Archive
Tag "Tamron"
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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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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Leyla Piedayesh's fun, sheer and futuristic compositions for Lala Berlin. - Photos by Opique

Tints and pastels created a soft and airy opening to the LALA Berlin show. Cream, lavender and seafoam green blended together in a marbling effect featured on dresses, tops and trousers. There is a universal feeling of whimsical weightlessness echoed in the super light and loose-fitting garments that seemed to flow and undulate as the models walked. The garments can best be described as “open concept” with many being somewhat translucent and others featuring cut-outs. Despite all this exposure, there is no feeling of overt sexualization. Sequins and big, soft knits hung from the models that resembled glitter-faced pixies far more than Hollywood sexpots. Midway through the show shades and tones overtook the airy pastels. The marbling was replaced by another large scale print, this time a crystal kaleidoscope of natural earth tones and turquoise. These deeper hues add weight to the collection. While still girlishly demure, they were the gravity that grounded this very dreamlike runway show.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: lalaberlin.com

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Floral, structured and whimsical looks from AM Spring 2012 show - Photos by Opique

The Arthur Mendonça woman of Spring/Summer 2012 definitely has a taste for vibrant and rich colors. In this collection splashes of fuchsia and electric yellow accented more subdued colors such as burnt orange, cocoa and cream. Texture and pattern also play a role in enriching the collection. Models came down the runway in mature florals, animal print stripes and muted geometrics as well as garments that were gathered and draped. While the collection featured many suits and workplace separates, there were also plenty of flowing dresses for the Mendonça woman to wear on her day off from work. Gold arm bands, snakeskin belts and large necklaces reminiscent of breastplates finished the looks, adding a warrior-like dimension to the cosmopolitan collection.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: arthurmedonca.com

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It’s hard to even know where to start after the crazy, wild, and fun week I had. First I want to say how great it was seeing so many old friends during Homecoming at the University of Pittsburgh. On Friday night I went to two very nice spots called SOHO and The Wine Loft, both of which were hosting events. After that, I was off to Toronto Fashion Week (TFW). I would like to thank Noriko and Mahsa from Amplis who let me test out the Tamron 18-270 lens and the Manfrotto Veloce VII Backpack during my coverage of the Spring/Summer 2012 runway shows. There are full reviews of the lens and backpack coming shortly. Lastly, I am happy to announce I have a new camera bag and am getting a new all-purpose lens soon.

Toronto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 marked the 25th season of fashion week in Toronto. This season ran from Oct 17-21 and was held in downtown Toronto at David Peacaut Square. Toronto’s fashion scene is continuing to grow and expand each season with local and international talent presenting collections. This marked my second season at TFW, and to share my experience, I will be presenting full collection coverage, reviews and beauty and garment details. In addition, I will highlight some street fashion from attendees inside the tents.

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