For the better part of 2016, this question repeatedly circled my brain despite years of working successfully both in front and behind the scenes. My ambidextrous work style has left colleagues and critics to question the role I play within the industry....
"I mean... but what does she do?? Is she a Writer, a Model or a Publicist??"
So many people have asked this question expecting me to choose one over the other to which I confidently and emphatically answer with, "I do that too!" and it's just that simple... These are all the skills I possess in all the ways I can contribute to the whole. By staying true to what I know and do best, I've been fortunate to work with some of the most respected figures across a variety of industries and genres, from Fashion to Music to Television; growing and learning from prominent leaders within the Plus Size Fashion Community, it has been through sharing my experiences and connecting with people on a genuine level that we have grown our brands 'Xponentially'. Why dummy that down?? As an independent 'modelprenuer', making the decision to utilize any and all skill sets will best represent the projects and people I work with to produce incredible portfolios all while showing that crew love. (XOXC)
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| High/Low Top: Zara - Accessories: H&M - Vintage Leopard Jacket Buffalo Exchange |
During fashion shoots you'll find the usual suspects; Wardrobe Stylists, Makeup Artists, Hairstylists, and Photographers.... those whose creative drive bring editorial storyboards to life. As an independent artist, giving and receiving credit is everything, so in transitioning from model to writer, I began Xponential Curve not only to collaborate with but celebrate these artists and BTS folks who, without them, would leave the Fashion, Film and Art worlds amiss.
On one of the last balmy days of this Summer '16, while working on set as a publicist our models medical emergency would have led to a missed opportunity to shoot. With a crew of 4 who traveled far and wide, there was no choice that the show must go on. I transitioned from BTS to working as the subject of our Fall Fashion inspired shoot.
On that Summer day, revered Stylists, Styles Lewis; Co-host of Styles Chamber fashion podcast, whom I got to work came to Jose Pagan Photography's studio in NYC hauling several huge bags filled with tops, bottoms, and accessories galore, Styles 15+ years of impeccable fashion composition has garnered her connections with the now curvy inclusive fashion brand Rachel Roy as well as a stylist residency at the NYC fashion mecca Lord & Taylor. Styles doesn't shy away from thrift and vintage stores either and it is her eye for savvy, that gets us models to Slay. There's an extra confidence that comes from knowing a look was chosen and put together specifically for you... Hiring a stylist for special occasions or even at the beginning of seasons can truly help you refine your style or expose you to up and coming designers. A good stylist will know your body and proportions... see which colors work for you pulling together looks that will translate sentiment through visual aesthetic inspired by the latest high fashion runway collections.
For the first look, Styles wanted to translate Holiday Glam with a classic feel pulling this season' trendy H&M Pleated Skirt paired with a Lace Top from Zara.
On that Summer day, revered Stylists, Styles Lewis; Co-host of Styles Chamber fashion podcast, whom I got to work came to Jose Pagan Photography's studio in NYC hauling several huge bags filled with tops, bottoms, and accessories galore, Styles 15+ years of impeccable fashion composition has garnered her connections with the now curvy inclusive fashion brand Rachel Roy as well as a stylist residency at the NYC fashion mecca Lord & Taylor. Styles doesn't shy away from thrift and vintage stores either and it is her eye for savvy, that gets us models to Slay. There's an extra confidence that comes from knowing a look was chosen and put together specifically for you... Hiring a stylist for special occasions or even at the beginning of seasons can truly help you refine your style or expose you to up and coming designers. A good stylist will know your body and proportions... see which colors work for you pulling together looks that will translate sentiment through visual aesthetic inspired by the latest high fashion runway collections.
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| @StylesLewis14 and I on Set "Fall Shoot 2016" |
For the first look, Styles wanted to translate Holiday Glam with a classic feel pulling this season' trendy H&M Pleated Skirt paired with a Lace Top from Zara.
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| Lace Top: Zara Skirt: H&M |
Another incredible talent on set was lead MUA, Rayyan Akhdar of 'Nayyara Beauty', a New York City-based hairstylist and makeup artist. I first met Rayyan during 'Bridal Couture Fashion Week' produced by Nailah Lymus of Amirah Creations where Rayyan gave me my High Fashion Big Bun complimenting the extravagance of the Bridal Dresses.
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| MUA @Rayyanakhdar of Nayyara Beauty |
Rayyan is a part of the growing Muslimah Fashionista movement formally trained at Paul Mitchell School in North Haven, CT with her work appearing in fashion and beauty publications nationwide as well as on major industry runways including New York Fashion Week and Full Figure Fashion Week. Rayyan is available for commercial and editorial print, bridal, special events, speaking engagements, and much more.
Nayyara Beauty is an independent start-up style brand with Rayyan Akhdar utilizing Nayyara Beauty products to showcase her work, as well as share her tips, recommendations, tutorials and more. Inspired by the fashion industry and being extremely passionate about her craft she hopes to develop her own beauty line under the Nayyara Beauty name.
Also on set was my girl, Hairstylist Kemora Hakara, CEO of, "Elite High End Hair'. We always crack up on set every time we meet. With an effortless hairstyle technique its Kemora's 18+ years in the industry that has led her to work with celebrity clients, on music video shoot, NYFW runways and more.
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| Kemora Hakara CEO of Elite High End Hair |
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Ig @yourhairmajesty FB @Kemorahakara
Gmail Kemorahakara@gmail.com
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| CLICK HERE!!!!! Jacket: NY & CO (XXL ONLY ON SALE NOW As of 12/6/16!!!!) |
Kemora's company offers 40 inch hair and she also makes custom full lace and lace wigs closures in frontals. If you're looking for cuts, hair care braids, weaves, dreads, twist
wigs or crotchet dyes you can reach out to Kemora on her Social Media sites mentioned in the Logo caption above.
Finally, if you've been following Xponential Curve over the last 3 years you would have gotten a glimpse into the "Unboxed" and subsequent illuminated mind behind the images shot by Nationally recognized Photographer, Jose Pagan of Jose Pagan Photography. Leaving his imprint on the plus size fashion world as the go-to photographer, Jose is also widely celebrated for his gallery art celebrating the naked Zaftig form recently developing his own Quarterly online publication iDare Magazine with a bold perspective on the latest Art, Fashion, Models, and Music. That which pushes beyond the binds of societal conformity. Jose's production are always a next level event with Pagan being the principle photographer and producer behind our shoot pulling together all of the creative energy on set that day in late August.
Here are some of the looks we shot in the spirit of Crew love and letting the world know the immense talents that reside in the realm BTS.
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| Jacket + Jeans: NY & CO |
