lifestyle May 18, 2011 9:51 AM

Fashion Maniac: I AM A WARRIOR!

Fashion Maniac: I AM A WARRIOR!
Fashion Maniac: Cheryl Gorski, Managing Editor - May 2011 - Keeping tabs on Buffalo's fashion industry, including models, catwalks, retailers, designers, stylists, visual merchandisers and jewelers.
 
The FASHION MANIAC Team:
Features Editor: Cassie Elsaesser
Managing Editor & All Photography: Cheryl Gorski
Copy Editor: Chris Alfiero
Stylists: Cassie Elsaesser & Cameron Richard
Guest Make Up:  Andrew Brown
Hair Stylist: Whitney Curry
Casting Director: Kimberly Cohen
Prop Stylist: Todd Warfield, Lucy Mancuso, Michael Merisola
Sound Track Mash Up: Gerard Gooch
 
I AM A WARRIOR!: By Cassie Elsaesser
 
Bold...
 
Bold was the word on everyone's lips during the Spring-Summer 2011 runway season. Bold prints, bold colors and of course, bold fashionistas. Tribal themed garb is making its way in this season's trends and the "look" to be is bold.
 
An ensemble with tribal print can be worn in so many ways this season. The key is accessorizing. Updating any look is an imperative part to keeping fashionable. An outfit can be worn many different ways when combined with the right accessories.
Accessorizing requires time, patience and an attention to detail.  The results, however, are worth the investment as framing a bold look requires more than the just the base.

 

Minimalist inspired jewelry is the perfect way to keep your look fresh and updated.  The understated color of ivory, for example, adds a simple and tasteful touch to any ensemble, especially an outfit that has an explosive print.  Adding a few pieces will compliment the look in a whole new way and all the while keeping you looking fresh and ready for spring.
 
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^International Trends

Lacoste's Spring-Summer 2011 runway show demonstrated the use of jewelry made from wood. The gentle design and look to a wood necklace or bracelet can be very versatile. Wooden accessories can be paired with minimalist and monochromatic outfits but work sensationally well with bold prints.  Adding subtle accessories like a wood bracelet or a ring adds a fashionable flare to a bold print without competing with the garments.
 
Many other designers are incorporating wood as a primary and supplementary material for accessories.  Ana Sui is combining wood beads with feathers resulting in yet another approach to tribal fashion that has its roots deeply set into nature.

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^International Trends

Marc by Marc Jacobs used "bold" in a rather unique way.  His neutral palette for spring this season was paired off with clusters of two to five bold, earthy-enameled bracelets, and brilliant earth tones and orange.
 
The tribal theme was an inspiration to several designers this Spring-Summer season 2011.  The use of Africo-infused tye-dye was shown throughout Custo Barcelona and Lamb.

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^Click to enlarge photos

Lamb made a bold statement of their own by combining animal prints with plaid.  In addition to the clothing line, she made prodigious use of animal prints combined with tie-dye on backpacks and purses.
 
Andra Neen used the African influence with great strength and liberty by incorporating metalwork with tribal inspired symbols and designs.  Tracey Reese included African-inspired, black & white prints in her expansive repertoire.

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Perhaps the boldest statement for the season is round glasses.  And the bigger, the better.  With summer not far away, many designers placed round eyewear front and center using bold tinting in the glass such as Tracey Reese, Alexander Herchovich, and Zac Posen. From techno to hippie, round frames were seen in the Ana Sui and Alexander Herchovich collections.  With an appearance mimicking reading glasses, Tracey Reese and Zac Posen made very unique use of round, but completely clear lenses.

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Being "bold" is an attitude; one we all love to experiment with from time to time.  And this season is especially perfect to let go of any inhibitions and embrace a look that sets you apart from the mundane.  Including simple and understated touches allows us to possess the bold look whilst remaining grounded and chic.

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Leave it to the Fashion Maniac team to show that Buffalo has what it takes when it comes to fashion trends and models who like to showcase the latest and greatest. Check out the other shoots to see the national trends and where to find them locally: United We Stand @ Tifft Nature Preserve, bathing suits on the Spirit of Buffalo, Black Velvet, James Scissorhands, kicks and handbags at Niagara Square, Morgen Love, bowling, blue jeans on tracks, 1950's, rocking scarves, the workplace can be sexy, raingear and the twins, Li'l Black Dress, Lingering Nights, concrete jungle, Hay Fever, Freeze Frame, the custom hatter, night moves in Allentown, Who Did It?, Good Clean Fun, Love Never Dies, Buff Designs, and the sultry bridesmaid.

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Body painting by:

Andrew Brown of Salon Rouge at 700 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY. (716) 884-1010

Randal Muntz of Divine Machine Tattoo at 82 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY. (716) 883-1300 , randallmuntz@yahoo.com
 
Assisted by Ian Wiedrick
 
Jewelry from:

Moda at 1509 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, NY. (716) 725-6636
 
Feather and Bone jewelry "Adorned Immortal Line" designed by Marilyn Hammer
 
Sunglasses designed by Yadira Maldonado
 
Tribal Gas mask designed by Randal Muntz
 
Antique tribal mask and furniture from John Marfaglio | Antiques at 1484 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, NY. (716) 913-8549

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Location:  Leopard Lounge at the Town Ball Room taken during Dance Your Art Off Party - a successful fundraiser for the arts!

Looking for models! Acting A+

Booking appointments for head shots. Sign up now!  Contact info@cherylgorski.com | 716-903-0600

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. Stay updated with our Twitter and Facebook. Please forward to your friends!

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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.

Whitney Curry stylist at Chez Ann Salon definitely brings creativity to your updo. She can give you a free consultation regarding a style that would complement your face and attire. Your hair will definitely stand out with her techniques. She taking appointments now for weddings and special events. 

I'm (Cheryl Gorski) shooting portraits, if you'd like Dani, Whitney and myself as a team, please call 716-903-0600 to schedule your appointment.  A portrait is a timeless gift to offer someone you love.

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Photos starting top left Clockwise: Kimberly Cohen, Andrew Brown, Whitney Curry, Dani Weiser, Cheryl Gorski, Cameron Richard, Lucy Perrone-Mancuso, Michael Merisola, Cassie Elsaesser, Todd Warfield

Contact info:

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.

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

Andrew Brown | Hair & Makeup Stylist : Owner Salon Rouge | 700 Elmwood Ave | 716-884-1010 | Specializing in: Cuts, Up-do's, Weddings, Events, Halloween Costumes, Runway, Photo shoots

Whitney Curry | Hair stylist  for shoots, films, bridal, personal | Whitfemale@gmail.com | Chezannsalon.com

Cameron Richard | Stylist specializing in : personal shopper, aspiring designer, blogger | Facebook - Cameron Richard | Twitter - camronrichard | email camron-smith@hotmail.com

Michael Merisola | Owner of Coo Coo U (modern antique store) | 1478 Hertel Ave | 716- 837-3385 or 716-432-6216. Specializes in: appraisals, special event/ prop stylist, liquidations, 1950's,1960's,1970's furniture.

Kimberly Cohen | Casting Director and Model/ Actress | kimcohen14@gmail.com | Specializing in Movies, Theatre, Photography and Film. Follow Kimberly on Facebook.  Follow Kimberly on Twitter at: kmcohen

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Comments

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Oh boy. Here we go again.

Score: 6 ( 6 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

These keep getting worse! The models, the "fashion" and the shoots themselves.

Why is so much of each post devoted to a listing of every person who seemingly touched this shoot and their "credentials?" I think these people take themselves more seriously than people who actually work in the industry.

Score: 10 ( 12 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

One word: Zoolander.

Score: 5 ( 7 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Seriously. Lighten up, people-I think it is great that you want to inject fashion/sense into the Buffalo psyche, but can you have some genuine fun with it, and not take yourselves so seriously? The roll call is a little much.

The female has unique, model-esque beauty, so good find.

Score: -3 ( 11 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Yes, I do enjoy looking at the scantily clad females and their assets. Now, where can I purchase the war paint and loincloth? I should be a big hit at the Wellington Pub this weekend.

replied to Travelrrr
Score: 11 ( 13 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

My comment was unduly harsh. I do give this team props for putting themselves out there-that takes courage. Good for them, and I hope to see more fashion mania.

replied to Travelrrr
Score: 2 ( 4 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

I just don't get it. Is it supposed to be funny? Because it is.

Score: 8 ( 8 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

I think it works better if you have this song playing in the background.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIDaBF8LILk

Score: 2 ( 2 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Holy Credits Batman!

Score: 6 ( 6 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

I'm impressed that Elijah Wood agreed to do this photo shoot.

Score: 4 ( 4 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Not to jump on the negative nancy train here but to be taken seriously ANYWHERE, not just BUFFALO, you need not follow TRENDS of the Post-MGMT world with glittery make-up and voodoo doctor attire..

Plus, a strong visual representation is key to showcasing your photography.
You guys should consider contacting a graphic designer for a logo/promo material..

Just sayin' Y'all!

For your viewing enjoyment:
Was this your inspiration?
MIND YOU this (below) was popular in 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmZexg8sxyk

Score: -1 ( 1 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Screamin' Jay Hawkins was the only person who could pull off voodoo doctor attire.

replied to mickeyh25
Score: 2 ( 2 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

in fashion the clothing should be the centerpiece. in this production the clothing is anything but the centerpiece. this is a mess.

Score: 4 ( 4 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

I'd like to " Clarilfy" this shoot for all the critics posting their opinions. I was asked to par-take in doing an installation for the Dance Your Art Off Party, that was a fundraiser for the arts a few weeks ago. It was taken in the leopard lounge at the Town Ballroom which had " leopard walls". THe body paint theme was decided to corrolate with the theme of the party,we used tribal inspired jewelry. IT took 5 hours to paint the models, and over 2 hours to shoot during a party. You really should read the article before you post something so negetive and hurtful. Everyone did their best and put alot of time into this to make the event fun. I'm very proud of the team and my friends. IF you don't like the shoot then you don't look at it. What can I tell ya? Purposly sabatoging our section each issue isn't nice.If there's a something that you would like me to know personally I'd appreciate an email then attacking us publicly. Let me see your fashion police license and we can take it from there.

Score: 1 ( 3 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

I get what you're saying. Maybe people could be more sensitive in the way they (we) express an opinion. But then maybe you could get past the humor and take away some useful information about the way this material is received. No one ever improved by being constantly showered with compliments.

replied to cheryl gorski
Score: 0 ( 0 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Yes you said it best, sure MGMT video links are not going to help your cause cheryl, but the graphic design stand point is a must for promotional materials, you wanna look good in your clothes? why not in your identity!?

replied to NBuffguy
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I don't get fashion. Nothing in this shoot looks remotely appealing to me. I appreciate that it took a lot of time and work, but there is nothing compelling whatsoever in my eyes to the finished products.

If you don't like the criticism, sorry, but putting out pictures such as these is intended to generate enthusiasm or you wouldn't do it. If instead the reaction is a yawn or stronger critique, them's the breaks. In my eyes, it's just plain fugly, pretentious and silly, regardless of the ideas that were intended to be conveyed. Don't like public criticism? Don't parade ideas publicly.

Score: 0 ( 4 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

All of you who are making negative comments about Cheryl probably couldn't even take a picture of yourself in a mirror. Your all idiots!! It was a fundraiser done for fun. No one was paid. Like Cheryl said, read the article before posting your ignorant ass opinions. Have a great day all you fashion blessed retards. Too funny, lmao!

Score: -6 ( 6 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Good one. Do you mean "you're" all idiots?

replied to joeyyamms
Score: 5 ( 5 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Mark Freeland and I were doing this years ago on the Hertel strip...Mr. Tony's to be specific

Score: 1 ( 1 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Mr. Tony's had a nice Fish Fry back in the day. No snark here.

Score: 2 ( 2 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Ha! I love it!! I knew one of u IDIOTS would have looked for a misspelled word or improper sentence. Now that's a good one!! GOOD JOB!! Just like "clock work". That's all I gotta say....really don't have time or give a F**K to comment back and forth with any you fashion geniuses. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Score: -4 ( 4 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

I think most of this is going over your head.

replied to joeyyamms
Score: 3 ( 3 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

I can say this,we love what we do as a team. THe whole concept with fashion maniac is to show a trend from the runway shows I cover and duplicate it here locally supporting local businesses. This shoot was a live installation/performance during an art party. We had to show people wearing your art. AS a photographer sometimes I like other's art, some not. I do enjoy when I can close my eyes and remember an image that someone painted or photographed. IT's in the eyes of the beholder. Constructive critism is healthy, but hurting others intentionally is pretty shitty. If someone wants to suggest something to me ,I'd appreciate an email. These installation shoots won't end. I'm a supporter of the arts and our team is willing to be ivolved when we are asked. I can't please everyone, if you don't enjoy me or the work then you don't. I personally don't get off writing negetivity. This shoot was art, not everyone in the shoot was a model. I use local people that come to me and ask to be part of the shoots. Negative comments are not going to stop me or our shoots, life goes on. Thank you for spending so much time looking at my work and writing about it.

Score: 2 ( 4 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

If someone wants to design a logo for fashion maniac we are open for suggestions. Our section is layed out internally within BR. MIchael Harmon why didn;t you just email me instad of posting this on here?????

Score: 0 ( 2 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Oh, man! Michael Harmon's been outted as mickeyh25. The bloom is off the rose now.

I am going to exit this post, never to return. It's getting too serious, too fast. I never intended for this to happen. For the record, it was just a joke. I'm going to go listen to my Vampire Weekend records and dance about the bedroom in my underpants.

Score: 2 ( 2 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Your last [unexpected] sentence made my morning coffee come out of my nose. Thanks for the AM laugh...

Score: 1 ( 1 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Oh, man! Michael Harmon's been outted as mickeyh25. The bloom is off the rose now.

I am going to exit this post, never to return. It's getting too serious, too fast. I never intended for this to happen. For the record, it was just a joke. I'm going to go listen to my Vampire Weekend records and dance about the bedroom in my underpants.

Score: 1 ( 1 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Cheryl- this is the most attention/comments that a Fashion Maniac piece has ever attracted. Be thankful.

And don't expect people to take an article seriously when you feel the need to post credits THREE TIMES. Either this is about art/fashion, or its about pimping these people and their respective businesses. It's rather shameless. If this is about art, as you say it is, then post a single link to an external site where the names and contact information of those involved can be viewed by those who are interested. And seriously- no one needs a head shot of the hair dresser or the make up artist- are you kidding with that??

and if you are serious about hiring a graphic designer- I would reccommend someone like Frazer/Montague.

Score: 3 ( 3 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Listen,
I never meant to hurt anyone here.
The shoot just reminded me of MGMT.

Sorry and yes Frazer/Montague is a solid firm.
I would have shot you an email if I knew you were
looking for some work.

I am just saying that the whole white background behind text
sometime stretched over the top of your photos isn't helping
your identity. Again, I apologize for it coming across negative.

With that said, this is the same site where people accused me
of ripping off Michael Gelen with my movie posters, so Cheryl
I feel for you.

Best of luck to ALL artists in ALL fields.
Buffalo Rising isn't the New York Times.

Score: 1 ( 1 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

OK Let me clarify a few things here : The header is Who the team is for the particular shoot. At the bottom is our contact info,and images of who we are.

Score: -3 ( 3 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

So I created an account just to post here.

I don't know any of you and I have no alliances with any of you, and I don't care to either, just to be frank.

As a pro marketer, I probably know more about most of you, and your traffic patterns and what you do than you can imagine.

Those unremarkably ignorant posts unfortunately remind us that these people roam among us, and how sad.

Go back to your unusual habits, see the colors in your mind, and your fake love affair with yourself and wine, and push that chip deeper from your unfulfilled fantasy that you'll actually breakthrough and find success creatively someday, because you won't. You think you find solace in the music and that people like you, but the songs that you like were not written for you, and if you really listen in your life, you'll hear how much people really don't even care about you.

Hiding behind screen names. You should be absolutely ashamed, especially if you know the person who created the site that you are posting about, which seems to be the case!

Yeah waste some more time posting your reflections of your past and remind us of the things that "you did". That's a true sign that you're fizzling out anyways, enjoy the ride down and don’t look forward or you’ll sh__ yourself.

One can only imagine other behaviors that accompany your personality type - creeeeeeeps.

Score: -1 ( 1 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

>"Hiding behind screen names. You should be absolutely ashamed", says the poster with the screen name "flippinwigs". Is that irony or just hypocrisy?

you seem quite personally insulted that so many of us were unimpressed with the photos, so much so that you lash out about how no one really cares about us, and we'll never find creative success, etc. In fact your rant is much more of a personal attack than any of the negative comments were.

I'm sorry we weren't more impressed. If it makes you feel better, I'm not impressed with most of the snippets I see of fashion shows in Paris or NY, either. I'm just not big on fashion at all. I find most of it silly and pretentious. I only read the article when I noticed a healthy number of comments. And then when I read them, I was pleased and surprised to find so many with which I agreed. Sorry that your feelings were hurt, flippinwigs. Although I assure you, even though this kind of 'art' isn't my thing, I do have a very creative side. And believe it or not, some people even love me:). And for the record, at least I use my real name. Why don't you?

replied to flippinwigs
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