Styling (and Creative Directing) My First Personal Lookbook
“I was seven when I decided that I’d make it big in fashion! All I wanted to do was sketch and customize clothing. I’d rummage through my wardrobe, finding jeans that I could add patches to—or older t-shirts that I would cut up, tie dye, or do iron-on transfers (with the only print my grandma had available). I’d even draw my logo on with fabric markers.”
My general style is bold, colorful, and a little eclectic (or eccentric depending on who you ask). I rarely give myself the opportunity to trial “editorial” inspired looks.
The idea sparked in me when I was rummaging through magazines one day and thought “I need to create a lookbook!” I had landed a job at Topshop/Topman (otherwise known as TSTM) in Soho, New York and was surrounded by a slew of creatives. I pitched the idea of a photoshoot to one of my co-workers; he was always carrying a Nikon DSLR.
I’d seen some of his work before; mainly “boy’s night out” photos via his Facebook albums. But, the quality of his camera was good (much better than my point and shoot) and that’s all that mattered to me.
He accepted his first “official” photoshoot commission and I was ecstatic to bring some of my creative direction skills to life.
I took a few weeks to scout locations, figure out my outfits, and get into character—in other words I was channeling my inner-muse!
Creative Direction Notes:
Choose an era/moment in time that inspires you
Select location(s) that highlight that era/time period
Style your look(s)/outfit(s) to align with the overall feel of the environment (and vision) you’re creating
Be resourceful and work with what you have
Choose an era/moment in time that inspires you - I was fascinated by the pinup girl era and classic fashion illustrations.
Select location(s) that highlight that era/time period - Grand Central Terminal seemed the most fitting. It’s refined, timeless, and a true work of art. I envisioned a busy woman (of opulence) traveling throughout the city; whether she was catching a matinee or rushing to a meeting. If she wasn’t being chauffeured around; she’d likely be taking one of the many trains that arrived/departed from GCT.
Style your look(s)/outfit(s) to align with the overall feel of the environment (and vision) you’re creating - “What would that woman wear?” I asked myself.
Heels
Mid-length Dresses/Skirts
Natural Make-up (if any)
Pinup Curls
Simplistic Accessories/Jewelry
Be resourceful and work with what you have - I’d recently shopped at H&M and purchased a peplum dress. I had no idea where I’d wear it or why I needed it in my wardrobe. It was literally a $5 purchase, so no real loss whether I wore it or not—perfect for this occasion. I knew that the refined muse I was curating; would wear heels! I had a pair of red wedges (also from H&M) that would work decently with the dress.
Here’s the final look!
Did I execute the vision?
Outfit Details: H&M Polka Dot Peplum Mid-Length Dress & Red Faux-Suede Tie-up Wedges
Photo Credit: Kareem Wallace
Vision Board Items: Sourced via Pinterest (original board no longer available)
See more of my creative direction work here