickey@buffalo.com & www.mchezannsalon.com | 716-901- 4499 | Specializing in: Cut/Color, fashion photo shoots, run-way, weddings & social events, oil paintings/ custom interior design paintings
Lucy Perrone-Mancuso | Prop Stylist | Owner of Moda 1509 Hertel Ave | 716-725-6636 | Specializing in accessories, antiques, jewelry, furnishings, buy & sell, motion pictures/films, photo shoots
Todd Warfield | Prop Stylist Extraordinaire | 716-289-1078 | Specializing in special effects, production of designing and building sets, theatre and photo shoots
Whitney Curry | Hair stylist for shoots, films, bridal, personal | Whitfemale@gmail.com | Chezannsalon.com
Richard Renda | Executive Producer / Video Journalist specializing in: Runway , T.V. Production, Fashion Stylist, Production Coordinator | email totallycool@totallycool.net
Cameron Richard | Stylist specializing in : personal shopper, aspiring designer, blogger | Facebook - Cameron Richard | Twitter - camronrichard | email camron-smith@hotmail.com
I'm so happy to see an article done on Yadira. She is very passionate about her glasses and her art. We should all expect great things from this up and coming talent. So if you have an opportunity, buy her signature glasses, when they become available. I'm sure they'll become very collectible.