Lagaci - Mini Skirts - Silhouettes by Models Ashlee & Jaclyn

Lights, Camera, Fashion. 

The day in the life of a model begins early in the morning, so first thing on Saturday, March 3, I joined Don Pedro's Fashion Jam © at VIP Image Studios with six models and began a day of pampering. The Fashion Jam © is an up and coming tradition allowing photographers, stylists, make up artists, and models to join forces and produce a fabulous artistic project. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to earn an insider's perspective at this event. Not only was I able to participate in the styling and modeling contributions as well as my very own photo shoot in a myriad of outfits, I was also allowed to interview the creator of the Fashion Jam ©, Don Pedro himself as well as one of his assistant photographers.

I was greeted at VIP's gorgeous boutique studio surrounded with glass windows overlooking the beautiful blue waters of Biscayne Bay in the heart of Miami's Design District. I was immediately guided to the hair and makeup room where Jennifer Diane began analyzing my head of thick dark hair. After a few seconds her eyes lit up and she began flipping on all of her hair gadgets from straighteners to curling irons and several items I did not even recognize.

Everyone moved around the studio with a purpose. There was hair and make up to be done, outfits to be picked out, accessories to be chosen, and lighting to be adjusted. There was such a rhythm to all of the events and it seemed that everyone filled dual roles to make this project successful. Ashlee Dupree was also Don Pedro's assistant and she was not only busy organizing schedules, checking on the other models, and picking out outfits, but was chosen to model herself at the last moment. Don Pedro was directing while his assistants worked on the lights and doing last minute outfit adjustments for each model before their shoot. Every model contributed to mixing and matching each outfit and the complements that went with it as Don Pedro directed the overall project making sure everything ran smoothly.

View The Fashion Jam

Without Lagaci fashion, there would have been nothing to wear with all of our accessories and chic makeup. Lagaci generously provided all of the outfits with many different designs and styles. Lagaci is a privately owned, family managed company. They are distinguished by their sportswear line with styles meeting a wide range of South Florida's fashion needs. Their apparel choices included everything from leisure wear to beach wear. Each model had the chance to wear an outfit from each style set allowing them to try multiple trends and something from every color. Whoever said, "Money cannot buy happiness," clearly was not shopping at Lagaci because putting these clothes in my closet would have made me very happy.

Lagaci - Drawstring Halter Top w/ Drawstring Mini Skirt - Model Jaclyn

Don Pedro, an award winning photographer, graced the group with his artistic flair. He knew exactly which angle to approach every shot, making each and every girl's photo op completely unique. Don Pedro knew just when to guide and use his vision for the shot by instructing the models on which angle to face and how far to tilt their heads for the light. Yet, he also knew when to stand back and let the model free and give him the pose and the look he wanted.

J.J. was lead stylist for the production. He brought his arsenal of knickknacks to mix and match and create new original outfits for each girl. One of the favorite accessories to use was a scarf and JJ would walk around with about twenty of them around his neck just waiting to see where they would look best. It was amazing to see how one beautiful scarf could be utilized so many different ways transforming each outfit on every girl. He would try it in the hair as a headband, ponytail wrap around, necktie, bracelet, belt, or even tied on to a purse.

The light from the windows slowly disappeared behind the Miami skyline and our modeling extravaganza had come to a close. Each model had worn just about every single outfit, tried different hairstyles, and endeavored many different poses. Everyone had grown to function together as one for the project, so by the end of the day it was difficult to leave.

Each model was wrapped separately after their last shoot and everyone who was still working stopped to give hugs and say their "goodbyes" and "see ya laters". It was such an amazing concept to team up with such talented individuals who appreciated everything that everyone had to offer and worked together with one common goal. It was fulfilling to contribute with such an eminent group and feel that each person's contribution meant something.

Don Pedro's Fashion Jam © project was directed toward refining artistic processes that assist in defining future trends and new techniques in the field of fashion photography. It was a collaboration that embodied the professional skills of all who were involved. The Fashion Jam © takes place about once every few months and there is already talk about fashion shows that produce the same high energy Fashion Jam © effect, but for the stage.

To survive in the field of fashion one must set the trends and the fads instead of following them. Fashion is constantly and incessantly changing and this group is pioneering and testing the limits of the cutting edge. Such artistic projects are the springboards for new ideas in fashion and photography and Don Pedro and his team sure have fun blazing the trail. - ArtsyStuff Magazine

Credits:

Fashion by Lagaci Sportswear
Agency: VIP Image Studios
Agency Photographer: Don Pedro
Director & Producer: Don Pedro
Models: Ashlee, Kim, Kristi, Sofia, Jaclyn, Christina
Hair & Makeup: Jennifer Diane
Makeup: Ileana Castaneda from Chic Makeup
Fashion Jam © 2007