Sunday, March 16, 2025
Home Blog Page 18

Berlin Film & Fashion Festival

The Inside Scoop with Writer Courtney Henry & Director Rowena True

July 12-13, 2018, Berlin, Germany

Berlin was abuzz as International guests from around the world gathered for the 6th annual Berlin Fashion & Film Festival (BFFF) at the Columbia Theater. The retro-styled building stands where Tempelhof meets Kreuzburg—a central location where people can connect from all over the city.

The Festival was started in 2012 to highlight the most creative work produced for fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands. Since its first edition, BFFF showcases the best films for multinational brands side by side the most exciting content produced by upcoming directors.

I had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with a newcomer to the Festival, West Sussex born and nouveau New York resident, Rowena True, about her fresh business venture called Shewolf Productions. It is solely her work for the time being and aims to provide a platform for talented female voices to be heard. Her brilliant film “EXCESSIVISM,” nominated for BFFF’s “Official Selection”  and shortlisted for best film in the US & Canada, features stunning Kimonos by designer Ji Won Choi. Showing off her expertise in animation and the moving still.

Let’s start at the beginning, tell us a bit about your background and how you entered the world of Directing.

Well, I am a newcomer to New York City originally from the UK. It’s been about 6 months and it’s been really exciting thus far! Before that, I studied an M.A. in Animation at the Royal College of Art. I was a painter, classically trained from the start. I also have a background in stop animation. I then became interested in combining this with fashion shooting, and live action. Been doing this for 8 years. I love combining collage and cutouts. I’ve always been interested in the still image as moving.

In viewing some of your other fashion films like “Paper Cut” there is a clear trend of this “paper trail” throughout your work. The use of Origami-like cutouts and geometric themes show up a lot. Would you consider this your signature style?

The play between the 2D and 3D perspective excites me. This idea of an image being very flat and then coming alive, literally, is interesting for the eye. There’s something magical about film and animation and to incorporate movement into a flat image is magic to me.

How did the collaboration with Ji Won Choi’s fashion come about?

I approached her. I had a connection with BULLET in New York and we were both excited about the possibility of making something together. I fell in love with the graphic lines and bold silhouettes of Ji Won’s collection. I wanted to create a film that simplified the figure into two dimensions and Ji Won’s designs fit perfectly. My focus was abstracting the body into architectural forms with repetition of pattern and time. I was really excited by the concept of capturing models physically tearing themselves out of the paper, and playing with the dimensions of the picture in both form or function. I loved the idea of taking 2D forms and making them 3D and vice versa like the horizontal blinds preceded by the 2D graphic lines. Playing with layers of positive negative space and where the body exists in between were all themes of the work.

What was the process like?

We only had one shoot day, would have liked to have two! 7 weeks total to make. As you can imagine there is a lot of detailed animation work that is done. We shoot the models first and then shoot the same with a small scale. I was able to work with the amazing colorist Damian Van Der Cruyssen from “The Mill” in New York as well, a great VFX company for Post-production. Also, music is crucial for animation!  TRENTEMØLLER agreed to include their dub remix track, ‘Moan’ which really made it all work.

Tell me more about Shewolf Productions. I got a chance to check out the website and I love how bold the artist statement is:

“A female led NYC and London based production company specializing in fashion film and beauty. Passionate about creative and design, we have a playful instinct, wild ideas and are fearless. We are Shewolf. Run with us.” 

I love it! You also have offices in London?

Well, it is a very new company of freelance producers from London and I am beginning to build my team in New York. As you know, the film world is heavily male dominated and exclusive and we would like to promote and push for females to have the same opportunities. Not excluding men, but again providing more opportunity for women to show work. A space for women to grow and move forward. As of now, it is only my work featured on the site but looking to add more videos soon!

Berlin Film & Fashion Festival. Photo by Rowena True

What are some dream brands you’d like to work with, or who are the type of people that you like to make films with?

 I have some personal projects that are a bit hush hush right now haha but I would love to work more with luxury brands. High fashion. Footwear is a new venture for me and I’m excited in the future to work more in that realm. Brands that have a budget to provide freedom and risk are ideal. Clients who are brave and aren’t afraid to be experimental. 

Why is this evolving of advertising, to include fashion and real cinematography necessary to you?

Coming from an art background, it is absolutely necessary! I think the power of visuals, the ability to sell a product, make a mark. To have interesting narrative and visuals that stand out, and you remember, are crucial.

And how have you been enjoying the festival so far? First time in Berlin, has it been worth the trip?

It’s been fantastic. The people have been really amicable. Fashion can have a reputation for being a bit ‘exclusive’ but the people have been really warm. And it’s been inspiring to see other people’s work and to participate in the Talks and networking opportunities.

Be sure to check out Rowena’s Nominated film “EXCESSIVISM” below as well as visit Berlin Film and Fashion Festival’s website to check out the final winners!

http://www.shewolfproductions.com/jiwon

Berlin Film & Fashion Festival. Photo by Florin Fratica.

The Champagne Gala In A Hollywood Mansion

Hollywood Hills private estate, CA, July 21, 2018

On July 21st  Kiss The Monkeys / Kiss The Mermaids, an award-winning luxury events company, presented a celebrity red carpet gala that included runway shows and numerous musical performances. The Champagne Gala was a part of a two-day event.

On Friday the company presented The Evolutionists Summit that welcomed top business leaders. They had an opportunity to meet each other and make new connections. The list included Ryan Long (Founder of City Gala and Global Unity Non-Profit), Bill Walsh (the author of America’s Small Business Expert), Dr. Freddy Behin (founder of Gymnastics World), Karen Hoyos (international motivational speaker), and many others.

The next day was all about the Champagne Gala. The designers Kentaro Kameyama (Project Runway winner), Ulyana Zilbermints (Ulyly Swimwear) and Perry Jones II presented their collections during the night.

The Gala turned out to be a success. All proceeds went towards The Sweet Progress.

Check-out our interview with Perry Jones II:


About Kiss The Monkeys:

The company was founded by incredibly talented Alex Harris and Raquel Sanchez. In just a few years, it became a large organization that brought together talent, entrepreneurs, business owners and media. Today the company hosts events all across the country.

Photo by HGM.

 

The Best Dressed At Maxim’s Annual Hot 100 Red Carpet

July 21, 2018, Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles

Maxim’s annual Hot 100 issue, on newsstands now, celebrates the 100 most influential, tastemaking and trendsetting women across the globe. The iconic magazine brought this special issue to life by celebrating these women at The Maxim Hot 100 Experience, which was hosted by this year’s cover star Kate Upton and featured performances by multi-platinum hip-hop artist Future, R&B singer Tinashe, The Revel and DJ E-Lux. Guests were treated to top experiential production, amazing talent, unique cuisine, great mixology, unique brand activations and most importantly… the right people.

The event included unique branded experiences including a photo booth allowing guests to recreate Kate Upton’s iconic cover in the Negev Desert by the Israel Ministry of Tourism, the ultimate golf similar experience by Full Swing Golf and a men’s grooming lounge by charity partner Movember. Guests were also treated to DeLeón® Tequila, a new standard of luxury in tequila, an array of luxury vehicles leading into the venue by Royalty Exotic Cars, refreshing Aquahydrate and gifting from Lux Mobile and Som Sleep.

The Maxim Experiences are a joint venture between Maxim and global marketing agency Lagardère Sports and Entertainment. For more information on this and future events including sponsorship opportunities, tickets and tables, please visit www.MaximExperiences.com and follow on Instagram (@MaximExperiences), Facebook (@MaximExperiences) and Twitter (@MaximExperience).

Photo by HGM.

 Check our exclusive coverage of the red carpet here:

Custo Barcelona SS18 Collection Closes 080 Barcelona Fashion

0

Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona, June 25-29, 2018

 

The iconic brand Custo Barcelona by designer Custo Dalmau closed the 4th day of shows of the 080 Barcelona Fashion at Sant Pau’s Art Nouveau Site with Call me tomorrow, their ready to buy collection for spring-summer 2018.

080 Barcelona Fashion Week is famous for recognizing emerging designers. Several days of spectacular fashion shows ended up with an awards ceremony.

Antonio Miro with the collection The Sea was the winner of the National Prize of the Generalitat of Catalonia 080 Barcelona Fashion Best Collection Award of this edition of the Catalan fashion show, endorsed and promoted by the Generalitat of Catalonia through the Commerce, Crafts and Fashion Consortium (CCAM), being held at the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site. Young designer from Seville Jaime Álvarez, from Mans Concept Menswear with the collection Mans House, took the National Prize of the Generalitat of Catalonia 080 Barcelona Fashion Emerging Design Award by Desigual of the 22nd edition of the catwalk.

PHOTOS BY: Estrop-Barcelona

 

Ciara Attends Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards 2018

Santa Monica, CA, July 19, 2018

LeBron James was a no-show at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards, but still became Play Of The Year and Favorite Male Athlete winner. The red carpet attendees included Ciara and Russell Wilson, Lindsey Vonn, Michael Phelps, JoJo Siwa, Chloe Kim and many others. Hosted by Houston Rockets’ point guard and former NBA All-Star MVP Chris Paul, the event took place at the Barker Hangar, Santa Monica. Professional racecar driver Danica Patrick was honored with the Legend Award.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Alex Ovechkin were among nominees, and Serena Williams won Queen of Swag award.

The show will air on Friday, July 20, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.

Check our exclusive interviews here:

Here is the full list of winners:

FAVORITE FEMALE ATHLETE

Alex Morgan, NWSL, Orlando Pride, US Women’s National Team

 

FAVORITE MALE ATHLETE

LeBron James, NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers

 

KING OF SWAG

Odell Beckham Jr., NFL, New York Giants

 

QUEEN OF SWAG

Serena Williams, WTA

 

BEST CANNON

Russell Wilson, NFL, Seattle Seahawks

 

BIGGEST POWERHOUSE

Rob Gronkowski, NFL, New England Patriots

 

CLUTCH PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kevin Durant, NBA, Golden State Warriors

 

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME

Chloe Kim, Professional Snowboarder, US Team

 

FAVORITE NEWCOMER

Allisha Gray, WNBA, Dallas Wings

 

HANDS OF GOLD

Antonio Brown, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

HEAVY HITTER

Venus Williams, WTA

 

NEED FOR SPEED

Lindsey Vonn, Skiing, US Team

 

NOTHING BUT NET

Chris Paul, NBA, Houston Rockets

 

SICKEST MOVES

Stephen Curry, NBA, Golden State Warriors

 

WINTER WONDERS

Shaun White, Professional Snowboarder, US Team

 

BIGGEST KID

Laurie Hernandez, Gymnastics

 

MOST VALUABLE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

James Harden, 2018 NBA MVP

 

PLAY OF THE YEAR

LeBron James Alley Oop to Himself, NBA Cleveland Cavaliers

 

Photos by: HGM

WWE Star Lana Attends REGARD Magazine Pre-ESPY Mansion Party

Bel Air private estate, Bel Air, July 17, 2018

On July 17 REGARD Magazine and its founder, fashion photographer, Dimitry Loiseau, welcomed pro athletes, influencers and industry VIPs to celebrate the upcoming ESPY Awards and the special annual sports edition.
The event was hosted by WWE’s famous Lana (C.J. Perry, E’s Total Divas) who became the cover celebrity for this issue. The red carpet attendees included UFC Ring Girl of the year Brittney Palmer, Kristi Castlin, Wags’ Dominique Penn, former NBA player Kibwe Trim and TV personality Joslyn Pennywell, champion Justin Peck, actress Bai Ling, TV personality Patti Stanger, former NFL’s Byron Chamberlain, and many others.

Check our interviews here:

Beautycon LA Day 2: Kim Kardashian West and Jordyn Woods.

The Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, July 15, 2018

Kim Kardashian West brought her daughter North to Beautycon Festival on Sunday, July 15th. The reality star was wearing a short black outfit.

Kim and Beautycon Media’s CEO Moj Mahdara discussed Mrs. West’s new makeup line, her collaboration with MUA Mario Dedivanovic, Kanye’s lyrics, and dealing with bullying.

Other celebrity attendees included Kylie Jenner’s BFF Jordyn Woods, Jay Versace, Jonathan Van Ness, Ava Michelle Cota, Holland Roden, Chantel Jeffries, Kiersey Clemons, Brad Mondo and many more.

Check our exclusive interviews here:


About Beautycon

We are a global community of creators, celebrities, fans, and brands who unite to challenge traditional beauty standards. We are all ages, races and identities, and we are redefining what beauty means— from the inside out. Labels are inconsequential, self-expression is encouraged, and differences are celebrated.

 Beautycon Festivals, which have taken place all over the world, including Los Angeles, New York, London, Dubai and Dallas, celebrate the beauty of self-expression and staying true to oneself. With moments ranging from engaging panel discussions, to digital/traditional celebrity meetups, brand activations and the chance for consumers to shop some of their favorite online brands IRL. Beautycon Festivals have welcomed hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide, and have ignited a global trend in the world of beauty. For more please visit https://beautycon.com.

 

Beautycon Festival LA. Day One

The Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, July 14, 2018

This year the Convention Center located in LA downtown became the place for a two-day celebration of makeup industry. The most popular bloggers, the biggest beauty companies and Hollywood stars joined the 6th Annual Beautycon Festival.

The MUA festival is a perfect platform for bloggers, vloggers, makeup artists and fashionistas to get together to learn and discuss the hottest trends, wellness products and beauty tricks. Famous brands like MAC Cosmetics and L’Oréal sell some of their new products and provide free samples during the festival.

Today everyone had a chance to meet famous bloggers, MUA artists and stars as they showed up at numerous panel discussions and the pink carpet. The pink carpet attendees included Kim Kardashian’s MUA Mario Dedivanovic, the Kardashians’ former MUA Joyce Bonelli, Snoop Dogg, Travis Barker with his daughters, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Simpson, Gigi Gorgeous, Madelaine Petsch and Travis Mills, just to name a few.

Gigi Gorgeous shared some cool tips for hot summer days:

Kiehl’s moisturizing lotion is one thing Gigi always carries in her purse.

Air conditioning, a setting powder and hair spray is the key to looking beautiful.

Ashley Rudder, Senior Artist, MAC Cosmetics (#ashley_rudder): “This whole beauty industry is about self-expression, self-love and self-care. Either if you are a beauty professional or if you are a beauty influencer, that’s what it’s all about, its about loving yourself, expressing yourself and doing that in whatever way it makes you happy”.

She recommended to use the popsicle-stain kind of technique (for lips – S.K.): put a little bit of lipstick in a center and put lip gloss everywhere else, so you just have a bit of color in a center that bleeds out into a really natural gloss.

You might see her in New York, Milan, Paris and London during fashion weeks in the fall.

 

Check more of our exclusive interviews here:

 

Photo by HGM

Miami Swim Week by Planet Fashion Presents: Roberto Cavalli

0

Miami Beach, FL, July 13-14, 2018

 On July 13th and 14th the 5 Star Loews Hotel, Miami Beach, opened its doors for buyers, media, and VIP guests. Miami Swim Week presented by Planet Fashion welcomed numerous designers including Roberto Cavalli (www.robertocavalli.com). Guests enjoyed cocktail parties and runway shows.

 Roberto Cavalli runway show. Photo credit:  Carlos Perez

Remembering Joe Jackson, The Patriarch of the Legendary Family

July 6, 2018, Los Angeles, CA

Photo: courtesy of PR

Joseph Jackson, a famous manager and the father of talented children, passed away from pancreatic cancer on June 27 in Las Vegas. He was buried in the same place as his son Michael. The ceremony took place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale. Joe Jackson was 89.

He was born on July 26, 1928, in Fountain Hill, Arkansas. He was one of five children in the family. He married Katherine Scruse in 1949 and started his own family. As a matter of fact, he tried to pursue a career of a professional boxer but had to quit sports to support his family financially. He is famous for managing The Jackson 5, the group that included all his sons. They later moved to California where the group became famous. He also managed the careers of his daughters.

June is a month to remember since Joe’s son Michael passed away about the same time (June 25, 2009).

 

Photo courtesy: PR