StudioArena

Rosario Dawson: Fashionably Delicious

2009-02-09T08:33:00.009-05:00

This is Black History Month and in honor of those who paved the way for all of us I'm celebrating the history we are making right now. We no longer have to fight to eat at a lunch counter but we must still fight ignorance (our real enemy).
I am exploring different avenues to hit the point home that we are all living in this world together and have different cultures which is what makes us unique and special.
And yes my angle is always going to be from a fashion perspective because fashion is my chosen medium of expression. It is an area where culture is both admired and exploited.

Last week I posted about the idea of the Blacktino (Afro Latino).
And I will continue with that theme this week because it is one of my favorite interests.
This past week I had the pleasure of going to Toronto and shooting the stills for the new video "Birthday Suit" featuring Diction and Slim (from 112).
And I must say Toronto captured my heart!
So many interesting mixes of people. It was a beautifully amazing experience.

I don't know why, but I immediately thought of Rosario Dawson. I guess its because she has that vibe: very beautiful, cool & down to Earth. She is Puerto Rican, Afro-Cuban, Native American and Irish and every time we see her she is All Woman.
I love her smile, her fashion sense, and her aura in general.

Now I have LOVED Rosario ever since she won my heart in the movie "Kids" which I saw in DC with about 50 of my closest friends from Howard University (do you guys remember we filled up the whole theater? GOOD TIMES WERE HAD BY ALL IN MY H.U. DAYS! LOL)
She is such a wonderful actress and I am glad she has had a chance to really explore different aspects of humanity on film. (I mean she has a vast filmography)

She is a prime example of what it means to be taken seriously for one's talent.
After the success of Seven Pounds I'm hoping (& more than sure) she will get the Big roles we all want to see her play (yes she has been in big films but I'm talking Starring roles).
I see She is slated to play Wonder Woman in the direct to video version, & although Beyonce is supposed to be Wonder Woman in the big budget version (I love me some Beyonce too ok) I think Rosario would be a much better choice.
(Wonder Woman is from the Amazon people ok, do your history, we all know where the Amazons are & yes Wonder Woman is Latina).

But that is neither here nor there (it really doesn't matter does it?, it's just a small thing that bothers me like when Angela Bassett sometimes had a Jamaican accent in the "Biggie" movie. or Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra, well you get the idea.

Well I usually don't post about celebrities because I try to keep this space fashion focused but somehow she fits into the fashion sector simply because she has such an incredible style.
She always looks amazing. I want to see her on more and more covers of magazines. (if magazines still exist lol).

My favorite cover to date is of her on Trace Magazine representing the Taino lovely with the feather on her head! WOW! When I first saw that I almost melted. (That's why we love you Dah Len!)
She also has a doll from Josie and the Pussycats. (I find that very fashionable since all stars must have a doll: shout to my fellow Michigan homie Mary P).
(Yes Please get @ me if you would like to design my doll with a portable vintage 4x5, curly hair, and fresh Jordan Classics).

I really would LOVE to photograph Miss Dawson because she fits into my "Most Wanted" category.
So if you can make that happen let me know or actually let her know she has a "Light Stalker".

Ok, now if you have been reading and think this post makes no sense, read the blog description: random thoughts, that's what this is folks, things I think about while trying to inspire diversity.

Now go forth and do your homework on all the new words you've learned here & if you haven't learned any new words good for you, you are up to date with your diversity training. So take it to the next level (whatever that means for you).

Marilyn Agency: Emanuela de Paula

2009-02-02T07:45:00.019-05:00

This post is from a conversation I've had with Lala Lopez (lalalopeznyc.com) In honor of Black History month I figure I'd address an issue that has always pressed heavy on my heart. BLACKTINO's phase. I am not sure if I told you this, but From age 2-about 7 I was partially raised in a Puerto Rican household. My babysitter was Puerto Rican & I stayed w her family mon-fri & my mom on weekends (my mom worked alot, long hours, so it was pretty awsome!). For breakfast I ate the French bread which I dipped in my cafe con leche (which I have continued to do my entire life), I put catchup on my & arroz con pollo, I speak fluent spanglish as well (meaning: I understand Spanish fluently and I speak Spanish and put in an English word with my Spanish accent whenver I don't know the translation for something, btw, this also works in French as well)But for the most part I can function as a Spanish Speaking person.
The interesting thing is I actually thought i was Puerto Rican until i got the news around age 7.
How could this be? Well I had no concept of race, I only knew I heard my babysitter & her family say they were Puerto Rican & since they considered me as family I must be too (whatever that was).

I remember the afternoon I got the news of my heritage.
We were outside on the stoop & I was eating cherry icey.
(oh I must preface this by telling you that I was raised between NYC & Detroit all my life so this during my first NYC phase circa 1974-1979).
Anyhow, we were all outside (us kids on 103rd @ 1st ave aka Spanish Harlem) you know talkin junk about who's better Superman or Spiderman and of course I'm holdin down Wonder Woman cause we all know she beats them all! And somehow the argument shifted to some kid saying " uh uh cause you're Black!" (now I had never heard this before, so naturally I'm like " I'm not Black, I'm Puerto Rican, & it became a turn of fate as we began arguing and I'm defending my position until I see my babysitter coming up the block & assured victory enters my heart & I pump my chest up w my hands on my hips standing firm in my position "uh Anna he's saying I'm Black please tell him I'm Puerto Rican!" & to my shock, horror, & dismay Anna returns with " Nena, you're not Puerto Rican, you're Black" Can you imagine those films where everything starts spinning. I felt deceived and embarrassed not only because the whole block was laughing at me in my face pointing fingers saying "ha ha cocolo!" needless to say it was life altering.

When I told my mom, she moved to Detroit and enrolled me in a very afrocentric school to help me learn identity. It's called Nataki Talibah (http://www.ntsd.com). There I learned about my rich history and developed a strong sense of identity and pride.
Later in intermediate school I moved back to NYC to live with my dad on 84th btwn Amsterdam & Broadway where I lived across the street from Brandeis High School (yikes!) & attended I.S. 44. on 77th @ Columbus (where the famous Open Air Bazaar is held during the summers and also where Taimak Guarriello star of The Last Dragon also attended, btw that movie came out while I was in 7th grade there & he came to speak at my class & I thought I was going to faint because we had just seen the movie at the theater the week before & he was even cuter in person!)
ok ok ok ok ok, well back then in 1984/85 the upper west side was becoming yuppyized (basically they kicked out all the Dominicans who ended up moving further Uptown which is how Washington Heights became the way it is today.

but back then it was still mixed. So, by default most of my friends were of different heritages. I remember when I first started school there I was put into the "regular" classes with all the Blacks & Latinos. I used to finish my homework quick & be ready to go outside & breakdance. so my dad had me take the test & I got put into the "honors" classes because he felt I wasn't being challenged. It's funny because all the white kids were in the honors classes & only 5 Blacks and 1 Latino were in there as well. Now my closest friendships happened to be with my Latino sisters, mostly because the Black girls were really mean to me honestly. I had no understanding as to why they had beef. I felt like hey these chics are cool, so I hung with the Puerto Ricans. I would roll with them up to the bi-lingual floor (oh, the school separated the kids who didn't know English that well) & we'd hang out, play handball @ lunch, I'd be over their house, their moms would make me lunch or dinner. & I lived in a mostly latino/ dominican neighborhood and so after a while most of my friends were Puerto Rican. I was considered "the Enemy" by the Black kids though because back in the 80's Latino & Black didn't mix so well. so i was constantly being forced 2 choose. I never chose though, I always loved being Black and I have a very strong connection of love and admiration for Puerto Rican , Dominican, Cuban, culture as well as latino cultures all over Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Yes, we are different, and we are also similar. How do you think I was able to work at the infamous Copacabana as a bartender for 3 years in the Spanish room?!

And I feel there is such a long road ahead when it comes 2 diversity and people understanding differences and respecting each others'cultures. I feel people think Puerto Rican is 1 thing & that thing only & that all Latinos are the same and I would love to expose people 2 Black Latinos and Afro Latino culture, but on a fashion level. I want to educate people & inspire & celebrate.

I'm happy that the understanding is getting better but I hope we begin to WANT to learn about each other.
Evidence of this potential growth is seen with Michelle Obama and Isabel Toledo.

Now, I am celebrating African American History month with this post dedicated to my Afro-Latino peeps (get into it please).

Emanuela de Paula, was born in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Brazil 1989, in 2005 she signed with Marilyn Agency, in Feb 2005 debuts at New York Fashion Week at the fall crowd favorites Baby Phat and Sweetface shows, in Mar 18, 2005 she was Featured on Models.com as the model of the week Story in Apr 2005 she was Featured on Hintmag.com’s “Model Mania” as a rising star Story, in Jul 2005 she Appears in two Allure editorials, in Dec 2005 Appears in a nine page W editorial incarnating Diana Ross, in Jan 2006 Photographed by Max Cardelli for Italian Marie Claire, in Feb 2006 she Walks the fall Doo.Ri, Ralph Lauren, and Zac Posen shows in New York, Feb 2006 she Closes the fall Lacoste show in New York, 2006 she Appears on the cover of French Revue de Modes, 2006 she Appears in DKNY spring ad campaign, 2006 she Appears in Tommy Hilfiger spring ad campaign, 2006 she's the Face of Alexandre Herchcovitch spring ad campaign, Jul 2006 she's Photographed alongside Caroline Trentini for Brazilian Vogue, 2006 she Appears in Victoria’s Secret catalog, 2006 she Appears in Bloomingdales catalog, Dec 2006 she's Photographed by Regan Cameron for Allure, 2007 she Appears in Victoria’s Secret clothing catalog, 2007 she Appears in H&M fall ad campaign, Oct 2007 she's Photographed by Eric Baker for Marie Claire

"Born in a small port town, Emanuela mapped out her career goals at an early age. "When I was nine I told my father, 'I want to be a model! Take me to the city. I need to see some people.'" She immediately booked a supermarket catalog, and later Jennifer Lopez cast the newcomer in her fall runway show in New York City. "It was crazy," says Emanuela of her first big turn in the spotlight. She admits to some pre-show jitters. But when the lights go up and she hits the ground strutting, it's obvious she's in her element."

Let's hope we do see more of her on the catwalk this season as well as campaigns, & of course big catalogs.

She is considered a "Sexy" girl, meaning: (lingerie & swimsuits). That's a whole issue in itself of the perception of Latino women as sex objects & sexual creatures. In my opinion it is a view of women in general by those who would have you believe a little curvature is anything but feminine & have you running to the gym to be in fashion, lol

But, I am very happy for her. She is considered a Top girl, and rightly so. I am hoping for some more fashion from her though. as you can see, she definitely pulls it off WELL!

I love her smile, her eyes, and her naturalness!

Afro-Punk

2009-01-15T09:10:00.001-05:00

Motown 50th Anniversary / Donayle Luna

2009-01-12T08:10:00.015-05:00

Berry Gordy formed Motown on today in 1959! Can you believe Motown is 50 years old?!
I decided to dedicate today's post to Donayle Luna: the first African-American on the cover of British Vogue in 1966. Yes she was from Detroit!!!!!!
It was during this time that the idea or concept of Black was being explored, adopted, & accepted into society. It was the height of the Civil Rights Movement as well as other cultural revolutions. Motown carved out a place in history with the help of The Funk Brothers who can be credited with giving Motown it's rich and unique sound: voice, rhythm section, funky, soulful, pop, r&b, Crossing Black Artists over into the pop charts and creating Mega Stars from incredible talent.
I happened to grow up right across the street from the original Motown: "Hitsville USA" which stands today as a museum on West Grand Blvd. I know I must be in your pics if you visited between 1986 & 1990 because the bus stop from school dropped me right in front. lol

I grew up listening to stories about everybody who ever worked there because my mom was the first secretary for Motown and passed out the paychecks. :)

This era is also significant to me because I love it's Fashion Photography and French New Wave cinema!
I've recently started loving the 1960's again. I suppose it's because that era is so classic and stylish yet fresh and inspiring. I added a few of my favorite classic Motown beats/rhythms/songs to the playlist as well as some songs I believe are inspired by the genre.

It's funny, in 1966 GQ, Esquire, & Ebony were all very gorgeous publications. They adopted Minimalist canons with strong graphic photography. The Fashion images were very avant guard and theatrical. Avedon was King!

There are several resources online to read about Donayle Luna, however they all repeat the same history verbatim. So Instead of repeating it here I've included links so you can read them at your leisure. One interesting tidbit is that she was a party of Warhol's camp! I've included that image here. She has several films as well. Andy Warhol also made a film dedicated to featuring and named after her.

I can say of the images I've found online she's Beautiful! I'm disappointed she is no longer with us. I would love to have interviewed her.
I'd also love to discover more images. Perhaps I'll have to take a trip to the best Library in the world next month on 42nd street and do some hard core picture research on her!

I'm also happy style.com did a little taste on her.
Here's to trying something different and being a pioneer.
I hope you do check out her story.

Here are the links:
http://www.style.com/beauty/icon/020808ICON
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donyale_Luna
http://www.thefashionspot.com/forums/f52/donyale-luna-53592.html
http://afrobella.com/2007/04/27/lost-ones-donyale-luna

Q Management: Sonja Wanda

2009-01-06T10:33:00.010-05:00

Sonja is from Norway born in Sudan. She has worked in London, New York, Paris, Milan, etc.
According to her FMD (Fashion Model Directory) profile, she has been doing shows since '03.
Some of her more notable shows are:
Dries Van Noten, Akris, Vivienne Westwood, Alvin Valley, Baby Phat, Fendi, Iceberg, Imitation of Christ, Jeremy Scott, Just Cavalli, Karen Walker, Kenzo, Laura Biagiotti, Nicole Farhi, Proenza Schouler, Temperley, Tracy Reese, Heatherette, Imitation of Christ, Matthew Williamson Tribute, Catherine Malandrino, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mary Ping, Ralph Lauren, Ruffian, Zac Posen, & MaxMara.

Sonja is so beautiful and versatile. She can be soft as seen on her Elle cover or dynamic and bold. It took me a while to find some different images on her because she obviously is not working as much as I would hope she should. She's signed with Q Management http://www.qmanagementinc.com & She has her own site: http://www.sonja-wanda.com
I really want to see her doing much more editorial and campaigns this year.

IMG: Austria Alcantara, FRESH FACE

2008-12-29T06:59:00.029-05:00

Oh Well, I guess LOSING the Ford Models Super Model of the World contest (SMOW) turned out to be a GOOD thing for Miss Austria Alcantara (formerly known as Austria Ulloa until she landed a deal at IMG!)
(IMG is considered the Rolls Royce of agencies. They are an arm of the parent company: IMG World: producers for "the tents"/"the shows" in NYC & also producers of a series to promote their girls called Model.Live. This made-for-Web series followed three female models, Austria Alcantara, Cato van Ee and Madeline Kragh along their journeys from their homes to the catwalk.
The show premiered in August '08 on Vogue.TV, and was redistributed on Bebo. Basically, Each model kept a profile for updating their blogs, video diaries, text messages, photos, schedules, etc.

Austria walked in the American-Express/CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund show for Peter Som, the Autumn/Winter 2008 & Spring/Summer 2008 for Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, & the Spring/Summer 2008 for Betty Jackson, Brian Reyes, Catherine Holstein, Cynthia Rowley, DKNY, Julian Louie, Manish Aurora, Marchesa, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Ports 1961, & Qasimi.

She was also featured in the Dec '08 issue of Teen Vogue.

I think she's absolutely amazing on camera! She can be strong or soft and she's always very aware.
Her eyes are deep: beyond her 16? years (I am not sure if she's 16 we'll never really know, lol). Her smile is captivating & sincere. She understands her action lines. And She has Legs for Days Honey!
A lot of people were comparing her to Chanel Iman (LOL).
I think it's difficult for people in this industry to see variety.
(Funny, because variety exists and I see it everyday).
Hopefully IMG will be able to market her correctly.
There was talk of her booking Prada last season but that fizzled out, I do hope she books some great shows this coming season as well as top campaigns & editorials.
I'm really hoping to see more of this Dominican Beauty.
I think she has the makings of being a top girl.

Click Model Management: UBAH HASSAN!

2008-12-22T10:18:00.005-05:00

I got a chance to shoot Ubah in my new film.
She's Awsome!
They say she's the new Iman: they both share Somalia as homeland.
I can tell you she's fun, she's conscious, she has a wonderful personality.
I think she should be a spokesmodel for a foundation.
She has charm, grace, elegance, yet is very down to earth and friendly.
We all know her from "The Italian Vogue" issue shot by Steven Meisel or The new Ralph Lauren campaign, but I am looking forward to seeing her in many many many many many many many many more editorials & campaigns.
She has that "IT" factor.

Elite Model Management: Diversity within Diversity: Devyn A., Stacy Ann Anderson, Demaris Lewis, Joan Smalls, Yordanos Teshager, & Marie Powell

2008-12-15T08:02:00.026-05:00

Ok I have to give it up to Elite Model Management for being the vanguard of the business when it comes to diversity.
Ask any model about their (dare I say) "struggle" when it comes to finding an agency.
There's a list of typical "NO" responses #1 being: "We already have a girl who has your look".
Now, normally an agency will tell this to any girl who has naturally brown hair.
(lol, but not funny)
This means if there's even just one brown girl there on the roster no one else has a chance because they've already filled their minority quota. Which means even if the one girl there looks like she's from the Dinka tribe of Sudan anybody else with any variation of chocolate from dark dark to cafe con leche to cafe au lait to vanilla w/ chocolate sprinkles can hang it up.

And some agencies will flat out tell them they don't have any ethnic girls because it's a waste of time.
Now before you go getting all twisted up in knots & ready to go protest, let's analyze this from a business perspective.:
OK, here's the argument in favor of these agencies (this is America so it's only fair to listen to the other side).
Ok let's say you have a store & you're selling certain items, if those items are not selling, then why would you continue "losing money" on them? Why not just go with what makes money. Supply vs Demand.

Ok here's the other side: (If I need to explain the other side then you need diversity training).

Many of the agencies say it's the fault of the designers because they try to push ethnic girls but the designers choose who they want for campaigns, catwalk, etc.. (this is true, think about it, Brands decide & define their own distinct vision or concept: some really strong brand concepts are Abercrombie, Vivienne Westwood, Rock & Republic. Can you imagine a designer saying "Oh I don't know who my clothes are for?").

And the designers say the agencies don't have any quality ethnic girls who fit their brand.
(this is kinda true, sometimes you see amazing pictures of a girl & then she shows up for a casting looking "KRAZAY", but I'm talking all models in general regardless of ethnicity.
There are girls who take it seriously & get enough sleep & TAKE A BATH the night before a shoot & show up with a positive attitude ready to make some great images, & then there are the party hard girls who come to the set @ 8am still on a coke binge smelling like they "Pop Champagne" w/ nasty attitude to boot.

And as a brand it is important to get the girl(s) who truly represent your company, not only with beauty but with poise & dignity (if that's your brand, because some brands BREED party girls).
But you get my point.

Now add to the equation an ad design firm &/or magazine and you get the confusion we live with today. Now the ad design firms & magazines claim that they get their direction from the designers as well. They say they take their cues from the girls chosen to walk in shows.
Sounds like the designers are taking alot of the heat for this. But speak to the designers and they claim they take their cues from the magazines in terms of who's in the editorials and direction from the ad design firms in terms of who's it right now.

Man I am still not sure if it is really the chicken or the egg.
I've even heard some ridiculous industry folks try & blame the photographers.
Back up buddy, photographers love all girls honestly, & the photographers have to choose from the top girls at the agencies, because the designers will only use top girls.

(Just an aside: there is that point when a photographer "breaks" a girl, meaning he's the first one to shoot her for a major campaign or editorial, but the photographer has to be of a certain status for her to be considered broken in. So girls do get lucky if either the photographer pushes for her because he believes that strongly in her or if that girl is hand chosen by the designer).

Which brings me back to Elite.

Now, I enjoyed searching through their various rosters because they are pretty fearless with it! KUDOS!
Of course there is a long up-hill battle with this whole diversity issue but let's do what we can to recognize when CHANGE has entered the vicinity, (sorry I couldn't resist the Obama reference).

And there's still plenty of time before the February shows for all the agencies to get them a lil piece of CHANGE, even just 1 @ each agency would be a good start.

Trump Models: Pat Cleveland & Victoria Brito

2008-12-12T07:26:00.011-05:00

The other day the whole community was up in arms over a Gawker post about Blacks being the newly fashionable accessory at holiday events. Well, a heated debate about light skin vs dark skin inspired today's post. The idea of Black is so vast as a concept. Mass Media would have us believe that in oder to be "Black" one must fit a certain canon. But we all know there is no real definition, especially in countries like USA & Brazil with rich histories of "interesting" mixes.

Listen, my grandmother looks like Lena Horne, I have no "booty" & don't want one & I appreciate those who do, My hair has 4 different textures & I have reversed "kitchen": mine is straight in back, frizzy/mixed w curly in the middle & kinky in front (I figure 1 texture per ethnic group: my heritage is African American, Native American, Dutch & Irish), I don't eat chicken but don't hate on those who do, I love classical music & classic hip hop, I'm a nerd from the hood who loves Warhol & Bobbito, I love being myself & I love all cool people in general.

Now I know most people feel the same way I do so as a member of the popular media I'll step up & say: Hey, it's ok to like what you like, be yourself, & embrace something that is outside of your comfort zone or level of understanding.

We are all "different". So today I salute "The Other Black" in hopes that we can begin to open our minds to the Human concept.

today's post is dedicated to Michaela Angela Davis, Amel Larrieux, Va$htie Kola, Zoe Kravitz, Lea Dwyer, Ife Mora, Lehni Lamided Davies, Saaliah Porter, Neffy Walker, Ayah Davis-Karim, Angela Yee, Tisha Brown, Isadora, & Stina Kinck.

Next Agency: Gaye McDonald

2008-12-11T15:01:00.006-05:00

MAG COVERS: NYC Street Walkin.

2008-12-09T19:34:00.013-05:00

OK, So I'm in Harlem on 125th & Park & I see my girl Tash staring @ me from across the street in this Hair poster! Then I go downtown to Soho to meet my homie & we dip into the mag store on Spring & Lex & I'm like: OH cause I see so many cool covers. So I had to share them with you.
I'm totally LOVING Mandela on L'Uomo Vogue! & of course the WAD interpretation of those super cheesey but uber common "Shades of Beauty" posters we all have somewhere in our homes.

Women Management New York: Jordan Dunn

2008-12-06T10:40:00.012-05:00

I just love the Transformation!

DNA Models: Ajuma

2008-12-05T17:37:00.000-05:00

One Model Management: Noemi Lenoire

2008-12-04T13:11:00.005-05:00

I had the pleasure of Shooting Noemi for British Elle back in the day.
She is such a "Transformer"! I love the tough chic style she gave me for this image of her in that fun doo rag & leather jacket.

MC2 Model Management: Israela Avuto

2008-12-03T00:03:00.000-05:00

Marilyn's Agency: Arlenis Sosa

2008-12-02T22:32:00.000-05:00

Bettine musenyc.com

2008-12-01T01:32:00.002-05:00

Giedre Dukauskaite: New York Model Management

2008-11-26T06:07:00.002-05:00

My Bro Rob Hinds n Me Collabo

2008-11-25T08:31:00.002-05:00

sites i'm loving today

2008-11-21T09:20:00.000-05:00

http://tinyurl.com/5e29gt
twitter.com
blip.com

Kresge Foundation Announces $8.8 Million Commitment To Detroit Arts Community

2008-11-05T10:47:00.002-05:00

Kresge Foundation Announces $8.8 Million Commitment To Detroit Arts Community

The Kresge Foundation, long known for its national support of the arts, announced Kresge Arts in Detroit during an October 21, 2008 press conference and reception held at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Kresge Arts in Detroit is an $8.8 million commitment to Detroit’s Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties and is designed to develop and financially support individual artists, arts and cultural organizations and arts-infrastructure groups in the metropolitan area. Eighteen Kresge Artist Fellowships of $25,000 each and one Kresge Eminent Artist award of $50,000 will be awarded each year. Arts and cultural organizations are receiving operating support.

Kresge Artist Fellowships – seek to advance the art forms and professional careers of individuals from the visual, performing and literary arts as well as elevate the profile of the artistic community and encourage creative expression in the region. Each year, Kresge will provide funding for 18 fellowships of $25,000 each awarded to artists living and working metropolitan Detroit, along with professional development opportunities.

Kresge Eminent Artist Award – recognizes an exceptional artist for his/her professional achievements and longstanding contributions to the metropolitan Detroit cultural community. The yearly award includes a $50,000 prize.

Kresge Arts Support – Kresge Arts Support provides unrestricted operating support to small, mid-size and large organizations in the performing, visual and literary arts, and to institutions engaged in arts service, education and broadcasting in order to help strengthen their long-term sustainability. Kresge Arts Support is in its second year of a three-year commitment.

Overall, Kresge Arts in Detroit is designed to:

- Increase opportunities for cultural and artistic participation and expression for all people
in the metropolitan area
- Contribute to the quality of life for the region and its communities
- Engage and support regional artists
- Build on and strengthen our current arts and cultural assets and infrastructure

The College of Creative Studies (CCS), one of the nation’s leading art and design educational institutions, is administering the Kresge Artist Fellowships and the Kresge Eminent Artist Award. ArtServe Michigan, an organization dedicated to promoting and cultivating Michigan’s arts and cultural sector, will offer professional development services to the artist fellows.

Kresge Arts in Detroit is one facet of the foundation’s Detroit Program, a comprehensive, five-part community-development effort to strengthen the long-term economic, social and cultural fabric of the city and surrounding area by strengthening Detroit’s neighborhoods and downtown, promoting arts and culture, advancing regional economic development, and enhancing the natural environment. “We believe the health and vitality of the area’s artists and arts and cultural organizations play a critical role in the strength of our economy,” says Rip Rapson, president of The Kresge Foundation. He says the $8.8 million investment in Kresge Arts in Detroit extends to 2010 and does not preclude any additional investments in the Detroit arts community.

Artists and arts and cultural organizations in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties are the beneficiaries Kresge Arts in Detroit. “Artists and the arts and cultural organizations that showcase them open our eyes to new and different ways of viewing ourselves and our world,” adds Rapson. “Through their creative acts, artists stoke creative thinking in all of us – thinking that leads to innovation and invention.”

Fellows will be selected by an independent panel of renowned local and national artists and arts professionals. The College for Creative Studies will also host information sessions for those artists interested in applying for a fellowship. Applications will be available online; for further information, or to apply, visit www.kresgeartsindetroit.org

Call for Applications: Fellowships in the Visual Arts November 1, 2008
Fellowships in the Performing and Literary Arts November 1, 2009

Deadline for Applications: Fellowships in the Visual Arts February 27, 2009
Fellowships in the Performing and Literary Arts February 26, 2010

Announcements: 2009 Fellows in the Visual Arts June 2009
2010 Fellows in the Performing and Literary Arts June 2010

Information Sessions: Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 1 p.m.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 7 p.m.

The Kresge Eminent Artist Award in the Visual Arts is awarded in even years (i.e. 2008, 2010, etc.); The Kresge Eminent Artist Award in the Performing/Literary Arts is awarded in odd years (i.e. 2009, 2011, etc.). The 2008 Kresge Eminent Artist Award in the Visual Arts will be announced December 8, 2008.

“At CCS we recognize that the key to revitalization of this region is through the engagement of the creative community – that’s why initiatives like Kresge Arts in Detroit are so important and why we are so thrilled to be a part of it,” said Richard L. Rogers, president, College for Creative Studies. “This initiative will recognize and support the artists who are committed to creating innovative work that impacts the entire community.”

The Kresge Foundation:

The Kresge Foundation is a $3.5 billion private, national foundation, based in Troy, Michigan, that seeks to influence the quality of life for future generations through its support of nonprofit organizations in six fields: health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services and community development. For further information, visit www.kresge.org.

College for Creative Studies:

Located in midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center, the College for Creative Studies is a world leader in art and design education and prepares students to enter the new, global economy where creativity shapes better communities and societies. A private, fully accredited college, CCS enrolls over 1,300 students pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Advertising Design, Art Education, Crafts, Entertainment Arts, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Photography, Product Design and Transportation Design. Beginning in fall 2009, the College will award the Master of Fine Arts Degree in Design and in Transportation Design. The College also offers non-credit courses in the visual arts through its Continuing Education programs and opportunities for youth through its Community Arts Partnerships programs. For more information, visit www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu.

ArtServe Michigan:

Established in 1997 through a merger of four statewide organizations – Arts Foundation of Michigan, Business Volunteers for the Arts, Concerned Citizens for the Arts in Michigan, and the Michigan Alliance for Arts Education – ArtServe Michigan is a statewide arts and cultural advocacy organization whose mission is to cultivate the creative potential of Michigan’s arts and cultural sector to enhance the health and well-being of Michigan, its people and communities. In 2006 ArtServe Michigan merged with the Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies that focused on the need to create a single statewide organization with the credibility, capacity, creativity and clout to effectively support, strengthen and build awareness of arts, culture and creativity in Michigan. Their work includes advocacy, capacity-building and strategic communications which are accomplished through partnerships with constituents, stakeholders and the broader community. For further information, go to www.artservemighigan.org.

Piper Carter work featured in POPAFRICANA.com

2008-10-29T07:16:00.003-04:00

Check out my new work on POPAFRICANA on facebook & myspace

Piper Carter hosts FashionFrenzyTV.com Launch @ Saks Fifth in Philly May 14th

2008-05-13T13:29:00.001-04:00

Legendary Damon' Birthday Event!

2008-03-17T18:07:00.001-04:00

_1010065.jpg, originally uploaded by pipercarter.

This was the label for the podium.
It was Damon's Flyer over Louis Vuitton paper

RED_RIDING_HOOD.jpg

2008-02-24T16:02:00.001-05:00

LOOKS_3.jpg, originally uploaded by pipercarter.

TIGGA_MARC_JACOBS_FALL_08.jpg

2008-02-24T16:01:00.001-05:00

LOOKS_1.jpg, originally uploaded by pipercarter.

Maria Cornejo's Spring/Summer '08 collection

2008-01-07T10:22:00.000-05:00

This is the video of Maria Cornejo's Spring/Summer '08 collection I shot that was featured on French Vogue's website.

The House of Muses new site design

2007-11-20T07:52:00.000-05:00

tecla

2007-11-17T19:08:00.001-05:00

_MG_6282.jpg, originally uploaded by pipercarter.

ife

2007-11-17T18:36:00.001-05:00

_MG_6694.jpg, originally uploaded by pipercarter.

"17" Sweetie

2007-11-17T18:10:00.001-05:00

Sweetie's first music video produced by thestudioArena.com directed by piper carter shot by wesley clouden. make up by Hiyiyatun Muqaribu.Sweetie is an all-girl rock group that blurs the lines of punk, hard-core, & other genres.it's founding members are Ife Mora & Tecla Esposito.This video is a part of the "My Favorite People" series

read more | digg story

piperlogo_210px

2007-11-15T07:09:00.001-05:00

piperlogo_210px, originally uploaded by pipercarter.

2007-11-14T12:37:00.000-05:00

"My Favorite People" The Exhibition

2007-11-09T07:21:00.001-05:00

I was so elated all the wonderful people came out to show support & see something fresh!
Sweetie rocked the house (literally), & MissKo debuted her songs "All Out" & "Stylin".
I was disappointed nobody got the chance to see the 20 videos I did during the month of October. :(
But, I did get several offers to do my show again (with sponsorship)! :)

I had hoped we could get through all the technical issues, however, Murphy's Law was in full E-F-F-E-C-T.

& I even got un-friended on MYSPACE.

I tried to smile through it, but I really wanted everyone to see all the hard work had paid off.

Well,
I'm releasing the videos online so please pass them around.....
My main focus is to give props to these really amazing people who inspire current & future culture!

here's the first installment:
the music video I did for Sweetie.

"My difficult Team" VH1 "The Shot" 1st Challenge

2007-11-06T01:10:00.000-05:00

Worship Worthy

2007-11-03T15:44:00.001-04:00

Simbi

2007-11-03T15:41:00.001-04:00

BEAUTY

2007-10-23T16:48:00.000-04:00

Piper_Carter_Beauty
Uploaded by pipercarter

Piper Carter

2007-10-13T00:49:00.000-04:00

Silent

2007-09-27T08:25:00.001-04:00

Fashion Week Coverage

2007-09-11T04:08:00.000-04:00

Check out my Fashion Week Coverage at
http://musemagazine.blogspot.com
and http://fashionindie.com

the beach

2007-07-07T13:25:00.001-04:00

Self Portrait

2007-07-07T04:45:00.000-04:00