Fall 2019 was a flurry of photo shoots. Let’s see… clique of photographers, skulk of foxes, gaggle of geese – yes, let’s go with a flurry of photo shoots! In particular, I was thrilled to produce some of the marketing images for the Hues of Her Vintage Runway Show featuring designers, Kristen KC Colemon (of the brand Minnie Blue Apparel) and Ben Prager.
The vision for the show was to express, in a fusion of vintage and modern fashion, the ‘minnie’ hues of womanhood. KC’s inspiration came from her personal journey of caring for her grandmother, Granny Blue, who battled Alzheimers, and her current journey of womanhood, which is now infused and transformed by Granny Blue’s style, courage, love, and life lessons.
Having been a caregiver for my grandmother who also had dementia during her last years, my heart aligned with this project instantly. To me, it’s the story that develops between a grandmother and grand daughter as caregiving roles are reversed, as life priorities change, as ages and eras and styles collide, a roller coaster ride of beautiful highs and beautiful lows, forged with love and courage to last whole the journey. This story, this fusion, this beautiful shared experience deserves to be celebrated with style! I was all in.
Soon after the runway model call (October 2019), Ben and KC were ready to shoot images to help promote the show. The designers brought fabrics and styled pieces they wanted to feature as teasers for the full looks they would have on the runway. It was a perfect mix of old and new, trendy and timeless, throwback chic with a modern pop. Patterns I thought should never go together (boy was I wrong) were expertly styled with accessories on models who brought the attitude to carry it. It was absolutely an exciting day of collaboration and creativity!
The show was scheduled for April 20 at Jackson Terminal but unfortunately had to be cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. As I think about the vision of the Hues of Her Runway Show, a journey through all the many Hues of life , I wonder how KC and Ben might interpret this ‘new normal’, ‘safer at home’ hue that we are in now. My heart breaks for these and other creatives who are having to put shows, dreams, next steps on hold. Just for a little while, though right! I look forward to what these two talented designers bring to the runway when we can all celebrate together again!
Big thanks to our models: ♥ @thebenitarudd @thevintageepicurean @emerygore
Styling: @minnieblueapparel/ @by.benjaminjoseph
Hair/makeup/creative director: @kristenkccolemon
Photographer: @karahudgens
