FAREWELL AMY

Today, we have lost a great artist.  I found out on my fb feed earlier this afternoon.  It hit me hard, and I find myself extremely saddened by the news, and I don't quite understand my own reaction.  After all she was just another drugged up Hollywood singer right?

I was first introduced to AMY WINEHOUSE by my co-worker Mike about 9 years ago, way before she hit North America.  We played her album repeatedly during our shifts. We commented on the richness of her voice, and the bitterness of her lyrics.  But that's all we knew, her voice and her song. I didn't even know what she looked like, I just knew that, with a voice like that, she was destined to be a musical great.

Fast forward to about 3 weeks ago.  I watched in amazed horror (and I admit a little judgmental disgust) as she performed stumbled around on a stage in a daze, blatantly displaying the drug addicted behavior she has become known famous for.  I then became sad.  Sad because it was clear that she was being swallowed up by her own addiction, and sad because no one was stopping the show.  It felt as if we were all sitting back to a live show of self destruction.

AMY you're gone way too soon.  And although the drama-hungry-media will undoubtedly put your illness on display, I will remember you fondly as the tiny British girl with the powerhouse voice.  And though you may not have realized it, your gift was inspiring.

REST IN PEACE

MY AFRODELIK DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY (part 2)

So our Tuesday was going great so far.  My "non model" Caitlin turned it out, like a pro.........

Caitlen, working it!  This awesome photo was taken by Craig Doyle Henry

........my co-photographer/husband/ride, headed off to work, and after one final shot with the designer, Caitlin went off to school..................

Desiree and Caitlin, before I "did her up!"

....so it was just me and Desiree, and it was time to turn my brushes and lens on the woman of the blog-hour.

                                                                                     

Desiree Marshall is the genius behind the genius that is AFRODELIK DESIGN, a creative line of hand drawn (by Desiree herself!) sketches, character and celebrity faces.  In her art, you can see strong influences of the stylin' 70's and African art.  She says: "as a teenager I had a dream that I was sent to Afro City, where everything was smooth and funky.  Our designs are inspired by the essence of out soul brothas' and sistas', and our ancestors from Africa.  Through their guidance and influence, designs are born".  

The company is more popularly know for their funky t's, but most recently, Desiree has decided to pull out her inner fashionista, and designed her first evening dress for the line!  She was shy but eager to show it off herself!

she started out a little nervous...

...and it took a minute to get into it....

...but she got into it!

awww yeeahh!

....here's a closer look at some of the great details...........

Desiree, my new friend, you've got something beautiful going on!  Thank you for letting me share! I had a fantastic day before yesterday! :-)

So there it is BEAUTY AND THE ARTS family!  You're the very first to lay eyes on this new project.  For those of you who will be in the Toronto area this weekend (Saturday July 9, Sunday July 10 2011), AFRODELIK will have a booth where you can BUY THIS DRESS!!!, along with her funky t's, jewellery, and some other new goodies you'll love! --GUYS!! No need to feel left out, cuz AFRODELIK has something new and fancy for you too--but you'll have to check it out at the booth!  All I'll say is that it will be nice to see the return of the "gentlemen"..........hmmmm? 

Make sure you check the website WWW.AFRODELIK.COM

MY AFRODELIK YESTERDAY! (part 1)

So it's been a while since I've been here, but I've been doing some fun and creative stuff that I'm excited to share with you all!  Let's start with the latest.

YESTERDAY, I had a blast doing makeup, hair and TAKING PHOTOS (yeah that's right) to introduce a new design by AFRODELIK DESIGN, a funky hand drawn collection of art for clothing and jewellery--which if you are in Toronto this weekend, you'll be able to get your hands on at AfroFest.--more on that later.  Back to yesterday! Last month I had offered AFRODELIK's designer and founder, Desiree Marshall, a blog feature  to introduce the newest design, And as soon as it was available and in hand, I got the call.  It all happened so fast-about 3 days to be exact.

First, we needed a model:  On Sunday night, I was out with a girlfriend celebrating her birthday.  We had drinks downtown.  Our waitress was friendly, efficient and stunning!--Model-check!

Then, what about an affordable photographer?:  My husband and I recently invested in a great camera.  I took photography in school, and he studied camera operation --photos-check!  And here we go!


**disclaimer** Neither me or my hubby are professional photographers. And p.s no touch-ups!  So please excuse a little shine! lol **

  Our host Desiree, made us some yummy snacks:  hummus (from scratch), rosemary pita chips (homemade!) and the most delicious olives stuffed with garlic (president's choice--who else!)

We jammed to the tunes of Erykah Badu and some old skool Aretha Franklin





So as I mentioned, our model wasn't a "model".  Her name is Caitlin Phillips, she's a part time waitress, and a full time York U student studying Enviornmental Sciences.  I noticed her because she was just so darn cool!  She had long wild strawberry blond hair, hippie chic attituded, and the cutest chin dimple!  When I asked her if she modeled, she responded "nah!  I love my fork too much!"-- so rock n' roll! I had to have her!

         Hair/Makeup by: Nicole A. Henry, Photos by: Nicole A. Henry/Craig Doyle Henry, Dress by: Afrodelik Design.

Not a model?  Hmmmmm!  These were the first shots of the day.  Not bad (if i do say so myself! ha!)  So there's a peek at the newest AFRODELIK design.  More popularly know for the T-shirts, Desiree wanted to try her hand at something a little more chic, with a twist!  I love it!  The material is bamboo which makes it soft and flowy, the style is so flattering for so many different body types, and her hand drawn design on the front is the perfect amount of funk for an evening out!

Let's continue:

Time to change it up a bit!  I think Caitlin's in her element!  Now she's free!!

There's the rock star!  Thanks Caitlin, you were awesome!

If you are looking for a makeup artist for your photo shoot, contact me!

Check back tomorrow on BEAUTY AND THE ARTS for an exclusive feature and photos of the divine Desiree Marshall, creative genius behind AFRODELIK DESIGN