K R I S H N I E L

Here are a few images from a shoot I did last week. Some are behind-the-scenes, some from the actual shoot.  These are a couple of my favourite looks:

ISO 400  |  f/5.6  |  1/40

For this shot,  I styled this jacket with a striped shift dress, which added to the vertical movement of the outfit. 

ISO 640  |  f/7.1  |  1/40

I styled the pant-suit with the skirt to give a Man-Repeller feel to it, adding the suit jacket with choker to add to this sophisticated edge. 

ISO 400  |  f/5.6  |  1/40

Here, I decided to style this squared-shoulder jacket as a dress, rather than an addition to an already styled look. I wanted it to stand out, rather than be an after-thought. 

All clothes made by Kristian Nielson 

Special thanks to Sarah Abdelhahim for makeup

Modeled by Laura

Sare in the City

This week, Sarah decides to feature some vintage finds in todays outfit. A light beige wool coat with a simplistic silhouette, paired with dark bottoms gives a very classic look. This aesthetic is emphasized through the black quilted purse with a touch of gold detailing. A pop of colour through the pastel pink scarf enhances feminism in the entire look. At the same time, the idea of “city girl” reinforced by modelling against a purple graffiti background.

ISO 200. f.4.5 1/60

ISO 200. f.4.5 1/60

ISO 200. f.4.5 1/60

Model: Sarah Bellamy

Farewell Winter!

Summer is fast approaching and you can tell that by each passing day, our days are getting better. Streets are more alive, people are wearing less clothing, birds are chirping and everything is nice and happy. My friend Aly (model) and I decided to do a shoot outside by the lake but sure enough it snowed the day we planned on shooting. We thought about shooting another day but we decided to do it anyway and to our surprise the photos turned out pretty decent. Our theme had changed from happy summer to cold winter and Aly was able to rock the outfits regardless – we also said that this shoot was a farewell to winter. Let's hope we do not get any more snow days, I already put my winter clothes away.

ISO 400  SS1/160  F3.5  

ISO 400  SS1/160  F3.5  

ISO 400  SS1/160  F3.5 

Hashtag Fashion

Usually in fashion shows the glamourous, ever so beautiful, models are the ones drawing everyones eyes, instead of the garments and hair/makeup. Think back to the Victoria's Secret show, did anyone actually pay attention to their new collection? Probably not, instead we were all wondering how the heck those models get those bodies, while shoving cupcakes in our mouth to celebrate a girls night to watch the show. However, I had the pleasure of being backstage at a fashion show that totally broke the norm. Instead the models were in the dark and their clothing, hair and makeup literally out shone them all.

Below are some behind the scenes photos of the garments, hair and makeup! All aspects of the looks when observed in the dark glow! The original and innovative take on the fashion show was to challenge its viewers and their senses to not rely only on their eyes the rest of their senses. 

Were you able to accept this challenge?

1/23, f 4, ISO160

1/23, f 4, ISO160

1/23, f 4, ISO160

1/23, f 4, ISO160

Lady Bits

                                                                          All four images shot : 1/23, f 4, ISO160

It's funny how familiar grapefruits look... 

Especially when we peel off  the layers and reveal the new  Spring 2014 lingerie trends. Lot's of lace. Lot's of color and just enough of sass to add a little something to your drab winter wardrobe. 

So pop out your visa ladies and go treat yourselves to a nice bright undie set. 

Trust me...it'll take care of your morning after regrets. 

Ombre Lips

Newest trend to hit the make-up world is the Ombre lip. It can be done with many colours in many ways and here is one of those ways.


Step 1: Start with a clean palette

f/5 1/50 ISO 200

Step 2: Apply the colour in the inside of the lips (can stop here if looking for intense ombre effect)

f/5 1/50 ISO 200

f/5 1/50 ISO 200

Step 3: Apply the second on the outer edge of the lips

f/5 1/50 ISO 200

f/5 1/50 ISO 200

Step 4: Blend colours together

f/5 1/50 ISO 200

And voila, a subtle ombre lip

Spring Fragrance

Spring has sprung, and new scents are in! I decided to show a few of my personal favourite fragrances for the Spring and Summer season. 

Burberry Weekend

Top notes include sweet and zesty mandarine and aromatic grassy notes. Heart notes include blue hyacinth, iris, nectarine, peach flower, red cyclamen and wild rose. 

ISO 100. SS 1/4 F 25

Prada Candy

Notes:

Caramel, Musk, Vanilla, Benzoin

Style:

Carefree, Sophisticated, Sensual

ISO 100. 1/4.  f 25

Gilly Hicks Sydney TAMARAMA

Notes:

Vanilla Bean, Purple Orchid, Sandalwood

ISO 100. 1/4. F 25

Vera Wang Princess

Notes:

Apples, Tahitian Tiare Flower, Vanilla Chiffon

ISO 100.1/4. F 25

Opulence

Inspired by "lavish boudoir mixed with opulence," Shima Shafieian's second year eveningwear dress is a beautiful black satin number with lace detailing. Her mood board included a lot of lace, classic silk slips and Buckingham Palace. Modeled by Brianna, we wanted to go for a very elegant and sophisticated look with the dress, and decided to shoot at Osgoode Hall which was a pretty nice stand-in for a palace.

f/3.5  1/200 sec  ISO400

f/5.0  1/125 sec  ISO400

f/3.5  1/160 sec  ISO400

90's Comeback

I remember wearing my sweaters around my waist when I was a little girl. It was definitely more functional than fashionable back then! For me, the shirts-tied-around-the-waist style serves a couple purposes:

1. It can create a nice contrast or interest touch to an otherwise simple outfit. 
2. It accentuates the waist (and can be used to redefine the waist when it is lost under loose fitting garments)
3. It can also be used as intended when it gets a little too chilly: actually wear it! 

Here I've styled my plaid red shirt (from Cotton On) with a high-low t-shirt dress and a pleather jacket. In this case, I've tied it around the small of my waist to complement the flowy dress - landing perfectly, just above the end of the skirt. 

1/50 F4.2 ISO400

1/50 F4.2 ISO400

1/50 F4.8 ISO400

The Result When Science Meets Art

        Meet Chris. He is a second-year engineering student whose exposure to art is non-existent. However, this open-minded young chap was delighted to visit the Royal Ontario Museum, in which to widen his horizons, and to also procrastinate on his studies. As most engineers alike, his wardrobe on a regular class day will consist of sweats or day-old basics. To say the least, his styling inspiration is non-existent on most days. Therefore, I took the challenge to go through his wardrobe to come up with a fail-proof outfit that he could fall back on some days to mix it up a little.

ISO 1600   55 mm  f/ 5.6  Shutter-speed 1/10

ISO 1600  37 mm  f/ 5.6  Shutter-speed 1/8

        After digging through the piles of clothing, I found this brand new, tag still attached, light-wash denim button up shirt. *Golden.* This is the perfect step up from the regular sweaters or cotton t-shirts; as it combines both causal and put together. This shirt can also be paired with almost anything, which for Chris' lifestyle, this is quite ideal. 

        ISO 1600  44 mm  f/ 5.6  Shutter-speed 1/40

        Next, I decided to pair the shirt with a classic black jean, and his worn-in tan desert boots.

ISO 1600  18 mm  f/ 5.6  Shutter-speed 1/13

ISO 1600  32 mm  f/ 4.5  Shutter-speed 1/25

        All in all, Chris enjoyed both the exposure to a different type of learning and the surprise in remembering that he had this shirt in his wardrobe. Needless to say, that he learnt two things; have a better organized wardrobe and that he enjoys art museums very much.

Yeezus Almighty

Over the past few years Kanye West (aka Yeezus) has taken the entertainment industry by storm–successful album releases, controversial public appearances, endorsements deals and most recently getting engaged to the world's most famous reality star Kim Kardashian. Yes, West is definitely a savvy business man but aside from that he is also an incredibly talented designer whether it be on fashion (A.P.C x Kanye) or shoe (Adidas x Kanye) collaborations, this man can do it all. My friend Jason (model) and I decided to put together just one look that would best represent Kanye, something that could work for an everyday look or on stage for a concert. I wouldn't mind wearing this to school!

ISO 250   SS 1/100   F3.2 

ISO 250   SS 1/100   F3.2 

ISO 250   SS 1/100   F3.2 

ISO 250   SS 1/100   F3.2 

Digi Update: Jacob G

New face Jacob G comes in for a digital update! 

1/40 f 5.6 ISO 400

This young Adonis loves going to the gym, hanging out with friends, and playing computer games – just like any other teenage guy. But, unlike an average teenager, since signing with Elite Toronto in 2013, Jacob G has caught the eye of some super casting directors.

1/40 f 5.6 ISO 400

1/40 f 5.6 ISO 400

Lots in store for this one!

Mellow Yellow

When it comes to personalizing clothing, it's all in the way you choose

to accessorize the garments. Whether your motto is less is more, or more is more, accessories have the ability to create a mood and differentiate individual style.  The shots below showcase that by adding a pop of yellow, Shannon has personalized her own style to a simple black and white ensemble.  This look is minimal and chic but since there are no rules in fashion, options for accessorizing any outfit are full of endless possibilities.

ISO 400 F 7.1 1.3

ISO 400 F 4.0 1/30

ISO 400 F 7.1 1.3

  ISO 400 F 4.0 1/30

My Fashion Icon : My Dad

One of the reasons why I found myself interested in fashion and ready to pursue fashion as a career is my father. He had a great interest in fashion, browsing his closet made me realize there are numerous garments he owns, and he owns more clothes than my mother. If i asked him about different designers and brands he would have a lot to say about them. Back then he use to buy coats, sweaters and leather goods in his earlier years. I want to pass down his tradition of keeping memorable goods and giving them to his children. Below shows a wool coat with a blue polo and lastly pairing off with jeans.

M  1/200  F5 ISO 220

M 1/200 F5.3 ISO 280

M 1/200 F 5 ISO 220

Olive Li