Arturo Paulino Blog

So… yeah… it’s fashion time! Now let me set the record straight, wedding photography is what I do, what I get paid to do and what I’ve been doing the longest.  Having said that, I have to admit that I’m REALLY enjoying showcasing designers’ creations, getting to know the different artists that make fashion shows really happen, and getting to see a whole different area of photography other than wedding.

After shooting the Miami Fashion Show a couple of weeks ago, I’ve gotten phone calls, emails and invitations to get more involved with fashion photography.  One of those calls was from editor Lauren Doyle, asking me to cover Funkshion 2011 for the Miami Fashion Blog.

After checking calendars and logistics with my wife, I called her back and just like that I got my credentials and was propped on top of the media risers shooting straight at the models walking down the runway in Miami Beach.

For the opening night Richie Rich presented two collections, Villionaire and SexyPop, the last one in collaboration with Pachi Lake.

The next day, get this, TV Moda from Italy showcased designs by Roberto Cavalli, Vivienne Westwood, Blumarine,  Iceberg,  Alberta Ferretti,  Moschino, Stella Mccartney, Byblos and  Parah.  I have to say being born and raised in Latin America (nothing against Latinos or anything like that) I’ve been exposed, okay maybe overexposed, to woman’s clothing that was more about exposing than honoring.  By no means am I a fashion expert, but I believe there’s a difference between throwing garments at a women to squeeze “certain” areas and draw attention, rather than to dignify and enhance the feminine spirit.  The following designs are exactly that – a combination of materials intentionally put together to tastefully celebrate and grace the feminine figure.

These first two designs are part of Alberta Ferretti collection.  According to FMD1.com, “The Ferretti style is not one of old-fashioned prettiness. Her vision is a delicate one, developing an appreciation for textiles, daintily beaded or embroidered chiffons and sari silks. She is known for her super-sweet dresses and she has kept with tradition by displaying floaty baby doll frocks adorned with ribbons gently tumbling down the side.  Some of the celebrities who have worn her designs include Uma Therman, Tina Fey, Salma Hayek, and Scarlett Johansson.”

These next two designs are from the Moschino brand.  According to FMD1.com, Franco Moschino (1950-1994) was an Italian designer often referred to by the media as “Mr. Funny Court Jester”.  “Moschino’s fresh, new approach provided light relief. It sets up high glamour and sophistication of fellow designers, and made fun of their high prices. He was zany, iconoclastic and always ready to shock with an outrageous idea, but his clothes were wearable and cut to the highest standards.”

Taken right from Carpi Fashion System, “Via Delle Perle produces a women’s total look, from fur jackets to swimsuits, completely made in Italy across a network of specialist workshops, able to guarantee traditional workmanship of a particularly high level.

There are four collections: VDP Collection, for women who like to wear stilettos all day long; VDP Sport, an everyday look of not only denim, but a fashionable street-wear for more casual women, without losing femininity; VDP Gym Couture and VDP Club, the iconic product of VDP, sporty while luxury, offering casual sweatshirts embellished with diamantes, and trousers – both comfortable while remaining trendy. VDP Club Bijoux also makes up part of the line, a true triumph in luxury created for jogging or more general gym activity, and the licensed patent, VDP Mini Club, for the typical little girl who wants to dress like her mummy.

Finally the VDP Beach line, really beach couture of swimsuits plus other beachwear items interpreting beauty for a high target in the beachwear market, with coordinates to wear for the cooler happy hour, and post-beach drinks.  Four collections, only one subject: the modern woman.”

The next three designs are by Stella McCartney.  Okay, I need to confess that I had no idea who Stella McCartney was when I got this gig.  I know, I know, pretty embarrasing.  It wasn’t until I saw her face on two huge screens and a picture of her right next to, ahem ahem, Paul McCartney from a band you might have heard of… let’s see… THE BEATLES!!!.  Now that I got that off my chest, let’s bring our attention back to fashion.

On her facebook page, Stella writes, “My First Job is to be a Fashion designer. My first job is to make desirable, luxurious, beautiful clothing for women to want to buy. But I will always take the opportunity to use a beautiful organic fabric. I obviously don’t use any animals which has a huge impact on the planet. My first decision is always based on: can I do this in a more environmental way without sacrificing design, if I can; then there is no reason not to.”

Some of her famous clients include Cameron Diaz, Madonna, Liv Tyler, Gwyneth.

According with the BBC, Vivienne Westwood “is a British national treasure and people have always felt warm towards her because of her eccentricity and her unique sense of Britishness. Earlier this year she was made a Dame by the Queen.  In 1990 Vivienne won her first British Designer of the Year award. 1991 Won her second Designer of the year Award.”

According to Italian Living, “Parah is an Italian brand of luxury lingerie and swimwear – beautiful, romantic and sensual. Founded in 1950 in Gallarate, a town near Varese in Northern Italy, as a small lingerie workshop, today Parah S.p.A. is one of the world’s leading producers of swimwear and underwear.”

According with FMD1.com, “The Kocca collection follows clear and dynamic moods, there is no room for sadness – “enjoy everyday” is the true claim of all Kocca products. Feminine, ironic and strong, the Kocca woman knows how to play with romanticism and elegance.”

The next three designs are by Blumarine.  According to Fashion Enciclopedia, “It’s easy to describe the typical Blumarine woman: one has only to look to Anna Molinari, her intelligence, vivacity, creativity, femininity and passion: a vibration between angel and femme fatale. Helmut Newton, one of the world’s greatest fashion photographers, has perceived this essence and, guided by the modernity of Anna Molinari, has created a new concept of feminine power.”

These next two designs are by Iceberg House Company.  According to Wikipedia, “Iceberg is an Italian luxury fashion design house. Founded in 1962 by Silvio and Giuliana Gerani,the house produces women’s prêt-a-porter, accessories, and fragrances. It is part of the Gilmar group. Its headquarters are in San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy, and it has boutiques and outlets in cities across Europe, primarily in Italy but also in London, Paris, Moscow, Kiev, and in Kuwait City and Dubai.”

The following two designs are from Byblos.  According to  MadeinItaly.com, “the clothes of Byblos are known for a fresh, young approach, with frequent use of embroidery and special detailing that make the garments unique. The sense of humor of the designers is evident, along with a love of ethnic and romantic styles, themes which are often used in their designs.”

These final images are from Roberto Cavalli’s collection.  According to FMD1.com, “Cavalli is synonymous with glam and rock. Look to Cavalli for color, and lots of it. A genius when it comes to leather, his designs are wild, sexy, erotic, and fluid. His materials vary (leather, denim, silk, feathers) but the results are often unforgettable.”

Among the celebrities who wear Cavalli’s designs are Beyonce Knowles, Halle Berry, Lindsay Lohan, and Alicia Keys.

As part of our finale the host for the event, Jo Squilo from TV Moda Italia, graced us with one of her latest songs.  Needless to say, what an inspiring and beautiful night.  Great designs, great modeling, great performances all done in a classy and tasteful way.  Go Funk. Go Fashion.  GO FUNKSHION 2011!!!

Again, special thanks to Miami Fashion Blog editor, Lauren Doyle, for inviting me to cover this event.  To watch more pics feel free to check out this FunkShion 2011 SlideShow.  Che viva la moda!

Arturo
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