Herieth Paul - Dress to Kill - Lower East Side(1)

Herieth Paul - Dress to Kill - Lower East Side Shot by Max Abadian, Styled by Cary Tauben

A Winter editorial from one of my Favorite Canadian Models Herieth Paul. From the Runways to feature editorials. You can see from these photos she is one to watch. Even with the smoking I still find this editorial to be engaging and captivating.

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Ayan Elmi for Plaid Magazine

Breathless - Ayan Elmi for Plaid Magazine Photographed by Genevieve Charbonneau, Makeup and hair: Sabrina Rinaldi

New Editorial From Ayan Elmi. She is not only an amazing model but she is an even better person. Please look out for her on the new hit BRAVO Show Chef Roble and Co. Sundays @ 10 pm.

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Mo Handau - Curvy Geekery - TFW

Mo Handau (Curvy Geekery) TFW

Spotlight is a new feature to the Opique Blog. These post will showcase a person or brand that I find interesting or unique. The first person I will be featuring is Mo Handahu of Curvy Geekery / Clutch Culture. She recently was featured on a segment on CTV Atlantic. The segment focused on her hand made clutch business: Clutch Culture.

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Opique - Around The Tents1

Opique - Around The Tents2

Opique - Around The Tents3

Opique - Around The Tents4

Above are some of my favorite looks from day two of Toronto Fashion Week. The one thing I enjoy about Toronto Fashion Week is the diverse collection of people you get to see and meet during the week.

Here is a gallery from Day 2 of Toronto Fashion Week:

Some of the people pictured above:
LaToya Robinson – (Dancer/Model)
Lisa Kisber – (Writer/Blogger): lkisstyle.com
Mo Handahu – (Designer/Blogger): curvygeekery.blogspot.com
Tejahn Burnett – (Make-Up Artist/Blogger): cursesincursive.com
Nicole Robinson – (Writer/Blogger): thebackstagelife.ca
RT! – (Director)

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Opique-Attitude

A great blend of pieces for a number of looks and styles

The Attitude by Jay Manuel show began in a cloud of smoke as the first model entered the runway. A blend of retro, boho and safari, the collection is comprised of simple, versatile and well-styled looks. Commercial by nature, the brand once again proved that fashion lovers don’t need exorbitant budgets or outlandish tastes to look chic when the summer months come back around. The supremely stylish accessories definitely strengthened the collection and forecasted some upcoming trends. Woven hats, headwraps, chunky arm candy and feathered jewelry garnished jumpsuits and separates made with bold colors and rich textural prints. This was definitely a collection with vast market appeal.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: Attitude by Jay Manuel

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Opique-Joeffer

Pops of color, with edge style and sophistication.

Total was the first thing that came to mind when I saw the S/S 2012 collection from Joeffer Caoc. His line was clean, yet bold with pops of color. From the bright oranges to the hot pinks, you saw his take on color blocking going into 2012. He then successfully mixed styles from dark to metallics, to sheer to sky blues. The two key aspects that made the show was his ability to mix separates, from dress to shorts and pair them with great shoes. Each look was complete and strong. The Joeffer Caoc woman is young, confident, and wants a strong, clean look that can be worn at any time and anywhere. For every occasion, Joeffer Caoc has a complete look from head to toe.

Written by Paul Ross

For more looks and where to purchase: joeffercaoc.com

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While doing my S/S 2012 post on LOVAS i had to find out there website. I was impressed with the site and how clean it looked so i started checking out each section. To my surprise my work with one of favorite fashions blogs was showcased on there site. Anita Clarke and her site iwantigot.geekigirl.com is one of the premier fashion blogs in Canada. I really appreciate Anita for giving me a chance and always being friendly and kind when i see her during Toronto Fashion Week.

Here is the Gallery of my work from the LOVAS F/W 2011

Please Visit I Want – I Got: Here

For more looks and where to purchase: lovasfashion.com

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Opique-Lovas

Well tailored Caribbean and Indian inspired pieces

Wesley Badanjak’s Caribbean inspirations are apparent in his SS’12 contribution to LG fashion week. A cast of ethnic models strutted in well-tailored garments that were infused with a breezy, tropical flavoring. Rambunctious ruffles, pretty pleats and sophisticated shirring highlighted the cool and carefree femininity of the show. Beaded necklaces, wooden bangles, and open-toed sandals were the perfect accoutrements for the stylish Island girls who sported messy braids (sometimes accompanied by feathers). Whether she’s sipping coconut milk on the beach or heading to a carnival party, the Lovas girl of SS’12 is always effortlessly well-dressed.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: lovasfashion.com

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Michi

Fun futuristic fashions for the female workout warrior

Channelling George Orwell’s famous novel 1984, the Michi SS’12 show began with grainy black and white footage of industrial machinery trudging away in some ambiguous warehouse. Through this environment came the first sights and sounds of the showcase. One model in second skin body-con became flanked by two more on each side creating a dynamic girl band outfitted in the sexiest Jazzercising ensembles one could ever imagine. Bondage straps, cut outs, mesh and panelling were the staples of the collection whose palette was cranberry, mustard and amethyst balanced by black and white. While there was an abundance of garments that were both body-hugging and body-baring, a balance was achieved with a few light and loose pieces that swung in the air as the vivacious models danced down the runway to up-tempo music. Not for the shy or self-conscious, the Michi show was a breath of fresh air against stale, safe or predictable fashion.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: michiny.com

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My Equipment

Save, Save, Save

The first thing I did as I went from a producer to a photographer was research camera brands and their camera bodies and lenses. The internet provides a wealth of information on digital SLRs. One of the best resources I have found is photo.net. You can find reviews on brands, bodies, and lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and many more. The top two digital camera manufacturers are Canon and Nikon. From bodies to lenses they are the known industry leaders.

So after months of talking to friends, colleagues, and reading online reviews, I decided to go with the Canon Rebel XS/1000D with the Tamron 70-300 and the Tamron 28-80 lenses. I found everything as a kit on eBay. I will not lie, I was nervous to drop $650.00 on eBay because of all the issues and problems people can have with some online retailers. I was very happy with this decision once I got everything and I saw the number of options the two lenses provided for me. The reviews on both lenses were good and I was glad I get two lenses whereas you only get one when you buy the body and kit lens. This experience lead me to do more research on third party lenses (more on Tamron in the future).

The main thing with photography equipment is to get the best value for your money. Having the most expensive equipment doesn’t mean you will produce great photos. You have to have a great eye, a good team, the RIGHT equipment and the will to push yourself. Lastly, find quality retailers and know that even with the basics you can produce great shots.

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