Danielle Eskinazi has been in the film industry for over 20 years. Throughout her career, she has worked with Hank Azaria and Milla Jovovich, David Bowie, Woody Harrelson, Buck Henry and Rosanna Arquette, among many others.

She is an award-winning casting director who is able to spot talent from afar.
Danielle was nominated for the Talent Managers Association prestigious Seymour Heller Award for Best Commercial Casting Director of 2009, and was a runner up twice for Favorite Commerical Casting Director in BackStageWest

AVIVA: You have been in the film industry since 1988, what do you feel has been your favorite part of your career?
DANIELLE ESKINAZI: My favorite part of my career? Has been the industry in itself, it’s ever changing business and nothing remains the same-that’s what makes it so exciting… New products pop up all the time. About 7 years ago it was all about .coms and now it’s a lot of Internet and webisodes which can be very creative if done right. I just cast a car webisode/commercial with Justin Timberlake that was so creative for me.

AVIVA: What inspired and motivated you to become involved with films?
DE: I have always wanted to cast films and commercials ever since I could remember. I love the quick turnaround of casting. We get a project on a Monday, by Friday we are in callbacks and the week after it’s shot and out on TV. It’s quick and the results are right there in front of you. I love instant gratification.

AVIVA:If you weren’t a casting director, what else do you see yourself doing? (other passions, interests)
DE:I would love to direct/I tried my hand in directing a video for a Band called Kid Moxie a French Video called “Ma Romance D’hiver” (my winter Romance) we did it on a $500 budget and it was an awesome experience for me. The song was featured on the “L word”. I also directed a short called “Atmosphere”, a comedy about glorified extras. So directing is something I may pursue when the time is right.

AVIVA: What do you believe has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
DE:The greatest accomplishment is an on going thing for me. I mean I can look back now and see how I created this life for myself but to look in the future and see what more I can do is more exciting for me.
I mean I put Milla Jovovich in her first film when she was 12 in a film called “A night Train to Kathmandu” and also found Hank Azaria and cast him in a film called “Deep Blue” with Woody Harrelson. I could say that was pretty cool but my best accomplishment is yet to come.

AVIVA: What is one piece of advice that you would give to an aspiring actor/actress?
DE: Stay focused, don’t let yourself esteem get lost in a sea of rejections, get into workshops, never stop learning, be passionate, and it will happen. Acting is a 9 to 5 job, 8 days a week. Don’t leave it all up to your agents. Do your homework and network.

AVIVA:Could you tell me more about your new website, ACTVICE?
DE: www.actvice.com came to me when I was on Twitter. I would do Q&A’s 2 or 3 times a week to help actors have a more accessible reach to a casting director, but I realized I could only give them 140 characters back when they would ask me a question which required a much longer answer. So I came up with actvice-it’s a site for an actor to go to if they have an audition for a scene for an agent, manager, or a film where they can upload their scene and I would give back critiques. I also included if an actor has a reel and needs a cd’s eye to help them edit it down to the most important scene to show off themselves. We just added a link for 8×10’s as well.
Actors seem to love it and it has been very successful.

AVIVA:Do you have any funny/crazy/exciting casting story that you would like to share?
DE: Well, I was casting a film once and I was reading. An actor came to my office, the scene was about a thug and his victim, well the actor pulled out a gun and pointed it right at my head I was speechless..I freaked. After the scene, he said it was a fake gun and I politely asked him to leave my office and told him to NEVER do that again. Not a good move for an actor in this day in age. I called his agent and I’m sure they gave him a tongue lashing because he came back to my office with flowers.

AVIVA: What are some of your upcoming projects that we should be on the lookout for?
DE: I just did a Reliant commercial, Nokia commercial, playstation and, skittles and Capri Sun amongst others.

AVIVA:Do you have any additional comments?
DE: I would just tell actors to stay true to themselves keep motivated and don’t lose yourself in the process.
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I would like to thank Danielle for this interview. I wish her all the best in every project that she takes on.

You can check out Danielle’s website, twitter, as well as Actvice.

Cheers,
Aviva

Natalie Minh is a Los Angeles-based fitness model and photographer. Her dedication to fitness and extensive knowledge of the industry, exotic looks, “can do” attitude, in addition to intelligence all have contributed to her success as an ambitious female entrepreneur who serves as a role model to many young women.

Natalie is definitely someone to admire, because in addition to graduating from school with honours, earning two masters’ degrees in 2.5 years, and excelling in athletics, she was able to win the WNSO FAME European Fitness Model Championship as well as get featured in countless print media both as a model and photographer.

She is a beautiful, intelligent, and driven entrepreneur and it was a huge honour for me to be able to interview her.

AVIVA: How long have you been involved in the modeling/fitness industry?
NATALIE MINH: I’ve been involved in the fitness industry since November 2007, when I started seriously training and I signed up to my first physique competition – the FAME European Championships. To my surprise, I won 1st place in Fitness Model, 2nd place in Bikini Model and earned my Pro status. Quickly following the European win, I also competed in FAME World Championships in Toronto where I placed 3rd in Swimsuit Model – Open. The following year in 2009 I continued to compete and in the MuscleMania European Championships, I won 1st Place Ms. Bikini, 1st Place Model and 3rd Place Figure.
During this time, I landed a modeling contract with W Fitness Models, the premier fitness modeling agency in London and appeared in numerous magazines and TV features as a model and fitness personality in Europe and America.

AVIVA: What excites you about fitness? What is your biggest motivation?
NM:The drive comes from within because I am making myself the person I always wanted to be – a worldly, successful woman who also happens to have a rockin’ body. This is my goal for improving myself and it’s so satisfying to achieve this step-by-step.

Image by Natalie Minh.
AVIVA:How did you get started in modeling?
NM:I started modeling a few years ago when an amazing NYC fashion photographer, Davide, discovered me. I became his muse that year and he taught me so much. Since that first year working together, I started to specialize in fitness/swimsuit/lingerie modeling in the Europe and North American markets.

AVIVA: What is your favorite workout?
NM: My favorite exercise is tricep kickbacks, straight legged deadlifts and kettlebell front swing squats.

AVIVA:You are also a photographer, can you briefly describe your accomplishments in photography and how you got started?
NM:I started working in the industry as a model and learned the craft of photography over the years. I trained under renowned fashion, glamour, commercial photographers in Paris, Milan and Belgium. Over time, this turned into a career and my images are being used by well-known modeling agencies throughout Europe, advertising campaigns in Australia and United States, published in a number of international magazines and publications such as Muscular Development , Marathon Muscle Magazine, Ultra-Fit Magazine, etc.

Above Image: Hollywood and Champagne with French Actor Anthony DuprayAVIVA:Do you have a few words of advice for aspiring models?
NM: Perseverance and treat it like a business.

AVIVA: If you weren’t doing modeling/fitness/photography, what else would you be doing?
NM: Prior to modeling/photography, I was a corporate girl working primarily for automotive companies. I held roles within the Treasury offices doing risk management, structured finance. Prior to this I was, for 7 years, a UNIX System Admin specializing in CAD/CAE Environments.

Image by Natalie Minh; Model Anthony Dupray
AVIVA: What are some of your favorite things to do in spare time?
NM: I read magazines/books, socialize, go to the gym, and surf the net.

AVIVA: Do you have any funny/weird/crazy photoshoot story that you would like to share (if any stands out to you)?
NM: On my move back to the States from Europe, I stopped in Paris to spend time with good friend and fashion photographer, Joel Dart. It was during the Holiday time and decided to meet up with French actor, Anthony Dupray, and film/shoot a short film based on a story of him being paid to kill his sister. We were running around in the cool Parisian air, through the Champs Élysées, Georges V, Eiffel Tower, etc doing impromptu story lines. Since then, we both moved to LA and continued to collaborate together on projects in Hollywood.
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I would like to thank Natalie for this interview and I wish her continued success in the future. To see more of Natalie’s work, check out her WEBSITE, Lifestyle Magazine, Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Amazing Interview, Natalie!

Aviva

Natasha Lazarovic is a very talented up and coming fashion designer and model from Edmonton, Alberta. She is of Ukrainian heritage, which is one of the reasons her clothing line is called Temna Fialka.

Natasha’s designs include custom Eastern European inspired pieces, which are unique and never duplicated. She is amazing at what she does! I am very happy to have been able to interview her 🙂

Image Credits:
Photo: Arianna Biasini
Retouching: Sunny Baker
Model: Catherine Guo
Hair: Grateful Head Hair Salon

AVIVA: How long have you been a clothing designer?
NATASHA LAZAROVIC:I have been making and designing clothes since I was about 7 but began seriously designing and selling things when I was 20.

AVIVA: How did you come up with the name “Temna Fialka”?
NL:Temna Fialka means Dark Violet in Ukrainian and has always been with me since I was a little girl, so I found it only fitting to name my company that. 😉

AVIVA: How did you get started with designing clothes?
NL: My Mom used to sew our evening wear dresses as children and our Halloween Costumes so I spent alot of time mimicking her on her beat up 70’s Singer until I started to figure it out. For some reason it always fascinated me and was almost methodical for me in a way.

Image Credits:
Photo: Arianna Biasini
Model: Catherine Guo
Retouching: Sunny Baker

AVIVA:Do you have any designers that inspire you, if so, who?
NL:I believe that artists are so readily inspired by each other, whether it be color, print, cut, styling – something about a simple shot can set your creative wheel spinning. But there are some Designers I have alot of respect for as Artists, and these include Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Tiffa Novoa, John-Paul Gaultier and then artists like Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali.

AVIVA: What,in your opinion, is the most exciting thing about being a fashion designer?
NL: That I am able to create Art from a fabric media. The endless possibilities that can come from a simple bolt of fabric, a box of tails, old couch apolstry, re-used records, leather – pretty much anything is fascinating to me and ever engaging.

Image Credits:
Make-Up & Hair: Manuela Bonanni
Model: Kayla Gagnon
Photographer: Samantha Scharf

AVIVA:Do you have any crazy/funny/weird/interesting photoshoot story that you would like to share?
NL:LOL. I really enjoy my international adventures and the amazing artists and people I meet along the way (especially at airports ;)). I think one of my most recent favorites would be my work with photographer Anisa Nin and our adventures in the ever mysterious and surprising North Dakota. 😉

AVIVA: What else do you like to do besides clothing design (other passions/interests here)?
NL: I teach High Risk Inner City Kids Fashion and Design, I write Slavic Gypsy Music, I paint and sculpt, love music, culture and a good bottle of wine! LOL

Image Credits:
Photo: MT Photography
Hair: The Beauty Lounge
Model: Qidi Gao
Make-Up: Janelle Ford

AVIVA: How would you best describe your style?
NL: My personal style – Chic Urban Gypsy.
My work – One of a kind cultural high fashion art forms.

AVIVA:If money/time were no option, where would you like your designs to go (ie. career goals, etc)?
NL: Everywhere. If I could touch every country, media and person, whether they loved or disregarded my work – as long as it inspired them in some way and they took a minute to view it- that would be enough. 😉

I wish Natasha much success in the fashion industry! She has an amazing collection of designs, and you can check out more of her work on Model Mayhem

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Stay tuned for more images, interviews, modeling tips, and more!
Aviva

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Georgia Murray. She is a wonderful singer, and has a lot of talent. Georgia’s voice is very beautiful, not to mention that she looks amazing on camera 🙂

She has appeared on Boston Legal, opened for many other artists, and much more! Additionally, she received a lot of press coverage when her song “We’ll Never Know” was stolen by Lee Hyori, South Korea’s number one pop sensation. Well, this is proof of a very popular saying: “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”.

I hope you enjoy my interview with Georgia 🙂

Image Credits:
Photographer: Justin Tyler Close
Hair/Makeup: Negar Hooshmand
Stylist: Deanna Palkowski

AVIVA: How long have you been singing?
GEORGIA MURRAY: I started singing before I was born, and I’ll still be singing long after I’m gone.

AVIVA: What excites you about being a singer?
GM: I love the adrenaline rush I get from performing. I love connecting with an audience of people I don’t know. Being on stage, the rush, the lights, the heat, the spontaneity of live performance and getting that immediate reaction from a crowd. You can rehearse your sack off, but it all comes down to the moment, and anything can happen. Everything stops, and it’s all about the music.

Image Credits:
Photographer: Justin Tyler Close
Hair/Makeup: Negar Hooshmand
Stylist: Deanna Palkowski

AVIVA: Do you have any notable musicians that inspire/influence you; if so, who?
GM: I have very many and it’s hard to pick just one. I would have to say that Lauryn Hill has been a major source of inspiration for me. The Miseducation is one of my all time favourite albums…she’s raw and real, and that is my favourite thing about an artist. Same with dear old Amy. Amy Winehouse, in my opinion, is one of the most talented songwriters and vocalists ever. I love being able to learn about people through their lyrics. I love artists that let you in, that aren’t afraid to show you their flails and screw ups. I’m so not into the glossy gloss, we’re big ballin, bottle poppin, kinda shit. I need something real in order for me to connect. So that’s how I try to write my songs…..autobiographically.

I’m a big fan of Lady Gaga as well. She found that sweet spot between hyper pop town, and real gut wrenching truth. She’s so brilliant because she was able to market herself as this generation’s epic pop monster, but she writes her own songs, plays the keys like a mother, she doesn’t lip sync, and her content is moving and revealing….unlike so many of her predecessors. Generally, when you’re a pop star, you’re kind of a vessel for someone else’s vision, at least that’s how I perceive it. But Lady Gaga is her own deal, and that’s why I love her. People may disagree, but I embrace art….and Lady Gaga is art.

Hip hop has also been a huge part of my life. Everything from J5 and Blackalicious, to Atmosphere and Hieroglyphics to the Roots and Tribe Called Quest….Jay Z, Kanye, The Fugees, Pharcyde…all so ill…all so influential.

And of course there’s the classics. I grew up singing with my dad and he introduced me to Johnny Cash, Simon and Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot, Stan Rogers, John Prine…all incredible songwriters. All these people have influenced my music in one way or another.

Oh! And I gotta give props to my brother Fraser for giving me my first ever cassette tape! It was a Christmas present of Pearl Jam’s Vs. album. It changed my life. Eddy Vedor, yes please.

Image Credits:
Photographer: Justin Tyler Close
Hair/Makeup: Negar Hooshmand
Stylist: Deanna Palkowski

AVIVA: What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment in your career?
GM: Hmmm….well, I’ve done some fun things. I’ve appeared on the ABC hit show Boston Legal as a lounge singer. David Kelly, the executive producer and head writer actually wrote a part specifically for me and I’d have to say that was pretty major. I got to sing for Candice Bergen, and she was great. I’ve also done a lot of anthem singing for the NHL and NBA. I performed the anthems for the Knicks and the Rangers in Madison Square Gardens, for the Canucks in GM Place and for the Predators in Nashville.
I was also invited to sing a private event for Warren Buffet in Wyoming, and that was super fun. I’ve opened for a lot of great performers, some of which I’ve really looked up to. Talib Kweli, KOS, Jurassic 5, Atmosphere, Shad and the Canadian Tenors amongst others.
So, its hard to choose one thing…they’ve all had a hand in shaping my career.

Image Credits:
Photographer: Justin Tyler Close
Hair/Makeup: Negar Hooshmand
Stylist: Deanna Palkowski

AVIVA: Do you have any funny/crazy/interesting short story related to your singing experience that you would like to share?
GM: Haha. When I was in grade 3 I had a solo in “Oh Come All Ye Faithfull” at our Christmas concert. No one in our school had sung a solo before and I convinced my teacher, along with the help of my friend Crystal Zwicker, that I could do it and it would be awesome. The big day came and I was so intensely nervous to perform. I had that feeling where you think you have to pee, but you don’t actually have to, it’s just the nerves. Anyway, the time came to sing my solo, and my teacher started playing the piano, and I missed my cue, so I had to start again. I came in on time the 2nd time around, made it through the first verse, and then something went very wrong. I don’t know what happened, but I went completely blank and forgot all the words. Stunned, I stopped and said, “I can’t do this anymore” and ran off the stage. At first it was just complete silence from the crowd, then they erupted into applause and I came back out and bowed and re joined the choir and finished the rest of the show. So much for my promise to my teacher about how awesome I would be.

AVIVA: How has singing helped you develop as an artist?
GM: I wasn’t always a songwriter, I only started writing when I was about 17. My best friend Ashleigh Eymann was/is an amazing writer and a lot of my early writing influence came from her. For me, singing helped me develop as an artist because I was able to express myself, artistically, by songwriting. It’s one thing to sing and perform, but it is another thing to sing and perform songs that you wrote. It adds a whole new level of excitement and fear and uncertainty to the performance. When they’re your words, your thoughts, your deepest, darkest moments…it changes the performance from being about the voice to being about the person.

AVIVA: If time/money were no option, where would you like your career to go?
GM: I have no limits. I want to sing for the world.

AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments?
GM: I would like to thank my collaborator/producer/DJ D Whiz (aka Tony Day). He has been my main source of inspiration and we have been a team on this crazy musical journey. Hes an amazing drummer and producer and I’m so lucky to have him!! Also, big shouts to Fartie Artie!

You can check out more of Georgia on her Website, follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube 🙂

I wish Georgia all the best in her career.

Cheers!
Aviva

Jacci Fredenburg is an established fashion designer from New York city. She has designed wardrobe for films, television, photoshoots, and theater.
Jacci has an amazing corset collection. Her corsets have been featured in several magazines, as well as in stores in LA and NYC. Some of Jacci’s clients include rock stars, models, television personalities, pin-up girls, and burlesque performers.

She is very talented, creative, and extraordinary.

AVIVA: How long have you been a clothing designer/wardrobe stylist?
JACCI FREDENBURG: I started designing corsets while living in Los Angeles in 2003. Upon my return to NYC in 2004 I began designing costumes for theater and film, as well as styling fashion editorials and ad campaigns.

AVIVA: You have a very unique style, where do you get your inspiration from (name any designers, etc)?
JF:I get my inspiration from absolutely everywhere. I am very inspired my strong,confident, sexy women, and always begin my design process by envisioning what they would wear. I am also very inspired by rock ‘ n roll, musical theater, pin-up and retro style, tribal, and various elements of colorful Tibetan and Indian fabrics.
As far as designers and other inspirational people, I have always been inspired by Cher,Bob Mackie, Anna Sui, Alexander McQueen, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe.
I like to design things that are very fun and sexy, and walk the line between naughty and nice. For example………….take the personality of Audrey Hepburn and add a rock ‘ n roll spin to it. I am very inspired by the art of seduction. I would say that I can take almost anything and put a sexy, elegant, rock ‘ n roll spin on it.

AVIVA: What excites you about the fashion industry and being a clothing designer?
JF: I love that the fashion industry is always changing and pushing the envelope, and that as a designer I am in a position to create trends rather than to follow them.

AVIVA: Do you have any crazy/funny/interesting photoshoot story that you’d like to share?
JF: It’s funny that you ask this. I have actually joked numerous times that I should write a book telling of all of the ridiculous stories of things that go on backstage and on set at photoshoots. I have tons of stories, but a few that stand out as being the most ridiculous. I would say that fitting g-strings for the cast of “ The Full Monty,” doing a photoshoot with 15 dogs, and sitting in a rehearsal from midnight to 5am while the cast rehearsed a blaring trumpet scene take the cake.

AVIVA: What is the best way one can contact you to purchase a corset and do you offer discounts to models who would like to buy your clothing for a photoshoot?
JF: The best way to contact me is to visit my website: www.JacciFredenburg.net. There you can view the current collection, as well as my Styling and Costume Design work. You can purchase a corset by clicking on the icons on the website. You can also contact me directly with questions or custom orders at design@JacciFredenburg.net. As far as discounts, I do selectively offer discounts to models for shoots. I offer 20% off stock items if a release is signed stating that I will receive a CD of images from the photographer.

AVIVA: How did you get started with clothing design and where have your designs appeared(feel free to name publications/movies, TV, etc)?
JF: I have always known that I wanted to be a designer. I went to a special fashion program in High School, then graduated from FIT with a degree in Fashion Design, and from FIDM with a degree in Theater Costume Design. My corsets have been featured on numerous blogs, as well as in Lucire, Un Chin, Bust, Mob Candy, and NEU Magazines.
I have also designed for quite a few theater shows and movies.

AVIVA: If you weren’t styling or designing clothing, what else do you see yourself doing (name other passions and interests)?
JF: If I weren’t styling or designing clothing, I would probably still be in the fashion/entertainment industries, but perhaps on the production side of things. I could see myself having my own full service production company or photo studio.

AVIVA: If money/time were no object, what is your ultimate goal in the fashion industry? Do you have plans on expanding into Canada (ie. boutiques, etc)?
JF: My ultimate goal in the fashion industry is to design Broadway shows, feature films,style fashion and ad. Campaigns, and be known for my edgy style and cool demeanor in making magic happen. I want to be the hot designer for spectacular stage performers and personalities, and have my corset collection in boutiques around the world.

AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments?
JF: “ Rock the Style, Check the Ego, Insert a Dream………………..Now flash that trademark
* grin* ”

You can see more of her amazing work on her
WEBSITE and Model Mayhem.

I would like to thank Jacci for her time, and I wish her tremendous success in her career!
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Stay tuned for more images, more interviews, and more!
Aviva

Alexander Tome is an awesome hair stylist working out of New York City. He specializes in photo,runway, beauty, and bridal work.

He has worked for many international clients, including magazines Kurv, Page, Vanidades, Supermodels Unlimited, Chaos, Stilo, Filler and Harrod’s.

Alexander’s work has also graced the runways of Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week.

Double Beauty:
Photographer: Tanya Kechichian
Makeup: Fernando Haddad @ Amy Kirkman
Hair: Alexander Tome
Wardrobe: Davis Carrasquillo
Models: Heather @ Muse and Julia @ Q

AVIVA: How long have you been doing hair?
ALEXANDER TOME: I’m a relative newbie to the business. I’ve been doing hair total about five years, but I’ve only been freelance and doing session work for about two and a half years.

AVIVA: What excites you the most about being a hairstylist?
AT: Well, it’s a constantly innovative market. We’re at a time in the industry where there are always new technologies coming out to help us achieve things that before we never thought possible or could only be done with a ridiculous amount of work. I also love that as a session stylist I’m constantly meeting new and interesting people on every job that I take.

Beige Beauty Shot:
Photographer: Janira Martinez
Makeup: Elizabeth Gerbino
Hair: Alexander Tome
Model: Elisabet @ Major

AVIVA: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment in the fashion world?
AT: Well, I’ll be honest and say that I don’t think that I have achieved anything too stellar, but I’m doing my third NY Fashion Week event next week, so that’s definitely exciting. If I had to pick my top accomplishment, though, it would be connecting with L’Oreal spokesperson Johnny Lavoy as my mentor. He’s taught me so much, not just about hair, but my attitude as a stylist and overall career aesthetic.

And I just got an editorial an editorial in the hair fashion magazine Highlights. You should eventually be able to see the story on My Fashion Database (http://www.myfdb.com). I’m pretty excited about that!

B/W Sweater Dress:
Photographer: Robert August
Makeup: Elizabeth Gerbino
Hair: Alexander Tome
Model: Jenny @ Code

AVIVA: How did you get started with hairstyling?
AT: Well, I started out as a failed art student at Frostburg State University in Western Maryland which I left after one year. I worked a summer of retail hell and then my mom actually urged me to check the new Paul Mitchell school that opened near me. As soon as I stepped in the door, I knew it was for me. While I was in school I worked at a successful salon in Rockville, MD and after I graduated, I snipped the strings holding me and moved to NY with my friend and fellow hair stylist Devin.

Musicians:
Filler Magazine Summer 2010
Photographer: Sebastian Piras
Makeup: Angelique Velez
Hair: Alexander Tome
Wardrobe: Gabrielle Swan
Models: Unisex Salon

AVIVA: Do you have any tips on how to make hair shiny and silky, as well as get rid of flyaway hairs?
AT: You absolutely must take care of your hair, first and foremost. Using professional quality shampoos and conditioners that are formulated for your hair type is your first step. If you color your hair, then deep conditioning masks once or twice a week. If your hair is dull, coarse and unruly, then I love to use Moroccan oil as a blowout serum. It keeps your hair slick and shiny against some pretty tough conditions. A light mist of some workable light hold hair spray like Sebastian’s Reshaper Zero Gravity over the top should take care of any flyaways.

AVIVA:Do you have any products that you can personally recommend using in order to minimize split ends and improve the overall health of hair?
AT: The single most important thing you can do to avoid split ends is get trims regularly. Every six weeks is the average time of need, but several of my clients that don’t color their hair or style it very much can go upwards of 2 or even three months without serious consequences.

Fro Fashion:
Canvas Magazine – DIY Issue
Photographer: Tanya Kechichian
Makeup: Jenny Kanavaros
Hair: Alexander Tome
Wardrobe: Davis Carrasquillo
Model: Valentina @ Q

AVIVA: If money/time were no object, what is your ultimate goal with hairstyling?
AT: My main ambition had always been to open an elite hair school with campuses around the world that my students would spend a couple months in each to learn how hair is treated in different cultures. Most people don’t realize it, but In Japan, the UK, France, and other places, they have totally different methods of hair styling. And beyond the methods, I want my students to be citizens of the world. A wider view of the worlds cultures can only ever help someone’s career and spiritual health.

AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments?
AT: I’m just so thankful that I get to wake up every day knowing that when I head off to work, it’s to do something that I love and to be surrounded by people that I love and respect. Nothing is better than a day on set charged with creative energy.

You can see more of Alexander’s work on his WEBSITE and you can follow him on Facebook
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Stay tuned for more interviews, insights, tips and giveaways!
Aviva

DS Bullock is a creative fashion designer who enjoys making beautiful, out-of-the box garments. On top of designing, she works as a fashion stylist. She has two types of clothing lines, one includes accessories and clothing made of recycled inner tubes (Road Rash Rubber), and the other is more of a regular clothing line called DS Bullock (DSB).

Additionally, she enjoys oil painting and art.

It was a pleasure interviewing DS Bullock for this feature.

Image Credits: Photo-William Cox, Models-Jordan, Ariana, Hair-Grayling Cunningham

AVIVA: How long have you been designing clothing?
DS BULLOCK: I’ve been designing and making clothing for 26 years, since I was a little girl and my mother taught me how to sew.

AVIVA: What excites you about designing clothing?
DS BULLOCK:I get very excited imagining the potential places my garments could go, what settings they would fit into, what kinds of people would wear them. I love making clothing that is unusual for iconoclastic individuals and it excites me to imagine what kinds of adventures they could take my garments on.

AVIVA: Do you have any designers that inspire you? If so, who?
DS BULLOCK:Galliano, without a doubt. Vivienne Westwood to a certain extent. There are a number of Belgian designers referred to as the Antwerp Six whose work I eagerly follow, as well.

Image Credits: Photo-William Cox, Model-Jordan Rose,Hair-Grayling Cunningham

AVIVA: How did you get started with clothing design?
DS BULLOCK:My mother taught me how to sew when I was a child because I was always drawing the kinds of outfits I would like to wear. We were extremely poor and I identified with Wanda in The Hundred Dresses. So my mother taught me how to sew and let me raid her fabric stashes to make some of the garments I had been designing. Eventually, I was making all my clothing and making clothing for my friends. It just evolved organically from there.

AVIVA: Besides clothing design, what are(is) your other passion(s)/interest(s)?
DS BULLOCK:I love music and am in a punk band. I also love interior design and DIY home projects. I also am completely in love with Spain at the moment and am very passionate about flamenco dance. Well, I love all kinds of dance, actually. And, last but not least, I could not live without painting.

AVIVA: If money/time were no object, where would you like fashion design will take you?
DS BULLOCK:I imagine I would be working in Europe, we’ll just say Spain since it’s my favorite place in the world right now, making one-of-a-kind clothing for eccentric socialites.

Image Credits: Photo-Josh Band,MakeUp-Meg Czel

AVIVA: Do you have any crazy/weird/funny photo shoot incident that you’d like to share?
DS BULLOCK:I have a number of crazy/funny/weird photo shoot stories but the one that takes the cake was a shoot in an abandoned factory in the dead of winter in Detroit. The photographer who organized the shoot was a poor planner (and a poor photographer, coincidentally) who forgot the lights, ran out of gas for heater and generator. We all wound up freezing in the dark without flashlights and, to top it all off, we were nearly arrested by the police for trespassing! It was such an awful experience and, in the end, I couldn’t use any of the photos because the models were so cold their noses were all red.

AVIVA: Any additional comments?
DS BULLOCK:Fashion design is an extremely difficult world but there is plenty of room within it for independent designers who have enough passion and persistence to tirelessly follow their own vision. For models, designers, stylists, and photographers, the key to success in my opinion is an unfailing persistence.

I would like to thank DS for her time and this interview, and I wish her all the best in her design career.

You can see more of her work on her Website and Model Mayhem Account.

Aviva 🙂