Say Goodbye to Presley, and Hello to Piedra

 

I have always had large amount of admiration for individuals who realize they were born with creative vessels.  The type of individuals who aren't afraid to tap deep into their souls,and share their creativity with the world no matter if its one or one million people that will understand it. 

A few days ago, I had the opportunity of meeting Elvis Piedra, a rising photographer who is taking bold steps to share his visions with the world.  Elvis is more than just a photographer, he is a storyteller.  For someone who has only been shooting for six years, its obvious, Piedra is a quick study and also has a large amount of talent.  His images are sharp, vibrant, and always fresh and unexpected.  

Born in Tyler, Texas- Elvis relocated to Atlanta to attend Savannah College of Art and Design(SCAD), and received his B.F.A in Graphic Design.  While attending college, Elvis was required to design sets for particular photo assignments.  After seeing the end results, it was then that he realized that he possessed something special.  

When it comes to photography as well as fashion, I think it goes without saying that Atlanta isn't the first place that pops into peoples head.  And since Elvis doesn't do your typical type of work, I felt the need to ask him    about his challenges of  being an artist in a fast growing, yet not fully "open" city.  "It's hard work, people are just now starting to accept more of my creative side and thanks to ANTM people understand the process better and know how important a make-up artist, hair stylist, and stylist are to a shoot. I do work with about 4 teams now that I rotate on a weekly bases."  Having idols like Steven Klein and David LaChapelle will have that effect on you. 

Artist of any genre can sometimes be difficult people to comprehend, and the rising photographer is no exception.  I am aware that most photographers prefer to be comfortable when they are working, and being that Piedra has done numerous shoots with all kinds of clothing, one would think that he would love fashion himself.  I was wrong in making this assumption...  Piedra admits to being a jeans and t-shirt type of guy, in fact he doesn't really like dressing up at all.  And although he may not be the south's next man of style, he does confess to liking designers "DSquared, Alexander McQueen (First designer to ever make me feel true emotion from his shows). Marc Jacobs, John Galliano, and Thakoon." 

Although Elvis is currently working on his site, be sure to check out more of his work at www.modelmayhem.com/creativerethinking I can assure you, you won't be disappointed.

WOBBLY OVER WARD

Often times, I find it unfortunate that male models in the Fashion Industry aren't recognized like their female counterparts.  Most sensible ones are aware of this and simply use their stints in the business to open a gateway into other fields.  In my opinion, Tony Ward has practically designed a blueprint that would be great for any newcomer to follow.

To this day, many people still try to link Tony to his days of dating Madonna, and try to dismiss him as one of her former boy-toys, but there is so much to him that most don't know.  For starters, he began modeling in 1981... sure, he shot several spreads for COLT magazine, but at least he was attempting to make a way for himself.  I don't know if he decided to pursue this on his own or if someone suggested that he look into it, but what I do know is that it was great that he did.  The Italian stud oozes sex appeal... his ability to transform on projects  ranging from a sleazy hustler to a distinguished gentleman is amazing.  

 

Ward quickly rose to Supermodel stardom in 1985, by working with legendary photographer Herb Ritts.  It was his body that we first saw on the boxes of the Calvin Klein underwear.  Shortly there after, the hunk also became the face of many ad campaigns for companies such as Nordstrom and Palmers.  He was determined to make a name for himself.  It didn't matter if it was Vogue, Dutch, Arena, or Spoon magazines, chances are, you were boundto see Tony in all of them

  

What I love about Tony is that he has a tendency of doing the unexpected, so much so, that he is known to call himself an Antimodel.  Always one for keeping people guessing, he has continued to grace the covers of of several homoerotic magazines and bondage books.  Not only that, he has also appeared in a handful of movies including All About The Benjamins, One Lucky S.O.B., and the sexually eerie yet humorous Hustler White.

Although Tony is a few years shy from his 50th bday, he is still doing his thing, and doing it well.  He  has become a pretty successful photographer and artist, and also works as a contributor to some of the top fashion magazines around the world.  And just when you think he has a full plate, Mr. Ward still makes time to work with top photographers such as Steven Klein, Steven Meisel, and Mario Testino.  He has recently been seen on the runways for Dolce and Gabbana, and is in current advertisements for Sisley and H&M. 

 

The Dark Chameleon

An early July 25th Sunday morning in Atlanta marked a day of art in the making.  Three fashion Forward-it Guys decided to combine forces and take their creativity to a higher level.  Taking place in a somewhat dangerous although industrial abandoned building, watch how Fashion Director/Stylist(me) Rudy Reed. Hair and Make-Up artist Tedrick Lamar, Model Tomik Dash, photographer Greg Brown, and stylist assistant N. Vanguard create magic.

Glasses: (Stylist Own), Shirt: Armani Collezioni, Lace Tank: Kirk Kelly, Denim Cut Offs: Levis- (Stylist Own), Patent Leather Loafers: Juno NEW YORK

 Leather Bandana (Troy Smith), Pants (Stylist Own), Steel Toe Boots: LaCrosse 

 Chained Fur: S. Alexandra by Tye, Tank: Kirk Kelly. Earrings: 2 Renge, Zipper Shorts: Tom of Finland, Fisherman Boots: Tingley

Snapped & Caught

COURTNEY HAMMONDS

It took me a couple of weeks to actually wrap my mind around writing about this latest Fashion Forward-It Guy.  Courtney Hammonds is not only a Trail Blazer when it comes to Fashion and Style, but I am also proud to say that he is my very best friend.   

I may get bashed for saying this but it's something that I will always admit to saying.  As of late, I have begun   to call Atlanta (my current residence), The Black Hollywood.  Its filled with people who have chosen to follow the trends of the masses...only to be accepted.  A great deal of people who unfortunately live here now buy "statement" pieces that others own, simply just to try to belong.  This doesn't hold true when it comes to Courtney.  He has an identity all his own, and isn't afraid to show it.  And in my opinion, this is what makes a style icon, and not a simple fashionista/fashionisto.  

Although born in Columbus, Ga., Hammonds spent the first years of his life in Germany because of his father being in the military.  Sure,  he was immediately exposed to various cultures and lifestyles because of this, but he gives credit to his mother ( who made a living as a runway model) and two aunts, for basically giving him his introductions into the world of fashion.  

Due to my paranoia and the devastations of Sept. 11th, I relocated back to Atlanta.  I decided to make my time worth wild and went back to school to get my degree in Fashion Merchandising.  That's how I met Courtney.  He was this extremely poised, somewhat soft spoken man, who also possessed an abundance of confidence.  And although he was always impeccably dressed in vintage garb, it was his eccentric and ever changing eyewear that lured me in to see what what he would have on next.  Hammonds was part owner of URUP, a boutique in Phipps Plaza,  the most prestigious mall that Atlanta has.  I learned later that he was the first man of color to ever open a store at this location.  

Backtracking just a bit, I might need to let those who are unfamiliar with Courtney actually know a little more about his statement pieces.  People who impact the world often have something that people recognize them for.  Michael had his glittered glove, Farrah had her tresses, LL Cool J has his lips, Boy George has his makeup and hats, and like Elton, Courtney has his eye wear.  When questioned about this, I was shocked to here that Hammonds vision is just as good as the next man, but during a family trip to London, a vendor placed a pair of round basic black rims on his face and he was hooked every since.  Granted, the colors shapes, and tints have all varied, but truly its something we come to expect from the It-Guy. 

Adding to my curiosity about his style, I had to ask about his clothes.  "I define my style as intriguing, unpredictable, and individualized.  I love to shop at Neiman Marcus, Vintage and Thrift stores, and even Target  for basics with a flair" he says.  And when asked about peoples reaction to his style of dress, he promptly answers,"Most people respond in a positive manner, because they recognize something within themselves." (Truth be told, if you know Courtney like I do, others with negative opinions don't really matter).

As long as I have known Courtney, he has had numerous things on his plate at once.  After URUP decided to closed their doors, Hammonds continued mentoring aspiring stylists and designers such as Anthony Williams, a favorite contestant on Project Runway, working full time at Neiman Marcus, becoming an instructor at one of the Atlanta branches of The Art Institute, and even making time to further his education to receive his doctorate in Business Administration.  To this day, I don't understand how he does it all, but in his down time, he admits to relaxing with a cup of hot tea, enjoying slice of cheese cake, and self reflecting  But please don't think he is all saint, Courtney also loves to shake his tail and  loves a good STIFF... errr cocktail every now and then too...

Like any ambitious being, Courtney sees himself excelling as a professor in the fashion arena and continuing to brand himself even more so.  For more information on Mr. Hammonds and his works, please visit : www.uniqueimagesintl.com